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Non‐infectious aggregates of the prion protein react with several PrP Sc ‐directed antibodies
Author(s) -
Biasini Emiliano,
Seegulam M. Esa,
Patti Brian.,
Solforosi Laura,
Medrano Andrea Z.,
Christensen Heather M.,
Senatore Assunta,
Chiesa Roberto,
Williamson R. Anthony,
Harris David A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05306.x
Subject(s) - monoclonal antibody , antibody , recombinant dna , virology , gene isoform , in vitro , biology , bivalent (engine) , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , immunology , biochemistry , gene , organic chemistry , metal
The key event in the pathogenesis of prion diseases is the conformational conversion of the normal prion protein (PrP) (PrP C ) into an infectious, aggregated isoform (PrP Sc ) that has a high content of β‐sheet. Historically, a great deal of effort has been devoted to developing antibodies that specifically recognize PrP Sc but not PrP C , as such antibodies would have enormous diagnostic and experimental value. A mouse monoclonal IgM antibody (designated 15B3) and three PrP motif‐grafted monoclonal antibodies (referred to as IgG 19–33, 89–112, and 136–158) have been previously reported to react specifically with infectious PrP Sc but not PrP C . In this study, we extend the characterization of these four antibodies by testing their ability to immunoprecipitate and immunostain infectious and non‐infectious aggregates of wild‐type, mutant, and recombinant PrP. We find that 15B3 as well as the motif‐grafted antibodies recognize multiple types of aggregated PrP, both infectious and non‐infectious, including forms found in brain, in transfected cells, and induced in vitro from purified recombinant protein. These antibodies are exquisitely selective for aggregated PrP, and do not react with soluble PrP even when present in vast excess. Our results suggest that 15B3 and the motif‐grafted antibodies recognize structural features common to both infectious and non‐infectious aggregates of PrP. Our study extends the utility of these antibodies for diagnostic and experimental purposes, and it provides new insight into the structural changes that accompany PrP oligomerization and prion propagation.