Isolation and characterization of natural human IgG with a morphine-like activity

Although naturally occurring antibodies have been associated with numerous biological activities, their functional relevance is still a matter of debate. The presence of natural autoantibodies towards immune-related molecules such as cytokines and antibodies suggests a physiological immunomodulatory role. The neuroendocrine opioid system participates in the immune homeostasis. We report here the presence of antibodies with an agonist-like activity towards the human mu-type opioid receptor within a normal human IgG pool. Starting from an IgG pool, autoantibodies were affinity purified using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human mu-opioid receptor. Their specificity was assessed by cytofluorometry and pharmacological analyses. The potency of these antibodies to recognize the mu-opioid receptor was similar to mu-opioid selective agonists. Furthermore, the functional opioid-like activity of the anti-opioid receptor IgG was demonstrated by their ability to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity by a Gi/o-protein-mediated mechanism as indicated by abrogation of the effect by either opioid antagonist or pertussis toxin. Five IgG pools, each from four unrelated healthy blood donors, and single IgG preparations from six other donors were prepared. Antibodies directed against the mu-opioid receptor were found in all IgG samples.