title: Domain interactions stabilize the alternatively folded state of an antibody Fab fragment.
abstract: The structure of the Fab fragment of the monoclonal antibody MAK 33 (kappa/IgG1) at pH 2 was characterized. Spectroscopic and kinetic analysis revealed a molten globule-like state, characterized by elements of secondary structure but less defined tertiary contacts than in the native state. However, some aromatic side chains are in an asymmetrical environment. This structure was not detected using the isolated light chain or a Fab fragment lacking the covalent linkage of the light chain and Fd via the C-terminal disulfide bond. Therefore, interactions between the two chains, stabilized by the interchain disulfide within the Fab fragment, are essential for formation of the alternatively folded state.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Biophysik und Biophysikalische Chemie, Universität Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lilie
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buchner
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000737:chemistry*; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000737:chemistry*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017510:Protein Folding; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments