Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Aruffo

Publications and source records attributed to A Aruffo.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

VLA-4 integrin mediates lymphocyte migration on the inducible endothelial cell ligand VCAM-1 and the extracellular matrix ligand fibronectin.

We herein tested the ability of lymphocytes to utilize the beta 1 integrin VLA-4 to mediate cell migration when adhering to its cytokine-inducible endothelial cell ligand VCAM-1 or its extracellular matrix ligand fibronectin. We used an in vitro system consisting of purified VCAM-1/Fc fusion protein or fibronectin immobilized on porous polycarbonate membranes to quantitatively measure the migration efficiency of an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell line (SLA) and T lymphoblasts derived from normal donors. We found that both SLA cells and T lymphoblasts migrated across membranes coated with VCAM-1/Fc or fibronectin in a site density-dependent manner. Above and below an optimal site density of VCAM-1/Fc or fibronectin, the migration efficiency decreased. A 6-20-fold higher number of lymphocytes migrated across membranes coated with VCAM-1/Fc than with fibronectin. The differential migration efficiency is consistent with a higher number of adherent lymphocytes and a higher avidity of adhesion for VCAM-1/Fc than for fibronectin when the ligands were immobilized on plastic, and is independent of the activation state of the cells. These results demonstrated a stringent regulation of migratory response by cell adhesion strength and a delicate balance between stationary and migratory behaviors of a cell on the adhesive substrates. Like the beta 2 integrin LFA-1, VLA-4 may be a locomotive adhesion receptor which is involved in the transendothelial migration of lymphocytes and the infiltration of lymphocytes into lymphoid or peripheral tissues by binding to VCAM-1 and fibronectin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In vivo CD40-gp39 interactions are essential for thymus-dependent humoral immunity. I. In vivo expression of CD40 ligand, cytokines, and antibody production delineates sites of cognate T-B cell interactions.

T-B cell interactions have a central role in the development of antibody responses. Upon activation, T helper (Th) cells express the ligand for CD40, gp39, which is essential for Th cell-dependent B cell activation. The cytokines produced by activated Th cells have a regulatory role in B cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated, using immunohistochemical techniques, the in vivo time course and localization of gp39 expression and cytokine production in relation to the specific antibody production. Both the immunization with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), a thymus-dependent (TD) antigen, and trinitrophenyl (TNP)-Ficoll, a thymus-independent type 2 (TI-2) antigen, induced Th cells to express gp39. The expression of gp39 was restricted to Th cells in the outer periarteriolar lymphocyte sheaths (outer-PALS) and around the terminal arterioles (TA). Incidentally, gp39+ Th cells were found in the corona of follicles, whereas gp39+ cells were never found in the germinal centers or marginal zones of the spleen. Maximum frequencies of gp39+ cells were observed 3 and 4 d after primary and secondary immunization with KLH. After injection of TNP-Ficoll, a marked increase in gp39+ cells was observed, confirming previous observations that activated T cells are involved in TI-2 antibody responses. Analysis of the in vivo cytokine production revealed that interleukin 2 (IL-2)-, IL-4- and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing cells (IFN-gamma-PC) developed according to similar kinetics as observed for gp39+ cells. IL-2-PC and IL-4-PC were present in higher frequencies as were IFN-gamma-PC in the immune response against TNP-KLH. Double staining experiments revealed gp39+ Th cells producing IL-2, IL-4, or IFN-gamma, suggesting that these cells were involved in both the initial activation as well as the differentiation process of B cells into antibody-forming cells. Dual immunohistochemical analysis revealed gp39+ T cells and cytokine-PC in close proximity to antigen-specific, antibody-forming B cells. In conclusion, this study shows that in vivo gp39 is expressed on activated Th cells after immunization with TD and TI-2 antigens. Furthermore, the time course and compartmentalization of gp39+ expression, cytokine production and antibody formation after immunization suggest that cognate T-B cell interactions and T cell-regulated B cell differentiation occur in the outer-PALS and around the TA of the spleen.

Animals↗

In vivo CD40-gp39 interactions are essential for thymus-dependent humoral immunity. II. Prolonged suppression of the humoral immune response by an antibody to the ligand for CD40, gp39.

The ligand for CD40 has been recently identified as a 39-kd protein, gp39, expressed on the surface of activated CD4+ T helper cells (Th). In vitro, soluble CD40 and anti-gp39 have been shown to block the ability of Th to activate B cells, suggesting that gp39-CD40 interactions are important to T cell-dependent B cell activation. Here it is shown that in vivo administration of anti-gp39 dramatically reduced both primary and secondary humoral immune responses to erythrocytes and soluble protein antigens without altering responses to the T-independent type II antigen, trinitrophenyl-Ficoll. Treatment of mice for 4 d with anti-gp39 inhibited the anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) response for at least 3 wk and inhibited the expression of all immunoglobulin isotypes in secondary responses to the protein antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin. To examine the direct effect of anti-gp39 on Th function, SRBC-immune Th cells from anti-gp39-treated mice were adoptively transferred and shown to be fully capable of providing help. These results suggest that anti-gp39 treatment does not cause Th deletion or anergy. Anti-gp39 may mediate its profound immunosuppressive effects on humoral immunity by blocking gp39-CD40 interactions. Moreover, these studies establish gp39-CD40 as an important receptor-ligand pair for the targeting of therapeutic antibodies to control thymus-dependent humoral responses.

Animals↗

Association of tyrosine and serine kinases with the B cell surface antigen CD20. Induction via CD20 of tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 and PLC phospholipase C-gamma 2.

CD20 is a B cell-specific 35/37 kDa integral membrane protein which modulates proliferation and differentiation of normal resting B cells when stimulated by CD20 antibodies. An increase in c-myc mRNA levels occurs within hours after treatment of resting B cells with CD20 mAb; however earlier events in the CD20 signal transduction pathway have not been described. Here we demonstrate that anti-CD20 mediated induction of c-myc mRNA is inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A, that CD20 is associated with both tyrosine and serine kinase activity, and that tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple substrates is induced within minutes upon ligation of CD20 with mAb. Association of the tyrosine and serine kinases with CD20 was stable in lysis buffer containing 1% NP40 and 0.25% deoxycholate. Under the same conditions, antibodies against several other B cell surface molecules failed to co-precipitate tyrosine kinase activity, however, a serine kinase was precipitated by the anti-CD19 mAb, B43. Both phospholipase C-gamma 1 and -gamma 2 were phosphorylated on tyrosine after cross-linking of CD20-bound mAb, and this correlated with increases in intracellular calcium that were partially resistant to depletion of extracellular calcium with EGTA. The pattern of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins observed in whole cell lysates after anti-CD20 cross-linking appeared to be a subset of those induced by anti-IgM; however, differences in phosphoproteins induced by anti-IgM and anti-CD20 were detected using a fynSH2-fusion protein.

Antigens, CD↗

Prevention of collagen-induced arthritis with an antibody to gp39, the ligand for CD40.

The ligand for the CD40 antigen is a 39-kilodalton protein, gp39, expressed on the surface of activated CD4+ T cells and is essential for thymus-dependent humoral immunity. The role of gp39-CD40 interactions in autoimmune disease was investigated in vivo with the use of an antibody that blocks their interactions (anti-gp39). Arthritis induced in mice by immunization with type II collagen was inhibited by anti-gp39. Anti-gp39 blocked the development of joint inflammation, serum antibody titers to collagen, the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the subsynovial tissue, and the erosion of cartilage and bone. Thus, interference with gp39-CD40 interactions may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of autoimmune disease.

Animals↗

B cell activation via CD40 is required for specific antibody production by antigen-stimulated human B cells.

Costimulatory signals provided by T cells are required for B cells to produce specific antibody (Ab) to T-dependent antigen (Ag) bacteriophage phi x 174. In this study, we demonstrate that if cultured in the presence of anti-CD40, interleukin 10 (IL-10), and Ag, purified B cells can produce antiphage Ab in quantities comparable to those synthesized by B cells cocultured with Ag and T cells. Isotypes produced by B cells in this culture system correspond to those observed in sera of B cell donors. Culture of immunoglobulin (Ig)D- and IgD+ B cells reveals that Ag-induced production of antiphage Ab is restricted to IgD- subset of B cells. In the absence of Ag, anti-CD40/IL-10-stimulated B cells produce only minute amounts of antiphage Ab, indicating that Ag stimulation is indispensable and provides a signal that is synergistic with anti-CD40 and IL-10. Addition of a soluble form of the CD40 ligand (sgp39) to the culture system has a similar effect on specific Ab synthesis as anti-CD40; addition of the soluble construct, CD40 Ig, known to inhibit gp39/CD40 interaction, suppresses in vitro antiphage Ab production by Ag exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Finally, in vivo requirement of gp39/CD40 interaction for specific Ab production was demonstrated by the finding that activated T cells from patients with x-linked hyper IgM syndrome express functionally defective gp39 and respond with depressed Ab titers and fail to switch from IgM to IgG after multiple phage immunizations. These observations illustrate that in vitro and possibly in vivo Ag-specific Ab synthesis requires the presence of Ag and IL-10, and activation signals via CD40.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Costimulation with integrin ligands intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 augments activation-induced death of antigen-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes.

Integrin ligands intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) can efficiently costimulate proliferation of resting T cells but not that of Ag-specific T cells. In contrast, CD28 ligand B7 and CD2 ligand leukocyte function-associated Ag (LFA-3) can support IL-2 synthesis and proliferation of Ag-specific T cells more efficiently than that of resting T cells. The molecular basis for this differential costimulation of T cells is poorly understood. In this study, using mAb and soluble IgC gamma 1 chimeras of these adhesion molecules, we demonstrate that coligation of the TCR and CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1/beta 2 integrin) or CD29/CD49d (very late activation Ag-4/beta 1 integrin) using anti-TCR mAb and either ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 induces activation-dependent death of DRw6-specific CD4+ T cells. Similar coligation of the TCR with CD2 or CD28 using either mAb or ligands LFA-3 or B7 not only lacked the ability to induce death but also failed to reverse or inhibit integrin-facilitated death of DRw6-specific T cells. Each of these ligands augmented anti-TCR mAb-induced transcription of IL-2 and IL-4 genes. Exogenous addition of IL-2 and IL-4 did not reverse the integrin-supported T cell death. The death-promoting costimulatory effects of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were observed with Ag-specific chronically stimulated T cells but not with either resting T cells or those activated in short-term cultures. Treatment of T cells with cyclosporin A or a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A inhibited ICAM-1 or VCAM-1-promoted activation-induced T cell death. The Ag-specific T cells that survived death-promoting effects of ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 proliferated efficiently upon restimulation with these ligands. Exposure of DRw6-specific T cells to DRw6+ B7+ ICAM-1+ LFA-3+ VCAM-1+ APC but not DR3+ B7+ ICAM-1+ LFA-3+ VCAM-1+ APC induced death of these T cells. This effect was blocked by pretreatment of T cells with mAb directed at CD18 or CD29 but not with those against CD2 or CD28. Taken together, these results suggest that TCR-directed engagement of integrins by their ligands ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 induces activation-dependent death of some perhaps more differentiated Ag-specific T cells and this may be an important homeostatic mechanism by which functional expression of Ag-specific T cells is regulated during an ongoing immune response.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

The regulation of the expression of gp39, the CD40 ligand, on normal and cloned CD4+ T cells.

Studies have established that gp39, the ligand for CD40, induces B cell cycle entry and is involved in the initiation of the humoral immune response. Expression of gp39 has been observed on normal, activated CD4+ T cells, activated lymph node cells; an activated Th1 clone, and an activated Th2 clone. Anti-CD3-activated CD8+ T cells did not express gp39; however, CD8+ T cells activated with PMA/ionomycin expressed gp39. The kinetics of anti-CD3-induced gp39 expression on a T cell clone and on splenic CD4+ T cells showed that gp39 was detectable at 4 h after activation, reaching maximal levels between 6 to 8 h postactivation and returning to near resting levels between 24 to 48 h. Lymphokines modulated the expression of gp39 on activated T cells. Expression of gp39 was inhibited by IFN-gamma on activated Th1, Th2, and CD4+ T cells; whereas TGF-beta inhibited gp39 expression only on the Th2 clone studied. All other lymphokines tested were without substantial effect. Differences in the expression of gp39 on activated naive and memory T cells were observed, as well as differences in requirements for optimal gp39 expression on these subsets. There are correlations between gp39 expression and effector function; however, anti-CD3-activated splenic CD4+ cells that express gp39 did not exhibit effector function. A comparison of the relative numbers of molecules of gp39 shows that activated Th1 clones express at least 20-fold the number of gp39 molecules/cell compared with activated splenic CD4+ cells. This may imply that density of gp39 on the activated T cells plays an important role in determining effector function.

Animals↗

Bispecific receptor globulins, novel tools for the study of cellular interactions. Preparation and characterization of an E-selectin/P-selectin bispecific receptor globulin.

In recent years the functional consequences of receptor/ligand interactions have been studied in vitro and in vivo using monospecific recombinant immunoglobulin fusion proteins (recombinant/receptor globulins, Rg). These proteins are encoded by chimeric genes composed of a DNA fragment encoding the extracellular domain of a cell surface protein grafted onto a DNA fragment encoding immunoglobulin constant domains. In order to extend the range of applications of Rgs we investigated the possibility of preparing bispecific Rgs. These bispecific fusion proteins contain the extracellular domains of two cell surface proteins held together in close proximity by the constant domains of an immunoglobulin. Here we describe the preparation and characterization of a bispecific Rg which contains the extracellular domains of two adhesion molecules expressed by activated vascular endothelial cells, E-selectin and P-selectin. These two proteins play an important role in initiating leukocyte adhesion to the vascular cell wall at sites of inflammation. Binding studies showed that the E-selectin/P-selectin bispecific immunoglobulin fusion protein (ELAM-1/GMP140 Rg) has an enhanced ability to bind to the myeloid cell line HL60 when compared to the monospecific Rg fusion proteins from which it was derived.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Costimulation via vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 induces in T cells increased responsiveness to the CD28 counter-receptor B7.

Optimal stimulation of CD4+ T cells in an immune response requires not only signals transduced via the CD3/TCR complex but also costimulatory signals delivered as a consequence of interactions between T-cell surface-associated costimulatory R and their counter-R on APC. CD28 plays a crucial role as a dominant costimulatory R during the induction of CD4+ T-cell proliferation by interacting with counter-R B7 on APC to sustain IL-2 production. The absence of CD28-mediated costimulation has been postulated to result in T-cell anergy or unresponsiveness. The costimulatory effects of CD28 can be generated with its natural counter-R B7 or mAb directed at CD28. Using soluble C gamma 1 chimeras of B7, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, we have recently shown that B7 costimulates TCR-dependent proliferation of Ag-primed CD4+ T cells more efficiently than that of resting nonactivated CD4+ T cells. In contrast, proliferation of resting CD4+ T cells can be efficiently costimulated by either ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 via interactions with their R CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1/beta 2 integrin) and CD29/CD49d (VLA-4/beta 1 integrin), respectively. TCR-directed preactivation of resting CD4+ T cells with ICAM-1 can induce increased responsiveness to B7 costimulation. In this study, we show that prior TCR-directed activation of resting CD4+ T cells with VCAM-1 induced increased responsiveness to B7 costimulation. VCAM-1 also synergized with B7 to bring about supraoptimal proliferation of CD4+ T cells. In addition, costimulation of resting T cells with VCAM-1 significantly increased not only surface expression of CD28 but also CD28-mediated mobilization of intracellular free [Ca2+]i. Similar activation of T cells with fibronectin also resulted in increased B7 responsiveness, suggesting the involvement of VLA-4 molecule. VCAM-1 costimulation induced hyperresponsiveness to B7 costimulation in both CD18+ (normal) and CD18- (leukocyte adhesion deficient) T cells. Thus, VCAM-1 may play an important costimulatory role during the activation of resting T cells and, by augmenting responsiveness to B7, facilitate optimal development of immunological memory in addition to various regulatory and effector functions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Interaction of P-selectin (CD62) and its cellular ligand: analysis of critical residues.

P-Selectin (CD62, PADGEM, GMP140) is a membrane glycoprotein which is rapidly mobilized to the surface of activated platelets and endothelial cells where it mediates leukocyte-platelet and leukocyte-vascular endothelial cell adhesion, respectively. P-Selectin is a member of a family of adhesion molecules which includes the endothelial cell adhesion molecule E-selectin and the leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selectin. Selectins mediate cell-cell binding resulting from the interaction between the amino terminal lectin domains of the selectins and their respective carbohydrate ligands. Here we report on a three-dimensional model of the lectin domain of P-selectin which was derived on the basis of its structural homology to the rat mannose binding protein (MBP) whose crystal structure has recently been reported. On the basis of the model, a number of point mutants were prepared to identify the P-selectin binding site. The residues found to be important for binding are located in a shallow groove on the surface of the molecule composed of residues from the beta-2, -3, and -5 strands of the P-selectin lectin domain. A number of residues within this groove, which are conserved among all selectins, were found to be critical for P-selectin binding. They include Lys113, Tyr48, and Tyr94. The single substitutions Lys113Ala, Tyr48Ala, Tyr48Phe, Tyr94Ala, and Tyr94Phe abolished P-selectin binding to myeloid cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The CD40 ligand, gp39, is defective in activated T cells from patients with X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome.

The prominent role of the CD40 receptor in B cell responses led us to investigate the role of the gp39-CD40 interaction in a group of primary immunodeficient patients with defective antibody production. Here we report that patients with hyper-IgM syndrome (HIM) have a defective gp39-CD40 interaction. B cells from HIM patients express functional CD40, but their T cells do not bind CD40-Ig. These patients expressed normal levels of gp39 mRNA, but these mRNAs encode defective gp39 proteins owing to mutations in the extracellular domain of gp39. Soluble recombinant forms of gp39 containing these mutations were unable to bind CD40 and drive normal B cell proliferation. The gene encoding gp39 was mapped to Xq26, the X chromosome region where the gene responsible for HIM had previously been mapped. These data suggest that a defect in gp39 is the basis of X-linked HIM.

Adolescent↗

Tyrosine phosphorylation of CD6 by stimulation of CD3: augmentation by the CD4 and CD2 coreceptors.

When T cells are activated via the T cell receptor (TCR) complex a number of cellular substrates, including some cell surface proteins, become phosphorylated on tyrosine (Tyr) residues. Phosphorylation of cytoplasmic Tyr renders these cell surface receptors competent to interact with proteins that link cell surface receptors to protein in the intracellular signaling pathways. Here we show that Tyr residues in the cytoplasmic domain of CD6 become phosphorylated upon T cell activation via the TCR complex. Tyr phosphorylation was observed when the T cells were activated by crosslinking CD3 or by cocrosslinking CD3 with CD2 or CD4, but not when the cells were stimulated by crosslinking CD2, CD4, or CD28 alone. Unlike other Tyr kinase substrates, such as the phospholipase C gamma 1-associated pp35/36 protein, whose level of Tyr phosphorylation is highest when T cells are activated by cocrosslinking CD3 with CD2, the levels of CD6 Tyr phosphorylation are highest when T cells were activated by cocrosslinking CD3 with CD4.

Antigens, CD↗

Tyrosine phosphorylation of CD19 in pre-B and mature B cells.

Cross-linking of B cell surface immunoglobulins (sIg) results in activation of mature B cells and stimulates a molecular signaling mechanism for antigen-specific B cell expansion and differentiation. This signaling pathway is dependent on tyrosine (Tyr) phosphorylation and results in the activation of sIg-associated src family kinases and p72SYK. Rapid Tyr phosphorylation occurs on multiple protein substrates. Here we show that activation of B cells by cross-linking sIg results in an increase in Tyr phosphorylation of the lineage-restricted B cell surface antigen CD19, and show that it is a major substrate of activated Tyr kinase following sIg stimulation. Lower levels of constitutive CD19 Tyr phosphorylation occurred in most sIg+ mature B cell lines examined and in normal dense tonsillar B cells. We also find that when CD19 is Tyr-phosphorylated it becomes competent to interact with SH2 domains suggesting a mechanism whereby, following B cell activation, CD19 could be linked to intracellular signaling pathways. In sIg- pre-B cell lines, CD19 was expressed but was not constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine. Upon CD19 cross-linking, Tyr phosphorylation of CD19 was induced in sIg- pre-B cell lines. CD19 cross-linking also directly induced Tyr phosphorylation of CD19 and other substrates in mature B cells. The ability of CD19 to signal in the absence of sIg expression may provide important stimulation in pre-B cell development.

Antigens, CD↗

Knowledge-based model building of proteins: concepts and examples.

We describe how to build protein models from structural templates. Methods to identify structural similarities between proteins in cases of significant, moderate to low, or virtually absent sequence similarity are discussed. The detection and evaluation of structural relationships is emphasized as a central aspect of protein modeling, distinct from the more technical aspects of model building. Computational techniques to generate and complement comparative protein models are also reviewed. Two examples, P-selectin and gp39, are presented to illustrate the derivation of protein model structures and their use in experimental studies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CD4, CD8 and the role of CD45 in T-cell activation.

CD4, CD8 and CD45 regulate the coupling of the T-cell receptor complex (CD3-TCR) to tyrosine kinase activation and phosphorylation of key substrates such as phospholipase C gamma 1. CD4 and CD8 contribute to activation signals through their cytoplasmic association with p56lck. Expression of the zeta-chain is required for functional synergy of the T-cell receptor with CD4 in the activation of phospholipase C gamma 1, which probably reflects an interaction between p56lck and zeta-associated kinase ZAP-70. CD45 expression is required for CD3-TCR signaling. CD45 may positively regulate signaling by dephosphorylating the carboxyl-terminal tyrosine of p56lck and p59fyn, and negatively regulate signaling by dephosphorylation of other TCR-associated substrates directly. One ligand for CD45 receptor has been identified as the B cell CD22 molecule. The positive and negative effects of CD45 are sensitive to the composition of CD45 in receptor complexes, and may be regulated by specific associations of CD45 isoforms with other receptors such as CD3-TCR, CD2 and CD4.

Animals↗

Current applications of COS cell based transient expression systems.

An ever increasing number of mammalian expression systems have become available in recent years. Yet a simple and robust mammalian expression system is all that is needed for most routine mammalian expression work. The well established COS cell based expression systems have filled this role and continue to be used to study gene expression, to clone by expression, to produce small quantities of recombinant protein, and to test the efficacy of mammalian expression constructs. Recent applications of COS cell based expression systems in these areas include the following: studies on the role of AU-rich regions localized in the 3' untranslated regions of mRNA transcripts in mRNA half-life; the cloning of the leukocyte antigens CD34 and CD69 as well as the type-II and type-III TGF-beta receptors; and the production of a soluble recombinant form of the gamma delta T-cell receptor and a bispecific Ig fusion protein of the endothelial cell-surface proteins E-selectin and P-selectin.

Animals↗