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J P Atkinson

Publications and source records attributed to J P Atkinson.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Regulation of proteolytic activity of complement factor I by pH: C3b/C4b receptor (CR1) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP) have different pH optima for factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b.

C3b/C4b receptor (CR1) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP) are integral membrane glycoproteins with factor I-dependent cofactor activity. They bind to C3b, allowing factor I to cleave C3b at two sites (first and second cleavage), which results in the generation of C3bi, a hemolytically inactive form which is a ligand for complement receptor type three (CR3). C3bi is further degraded by factor I and CR1 (third cleavage) to C3dg (a ligand for complement receptor type two, CR2) and C3c. Using two different substrates, fluid-phase C3b and cell-bound C3b, the cleavage of C3b by MCP and factor I was compared to that by CR1 and factor I under various conditions. The optimal pH for the first and second cleavage of either substrate was 6.0 for MCP and 7.5 for CR1. The third cleavage was mediated only by CR1 and factor I, the optimal pH being 8.0. Low ionic conditions enhanced the C3b binding and cofactor activity of both CR1 and MCP. The efficiency of binding C3b to CR1 or MCP was maximal at pH 6.2. The isoelectric point (pI) of MCP was acidic (approximately 4.0), while that of CR1 was 6.8. Therefore, compared to CR1, MCP possesses distinct functional profiles relative to C3b-binding and factor I-cofactor activity.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1990

Competition for binding sites on C3b by CR1, CR2, MCP, factor B and factor H.

The reaction of radiolabeled C3b-binding proteins with C3b-coated particles has been investigated. CR1 binding was inhibited by factor H and factor B (in the presence of properdin), but not by properdin alone. CR2 and MCP binding were also inhibited by factor H. Therefore factor H, factor B, CR1, CR2 and MCP probably comprise a group of mutually competitive proteins with similar or overlapping binding sites on C3b. These results correlate with their structural homology and suggest that they all evolved from a single C3b-binding molecule. Factor H, CR1 and MCP are also cofactors for the factor-I-mediated cleavage of C3b. A species incompatibility between rat factor I and human CR1 for the cleavage of human C3b suggests the possibility that cofactors may also function by interacting directly with factor I.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Polymorphisms of the regulators of complement activation gene cluster.

The regulators of complement activation (RCA) constitute a tightly linked gene family that controls the activity of the complement system. Genetic polymorphisms have been reported for all of RCA genes at the DNA, RNA and/or protein levels. In addition, multiple RNA and/or protein products have been observed for most of these genes. These polymorphisms and variants are instrumental in the study of the structure, evolution and function of the RCA family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

The human cell-surface glycoproteins HuLy-m5, membrane co-factor protein (MCP) of the complement system, and trophoblast leucocyte-common (TLX) antigen, are CD46.

The non-lineage restricted human CD46 antigen, with two glycoproteins of 56,000 molecular weight (MW) and 66,000 MW, was defined using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that included the E4.3 mAb to the HuLy-m5 antigen. Here the E4.3 mAb is used to show that two other human cell-surface molecules, membrane co-factor protein (MCP) of the complement system and trophoblast leucocyte-common antigen (TLX), are the same as HuLy-m5; thus, these three independently identified molecules are equivalently CD46. A mouse mAb to TLX (H316) and a specific rabbit antiserum to purified MCP (RA-MCP) blocked the binding of FITC-labelled E4.3 to the surface of human peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL). In sequential immunoprecipitation studies, E4.3 cleared all molecules detected by H316 and the RA-MCP antiserum. Immunoprecipitation from Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing transfected MCP cDNA showed that E4.3 detects both the mature 66,000 higher MW form of MCP and its 48,000 MW pro-MCP precursor, which lacks O-linked carbohydrate and bears only simple high-mannose-type N-linked carbohydrate. The IgG fraction of a polyclonal antiserum to purified MCP blocked factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b, whereas the E4.3 mAb did not. These data establish that three independently identified antigen systems are indeed the same: HuLy-m5, which shares a cross-reactive epitope with some primate retroviral gp 70 molecules and can be physically associated with class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) chains in the cell membrane; MCP, of interest as a member of the regulators of complement activation gene family thought to protect autologous cells from complement activation; and TLX, a polymorphic molecule of interest for its potential role at the foeto-maternal tissue interface during pregnancy. Thus, the human CD46 antigen amalgamates the HuLy-m5, MCP and TLX cell-membrane glycoproteins.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1989

Functional properties of membrane cofactor protein of complement.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP or gp45-70) of the complement system is a cofactor for factor I-mediated cleavage of fluid-phase C3b and C3b-like C3, which opens the thioester bond. In the present study the activity of MCP was further characterized. Unexpectedly, in the absence of factor I, MCP stabilized the alternative- and, to a lesser extent, the classical-pathway cell-bound C3 convertases and thereby enhanced C3b deposition. Soluble MCP, if added exogenously, hardly functioned as cofactor for the cleavage of erythrocyte-bound C3b to iC3b; i.e. its activity, compared with the cofactor activity of factor H, was inefficient, since less than 10% of the bound C3b was MCP-sensitive. Further, exogenously added soluble MCP was also a weak cofactor for the cleavage of C3b bound to zymosan. Likewise, factor I, in the presence of cells bearing MCP, cleaved fluid-phase C3b inefficiently. These results imply that MCP has very little extrinsic cofactor activity for factor I. In contrast, exogenously added MCP and factor I mediated efficient cleavage of erythrocyte-bound C3b if the concentration of Nonidet P40 was sufficient to solubilize the cells. Interestingly, soluble MCP and factor I degraded C3b attached to certain solubilized acceptor membrane molecules more readily than others. The cleavage reaction of fluid-phase and cell-bound C3b by soluble MCP and factor I produced iC3b, but no C3c and C3dg. These and prior data indicate that soluble MCP has potent cofactor activity for fluid-phase C3b or C3b bound to solubilized molecules, but acts inefficiently towards C3b on other cells. This functional profile is unique for a C3b/C4b binding protein and, taken together with its wide tissue distribution, suggests an important role for MCP in the regulation of the complement system.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes in human sera deficient in the second component of complement.

Analysis of C-dependent lysis of sensitized SRBC by C2-deficient sera (C2D) led to the characterization of a C2 bypass pathway. Lysis in the total hemolytic C assay by C2D sera was Ca2+-dependent and required a high concentration of hemolysin to sensitize E. Selective component depletion indicated a requirement for C1 and C4 of the classical pathway (CP) and proteins B, P, and probably D of the alternative pathway (AP). Total hemolytic C could be restored to normal in these C2D sera by utilizing heavily sensitized E or by the addition of a supranormal concentration of B. This system most closely resembles a pathway described by J. E. May and M. M. Frank which requires antibody, C1, and the AP but not C4 or C2. It differs in its requirement for C4. We hypothesize that this pathway represents vestiges of a more primitive C pathway. It becomes evident and possibly clinically important in the setting of C2 deficiency, by allowing C activation, other than the AP, and perhaps in normal individuals, by damaging microorganisms that have evolved means to inhibit early components of the CP.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Translation of the human C3b/C4b receptor mRNA in a cell-free system and by Xenopus oocytes.

The C3b/C4b complement receptor (CR1) is a large, single-chain integral membrane glycoprotein present on erythrocytes, leukocytes, glomerular podocytes, and splenic dendritic-reticular cells that mediates the binding of complement-coated particles and immune complexes. CR1 is unusual in that it is polymorphic in size with the four allelic variants having molecular weights of 190,000, 220,000, 250,000, and 280,000 (SDS-PAGE, reducing conditions). The in vitro translation of the common (Mr 220,000) allelic variant CR1 has been achieved by using mRNA in lysates of rabbit reticulocytes and in Xenopus oocytes. HL-60, a promyelocytic human leukemic cell line, was treated with DMSO to induce differentiation and synthesis of CR1. Poly(A+) RNA was purified from these cells by column chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose. In the rabbit reticulocyte system, no CR1 was detected unless the translation mixture was denatured. In the presence of methylmercuric hydroxide, the CR1 translation product, unlike most translation products, had the same molecular weight in gel electrophoresis as the high-mannose-containing pro-CR1 and was 15-20K larger than nonglycosylated CR1. This suggests that a cotranslational modification of CR1 structure occurs, probably involving a proteolytic cleavage event. When poly(A+) RNA was translated in Xenopus oocytes, CR1 could be detected by treatment of oocytes with anti-CR1 monoclonal antibody followed by fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG. CR1 was diffusely distributed but preferentially localized to the vegetal surface. The molecular weight of this product, identified in immunoprecipitates of lysates of [35S]methionine-labeled oocytes, was identical with that of CR1 of HL-60.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Structural gene for human membrane cofactor protein (MCP) of complement maps to within 100 kb of the 3' end of the C3b/C4b receptor gene.

The structural gene for membrane cofactor protein (MCP), a widely distributed C3b/C4b binding regulatory glycoprotein of the complement system, has been mapped to the same locus as the structural genes for CR1, CR2, DAF, and C4bp. The order of the genes within an approximately 800-kb DNA fragment on the long arm of chromosome 1 is MCP-CR1-CR2-DAF-C4bp. Further, the MCP gene maps to within 100 kb of 3' end of the CR1 gene.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1989

Biosynthesis of properdin.

Properdin (P) is synthesized by the human promyelocytic cell line, HL-60, after differentiation with DMSO. The secreted P was physiochemically indistinguishable from purified plasma P. It was polymerized and able to bind to C3IBb-Sepharose but not to C3i-Sepharose. No extracellular precursor was present. The intracellular form, detected between 1 and 4 h after labeling, was similar but had a slightly lower Mr. It also bound reversibly to C3iBb-Sepharose, and polymers could be demonstrated by cross-linking. Pulse-chase experiments suggested the existence of an earlier, but undetectable, intracellular precursor(s). This form could not be immunoprecipitated even when harsh solubilization conditions and/or antibodies against reduced and denatured P were utilized. Studies with endoglycosidases F and H and tunicamycin indicated that the detectable intracellular precursor contains high mannose N-linked carbohydrate that is processed to the complex form before secretion. The sugars are not required for polymerization, secretion, or functional activity, or responsible for the electrophoretic heterogeneity. Polymerization of P is therefore an early intracellular event, perhaps carefully controlled to prevent anomalous aggregation.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗
PubMed1989

Sulfation of tyrosine residues increases activity of the fourth component of complement.

Sulfation of tyrosine residues recently has been recognized as a biosynthetic modification of many plasma proteins and other secretory proteins. Effects of this site-specific modification on protein function are not known, but the activity of several peptides such as cholecystokinin is greatly augmented by sulfation. Here, we examine the role of sulfation in the processing and activity of C4 (the fourth component of complement), one of the few proteins in which sites and stoichiometry of tyrosine sulfation have been characterized. Our results, with C4 as a paradigm, suggest that sulfation of tyrosine residues can have major effects on the activity of proteins participating in protein-protein interactions. Sulfation of C4 synthesized by Hep G2 cells was blocked by incubating the cells with NaClO3 and guaiacol. These sulfation inhibitors did not alter secretion or other steps in the processing of C4. However, hemolytic activity of C4 was decreased more than 50%. The inhibitors' effect on C4 activity was prevented by adding Na2SO4 to restore sulfation of C4. Activity of C3, a complement component homologous to C4 but lacking tyrosine sulfate residues, was minimally reduced (19%) by the inhibitors. Decreased hemolytic activity of nonsulfated C4 apparently resulted from impaired interaction with complement subcomponent C1s (EC 3.4.21.42), the protease that physiologically activates C4. Purified C1s was able to cleave nonsulfated C4, but approximately 10-fold higher concentrations of C1s were required for that cleavage than to yield equivalent cleavage of sulfated C4. Our results suggest that activation of C4, a central component in the classical pathway of complement activation, is influenced by the level of sulfation of the protein. Thus, sulfation of C4 provides a potential locus for physiological or pharmacological modulation of complement-mediated opsonization and inflammation.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1989

Membrane cofactor protein of complement is present on human fibroblast, epithelial, and endothelial cells.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) of the complement system is a iC3/C3b binding molecule with cofactor activity that has been identified on all human peripheral blood cells except erythrocytes. Human mononuclear and platelet MCP is dimeric with molecular weights of 68,000 and 63,000 and is expressed in three phenotypic patterns. To further determine its tissue distribution, surface-labeled human fibroblast, epithelial, and endothelial cells and cell lines were assessed for the presence of MCP by iC3 affinity chromatography and by immunoprecipitation with a monospecific anti-MCP rabbit polyclonal antibody. All sources of adult and fetal fibroblast and epithelial cells and cell lines examined and umbilical vein endothelial cells expressed MCP. The molecular weight and phenotypic patterns of MCP were similar to those of peripheral blood cells. MCP was synthesized by fibroblast and epithelial cell lines. Solubilized extracts of these cell lines expressed factor I-dependent cofactor activity for the first cleavage of iC3/C3b which was abrogated by removal of MCP. Expression of MCP was modulated by SV40 transformation of two fetal fibroblast lines. There was a 5- to 10-fold increase in expression of MCP and a preferential expression of the lower species such that the phenotypic designation was changed. The wide tissue distribution and activity profile of MCP suggest that it is likely to play an important role in the regulation of the complement cascade.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1988

Complement deficiency. Predisposing factor to autoimmune syndromes.

The recognition of the association between complete and partial complement (C) deficiencies and immune complex-mediated diseases is of clinical and etiopathologic interest. From studies of sera deficient in C1, C4, C2, or C3, the crucial role of these complement components in promoting the solubility and clearance of immune complexes has been elucidated. Moreover, partial C4 deficiency appears to be a common risk factor for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus, with complete C4A deficiency (C4A null) being present in 10 to 15 percent and heterozygous C4A deficiency present in 50 to 80 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Most importantly, there is an obvious pathophysiologic relationship between the function of complement relative to immune complex processing and the disease that results from their deficiency. Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by excessive quantities of inappropriately deposited immune complexes. More subtle complement component and receptor deficiencies are likely to be predisposing factors for autoimmune disease. The complement deficiencies provide us with a unique opportunity to investigate the origin and development of immune complex excess syndromes.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed1988

Biochemical characterization of membrane cofactor protein of the complement system.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; formerly termed glycoprotein 45-70 to indicate its Mr) of complement is a widely distributed iC3/C3b binding protein with co-factor activity. On human mononuclear cells and cell lines and platelets, MCP is a doublet. The two forms differ in Mr by approximately 5 k and the upper species is predominant in most individuals. To further characterize these two forms, limited proteolytic digestions were performed. Of the four peptides produced, three have identical Mr indicating that the molecules are similar proteins. Both forms also have acidic isoelectric points and shift to a less acidic isoelectric point after treatment with neuraminidase. Glycosidase digestions indicate that both species contain N- and O-linked oligosaccharides but that the quantity of sialic acid is greater on the larger one. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrate approximately equal quantities of two precursor forms with Mr of 41 and 43 k. These two precursors possess N-linked high-mannose type of oligosaccharides and chase into the mature molecules which have complex sugars. The smaller precursor chases at a slower rate, possibly accounting for the reduced quantity of the smaller form of the mature form of MCP. These experiments indicate that the two forms of MCP are structurally similar and are derived from two distinct precursors. They also suggest that variations in the rate of processing of two intracellular precursors may account for the different quantities of the mature forms of this membrane protein.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1988

Identification of an alternative polyadenylation site in the human C3b/C4b receptor (complement receptor type 1) transcriptional unit and prediction of a secreted form of complement receptor type 1.

The human C3b/C4b receptor or complement receptor type one (CR1) is an approximately 200-kD single chain membrane glycoprotein of human peripheral blood cells that mediates the binding, processing, and transport of C3b-bearing immune complexes and regulates the activity of the complement cascade. Analysis of partial cDNA clones has shown that the COOH terminus is composed predominantly of three tandemly repeated regions of 450 amino acids each (15). In this report, we present a cDNA sequence that encodes the NH2 terminus of CR1. It appears to have been derived from an alternatively processed transcript, caused by polyadenylation occurring at a site within an intron in the CR1 transcriptional unit. The resulting truncated messenger carries an open reading frame that would produce a short, secreted CR1 form. We present genomic sequences and Northern blots which support this hypothesis and we propose that the NH2-terminal end of CR1 is a likely location for active sites. In addition, we report evidence for a CR1-like sequence in the human genome and we present a model for the organization of CR1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Decay-accelerating factor functions as a signal transducing molecule for human T cells.

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is a cell surface protein that protects cells from autologous C-mediated lysis. DAF is one of the first phosphatidylinositol-linked molecules to be described on human T cells. The current studies demonstrate that low levels of DAF are expressed on a majority of freshly isolated human T cells and that DAF expression rapidly increases after T cell activation by mitogens. Moreover, antibodies to DAF induce T cell proliferation when the cells are co-stimulated with phorbol esters. The induction of proliferation is facilitated when the antibodies to DAF cross-linked with a secondary antibody. T cell mitogenesis is largely dependent on the phosphatidylinositol-linked form of DAF, because removal of DAF by a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C eliminates anti-DAF-induced T cell proliferation. These studies suggest that DAF on the surface of T cells may not only serve to afford protection from autologous C but may also function to transmit signals that induce T cell activation.

Adult↗