Abs-9 is a human IgG1 antibody that targets the pentameric form of S. aureus protein A (SpA5), a key virulence factor enabling immune evasion . Its development was part of a broader effort to address antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
| Characteristic | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Antigen Target | SpA5 (pentameric form) |
| Affinity (KD) | 1.959 × 10⁻⁹ M |
| Therapeutic Use | Prophylactic protection against S. aureus sepsis in murine models |
| Epitope | 36-amino acid region (N847-S857) on SpA5’s α-helix structure |
| Vaccine Origin | Derived from phase I clinical trial volunteers immunized with rFSAV (five-component S. aureus vaccine) |
Abs-9 exhibited nanomolar affinity for SpA5, as measured by Biolayer Interferometry (Kd = 1.959 × 10⁻⁹ M) .
The antibody’s specificity was confirmed via mass spectrometry, which identified SpA5 as the primary target in bacterial lysates .
In murine sepsis models, Abs-9 demonstrated 80–85.7% survival rates against lethal doses of MRSA252, USA300, and NEWMAN strains .
The antibody’s protective effect was SpA5-dependent, as shown by reduced efficacy against a SpA5-deficient NEWMAN strain .
Molecular docking and AlphaFold2 modeling revealed the target epitope as a 36-residue segment (N847-S857) on SpA5’s α-helix .
ELISA and competitive binding assays validated this epitope, showing strong interactions with the antibody .
The structural insights from Abs-9’s binding to SpA5 inform the development of next-generation S. aureus vaccines. For example:
The epitope region (N847-S857) could serve as a focus for rational vaccine design, targeting regions critical for SpA5’s immune evasion mechanisms .
The germline conformation of Abs-9’s VH3-48 gene suggests a potential template for engineering antibodies with enhanced stability or broader specificity .
KEGG: spo:SPAC13F5.05
STRING: 4896.SPAC13F5.05.1
SPAC13F5.05 is a gene found in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe that plays a role in cellular functions related to iron homeostasis regulation. Antibodies against this protein are essential research tools that enable detection, quantification, and functional analysis of the protein in various experimental contexts. These antibodies allow researchers to study protein expression patterns, subcellular localization, protein-protein interactions, and post-translational modifications, particularly in the context of iron-dependent transcriptional regulation pathways similar to those involving factors like Php4 .
SPAC13F5.05 antibodies can be utilized in numerous experimental applications including:
Western blotting to detect and quantify protein expression levels
Immunoprecipitation to study protein-protein interactions
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to analyze protein-DNA interactions
Immunofluorescence to determine subcellular localization
Flow cytometry to analyze protein expression in cell populations
ELISA to quantify protein levels in various samples
These techniques are commonly employed in studies examining iron-responsive transcriptional regulation mechanisms similar to those described for Php4 in S. pombe, which controls the expression of genes encoding iron-dependent enzymes under iron-deficient conditions .
Before using SPAC13F5.05 antibodies in experiments, comprehensive validation is essential to ensure specificity and reliability:
Specificity testing through Western blot analysis comparing wild-type and knockout/knockdown strains
Cross-reactivity assessment against related proteins or in different species
Epitope mapping to confirm binding to the intended protein region
Multiple technique validation (using the antibody in different applications)
Positive and negative controls in each experimental setup
For optimal validation, researchers should follow protocols similar to those used for other yeast antibodies, such as using protein lysates from strains with and without the target protein to confirm specificity, similar to the validation approaches used for antibodies against other yeast transcription factors .
Optimizing SPAC13F5.05 antibodies for chromatin immunoprecipitation requires multiple considerations:
Crosslinking optimization: Test different formaldehyde concentrations (0.5-3%) and incubation times (5-30 minutes) to preserve protein-DNA interactions without overfixing.
Sonication parameters: Establish optimal sonication conditions (amplitude, pulse duration, number of cycles) to generate DNA fragments of 200-500 bp while preserving epitope integrity.
Antibody selection: Choose high-affinity antibodies against native epitopes that remain accessible after crosslinking. Monoclonal antibodies often provide higher specificity, while polyclonals may offer better signal.
Pre-clearing strategy: Implement rigorous pre-clearing steps using protein A/G beads to reduce background.
Washing stringency: Develop appropriate washing protocols that remove non-specific interactions while preserving specific binding.
Elution methods: Test different elution buffers to maximize recovery while maintaining antibody integrity.
These optimizations are particularly important when studying transcription factors like SPAC13F5.05 that may have context-dependent DNA binding patterns similar to other yeast transcriptional regulators involved in iron homeostasis .
When SPAC13F5.05 forms protein complexes, epitope masking can significantly impair antibody recognition. Several strategies can address this challenge:
Multiple antibody approach: Develop and use antibodies targeting different epitopes across the protein to increase detection probability.
Native versus denaturing conditions: Compare antibody performance under native versus denaturing conditions to identify optimal detection parameters.
Crosslinking optimization: Adjust crosslinking protocols to preserve complexes while maintaining epitope accessibility.
Sequential immunoprecipitation: Implement tandem IP strategies to first capture interacting partners, then isolate SPAC13F5.05 under conditions that expose the epitope.
Epitope tagging strategies: Consider introducing small epitope tags that remain accessible in complexes, using techniques like CRISPR-based genome editing.
This approach is particularly relevant when studying proteins that may function in multi-subunit complexes, similar to how Php4 functions as part of the CCAAT-binding factor in regulating gene expression during iron deprivation in S. pombe .
Studying post-translational modifications (PTMs) of SPAC13F5.05 during iron stress response requires specialized antibody-based approaches:
Modification-specific antibodies: Develop or obtain antibodies that specifically recognize phosphorylated, ubiquitinated, or otherwise modified forms of SPAC13F5.05.
Sequential immunoprecipitation protocol:
First IP: Capture total SPAC13F5.05 using general antibodies
Elution under mild conditions
Second IP: Use modification-specific antibodies
Analyze by Western blot or mass spectrometry
Time-course analysis: Monitor PTM patterns at different time points following iron depletion or repletion to track dynamic modifications.
Mutation-based validation: Compare PTM patterns between wild-type and mutant versions of SPAC13F5.05 where potential modification sites are altered.
Mass spectrometry validation: Confirm antibody-detected modifications through mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated samples.
These approaches can reveal regulatory mechanisms similar to those observed for other iron-responsive transcription factors in S. pombe, where protein activity is modulated by PTMs in response to changing iron conditions .
Optimal buffer conditions for SPAC13F5.05 immunoprecipitation must balance protein solubility, complex integrity, and antibody binding efficiency:
Lysis buffer composition:
Base buffer: 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4-8.0) or 20 mM HEPES (pH 7.4)
Salt concentration: 100-150 mM NaCl (standard); 50-75 mM for preserving weak interactions; 200-300 mM for reducing nonspecific binding
Detergents: 0.1-1% NP-40 or Triton X-100 (mild); 0.1% SDS (stronger, more denaturing)
Protease inhibitors: Complete cocktail including PMSF, aprotinin, leupeptin, pepstatin A
Phosphatase inhibitors: Sodium fluoride, sodium orthovanadate, β-glycerophosphate
Chelating agents: 1-2 mM EDTA or EGTA (caution: may affect metal-dependent interactions)
Binding conditions:
Temperature: 4°C is standard; room temperature may increase binding but risks degradation
Duration: 2-4 hours or overnight, depending on antibody affinity
Rotation speed: Gentle to avoid foam formation but sufficient for mixing
Washing stringency gradient:
First wash: Low stringency (lysis buffer)
Middle washes: Increasing salt concentration (150-300 mM NaCl)
Final wash: Buffer without detergent
These conditions should be systematically optimized for each antibody and experimental goal, particularly when studying iron-responsive proteins that may undergo conformational changes under different iron concentrations .
Optimal antibody dilutions for Western blotting detection of SPAC13F5.05 depend on antibody quality, detection method, and protein abundance:
Primary Antibody Recommendations:
Initial testing range: 1:500 to 1:2000
High-affinity antibodies: 1:1000 to 1:5000
For low abundance proteins: 1:250 to 1:1000
Incubation: Overnight at 4°C or 2 hours at room temperature
Secondary Antibody Recommendations:
HRP-conjugated antibodies: 1:2000 to 1:10,000 (typical starting point: 1:5000)
Fluorescent-labeled antibodies: 1:5000 to 1:15,000
Incubation: 1 hour at room temperature
Optimization Strategy:
Start with manufacturer's recommended dilutions if available
Perform a dilution series for both primary and secondary antibodies
Evaluate signal-to-noise ratio at each dilution
Select the highest dilution that provides adequate signal with minimal background
When using anti-mouse secondary antibodies for detection in yeast systems, pre-adsorbed secondaries like Goat Anti-Mouse IgG, Human ads-HRP (similar to SouthernBiotech Cat. No. 1030-05) are recommended to minimize cross-reactivity with endogenous proteins .
Quantitative assessment of SPAC13F5.05 protein-protein interactions can be achieved through several antibody-based techniques:
Co-immunoprecipitation with quantitative Western blotting:
Perform IP with anti-SPAC13F5.05 antibodies
Analyze co-precipitated proteins by Western blot
Include calibration curves using recombinant proteins
Quantify band intensities using digital imaging software
Calculate molar ratios of interacting proteins
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
Use primary antibodies against SPAC13F5.05 and potential interacting partners
Apply species-specific PLA probes
Quantify interaction signals per cell
Perform statistical analysis across multiple fields
FRET-based immunoassays:
Label anti-SPAC13F5.05 antibodies with donor fluorophores
Label antibodies against interaction partners with acceptor fluorophores
Measure energy transfer efficiency
Calculate interaction distances and binding affinities
Biolayer Interferometry:
Mass Spectrometry-based quantification:
Perform IP with SPAC13F5.05 antibodies
Analyze samples using quantitative MS approaches (SILAC, TMT, label-free)
Validate specific interactions through reciprocal IPs
These methods can provide valuable insights into how SPAC13F5.05 may function within protein complexes, particularly in different iron availability conditions similar to how Php4 regulates gene expression during iron deprivation .
Non-specific binding is a common challenge with antibodies in yeast systems. For SPAC13F5.05 antibodies, consider these troubleshooting approaches:
Pre-clearing optimization:
Blocking strategy enhancement:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, milk, fish gelatin, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking time to 1-2 hours
Add 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 to blocking buffer
Antibody specificity validation:
Test antibody on knockout/knockdown strains
Perform peptide competition assays
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Buffer optimization:
Increase salt concentration (150-300 mM NaCl)
Add mild detergents (0.1-0.5% NP-40 or Triton X-100)
Test addition of 0.1-1% BSA to antibody dilution buffer
Detection system modification:
Use human-adsorbed secondary antibodies to reduce cross-reactivity
Switch to directly conjugated primary antibodies
Consider biotin-streptavidin amplification systems
Validation controls:
Include isotype controls
Perform "no primary antibody" controls
Use protein A/G beads alone as IP controls
These approaches can significantly reduce non-specific binding issues that might complicate the interpretation of results, especially when studying less abundant yeast proteins .
Robust statistical analysis is essential for interpreting antibody-based SPAC13F5.05 data:
Normalization strategies:
Normalize to loading controls (e.g., actin, tubulin, total protein)
Consider global normalization methods for large-scale datasets
Use spike-in controls for absolute quantification
Statistical tests based on experimental design:
Two conditions: Student's t-test (parametric) or Mann-Whitney U test (non-parametric)
Multiple conditions: ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests (Tukey, Bonferroni, Dunnett)
Time-course experiments: Repeated measures ANOVA or mixed-effects models
Dose-response: Regression analysis with appropriate model fitting
Sample size determination:
Power analysis based on preliminary data
Minimum n=3 biological replicates per condition
Consider technical replicates for high-variation assays
Data visualization:
Box plots or violin plots for distribution data
Heat maps for correlation analysis
Scatter plots with error bars for comparative analysis
Advanced analytical approaches:
Machine learning models for pattern recognition in complex datasets
Bayesian statistics for experiments with limited sample sizes
LOESS or LOWESS regression for non-linear relationships
Multiple testing correction:
Bonferroni correction (conservative)
Benjamini-Hochberg procedure (FDR control)
Q-value calculation for large-scale experiments
These statistical approaches are particularly important when analyzing data from experiments comparing SPAC13F5.05 protein levels, interactions, or activities across different iron availability conditions, similar to studies examining iron-responsive transcription factors in yeast .
Integrating antibody-based data with -omics datasets provides a comprehensive understanding of SPAC13F5.05 function:
Correlation analysis approaches:
Calculate Pearson or Spearman correlations between protein levels and mRNA expression
Implement time-lagged correlation analysis for dynamic responses
Use partial correlation analysis to control for confounding variables
Multi-omics integration platforms:
Pathway enrichment analysis incorporating both datasets
Network analysis to identify regulatory connections
Clustering approaches (hierarchical, k-means, self-organizing maps)
Validation strategies:
Confirm key findings using orthogonal methods
Perform causal testing through genetic perturbation
Develop predictive models and test with new experiments
Visualization methods:
Integrated heat maps showing protein and transcript changes
Pathway maps with multi-level data overlay
Interactive network visualizations with multi-omics annotation
Temporal integration approaches:
Time-course alignment of transcriptomic and proteomic data
Identification of lead-lag relationships
Dynamic Bayesian network modeling
This integration is particularly valuable for understanding iron-responsive transcription factors like those in yeast, where coordination between protein activity and transcriptional output is tightly regulated, as observed in studies of iron-responsive gene regulation in S. pombe where changes in protein levels and activities directly affect downstream gene expression patterns .
Machine learning (ML) can significantly enhance antibody-based experimental design for SPAC13F5.05 research:
Active learning for optimized experimental planning:
Start with a small labeled dataset of antibody binding results
Train initial ML models to predict binding outcomes
Identify most informative next experiments to maximize information gain
Iteratively expand the labeled dataset based on model-guided selection
This approach can reduce the number of required experiments by up to 35% compared to random sampling
Epitope prediction and antibody design:
Apply ML algorithms to predict optimal epitopes on SPAC13F5.05
Identify regions likely to remain accessible in different conformational states
Design antibodies targeting these regions with higher probability of success
Similar to computational approaches used to predict SpA5 epitopes that bind to antibodies
Cross-reactivity prediction:
Train ML models on existing antibody cross-reactivity data
Predict potential cross-reactivity issues with new antibodies
Design experiments to specifically test these predictions
Experimental condition optimization:
Apply Bayesian optimization to identify optimal buffer compositions
Design multifactorial experiments to test interactions between variables
Develop predictive models for antibody performance under different conditions
These ML approaches can substantially improve experimental efficiency and success rates in antibody-based research, as demonstrated in library-on-library antibody-antigen binding prediction studies where active learning strategies significantly outperformed random sampling approaches .
Developing antibodies against modified SPAC13F5.05 during iron stress requires specific considerations:
Modification identification strategy:
Perform mass spectrometry analysis of SPAC13F5.05 under iron-replete and iron-depleted conditions
Identify specific sites of phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, or other PTMs
Determine modification dynamics during iron stress response
Compare with known regulatory modifications in related transcription factors
Antigen design parameters:
Synthesize peptides containing the exact modified residue with surrounding sequence (typically 12-20 amino acids)
Ensure modification stability during conjugation to carrier proteins
Consider multiple peptide designs with the modification at different positions
Include both modified and unmodified peptides for comparative screening
Screening and validation protocol:
Implement rigorous counter-screening against unmodified peptides
Validate specificity using cell lysates from wild-type and mutant strains
Test antibody performance under different iron conditions
Confirm recognition of native modified protein by immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Application-specific optimization:
Adjust fixation protocols for immunofluorescence to preserve modifications
Optimize extraction buffers to maintain modification integrity
Include appropriate phosphatase or deubiquitinase inhibitors
Consider rapid sample processing to prevent modification loss
These considerations are particularly important when studying iron-responsive transcription factors that may undergo regulatory post-translational modifications in response to changing iron availability, similar to the regulatory mechanisms observed for other yeast transcription factors involved in iron homeostasis .
Single-cell sequencing approaches can powerfully complement antibody-based studies of SPAC13F5.05:
Single-cell resolution of protein expression heterogeneity:
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Perform immunofluorescence to localize SPAC13F5.05 protein
Combine with spatial transcriptomics to correlate localization with gene expression
Map spatial regulation of SPAC13F5.05 target genes within colonies or tissues
Temporal dynamics analysis:
Implement scRNA-seq at multiple time points following iron depletion
Track transcriptional changes in relation to SPAC13F5.05 activity
Develop pseudotime trajectories to map cellular responses to iron stress
Multi-omic single-cell profiling:
Combine antibody-based protein detection with transcriptome sequencing
Implement CITE-seq or related approaches to correlate protein and mRNA levels
Develop computational methods to integrate these multi-modal datasets
Clonal evolution studies:
Track how SPAC13F5.05 function varies across yeast populations
Identify adaptive responses to prolonged iron limitation
Correlate genetic variation with protein function across clones
These integrative approaches can provide unprecedented insights into the heterogeneity and dynamics of SPAC13F5.05 function across cellular populations, similar to how single-cell approaches have revealed insights into antibody diversity and function in other systems .
Several emerging techniques show promise for enhancing SPAC13F5.05 antibody detection:
Proximity proteomics approaches:
APEX2 or BioID fusion to SPAC13F5.05 for proximity labeling
TurboID variants for rapid biotin labeling of neighboring proteins
Split-BioID for detecting specific protein-protein interactions
These approaches can map the proximal proteome of SPAC13F5.05 under different iron conditions
Super-resolution microscopy enhancements:
DNA-PAINT for ultra-high resolution imaging with standard antibodies
Expansion microscopy to physically enlarge samples for improved resolution
Correlative light and electron microscopy for ultrastructural context
These techniques can reveal precise subcellular localization patterns
Microfluidic antibody characterization:
Droplet-based single-cell antibody screening
Microfluidic affinity measurement platforms
Automated epitope mapping systems
These approaches enable rapid antibody characterization and optimization
Nanobody and alternative binding scaffold development:
SPAC13F5.05-specific nanobodies for improved tissue penetration
DARPins, Affibodies, or Monobodies as alternatives to traditional antibodies
Aptamer-based detection systems for non-protein detection modalities
These smaller binding reagents can access epitopes unavailable to conventional antibodies
Computational antibody engineering:
Structure-based antibody design targeting specific SPAC13F5.05 epitopes
ML-guided affinity maturation
Molecular dynamics simulations to predict binding characteristics
These approaches can generate antibodies with enhanced properties for specific applications
These emerging techniques represent the cutting edge of antibody technology and can significantly enhance the study of proteins like SPAC13F5.05, similar to how advanced techniques have improved the characterization of antibodies against bacterial virulence factors like SpA5 .