Heterogeneity of Monoclonal Antibodies

Human IgG is the most abundant glycoprotein in serum and is crucial for protective immunity. In addition to conserved IgG Fc glycans, ∼15-25% of serum IgG contains glycans within the variable domains. These so-called "Fab glycans" are primarily highly processed complex-type biantennary N-glycans linked to N-glycosylation sites that emerge during somatic hypermutation. Specific patterns of Fab glycosylation are concurrent with physiological and pathological conditions, such as pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis. With respect to function, Fab glycosylation can significantly affect stability, half-life, and binding characteristics of Abs and BCRs. Moreover, Fab glycans are associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of IVIgs. Consequently, IgG Fab glycosylation appears to be an important, yet poorly understood, process that modulates immunity.

The Emerging Importance of IgG Fab Glycosylation in Immunity.

The best-understood mechanisms for achieving antibody self/non-self discrimination discard self-reactive antibodies before they can be tested for binding microbial antigens, potentially creating holes in the repertoire. Here we provide evidence for a complementary mechanism: retaining autoantibodies in the repertoire displayed as low levels of IgM and high IgD on anergic B cells, masking a varying proportion of autoantibody-binding sites with carbohydrates, and removing their self-reactivity by somatic hypermutation and selection in germinal centers (GCs). Analysis of human antibody sequences by deep sequencing of isotype-switched memory B cells or in IgG antibodies elicited against allogeneic RhD+ erythrocytes, vaccinia virus, rotavirus, or tetanus toxoid provides evidence for reactivation of anergic IgMlow IgD+ IGHV4-34+ B cells and removal of cold agglutinin self-reactivity by hypermutation, often accompanied by mutations that inactivated an N-linked glycosylation sequon in complementarity-determining region 2 (CDR2). In a Hy10 antibody transgenic model where anergic B cells respond to a biophysically defined lysozyme epitope displayed on both foreign and self-antigens, cell transfers revealed that anergic IgMlow IgD+ B cells form twice as many GC progeny as naive IgMhi IgD+ counterparts. Their GC progeny were rapidly selected for CDR2 mutations that blocked 72% of antigen-binding sites with N-linked glycan, decreased affinity 100-fold, and then cleared the binding sites of blocking glycan. These results provide evidence for a mechanism to acquire self/non-self discrimination by somatic mutation away from self-reactivity, and reveal how varying the efficiency of N-glycosylation provides a mechanism to modulate antibody avidity.

https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/111/25/E2567.full.pdf

Redemption of autoantibodies on anergic B cells by variable-region glycosylation and mutation away from self-reactivity

How the semi-allogeneic fetus is tolerated by the maternal immune system remains a fascinating phenomenon. Despite extensive research activity in this field the mechanisms underlying fetal tolerance are still not well understood. However, there are growing evidences that immune-immune interactions as well as immune-endocrine interactions build up a complex network of immune regulation that ensures fetal survival within the maternal uterus. In the present review, we aim to summarize emerging research data from our and other laboratories on immune modulating properties of pregnancy hormones with a special focus on progesterone, estradiol and human Chorionic Gonadotropin. These pregnancy hormones are critically involved in the successful establishment, maintenance and termination of pregnancy. They suppress detrimental maternal alloresponses while promoting tolerance pathways. This includes the reduction of the antigen-presenting capacity of dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages as well as the blockage of natural killer cells, T and B cells. Pregnancy hormones also support the proliferation of pregnancy supporting uterine killer cells, retain tolerogenic dendritic cells and efficiently induce regulatory T cells. Furthermore, they are involved in the recruitment of mast cells and regulatory T cells into the fetal-maternal interface contributing to a local accumulation of pregnancy-protective cells. These findings highlight the importance of endocrine factors for the tolerance induction during pregnancy and encourage further research in the field.

/pdf/endocrine-factors-modulating-immune-responses-in-pregnancy-3v5z7f5bja.pdf

Endocrine factors modulating immune responses in pregnancy.

Quantitative and theoretical analyses of the relation between older brothers and homosexuality in men

IgG asymmetric molecules with antipaternal activity isolated from sera and placenta of pregnant human.

Preferential synthesis of asymmetric antibodies in rats immunized with paternal particulate antigens. Effect on pregnancy

Asymmetrically glycosylated IgG isolated from non-immune human sera.

The proportion of symmetric and asymmetric IgG antibody molecules synthesized by a cellular clone (hybridoma) can be regulated by placental culture supernatants.

The presence of asymmetric antibody molecules has been investigated in both IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses of guinea-pig immunoglobulins. It was found that about 20% of the IgG1 and 10% of the IgG2 were of asymmetric type. The proportion was essentially the same in the sera of normal animals, animals hyperimmunized with dinitrophenyl-bovine gamma globulin (DNP-BGG) and Freund's adjuvant, and animals infected with Trichinella spiralis. In the case of animals immunized with DNP-BGG, no differences were observed in the proportion of asymmetric molecules between the specific antibodies and the IgG not specific for the immunizing antigen. It is concluded that the asymmetric glycosylation occurs to a different extent in each subclass and that it is not affected by the antigen specificity of the antibodies studied.

Juana Angelucci

Papers

IgG asymmetric molecules with antipaternal activity isolated from sera and placenta of pregnant human.

Preferential synthesis of asymmetric antibodies in rats immunized with paternal particulate antigens. Effect on pregnancy

Asymmetrically glycosylated IgG isolated from non-immune human sera.

The proportion of symmetric and asymmetric IgG antibody molecules synthesized by a cellular clone (hybridoma) can be regulated by placental culture supernatants.

Asymmetric Fab glycosylation in guinea-pig IgG1 and IgG2.