Llama single domain antibodies as a tool for molecular mimicry

J Mol Biol. 2005 Jun 17;349(4):814-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2005.03.072. Epub 2005 Apr 21.

Abstract

In camelids, a subset of the immunoglobulins consists of heavy-chain homodimers devoid of light chains, and are thus called heavy-chain IgGs (hcIgGs). Their variable region (VHH) is the smallest antigen-binding fragment possible, and being just one polypeptide chain it is especially suitable for engineering. In particular, camelid single domain antibodies might be very useful for molecular mimicry and anti-idiotypic vaccination. In the present work, we show that llamas immunized with an anti-DNA mouse mAb develop an important anti-Id response. Selection of VHHs by phage display, with specific elution of bound phages with the external antigenic DNA, shows that selected private anti-Id VHHs compete for binding to the external antigen and bear a functional mimicry of the DNA. These results indicate that llama anti-Id single domain antibodies would be an excellent tool for molecular mimicry studies.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / chemistry
  • Antibodies / genetics
  • Antibodies / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / genetics
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / immunology
  • Antibody Affinity
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Camelids, New World / immunology*
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / immunology
  • Female
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / immunology
  • Mice
  • Molecular Mimicry / immunology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptide Library
  • Protein Engineering*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Peptide Library
  • DNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY816744