Background
The role of febrile temperatures on the formation of antibody: antigen complexes has not been a topic of research. While most infections can induce systemic fever in humans, most cancers are afebrile. However, inflamed tissues, as present in the tumor regions, are warmer by 2-3℃ than the average core body temperature of 37℃.
Objectives
To determine the effect of physiologic and febrile temperatures (38℃ - 41℃) on the binding affinity of two monoclonal antibodies (6d3 and 14g8) against SEB from the high-fever causing S. aureus, and of ipilimumab against its target CTLA-4.
Methods
In vitro calorimetry experiments in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess the binding affinity of antibodies against their targets at pertinent temperatures.
Results
Moderate fever (38℃ - 39℃) has a net positive role on the antibody binding affinity against SEB, while hyperpyrexia (≥40℃) inactivates these antibodies. In contrast, the activity of ipilimumab is adversely affected by moderate fever temperatures, down to an order of magnitude at 39℃.
Conclusion
Small temperature changes, as encountered during fever or local inflammation, may influence the binding of antibodies against their targets, and may lead to the judicious use of fever-range temperatures in a hospital setting, depending on the clinical condition.