Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M de Boer

Publications and source records attributed to M de Boer.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

A novel syndrome of severe neutrophil dysfunction: unresponsiveness confined to chemotaxin-induced functions.

We have identified a patient with a number of neutrophil dysfunctions. The patient was a female baby who lived for 8 months. During her life, she developed severe bacterial infections and showed omphalitis, impaired wound healing, and a pronounced leukocytosis. She was not a patient with leukocyte adhesion deficiency, because all leukocyte CD18 complex proteins were expressed at normal levels. Yet, neutrophil polarization and chemotaxis to platelet-activating factor, leukotriene B4, or formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) were completely absent. We found a strong defect in actin polymerization in response to chemotactic stimuli, but only a retarded or even normal reaction with other stimuli. This indicates that the cellular dysfunctions were not due to an intrinsic defect in actin metabolism. Instead, the regulation of actin polymerization with chemotactic stimuli seemed to be defective. We concentrated on FMLP-induced responses in the patient's neutrophils. Functions dependent on activation of complement receptor type 3, such as aggregation or adherence to endothelial cells, were normally induced. Binding to serum-coated coverslips was normal in cell number; however, spreading was not observed. Exocytosis from the specific granules was readily induced. In contrast, FMLP failed to induce a respiratory burst activity or degranulation of the azurophil granules. FMLP induced a normal increase in free intracellular Ca2+, but a decreased formation of diglycerides (especially the 1-O-alkyl,2-acyl compounds). Thus, we have described a patient whose neutrophils show a severe defect in functional activation via chemotaxin receptors, resulting in a selective absence of NADPH oxidase activity, exocytosis from the azurophil granules, and actin polymerization. Our findings show that actin polymerization for neutrophil spreading and locomotion is regulated differently from that for phagocytosis. Also, the release of azurophil and specific granule contents is clearly shown to be regulated in a different way.

Actins↗

CD28 ligation by monoclonal antibodies or B7/BB1 provides an accessory signal for the cyclosporin A-resistant generation of cytotoxic T cell activity.

Ligation of the T cell membrane Ag CD28 with mAb 9.3 or with its natural ligand B7/BB1 on accessory cells has been shown to provide a helper signal for stimulation through the TCR/CD3 complex. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether CD28 could function as an accessory signal receptor in the generation and effector phase of CTL activity. Purified resting human T cells were activated for 3 to 4 days with immobilized anti-CD3 mAb as the primary stimulus, and CTL activity was then measured by an anti-CD3-redirected 4-hr 51Cr release assay on Fc gamma R-bearing P815 target cells. When the concentration of immobilized anti-CD3 mAb as the primary signal for CTL generation was below threshold, CTL activity could be generated by addition of mAb 9.3 to the cultures. At optimal concentrations of immobilized anti-CD3, the addition of anti-CD28 did not further enhance the generation of CTL activity, but under these conditions generation of CTL activity was almost completely resistant to cyclosporin A (CsA) as a result of CsA-resistant IL-2 production. When 3T6 mouse fibroblasts, transfected with Fc gamma RII and B7, were used as accessory cells, anti-CD3 and B7 were also found to generate cytotoxic activity. Cytotoxic T cell generation under these conditions could be blocked by anti-B7 mAb, but was totally resistant to CsA. CTL activity could be generated by CD3 and CD28 ligation in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) subpopulations. Finally, we found that the activity of CTL lines (isolated from ascitic fluid of a patient with ovarian carcinoma and cultured in IL-2) was higher on B7-transfected targets than on the B7(-) targets. We conclude that CD28 ligation provides a major accessory signal for the CsA-resistant generation of CTL activity and that CD28-B7 interaction also enhances cytotoxic effector functions of CTL. These findings might have important implications for immunotherapeutic interventions.

Abatacept↗

An efficient procedure for the generation of human monoclonal antibodies based on activation of human B lymphocytes by a murine thymoma cell line.

A new, efficient procedure for the generation of human monoclonal antibodies has been developed. The procedure is based on the activation of human B cells in microwells by murine thymoma EL4B5 cells. This mode of B cell stimulation leads to proliferation of at least one per eight of human B cells and to a high rate of antibody production. Subsequently, supernatants of the microwells are screened by ELISA for the presence of antibody of the desired specificity and B cells from selected wells are hybridized by electroporation. To optimize the procedure, the kinetics of the B cell expansion induced by EL4B5 cells were analysed. Counting and phenotyping of cultured cells at different time points indicated that the peak of B cell expansion occurred at day 5 for tonsil B cells (16-fold increase) and at day 7 for peripheral blood B cells (20-fold increase). The B cells did not merely proliferate but also differentiated, as indicated by loss of CD20 expression and increase of CD38 expression. At the peak of B cell expansion, B cells could be hybridized efficiently with myeloma cells. The majority of the resultant hybridomas secreted human immunoglobulin. The efficiency of the procedure is exemplified by the generation of hybridomas secreting human IgG against Haemophilus influenzae from limited numbers of either human tonsil B lymphocytes or peripheral blood B lymphocytes.

Animals↗

Simultaneous ligation of CD5 and CD28 on resting T lymphocytes induces T cell activation in the absence of T cell receptor/CD3 occupancy.

The T cell surface molecules CD5 and CD28 have been shown to be receptors for accessory signals in T cell activation. We here demonstrate that in the absence of any other activating stimulus, simultaneous ligation of CD5 and CD28 by mAb induces polyclonal T cell activation. Immobilization of the anti-CD28 and anti-CD5 mAb was an essential requirement for T cell stimulation. This was done either through coating of the culture plates with goat anti-mouse Ig, or by coculture with mitomycin C-treated Fc gamma R-bearing P815 mouse mastocytoma cells. Most importantly, T cells could also be stimulated with B7, the natural ligand of CD28, and anti-CD5 presented on irradiated 3T6 mouse fibroblasts co-transfected with human Fc gamma RII and with B7. Neither immobilized mAb 9.3 (anti-CD28) nor any of four different anti-CD5 mAb were mitogenic as a sole stimulus. Immobilized mAb identifying CD4, CD7, or LFA-1 were not co-mitogenic with either mAb 9.3 or one of the anti-CD5 mAb. The T cell proliferation induced by cross-linking of CD5 and CD28 is IL-2-dependent, as was demonstrated by the cell-surface expression of the p55 chain of the IL-2R, the production of IL-2, and inhibition of the proliferative response by the anti-IL-2R mAb anti-Tac. CD5/CD28 ligation induced production of TNF-alpha, but not of IL-4, and did not induce modulation of the TCR/CD3 complex. Expression of IL-2R (p55) and of CD69 preferentially occurred on CD29-low naive cells, and indicated that about 50% of the cultured cells were activated. Cell proliferation was not increased by adding monocytes to the cultures and it was inhibited by PKC inhibitors (H7 and staurosporine) and by cyclosporine A. In conclusion, our data provide evidence for a pathway of Ag-independent T cell activation via CD5 and CD28, which preferentially stimulates native T cells.

Animals↗

Ligation of B7 with CD28/CTLA-4 on T cells results in CD40 ligand expression, interleukin-4 secretion and efficient help for antibody production by B cells.

It has been extensively shown that when T cells are co-stimulated with B7-CD28 interaction, a strong proliferative as well as cytolytic T cell response can be induced. In contrast, there exists only indirect evidence that the B7-CD28 interaction is of importance for the induction of T cell helper functions in B cell responses. Here we have used mouse fibroblasts transfected with the human Fc gamma receptor type II and human B7 to address this issue. We found that T cells, when activated through the T cell receptor (TcR)/CD3 complex with monoclonal antibodies and co-stimulated by B7-CD28 interaction, can provide efficient help for the induction of both IgM and IgG production by resting B cells. This helper activity is, at least in part, mediated by the interaction between the CD40 ligand on the T cells and CD40 on the B cells. We also demonstrate that more than one signal to the T cell is required for the induction of the CD40 ligand, one being delivered through the TcR/CD3 complex and the second by ligation of CD28 with the B7 molecule. In addition to the induction of cognate T helper function, we provide evidence that co-stimulation of T cells with B7-CD28 interaction can result in the secretion of both Th1- and Th2-type lymphokines.

Adult↗

CD45RO+ memory T cells but not CD45RA+ naive T cells can be efficiently activated by remote co-stimulation with B7.

Co-stimulatory signals are absolutely required for T cell activation after TCR-MHC-peptide interaction. The most important co-stimulatory signal known so far is mediated by the interaction of CD28 on T cells with B7 on APC. Here we demonstrate that the co-stimulatory signal from the B7 molecule does not necessarily have to come from the same cell which presents antigen. Titration curves obtained by limiting the amount of anti-CD3 mAb suggests that the same amount of TCR-CD3 cross-linking is required for full T cell activation whether B7 is present on the same or on another cell, but that the kinetics of T cell activation is slower when B7 is present on a separate cell from the primary signal. Finally and most importantly we also show that CD45RO+ memory T cells, but not CD45RA+ naive T cells, can be efficiently activated when B7 is expressed on bystander cells. These findings imply that co-stimulatory activation requirements of B7 are more stringent for naive than for memory T cells, which could be an important mechanism involved in the maintenance of self-tolerance.

Animals↗

In situ expression of B7/BB1 on antigen-presenting cells and activated B cells: an immunohistochemical study.

B7/BB1 is a physiological ligand for CD28, a receptor expressed on a major subset of T lymphocytes. B7/BB1 has been shown to be expressed on human blood dendritic cells and on in vitro activated (but not resting) B cells and monocytes. Ligation of CD28 with B7/BB1 up-regulates cytokine production and prevents the induction of anergy in T cells activated through TCR/CD3. We examined the in situ expression of B7/BB1 by immunohistochemistry with a novel mAb B7-24. Dendritic cells in skin (Langerhans cells), lymph node sinuses (veiled cells), and T cell zones of spleen and lymph nodes (interdigitating dendritic cells) were strongly positive for B7/BB1. B7/BB1 was also present on fetal thymus dendritic cells located at the cortico-medullar junction and the medulla, but absent in normal adult thymuses. Resident macrophages and endothelial cells did not stain, but in granulomatous inflammations B7/BB1 was found on macrophages and epitheloid cells. A subset of B immunoblasts and of germinal center B cells in lymph node and spleen was also found to express B7/BB1. Our findings on the distribution of B7/BB1 expression in tissues, in particular its expression on professional antigen-presenting cells, further substantiate the putative co-stimulatory role of B7/BB1 in T cell activation in vivo. The presence of B7/BB1 in fetal but not adult thymic medulla suggests a role for B7/BB1 in thymocyte maturation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A 40-base-pair duplication in the gp91-phox gene leading to X-linked chronic granulomatous disease.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by the inability of the patients' phagocytic leukocytes to generate superoxide. Therefore, these cells fail to kill certain bacteria and fungi. As a result, patients with CGD suffer from recurrent, life-threatening infections with these micro-organisms. Superoxide is produced by NADPH oxidase, a multicomponent enzyme exclusively present in phagocytic leukocytes. The most common form of CGD is X-linked, originating from a deficiency of the high-molecular-weight subunit of cytochrome b558 (gp91-phox). Here we describe a patient suffering from X-linked CGD due to a 40-base-pair duplication in exon 7 of the CYBB gene coding for gp91-phox, predicting a frameshift, substitution of 22 amino acids and a premature stop codon at amino-acid position 253. The mother as well as the grandmother of this patient were proven to be heterozygous for this mutation; the father and sister were normal. However, the great-grandmother proved to have normal oxidative functions, suggesting that the mutation occurred three generations ago. This is the first description of a nucleotide duplication leading to CGD.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Splice site mutations are a common cause of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by the absence of a respiratory burst in activated phagocytes. Defects in at least four different genes lead to CGD. Patients with the X-linked form of CGD have mutations in the gene for the beta-subunit of cytochrome b558 (gp91-phox). We studied the molecular defect in four patients with X-linked CGD. In a fifth family, we studied the mother of a patient with X-linked CGD who had died before our investigations. Gp91-phox messenger RNA (mRNA) was reverse transcribed into cDNA and the coding region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction into three fragments. Sequence analysis showed the absence of the exon 7, 5, 3, and 2 sequences in patients 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In carrier 5, we found both normal cDNA and cDNA that lacked 57 3'-nucleotides of exon 6. We analyzed the splice sites of the flanking introns of the missing exons. In patients 1, 2, and 3, we found single nucleotide substitutions within the first five positions of the down-stream 5' donor splice sites. In patient 4, a similar substitution was found at position -1 of the 3' acceptor splice site of intron 1. In carrier 5, no mutation was found in the exon 6-intron 6 boundary sequence. Instead, a single substitution was observed in exon 6 (C----A at nucleotide 633) that created a new donor splice site. Apparently, mRNA splicing occurs preferentially at this newly created splice site. We conclude that the absence of the exon sequences in the gp91-phox mRNA of these patients is due to splicing errors. Of 30 European X-linked CGD patients studied by us so far, five appear to be caused by mutations that affect correct mRNA splicing. Thus, such mutations appear to be a common cause of X-linked CGD.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Generation of monoclonal antibodies to human lymphocyte cell surface antigens using insect cells expressing recombinant proteins.

We have expressed human CD40 and human B7 in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system and have used these insect cells to immunize mice for the generation of monoclonal antibodies. We demonstrate here that specific monoclonal antibodies to human CD40 and human B7 were obtained using this approach. One significant advantage of this method is that immunizing mice with insect cells did not evoke an immune response to human cells and, therefore, EBV-transformed human B cells could be used to screen for specific antibody production by the hybridoma clones.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Production and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies against native and disassembled human catalase.

Catalase isolated from human erythrocytes was used to immunise mice, in order to generate hybridomas producing specific monoclonal antibodies to the enzyme. Hybridomas secreting anti-(catalase) antibodies were identified by a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using either monomer/dimer catalase or native, tetrameric enzyme. Three stable hybridoma clones were selected and the characteristics of the antibodies produced were investigated by ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting experiments. One monoclonal antibody (17E10) was shown to interact with both native tetramer catalase and--to a lesser extent--with monomer/dimer catalase. Two monoclonal antibodies (10B12H9, 13A10) were found to react only with completely denatured catalase or with monomer/dimer catalase but not with native catalase.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Functional characterization of a novel anti-B7 monoclonal antibody.

For optimal activation of T cells, binding of their T cell receptor to antigenic peptides in the context of major histocompatibility complex molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APC) is not sufficient. Accessory signals, provided by accessory cells, are needed to induce proliferation and clonal expansion of normal T cells. It has been shown previously that the B7 molecule, present on the cell surface of activated APC, can provide the second signal by binding to the CD28 molecule on T cells. Here we describe a novel anti-B7 (mAb), B7-24. This mAb binds to a functionally important epitope of the B7 molecule. Fab fragments of B7-24 can almost completely block anti-CD3-induced, B7-dependent T cell proliferation when tested in a model system where purified T cells are co-cultured with 3T6 cells expressing the human Fc gamma RII and human B7, in the presence of anti-CD3 mAb. In contrast, mAb B7-24 is not able to inhibit T cell proliferation in primary mixed lymphocyte reactions where purified T cells are co-cultured with Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells. These findings suggest that other cell surface molecules allow for maximal proliferation of T cells in mixed lymphocyte reactions, even when the interaction between B7 and CD28 is blocked by B7-24.

Animals↗

Chronic granulomatous disease with partial deficiency of cytochrome b558 and incomplete respiratory burst: variants of the X-linked, cytochrome b558-negative form of the disease.

Five male patients from four different families presented with a clinical record of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD): recurrent infections of the skin and/or respiratory tract with catalase-positive microorganisms, sometimes in combination with granulomata and/or abscesses in various organs. These patients differed from "classical" forms of the disease in that their neutrophils, although deficient in killing in vitro of Staphylococcus aureus, contained a decreased but measurable amount of cytochrome b558 (10-60% of normal on a heme basis), causing weak staining in the nitroblue tetrazolium dye test and a depressed respiratory burst after contact of the cells with fluid or particulate activators of the NADPH:O2 oxidoreductase. In the cell-free activation system, the defect in the patients' cells was localized in the membrane fraction. In each of the four families, the cellular abnormalities showed an X-linked inheritance. Fusion experiments performed with the monocytes from these patients and those from patients with classical X-linked, cytochrome b558-negative (Xb(0)) or autosomal, cytochrome b558-positive (Ab+) CGD showed complementation of NADPH:O2 oxidoreductase activity in the latter but not in the former combination. Thus, the unusual CGD patients represent variant forms of Xb(0) CGD, with mutations in the gene coding for the beta subunit of cytochrome b558 that do not cause complete loss of this protein.

Blood Bactericidal Activity↗

Frequent administration of Dabis Maleate, a phase I study.

Dabis Maleate (1,4-bis(2'-chloroethyl)-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.1] Heptane dihydrogen dimaleate) (NSC 262666) is an alkylating quaternary nitrogen compound. In a previous phase I study using a once-every-3-weeks administration the dose-limiting toxicity was neurotoxicity and the recommended dose for phase II studies was 750 mg/m2 iv every 3 weeks. In vitro studies suggested a higher activity after more frequent administration, and in vivo studies a better therapeutic index with prolonged infusion. We studied 11 patients with solid tumors. Dose levels tested ranged from 250-750 mg/m2, either as a day 1-3 regimen or weekly, the latter as bolus administration or as prolonged infusion. The dose-limiting toxicity was neurotoxicity consisting of paresthesias and ataxia. Nausea and vomiting were moderate. No other major toxicity was observed. The dose recommended for phase II studies is 500 mg/m2/week as a 6-hour iv infusion for 6 weeks, followed by a 3-week rest period.

Aged↗

Cytochrome b558-negative, autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease: two new mutations in the cytochrome b558 light chain of the NADPH oxidase (p22-phox).

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by the failure of activated phagocytes to generate superoxide. Defects in at least four different genes lead to CGD. Patients with the X-linked form of CGD have mutations in the gene for the beta-subunit of cytochrome b558 (gp91-phox). Patients with a rare autosomal recessive form of CGD have mutations in the gene for the alpha-subunit of this cytochrome (p22-phox). Usually, this leads to the absence of cytochrome b558 in the phagocytes (A22(0) CGD). We studied the molecular defect in five European patients from three unrelated families with this type of CGD. P22-phox mRNA was reverse-transcribed, and the coding region was amplified by PCR in one fragment and sequenced. Three patients from one family, with parents that were first cousins, were homozygous for a single base substitution (G-297-->A) resulting in a nonconservative amino acid change (Arg-90-->Gln). This mutation was previously found in a compound heterozygote A22(0) CGD patient. Another patient, also from first-cousin parents, was homozygous for an A-309-->G mutation in the open reading frame that predicts a nonconservative amino acid replacement (His-94-->Arg). The fifth patient was also born from a first-cousin marriage and was shown to be homozygous for the absence of exon 4 from the cDNA. In this patient, a G-->A substitution was found at position 1 of intron 4 in the genomic DNA. Therefore, the absence of exon 4 in the cDNA of this patient is due to a splicing error.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Changes in PKC gamma immunoreactivity in mouse hippocampus induced by spatial discrimination learning.

In the present study, we examined changes in immunoreactivity (ir) for the gamma-isoform of protein kinase C (PKC gamma) in mouse hippocampus in relation to spatial memory processes employing the monoclonal antibody 36G9 raised against purified PKC gamma. Learning and memory were assessed by performance in a free-choice spatial pattern paradigm in a hole board in which the animals learned the pattern of 4 baited holes out of 16 holes. Adult male house mice were used, divided in four groups. Three control groups were formed: group N, naive (blank controls); group H, habituated (animals were for 5 consecutive days introduced to the hole board with all holes baited); and group PT, pseudotrained (animals were for 13 consecutive days introduced to the hole board with all holes baited). The T (trained) group was for 5 consecutive days introduced to the hole board with all holes baited (similar to the H and PT groups) followed by 8 successive days with only four holes baited in a fixed pattern. Behaviorally, following the first 5 d, the PT group crossed the hole board randomly, whereas the T group gradually learned to orientate in the hole board. The mice were killed 24 hr after the last performance. A shift in 36G9-ir appeared from the cell somata to the dendrites of hippocampal principal neurons when comparing the H and PT group, respectively. In contrast, the T group showed strong PKC gamma-ir in both cell somata and dendrites, which clearly exceeded that of the H and PT mice. In this way, 36G9-ir reveals the physiologically activated neurons involved in hole board learning.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Point mutations in the beta-subunit of cytochrome b558 leading to X-linked chronic granulomatous disease.

The NADPH:O2 oxidoreductase of phagocytic leukocytes is an important enzyme for the bactericidal activity of these cells. Cytochrome b558 is a membrane component of this enzyme. In X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (Xb- CGD) the phagocytes are defective in the beta-subunit (gp91-phox) of this cytochrome. We have studied the genetic defect in a group of six X-linked CGD patients characterized by complete or partial loss of cytochrome b558 with the use of the polymerase chain reaction. All patients had a different single point mutation in the gp91-phox gene, indicating that the genetic defect in Xb- CGD is very heterogeneous. In one patient the mutation leads to a premature termination codon. In the other five cases these mutations predict incorporation of a different amino acid. The mutations were with one exception found in the N-terminal half of the protein, suggesting that this part of cytochrome b558 is important for the binding of the heme or for formation of a stable complex with p22-phox. Two histidyl residues were found that might be ligands of the heme iron.

Alleles↗

[Slowly progressive aphasia without dementia].

Slowly progressive aphasia without dementia is a rare disease, first described in 1982. Since then the existence of a nosological entity bearing that name is disputed. Case histories of two patients are described, with emphasis on clinical presentation and the importance of early diagnosis and neuropsychological evaluation. It is concluded that slowly progressive aphasia is a sign caused by a neurodegenerative cerebral disorder starting in the dominant hemisphere, ultimately accompanied by symptoms of generalised dementia.

Aged↗