Identification of a novel fully human anti-toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST)-1 single-chain fragment variable antibody averting TSST-1-induced mitogenesis and cytokines secretion

BMC Biotechnology

• October 2022
• https://bmcbiotechnol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12896-022-00760-8

Authors:  

Mahdieh Soezi, Somayeh Piri-Gavgani, Behnoush Soltanmohammadi, Mostafa Ghanei, Farzam Vaziri, Seyed Davar Siadat, Abolfazl Fateh, Shohreh Khatami, Fatemeh Rahimi-Jamnani

Abstract

Background

Staphylococcal superantigens are virulence factors that help the pathogen escape the immune system and develop an infection. Toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST)-1 is one of the most studied superantigens whose role in toxic shock syndrome and some particular disorders have been demonstrated. Inhibiting TSST-1 production with antibiotics and targeting TSST-1 with monoclonal antibodies might be one of the best strategies to prevent TSST-1-induced cytokines storm followed by lethality.

Results

A novel single-chain variable fragment (scFv), MS473, against TSST-1 was identified by selecting an scFv phage library on the TSST-1 protein. The MS473 scFv showed high affinity and specificity for TSST-1. Moreover, MS473 could significantly prevent TSST-1-induced mitogenicity (the IC₅₀ value: 1.5 µM) and cytokine production.

Conclusion

Using traditional antibiotics with an anti-TSST-1 scFv as a safe and effective agent leads to deleting the infection source and preventing the detrimental effects of the toxin disseminated into the whole body.