PEGylation of Anti-Sialoadhesin Monoclonal Antibodies Enhances Their Inhibitory Potencies without Impairing Endocytosis in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages

Abstract

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 5 kDa and 20 kDa have been previously conjugated to two anti-sialoadhesin (Sn) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), SER-4 and 3D6, and shown to dramatically increase their inhibitory potency in solid-phase red blood cell binding assays. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of anti-Sn SER-4 and 3D6 mAbs PEGylation on their inhibition of cell adhesion in mouse peritoneal macrophages. We also examined whether Sn-mediated PEGylation could affect plasma membrane functions of macrophages as to prevent accessibility, binding, and endocytosis of macromolecules and particles. Conjugation of PEG to plasma membrane is known to cause immune tolerance by impairing protein−protein and cell−cell interactions. PEGylation of SER-4 and 3D6 mAbs increased by 4-fold their inhibition of Sn-mediated erythrocyte binding to macrophages. PEGylated SER-4 and 3D6 mAbs did not impair macrophage membrane integrity, cell metabolism, nor pinocytosis of macromolecules and phagocytosis of latex particles. Thus, PEGylation of antibodies directed to cell surface receptors could be potentially exploited in a therapeutic setting to increase inhibitory potency of antibodies without impairing vital functions of cells.