Defining the complementarities between antibodies and haptens to refine our understanding and aid the prediction of a successful binding interaction

Al Qaraghuli, MM; Palliyil, S; Broadbent, G; Cullen, DC; Charlton, KA; Porter, AJ

HERO ID

4969021

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2015

Language

English

PMID

26498921

HERO ID 4969021
In Press No
Year 2015
Title Defining the complementarities between antibodies and haptens to refine our understanding and aid the prediction of a successful binding interaction
Authors Al Qaraghuli, MM; Palliyil, S; Broadbent, G; Cullen, DC; Charlton, KA; Porter, AJ
Journal BMC Biotechnology
Volume 15
Page Numbers 99
Abstract <strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Low molecular weight haptens (<1000 Da) cannot be recognized by the immune system unless conjugated to larger carrier molecules. Antibodies to these exceptionally small antigens can still be generated with exquisite sensitivity. A detailed understanding at the molecular level of this incredible ability of antibodies to recognize haptens, is still limited compared to other antigen classes.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>Different hapten targets with a broad range of structural flexibility and polarity were conjugated to carrier proteins, and utilized in sheep immunization. Three antibody libraries were constructed and used as potential pools to isolate specific antibodies to each target. The isolated antibodies were analysed in term of CDR length, canonical structure, and binding site shape and electrostatic potential.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The simple, chemically naïve structure of squalane (SQA) was recognized with micromolar sensitivity. An increase in structural rigidity of the hydrophobic and cyclic coprostane (COP) did not improve this binding sensitivity beyond the micromolar range, whilst the polar etioporphyrin (POR) was detected with nanomolar sensitivity. Homoserine lactone (HSL) molecules, which combine molecular flexibility and polarity, generated super-sensitive (picomolar) interactions. To better understand this range of antibody-hapten interactions, analyses were extended to examine the binding loop canonical structures and CDR lengths of a series of anti-hapten clones. Analyses of the pre and post- selection (panning of the phage displayed libraries) sequences revealed more conserved sites (123) within the post-selection sequences, when compared to their pre-selection counterparts (28). The strong selection pressure, generated by panning against these haptens resulted in the isolation of antibodies with significant sequence conservation in the FW regions, and suitable binding site cavities, representing only a relatively small subset of the available full repertoire sequence and structural diversity. As part of this process, the important influence of CDR H2 on antigen binding was observed through its direct interaction with individual antigens and indirect impact on the orientation and the pocket shape, when combined with CDRs H3 and L3. The binding pockets also displayed electrostatic surfaces that were complementary to the hydrophobic nature of COP, SQA, and POR, and the negatively charged HSL.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>The best binding antibodies have shown improved capacity to recognize these haptens by establishing complementary binding pockets in terms of size, shape, and electrostatic potential.
Doi 10.1186/s12896-015-0217-x
Pmid 26498921
Wosid WOS:000363297700001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
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