Screening pertactin-specific antibodies and evaluating competitive epitope recognition by native mass spectrometry

Structural characterization of antigen-antibody interactions is critical for understanding protective vaccine responses and development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Traditional biophysical and biochemical techniques often require the immobilization of one binding partner or provide ensemble-averaged measurements, constraints which may limit the ability to probe multiple facets of antigen-antibody interactions. Native mass spectrometry (MS) offers a versatile alternative, providing a comprehensive view of antigen-antibody complexes. Here, we utilized native MS to screen the interactions between a small panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and the Bordetella pertussis vaccine antigen mature pertactin (Prn), offering an in-depth characterization of binding stoichiometry, cooperativity, and competition. We implemented variable temperature electrospray ionization to evaluate thermal induced unfolding and stability of different mAb•Prn complexes, while biolayer interferometry (BLI) and competition experiments were employed to provide complementary information about binding kinetics and mapping of distinct epitopes on Prn. Finally, we used native MS to evaluate the interactions of individual mAbs with Prn variants as a predictor for therapeutic action. Our results demonstrate the utility of native MS, in combination with complementary techniques, as a powerful approach for understanding the interactions of protective mAbs binding Prn, which can ultimately contribute to the development of more effective vaccines to prevent pertussis infection.