Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies that Strongly Inhibit Electrophorus Electricus Acetylcholinesterase

In this study, we describe three different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs Elec‐403, Elec‐408, and Elec‐410) directed against Electrophorus electricus acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which were selected as inhibitors for this enzyme. Two of these antibodies (Elec‐403 and Elec‐410), recognized overlapping but different epitopes, competed with snake venom toxin fasciculin for binding to the enzyme, and thus apparently recognized the peripheral site of AChE. In addition, the binding of Elec‐403 was antagonized by 1,5‐bis(4‐allyldimethylammoniumphenyl)pentan‐3‐one dibromide (BW284C51) and propidium, indicating that the corresponding epitope encompassed the anionic site involved in the binding of these low‐molecular‐mass inhibitors. The third mAb (Elec‐408), was clearly bound to another site on the AChE molecule, and its inhibitory effect was cumulative with those of Elec‐403, Elec‐410, and fasciculin. All mAbs bound AChE with high affinity and were as strong inhibitors with an apparent Ki value less than 0.1 nM. Elec‐403 was particularly efficient with an inhibitory activity similar to that of fasciculin. Inhibition was observed with both charged (acetylthiocholine) and neutral substrates (o ‐nitrophenyl acetate) and had the characteristics of a non‐competitive process. Elec‐403 and Elec‐410 probably exert their effect by triggering allosteric transitions from the peripheral site to the active site. The epitope recognized by mAb Elec‐408 has not been localized, but it may correspond to a new regulatory site on AChE.