Analysis of epitopes in the capsid protein of avian hepatitis E virus by using monoclonal antibodies

Avian hepatitis E virus (HEV) is related genetically and antigenically to human and swine HEVs and capsid protein of avian HEV shares approximately 48-49% amino acid sequence identities with those of human and swine HEVs. Six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced and used to locate different epitopes in the ORF2 region of aa 339-570 of avian HEV Chinese isolate. The results showed that five epitopes were located in the aa 339-414 region and one in the aa 510-515 region. Two epitopes located in aa 339-355 and aa 384-414 regions are the immunodominant epitopes on the surface of the avian HEV particles as demonstrated by immune capture of viral particles and immunohistochemical detection of the ORF2 antigens with two MAbs.     

Detection of antibodies to pre-S2 encoded epitopes of hepatitis B virus by monoclonal antibody-enzyme immunoassay

An inhibition enzyme immunoassay (IEIA) for the detection of anti-pre-S2 antibody has been developed and used to evaluate anti-pre-S2 responses in the sera of patients recovering from acute type B hepatitis and in the sera of healthy recipients of HBV vaccine. In the assay, we used two monoclonal antibodies recognizing the nonoverlapping epitopes (pre-S2a and pre-S2b) of the pre-S2 protein of HBV envelope which compete with human anti-pre-S2 for the limited antibody-binding sites on recombinant HBsAg particles (pre-S and S gene product). Two variants of the method were assayed employing the reference pre-S2 antigen on the solid (IEIA-sp) or in the liquid phase (IEIA-lp). Two McAbs were used to detect antibodies reacting specifically with pre-S2a and pre-S2b epitopes of the pre-S2 sequence. Both variants gave similar results and were successfully used for the determination of anti-pre-s2 in sera. We demonstrated that during HBV infection as well as after vaccination against HBV both pre-S2 epitopes generate specific immune responses. Anti-pre-S2 were detected in 45.3% patients recovering from HBV infection and in 43.7% of healthy recipients of the HBV vaccine licensed in France. Anti-pre-S2a and anti-pre-S2b were detected in sera in dilutions up to 10(-5). IEIA may provide a specific and highly sensitive screening test for monitoring serum anti-pre-S2 levels during HBV infection and after immunization with HBV vaccine.     

Mouse monoclonal antibodies to hepatitis B virus preS1 produced after immunization with recombinant preS1 peptide

We have efficiently generated mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), which bind specifically to amino acids 21-47 of the preS1 domain of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by immunizing mice with the preS1 peptide (amino acids, aa 1-56) conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Hybridomas were screened by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the purified preS1 peptide as a coated antigen. Eighteen positive hybridomas were selected and subjected to isotyping. Of these, 5 clones secreted immunoglobulin G (IgG) and 13 clones secreted IgM. Four (KR1, KR2, KR3, and KR4) of the 5 IgG MAbs bound to preS1 peptide (aa 21-47). Epitope mapping using bacterially expressed GST fusion proteins revealed that three clones (KR2, KR3, KR4) (IgG1, K) recognize aa 21-35, while KR1 (IgG2a, K) recognizes aa 35-47 of the preS1. These MAbs immunoprecipitated HBV particles, demonstrating that they bind to native HBV particles.     

Assay of preS epitopes and preS1 antibody in hepatitis B virus carriers and immune persons

The diagnostical significance of the large hepatitis B surface protein with its preS1 attachment site and of anti-preS antibodies are not yet well known. We investigated the epitope of the preS1 attachment site to see whether it is a marker of viremia and whether antibodies against it occur in convalescents and vaccinees. For comparison, sera were also tested for the presence and relative amount of a preS2 epitope. The epitopes were detected by binding to specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb MA18/7 for the preS1 epitope and mAb Q19/10 for the preS2 epitope) at the solid phase of a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody against the preS1 epitope was detected by inhibition of binding to mAb MA18/7. This mAb inhibits attachment of preS1 antigen to hepatocytes and reacts with a subtypeindependent sequential epitope at the surface of hepatitis B virus between amino acid 29–36. This preS1 epitope occurs in most hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers, irrespective of viremia. Free preS2 epitope Q19/10 is present in samples with more than 8 g/ml total HBsAg and it is masked in sera with less HBsAg. Antibodies which compete with mAb MA18/7 for its viral preS1 epitope occur in one third of HBsAg carriers who were negative for hepatitis B e antigen. It also occurs in one third of convalescents and in most good responders to plasma-derived vaccines.     

戊型肝炎病毒Ⅰ、Ⅱ与Ⅲ、Ⅳ基因型B细胞抗原表位的异同

目的：制备戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)缅甸株和墨西哥株ORF2重组蛋白(p166Bur和p166Mex)的单克隆抗体(McAbs)，用于分析HEV不同基因型B细胞抗原表位的特点。方法：将免疫BALB/C小鼠脾细胞与SP2/0骨髓瘤细胞融合，获得分泌抗-p166Bur和抗-p166Mex McAbs的杂交瘤细胞株，然后采用ELISA和免疫印迹法测定McAbs与不同基因型HEV ORF2编码蛋白p166的免疫反应性。结果：获得4株杂交瘤细胞株，即分泌抗-p166Bur McAbs的2G2、2B1以及分泌抗-p166Mex McAbs的D8G10和E5E12，其中2B1分泌的McAb仅能与第Ⅰ、Ⅱ基因型编码的重组蛋白结合，而其余3株分泌的McAbs既能与Ⅰ、Ⅱ基因型HEV的p166重组蛋白发生反应，也能与Ⅲ、Ⅳ基因型的p166蛋白反应。结论：HEV第Ⅰ、Ⅱ基因型与Ⅲ、Ⅳ基因型ORF2编码蛋白既有共同又有不同的B细胞抗原表位。     

Differentiation of core gene products of the hepatitis B virus in infected liver tissue using monoclonal antibodies

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core gene translational products were localised previously in the cytoplasm and/or in the nuclei of infected cells. We investigated in naturally infected human hepatocytes whether this variation in the subcellular expression is due to differences in the presence of assembled core particles and other core gene derived proteins, the expression of HBeAg and the processing of liver tissue. By immunostaining of liver specimens infected with HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-minus variants of HBV, using monoclonal antibodies specific for assembled core particles and for various epitopes on denatured core protein, it was shown that virtually all immunoreactive core gene products are assembled into core particles. The latter are present both in the nuclei and in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, independent of the infecting virus strain. A marked reduction or absence of immunoreactivity, observed with some monoclonal antibodies, was shown to result from nucleotide sequence variations within or close to the corresponding epitope. These results demonstrate that immunoreactive products, derived from the HBV core gene, in the nuclei and cytoplasm of human hepatocytes represent assembled core particles and that monoclonal antibodies with known recognition sites can reveal region-specific core gene variation of the infecting HBV population. J. Med. Virol. 53:127–138, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Characterization of epitopes for virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to Ross River virus E2 using phage-displayed random peptide libraries

Ross River virus (RRV) is the predominant cause of epidemic polyarthritis in Australia, yet the antigenic determinants are not well defined. We aimed to characterize epitope(s) on RRV-E2 for a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize overlapping conformational epitopes on the E2 envelope protein of RRV and that neutralize virus infection of cells in vitro. Phage-displayed random peptide libraries were probed with the MAbs T1E7, NB3C4, and T10C9 using solution-phase and solid-phase biopanning methods. The peptides VSIFPPA and KTAISPT were selected 15 and 6 times, respectively, by all three of the MAbs using solution-phase biopanning. The peptide LRLPPAP was selected 8 times by NB3C4 using solid-phase biopanning; this peptide shares a trio of amino acids with the peptide VSIFPPA. Phage that expressed the peptides VSIFPPA and LRLPPAP were reactive with T1E7 and/or NB3C4, and phage that expressed the peptides VSIFPPA, LRLPPAP, and KTAISPT partially inhibited the reactivity of T1E7 with RRV. The selected peptides resemble regions of RRV-E2 adjacent to sites mutated in neutralization escape variants of RRV derived by culture in the presence of these MAbs (E2 210-219 and 238-245) and an additional region of E2 172-182. Together these sites represent a conformational epitope of E2 that is informative of cellular contact sites on RRV.     

Influence of hepatitis B virus genotypes on the development of preS deletions and advanced liver disease

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants with deletions in the preS region have not been evaluated for association with viral genotypes. In a case-control study, HBV DNA samples collected from 80 each of carriers infected with HBV genotype B or C were examined for preS deletions. PreS deletion mutants were found in a total of 37 of 160 (23%) HBV carriers. Carriers with preS deletion mutants were older (56.0 +/- 12.7 vs 49.3 +/- 16.9 years, P < 0.05), were infected more frequently with HBV genotype C (84% vs 40%, P < 0.05), and had more advanced disease, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (54% vs 31%; P < 0.05), than did those without such mutants. In a multivariate analysis, genotype C (odds ratio [OR] = 9.3, P < 0.001) and advanced liver disease (OR = 3.1, P < 0.01) were the most significant variables in association with preS deletions. A direct repeat sequence (TCAGG) was found at the start or at the end of preS1 deletions in 6 of the 20 (30%) cases examined, and preS2 deletions in these cases were clustered over the 5'-terminal half of this region. These results indicate that the development of preS deletion mutants depends on HBV genotypes and that it may be associated with progressive liver disease.     

不同基因型戊型肝炎病毒的抗原表位分析

目的 研究不同基因型戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)的抗原表位特点。方法 以HEV基因工程重组蛋白p166Bur、p166Mex为免疫原，制备单克隆抗体(McAbs)。采用间接ELISA法及免疫印迹法(Western blot)，检测所制备的McAbs与7种不同基因型和亚型p166(p166Bur、p166Pak、p166Mor、p166Mex、p166Us、p166Nz和p166Chn)的交叉反应性。结果 获得4株稳定分泌基因型相关MeAb的杂交瘤细胞株，即1B5、1D10,1G10和D4A3。经检测，1B5、1D10,1G10分泌的McAbs只与p166Bur及p166Mor特异结合，D4A3分泌的McAb只与p166Mex特异结合。结论 不同基因型HEV存在不同的抗原表位。     

Quantitative measurement of human immunoglobulin E using monoclonal antibodies to distinct epitopes

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) which recognize distinct epitopes on human immunoglobulin E have been used to develop two-site sandwich radio- and enzyme-linked immunoassays for the quantitation of human IgE. In the first step, a purified anti-IgE MAb coated to polyvinyl or polystyrene microtiter plates specifically bound the IgE contained in the samples. In the second step, another anti-IgE MAb (either iodinated or conjugated to beta-galactosidase) directed to a different antigenic determinant was used to estimate the amount of bound IgE. This simple method permitted the determination of IgE concentrations of 10 ng/ml and greater in about 3 h. Coefficients of variation on a single day did not exceed 7.5% for IgE levels, covering a wide range of the standard curve. The values obtained on serum samples showed a good correlation with those obtained using the paper radioimmunosorbent test (PRIST).     

Characterization of epitopes for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to classical swine fever virus E2 and Erns using phage-displayed random peptide library

Summary. Infection of cells with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is mediated by the interaction of envelope glycoproteins E2 and E^rns with receptor molecules on the cell surface. These proteins are also the major antigens for eliciting neutralizing antibodies and conferring protective immunity. Here we report the identification of multiple neutralizing epitopes on these proteins by screening a phage-displayed random peptide library with CSFV-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. Two different E2-specific neutralizing mAbs (a18 and 24/10) were found to bind to a common motif SPTxL, which is similar to the sequence SPTTL of the E2 protein (aa 289–293), indicating that this is likely to be an immunodominant epitope. Similarly, an immunodominant epitope corresponding to the sequence DKN of E^rns (aa 117–119) was identified for two independent E^rns-specific neutralizing antibodies, b4-22 and 24/16, respectively. Another binding motif, CxNNxTC, was identified for mAb 24/16, but not for b4-22. Sequencing analysis of the genes coding for the light chain of these mAbs was conducted to ensure that all mAbs were derived from different hybridomas, rather than from different subclones of a common parent line. Inhibition studies using immunofluorescent antibody assay and virus neutralization test demonstrated that the mimotope peptides truly mimicked the antibody binding determinants on the viral proteins. The detailed mapping data for these neutralizing epitopes will be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests and perhaps a peptide-based vaccine for this important swine disease.     

Mapping of epitopes of VP2 protein of chicken anemia virus using monoclonal antibodies

To map the epitopes of VP2 protein of chicken anemia virus (CAV), VP2 was expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The Western blot demonstrated that recombinant VP2 protein could be recognized by sera of chickens infected with CAV. Female BALB/c mice were immunized with purified recombinant VP2 produced in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and seven VP2-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed. The results of Western blot showed that all the seven MAbs recognized the recombinant VP2 protein expressed in the baculovirus and reacted with MDCC-MSB1 cells infected with CAV by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The VP2 protein was dissected into 21 overlapping fragments, expressed as fusion peptides in E. coli and used for epitope mapping by pepscan analysis. ELISA and Western blot assays indicated that most of MAbs reacted with the 12th and 13th fragments (amino acids 111-136) and one of them reacted with the 3rd fragment (amino acids 21-36). The linear immunodominant epitope of VP2 was located mainly in amino acid residues 111-126 and 121-136.     

戊型肝炎病毒衣壳蛋白特异性人源单克隆抗体的筛选与鉴定

目的:建立从外周血快速筛选戊型肝炎病毒(Hepatitis E virus,HEV)衣壳蛋白特异性人源抗体的方法,从疫苗免疫者外周血中筛选出相应抗体并进行鉴定。方法:采用分选型流式细胞仪获得外周血中HEV 衣壳蛋白特异性的记忆B细胞,通过单细胞RT-PCR 的方法获得抗体序列,并进行重组表达,最后对获得的人源单克隆抗体进行初步性质鉴定。结果:成功筛选到识别HEV 衣壳蛋白的6 株人源单克隆抗体,6 株抗体均具有抗原结合活性,4 株抗体具有中和活性。结论:成功获得HEV 衣壳蛋白特异性人源单克隆抗体序列,并进行真核表达,对抗体的性质进行初步鉴定,为后期研究疫苗免疫的人体内的抗体演化打下基础。     

Presentation of hepatitis B virus preS2 epitope on bluetongue virus core-like particles.

A chimeric protein containing most of the hepatitis B virus preS2 region (amino acid residues 1-48) upstream to, and colinear with the amino-terminus of bluetongue virus VP7 protein (preS2-VP7) was expressed by a recombinant Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). The chimeric protein formed BTV core-like particles (CLPs) in Spodoptera frugiperda cells only when the cells were coinfected with this recombinant virus and a recombinant baculovirus that expresses unmodified VP7 and VP3 of BTV. The ratio of preS2-VP7 incorporated into CLPs was influenced by the relative multiplicities of infection of the two viruses. Immunoelectron microscopy of the chimeric particles indicated that the preS2 epitope was exposed on the surface of the CLPs. When insect cells were coinfected with the preS2-VP7 recombinant virus and a baculovirus vector that synthesized only the VP3 protein, no CLPs were identified.     

Analysis of functional epitopes on the dengue 2 envelope (E) protein using monoclonal IgM antibodies

Summary Forty-two hybridomas secreting IgM antibody against dengue virus were derived from spleen cells of dengue 2 infected mice. Antibody from 27 of these recognised the E protein of this virus. Of the 22 antibodies which neutralised dengue 2, only two cross-reacted with other flaviviruses. These 22 antibodies recognised three discrete domains on dengue virions. Competitive binding studies with IgG monoclonal antibodies suggested that two of the three domains were recognised by both IgG and IgM antibodies and that there were two additional domains which may be recognised exclusively by either IgG or IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies reacting with domains recognised by IgG antibodies that enhanced infection of susceptible cells by dengue 2, had no enhancing properties. None of the IgM antibodies activated the serum complement system after reacting with dengue 2 virions.     

Evaluation of murine monoclonal antibodies targeting different epitopes of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen by using immunological as well as molecular biology and biochemical approaches

The hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBsAg) displays the major B cells antigenic determinants that can induce protective immunity and prevent the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major health problem. A panel of murine monoclonal antibodies against the HBsAg (MAb anti-HBs), raised after mice immunization with a pool of plasma of hepatitis chronic carriers, has been established. Mainly using simple immunological tools such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis, we could trace the location of the epitopes on the HBsAg determinants. We also report the use of two specific methodology approaches based on molecular biology and biochemical techniques such as, respectively, cloning and expression of preS1 major neutralizing epitope of the HBsAg in Escherichia coli and ELISA accomplished to chemical reduction with dithiothreitol (DTT), which were able to complete the MAb anti-HBs characterization. Our results showed that the majority of the MAbs anti-HBs were directed to the HBV common determinant a. One MAb recognizes a discontinuous epitope present in all forms of the HBsAg when evaluated by Western blot.     

Concurrent quantitation of the A and D genotypes of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem associated with severe liver disorders. Viral load and HBV genotype affect the clinical outcome, guide antiviral therapy and provide long term prognosis for HBV infected patients. Various types of detection and quantitation assays are currently in use with a different effectiveness. The aim of this study was to develop a method that would provide simultaneous identification and quantitation of genotypes A and D in a single-tube reaction. Sera from infected patients were analyzed by a TaqMan based real time PCR. Optimized reagents were used for HBV DNA quantitation while the genotypes A and D were quantified separately by our design of the assay. Multiplex real time PCR was achieved and was specific for HBV genotypes A and D within a single-tube reaction. Simulation of mixed virus populations was identified reproducibly in vitro. Quantitation of these individual genotypes was exceptionally reliable, so much so that the sum of individual genotypes was equal to the total viral load determined in a separate reaction. Therefore, a straightforward, conceptually simple and reliable approach to issues involving HBV genotypes A and D is submitted. Identity and exact titer of these genotypes in the Caucasian population can now be determined easily.     

Mapping epitopes on the insulin molecule using monoclonal antibodies

A panel of 18 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) delta to insulin have been prepared and used to begin to map antigenic determinants on the insulin molecule. All 18 mAb were of the IgG class, with 14 IgG1, 2 IgG2a and 2 IgG2b. The affinities of these mAb for their immunizing insulin ranged from 1 X 10(6) to 3 X 10(8) 1/M. The epitope recognized by three of the mAb, 1, 7 and 16 involves the three residues of the A chain, A 8-10, the so called A chain-loop determinant. This A chain loop is one of the most evolutionarily diverse regions of insulins from different species. Another mAb, 10, has been hypothesized to recognize a nearby epitope composed of the A chain residues, A4 and A8 and a B chain residue, B29, that are adjacent on the surface of the insulin molecule. Four of the mAb bind to synthetic B chain. The epitopes recognized by these 4 mAb and the last 10 mAb are unknown but the mAb are grouped according to their ability to bind to different species of insulin or proinsulin. The results of an 18 X 18 matrix analysis of pairs of mAb binding simultaneously to insulin indicate that, despite the finding that some mAb see similar antigenic sites on the insulin molecule, each of the mAb recognizes a unique site on the insulin molecule. Finally, a lower estimate of the number of possible antibodies made to insulin has been calculated to be greater than or equal to 115, a number only 10-fold lower than the lower limit of antibodies made to dinitrophenyl (DNP) or (4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NIP), following hapten protein immunization.     

Localization of hepatitis B surface antigen epitopes present on variants and specifically recognised by anti-hepatitis B surface antigen monoclonal antibodies

Small hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is considered to be the best marker for the diagnosis of Hepatitis B virus infection. However, HBsAg variants with mutations within the "a" determinant may be poorly or not detected by diagnostic assays. Three anti-HBsAg monoclonal antibodies (6H6B6, 27E7F10, and 2G2G10), directed against conformational epitopes, were tested for their ability to detect the wild-type HBsAg as well as variant forms and their respective epitopes were localised on the HBsAg sequence by using the phage-displayed peptide library technology. Whereas 6H6B6 did not detect mutations T123N, S143L, D144A and G145R, 27E7F10 binding was affected by mutations P120T and G145R. In contrast, 2G2G10 reacted strongly with all tested variants including variant with the G145R mutation. Part of the 6H6B6 epitope was located in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) at residues 101-105, the 27E7F10 epitope (residues 214-219) was located near the C-terminal end of the antigen and the 2G2G10 epitope at residues 199-208, within the theoretical fourth transmembrane helix. The 2G2G10 epitope localisation brings information about the HBsAg structure and the validity of established topological models. Finally, 2G2G10 is a valuable tool for HBsAg variant detection that is used as capture phase in a new bioMérieux diagnostic assay, which is currently in development.