Gilberto Filaci

Theoretical and practical aspects of antigenized antibodies

Antigenization of antibody is a new immunological concept (Zanetti 1992) that exemplifies MecthnikofTs words (Metchnikoff, reprinted in 1989) in a paradigmatic way. It was conceived with a two-fold purpose. One was to investigate directly the molecular basis of antibody antigenicity and immunogenicity. The other was to test from a molecular perspective one of the most controversial postulates ofthe idiotype network theory (Lindenmann 1973, Jeme 1974): antibodies as internal images of antigens. It soon became apparent, however, that antigenization of antibody was also a new, powerful way to provide a stable conformation to oligopeptides of general biological interest. Understanding the molecular and cellular requirements for antigenicity and immunogenicity of proteins is still a central issue in immunology. Antigenization of antibody may represent, therefore, a new alternative way to solve some of the puzzling aspects of immunology that still elude our understanding (e.g., the relationship between amino acid sequence, three-dimensional structure and function of soluble proteins and cell-surface receptors).

Bioactive surfaces for antibody-antigen complex detection by Atomic Force Microscopy

Recently there has been a great develop of new antibodies immobilization procedures, that keep antibodies to retain their orientation and functionality after the binding to a solid support. This allows the formation of immune-complexes useful for the detection of biomarkers from biological samples. We have developed a new method of functionalization for solid substrates that involves an initial surface activation, then a functionalization by means of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-followed by another functionalization step with a layer of very small peptides, which have a high affinity to the Antibody Fc portion, acting as antibody linkers. These antibody binding peptides can immobilize the antibodies with a proper configuration that allows an unambiguous detection of antibody-antigen complexes by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM can act as a powerful label free detection technique, which allows to detect, in principle, single molecule interactions, with the only limitation to use substrate with low-roughness surfaces; in this case, the roughness can be interpreted as background noise in the AFM analysis. Moreover, our functionalization method can be used to obtain bioactive surfaces on a wide range of solid supports, making them capable to suitably immobilize the antibodies for the antigenic binding.

Use of maraviroc in clinical practice: a multicenter observational study

Promising research suggest that maraviroc (MVC) has favourable clinical outcome in HIV‐infected patients (pts). Aim of the study is to assess: durability, safety profile and immunovirological recovery in a large MVC‐based cohort.