1. |
- Magnusson, Maria K, 1972, et al.
(författare)
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Adenovirus 5 vector genetically re-targeted by an Affibody molecule with specificity for tumor antigen HER2/neu.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Cancer gene therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0929-1903 .- 1476-5500. ; 14:5, s. 468-79
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In order to use adenovirus (Ad) type 5 (Ad5) for cancer gene therapy, Ad needs to be de-targeted from its native receptors and re-targeted to a tumor antigen. A limiting factor for this has been to find a ligand that (i) binds a relevant target, (ii) is able to fold correctly in the reducing environment of the cytoplasm and (iii) when incorporated at an optimal position on the virion results in a virus with a low physical particle to plaque-forming units ratio to diminish the viral load to be administered to a future patient. Here, we present a solution to these problems by producing a genetically re-targeted Ad with a tandem repeat of the HER2/neu reactive Affibody molecule (ZH) in the HI-loop of a Coxsackie B virus and Ad receptor (CAR) binding ablated fiber genetically modified to contain sequences for flexible linkers between the ZH and the knob sequences. ZH is an Affibody molecule specific for the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) that is overexpressed in inter alia breast and ovarian carcinomas. The virus presented here exhibits near wild-type growth characteristics, infects cells via HER2/neu instead of CAR and represents an important step toward the development of genetically re-targeted adenoviruses with clinical relevance.
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2. |
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3. |
- Darai-Ramqvist, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Array-CGH and multipoint FISH to decode complex chromosomal rearrangements
- 2006
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Ingår i: BMC Genomics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2164. ; 7, s. 330-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Recently, several high-resolution methods of chromosome analysis have been developed. It is important to compare these methods and to select reliable combinations of techniques to analyze complex chromosomal rearrangements in tumours. In this study we have compared array-CGH (comparative genomic hybridization) and multipoint FISH (mpFISH) for their ability to characterize complex rearrangements on human chromosome 3 (chr3) in tumour cell lines. We have used 179 BAC/PAC clones covering chr3 with an approximately 1 Mb resolution to analyze nine carcinoma lines. Chr3 was chosen for analysis, because of its frequent rearrangements in human solid tumours. Results: The ploidy of the tumour cell lines ranged from near-diploid to near-pentaploid. Chr3 locus copy number was assessed by interphase and metaphase mpFISH. Totally 53 chr3 fragments were identified having copy numbers from 0 to 14. MpFISH results from the BAC/PAC clones and array-CGH gave mainly corresponding results. Each copy number change on the array profile could be related to a specific chromosome aberration detected by metaphase mpFISH. The analysis of the correlation between real copy number from mpFISH and the average normalized inter-locus fluorescence ratio (ANILFR) value detected by array-CGH demonstrated that copy number is a linear function of parameters that include the variable, ANILFR, and two constants, ploidy and background normalized fluorescence ratio. Conclusion: In most cases, the changes in copy number seen on array-CGH profiles reflected cumulative chromosome rearrangements. Most of them stemmed from unbalanced translocations. Although our chr3 BAC/PAC array could identify single copy number changes even in pentaploid cells, mpFISH provided a more accurate analysis in the dissection of complex karyotypes at high ploidy levels.
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4. |
- Falk, Ronny, et al.
(författare)
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Approaches for systematic proteome exploration
- 2007
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Ingår i: Biomolecular Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 1389-0344 .- 1878-559X. ; 24:2, s. 155-168
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- With the completion of the human genome project (HUGO) during recent years, gene function, protein abundance and expression patterns in tissues and cell types have emerged as central areas for the scientific community. A mapped human proteome will extend the value of the genome sequence and large-scale efforts aiming at elucidating protein localization, abundance and function are invaluable for biomarker and drug discovery. This research area, termed proteomics, is more demanding than any genome sequencing effort and to perform this on a wide scale is a highly diverse task. Therefore, the proteornics field employs a range of methods to examine different aspects of proteomics including protein localization, protein-protein interactions, posttranslational modifications and alteration of protein composition (e.g. differential expression) in tissues and body fluids. Here, some of the most commonly used methods, including chromatographic separations together with mass spectrometry and a number of affinity proteomics concepts are discussed and exemplified.
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5. |
- Friedman, Mikaela, 1977-
(författare)
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Affibody molecules targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor for tumor imaging applications
- 2008
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Tumor targeting and molecular imaging of protein markers specific for or overexpressed in tumors can add useful information in deciding upon treatment and assessing the response to treatment for a cancer patient. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one such tumor-associated receptor, which expression is abnormal or upregulated in various cancers and associated with a poor patient prognosis. It is therefore considered a good target for imaging and therapy. Monoclonal antibodies and recently also antibody fragments have been investigated for in vivo medical applications, like therapy and imaging. In molecular imaging a small sized targeting agent is favorable to give high contrast and therefore, antibody fragments and lately also small affinity proteins based on a scaffold structure constitute promising alternatives to monoclonal antibodies. Affbody molecules are such affinity proteins that are developed by combinatorial protein engineering of the 58 amino acid residue Z-domain scaffold, derived from protein A. In this thesis, novel Affibody molecules specific for the EGFR have been selected from a combinatorial library using phage display technology. Affibody molecules with moderate high affinity demonstrated specific binding to native EGFR on the EGFR-expressing epithelial carcinoma A431 cell line. Further cellular assays showed that the EGFR-binding Affibody molecules could be labeled with radiohalogens or radiometals with preserved specific binding to EGFR-expressing cells. In vitro, the Affibody molecule demonstrated a high uptake and good retention to EGFR-expressing cells and was found to internalize. Furthermore, successful imaging of tumors in tumor-bearing mice was demonstrated. Low nanomolar or subnanomolar affinities are considered to be desired for successful molecular imaging and a directed evolution to increase the affinity was thus performed. This resulted in an approximately 30-fold improvement in affinity, yielding EGFR-binding Affibody molecules with KD´s in the 5-10 nM range, and successful targeting of A431 tumors in tumor-bearing mice. To find a suitable format and labeling, monomeric and dimeric forms of one affinity matured binder were labeled with 125I and 111In. The radiometal-labeled monomeric construct, 111In-labeled-ZEGFR:1907, was found to provide the best tumor-to-organ ratio due to good tumor localization and tumor retention. The tumor-to-blood ratio, which is often used as a measure of contrast, was 31±8 at 24 h post injection and the tumor was clearly visualized by gamma-camera imaging. Altogether, the EGFR-binding Affibody molecule is considered a promising candidate for further development of tumor imaging tracers for EGFR-expressing tumors and metastases. This could simplify the stratification of patients for treatment and the assessment of the response of treatment in patients.
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6. |
- Friedman, Mikaela, et al.
(författare)
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Directed evolution to low nanomolar affinity of a tumor-targeting epidermal growth factor receptor-binding affibody molecule
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of Molecular Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-2836 .- 1089-8638. ; 376:5, s. 1388-1402
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR) is overexpressed in various malignancies and is associated with a poor patient prognosis. A small, receptor-specific, high-affinity imaging agent would be a useful tool in diagnosing malignant tumors and in deciding upon treatment and assessing the response to treatment. We describe here the affinity maturation procedure for the generation of Affibody molecules binding with high affinity and specificity to EGFR. A library for affinity maturation was constructed by rerandomization of selected positions after the alignment of first-generation binding variants. New binders were selected with phage display technology, using a single oligonucleotide in a single-library effort, and the best second-generation binders had an approximately 30-fold improvement in affinity (K(d)=5-10 nM) for the soluble extracellular domain of EGFR in biospecific interaction analysis using Biacore. The dissociation equilibrium constant, K(d), was also determined for the Affibody with highest affinity using EGFR-expressing A431 cells in flow cytometric analysis (K(d)=2.8 nM). A retained high specificity for EGFR was verified by a dot blot assay showing staining only of EGFR proteins among a panel of serum proteins and other EGFR family member proteins (HER2, HER3, and HER4). The EGFR-binding Affibody molecules were radiolabeled with indium-111, showing specific binding to EGFR-expressing A431 cells and successful targeting of the A431 tumor xenografts with 4-6% injected activity per gram accumulated in the tumor 4 h postinjection.
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7. |
- Friedman, Mikaela, et al.
(författare)
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Engineered affinity proteins for tumour-targeting applications
- 2009
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Ingår i: Biotechnology and applied biochemistry. - : Wiley. - 0885-4513 .- 1470-8744. ; 53, s. 1-29
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Targeting of tumour-associated antigens is an expanding treatment modality in clinical oncology as an alternative to, or in combination with, conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, external-radiation therapy and surgery. Targeting of antigens that are unique or more highly expressed in tumours than in normal tissues can be used to increase the specificity and reduce the cytotoxic effect on normal tissues. Several targeting agents have been studied for clinical use, where monoclonal antibodies have been the ones most widely used. More than 20 monoclonal antibodies are approved for therapy today and the largest field is oncology. Advances in genetic engineering and in vitro selection technology has enabled the feasible high-throughput generation of monoclonal antibodies, antibody derivatives [e.g. scFvs, Fab molecules, dAbs (single-domain antibodies), diabodies and minibodies] and more recently also non-immunoglobulin scaffold proteins. Several of these affinity proteins have been investigated for both in vivo diagnostics and therapy. Affinity proteins in tumour-targeted therapy can affect tumour progression by altering signal transduction or by delivering a payload of toxin, drug or radionuclide. The ErbB receptor family has been extensively studied as biomarkers in tumour targeting, primarily for therapy using monoclonal antibodies. Two receptors in the ErbB family, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and HER2 (epidermal growth factor receptor 2), are over-expressed in various malignancies and associated with poor patient prognosis and are therefore interesting targets for solid turnours. In the present review, strategies are described for tumour targeting of solid turnours using affinity proteins to deliver radionuclides, either for molecular imaging or radiotherapy. Antibodies, antibody derivatives and non-immunoglobulin scaffold proteins are discussed with a certain focus on the affibody (Affibody (R)) molecule.
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8. |
- Friedman, Mikaela, et al.
(författare)
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Engineering and characterization of a bispecific HER2 x EGFR-binding affibody molecule
- 2009
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Ingår i: Biotechnology and applied biochemistry. - 0885-4513 .- 1470-8744. ; 54, s. 121-131
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- HER2 (human epidermal-growth-factor receptor-2; ErbB2) and EGFR (epidermal-growth-factor receptor) are overexpressed in various forms of cancer, and the co-expression of both HER2 and EGFR has been reported in a number of studies. The simultaneous targeting of HER2 and EGFR has been discussed as a strategy with which to potentially increase efficiency and selectivity in molecular imaging and therapy of certain cancers. In an effort to generate a molecule capable of bispecifically targeting HER2 and EGFR, a gene fragment encoding a bivalent HER2-binding affibody molecule was genetically fused in-frame with a bivalent EGFR-binding affibody molecule via a (G(4)S)(3) [(Gly(4)-Ser)(3)]-encoding gene fragment. The encoded 30 kDa affibody construct (Z(HER2))(2)-(G(4)S)(3)-(Z(EGFR))(2), with potential for bs (bispecific) binding to HER2 and EGFR, was expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized in terms of its binding capabilities. The retained ability to bind HER2 and EGFR separately was demonstrated using both biosensor technology and flow-cytometric analysis, the latter using HER2- and EGFR-overexpressing cells. Furthermore, simultaneous binding to HER2 and EGFR was demonstrated in: (i) a sandwich format employing real-time biospecific interaction analysis where the bs affibody molecule bound immobilized EGFR and soluble HER2; (ii) immunofluorescence microscopy, where the bs affibody molecule bound EGFR-overexpressing cells and soluble HER2; and (iii) a cell-cell interaction analysis where the bs affibody molecule bound HER2-overexpressing SKBR-3 cells and EGFR-overexpressing A-431 cells. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported bs affinity protein with potential ability for the simultaneous targeting of HER2 and EGFR. The potential future use of this and similar constructs, capable of bs targeting of receptors to increase the efficacy and selectivity in imaging and therapy, is discussed.
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9. |
- Friedman, Mikaela, et al.
(författare)
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Phage display selection of Affibody molecules with specific binding to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor
- 2007
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Ingår i: Protein Engineering Design & Selection. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1741-0126 .- 1741-0134. ; 20:4, s. 189-199
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Affibody molecules specific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been selected by phage display technology from a combinatorial protein library based on the 58-residue, protein A-derived Z domain. EGFR is overexpressed in various malignancies and is frequently associated with poor patient prognosis, and the information provided by targeting this receptor could facilitate both patient diagnostics and treatment. Three selected Affibody variants were shown to selectively bind to the extracellular domain of EGFR (EGFR-ECD). Kinetic biosensor analysis revealed that the three monomeric Affibody molecules bound with similar affinity, ranging from 130 to 185 nM. Head-to-tail dimers of the Affibody molecules were compared for their binding to recombinant EGFR-ECD in biosensor analysis and in human epithelial cancer A431 cells. Although the dimeric Affibody variants were found to bind in a range of 25-50 nM affinities in biosensor analysis, they were found to be low nanomolar binders in the cellular assays. Competition assays using radiolabeled Affibody dimers confirmed specific EGFR-binding and demonstrated that the three Affibody molecules competed for the same epitope. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that the selected Affibody dimers were initially binding to EGFR at the cell surface of A431, and confocal microscopy analysis showed that the Affibody dimers could thereafter be internalized. The potential use of the described Affibody molecules as targeting agents for radionuclide based imaging applications in various carcinomas is discussed.
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10. |
- Grönwall, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Affibody-mediated transferrin depletion for proteomics applications
- 2007
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Ingår i: Biotechnology Journal. - : Wiley. - 1860-6768 .- 1860-7314. ; 2:11, s. 1389-1398
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An Affibody® (Affibody) ligand with specific binding to human transferrin was selected by phage display technology from a combinatorial protein library based on the staphylococcal protein A (SpA)-derived Z domain. Strong and selective binding of the selected Affibody ligand to transferrin was demonstrated using biosensor technology and dot blot analysis. Impressive specificity was demonstrated as transferrin was the only protein recovered by affinity chromatography from human plasma. Efficient Affibody-mediated capture of transferrin, combined with IgG- and HSA-depletion, was demonstrated for human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). For plasma, 85% of the total transferrin content in the samples was depleted after only two cycles of transferrin removal, and for CSF, 78% efficiency was obtained in single-step depletion. These results clearly suggest a potential for the development of Affibody-based resins for the removal of abundant proteins in proteomics analyses.
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11. |
- Grönwall, Caroline, 1978-
(författare)
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Affibody molecules for proteomic and therapeutic applications
- 2008
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis describes generation and characterization of Affibody molecules with future applications in proteomics research, protein structure determinations, therapeutic treatment of disease and medical imaging for in vivo diagnostics. Affibody molecules are engineered affinity proteins developed by combinatorial protein engineering from the 58-residue protein A-derived Z domain scaffold. Novel Affibody molecules targeting human proteins were selected from a combinatorial library using phage display technology. In the first two investigations, an Affibody molecule specifically targeting the high abundant human serum protein transferrin was generated. The intended future use of this Affibody ligand would be as capture ligand for depletion of transferrin from human samples in proteomics analysis. Strong and highly specific transferrin binding of the selected Affibody molecule was demonstrated by biosensor technology, dot blot analysis and affinity chromatography. Efficient Affibody-mediated depletion of transferrin in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was demonstrated in combination with IgG and HSA removal. Furthermore, depletion of five high abundant proteins including transferrin from human CSF gave enhanced identification of proteins in a shotgun proteomics analysis. Two studies involved the selection and characterization of Affibody molecules recognizing Alzheimer’s amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides. Future prospect for the affinity ligands would primarily be for therapeutic applications in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The developed A-binding Affibody molecules were found to specifically bind to non-aggregated forms of Abeta and to be capable of efficiently and selectively capture Abeta peptides from spiked human serum. Interestingly, the Abeta-binding Affibody ligands were found to bind much better to Abeta as dimeric constructs, and with impressive affinity as cysteine-bridged dimers (KD~17 nM). NMR spectroscopy studies revealed that the original helix one, of the two Affibody molecules moieties of the cysteine-bridged dimers, was unfolded upon binding, forming intermolecular β-sheets that stabilized the Abeta peptide, enabling a high resolution structure of the peptide. Furthermore, the Abeta-binding Affibody molecules were found to inhibit Abeta fibrillation in vitro. In the last study, Affibody molecules directed to the interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor alpha (CD25) were generated. CD25-binding Affibody molecules could potentially have a future use in medical imaging of inflammation, and possibly in therapeutic treatment of disease conditions with CD25 overexpression. The selected Affibody molecules were demonstrated to bind specifically to human CD25 with an apparent affinity of 130-240 nM. Moreover, the CD25-targeting Affibody molecules were found to have overlapping binding sites with the natural ligand IL-2 and an IL-2 blocking monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, the Affibody molecules demonstrated selective binding to CD25 expressing cells.
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12. |
- Grönwall, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Engineered affinity proteins-Generation and applications
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Biotechnology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-1656 .- 1873-4863. ; 140:3-4, s. 254-269
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The use of combinatorial protein engineering to design proteins with novel binding specificities and desired properties has evolved into a powerful technology, resulting in the recent advances in protein library selection strategies and the emerge of a variety of new engineered affinity proteins. The need for different protein library selection methods is due to that each target protein pose different challenges in terms of its availability and inherent properties. At present, alternative engineered affinity proteins are starting to complement and even challenge the classical immunoglobulins in different applications in biotechnology and potentially also for in vivo use as imaging agents or as biotherapeutics. This review article covers the generation and use of affinity proteins generated through combinatorial protein engineering. The most commonly used selection techniques for isolation of desired variants from large protein libraries are described. Different antibody derivatives, as well as a variety of the most validated engineered protein scaffolds, are discussed. In addition, we provide an overview of some of the major present and future applications for these engineered affinity proteins in biotechnology and medicine.
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13. |
- Grönwall, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Generation of Affibody (R) ligands binding interieukin-2 receptor alpha/CD25
- 2008
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Ingår i: Biotechnology and applied biochemistry. - 0885-4513 .- 1470-8744. ; 50:2, s. 97-112
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Affibody (R) molecules specific for human IL-2R alpha, the IL-2 (interieukin-2) receptor a subunit, also known as CD25, were selected by phage-display technology from a combinatorial protein library based on the 58-residue Protein A-derived Z domain. The IL-2R system plays a major role in T-cell activation and the regulation of cellular immune responses. Moreover, CD25 has been found to be overexpressed in organ rejections, a number of autoimmune diseases and T-cell malignancies. The phage-display selection using Fc-fused target protein generated 16 unique Affibody (R) molecules targeting CD25. The two most promising binders were characterized in more detail using biosensor analysis and demonstrated strong and selective binding to CD25. Kinetic biosensor analysis revealed that the two monomeric Affibody (R) molecules bound to CD25 with apparent affinities of 130 and 240 nM respectively. The Affibody (R) molecules were, on biosensor analysis, found to compete for the same binding site as the natural ligand IL-2 and the IL-2 blocking monoclonal antibody 2A3. Hence the Affibody (R) molecules were assumed to have an overlapping binding site with IL-2 and antibodies targeting the IL-2 blocking Tac epitope (for example, the monoclonal antibodies Daclizumab and Basiliximab, both of which have been approved for therapeutic use). Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopy and flow-cytometric analysis of CD25-expressing cells demonstrated that the selected Affibody (R) molecules bound to CD4(+) CD25(+) PMBCs (peripheral-blood mononuclear cells), the IL-2-dependent cell line NK92 and phytohaemagglutinin-activated PMBCs. The potential use of the CD25-binding Affibody (R) molecules as targeting agents for medical imaging and for therapeutic applications is discussed.
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14. |
- Grönwall, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Selection and characterization of Affibody ligands binding to Alzheimer amyloid beta peptides
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Biotechnology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-1656 .- 1873-4863. ; 128:1, s. 162-183
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Affibody (Affibody) ligands specific for human amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides (40 or 42 amino acid residues in size), involved in the progress of Alzheimer's disease, were selected by phage display technology from a combinatorial protein library based on the 58-amino acid residue staphylococcal protein A-derived Z domain. Post-selection screening of 384 randomly picked clones, out of which 192 clones were subjected to DNA sequencing and clustering, resulted in the identification of 16 Affibody variants that were produced and affinity purified for ranking of their binding properties. The two most promising Affibody variants were shown to selectively and efficiently bind to Abeta peptides, but not to the control proteins. These two Affibody ligands were in dimeric form (to gain avidity effects) coupled to affinity resins for evaluation as affinity devices for capture of Abeta peptides from human plasma and serum. It was found that both ligands could efficiently capture Abeta that were spiked (100 microgml(-1)) to plasma and serum samples. A ligand multimerization problem that would yield suboptimal affinity resins, caused by a cysteine residue present at the binding surface of the Affibody ligands, could be circumvented by the generation of second-generation Affibody ligands (having cysteine to serine substitutions). In an epitope mapping effort, the preferred binding site of selected Affibody ligands was mapped to amino acids 30-36 of Abeta, which fortunately would indicate that the Affibody molecules should not bind the amyloid precursor protein (APP). In addition, a significant effort was made to analyze which form of Abeta (monomer, dimer or higher aggregates) that was most efficiently captured by the selected Affibody ligand. By using Western blotting and a dot blot assay in combination with size exclusion chromatography, it could be concluded that selected Affibody ligands predominantly bound a non-aggregated form of analyzed Abeta peptide, which we speculate to be dimeric Abeta. In conclusion, we have successfully selected Affibody ligands that efficiently capture Abeta peptides from human plasma and serum. The potential therapeutic use of these optimized ligands for extracorporeal capture of Abeta peptides in order to slow down or reduce amyloid plaque formation, is discussed.
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15. |
- Hoyer, Wolfgang, 1975, et al.
(författare)
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Stabilization of a beta-hairpin in monomeric Alzheimer's amyloid-beta peptide inhibits amyloid formation.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 1091-6490 .- 0027-8424. ; 105:13, s. 5099-104
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- According to the amyloid hypothesis, the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is triggered by the oligomerization and aggregation of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide into protein plaques. Formation of the potentially toxic oligomeric and fibrillar Abeta assemblies is accompanied by a conformational change toward a high content of beta-structure. Here, we report the solution structure of Abeta(1-40) in complex with the phage-display selected affibody protein Z(Abeta3), a binding protein of nanomolar affinity. Bound Abeta(1-40) features a beta-hairpin comprising residues 17-36, providing the first high-resolution structure of Abeta in beta conformation. The positions of the secondary structure elements strongly resemble those observed for fibrillar Abeta. Z(Abeta3) stabilizes the beta-sheet by extending it intermolecularly and by burying both of the mostly nonpolar faces of the Abeta hairpin within a large hydrophobic tunnel-like cavity. Consequently, Z(Abeta3) acts as a stoichiometric inhibitor of Abeta fibrillation. The selected Abeta conformation allows us to suggest a structural mechanism for amyloid formation based on soluble oligomeric hairpin intermediates.
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16. |
- Jonsson, Andreas, 1974-
(författare)
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Development of molecular recognition by rational and combinatorial engineering
- 2009
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Combinatorial protein engineering, taking advantage of large libraries of protein variants and powerful selection technology, is a useful strategy for developing affinity proteins for applications in biotechnology and medicine. In this thesis, two small affinity proteins have been subjected to combinatorial protein engineering to improve or redirect the binding. In two of the projects, a three-helix protein domain based on staphylococcal protein A has been used as scaffold to generate so called Affibody molecules capable of binding to key proteins related to two diseases common among elderly people. In the first project, Affibody molecules were selected using phage display technology for binding to Ab-peptides, believed to play a crucial role in Alzheimer’s disease, in that they can oligomerize and contribute to the formation of neural plaques in the brain. The selected Affibody molecules were found to efficiently capture Ab from spiked human plasma when coupled to an affinity resin. The structure of the complex was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and demonstrated that the original helix 1 in the two Affibody molecules was unfolded upon binding, forming intermolecular b-sheets that stabilized the Ab peptide as buried in a tunnel-like cavity. Interestingly, the complex structure also revealed that the Affibody molecules were found to homo-dimerize via a disulfide bridge and bind monomeric Ab-peptide with a 2:1 stoichiometry. Furthermore, Affibody molecule-mediated inhibition of Ab fibrillation in vitro, suggested a potential of selected binders for future therapeutic applications. In the second project, two different selection systems were used to isolate Affibody molecules binding to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), which is involved in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Both selection systems, phage display and Gram-positive bacterial display, could successfully generate TNF-binding molecules, with equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) in the picomolar to nanomolar range. Initial characterization of the binding to TNF was evaluated by competitive binding studies between the Affibody molecules and clinically approved TNF antagonists (adaliumumab, infliximab and etanercept) and demonstrated overlapping binding sites with both adaliumumab and etanercept. Furthermore, linkers of different lengths were introduced between Affibody moieties, in dimeric and trimeric constructs that were evaluated for their ability to block the binding between TNF and a recombinant form of its receptor. In the dimeric constructs, a linker length of 20-40 amino acids seemed to have an advantage compared to shorter and longer linkers, and the tested trimeric construct could block the TNF binding at even lower concentration. The results provided valuable information for the design of future Affibody-based molecules that could be investigated in therapeutic or medical imaging applications. In the third project aiming to generate a protein domain with capacity to influence the pharmacokinetics of protein therapeutics, a natural serum albumin-binding domain (ABD) was subjected to an engineering effort aiming at improving the affinity to human serum albumin (HSA), a protein with an exceptional long half-life in serum (19 days). First-generation affinity improved ABD variants were selected using phage display technology from a constructed ABD library. After additional rational engineering of such first generation variants, one variant with a 10,000-fold improved affinity to HSA (KD ≈ 120 fM) was obtained. Furthermore, characterization of this molecule also demonstrated improved affinity to several other serum albumins. When used as a gene fusion partner, this affinity-maturated variant denoted ABD035, should have the potential to extend the half-life of biopharmaceuticals in humans, and several other animal species.
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17. |
- Jonsson, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Generation of tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha-specific affibody molecules capable of blocking receptor binding in vitro
- 2009
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Ingår i: Biotechnology and applied biochemistry. - : Wiley. - 0885-4513 .- 1470-8744. ; 54, s. 93-103
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Affibody molecules specific for human TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) were selected by phage-display technology from a library based on the 58-residue Protein A-derived Z domain. TNF-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in several inflammatory diseases and, to this day, four TNF-alpha-blocking protein pharmaceuticals have been approved for clinical use. The phage selection generated 18 unique cysteine-free affibody sequences of which 12 were chosen, after sequence cluster analysis, for characterization as proteins. Biosensor binding studies of the 12 Escherichia coli-produced and IMAC (immobilized-metal-ion affinity chromatography)-purified affibody molecules revealed three variants that demonstrated the strongest binding to human TNF-alpha. These three affibody molecules were subjected to kinetic binding analysis and also tested for their binding to mouse, rat and pig TNF-alpha. For Z(TNF alpha:185), subnanomolar affinity (K-D = 0.1-0.5 nM) for human TNF-alpha was demonstrated, as well as significant binding to TNF-alpha from the other species. Furthermore, the binding site was found to overlap with the binding site for the TNF-alpha receptor, since this interaction could be efficiently blocked by the Z(TNF-alpha:185) affibody. When investigating six dimeric affibody constructs with different linker lengths, and one trimeric construct, it was found that the inhibition of the TNF-alpha binding to its receptor could be further improved by using dinners with extended linkers and/or a trimeric affibody construct. The potential implication of the results for the future design of affibody-based reagents for the diagnosis of inflammation is discussed.
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18. |
- Jonsson, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Generation of tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha-specific affibody molecules capable of blocking receptor binding in vitro
- 2009
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Ingår i: Biotechnology and applied biochemistry. - 0885-4513 .- 1470-8744. ; 54, s. 93-103
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Affibody molecules specific for human TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) were selected by phage-display technology from a library based on the 58-residue Protein A-derived Z domain. TNF-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in several inflammatory diseases and, to this day, four TNF-alpha-blocking protein pharmaceuticals have been approved for clinical use. The phage selection generated 18 unique cysteine-free affibody sequences of which 12 were chosen, after sequence cluster analysis, for characterization as proteins. Biosensor binding studies of the 12 Escherichia coli-produced and IMAC (immobilized-metal-ion affinity chromatography)-purified affibody molecules revealed three variants that demonstrated the strongest binding to human TNF-alpha. These three affibody molecules were subjected to kinetic binding analysis and also tested for their binding to mouse, rat and pig TNF-alpha. For Z(TNF alpha:185), subnanomolar affinity (K-D = 0.1-0.5 nM) for human TNF-alpha was demonstrated, as well as significant binding to TNF-alpha from the other species. Furthermore, the binding site was found to overlap with the binding site for the TNF-alpha receptor, since this interaction could be efficiently blocked by the Z(TNF-alpha:185) affibody. When investigating six dimeric affibody constructs with different linker lengths, and one trimeric construct, it was found that the inhibition of the TNF-alpha binding to its receptor could be further improved by using dinners with extended linkers and/or a trimeric affibody construct. The potential implication of the results for the future design of affibody-based reagents for the diagnosis of inflammation is discussed.
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19. |
- Krege, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
-
European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ cell cancer: A report of the second meeting of the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG): Part I
- 2008
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Ingår i: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-7560 .- 0302-2838. ; 53:3, s. 478-496
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The first consensus report presented by the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG) in the year 2004 has found widespread approval by many colleagues throughout the world. In November 2006, the group met a second time under the auspices of the Department of Urology of the Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Methods: Medical oncologists, urological surgeons, radiation oncologists as well as pathologists from several European countries reviewed and discussed the data that had emerged since the 2002 conference, and incorporated the new data into updated and revised guidelines. As for the first meeting, the methodology of evidence-based medicine (EBM) was applied. The results of the discussion were compiled by the writing committee. All participants have agreed to this final update. Results: The first part of the consensus paper describes the clinical presentation of the primary tumor, its treatment, the importance and treatment of testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN), histological classification, staging and prognostic factors, and treatment of stage I seminoma and non-seminoma. Conclusions: Whereas the vast majority of the recommendations made in 2004 remain valid 3 yr later, refinements in the treatment of early- and advanced-stage testicular cancer have emerged from clinical trials. Despite technical improvements, expert clinical skills will continue to be one of the major determinants for the prognosis of patients with germ cell cancer. In addition, the particular needs of testicular cancer survivors have been acknowledged. (C) 2007 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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20. |
- Krege, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
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European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ cell cancer: A report of the second meeting of the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG): Part II
- 2008
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Ingår i: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-7560 .- 0302-2838. ; 53:3, s. 497-513
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The first consensus report that had been presented by the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG) in 2004 has found widespread approval by many colleagues throughout the world. In November 2006, the group met a second time under the auspices of the Department of Urology of the Amsterdam Medical Center, The Netherlands. Methods: Medical oncologists, urologic surgeons, radiation oncologists as well as pathologists from several European countries reviewed and discussed the data that had emerged since the 2002 conference and incorporated the new data into updated and revised guidelines. As for the first meeting the methodology of evidence-based medicine (EBM) was applied. The results of the discussion were compiled by the writing committee. All participants have agreed to this final update. Results: The second part of the consensus paper includes the treatment of metastasised disease, residual tumour resection, salvage therapy, follow-up, and late toxicities. Conclusions: Whereas the vast majority of the recommendations made in 2004 remain valid 3 yr later, refinements in the treatment of early-stage as well as of advanced-stage testicular cancer have emerged from clinical trials. Despite technical improvements, expert clinical skills will continue to be one of the major determinants for the prognosis of patients with germ cell cancer. in addition, the particular needs of testicular cancer survivors have been acknowledged. (C) 2007 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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21. |
- Kronqvist, Nina, et al.
(författare)
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A novel affinity protein selection system based on staphylococcal cell surface display and flow cytometry
- 2008
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Ingår i: Protein Engineering Design & Selection. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1741-0126 .- 1741-0134. ; 21:4, s. 247-255
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here we describe the first reported use of a Gram-positive bacterial system for the selection of affinity proteins from large combinatorial libraries displayed on the surface of Staphylococcus carnosus. An affibody library of 3 x 109 variants, based on a 58 residue domain from staphylococcal protein A, was pre-enriched for binding to human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) using one cycle of phage display and thereafter transferred to the staphylococcal host (106 variants). The staphylococcal-displayed library was subjected to three rounds of flow-cytometric sorting, and the selected clones were screened and ranked by on-cell analysis for binding to TNF-alpha and further characterized using biosensor analysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The successful sorting yielded three different high-affinity binders (ranging from 95 pM to 2.2 nM) and constitutes the first selection of a novel affinity protein using Gram-positive bacterial display. The method combines the simplicity of working with a bacterial host with the advantages of displaying recombinant proteins on robust Gram-positive bacteria as well as using powerful flow cytometry in the selection and characterization process.
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22. |
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23. |
- Kronqvist, Nina, et al.
(författare)
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Simplified characterization through site-specific protease-mediated release of affinity proteins selected by staphylococcal display
- 2008
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Ingår i: FEMS Microbiology Letters. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0378-1097 .- 1574-6968. ; 278:1, s. 128-136
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The production of candidate affinity proteins in a soluble form, for downstream characterization, is often a time-consuming step in combinatorial protein engineering methods. Here, a novel approach for efficient production of candidate clones is described based on direct cleavage of the affinity protein from the surface of Staphylococcus carnosus, followed by affinity purification. To find a suitable strategy, three new fusion protein constructs were created, introducing a protease site for specific cleavage and purification tags for affinity chromatography purifications into the staphylococcal display vector. The three modified strains were evaluated in terms of transformation frequency, surface expression level and protease cleavage efficiency. A protocol for efficient affinity purification of protease-released affinity proteins using the introduced fusion-tags was successfully used, and the functionality of protease-treated and purified proteins was verified in a biosensor assay. To evaluate the devised method, a previously selected HER2-specific affibody was produced applying the new principle and was used to analyze HER2 expression on human breast cancer cells.
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24. |
- Kronqvist, Nina
(författare)
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Staphylococcal surface display in directed evolution
- 2009
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Engineered affinity proteins have together with naturally derived antibodies becomeindispensable tools in many areas of life-science and with the increasing number ofapplications, the need for high-throughput methods for generation of such different affinityproteins is evident. Today, combinatorial protein engineering is the most successful strategy toisolate novel non-immunoglobulin affinity proteins. In this approach, generally termed directedevolution, high-complexity combinatorial libraries are created from which affinity proteins areisolated using an appropriate selection method, thus circumventing the need for detailedknowledge of the protein structure or the binding mechanism, often necessary in more rationalapproaches. Since the introduction of the phage display technology that pioneered the field ofcombinatorial engineering, several alternative selection systems have been developed for thispurpose.This thesis describes the development of a novel selection system based onstaphylococcal surface display and its implementation in directed evolution approaches. In thefirst study, the transformation efficiency to the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus carnosus wassuccessfully improved around 10,000-fold to a level that would allow cell surface display ofcomplex combinatorial protein libraries. In two separate studies, the staphylococcal displaysystem was investigated for the applicability in both de novo selection and affinity maturation ofaffibody molecules. First, using a pre-selection strategy with one round of phage display, ahigh-complexity affibody library was displayed on staphylococcal cells. Using fluorescenceactivatedcell sorting, binders with sub-nanomolar affinity to tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) were isolated. Second, a combined approach using phage display for de novo selectionof first-generation affibody binders and staphylococcal display in a subsequent affinitymaturation selection was applied to generate binders with low nanomolar affinity to the humanepidermal growth factor receptor-3 (ErbB3). Moreover, in an additional study, thestaphylococcal surface display system was improved by the introduction of a protease 3Ccleavage sequence in the displayed fusion products in order to facilitate straightforwardproduction of soluble proteins for further downstream characterization.Altogether, the presented studies demonstrate that the staphylococcal selection systemindeed is a powerful tool for selection and characterization of novel affinity proteins and couldbecome an attractive alternative to existing selection techniques.
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25. |
- Löfblom, John, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of staphylococcal cell surface display and flow cytometry for postselectional characterization of affinity proteins in combinatorial protein engineering applications
- 2007
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Ingår i: Applied and Environmental Microbiology. - 0099-2240 .- 1098-5336. ; 73:21, s. 6714-6721
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- For efficient generation of high-affinity protein-based binding molecules, fast and reliable downstream characterization platforms are needed. In this work, we have explored the use of staphylococcal cell surface display together with How cytometry for affinity characterization of candidate affibody molecules directly on the cell surface. A model system comprising three closely related affibody molecules with different affinities for immunoglobulin G and an albumin binding domain with affinity for human serum albumin was used to investigate advantages and differences compared to biosensor technology in a side-by-side manner. Equilibrium dissociation constant (K-D) determinations as well as dissociation rate analysis were performed using both methods, and the results show that the on-cell determinations give both KD and dissociation rate values in a very fast and reproducible manner and that the relative affinities are very similar to the biosensor results. Interestingly, the results also show that there are differences between the absolute affinities determined with the two different technologies, and possible explanations for this are discussed. This work demonstrates the advantages of cell surface display for directed evolution of affinity proteins in terms of fast postselectional, on-cell characterization of candidate clones without the need for subcloning and subsequent protein expression and purification but also demonstrates that it is important to be aware that absolute affinities determined using different methods often vary substantially and that such comparisons therefore could be difficult.
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26. |
- Löfblom, John, et al.
(författare)
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Fine affinity discrimination by normalized fluorescence activated cell sorting in staphylococcal surface display
- 2005
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Ingår i: FEMS Microbiology Letters. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0378-1097 .- 1574-6968. ; 248:2, s. 189-198
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have investigated a staphylococcal surface display system for its potential future use as a protein library display system ill combinatorial biochemistry. Efficient affinity-based selections require a system capable of fine affinity discrimination of closely related binders to minimize the loss of potentially improved variants. In this Study, a significant breakthrough was achieved to avoid biases due to potential cell-to-cell variations in surface expression levels, since it was found that a generic protein tag, present within the displayed recombinant surface proteins on the cells, could be successfully employed to obtain normalization of the target-binding signal. Four mutated variants of a staphylococcal protein A domain with different affinity to human IgG were successfully expressed on the surface of recombinant Staphylococcus carnosus cells. The system was evaluated for affinity-based cell sorting experiments, where cell-displayed protein A domains with an 8-fold difference in target affinity were mixed at a ratio of 1: 1000 and sorted using FACS. Enrichment factors around 140-fold were obtained from a single round of sorting under normal library sorting conditions when the top 0.1% fraction having the highest antigen binding to Surface expression level ratio was sorted. The results demonstrate that the system would have a potential as a selection system in protein library display applications, and the normalization strategy should indeed make it possible to achieve fine affinity discriminations in future library selections. (c) 2005 Federation of European Microbiological Societies.
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27. |
- Löfblom, John, et al.
(författare)
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Optimization of electroporation-mediated transformation : Staphylococcus carnosus as model organism
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Applied Microbiology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1364-5072 .- 1365-2672. ; 102:3, s. 736-747
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The study was conducted with an aim to optimize the transformation efficiency of the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus carnosus to a level that would enable the creation of cell surface displayed combinatorial protein libraries. Methods and Results: We have thoroughly investigated a number of different parameters for: (i) the preparation of electrocompetent cells; (ii) the treatment of cells before electroporation; (iii) the electroporation step itself; and (iv) improved recovery of transformed cells. Furthermore, a method for heat-induced inactivation of the host cell restriction system was devised to allow efficient transformation of the staphylococci with DNA prepared from other species, such as Escherichia coli. Previously described protocols for S. carnosus, giving transformation frequencies of approximately 10(2) transformants per transformation could be improved to reproducible procedures giving around 10(6) transformants for a single electroporation event, using plasmid DNA prepared from either S. carnosus or E. coli. The transformed staphylococcal cells were analysed using flow cytometry to verify that the entire cell population retained the introduced plasmid DNA and expressed the recombinant protein in a functional form on the cell surface at the same level as the positive control population. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the transformation frequency for S. carnosus could be dramatically increased through optimization of the entire electroporation process, and that the restriction barrier for interspecies DNA transfer, could be inactivated by heat treatment of the cells prior to electroporation. Significance and Impact of the Study: The generation of large combinatorial protein libraries, displayed on the surface of S. carnosus can be envisioned in the near future, thus dramatically improving the selection compared with the traditional biopanning procedure used in phage display.
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28. |
- Löfblom, John, 1977-
(författare)
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Staphylococcal surface display for protein engineering and characterization
- 2007
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Even though our understanding of mechanisms such as protein folding and molecular recognition is relatively poor, antibodies and alternative affinity proteins with entirely novel functions are today generated in a routine manner. The reason for this success is an engineering approach generally known as directed evolution. Directed evolution has provided researchers with a tool for circumventing our limited knowledge and hence the possibility to create novel molecules that by no means could have been designed today. The approach is based on construction of high-complexity combinatorial libraries from which protein variants with desired properties can be selected. Engineered proteins are already indispensable tools in nearly all areas of life science and the recent advent of mainly monoclonal antibodies as therapeutic agents has directed even more attention to the field of combinatorial protein engineering. In this thesis, I present the underlying research efforts of six original papers. The overall objective of the studies has been to develop and investigate a new staphylococcal surface display method for protein engineering and protein characterization. The technology is based on display of recombinant proteins on surface of the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus carnosus. In two initial studies, two key issues were addressed in order to improve the protein engineering method in regard to affinity discrimination ability and transformation efficiency. The successful results enabled investigation of the staphylococcal display system for de novo generation of affibody molecules from large combinatorial libraries. In this study, a high-complexity protein library was for the first time displayed on surface of Gram-positive bacteria and by means of fluorescence-activated cell sorting, specific affinity proteins for tumor necrosis factor-alpha were isolated. Moreover, in following papers, the staphylococcal display method was further improved and investigated for affinity determination, soluble protein production and epitope mapping purposes in order to facilitate downstream characterizations of generated affinity proteins. Taken together, in these studies we have demonstrated that the staphylococcal display system is a powerful alternative to existing technologies for protein engineering and protein characterization.
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29. |
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30. |
- Myhre, Susanna, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Re-targeted adenovirus vectors with dual specificity; binding specificities conferred by two different Affibody molecules in the fiber.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Gene therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5462 .- 0969-7128. ; 16:2, s. 252-61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vectors based on Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) are among the most common vectors in cancer gene therapy trials to date. However, for increased efficiency and safety, Ad5 should be de-targeted from its native receptors and re-targeted to a tumor antigen. We have described earlier an Ad5 vector genetically re-targeted to the tumor antigen HER2/neu by a dimeric version of the Affibody molecule ZH inserted in the HI-loop of the fiber knob of a coxsackie and adenovirus receptor-binding ablated fiber. This virus showed almost wild-type growth characteristics and infected cells through HER2/neu. Here we generate vectors with double specificity by incorporating two different Affibody molecules, ZH (HER2/neu-binding) and ZT (Taq polymerase-binding), at different positions relative to one another in the HI-loop. Receptor-binding studies together with viral production and gene transfer assays showed that the recombinant fiber with ZT in the first position and ZH in the second position (ZTZH) bound to both its targets, whereas surprisingly, the fiber with ZHZT was devoid of binding to HER2/neu. Hence, it is possible to construct a recombinant adenovirus with dual specificity after evaluating the best position for each ligand in the fiber knob.
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31. |
- Nordberg, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Cellular studies of binding, internalization and retention of a radiolabeled EGFR-binding affibody molecule
- 2007
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Ingår i: Nuclear Medicine and Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-8051 .- 1872-9614. ; 34:6, s. 609-618
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: The cellular binding and processing of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting affibody molecule, (Z(EGFR:955))(2), was studied. This new and small molecule is aimed for applications in nuclear medicine. The natural ligand epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the antibody cetuximab were studied for comparison. METHODS: All experiments were made with cultured A431 squamous carcinoma cells. Receptor specificity, binding time patterns, retention and preliminary receptor binding site localization studies were all made after (125)I labeling. Internalization was studied using Oregon Green 488, Alexa Fluor 488 and CypHer5E markers. RESULTS: [(125)I](Z(EGFR:955))(2) and [(125)I]cetuximab gave a maximum cellular uptake of (125)I within 4 to 8 h of incubation, while [(125)I]EGF gave a maximum uptake already after 2 h. The retention studies showed that the cell-associated fraction of (125)I after 48 h of incubation was approximately 20% when delivered as [(125)I](Z(EGFR:955))(2) and approximately 25% when delivered as [(125)I]cetuximab. [(125)I]EGF-mediated delivery gave a faster (125)I release, where almost all cell-associated radioactivity had disappeared within 24 h. All three substances were internalized as demonstrated with confocal microscopy. Competitive binding studies showed that both EGF and cetuximab inhibited binding of (Z(EGFR:955))(2) and indicated that the three substances competed for an overlapping binding site. CONCLUSION: The results gave information on cellular processing of radionuclides when delivered with (Z(EGFR:955))(2) in comparison to delivery with EGF and cetuximab. Competition assays suggested that [(125)I](Z(EGFR:955))(2) bind to Domain III of EGFR. The affibody molecule (Z(EGFR:955))(2) can be a candidate for EGFR imaging applications in nuclear medicine.
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32. |
- Nordberg, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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In vivo and in vitro uptake of In-111, delivered with the affibody molecule(Z(EGFR:955))(2), in EGFR expressing tumour cells
- 2008
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Ingår i: Oncology Reports. - : Spandidos Publications. - 1021-335X .- 1791-2431. ; 19:4, s. 853-857
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, is overexpressed in many carcinomas. Targeting this receptor with radionuclides is important for imaging and therapy applications in nuclear medicine. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo properties of a new high affinity EGFR binding affibody molecule, (Z(EGFR:955))(2), when conjugated with CHXA"-DTPA and labelled with In-111. The binding time patterns and retention studies were performed using cultured squamous carcinoma A431 cells that overexpress EGFR. In the in vivo studies, female BALB/c nu/nu mice carrying tumours from xenografted A431 cells were used. The in vitro studies showed EGFR specific binding, high uptake and good retention of In-111 when delivered as [In-111](Z(EGFR:955))(2). The retention after 72 h of incubation was 38.0 +/- 1.15% of the initial level. The biodistribution study showed a tumour specific In-111 uptake of 3.8 +/- 1.4% of injected dose per gram turnout tissue 4 h post-injection. The tumour to blood ratio was 9.1 and the tumours could easily be visualized with a gamma camera at this time-point. In-111 delivered with [In-111](Z(EGFR:955))(2) gave an EGFR specific uptake and the results indicated that the (Z(EGFR:955))(2) affibody molecule is a candidate for radionuclide-based tumour imaging. Potential therapy applications are discussed.
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33. |
- Orlova, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Comparative in vivo evaluation of technetium and iodine labels on an anti-HER2 Affibody for single-photon imaging of HER2 expression in tumors
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667. ; 47:3, s. 512-519
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In vivo diagnosis with cancer-specific targeting agents that have optimal characteristics for imaging is an important development in treatment planning for cancer patients. Overexpression of the HER2 antigen is high in several types of carcinomas and has predictive and prognostic value, especially for breast cancer. A new type of targeting agent, the Affibody molecule, was described recently. An Affibody dimer, HiS(6)-(ZHER(2:4))(2) (15.4 kDa), binds to HER2 with an affinity of 3 nmol/L and might be used for the imaging of HER2 expression. The use of Tc-99m might improve the availability of the labeled conjugate, and Tc(l)-carbonyl chemistry enables the site-specific labeling of the histidine tag on the Affibody molecule. The goals of the present study were to prepare Tc-99m-labeled Hi0S(6)-(Z(HER2:4))(2) and to evaluate its targeting properties compared with the targeting properties of I-125 -4-iodobenzoate-HiS(6)-(Z(HER2:4))(2) [I-125-HiS(6)-(Z(HER2:4))(2)]- Methods: The labeling of HiS6-(Z(HER2:4))2 with Tc-99m was performed with an IsoLink kit. The specificity of Tc-99m-HiS(6)-(Z(HER2:4))(2) binding to HER2 was evaluated in vitro with SK-OV-3 ovarian carcinoma cells. The comparative biodistributions of Tc-99m-HiS(6)-(Z(HER2,4))(2) and I-125-HiS(6)-(Z(HER2:4))(2) in tumor-bearing BALB/c nulnu mice were determined. Results: The labeling yield for Tc-99m-HIS6(Z(HER2:4))(2) was similar to 60% (50 degrees C), and the radiochernical purity was greater than 97%. The conjugate was stable during storage and under histicline and cysteine challenges and demonstrated receptor-specific binding. The biodistribution study demonstrated tumor-specific uptake levels (percentage injected activity per gram of tissue [%]A/gj) of 2.6 %IA/g for Tc-99m-HiS(6)-(Z(HER2:4))(2) and 2.3 % IA/g for I-125-HiS6-(Z(HER2:4))(2) at 4 h after injection. Both conjugates provided clear imaging of SK-OV-3 xenografts at 6 h after injection. The tumor-to-nontumor ratios were much more favorable for the radioiodinated Affibody. Conclusion: The use of Tc(l)-carbonyl chemistry enabled us to prepare a stable, site-specifically labeled 99mTc-HiS(6)-(Z(HER2:4))(2) conjugate that was able to bind to HER2-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. The indirectly radioiodinated conjugate provided better tumor-to-liver ratios. The labeling of Affibody molecules with Tc-99m should be investigated further.
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34. |
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35. |
- Orlova, A., et al.
(författare)
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Tumor Imaging using a picomolar affinity HER2 binding affibody molecule
- 2006
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Ingår i: Cancer Research. - : American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). - 0008-5472 .- 1538-7445. ; 66:8, s. 4339-4348
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The detection of cell-bound proteins that are produced due to aberrant gene expression in malignant tumors can provide important diagnostic information influencing patient management. The use of small radiolabeled targeting proteins would enable high-contrast radionuclide imaging of cancers expressing such antigens if adequate binding affinity and specificity could he provided. Here, we describe a HER2-specific 6 kDa Affibody molecule (hereinafter denoted Affibody molecule) with 22 pmol/L affinity that can be used for the visualization of HER2 expression in tumors in vivo using gamma camera. A library for affinity maturation was constructed by re-randomization of relevant positions identified after the alignment of first-generation variants of nanomolar affinity (50 nmol/L). One selected Affibody molecule, Z(HER2:342) showed a > 2,200-fold increase in affinity achieved through a single-library affinity maturation step. When radioiodinated, the affinity-matured Affibody molecule showed clear, high-contrast visualization of HER2-expressing xenografts in mice as early as 6 hours post-injection. The tumor uptake at 4 hours post-injection was improved 4-fold (due to increased affinity) with 9% of the injected dose per gram of tissue in the tumor. Affibody molecules represent a new class of affinity molecules that can provide small sized, high affinity cancer-specific ligands, which may be well suited for tumor imaging.
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36. |
- Orlova, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Tumor imaging using a picomolar affinity HER2 binding affibody molecule
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Cancer Research. - 0008-5472 .- 1538-7445. ; 66:8, s. 4339-48
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The detection of cell-bound proteins that are produced due to aberrant gene expression in malignant tumors can provide important diagnostic information influencing patient management. The use of small radiolabeled targeting proteins would enable high-contrast radionuclide imaging of cancers expressing such antigens if adequate binding affinity and specificity could be provided. Here, we describe a HER2-specific 6 kDa Affibody molecule (hereinafter denoted Affibody molecule) with 22 pmol/L affinity that can be used for the visualization of HER2 expression in tumors in vivo using gamma camera. A library for affinity maturation was constructed by re-randomization of relevant positions identified after the alignment of first-generation variants of nanomolar affinity (50 nmol/L). One selected Affibody molecule, Z(HER2:342) showed a >2,200-fold increase in affinity achieved through a single-library affinity maturation step. When radioiodinated, the affinity-matured Affibody molecule showed clear, high-contrast visualization of HER2-expressing xenografts in mice as early as 6 hours post-injection. The tumor uptake at 4 hours post-injection was improved 4-fold (due to increased affinity) with 9% of the injected dose per gram of tissue in the tumor. Affibody molecules represent a new class of affinity molecules that can provide small sized, high affinity cancer-specific ligands, which may be well suited for tumor imaging.
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37. |
- Pinitkiatisakul, S., et al.
(författare)
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Immunisation of mice against neosporosis with recombinant NcSRS2 iscoms
- 2005
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Ingår i: Veterinary parasitology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-4017 .- 1873-2550. ; 129:1-2, s. 25-34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The coccidian parasite Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan, causing abortion in cattle in many countries around the world. In this study, the protective potential of the major N. caninum surface antigen NcSRS2, expressed in Escherichia coli and formulated into immunostimulating complexes (iscoms), was investigated in an experimental mouse model. The recombinant protein was specially designed for binding to iscoms via biotin-streptavidin interaction. Two groups of 10 BALB/c mice were immunised twice, on days 0 and 28 with iscoms containing either the recombinant NcSRS2 (NcSRS2 iscoms) or similar iscoms with NcSRS2 substituted by an unrelated recombinant malaria peptide (M5) as a control (M5 iscoms). A third group of 10 age-matched BALB/c mice served as an uninfected control group. Immunisation with recombinant NcSRS2 iscoms resulted in production of substantial antibody titres against N. caninum antigen, while the mice immunised with M5 iscoms produced only very low levels of antibodies reacting with N. caninum antigen. After challenge infection with N. caninum tachyzoites on day 69, mice immunised with NcSRS2 iscoms showed only mild and transient symptoms, whereas the group immunised with M5 iscoms showed clinical symptoms until the end of the experiment at 31 days post inoculation. A competitive PCR assay detecting Nc5-repeats was applied to evaluate the level of parasite DNA in the brain. The amount of Nc5-repeats in the group vaccinated with NcSRS2 iscoms was significantly lower than in the control group given M5 iscoms. In conclusion, it was found that the recombinant NcSRS2 iscoms induced specific antibodies to native NcSRS2 and immunity sufficient to reduce the proliferation of N. caninum in the brains of immunised mice.
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38. |
- Pinitkiatisakul, Sunan, et al.
(författare)
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Immunogenicity and protective effect against murine cerebral neosporosis of recombinant NcSRS2 in different iscom formulations
- 2007
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Ingår i: Vaccine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0264-410X .- 1873-2518. ; 25:18, s. 3658-3668
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recombinant NcSRS2, a major immunodominant surface antigen of the intracellular protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, was used as a model antigen to compare the immunogenicity of iscoms prepared according to three different methods. Two NcSRS2 fusion proteins were used, one that was biotinylated upon expression in Escherichia coli and linked to Ni2+-loaded iscom matrix (iscom without any protein) via a hexabistidyl (HiS(6)-tagged streptavidin fusion protein, and another that contained both a HiS(6)-tag and streptavidin (HiS(6)-SA-SRS2') and was coupled to either Ni2+-loaded or biotinylated matrix. While all three iscom preparations induced N. caninum specific antibodies at similar levels, HiS(6)-SA-SRS2' coupled to biotinylated matrix generated the strongest cellular responses measured as in vitro proliferation and production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 after antigen stimulation of spleen cells. However, the relationship between the levels of these cytokines as well as between IgG1 and IgG2a titres in serum induced by the three iscom preparations were similar, indicating that the balance between Th1 and Th2 responses did not differ. After challenge infection, mice immunised with His(6)-SA-SRS2' coupled to biotinylated matrix had significantly lower amounts of parasite DNA in their brains compared to the other immunised groups. Possible reasons for the performance of the different iscom formulations are discussed.
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39. |
- Qazi, K. R., et al.
(författare)
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Enhancement of DNA vaccine potency by linkage of Plasmodium falciparum malarial antigen gene fused with a fragment of HSP70 gene
- 2005
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Ingår i: Vaccine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0264-410X .- 1873-2518. ; 23:9, s. 1114-1125
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Finding an appropriate adjuvant for human vaccination is crucial. HSPs have been shown to act as adjuvants when coadministered with peptide antigens or given as fusion proteins. However, there is a potential risk of autoimmunity when using the complete molecules because HSPs are evolutionary conserved. To overcome this. we first evaluated the adjuvant effect of a less conserved fragment of Plasmodium falciparum HSP70 (Pf70C) as compared it to that of the whole HSP70 molecule from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcHSP70). We found that Pf70C exhibited similar adjuvant properties as the whole molecule. We then evaluated the adjuvant potential of Pf70C for the malarial antigen EB200 in a chimeric DNA construct. No appreciable levels of EB200 specific antibodies were detected in mice immunized with the DNA constructs only. However, the DNA immunization efficiently primed the immune system, as indicated by the strong Th-1 antibody response elicited by a subsequent boosting with the corresponding recombinant fusion proteins. In contrast, while no such priming effect was observed for ex vivo IFN-gamma production, stimulation with the HSP chimeric fusion protein induced an enhanced secretion of IFN-gamma in vitro as compared to other proteins used. Our results emphasize the potential of HSPs as adjuvants in subunit vaccines.
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40. |
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41. |
- Rockberg, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Epitope mapping of antibodies using bacterial surface display
- 2008
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Ingår i: Nature Methods. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1548-7091 .- 1548-7105. ; 5:12, s. 1039-1045
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We describe a method for mapping the epitopes recognized by antibodies, based on bacterial surface expression of antigen protein fragments followed by antibody-based flow-cytometric sorting. We analyzed the binding sites of both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed to three human protein targets: (i) the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), (ii) ephrin-B3 and (iii) the transcription factor SATB2. All monoclonal antibodies bound a single epitope, whereas the polyclonal antibodies showed, in each case, a binding pattern with one to five separate epitopes. A comparison of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised to the same antigen showed overlapping binding epitopes. We also demonstrated that bacterial cells with displayed protein fragments can be used as affinity ligands to generate epitope-specific antibodies. Our approach shows a path forward for systematic validation of antibodies for epitope specificity and cross-reactivity on a whole-proteome level.
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42. |
- Steffen, A.C, et al.
(författare)
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Affibody mediated tumor targeting of HER-2 expressing xenografts in mice
- 2006
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Ingår i: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 33:6, s. 631-638
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: Targeted delivery of radionuclides for diagnostic and therapeutic applications has until recently largely been limited to receptor ligands, antibodies and antibody-derived molecules. Here, we present a new type of molecule, a 15-kDa bivalent affibody called (Z(HER2:4))(2), with potential for such applications. The (Z(HER2:4))(2) affibody showed high apparent affinity (K (D)=3 nM) towards the oncogene product HER-2 (also called p185/neu or c-erbB-2), which is often overexpressed in breast and ovarian cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo properties of the new targeting agent. METHODS: The biodistribution and tumour uptake of the radioiodinated (Z(HER2:4))(2) affibody was studied in nude mice carrying tumours from xenografted HER-2 overexpressing SKOV-3 cells. RESULTS: The radioiodinated (Z(HER2:4))(2) affibody was primarily excreted through the kidneys, and significant amounts of radioactivity were specifically targeted to the tumours. The blood-borne radioactivity was, at all times, mainly in the macromolecular fraction. A tumour-to-blood ratio of about 10:1 was obtained 8 h post injection, and the tumours could be easily visualised with a gamma camera at this time point. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the (Z(HER2:4))(2) affibody is an interesting candidate for applications in nuclear medicine, such as radionuclide-based tumour imaging and therapy.
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43. |
- Steffen, Ann-Charlott, et al.
(författare)
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In vitro characterization of a bivalent anti-HER-2 affibody with potential for radionuclide-based diagnostics
- 2005
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Ingår i: Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1084-9785 .- 1557-8852. ; 20:3, s. 239-248
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The 185 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) (p185/neu, c-ErbB-2) is overexpressed in breast and ovarian cancers. Overexpression in breast cancer correlates with poor patient prognosis, and visualization of HER-2 expression might provide valuable diagnostic information influencing patient management. We have previously described the generation of a new type of affinity ligand, a 58-amino-acid affibody (Z(HER2:4)) with specific binding to HER-2. In order to benefit from avidity effects, we have created a bivalent form of the affibody ligand, (Z(HER2:4))2. The monovalent and bivalent ligands were compared in various assays. The new bivalent affibody has a molecular weight of 15.6 kDa and an apparent affinity (K(D)) against HER-2 of 3 nM. After radioiodination, using the linker molecule N-succinimidyl p-(trimethylstannyl) benzoate (SPMB), in vitro binding assays showed specific binding to HER-2 overexpressing cells. Internalization of 125I was shown after delivery with both the monovalent and the bivalent affibody. The cellular retention of 125I was longer after delivery with the bivalent affibody when compared to delivery with the monovalent affibody. With approximately the same affinity as the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) but only one tenth of the size, this new bivalent molecule is a promising candidate for radionuclide-based detection of HER-2 expression in tumors. 125I was used in this study as a surrogate marker for the diagnostically relevant radioisotopes 123I for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/gamma-camera imaging and 124I for positron emission tomography (PET).
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44. |
- Ståhl, Anne-Lie, et al.
(författare)
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Factor H dysfunction in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome contributes to complement deposition on platelets and their activation.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 1528-0020 .- 0006-4971. ; 111, s. 5307-5315
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) may be associated with mutations at the C-terminal of factor H (FH). FH binds to platelets via the C-terminal as previously shown using a construct consisting of short consensus repeats (SCRs) 15-20. Four FH mutations, in SCR15 (C870R) and SCR20 (V1168E, E1198K, E1198Stop) in aHUS patients, were studied regarding their ability to allow complement activation on platelet surfaces. Purified FH-E1198Stop mutant exhibited reduced binding to normal washed platelets compared to normal FH, detected by flow cytometry. Washed platelets taken from the four aHUS patients during remission exhibited C3 and C9 deposition, as well as CD40-ligand (CD40L) expression indicating platelet activation. Combining patient serum/plasma with normal washed platelets led to C3 and C9 deposition, CD40L and CD62P expression, aggregate formation and generation of tissue factor-expressing microparticles. Complement deposition and platelet activation were reduced when normal FH was pre-incubated with platelets and were minimal when using normal serum. The purified FH-E1198Stop mutant added to FH-deficient plasma (complemented with C3) allowed considerable C3 deposition on washed platelets, in comparison to normal FH. In summary, mutated FH enables complement activation on the surface of platelets and their activation, which may contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia in aHUS.
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45. |
- Ståhl, Annelie, et al.
(författare)
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Two Novel Targeting Peptide Degrading Proteases, PrePs, in Mitochondria and Chloroplasts, so Similar and Still Different
- 2005
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Ingår i: Journal of Molecular Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-2836 .- 1089-8638. ; 349:4, s. 847-860
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Two novel metalloproteases from Arabidopsis thaliana, termed AtPrePI and AtPrePII, were recently identified and shown to degrade targeting peptides in mitochondria and chloroplasts using an ambiguous targeting peptide. AtPrePI and AtPrePII are classified as dually targeted proteins as they are targeted to both mitochondria and chloroplasts. Both proteases harbour an inverted metal binding motif and belong to the pitrilysin subfamily A. Here we have investigated the subsite specificity of AtPrePI and AtPrePII by studying their proteolytic activity against the mitochondrial F1β pre-sequence, peptides derived from the F1β pre-sequence as well as non-mitochondrial peptides and proteins. The degradation products were analysed, identified by MALDI-TOF spectrometry and superimposed on the 3D structure of the F1β pre-sequence. AtPrePI and AtPrePII cleaved peptides that are in the range of 10 to 65 amino acid residues, whereas folded or longer unfolded peptides and small proteins were not degraded. Both proteases showed preference for basic amino acids in the P1 position and small, uncharged amino acids or serine residues in the P′1P′1position. Interestingly, both AtPrePI and AtPrePII cleaved almost exclusively towards the ends of the α-helical elements of the F1β pre-sequence. However, AtPrePI showed a preference for the N-terminal amphiphilic α-helix and positively charged amino acid residues and degraded the F1β pre-sequence into 10–16 amino acid fragments, whereas AtPrePII did not show any positional preference and degraded the F1β pre-sequence into 10–23 amino acid fragments. In conclusion, despite the high sequence identity between AtPrePI and AtPrePII and similarities in cleavage specificities, cleavage site recognition differs for both proteases and is context and structure dependent.
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46. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(författare)
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Affibody molecules for epidermal growth factor receptor targeting in vivo : aspects of dimerization and labeling chemistry
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 50:2, s. 274-283
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Noninvasive detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in malignant tumors by radionuclide molecular imaging may provide diagnostic information influencing patient management. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel EGFR-targeting protein, the ZEGFR:1907 Affibody molecule, for radionuclide imaging of EGFR expression, to determine a suitable tracer format (dimer or monomer) and optimal label. METHODS: An EGFR-specific Affibody molecule, ZEGFR:1907, and its dimeric form, (ZEGFR:1907)2, were labeled with 111In using benzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and with 125I using p-iodobenzoate. Affinity and cellular retention of conjugates were evaluated in vitro. Biodistribution of radiolabeled Affibody molecules was compared in mice bearing EGFR-expressing A431 xenografts. Specificity of EGFR targeting was confirmed by comparison with biodistribution of non-EGFR-specific counterparts. RESULTS: Head-to-tail dimerization of the Affibody molecule improved the dissociation rate. In vitro, dimeric forms demonstrated superior cellular retention of radioactivity. For both molecular set-ups, retention was better for the 111In-labeled tracer than for the radioiodinated counterpart. In vivo, all conjugates accumulated specifically in xenografts and in EGFR-expressing tissues. The retention of radioactivity in tumors was better in vivo for dimeric forms; however, the absolute uptake values were higher for monomeric tracers. The best tracer, 111In-labeled ZEGFR:1907, provided a tumor-to-blood ratio of 100 (24 h after injection). CONCLUSION: The radiometal-labeled monomeric Affibody molecule ZEGFR:1907 has a potential for radionuclide molecular imaging of EGFR expression in malignant tumors.
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47. |
- Wikman, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Achieving directed immunostimulating complex incorporation
- 2006
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Ingår i: Expert Review of Vaccines. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1476-0584 .- 1744-8395. ; 5:3, s. 395-403
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- In recent years, several studies have been reported with the common aim of generating general expression systems for straightforward production and subsequent coupling of expressed antigens to an adjuvant system. Here, we describe a series of such efforts with a common theme of using gene fusion technology for association of recombinant antigens to immunostimulating complexes (iscoms). In the early stages of vaccine development, uniform antigen preparations are crucial to allow the comparison of immune responses to different antigens, or even subdomains thereof, and we believe that the described systems constitute an important development in this context.
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48. |
- Wikman, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Applying biotin-streptavidin binding for iscom (immunostimulating complex) association of recombinant immunogens
- 2005
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Ingår i: Biotechnology and applied biochemistry. - 0885-4513 .- 1470-8744. ; 41, s. 163-174
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have previously reported strategies for Escherichia coli production of recombinant immunogens fused to hydrophobic peptide or lipid tags to improve their capacity to be incorporated into an adjuvant formulation. In the present study, we have explored the strong interaction between biotin and SA (streptavidin) (K-D approximate to 10(-15) M) to couple recombinant immunogens to iscoms (immunostimulating complexes). Two different concepts were evaluated. In the first concept, a His(6)-tagged SA fusion protein (His(6)-SA) was bound to Ni2+-loaded iscom matrix (iscom without associated protein), and biotinylated immunogens were thereafter associated with the SA-coated iscoms. The immunogens were either biotinylated in vivo on E. coli expression or double biotinylated in vivo and in vitro. In the second concept, the recombinant immunogens were expressed as SA fusion proteins, which were directly bound to a biotinylated iscom matrix. A 53-amino-acid malaria peptide (M), derived from the central repeat region of the Plasmodium faiciparum blood-stage antigen Pf155/RESA, and a 232-amino-acid segment (SRS2') from the central region (from Pro-97 to Lys-328) of the major surface antigen NcSRS2 of the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, served as model immunogens in the present study. All fusion proteins generated were found to be efficiently expressed and could be recovered to high purity using affinity chromatography. The association between the different immunogen-containing fusion proteins and the corresponding iscom matrix was demonstrated by analytical ultracentrifugation in a sucrose density gradient. However, some fusion proteins were, to a certain extent, also found to associate unspecifically with a regular iscom matrix. Furthermore, selected iscom fractions were demonstrated to induce high-titre antigen-specific antibody responses on immunization of mice. For the particular target immunogen SRS2', the induced antibodies demonstrated reactivity to the native antigen NcSRS2. We believe that the presented concepts offer convenient methods to achieve efficient adjuvant association of recombinant immunogens, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two concepts are discussed.
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49. |
- Wikman, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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General strategies for efficient adjuvant incorporation of recombinant subunit immunogens
- 2005
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Ingår i: Vaccine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0264-410X .- 1873-2518. ; 23:17-18, s. 2331-2335
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have previously reported strategies for Escherichia coli production of recombinant immunogens fused to hydrophobic peptides or lipid tags to improve their capacity to be incorporated into an adjuvant formulation, e.g., immunostimulating complexes (iscoms). Recently, we also explored the strong interaction between biotin and streptavidin to achieve iscom association of recombinant immunogens. Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antigens have served as model immunogens in the different studies. Generated fusion proteins have been found to be successfully incorporated into iscoms and high-titer antigen-specific antibody responses have been obtained upon immunization of mice. We believe that the different concepts presented, utilizing either hydrophobic peptide or lipid tags, or the recently explored biotin-streptavidin principle, offer convenient methods to achieve efficient adjuvant incorporation of recombinant immunogens.
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50. |
- Wikman, Maria
(författare)
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Rational and combinatorial protein engineering for vaccine delivery and drug targeting
- 2005
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis describes recombinant proteins that have been generated by rational and combinatorial protein engineering strategies for use in subunit vaccine delivery and tumor targeting.In a first series of studies, recombinant methods for incorporating immunogens into an adjuvant formulation, e.g. immunostimulating complexes (iscoms), were evaluated. Protein immunogens, which are not typically immunogenic in themselves, are normally administered with an adjuvant to improve their immunogenicity. To accomplish iscom incorporation of a Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen through hydrophobic interaction, lipids were added either in vivo via E. coli expression, or in vitro via interaction of an introduced hexahistidyl (His6) peptide and a chelating lipid. The possibility of exploiting the strong interaction between biotin and streptavidin was also explored, in order to couple a Neospora caninum surface antigen to iscom matrix, i.e. iscom particles without any antigen. Subsequent analyses confirmed that the immunogens were successfully incorporated into iscoms by the investigated strategies. In addition, immunization of mice with the recombinant Neospora antigen NcSRS2, associated with iscoms through the biotin-streptavidin interaction, induced specific antibodies to native NcSRS2 and reduced clinical symptoms following challenge infection. The systems described in this thesis might offer convenient and efficient methods for incorporating recombinant immunogens into adjuvant formulations that might be considered for the generation of future recombinant subunit vaccines.In a second series of studies, Affibody® (affibody) ligands directed to the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), which is known to be overexpressed in ∼ 20-30% of breast cancers, were isolated by phage display in vitro selection from a combinatorial protein library based on the 58 amino acid residue staphylococcal protein A-derived Z domain. Biosensor analyses demonstrated that one of the variants from the phage selection, denoted His6-ZHER2/neu:4, selectively bound with nanomolar affinity (KD ≈ 50 nM) to the extracellular domain of HER2/neu (HER2-ECD) at a different site than the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. In order to exploit avidity effects, a bivalent affibody ligand was constructed by head-to-tail dimerization, resulting in a 15.6 kDa affibody ligand, termed His6-(ZHER2/neu:4)2, that was shown to have an improved apparent affinity to HER2-ECD (KD ≈ 3 nM) compared to the monovalent affibody. Moreover, radiolabeled monovalent and bivalent affibody ligands showed specific binding in vitro to native HER2/neu molecules expressed in human cancer cells. Biodistribution studies in mice carrying SKOV-3 xenografted tumors revealed that significant amounts of radioactivity were specifically targeted to the tumors in vivo, and the tumors could easily be visualized with a gamma camera. These results suggest that affibody ligands would be interesting candidates for specific tumor targeting in clinical applications, such as in vivo imaging and radiotherapy.
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