Biomedical subjects

E Appella

Publications and source records attributed to E Appella.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Several HLA alleles share overlapping peptide specificities.

Herein we describe the establishment of assays to measure peptide binding to purified HLA-B*0701, -B*0801, -B*2705, -B*3501-03, -B*5401, -Cw*0401, -Cw*0602, and -Cw*0702 molecules. The binding of known peptide epitopes or naturally processed peptides correlates well with HLA restriction or origin, underscoring the immunologic relevance of these assays. Analysis of the sequences of various HLA class I alleles suggested that alleles with peptide motifs characterized by proline in position 2 and aromatic or hydrophobic residues at their C-terminus shared key consensus residues at positions 9, 63, 66, 67, and 70 (B pocket) and residue 116 (F pocket). Prediction of the peptide-binding specificity of HLA-B*5401, on the basis of this consensus B and F pocket structure, verified this hypothesis and suggested that a relatively large family of HLA-B alleles (which we have defined as the HLA-B7-like supertype) may significantly overlap in peptide binding specificity. Availability of quantitative binding assays allowed verification that, indeed, many (25%) of the peptide ligands carrying proline in position 2 and hydrophobic/aromatic residues at the C-terminus (the B7-like supermotif) were capable of binding at least three of five HLA-B7-like supertype alleles. Identification of epitopes carrying the B7-like supermotif and binding to a family of alleles represented in over 40% of individuals from all major ethnic groups may be of considerable use in the design of peptide vaccines.

Alleles↗

PubMed1995

Backbone dynamics of the oligomerization domain of p53 determined from 15N NMR relaxation measurements.

The backbone dynamics of the tetrameric p53 oligomerization domain (residues 319-360) have been investigated by two-dimensional inverse detected heteronuclear 1H-15N NMR spectroscopy at 500 and 600 MHz. 15N T1, T2, and heteronuclear NOEs were measured for 39 of 40 non-proline backbone NH vectors at both field strengths. The overall correlation time for the tetramer, calculated from the T1/T2 ratios, was found to be 14.8 ns at 35 degrees C. The correlation times and amplitudes of the internal motions were extracted from the relaxation data using the model-free formalism (Lipari G, Szabo A, 1982, J Am Chem Soc 104:4546-4559). The internal dynamics of the structural core of the p53 oligomerization domain are uniform and fairly rigid, with residues 327-354 exhibiting an average generalized order parameter (S2) of 0.88 +/- 0.08. The N- and C-termini exhibit substantial mobility and are unstructured in the solution structure of p53. Residues located at the N- and C-termini, in the beta-sheet, in the turn between the alpha-helix and beta-sheet, and at the C-terminal end of the alpha-helix display two distinct internal motions that are faster than the overall correlation time. Fast internal motions (< or = 20 ps) are within the extreme narrowing limit and are of uniform amplitude. The slower motions (0.6-2.2 ns) are outside the extreme narrowing limit and vary in amplitude.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Computer Graphics↗

PubMed1995

Analysis of MHC-specific peptide motifs. Applications in immunotherapy.

The structural features which underlie peptide binding to MHC molecules permit the binding of a diverse array of peptides. Polymorphic residues of class I, and to a lesser extent, class II molecules, determine the peptide selectivities associated with various allomorphs. The motifs which are described here and elsewhere in the literature mainly reflect peptide features which contribute to high affinity binding. While high affinity MHC binding is not an absolute prerequisite for the immunologic relevance of a peptide, motifs provide general guidelines for eliciting and characterizing cellular responses to epitopes presented by a given MHC allomorph or group of related allomorphs. The utility of motifs is underscored by emerging developments in the clinical application of peptides to elicit specific and effective cellular responses.

HLA-A2 Antigen↗

PubMed1995

Analysis of the structure of naturally processed peptides bound by class I and class II major histocompatibility complex molecules.

Antigen-specific T-cell responses require antigenic peptides presented on the cell surface by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The structural characteristics of these peptides are being defined. It is now known that the majority of peptides that associate with MHC Class I are 8-10 residues long, with allotype-specific binding motifs containing up to three anchor positions. This is consistent with the presence of six pockets and the close-ended structure of the MHC Class I peptide binding groove. In contrast to peptides associated with MHC Class I, those associated with MHC Class II are 10-34 residues in length and are commonly presented in nested sets with extensions or truncations at the N- or C-terminal ends. Binding motifs for MHC Class II appear to contain up to four anchor positions, with more loosely defined amino acid preferences. The expression of histocompatibility proteins in cells that do not load peptides but fold them correctly has permitted the X-ray analysis of the three-dimensional structure of Class I and Class II complexes with single defined peptides. The differences in length between the Class I and Class II sequences can be ascribed to small structural differences between the two binding sites and the positioning of key residues, that make hydrogen bonds to the bound peptides. Recent advances in mass spectrometry are making possible the analysis and sequencing of subpicomolar quantities of MHC-bound peptides and the estimation of the size of the total population of peptides. The sequence information derived from this technique, in conjunction with X-ray crystallographic analysis of MHC complexes involving single, defined peptides, may provide a new approach towards the development of useful reagents for therapeutic intervention.

Alleles↗

PubMed1995

Refined solution structure of the oligomerization domain of the tumour suppressor p53.

The NMR solution structure of the oligomerization domain of the tumour suppressor p53 (residues 319-360) has been refined. The structure comprises a dimer of dimers, oriented in an approximately orthogonal manner. The present structure determination is based on 4,472 experimental NMR restraints which represents a three and half fold increase over our previous work in the number of NOE restraints at the tetramerization interface. A comparison with the recently solved 1.7 A resolution X-ray structure shows that the structures are very similar and that the average angular root-mean-square difference in the interhelical angles is about 1 degree. The results of recent extensive mutagenesis data and the possible effects of mutations which have been identified in human cancers are discussed in the light of the present structure.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

DR alpha: E beta heterodimers in DRA transgenic mice hinder expression of E alpha: E beta molecules and are more efficient in antigen presentation.

HLA-DRA transgenic (tg) mice on H-2d background were constructed to study assembly, expression and function of DR alpha: E beta class II heterodimers when an alternate E alpha chain is available. Cytofluorimetric analysis and immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate that the majority (90%) of E beta d molecules on class II-positive splenocytes from DRA-tg mice are associated with DR alpha rather than E alpha chains. To characterize the functional role of the interspecies as compared with the wild-type I-E molecules, MHC restriction and T cell epitope immunodominance of synthetic peptides spanning the entire sequence of 65 kDa heat shock protein (hsp) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis were determined in hsp-primed DRA-tg and DBA/2 mice. A similar pattern of responsiveness was observed in both strains, but hsp epitopes recalled a higher response in DRA-tg as compared with DBA/2 mice. A panel of T cell hybridomas specific for two hsp peptides or a hen egg white lysozyme peptide presented by both DR alpha: E beta d and E alpha d: E beta d was studied in detail. Surprisingly, DR alpha: E beta d dimers present these peptides more efficiently than E alpha d: E beta d, even when the TCR was selected in mice expressing only E alpha d: E beta d molecules. The higher efficiency of antigen presentation by DR alpha: E beta d dimers does not appear to depend on increased binding affinity for peptides, as demonstrated by competition for antigen presentation, nor on increased efficiency in the interaction with CD4 molecules. Rather, the higher efficiency of antigen presentation could be explained by a more effective ligand-TCR interaction. This is consistent with molecular modeling based on the class II structure, indicating that 16 out of 17 substitutions between the first domain of E alpha d and DR alpha chains ile outside the peptide binding groove and are potentially available for interaction with the TCR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Engineering a peptide epitope display system on filamentous bacteriophage.

The genome of bacteriophage fd has been engineered to allow foreign amino acid sequences to be displayed in the exposed N-terminal segment of the major coat protein in the virus particle: small peptides can be encoded directly; larger peptides are encoded in hybrid virions, in which wild-type coat protein subunits are interspersed with coat proteins displaying the foreign peptides. Biophysical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, indicate that the inclusion of the peptides can be achieved without significant disturbance to the helical parameters that define the protein-protein interactions in the assembled virion and the exposure of the peptides can be verified by analysing the susceptibility to attack by proteolytic enzymes. Peptide sequences from the V3 loop of the surface glycoprotein gp120 of HIV-1 strain MN (HIV-1MN) displayed in this way are remarkably effective structural mimics of the natural epitope. They are recognised by human HIV antisera and evoke high titres of virus-neutralizing antibodies in mice. Antibody production is stimulated by simultaneous inoculation with T cell epitopes similarly displayed on filamentous bacteriophage. The bacteriophage display system offers a powerful means of studying the immunological recognition of proteins. The specificity of the immune response, the ability to recruit helper T cells, the lack of need for external adjuvants and the structural mimicry of defined peptide epitopes, suggest that it will also be an inexpensive and simple route to the production of effective vaccines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Synthetic antigenic peptides as a new strategy for immunotherapy of cancer.

Antigens presented by class I of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are recognised by the T cell receptor of CD8+ cytolytic effector cells (CTLs), while class II molecules present antigens to CD4+ helper T cells. For both class I and class II molecules, structure and function are linked through the binding of peptides. Consensus or individual sequences have been obtained for naturally processed peptides bound to a variety of class I and class II molecules, revealing the general features of peptides associated with MHC molecules. The interactions between peptides and MHC molecules have been more clearly defined by the characterization of the three dimensional structure of several different MHC molecules. CTLs have been implicated in immune responses against tumors and it is now well documented that some human tumors express specific antigens, which are recognised by CTLs and could potentially be used in immunotherapy protocols. The use of antigenic peptides to elicit a specific and effective CTL response in vivo offers several advantages over the use of other antigenic moieties. Emerging strategies for the safe and effective administration of peptides to humans may lead to their use in the immunological prevention and treatment of cancer.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Structural mimicry and enhanced immunogenicity of peptide epitopes displayed on filamentous bacteriophage. The V3 loop of HIV-1 gp120.

The principal neutralizing determinant of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is an intra-chain disulphide-bridged loop, designated V3, in the third hypervariable region of the surface glycoprotein gp120. Peptide sequences from the V3 loop of gp120 from HIV-1 strain MN (HIV-1MN) were engineered into the N-terminal region of the major coat protein of filamentous bacteriophage fd, leading to their display in multiple copies on the surface of the bacteriophage virion. Peptides displayed in this way were shown to be remarkably effective structural mimics of the natural epitope. They were recognised by human HIV antisera and evoked high titres of antibodies in mice, which cross-reacted with other strains of HIV and were capable of neutralizing the virus. In addition, antibody production could be stimulated by simultaneous inoculation with T-cell epitopes similarly displayed on filamentous bacteriophage. The bacteriophage display system offers a powerful means of studying the immunological recognition of proteins and is a promising vaccine model.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Constitutive expression of B-myb can bypass p53-induced Waf1/Cip1-mediated G1 arrest.

Overexpression of wild-type p53 protein has been shown to induce arrest in the G1 stage of the cell cycle and to transactivate expression of the gene that encodes the 21-kDa Waf1/Cip1 protein, a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase activity. p53-dependent G1 arrest is accompanied by decreased expression of the B-myb gene, a relative of the c-myb cellular oncogene. In this study we show that B-myb expression is required for cells to progress from G1 into S phase and that high levels of ectopic B-myb expression uncoupled from cell cycle regulation rescues cells from p53-induced G1 arrest even in the presence of Waf1/Cip1 transactivation and inhibition of cyclin E/Cdk2 kinase activity. Cotransfection experiments with p53 expression plasmids and expression plasmids encoding in-frame deletion mutations in B-myb coding sequences indicate that the DNA-binding domain of the B-Myb protein is required for this activity. These results provide evidence of a bypass of p53-induced Waf1/Cip1-mediated cell cycle regulatory pathways by a member of the myb oncogene family.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Specific sequences from the carboxyl terminus of human p53 gene product form anti-parallel tetramers in solution.

Human p53 is a tumor-suppressor gene product associated with control of the cell cycle and with growth suppression, and it is known to form homotetramers in solution. To investigate the relationship of structure to tetramerization, nine peptides corresponding to carboxyl-terminal sequences in human p53 were chemically synthesized, and their equilibrium associative properties were determined by analytical ultracentrifugation. Secondary structure, as determined by circular dichroism measurements, was correlated with oligomerization properties of each peptide. The sedimentation profiles of peptides 319-393 and 319-360 fit a two-state model of peptide monomers in equilibrium with peptide tetramers. Successive deletion of amino- and carboxyl-terminal residues from 319-360 reduced tetramer formation. Further, substitution of alanine for Leu-323, Tyr-327, and Leu-330 abolished tetramerization. Circular dichroism studies showed that peptide 319-351 had the highest alpha-helix content, while the other peptides that did not form tetramers had low helical structure. These studies define a minimal region and identify certain critical residues involved in tetramerization. Cross-linking studies between monomer units in the tetramer suggest that the helices adopt an anti-parallel arrangement. We propose that conformational shifts in the helical structure of the p53 tetramerization domain result in a repositioning of subunits relative to one another. This repositioning provides an explanation relating conformational changes at the carboxyl terminus with changes in sequence-specific DNA binding by the highly conserved central domain.

Circular Dichroism↗

PubMed1994

Characterization of cloned class I MHC-restricted, CD8+ anti-Meth A cytotoxic T-lymphocytes: recognition of an epitope derived from the Meth A gp110 tumor rejection antigen.

Meth A gp110 has been tentatively identified as a tumor rejection antigen. Following isolation of a class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted, CD8+ anti-Meth A cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL), we sought to determine whether the determinant recognized by this CTL was: (a) functional in tumor rejection of Meth A sarcoma; and (b) derived from Meth A gp110. Initially, we isolated an anti-Meth A CTL-resistant variant of Meth A sarcoma, Meth A4R, by immunoselection. The results of the subsequent analysis of Meth A4R cells showed the CTL-defined determinant as having a functional role in transplantation rejection of Meth A sarcoma. Walker et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89: 7915-7918, 1993) showed that the cationic lipid, N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N- trimethylammonium-methyl sulfate, mediated delivery of a recombinant glycoprotein into the cytosol of target cells, making it available for processing and presentation by class I MHC molecules. As a result, the cells were sensitized for cytolysis by a class I MHC-restricted CD8+ CTL, which recognized an epitope expressed by the glycoprotein. In a similar manner, we treated the SV40-transformed BALB/c cell line, SVBalb, which is relatively insensitive to cytolysis by the anti-Meth A CTL, with Meth A gp110 and N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl sulfate. The sensitivities of the treated cells and control cell lines to the anti-Meth A CTL were then examined. The results of these experiments permit us to conclude that the determinant recognized by the anti-Meth A CTL line is derived from Meth A gp110.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

High-resolution structure of the oligomerization domain of p53 by multidimensional NMR.

The three-dimensional structure of the oligomerization domain (residues 319 to 360) of the tumor suppressor p53 has been solved by multidimensional heteronuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The domain forms a 20-kilodalton symmetric tetramer with a topology made up from a dimer of dimers. The two primary dimers each comprise two antiparallel helices linked by an antiparallel beta sheet. One beta strand and one helix are contributed from each monomer. The interface between the two dimers forming the tetramer is mediated solely by helix-helix contacts. The overall result is a symmetric, four-helix bundle with adjacent helices oriented antiparallel to each other and with the two antiparallel beta sheets located on opposing faces of the molecule. The tetramer is stabilized not only by hydrophobic interactions within the protein core but also by a number of electrostatic interactions. The implications of the structure of the tetramer for the biological function of p53 are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Identification of a human melanoma antigen recognized by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes associated with in vivo tumor rejection.

The cultured T-cell line TIL1200, established from the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) of a patient with advanced metastatic melanoma, recognized an antigen on most HLA-A2+ melanomas and on all HLA-A2+ cultured neonatal melanocytes in an HLA-A2 restricted manner but not on other types of tissues or cell lines tested. A cDNA encoding an antigen recognized by TIL1200 was isolated by screening an HLA-A2+ breast cancer cell line transfected with an expression cDNA library prepared from an HLA-A2+ melanoma cell line. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of this cDNA were almost identical to the genes encoding glycoprotein gp100 or Pmel17 previously registered in the GenBank. Expression of this gene was restricted to melanoma and melanocyte cell lines and retina but was not expressed on other fresh or cultured normal tissues or other types of tumor tested. The cell line transfected with this cDNA also expressed antigen recognized by the melanoma-specific antibody HMB45 that bound to gp100. A synthetic 10-amino acid peptide derived from gp100 was recognized by TIL1200 in the context of HLA-A2.1. Since the administration of TIL1200 plus interleukin 2 resulted in regression of metastatic cancer in the autologous patient, gp100 is a possible tumor rejection antigen and may be useful for the development of immunotherapies for patients with melanoma.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Identification of the immunodominant peptides of the MART-1 human melanoma antigen recognized by the majority of HLA-A2-restricted tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.

Four melanoma proteins, MART-1, gp100, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (gp75) were evaluated for recognition by HLA-A2-restricted melanoma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) derived from the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) of 10 different patients. 9 of 10 TIL recognized MART-1, 4 recognized gp100 (including 3 that also recognized MART-1), but none of the TIL recognized tyrosinase or gp75. Based on the known HLA-A2.1 peptide binding motifs, 23 peptides from MART-1 were synthesized in an attempt to identify the epitopes recognized by TIL. Three peptides were recognized by TIL when pulsed on T2 target cells. One of the 9-mer peptides, AAGIGILTV, was most effective in sensitizing the T2 cells for TIL lysis. This peptide was recognized by 9 of 10 HLA-A2-restricted melanoma-specific CTLs. Therefore, this peptide appears to be a very common immunogenic epitope for HLA-A2-restricted melanoma-specific TIL and may be useful for the development of immunotherapeutic strategies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Molecular interactions between interferon consensus sequence binding protein and members of the interferon regulatory factor family.

Interferon (IFN) consensus sequence binding protein (ICSBP) is a transcription factor expressed mostly in the cells of the immune system. ICSBP belongs to the IFN regulatory factor (IRF) family, which also includes IRF-1, IRF-2, and the IFN-alpha-stimulated gene factor 3 gamma (ISGF3 gamma). We show here that ICSBP forms a complex with IRF-1 or IRF-2 both in vivo and in vitro and, in the presence or absence of the target DNA, with the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE). Further, electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that this interaction greatly enhances the otherwise very low binding affinity of ICSBP to the ISRE. We show, on the other hand, that ICSBP inhibits binding of the IFN-alpha-stimulated gene factor 3 gamma to the ISRE. Through these interactions ICSBP is likely to exert complex modulatory functions in the regulation of IFN-stimulated genes.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

CD45 regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation and enzyme activity of src family kinases.

Previous analyses have suggested that the CD45 tyrosine phosphatase activates src family tyrosine kinases p56lck and p59fyn by dephosphorylating regulatory COOH-terminal residues. We have examined the status of p56lck and p59fyn in murine and human CD45- T cell lines. Surprisingly, despite the fact that p56lck and p59fyn were spontaneously hyperphosphorylated, the tyrosine kinase activity of both enzymes was increased in CD45- versus CD45+ cells. In vitro exposure of hyperphosphorylated p56lck to CD45 decreased enzyme activity to near-basal levels. Lck from CD45- cells was hyperphosphorylated on the cyanogen bromide digestion fragment that contains the negative regulatory residue Tyr-505, and the identity of this site of phosphorylation was confirmed by trypsin digestion followed by high performance liquid chromatography. Loss of CD45 results, therefore, in a paradoxical hyperphosphorylation of the COOH-terminal tyrosine and increased src family kinase enzymatic activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Definition of a DQ3.1-specific binding motif.

A quantitative peptide binding assay using purified DQA1*0301/DQB1*0301 (DQ3.1) molecules was developed and validated by examining the correlation between the data obtained in the binding assay with those obtained in inhibition of Ag presentation assays. By the combined use of large libraries of synthetic peptides and of substitution and truncation analogues, a putative DQ3.1 motif was defined. Its most prominent feature is the requirement for two small and/or hydrophobic residues spaced at positions i + 2 and i + 4. This motif is quite different from the motif recognized by DR molecules, but similar to the motif previously defined for certain IA alleles (the putative mouse homologue of DQ). These data suggest that various class II isotypes have evolved to present different peptide structures to each other, thus maximizing the repertoire of different epitopes available to T cell scrutiny.

Amino Acid Sequence↗