Intracellular immunization with cytosolic recombinant antibodies.

We report the application of a strategy to inactivate cellular proteins in vertebrate cells based on the intracellular expression of immunoglobulin genes. We have selected, in this instance, the p21 protein, encoded by the ras proto-oncogene, as a target protein. The variable regions of the neutralizing anti-p21ras monoclonal antibody Y13-259 were cloned in vectors for the expression of either the whole antibody molecule or its single-chain Fv fragment (ScFv) derivative. In order to target the recombinant antibodies to the cytosol, their hydrophobic leader sequence for secretion was mutated or deleted. When these proteins are expressed in the cytosol of Xenopus laevis oocytes they colocalize with the endogenous p21ras protein in the cytoplasmic face of the oocyte plasma membrane, and they markedly inhibit the H1 kinase activity induced by insulin. Moreover, cytosolic anti-p21ras ScFv fragments block the ensuing meiotic maturation. Thus the intracellular expression of both whole antibodies and antibody domains can be used to block a biological function.