Rational design of stable and functional hirudin III mutants with lower antigenicity
Research article published in Biologicals : journal of the International Association of Biological Standardization (2015)
Abstract
Hirudin is an inhibitor of thrombin and used as an effective anticoagulant, but has a potential to develop unacceptable immune responses. In this study, two computational tools were used to predict T-cell epitopes within Hirudin variant III (HVIII) sequence, and design mutations that would lessen its antigenicity. Homology models of native and mutant HVIII proteins (T4K, S9G, V21G, and V21K) were generated, and further used to assess their interactions with thrombin. The docking experiment showed that all mutants had a suitable pattern of interactions, with similar or lower interaction energies compared with the native protein. These complexes were subsequently subjected to molecular dynamics simulation. All mutants complexes had overall stable structures over simulation time, with RMSD, gyration radius, hydrogen bonds numbers, and accessible surface areas patterns that were comparable with the native HVIII over time. Interestingly, in all mutants, a shorter length was observed for the two salt bridges Arg73-Asp55 and Arg77-Glu57, which are suggested to be important in Hirudin-thrombin complex formation. Best selected mutants expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), subsequently SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis confirmed the successful same expression of Hirudin and mutants. In conclusion, we believe that this computational approach could identify potentially safer proteins with preserved or even improved functionality.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Hirudin is an inhibitor of thrombin and used as an effective anticoagulant, but has a potential to develop unacceptable immune responses.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This study used computational tools (T-cell epitope prediction, homology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation) to design Hirudin variant III mutants (T4K, S9G, V21G, V21K) intended to reduce antigenicity while preserving thrombin-inhibitory function. Mutants showed suitable thrombin interaction patterns and stable complex structures, and selected mutants were successfully expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). This work is directly relevant to ASH because it concerns rational engineering of hirudin itself—the archetypal leech anticoagulant—to improve its safety and therapeutic profile. However, the study is entirely computational and preliminary in-vitro expression, with no functional bioassay, animal, or clinical data reported; relevance to live hirudotherapy is not addressed.
Citación
Rational design of stable and functional hirudin III mutants with lower antigenicity
Asgari S et al. · Biologicals : journal of the International Association of Biological Standardization, 2015
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026