HDX-MS of Immobilized Staph Enterotoxin B with Neutralizing Serum

ABSTRACT: Elucidating the interactions that drive antigen recognition is central to understanding antibody-based protection and is vital for the rational design of immunogens. Often, structural knowledge of epitopes targeted by antibodies is derived from isolated studies of monoclonal antibodies, for which numerous structural techniques exist. In contrast, there are very few approaches capable of mapping the full scope of antigen surfaces targeted by polyclonal sera through the course of a natural antibody response. Here, we develop an approach using immobilized antigen coupled to hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to probe epitope targeting in the context of the fully native serum environment. Using the well-characterized Staphylococcal enterotoxin B as a model system (SEB), we show that complex combinations of epitopes can be detected and subtle differences across different anti-sera can be discerned. This work reveals new insight into how neutralizing antibodies and antisera target SEB, and more importantly, establishes a novel method for directly mapping the epitope landscape of polyclonal sera.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Mus Musculus (mouse)

SUBMITTER: Clint Vorauer  

LAB HEAD: Miklos Guttman

PROVIDER: PXD051156 | Pride | 2025-10-27

REPOSITORIES: Pride