"Troy-bodies": recombinant antibodies that target T cell epitopes to antigen presenting cells

Int Rev Immunol. 2001 Oct;20(5):647-73. doi: 10.3109/08830180109045583.

Abstract

Targeting of antigens to antigen presenting cells (APC) results in enhanced antigen presentation and T cell activation. In this paper, we describe a novel targeting reagent denoted "Troy-bodies", namely recombinant antibodies with APC-specific V regions and C regions with integrated T cell epitopes. We have made such antibodies with V regions specific for either IgD or MHC class II, and four different T cell epitopes have been tested. All four epitopes could be introduced into loops of C domains without disrupting Ig folding, and they could be released and presented by APC. Furthermore, whether IgD- or MHC-specific, the molecules enhanced T cell stimulation compared to non-specific control antibodies in vitro as well as in vivo. Using this technology, specific reagents can be designed that target selected antigenic peptides to an APC of choice. Troy-bodies may therefore be useful for manipulation of immune responses, and in particular for vaccination purposes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / chemistry
  • Antibodies / metabolism*
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • Epitopes / chemistry
  • Epitopes / metabolism
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / chemistry
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin D / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin D / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Epitopes
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Immunoglobulin D
  • Recombinant Proteins