Dieter Stoll - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dieter Stoll

Antibodies

Annexin-A1 (ANXA1) belongs to a class of highly homologous Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding pr... more Annexin-A1 (ANXA1) belongs to a class of highly homologous Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. Its structure consists of a core region composed of four homologous repeats arranged in a compact, hydrolysis-resistant structure and an N-terminal region with a Ca2+-dependent conformation. ANXA1 is involved in several processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and the inflammatory response. Therefore, the development of antibodies blocking selected regions on ANXA1 holds great potential for the development of novel therapeutics treating inflammatory and cancer diseases. Here, we report the interaction site between an ANXA1-specific antibody known to inhibit T cell activation without adverse cytotoxic effects and ANXA1 using amide hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). For the epitope determination, we applied two bottom-up HDX-MS approaches with pepsin digestion in solution and immobilized on beads. Both strategies revealed the interaction ...

Current Opinion in Drug Discovery Development, Mar 1, 2005

Within the last decade protein microarray technology has been successfully applied for the simult... more Within the last decade protein microarray technology has been successfully applied for the simultaneous identification, quantification and functional analysis of proteins in basic and applied proteome research. These miniaturized and parallelized assay systems have the potential to replace state-of-the-art singleplex analysis systems. However, prior to their general application in robust, reliable, routine and high-throughput applications it is mandatory that they demonstrate robustness, sensitivity, automation and appropriate pricing. In this review, the current state of protein microarray technology will be summarized. Recent applications for the simultaneous determination of a variety of parameters using only minute amounts of sample will be described and future challenges of this cutting-edge technology will be discussed.

Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T ... more Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T cell Ag in Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. The nature of this response with respect to the epitopes recognized and functional characteristics of the T cells is largely unknown. CD4 ؉ T cell clones specific for Ye-hsp60 were raised from synovial fluid mononuclear cells from a patient with Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. and their specificity was determined using three recombinant Ye-hsp60 fragments, overlapping 18-mer synthetic peptides as well as truncated peptides. Functional characteristics were assessed by cytokine secretion analysis in culture supernatants after specific antigenic stimulation. Amino acid positions relevant for T cell activation were detected by single alanine substitutions within the epitopes. Fragment II comprising amino acid sequence 182-371 was recognized by the majority of clones. All these clones were specific for peptide 319-342. Th1 clones and IL-10-secreting clones occurred in parallel, sometimes with the same fine specificity. The 12-mer core epitope 322-333 is a degenerate MHC binder and is presented to some T cell clones in a "promiscuous" manner. This epitope is almost identical with a B27-restricted CTL epitope of Ye-hsp60. Cross-reactivity of Ye-hsp60-specific T cell clones with self-hsp60 was not observed. In conclusion, an interesting Ye-hsp60 T cell epitope has been identified and characterized. It remains to be determined whether this epitope is also relevant in other reactive arthritis patients.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2005

PURPOSE. To determine efflux systems of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB) and compare the oBR... more PURPOSE. To determine efflux systems of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB) and compare the oBRB with the blood-brain barrier (BBB). METHODS. Porcine oBRB structure and transport characteristics of freshly dissected intact tissue sheets were investigated with scanning electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, vital dye labeling, and pharmacological agents, using HPLC/mass spectrometry. To compare drug permeation across the oBRB and the BBB, three different systems were used: (1) oBRB tissue sheets in a two-chamber device in vitro; (2) an in vitro BBB model composed of purified astrocytes and brain capillary endothelial cells on transfilter membranes; and (3) an in vivo model based on the brain-plasma ratio of drugs in mice. RESULTS. Efflux pumps (multidrug resistance protein [P-gp] and multidrug resistance-associated protein [MRP]) were demonstrated by antibody staining. Side-specific application of three P-gp and MRP substrates and selective transport inhibition suggested that both membrane proteins were preferentially located on the choroidal side of the oBRB. Therefore, the efflux was directed toward the blood, as in the BBB. To relate the transport characteristics of the oBRB to the BBB, up to nine different test compounds were used. The ranking of the permeability coefficients (P e) and the brain-plasma ratios of test compounds indicated that the oBRB has barrier and carrier features similar to those of the BBB in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS. Despite the fact that epithelial oBRB and endothelial BBB have developed as separate entities with many site-specific functions, their transport and permeation characteristics display surprising similarities, that include the polarized expression of the two major efflux pumps P-gp and MRP.

ELECTROPHORESIS, 2010

We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogen... more We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogenates based on dielectrophoretic sorting. Separation of mitochondria isolated from a human lymphoblastoid cell line was monitored by fluorescence microscopy and further characterized by western blot analysis. Robust high throughput and continuous long-term operation for up to 60 h of the microPrep chip system with complex biological samples became feasible as a result of a comprehensive set of technical measures: (i) coating of the inner surfaces of the chip with BSA, (ii) application of mechanical actuators to induce periodic flow patterns, (iii) efficient cooling of the device to ensure integrity of organelle, (iv) a wide channel to provide for high fluidic throughput, and (v) integration of a serial arrangement of 10 dielectrophoretic deflector units to enable separation of samples with a high particle load without clogging. Hence, microPrep yields tens of micrograms of enriched and purified mitochondria within hours. Western blots of mitochondria fractions showed that contaminating endoplasmatic reticulum was reduced by a factor 6 when compared with samples prepared by state of the art centrifugation.

Analytical Chemistry, 1996

Journal of Proteomics, 2013

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group o... more The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes. GPCRs are involved in a plethora of physiological functions in all kinds of tissues. Detailed knowledge about GPCR presence and expression levels in tissues can be very helpful for drug development as the majority of drugs are designed to modulate membrane receptors. Furthermore, it is known that many adverse drug effects result from GPCR interactions. However, very few satisfactory methods are currently available for the detection and quantification of GPCRs. The detection is complicated by their three-dimensional structure, their hydrophobic properties, and their localization in the plasma membrane with 7-trans-membrane domains and small cytosolic and extracellular domains. Due to these properties it is very difficult to generate specific antibodies directed against GPCRs for sandwich immunoassays and Western blot. We therefore designed an immunoaffinity- and mass spectrometry-based approach to analyze GPCR-specific signature peptides in tryptic digests in rat tissue lysates. The expression levels of four different GPCRs were determined using chemically labeled synthetic standard peptides. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, that peptide immunoaffinity MS-based methods can render a reliable and quantitative analysis of multi-membrane spanning receptor molecules.

Journal of Proteomics, 2013

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group o... more The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes. GPCRs are involved in a plethora of physiological functions in all kinds of tissues. Detailed knowledge about GPCR presence and expression levels in tissues can be very helpful for drug development as the majority of drugs are designed to modulate membrane receptors. Furthermore, it is known that many adverse drug effects result from GPCR interactions. However, very few satisfactory methods are currently available for the detection and quantification of GPCRs. The detection is complicated by their three-dimensional structure, their hydrophobic properties, and their localization in the plasma membrane with 7-trans-membrane domains and small cytosolic and extracellular domains. Due to these properties it is very difficult to generate specific antibodies directed against GPCRs for sandwich immunoassays and Western blot. We therefore designed an immunoaffinity- and mass spectrometry-based approach to analyze GPCR-specific signature peptides in tryptic digests in rat tissue lysates. The expression levels of four different GPCRs were determined using chemically labeled synthetic standard peptides. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, that peptide immunoaffinity MS-based methods can render a reliable and quantitative analysis of multi-membrane spanning receptor molecules.

ELECTROPHORESIS, 2010

We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogen... more We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogenates based on dielectrophoretic sorting. Separation of mitochondria isolated from a human lymphoblastoid cell line was monitored by fluorescence microscopy and further characterized by western blot analysis. Robust high throughput and continuous long-term operation for up to 60 h of the microPrep chip system with complex biological samples became feasible as a result of a comprehensive set of technical measures: (i) coating of the inner surfaces of the chip with BSA, (ii) application of mechanical actuators to induce periodic flow patterns, (iii) efficient cooling of the device to ensure integrity of organelle, (iv) a wide channel to provide for high fluidic throughput, and (v) integration of a serial arrangement of 10 dielectrophoretic deflector units to enable separation of samples with a high particle load without clogging. Hence, microPrep yields tens of micrograms of enriched and purified mitochondria within hours. Western blots of mitochondria fractions showed that contaminating endoplasmatic reticulum was reduced by a factor 6 when compared with samples prepared by state of the art centrifugation.

European Journal of Biochemistry, 1996

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I1 molecules present peptide antigens to CD4'-T cell... more Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I1 molecules present peptide antigens to CD4'-T cells. These heterogeneous peptides are derived from internalized exogenous proteins or from endogenous membrane proteins that are processed by the antigen-presenting cell. Peptides are bound to the MHC class I1 molecules in an extended conformation and extend out of the binding groove. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of every amino acid in all the possible undecapeptide amides (2.O48X1Oi4 individuals) on the binding to human MHC-DRBI*OlOl molecules (HLA-DRI) and to identify new peptide ligands. 220 undecapeptide sublibraries, O/X,,, each composed of ten degenerate positions and one defined position, were screened for binding to isolated HLA-DR1 , Competition of the sublibraries with a fluorescence-labeled peptide ligand allowed definition of the amino acids favourable or unfavourable for DR1 -binding at every sequence position. From the activity pattern of the undecapeptide library, 54 individual peptides were deduced (27 potential hits and 27 potential falls) and prepared by chemical synthesis. As anticipated, 27 positive and 27 negative results were obtained from the competition experiments. The 27 peptides that bind obey the rules for the HLA-DR1-binding motif. The synthetic peptide library approach proved to be valuable for the design of synthetic MHC class zyx I1 ligands and thus can be considered as a basis for drug design in immunotherapy.

The Journal of Immunology, 2000

Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T ... more Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T cell Ag in Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. The nature of this response with respect to the epitopes recognized and functional characteristics of the T cells is largely unknown. CD4 ؉ T cell clones specific for Ye-hsp60 were raised from synovial fluid mononuclear cells from a patient with Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. and their specificity was determined using three recombinant Ye-hsp60 fragments, overlapping 18-mer synthetic peptides as well as truncated peptides. Functional characteristics were assessed by cytokine secretion analysis in culture supernatants after specific antigenic stimulation. Amino acid positions relevant for T cell activation were detected by single alanine substitutions within the epitopes. Fragment II comprising amino acid sequence 182-371 was recognized by the majority of clones. All these clones were specific for peptide 319 -342. Th1 clones and IL-10-secreting clones occurred in parallel, sometimes with the same fine specificity. The 12-mer core epitope 322-333 is a degenerate MHC binder and is presented to some T cell clones in a "promiscuous" manner. This epitope is almost identical with a B27-restricted CTL epitope of Ye-hsp60.

European Biophysics Journal, 1997

Failure of inactivation is the typical response of voltage-gated Na + channels to the cytosolic p... more Failure of inactivation is the typical response of voltage-gated Na + channels to the cytosolic presence of proteolytic enzymes, protein reagents such as N-bromoacetamide (NBA) or iodate, and antibodies directed against the linker between domains III and IV of the α-subunit. The present patch clamp experiments with cardiac Na + channels aimed to test the hypothesis that these interventions may provoke the occurrence of non-inactivating Na + channels with distinct kinetic properties. A site-directed polyclonal antibody (anti-SLP2, target sequence 1481-1496 of the cardiac Na + channel α-subunit) eliminated fast Na + inactivation to induce burst activity which was accompanied by the occurrence of two open states. A deactivation process terminated channel activity during membrane depolarization proceeding with time constants of close to 40 ms (at -40 mV). NBA-modified and iodatemodified Na + channels were kinetically indistinguishable from the anti-SLP2-modified type since they likewise deactivate and, thus, attain an only moderate P o of close to 20%. This is fundamentally different from the behaviour of enzymatically-modified Na + channels: after cytosolic proteolysis with α-chymotrypsin, trypsin or pronase, mean P o during membrane depolarization amounted to approximately 40% because deactivation operated extremely slowly and less efficiently (time constants 100-200 ms at -40 mV, as a minimum) or was virtually non-operating. Invitro cleavage of the synthetic linker sequence 1481-1496 confirmed that this part of the α-subunit provides a substrate for these peptidases or reactants for NBA but cannot be chemically modified by iodate. This iodate resistance indicates that iodate-modified Na + channels are based on a structural alteration of still another region which is also involved in Na + inactivation, besides the linker between domains III and IV of the α-subunit. Endogenous peptidases such as calpain did not affect Na + inactivation. This stresses the stochastic nature of a kinetic peculiarity of cardiac Na + channels, mode-switching to a non-inactivating mode.

Antibodies

Annexin-A1 (ANXA1) belongs to a class of highly homologous Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding pr... more Annexin-A1 (ANXA1) belongs to a class of highly homologous Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. Its structure consists of a core region composed of four homologous repeats arranged in a compact, hydrolysis-resistant structure and an N-terminal region with a Ca2+-dependent conformation. ANXA1 is involved in several processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and the inflammatory response. Therefore, the development of antibodies blocking selected regions on ANXA1 holds great potential for the development of novel therapeutics treating inflammatory and cancer diseases. Here, we report the interaction site between an ANXA1-specific antibody known to inhibit T cell activation without adverse cytotoxic effects and ANXA1 using amide hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). For the epitope determination, we applied two bottom-up HDX-MS approaches with pepsin digestion in solution and immobilized on beads. Both strategies revealed the interaction ...

Current Opinion in Drug Discovery Development, Mar 1, 2005

Within the last decade protein microarray technology has been successfully applied for the simult... more Within the last decade protein microarray technology has been successfully applied for the simultaneous identification, quantification and functional analysis of proteins in basic and applied proteome research. These miniaturized and parallelized assay systems have the potential to replace state-of-the-art singleplex analysis systems. However, prior to their general application in robust, reliable, routine and high-throughput applications it is mandatory that they demonstrate robustness, sensitivity, automation and appropriate pricing. In this review, the current state of protein microarray technology will be summarized. Recent applications for the simultaneous determination of a variety of parameters using only minute amounts of sample will be described and future challenges of this cutting-edge technology will be discussed.

Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T ... more Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T cell Ag in Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. The nature of this response with respect to the epitopes recognized and functional characteristics of the T cells is largely unknown. CD4 ؉ T cell clones specific for Ye-hsp60 were raised from synovial fluid mononuclear cells from a patient with Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. and their specificity was determined using three recombinant Ye-hsp60 fragments, overlapping 18-mer synthetic peptides as well as truncated peptides. Functional characteristics were assessed by cytokine secretion analysis in culture supernatants after specific antigenic stimulation. Amino acid positions relevant for T cell activation were detected by single alanine substitutions within the epitopes. Fragment II comprising amino acid sequence 182-371 was recognized by the majority of clones. All these clones were specific for peptide 319-342. Th1 clones and IL-10-secreting clones occurred in parallel, sometimes with the same fine specificity. The 12-mer core epitope 322-333 is a degenerate MHC binder and is presented to some T cell clones in a "promiscuous" manner. This epitope is almost identical with a B27-restricted CTL epitope of Ye-hsp60. Cross-reactivity of Ye-hsp60-specific T cell clones with self-hsp60 was not observed. In conclusion, an interesting Ye-hsp60 T cell epitope has been identified and characterized. It remains to be determined whether this epitope is also relevant in other reactive arthritis patients.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2005

PURPOSE. To determine efflux systems of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB) and compare the oBR... more PURPOSE. To determine efflux systems of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB) and compare the oBRB with the blood-brain barrier (BBB). METHODS. Porcine oBRB structure and transport characteristics of freshly dissected intact tissue sheets were investigated with scanning electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, vital dye labeling, and pharmacological agents, using HPLC/mass spectrometry. To compare drug permeation across the oBRB and the BBB, three different systems were used: (1) oBRB tissue sheets in a two-chamber device in vitro; (2) an in vitro BBB model composed of purified astrocytes and brain capillary endothelial cells on transfilter membranes; and (3) an in vivo model based on the brain-plasma ratio of drugs in mice. RESULTS. Efflux pumps (multidrug resistance protein [P-gp] and multidrug resistance-associated protein [MRP]) were demonstrated by antibody staining. Side-specific application of three P-gp and MRP substrates and selective transport inhibition suggested that both membrane proteins were preferentially located on the choroidal side of the oBRB. Therefore, the efflux was directed toward the blood, as in the BBB. To relate the transport characteristics of the oBRB to the BBB, up to nine different test compounds were used. The ranking of the permeability coefficients (P e) and the brain-plasma ratios of test compounds indicated that the oBRB has barrier and carrier features similar to those of the BBB in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS. Despite the fact that epithelial oBRB and endothelial BBB have developed as separate entities with many site-specific functions, their transport and permeation characteristics display surprising similarities, that include the polarized expression of the two major efflux pumps P-gp and MRP.

ELECTROPHORESIS, 2010

We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogen... more We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogenates based on dielectrophoretic sorting. Separation of mitochondria isolated from a human lymphoblastoid cell line was monitored by fluorescence microscopy and further characterized by western blot analysis. Robust high throughput and continuous long-term operation for up to 60 h of the microPrep chip system with complex biological samples became feasible as a result of a comprehensive set of technical measures: (i) coating of the inner surfaces of the chip with BSA, (ii) application of mechanical actuators to induce periodic flow patterns, (iii) efficient cooling of the device to ensure integrity of organelle, (iv) a wide channel to provide for high fluidic throughput, and (v) integration of a serial arrangement of 10 dielectrophoretic deflector units to enable separation of samples with a high particle load without clogging. Hence, microPrep yields tens of micrograms of enriched and purified mitochondria within hours. Western blots of mitochondria fractions showed that contaminating endoplasmatic reticulum was reduced by a factor 6 when compared with samples prepared by state of the art centrifugation.

Analytical Chemistry, 1996

Journal of Proteomics, 2013

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group o... more The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes. GPCRs are involved in a plethora of physiological functions in all kinds of tissues. Detailed knowledge about GPCR presence and expression levels in tissues can be very helpful for drug development as the majority of drugs are designed to modulate membrane receptors. Furthermore, it is known that many adverse drug effects result from GPCR interactions. However, very few satisfactory methods are currently available for the detection and quantification of GPCRs. The detection is complicated by their three-dimensional structure, their hydrophobic properties, and their localization in the plasma membrane with 7-trans-membrane domains and small cytosolic and extracellular domains. Due to these properties it is very difficult to generate specific antibodies directed against GPCRs for sandwich immunoassays and Western blot. We therefore designed an immunoaffinity- and mass spectrometry-based approach to analyze GPCR-specific signature peptides in tryptic digests in rat tissue lysates. The expression levels of four different GPCRs were determined using chemically labeled synthetic standard peptides. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, that peptide immunoaffinity MS-based methods can render a reliable and quantitative analysis of multi-membrane spanning receptor molecules.

Journal of Proteomics, 2013

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group o... more The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family comprises the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes. GPCRs are involved in a plethora of physiological functions in all kinds of tissues. Detailed knowledge about GPCR presence and expression levels in tissues can be very helpful for drug development as the majority of drugs are designed to modulate membrane receptors. Furthermore, it is known that many adverse drug effects result from GPCR interactions. However, very few satisfactory methods are currently available for the detection and quantification of GPCRs. The detection is complicated by their three-dimensional structure, their hydrophobic properties, and their localization in the plasma membrane with 7-trans-membrane domains and small cytosolic and extracellular domains. Due to these properties it is very difficult to generate specific antibodies directed against GPCRs for sandwich immunoassays and Western blot. We therefore designed an immunoaffinity- and mass spectrometry-based approach to analyze GPCR-specific signature peptides in tryptic digests in rat tissue lysates. The expression levels of four different GPCRs were determined using chemically labeled synthetic standard peptides. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, that peptide immunoaffinity MS-based methods can render a reliable and quantitative analysis of multi-membrane spanning receptor molecules.

ELECTROPHORESIS, 2010

We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogen... more We have developed a microfluidic system--microPrep--for subcellular fractionation of cell homogenates based on dielectrophoretic sorting. Separation of mitochondria isolated from a human lymphoblastoid cell line was monitored by fluorescence microscopy and further characterized by western blot analysis. Robust high throughput and continuous long-term operation for up to 60 h of the microPrep chip system with complex biological samples became feasible as a result of a comprehensive set of technical measures: (i) coating of the inner surfaces of the chip with BSA, (ii) application of mechanical actuators to induce periodic flow patterns, (iii) efficient cooling of the device to ensure integrity of organelle, (iv) a wide channel to provide for high fluidic throughput, and (v) integration of a serial arrangement of 10 dielectrophoretic deflector units to enable separation of samples with a high particle load without clogging. Hence, microPrep yields tens of micrograms of enriched and purified mitochondria within hours. Western blots of mitochondria fractions showed that contaminating endoplasmatic reticulum was reduced by a factor 6 when compared with samples prepared by state of the art centrifugation.

European Journal of Biochemistry, 1996

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I1 molecules present peptide antigens to CD4'-T cell... more Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I1 molecules present peptide antigens to CD4'-T cells. These heterogeneous peptides are derived from internalized exogenous proteins or from endogenous membrane proteins that are processed by the antigen-presenting cell. Peptides are bound to the MHC class I1 molecules in an extended conformation and extend out of the binding groove. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of every amino acid in all the possible undecapeptide amides (2.O48X1Oi4 individuals) on the binding to human MHC-DRBI*OlOl molecules (HLA-DRI) and to identify new peptide ligands. 220 undecapeptide sublibraries, O/X,,, each composed of ten degenerate positions and one defined position, were screened for binding to isolated HLA-DR1 , Competition of the sublibraries with a fluorescence-labeled peptide ligand allowed definition of the amino acids favourable or unfavourable for DR1 -binding at every sequence position. From the activity pattern of the undecapeptide library, 54 individual peptides were deduced (27 potential hits and 27 potential falls) and prepared by chemical synthesis. As anticipated, 27 positive and 27 negative results were obtained from the competition experiments. The 27 peptides that bind obey the rules for the HLA-DR1-binding motif. The synthetic peptide library approach proved to be valuable for the design of synthetic MHC class zyx I1 ligands and thus can be considered as a basis for drug design in immunotherapy.

The Journal of Immunology, 2000

Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T ... more Yersinia heat-shock protein 60 (Ye-hsp60) has recently been found to be a dominant CD4 and CD8 T cell Ag in Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. The nature of this response with respect to the epitopes recognized and functional characteristics of the T cells is largely unknown. CD4 ؉ T cell clones specific for Ye-hsp60 were raised from synovial fluid mononuclear cells from a patient with Yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis. and their specificity was determined using three recombinant Ye-hsp60 fragments, overlapping 18-mer synthetic peptides as well as truncated peptides. Functional characteristics were assessed by cytokine secretion analysis in culture supernatants after specific antigenic stimulation. Amino acid positions relevant for T cell activation were detected by single alanine substitutions within the epitopes. Fragment II comprising amino acid sequence 182-371 was recognized by the majority of clones. All these clones were specific for peptide 319 -342. Th1 clones and IL-10-secreting clones occurred in parallel, sometimes with the same fine specificity. The 12-mer core epitope 322-333 is a degenerate MHC binder and is presented to some T cell clones in a "promiscuous" manner. This epitope is almost identical with a B27-restricted CTL epitope of Ye-hsp60.

European Biophysics Journal, 1997

Failure of inactivation is the typical response of voltage-gated Na + channels to the cytosolic p... more Failure of inactivation is the typical response of voltage-gated Na + channels to the cytosolic presence of proteolytic enzymes, protein reagents such as N-bromoacetamide (NBA) or iodate, and antibodies directed against the linker between domains III and IV of the α-subunit. The present patch clamp experiments with cardiac Na + channels aimed to test the hypothesis that these interventions may provoke the occurrence of non-inactivating Na + channels with distinct kinetic properties. A site-directed polyclonal antibody (anti-SLP2, target sequence 1481-1496 of the cardiac Na + channel α-subunit) eliminated fast Na + inactivation to induce burst activity which was accompanied by the occurrence of two open states. A deactivation process terminated channel activity during membrane depolarization proceeding with time constants of close to 40 ms (at -40 mV). NBA-modified and iodatemodified Na + channels were kinetically indistinguishable from the anti-SLP2-modified type since they likewise deactivate and, thus, attain an only moderate P o of close to 20%. This is fundamentally different from the behaviour of enzymatically-modified Na + channels: after cytosolic proteolysis with α-chymotrypsin, trypsin or pronase, mean P o during membrane depolarization amounted to approximately 40% because deactivation operated extremely slowly and less efficiently (time constants 100-200 ms at -40 mV, as a minimum) or was virtually non-operating. Invitro cleavage of the synthetic linker sequence 1481-1496 confirmed that this part of the α-subunit provides a substrate for these peptidases or reactants for NBA but cannot be chemically modified by iodate. This iodate resistance indicates that iodate-modified Na + channels are based on a structural alteration of still another region which is also involved in Na + inactivation, besides the linker between domains III and IV of the α-subunit. Endogenous peptidases such as calpain did not affect Na + inactivation. This stresses the stochastic nature of a kinetic peculiarity of cardiac Na + channels, mode-switching to a non-inactivating mode.