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Biomedical subjects

M R Daha

Publications and source records attributed to M R Daha.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Decrease in cellularity and expression of adhesion molecules by anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) monoclonal antibody (MAb) therapy on synovial inflammation was studied in order to address the hypothesis that anti-TNF alpha therapy leads to down-regulation of adhesion molecules and a decrease in inflammatory cell influx in synovial tissue (ST). METHODS: The immunohistologic features of synovial biopsy specimens, both before and 4 weeks after anti-TNF alpha MAb (cA2) therapy, were studied in 14 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The patients either received a placebo (n = 2), or were given intravenous doses of cA2 at 10 mg/kg (n = 5) or 20 mg/kg (n = 7). RESULTS: A significant (P < 0.03) reduction in the mean scores for T cells and for the adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin, was observed after therapy with 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg of cA2 in RA patients. CONCLUSION: The reduced expression of adhesion molecules, and the decrease in cellularity of rheumatoid ST after cA2 administration support the hypothesis that the antiinflammatory effect of anti-TNF alpha therapy might be partly explained by down-regulation of cytokine-inducible vascular adhesion molecules in ST, with a consequent reduction of cell traffic into joints.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

CD32 expression and signaling is down-regulated by transforming growth factor-beta 1 on human monocytes.

CD32 (Fc gamma RII) is the most abundantly distributed class of IgG Fc receptors in the human body. In this study, we analyzed the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, a cytokine with strong immunosuppressive function, on the expression and function of CD32 on freshly isolated peripheral blood monocytes and three human monocytic cell lines, U937, THP-1 and Mono mac-6. We found that TGF-beta 1 down-regulates CD32 expression on monocytes and all monocytic cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. A mean down-regulation of CD32 expression on THP-1 cells of 54 +/- 3.2% after 24 h was found at a concentration of 1 ng/ml TGF-beta 1. At the mRNA level, TGF-beta 1 induced a twofold down-regulation of CD32. Cross-linking of CD32 induced an increase in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+, which was reduced by 50% by TGF-beta 1, suggesting a decreased downstream signaling mediated by the receptor.

Antigens, Surface↗

Expression of the activation antigen CD27 in rheumatoid arthritis.

Differentiation of CD4+ T-cells is reflected by the change from the CD45RA+CD27+ phenotype via CD45RO+CD27+ to the CD45RO+CD27- phenotype. To provide insight into the migration and activation of T-cells at the site of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), CD27 expression by T-cells in peripheral blood (PB), synovial fluid (SF), and synovial tissue (ST) as well as the levels of the soluble form of CD27 (sCD27) in plasma and SF were studied in patients with RA. Since CD4+CD27+ T-cells are involved in providing helper activity for B-cells, we also investigated the levels of rheumatoid factors in serum and SF in relation to CD27 expression. The mean level of sCD27, which is produced by CD27+ cells, and the mean percentage of CD27 T-cells within the CD4+CD45RA- subset were higher in SF than in PB. SF sCD27 levels were higher in the patients with RA than in the patients with osteoarthritis, who served as controls. In ST infiltration by CD4+CD45RO+CD27+ T-cells, could be demonstrated in the rheumatoid perivascular lymphocytic aggregates with a relative increase in the percentage of CD27- T-cells in the diffuse lymphocytic infiltrate. The sCD27 levels and the percentages of CD4+CD27+ cells in SF correlated positively with the levels of rheumatoid factors in serum and SF. The findings presented in this study suggest a continuous influx of preactivated CD4+CD45RO+CD27+ cells from the PB into the rheumatoid ST and further activation and differentiation to CD4+CD45RO+CD27- cells in situ, followed by migration to the SF. These activated T-cells are likely to play a role in synovial inflammation.

Adult↗

Interleukin-1 alpha enhances the biosynthesis of complement C3 and factor B by human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells in vitro.

Local production in tubular cells of complement has been shown to occur in several kidney diseases by in situ hybridization, but the regulation at the local site during an inflammation is still unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) are able to produce complement components C3 and Factor B under non-stimulated conditions in vitro. The basal production of both was increased by 0.5 ng/ml interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) for C3: from 95.5 +/- 4.0 ng/10(6) cells to 416.5 +/- 4.9 ng/10(6), and for Factor B: from 271 +/- 7.0 ng/10(6) cells to 457.5 +/- 7.0 ng/10(6) cells. In contrast cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-10 and IL-15 had no detectable effect. The upregulation by IL-1 alpha was dose- and time-dependent. The response to IL-1 alpha was shown to be mediated via the IL-1 receptor, as the addition of recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist inhibited the IL-1 alpha induced complement production by more than 80%. IL-1 alpha enhanced mRNA expression of both C3 and Factor B as demonstrated by RT-PCR and dot-blot analysis. This indicated that IL-1 alpha upregulated the expression of the C3 and Factor B at the transcriptional level. We hypothesize that in vivo the production of C3 and Factor B at the local site during an inflammatory response in the kidney may be regulated by IL-1 alpha produced by inflammatory cells.

Cell Line↗

Histamine-releasing activity in supernatants of mononuclear cells: contribution of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 activity compared with IgE-dependent activity.

BACKGROUND: Supernatants of cultured human mononuclear cells contain factors that induce histamine release from basophils. Some of the histamine-releasing factors present are IgE-independent, but an IgE-dependent form has also been described. The IgE that does respond to the IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor was defined as IgE+. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to analyze the contribution of chemokines, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (IgE-independent), to improve the detection of IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor. METHODS: Supernatants were prepared from mononuclear cells of three subjects. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 content and histamine-releasing activity (HRA) were measured. Depletion of chemokine activity was carried out with heparin-Sepharose (Pharmacia, Uppasala, Sweden). RESULTS: Replacing IgE- on basophils with IgE+ serum decreased the correlation between monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and histamine release (rho = 0.80, n = 280 vs p = 0.12, n = 18; p for difference between p values; < 0.05). After depletion of chemokines in three supernatants derived from mononuclear cells, IgE-dependent HRA was still present. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in supernatants derived from mononuclear cells, the IgE-independent HRA masks the IgE-dependent HRA. The latter can be more clearly detected after depletion of chemokine activity with heparin-Sepharose.

Animals↗

Differential expression of complement components in human fetal and adult kidneys.

Various studies have shown that complement components are synthesized by renal cells and that mRNA for a number of complement components is detectable in renal tissue. The present study shows that complement proteins are present both in fetal and adult human kidneys. The localization of the complement components was compared with the localization of other proteins for which specific expression in defined renal cell types is known from the literature. In adult human kidneys C3, factor B and factor H were detected in the mesangial area by immunohistochemistry, whereas C2 and C4 were present in the proximal tubuli. In fetal kidneys C3 and factor B were expressed in glomeruli of kidneys of 11 weeks of gestation. In kidneys of 13 to 19 weeks of gestation no staining for C3 was found in the glomerulus, whereas for factor B glomerular staining was found in all fetal kidneys examined. Factor B was also detected in fetal tubuli and in the interstitium. Factor H was expressed in fetal tubuli starting at 13 weeks of gestation. For both C3 and C2 weak tubular staining was found in all fetal kidneys investigated. C4 could not be detected in any of the fetal kidneys. While not all the complement proteins investigated were detectable by immunohistochemistry, by RT-PCR analysis, mRNA expression for C3, factor B, factor H, C2 and C4 was found in all adult and fetal renal tissue. The finding of mRNA for the complement components in the fetal and the adult kidneys indicates that local synthesis of complement occurs both in the adult and in the fetal kidney. Next to the in situ expression of complement components in fetal kidneys the synthesis of complement proteins in vitro by fetal renal cells was investigated. Four different primary mesangial cell lines were shown to synthesize all complement proteins investigated. Although a specific role for complement during the development of the kidney is not known, it is possible that certain complement components may play a role during renal differentiation.

Adult↗

Effects of high glucose on the production of heparan sulfate proteoglycan by mesangial and epithelial cells.

Changes in heparan sulfate metabolism may be important in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Recent studies performed on renal biopsies from patients with diabetic nephropathy revealed a decrease in heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan staining in the glomerular basement membrane without changes in staining for heparan sulfate proteoglycan-core protein. To understand this phenomenon at the cellular level, we investigated the effect of high glucose conditions on the synthesis of heparan sulfate proteoglycan by glomerular cells in vitro. Human adult mesangial and glomerular visceral epithelial cells were cultured under normal (5 mM) and high glucose (25 mM) conditions. Immunofluorescence performed on cells cultured in 25 mM glucose confirmed and extended the in vivo histological observations. Using metabolic labeling we observed an altered proteoglycan production under high glucose conditions, with predominantly a decrease in heparan sulfate compared to dermatan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. N-sulfation analysis of heparan sulfate proteoglycan produced under high glucose conditions revealed less di- and tetrasaccharides compared to larger oligosaccharides, indicating an altered sulfation pattern. Furthermore, with quantification of glomerular basement membrane heparan sulfate by ELISA, a significant decrease was observed when mesangial and visceral epithelial cells were cultured in high glucose conditions. We conclude that high glucose concentration induces a significant alteration of heparan sulfate production by mesangial cells and visceral epithelial cells. Changes in sulfation and changes in absolute quantities are both observed and may explain the earlier in vivo observations. These changes may be of importance for the altered integrity of the glomerular charge-dependent filtration barrier and growth-factor matrix interactions in diabetic nephropathy.

Adult↗

Deficient IgA1 immune response to nasal cholera toxin subunit B in primary IgA nephropathy.

Twelve IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients and 18 controls were immunized with novel protein antigens, cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) via the nasal route and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) subcutaneously. Antibody secreting cells and antibody response in body fluids were determined by ELISPOT assay and ELISA, respectively. Analysis of variance showed, in contrast to controls (P < 0.001), no CTB-specific IgA response in the nasal washes of patients with IgAN. Significantly lower numbers of CTB-specific antibody-secreting cells in peripheral blood (P < 0.001) and CTB-specific antibodies in plasma (P < 0.005) were found in IgAN, both restricted to the IgA1 subclass. The proportions of CTB-specific IgA1-secreting cells in bone marrow aspirates correlated significantly with the corresponding ratios in plasma, with significantly lower values (P < 0.005) in IgAN as compared to controls. These results support the existence of a "mucosa-bone marrow axis" in humans, but no dysregulation of this axis was found in IgAN. The deficient mucosal IgA immune response to CTB observed in this study after primary mucosal immunization indicates that patients with IgAN have a defective immune response when challenged intranasally. These patients may depend on more frequent and/or prolonged antigen encounter at mucosal sites before efficient mucosal immunity is established. Repeated seeding of antigen-specific cells to secondary lympoid organs could result secondarily in the relative hyperresponsiveness found in IgAN upon reactivation by parenteral immunization.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Induction of microhematuria by an IgA isotype switch variant of a monoclonal anti-Thy-1.1 antibody in the rat.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a chronic form of glomerulonephritis (GN) characterized by the deposition in the glomerular mesangium of mainly IgA. An experimental form of mesangial proliferative GN can be induced in rats by either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against Thy-1.1, a glycoprotein present on the surface of MC. The IgG-mediated renal inflammation is complement dependent and associated with influx of platelets and monocytes. In the present study we switched an IgG2a anti-Thy-1.1 (ER4G) producing hybridoma to an IgA anti-Thy-1.1 (ER4A) producing clone and analyzed the effects of IgA anti-Thy-1.1 in rats. FPLC analysis by gel filtration revealed that the IgA produced by the hybridoma cells was mainly dimeric and polymeric. Infusion of rats with purified ER4A (1 mg/kg) resulted in the deposition of IgA in a mesangial pattern in the glomeruli, similar to that found with ER4G. While administration of ER4G resulted in proteinuria, no significant urinary protein excretion was found in rats treated with ER4A. However, significant microhematuria was observed in rats receiving either ER4A or ER4G. Furthermore, the administration of ER4A was not accompanied by activation of complement, and no significant influx of monocytes or polymorphonuclear leukocytes was observed in contrast to the rats receiving ER4G. We conclude that microhematuria is selectively induced in Wistar rats by mouse IgA anti-Thy-1.1 without detectable complement-mediated injury to MC. These studies may be of importance in understanding the mechanisms leading to IgAN in patients.

Animals↗

Apoptosis of cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells induced by IgG2a monoclonal anti-Thy-1 antibodies.

Anti-Thy-1 nephritis is a model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. It has been suggested that apoptosis, which is a counteracting regulatory mechanism against undesired cell proliferation, is involved in sequential histological changes in this model. In the present study, we investigated whether IgG2a anti-Thy-1 monoclonal antibody (ER4) or its F(ab')2 fragments are able to induce apoptosis of rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) in vitro. After co-culture with ER4 or its F(ab')2 fragments, apoptosis was assessed by morphological studies with Hoechst 33258 stain and FITC-annexin V. The latter detects the dislocation of negatively charged phospholipid, phosphatidylserine, from the inner to the outer leaflet of the membrane during apoptosis. This is a sensitive method for the detection of apoptosis. Under fluorescent microscopy, distinct nuclear condensation and positive reactivity with FITC-annexin V were observed in cells co-cultured with ER4 or its F(ab')2 fragments. The results obtained by FACS analysis with annexin V showed a direct correlation with the detection of apoptosis with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase reaction (TDT). Up to 19% and 23% of rat GMC, which were co-cultured for 24 hours with 1 microgram/ml (0.5 microgram/l x 10(5) cells) of ER4 or its F(ab')2 fragments, were labeled by TDT, respectively. With annexin V, up to 34% and 31% cells displaying apoptosis were seen. The degree of apoptosis as measured by the annexin V method was dependent on the concentration of ER4 and time of incubation in the presence of ER4. Finally, apoptosis was confirmed by gel electrophoresis of DNA isolated from the cells co-cultured with each monoclonal antibody (MAb). DNA extracts from cells co-cultured with ER4 or its F(ab')2 fragments demonstrated typical internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Medium alone, controls of anti-human C3bi receptor MAb (IB4) and anti-rat MHC class I MAb (OX18) showed neither nuclear changes nor significant labeling of the cells with the TDT reaction or with the annexin V. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that anti-Thy-1 MAb is able to induce apoptosis of rat GMC in vitro. The Thy-1 antigen on rat GMC, therefore, seems to function as one of the molecules regulating cell death and thereby may determine the degree of mesangial alteration in Thy-1 nephritis.

Animals↗

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) down-regulates IgA Fc-receptor (CD89) expression on human monocytes.

IgA is the predominant immunoglobulin in human secretions and the second most important immunoglobulin in the circulation on a quantitative basis. The clearance of IgA is dependent on the function of at least three types of receptors. One of these receptors recognizes the Fc portion of the IgA molecule, Fc alpha R, which has been cloned recently. Fc alpha R, also designated CD89, is found on a number of cells, including human glomerular mesangial cells, and monocytes. In this study we analysed the effect of TGF-beta 1, a cytokine with strong immunosuppressive function, on the expression of CD89 on freshly isolated monocytes. We found that TGF-beta 1 down-regulates CD89 expression on human peripheral blood monocytes in a dose-dependent fashion. Optimal down-regulation occurred at a concentration of 5 ng/ml. The down-regulation of CD89 by TGF-beta 1 is linear in time, with a mean down-regulation of 34 +/- 13% after 24 h. Also at the mRNA level, CD89 expression was down-regulated by TGF-beta 1, suggesting regulation of CD89 at the transcriptional level. Monocytes pre-treated with TGF-beta 1 displayed a reduced response to IgA, as measured by IL-6 production by monocytes, in contrast to monocytes pre-treated with medium alone. These results suggest an important role for TGF-beta 1 in the regulation of CD89. This down-regulation may have direct consequences for the handling of IgA by human monocytes.

Antigens, CD↗

Regulation and production of IL-8 by human proximal tubular epithelial cells in vitro.

A number of inflammatory kidney diseases are associated with interstitial nephritis and influx of leucocytes in the renal interstitium. Potentially the influx of neutrophils in the interstitium may be induced by the chemotactic cytokine IL-8. In the present study we have analysed the production of IL-8 by cultured human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) in response to a number of proinflammatory cytokines. Primary cell lines of proximal tubular epithelium obtained from ten different kidneys, and cultured under serum-free conditions, were found to produce IL-8 to different degrees from not detectable levels up to 10.8 +/- 1.5 ng IL-8 per 1 x 10(5) cells in 72 h. Gel filtration chromatography of PTEC supernatant indicated that the size of IL-8 of PTEC is 15.1 and 8.1 kD, and is chemotactically active for polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). Addition of 0.5 ng/ml rIL-1 alpha or 1000 U/ml recombinant tumour necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF-alpha) to the culture media of PTEC induced an up-regulation of IL-8 production up to 6.3-fold and 3.0-fold, respectively. The up-regulation by IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha was dose- and time-dependent. In contrast, 500 U/ml recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) down-regulated the production of IL-8 3.4-fold. Northern blot analysis showed that IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha increased the expression of IL-8 mRNA, whereas IFN-gamma reduced IL-8 mRNA expression. Taken together, these experiments indicate that human PTEC are a potential source of IL-8 in the kidney, and that IL-8 produced in the proximal tubule can be induced by various proinflammatory cytokines.

Cells, Cultured↗

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) expression and interaction with proteinase 3 (PR3) in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis.

TGF-beta is a multifunctional cytokine modulating the onset and course of autoimmune diseases as shown in experimental models. The aim of this study was to investigate TGF-beta expression in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and the possible interactions of this cytokine with lysosomal enzymes identified as ANCA autoantigens (e.g. PR3). This included TGF-beta effects on the translocation of the lysosomal enzymes to the cell surface of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), and the presumed activation of non-bioactive, latent TGF-beta by these enzymes. Patients with various types of systemic vasculitis (SV) were studied, including three different types of AAV (Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)). Regardless of the type of assay applied, the TGF-beta 1 isoform was found to be over-expressed in SV, including AAV, and to correlate with disease activity as shown for WG. Mean TGF-beta 1 plasma levels in AAV patients ranged from 8.9 ng/ml (WG) to 13.3 ng/ml (CSS) (control 4.2 ng/ml; P < 0.01), while TGF-beta 2 levels were not elevated. Flow cytometry analysis showed TGF-beta 1 to be a potent translocation factor for PR3 comparable to other neutrophil-activating factors such as IL-8. PR3 membrane expression on primed PMN increased by up to 51% after incubation with TGF-beta 1. PR3 itself was revealed as a potent activator of latent TGF-beta, thus mediating bioeffects of this cytokine. These findings, together with other features of TGF-beta such as induction of angiogenesis and its strong chemotactic capacity, indicate that TGF-beta might serve as a proinflammatory factor in SV, especially in AAV.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗

Elastase, but not proteinase 3 (PR3), induces proteinuria associated with loss of glomerular basement membrane heparan sulphate after in vivo renal perfusion in rats.

Elastase, but not PR3, induces proteinuria associated with loss of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) heparan sulphate after in vivo renal perfusion in rats. PR3 and elastase are cationic neutral serine proteinases present in the azurophilic granules of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Release of these proteolytic enzymes along the glomerular capillary wall may induce glomerular injury. Here, we investigated the effects of PR3 and elastase on the induction of proteinuria and glomerular injury after renal perfusion of these enzymes in Brown-Norway rats. Perfusion of active elastase induced a dose-dependent proteinuria 24h after perfusion, while inactivated elastase did not. Perfusion of comparable amounts of active PR3 did not induce proteinuria. Light and electron microscopy showed no morphological abnormalities in any experimental group. However, immunohistology revealed that proteinuria occurring after perfusion of active elastase was associated with a strong reduction in intraglomerular expression of the heparan sulphate side chain and, to a lesser extent, of the protein core of heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG). In vitro, both elastase and PR3 digested HSPG. However, PR3 bound to a lesser extent to HSPG than elastase. We conclude that elastase, but not PR3, induces proteinuria after in vivo renal perfusion. This differential effect probably relates to different binding to the GBM of those enzymes due to differences in their isoelectric points. Degradation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, leading to the disappearance of their side chains that contribute to the polyanionic structure of the GBM, appears to be involved in the induction of proteinuria after perfusion of elastase.

Animals↗

Heterozygous and homozygous factor H deficiency states in a Dutch family.

Factor H, a 150-kD protein, is an important down-regulating protein of the alternative pathway of the complement system. Presently, only 15 persons, representing seven families, have been described with homozygous factor H deficiency. Deficiency of this protein, inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and resulting in uncontrolled breakdown of C3, results in depletion of components of the alternative pathway (factor B, properdin) and of the terminal pathway (C5), and is associated with the onset of bacterial infections, glomerulonephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The proband of the family in this study suffered from subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and had had meningococcal meningitis due to serogroup X. She had a complete factor H deficiency at the protein level as determined by Western blotting. Among 21 relatives of the proband studied, encompassing three generations, 10 had low factor H levels, including the two children of the proband, indicating a heterozygous factor H deficiency state. In serum samples of the proband and 11 relatives prospectively studied, a strong correlation of factor H levels with C3, C3 haemolytic activity, factor B and properdin levels (P < 0.0001) was found. Alternative pathway protein levels were significantly lower (Mann-Whitney test; Z values 3.6-2.7) in sera from the four heterozygous relatives studied than in sera from the seven non-deficient relatives. In addition, a defect of the 37/42-kD H-related protein was found in the proband and two of 21 relatives, compared with four of 40 controls. A defect of the 24/29-kD H-related protein was present in one of 21 relatives studied and in none of the 40 controls.

Complement Factor H↗

Immunoglobulin D enhances the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta as well as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist from human mononuclear cells.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is normally present in only low concentrations in serum. In the hyper-IgD and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS), however, serum levels exceed 140 mg/l. This syndrome is further characterized by recurrent inflammatory febrile attacks together with an acute phase response and appearance of cytokines in the circulation. The role of IgD in the pathogenesis of HIDS and its relation to the increased cytokine concentrations is unclear. Therefore, we tested whether IgD, IgG and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) isolated from human serum influence the synthesis of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-1ra, as measured by specific radioimmunoassays, in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Incubation of PBMC with IgD and AGP for 24 hr led to increased release of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-lra. The magnitude of stimulation of IgD exceeded that of AGP; the effect by IgD was dose-dependent and showed a 30-fold (TNF-alpha) to almost 150-fold (IL-1 beta) increase at the highest concentration (50 mg/l), while AGP (750 micrograms/ml) only increased the cytokine secretion fourfold (TNF-alpha) to almost 30-fold (IL-1 beta). The effect of IgD on IL-1ra was less dramatic but a fivefold increase was observed at 50 mg/l compared with a 2.5-fold increase with AGP. IgD potentiated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on secretion of both IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, although the effect was most apparent for TNF-alpha. Apart from inducing IL-1ra synthesis, IgG did not influence cytokine release in human PBMC. These data indicate that IgD is a potent inducer of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-1ra and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of HIDS.

Cell Culture Techniques↗

Persistent CD3-crosslinking down-regulates interleukin-2 responsiveness in interleukin-2-competent cloned T cells: the possible involvement of protein kinase C.

To investigate the regulation of interleukin-2 (IL-2) responsiveness of T cells, a human CD4+ T-cell clone with constitutive expression of IL-2 receptors was stimulated with recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) in the presence or absence of immobilized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies (alpha CD3imm MoAb). Incubation of T cells with alpha CD3imm MoAb decreased IL-2-induced proliferation which could not be ascribed to the modulation of IL-2 receptor expression nor to cell death. Phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC), also induced down-regulation of IL-2 responsiveness. The alpha CD3sol MoAb, inducing Ca(2+)-mobilization without activating PKC, did not inhibit IL-2 responsiveness whereas cyclosporine A (CsA), a drug that inhibits the Ca(2+)-dependent activation pathway, did not prevent the induction of IL-2 hyporesponsiveness induced by alpha CD3imm MoAb. It is concluded that modulation of IL-2 responsiveness of T cells via the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex (TCR/CD3) may be mediated by a PKC-activating signal.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Carrier detection by microsatellite haplotyping in 10 properdin type 1-deficient families.

Properdin deficiency carrier identification is relevant, because properdin-deficient persons have an increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. Vaccination against meningococcal disease at a young age may provide protection. Accurate detection of this deficiency is needed. Microsatellite haplotyping with the PFCI and PFC2 markers closely linked to the properdin gene locus at Xp11.3-Xp11.23 may offer an easy and accurate identification of carriers of the properdin deficiency gene. The chance to study 91 relatives belonging to 10 families with complete (type 1) properdin deficiency offered a unique opportunity to assess whether properdin type 1 deficiency is associated with a distinct microsatellite haplotype. Haplotyping with the closely linked PFC1 and 2 markers yielded five different haplotypes, which did not support the concept of a founder effect. Among the 28 women carriers, two had normal properdin levels and in five the PFC1,2 polymorphism was not informative owing to homozygosity. Extending the microsatellite haplotyping with three additional markers (DXS1126, DXS426 and DXS7) yielded informative haplotypes in all meioses. We concluded that microsatellite haplo-typing using five markers in close proximity to the properdin gene locus is an accurate method of detecting carriers of the properdin deficiency gene and of properdin-deficient persons within a family at a young age.

Female↗