Transcutaneous penetration of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) compared to a full-size antibody: potential tool for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment

AbstractCurrently, several biologics are used for the treatment of cutaneous pathologies such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis or skin cancers. The main administration routes are subcutaneous and intravenous injections. However, little is known about antibody penetration through the skin. The aim was to study the transcutaneous penetration of a reduced-size antibody as a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) compared to a whole antibody (Ab) and to determine its capacity to neutralize an inflammatory cytokine involved in AD such as human interleukin-4 (hIL-4). Transcutaneous penetration was evaluated by ex vivo studies on tape-stripped pig ear skin. ScFv and Ab visualization through the skin was measured by Raman microspectroscopy. In addition, hIL-4 neutralization was studied in vitro using HEK-Blue™ IL-4/IL-13 cells and normal human keratinocytes (NHKs). After 24 h of application, analysis by Raman microspectroscopy showed that scFv penetrated into the upper dermis while Ab remained on the stratum corneum. In addition, the anti-hIL4 scFv showed very efficient and dose-dependent hIL-4 neutralization. Thus, scFv penetrates through to the upper papillary dermis while Ab mostly remains on the surface, the anti-hIL4 scFv also neutralizes its target effectively suggesting its potential use as topical therapy for AD.

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Transcutaneous penetration of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) compared to a full-size antibody: potential tool for Atopic Dermatitis (AD) treatment

10.1101/2021.01.29.428747 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Audrey Baylet ◽

Raoul Vyumvuhore ◽

Marine Laclaverie ◽

Laëtitia Marchand ◽

Carine Mainzer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Topical Therapy ◽

Human Keratinocytes ◽

Raman Microspectroscopy ◽

Poly I:C ◽

Interleukin 4 ◽

Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽

Single Chain ◽

Polycytidylic Acid

SummaryBackgroundCurrently, several biologics are used for the treatment of cutaneous pathologies such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis (PSO) or skin cancers. The main administration routes are subcutaneous and intravenous injections. However, little is known about antibody penetration through the skin.ObjectivesThe aim was to study the transcutaneous penetration of a reduced-size antibody as a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) compared to a whole antibody (Ab) and to determine its capacity to neutralize an inflammatory cytokine involved in AD such as human interleukin-4 (hIL-4).MethodsTranscutaneous penetration was evaluated by ex vivo studies on tape-stripped pig ear skin. Antibody visualization through the skin was measured by Raman microspectroscopy. In addition, hIL-4 neutralization was studied using two 2D models. First, embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) secretion by HEK-Blue™ IL-4/IL-13 cells, proportional to hIL-4 cells stimulation, was quantified by OD 620 nm measurement in presence or absence of an anti-hIL4 scFv or Ab. Then, normal human keratinocytes (NHKs) were stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) +/− hIL-4 and treated with anti-hIL4 scFv. Human Interleukin-8 (hIL-8) concentrations were determined in culture supernatants by ELISA.ResultsAfter 24h of application, analysis by Raman microspectroscopy showed that scFv penetrated into the upper dermis while Ab remained on the stratum corneum. In addition, the anti-hIL4 scFv showed better efficiency compared to Ab, with a neutralization percentage at 200 nM of 68% and 47%, respectively, in the HEK-Blue™ IL-4/IL-13 model. hIL-8 dosage in stimulated NHKs supernatants revealed that addition of scFv induced a dose-dependent hIL-4 neutralization.ConclusionsscFv penetrates through to the upper papillary dermis while Ab remains on the surface. The anti-hIL4 scFv neutralizes its target effectively in two 2D models suggesting its potential use as topical therapy for AD.

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Development of a bispecific immune engager using a recombinant malaria protein

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-03611-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Mie A. Nordmaj ◽

Morgan E. Roberts ◽

Emilie S. Sachse ◽

Robert Dagil ◽

Anne Poder Andersen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Cells ◽

Immune Evasion ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Cancer Targeting ◽

Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽

Single Chain ◽

Conjugation System ◽

Immune Mediated

AbstractAs an immune evasion and survival strategy, the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite has evolved a protein named VAR2CSA. This protein mediates sequestration of infected red blood cells in the placenta through the interaction with a unique carbohydrate abundantly and exclusively present in the placenta. Cancer cells were found to share the same expression of this distinct carbohydrate, termed oncofetal chondroitin sulfate on their surface. In this study we have used a protein conjugation system to produce a bispecific immune engager, V-aCD3, based on recombinant VAR2CSA as the cancer targeting moiety and an anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment linked to a single-chain Fc as the immune engager. Conjugation of these two proteins resulted in a single functional moiety that induced immune mediated killing of a broad range of cancer cells in vitro and facilitated tumor arrest in an orthotopic bladder cancer xenograft model.

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Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of 3D8, a Nucleic Acid-Hydrolyzing Single-Chain Variable Fragment (scFv), Targeting SARS-CoV-2 and Multiple Coronaviruses In Vitro

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13040650 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 650

Author(s):

Gunsup Lee ◽

Shailesh Budhathoki ◽

Geum-Young Lee ◽

Kwang-ji Oh ◽

Yeon Kyoung Ham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nucleic Acid ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

Broad Spectrum ◽

Recombinant Antibody ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽

Single Chain ◽

Diarrhea Virus ◽

3D8 Scfv

The virus behind the current pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the etiology of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and poses a critical public health threat worldwide. Effective therapeutics and vaccines against multiple coronaviruses remain unavailable. Single-chain variable fragment (scFv), a recombinant antibody, exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against DNA and RNA viruses owing to its nucleic acid-hydrolyzing property. The antiviral activity of 3D8 scFv against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses was evaluated in Vero E6 cell cultures. Viral growth was quantified with quantitative RT-qPCR and plaque assay. The nucleic acid-hydrolyzing activity of 3D8 was assessed through abzyme assays of in vitro viral transcripts and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. We found that 3D8 inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Our results revealed the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of 3D8 scFv against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells. Immunoblot and plaque assays showed the reduction of coronavirus nucleoproteins and infectious particles, respectively, in 3D8 scFv-treated cells. These data demonstrate the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of 3D8 against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Thus, it could be considered a potential antiviral countermeasure against SARS-CoV-2 and zoonotic coronaviruses.

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Siraitia grosvenorii Residual Extract Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis by Regulating Immune Dysfunction and Skin Barrier Abnormality

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12123638 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

pp. 3638

Author(s):

Yoon-Young Sung ◽

Heung-Joo Yuk ◽

Won-Kyung Yang ◽

Seung-Hyung Kim ◽

Dong-Seon Kim

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Immunoglobulin E ◽

Allergic Inflammation ◽

Skin Barrier ◽

Human Keratinocytes ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Siraitia Grosvenorii ◽

Ifn Γ

Atopic dermatitis is a persistent inflammatory skin disorder. Siraitia grosvenorii fruits (monk fruit or nahangwa in Korean, NHG) are used as a natural sweetener and as a traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. We evaluated the activity of S. grosvenorii residual extract (NHGR) on allergic inflammation of atopic dermatitis in a Dermatophagoides farinae mite antigen extract (DfE)-treated NC/Nga murine model and in vitro. Oral administration of NHGR significantly reduced epidermal hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration in the skin lesions of DfE-induced atopic dermatitis, as well as the dermatitis severity score. NHGR reduced serum immunoglobulin E levels. Splenic concentrations of IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were reduced by NHGR administration. Immunohistofluorescence staining showed that NHGR administration increased the protein levels of claudin-1, SIRT1, and filaggrin in atopic dermatitis skin lesions. In addition, NHGR inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and decreased filaggrin and chemokine protein expression in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced human keratinocytes. Moreover, NHGR also inhibited histamine in mast cells. The quantitative analysis of NHGR revealed the presence of grosvenorine, kaempferitrin, and mogrosides. These results demonstrate that NHGR may be an efficient therapeutic agent for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

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An Ex Vivo Study of T Lymphocytes Recovered from the Lungs of I/St Mice Infected with and Susceptible toMycobacterium tuberculosis

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.66.10.4981-4988.1998 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 66 (10) ◽

pp. 4981-4988 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Irina Lyadova ◽

Vladimir Yeremeev ◽

Konstantin Majorov ◽

Boris Nikonenko ◽

Sergei Khaidukov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

T Cell ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Antimycobacterial Activity ◽

Enzymatic Digestion ◽

Interleukin 4 ◽

T Cell Clones ◽

Cell Clones ◽

Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT I/St mice, previously characterized as susceptible toMycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, were given 103 or 105 CFU intravenously. At two time points postinoculation, the cell suspensions that resulted from enzymatic digestion of lungs were enumerated and further characterized phenotypically and functionally. Regarding the T-cell populations recovered at 2 and 5 weeks postinfection, two main results were obtained: (i) the population of CD44− CD45RB+cells disappeared within 2 weeks postinfection, while the number of CD44+ CD45RB−/low cells slowly increased between weeks 2 and 5; (ii) when cocultured with irradiated syngeneic splenocytes, these lung T cells proliferated in the presence of H37Rv sonicate. Using H37Rv sonicate and irradiated syngeneic splenocytes to reactivate lung T cells, we selected five CD3+CD4+ CD8− T-cell clones. In addition to the H37Rv sonicate, the five clones react to both a short-term culture filtrate and an affinity-purified 15- to 18-kDa mycobacterial molecule as assessed by the proliferative assay. However, there was a clear difference between T-cell clones with respect to cytokine (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and interleukin-4 [IL-4] and IL-10) profiles: besides one Th1-like (IFN-γ+ IL-4−) clone and one Th0-like (IFN-γ+ IL-4+IL-10+) clone, three clones produced predominantly IL-10, with only marginal or no IL-4 and IFN-γ responses. Inhibition of mycobacterial growth by macrophages in the presence of T cells was studied in a coculture in vitro system. It was found that the capacity to enhance antimycobacterial activity of macrophages fully correlated with INF-γ production by individual T-cell clones following genetically restricted recognition of infected macrophages. The possible functional significance of cytokine diversity among T-cell clones is discussed.

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Topical Pioglitazone Nanoformulation for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Design, Characterization and Efficacy in Hairless Mouse Model

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics12030255 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 255 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lupe Carolina Espinoza ◽

Rodrigo Vera-García ◽

Marcelle Silva-Abreu ◽

Òscar Domènech ◽

Josefa Badia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

In Vitro Release ◽

Skin Barrier ◽

Inflammatory Cells ◽

Hairless Mouse ◽

Skin Barrier Function ◽

Inflammatory Parameters ◽

Therapeutic Benefits

Pioglitazone (PGZ) is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus that has been reported to show additional therapeutic activities on diverse inflammatory parameters. The aim of this study was to optimize a topical PGZ-loaded nanoemulsion (PGZ-NE) in order to evaluate its effectiveness for treating atopic dermatitis (AD). The composition of the nanoformulation was established by pseudo-ternary diagram. Parameters such as physical properties, stability, in vitro release profile, and ex vivo permeation were determined. The efficacy study was carried out using oxazolone-induced AD model in hairless mice. PGZ-NE released the drug following a hyperbolic kinetic. Additionally, its properties provided high retention potential of drug inside the skin. Therapeutic benefits of PGZ-NE were confirmed on diverse events of the inflammatory process, such as reduction of lesions, enhancement of skin barrier function, diminished infiltration of inflammatory cells, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results were reinforced by atomic force microscope (AFM), which demonstrated the ability of the formulation to revert the rigidification caused by oxazolone and consequently improve the elasticity of the skin. These results suggest that PGZ-NE may be a promising treatment for inflammatory dermatological conditions such as AD.

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Evaluation of in vitro refolding vs cold shock expression: Production of a low yielding single chain variable fragment

Protein Expression and Purification ◽

10.1016/j.pep.2018.06.005 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 151 ◽

pp. 62-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jan-G. Vermeulen ◽

Felicity Burt ◽

Esta van Heerden ◽

Errol Cason ◽

Muriel Meiring

Keyword(s):

Cold Shock ◽

Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽

Single Chain ◽

In Vitro Refolding

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Dendritic Cells Derived In Vitro From Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Cells Stimulate Autologous, Antileukemic T-Cell Responses

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v93.3.780 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 93 (3) ◽

pp. 780-786 ◽

Cited By ~ 179

Author(s):

A. Choudhury ◽

J.C. Liang ◽

E.K. Thomas ◽

L. Flores-Romo ◽

Q.S. Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dendritic Cells ◽

T Cell ◽

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia ◽

Chromosomal Abnormalities ◽

Fusion Gene ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Myelogenous Leukemia ◽

Interleukin 4 ◽

Acute Myelogenous

Abstract We have previously reported that leukemic dendritic cells (DC) can be generated ex vivo from myelomonocytic precursors in chronic myelogenous leukemia. In this study we report the generation of DC from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells and their potent ability to stimulate leukemia-specific cytolytic activity in autologous lymphocytes. DC were generated in vitro using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor +interleukin-4 in combination with either tumor necrosis factor- or CD40 ligand (CD40L). Cells from 19 AML patients with a variety of chromosomal abnormalities were studied for their ability to generate DC. In all but 1 case, cells with the morphology, phenotypic characteristics, and T-cell stimulatory properties of DC could be generated. These cells expressed high levels of major histocompatibility complex class I and class II antigens as well as the costimulatory molecules B7-2 and ICAM-1. In three cases these cells were determined to be of leukemic origin by fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomal abnormalities or Western blotting for the inv(16) fusion gene product. Autologous lymphocytes cocultured with AML-derived DC (DC-AL) were able to lyse autologous leukemia targets, whereas little cytotoxicity was noted against autologous, normal cells obtained from the patients during remission. We conclude that leukemia derived DC may be useful for immunotherapy of many AML patients.

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Interleukin-4 Signaling Plays a Major Role in Urogenital Schistosomiasis-Associated Bladder Pathogenesis

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.00669-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 88 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Evaristus C. Mbanefo ◽

Chi-Ling Fu ◽

Christina P. Ho ◽

Loc Le ◽

Kenji Ishida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Bladder Wall ◽

Interleukin 4 ◽

Wild Type ◽

Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽

Content Type ◽

Helminth Infections

ABSTRACT Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is crucial in many helminth infections, but its role in urogenital schistosomiasis, infection with Schistosoma haematobium worms, remains poorly understood due to a historical lack of animal models. The bladder pathology of urogenital schistosomiasis is caused by immune responses to eggs deposited in the bladder wall. A range of pathology occurs, including urothelial hyperplasia and cancer, but associated mechanisms and links to IL-4 are largely unknown. We modeled urogenital schistosomiasis by injecting the bladder walls of IL-4 receptor-alpha knockout (Il4ra−/−) and wild-type mice with S. haematobium eggs. Readouts included bladder histology and ex vivo assessments of urothelial proliferation, cell cycle, and ploidy status. We also quantified the effects of exogenous IL-4 on urothelial cell proliferation in vitro, including cell cycle status and phosphorylation patterns of major downstream regulators in the IL-4 signaling pathway. There was a significant decrease in the intensity of granulomatous responses to bladder-wall-injected S. haematobium eggs in Il4ra−/− versus wild-type mice. S. haematobium egg injection triggered significant urothelial proliferation, including evidence of urothelial hyper-diploidy and cell cycle skewing in wild-type but not Il4ra−/− mice. Urothelial exposure to IL-4 in vitro led to cell cycle polarization and increased phosphorylation of AKT. Our results show that IL-4 signaling is required for key pathogenic features of urogenital schistosomiasis and that particular aspects of this signaling pathway may exert these effects directly on the urothelium. These findings point to potential mechanisms by which urogenital schistosomiasis promotes bladder carcinogenesis.

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Dendritic Cells Derived In Vitro From Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Cells Stimulate Autologous, Antileukemic T-Cell Responses

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v93.3.780.403k37_780_786 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 93 (3) ◽

pp. 780-786 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

A. Choudhury ◽

J.C. Liang ◽

E.K. Thomas ◽

L. Flores-Romo ◽

Q.S. Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dendritic Cells ◽

T Cell ◽

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia ◽

Chromosomal Abnormalities ◽

Fusion Gene ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Myelogenous Leukemia ◽

Interleukin 4 ◽

Acute Myelogenous

We have previously reported that leukemic dendritic cells (DC) can be generated ex vivo from myelomonocytic precursors in chronic myelogenous leukemia. In this study we report the generation of DC from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells and their potent ability to stimulate leukemia-specific cytolytic activity in autologous lymphocytes. DC were generated in vitro using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor +interleukin-4 in combination with either tumor necrosis factor- or CD40 ligand (CD40L). Cells from 19 AML patients with a variety of chromosomal abnormalities were studied for their ability to generate DC. In all but 1 case, cells with the morphology, phenotypic characteristics, and T-cell stimulatory properties of DC could be generated. These cells expressed high levels of major histocompatibility complex class I and class II antigens as well as the costimulatory molecules B7-2 and ICAM-1. In three cases these cells were determined to be of leukemic origin by fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomal abnormalities or Western blotting for the inv(16) fusion gene product. Autologous lymphocytes cocultured with AML-derived DC (DC-AL) were able to lyse autologous leukemia targets, whereas little cytotoxicity was noted against autologous, normal cells obtained from the patients during remission. We conclude that leukemia derived DC may be useful for immunotherapy of many AML patients.

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