Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N R Cooper

Publications and source records attributed to N R Cooper.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding the Epstein-Barr virus/C3d receptor (complement receptor type 2) of human B lymphocytes.

Complementary DNA clones for complement receptor type 2 (CR2), the B-lymphocyte membrane protein that serves as the receptor for Epstein-Barr virus and the C3d complement fragment, were obtained by screening a lambda gt11 library generated from Raji B lymphoblastoid cell mRNA. A 4.2-kilobase (kb) clone, representing the entire coding sequence of the protein plus untranslated 5' and 3' nucleotide sequences was obtained and sequenced. The 4.2-kb clone, which contains all but about 500 base pairs (bp) of the 5' untranslated region of the full-length CR2 mRNA, consists of 63 bp of 5' untranslated nucleotide sequence followed successively by a start codon, a 20-amino acid hydrophobic signal peptide, 1005 amino acids having a repeating motif, a 28-amino acid probable transmembrane domain, and a 34-amino acid cytoplasmic tail. The deduced amino acid sequence of the protein indicates that the extracellular domain consists entirely of 16 tandemly arranged repeating elements, each 60-75 amino acids in length, which are identified by multiple conserved residues. This repeating motif also occurs in the C3b/C4b receptor, several complement proteins, and a number of noncomplement proteins. In CR2, the 16 repeats occur in four clusters of four repeats each. Approximately 10% of the deduced amino acid sequence, including the amino and carboxyl termini, was confirmed by amino acid sequencing of tryptic peptides derived from purified CR2. The nucleotide and derived amino acid sequence of CR2 and related studies are presented here.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of gp350 as the viral glycoprotein mediating attachment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to the EBV/C3d receptor of B cells: sequence homology of gp350 and C3 complement fragment C3d.

The major Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) envelope glycoprotein, gp350, was purified from the B95-8 cell line and analyzed for its ability to mediate virus attachment to the isolated EBV/C3d receptor (CR2) of human B lymphocytes. Purified gp350 and EBV, but not cytomegalovirus, exhibited dose-dependent binding to purified CR2 in dot blot immunoassays. Binding was inhibited by certain monoclonal antibodies to CR2 and to gp350. Liposomes bearing incorporated gp350 bound to CR2-positive B-cell lines but not to CR2-negative lines. Liposome binding was also inhibited by the OKB7 anti-CR2 monoclonal antibody. A computer-generated comparison of the deduced gp350 amino acid sequence with that of the human C3d complement fragment revealed two regions of significant primary sequence homology, a finding which suggests that a common region on these two unrelated proteins may be involved in CR2 binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Incorporation of the purified Epstein Barr virus/C3d receptor (CR2) into liposomes and demonstration of its dual ligand binding functions.

The 145-kDa molecule that has been identified as the C3d receptor CR2 was isolated from lysates of Raji cells by affinity chromatography by using the monoclonal antibody (MoAb)HB-5. The purified protein was incorporated into 14C-phosphatidylcholine liposomes by deoxycholate dialysis followed by flotation on discontinuous sucrose gradients. Incorporation of the receptor was verified by testing the gradient fractions for CR2 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liposomes were shown to be unilamellar vesicles ranging in diameter from 25 to 100 nm by electron microscopy. The external orientation of CR2 in the membranes was demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy. The functional activities of liposomes containing CR2 and liposomes without protein were compared. CR2 liposomes bound to EC3d, but not to E, and this binding was inhibited by the anti-CR2 MoAb OKB7 and by a MoAb specific for C3d. Control liposomes failed to bind to either E or EC3d. The ability of CR2 to function as a receptor for Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was tested in two ways. First, CR2 liposomes bound to B95-8, a cell line expressing EBV membrane antigens, but not to B95-8 cells treated with the viral DNA polymerase inhibitor phosphonoformic acid. Second, liposomes containing CR2 were shown by ultracentrifugal analyses to bind directly to purified EBV, and this binding was also inhibited by OKB7. Control liposomes did not bind to B95-8 cells or to EBV. These findings show that CR2 purified from detergent extracts of Raji cells can be reconstituted into lipid membranes with maintenance of its dual functions as a receptor for C3d and EBV.

Animals↗

Biochemical and antigenic analysis of the Epstein Barr virus/C3d receptor (CR2).

Four monoclonal antibodies (OKB7, HB-5, AB-1, and anti-B2) that recognize a 145-kDa B cell-specific membrane structure have markedly different abilities to 1) inhibit C3d and EBV binding to B cells, 2) immunoprecipitate a 145-kDa B cell protein, and 3) stimulate B cell proliferation and differentiation into Ig-secreting cells. This study was initiated to determine whether these four monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) react with the same protein; a related goal was to determine whether the structure(s) recognized by these antibodies constitutes an antigenically related family of structurally distinct molecules. In the studies presented here, the four MoAb were found to fully immunoprecipitate the purified 145-kDa B cell molecule isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography on either OKB7, HB-5, or AB-1 columns, findings that show conclusively that the antibodies all react with the same B cell protein. The variable ability to immunoprecipitate this B cell membrane protein was found to result from differences in exposure or accessibility of the relevant antigenic epitopes in the detergent extract. The 145-kDa molecule immunoprecipitated with the four MoAb was equivalently sensitive to endoglycosidase F and yielded the same banding pattern after digestion with endoglycosidase F and after partial digestion with either S. aureus V8 protease or with trypsin. Within the limits of the sensitivity of these techniques, therefore, there is no evidence for carbohydrate or protein differences in the EBV/C3d receptor (CR2) molecule recognized by the four MoAb. Additional studies showed that the four MoAb react with distinct and nonoverlapping antigenic epitopes on the 145-kDa molecule. The variable abilities of the four MoAb to inhibit CR2 function and EBV binding and to trigger B cell activation, together with the other findings noted above, indicates that the 145-kDa EBV/C3d receptor possesses discretely localized functional domains.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Purification of the Epstein-Barr virus/C3d complement receptor of human B lymphocytes: antigenic and functional properties of the purified protein.

The Epstein-Barr virus/C3d receptor (CR2) of human B lymphocytes was purified to homogeneity from Raji cells by immunoaffinity chromatography. The average yield of the 145-kilodalton receptor was 400 pmol (50 micrograms) per 10(10) cells, representing an approximate 75% recovery. The isolated 145-kilodalton protein was antigenically and functionally intact as it reacted with several anti-CR2 monoclonal antibodies and bound purified Epstein-Barr virus and C3d,g. These findings with the purified molecule provide an unequivocal demonstration of the dual receptor functions of this protein.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Assays for complement activation.

Complement is a major biologic mediation system that functions in host defense against microorganisms and other pathogens and also aids in the elimination of damaged and abnormal cells. This is accomplished by its ability to mediate the destruction of pathogens and altered cells directly through cytolytic and cytotoxic properties, as well as indirectly by its ability to augment the actions of various effector cells, which in turn destroy or inactivate these substances. Its second major action in vivo is the production of an acute inflammatory response that, by altering blood-vessel permeability, contracting smooth muscles, and promoting an influx of leukocytes, aids in the localization of the injurious process responsible for complement activation and retards its spread and dissemination throughout the body. The actions of the activated complement system upon pathogens and altered cells, as well as its phlogistic properties, are the direct consequence of the actions of complement protein-protein complexes, enzymes, peptides, and cleavage products on the activator, on biologic membranes, and on various effector and other tissue cells. Complement activation is a frequent phenomenon in infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and many other conditions having an inflammatory component. Because of the importance of this system in contributing to the resolution of the disease process, monitoring of the status of the system in patients is frequently indicated. Monitoring of the complement status is also appropriate in numerous other diseases, such as those with an inflammatory component, in which complement activation occurs secondarily but in which it is frequently responsible for confining the injurious process and aiding in its resolution. A number of techniques are available to assess the status of the complement system in samples obtained from patients. Among these are a group of newer tests that specifically detect complement activation. They quantitate activation-dependent complement cleavage products, antigenic changes, or protein-protein complexes. These tests are quantitative, highly sensitive, and extremely specific; furthermore, most can be employed with samples obtained from patients. Because all of the biologic actions of the complement system require complement activation, such newer activation-specific assays permit the precise evaluation of the status of this system in human diseases. Further extension of their use to additional patients and other disease complexes will undoubtedly increase the understanding of the biologic importance of the complement system in human disease processes.

Complement Activation↗

Complement effector mechanisms in health and disease.

Complement is an effector system able to mediate a number of biological activities in vitro and in vivo. Most familiar is the ability of the system to mediate the lytic destruction of numerous kinds of cells and pathogenic organisms including bacteria, viruses, and virus-infected cells. In addition, the complement system also activates neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes to perform specialized functions. While generally considered to be confined to the effector side of immune reactions, recent evidence indicates that the complement system also directly recognizes and is triggered by a number of bacteria and viruses as well as virus-infected cells in the absence of antibody. In such reactions, complement fulfills the recognition role normally associated with the antibody molecule or immune lymphocyte. The complement system may thus also function as a natural surveillance system operative prior to the induction of specific immunity. Involvement of the complement system in biological reactions has been ascertained by several techniques over the years. These include quantitation of individual complement components in human sera and demonstration of complement deposition in diseased tissues in human diseases and in experimental diseases in animals. Such techniques, however, have limitations in specificity and sensitivity. Assays which detect specific features of the complement activation process have become available in recent years. These tests detect the physical, chemical, or antigenic changes characteristic of the complement activation process. These assays are extremely specific and quantitative; furthermore, most are usable with samples from patients. Three general approaches have been utilized to develop such specific quantitative assays for complement activation. The first includes assays which quantitate activation-specific limited proteolysis of the complement components. The second type of assay includes tests which detect and quantitate new antigens or other activation-specific antigenic changes. The third category is represented by assays which detect and quantitate the protein-protein complexes characteristic of the activation process. Examples of tests presenting each of these approaches are given.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Identification and characterization of the Epstein-Barr virus receptor on human B lymphocytes and its relationship to the C3d complement receptor (CR2).

In pursuing studies on the early events in the infection of human B cells by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we examined the host cell attachment phase with a panel of B-cell-specific monoclonal antibodies. One of the monoclonal antibodies, OKB7, directly blocked the attachment of purified EBV to B lymphocytes in the absence of a second anti-immunoglobulin antibody and thereby prevented EBV infection of tonsil and peripheral blood B cells. Although earlier studies have shown a close association of the EBV and complement receptor (CR2), an anti-CR2 monoclonal antibody, anti-B2, did not directly block the binding of EBV to B cells. A comparison of the structures recognized by these monoclonal antibodies on various cell types and their functional and physiochemical properties was undertaken. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the molecules detected by OKB7 and anti-B2 were coexpressed to the same extent on B cells but were not expressed on T-cell lines. OKB7 and anti-B2 both immunoprecipitated a 145,000-molecular-weight membrane protein with an isoelectric point of 8.2 from membrane extracts of Raji lymphoblastoid cells. OKB7 and, to a lesser extent, anti-B2 directly blocked the attachment of C3d,g-coated fluorescent microspheres and sheep erythrocytes bearing C3d to B cells, indicating that these antibodies also react with CR2. These studies indicate that the EBV-CR2 receptor is a single membrane glycoprotein which possesses multiple antigenic and functional epitopes.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Binding of monoclonal antibody to the Epstein Barr virus (EBV)/CR2 receptor induces activation and differentiation of human B lymphocytes.

A panel of B cell-specific monoclonal antibodies that identify the CR2/EBV receptor were examined for their ability to mimic the T-independent mitogenic agent, EBV, and thus activate human peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Two of four different anti-CR2/EBV monoclonal antibodies, OKB7 and AB-1, produced a 50-fold to 200-fold dose-dependent stimulation of DNA synthesis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. One of the other monoclonal antibodies, anti-B2, had slight activity, and the other, HB-5, was completely inactive. One of the mitogenic antibodies, OKB7, which directly inhibits binding and infection of B cells by EBV in the absence of a second anti-immunoglobulin antibody, was examined in further detail. Both the intact antibody in soluble form and its pepsin-derived F(ab')2 fragment stimulated DNA synthesis of unseparated B and T lymphocytes. Peak stimulation of DNA synthesis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells occurred between 4 to 6 days. B cells were responsible for incorporation of [3H]thymidine. However, T cells were required for activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by OKB7. OKB7, as well as the other mitogenic monoclonal anti-EBV/CR2 receptor antibody, also induced B cells to differentiate after 6 to 10 days of culture as indicated by polyclonal Ig secretion. IgM was the predominate immunoglobulin secreted. These studies thus indicate that certain epitopes on the EBV/CR2 receptor trigger B cells to divide and differentiate. This pathway of B cell activation, in contrast to that produced by EBV, is T cell dependent.

Adult↗

Early events in the infection of human B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus: the internalization process.

The early events in the infection of normal B lymphocytes and B lymphoblastoid cells by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were examined by electron and immunoelectron microscopy and by infectivity and inhibition studies. Purified EBV remained on the cell surface at 4 degrees and appeared as 250-nm ovoid particles in contact with the cell membrane through 50-nm envelope projections. Internalization of EBV in normal B lymphocytes into large (300-500 nm) uncoated vacuoles was initiated within 2 to 5 min at 37 degrees. At this stage approximately 1/3 of cell-associated virus was located in cellular invaginations while another 1/3 was in cell vacuoles. Direct fusion of EBV with the outer cell membrane was not observed. Instead, viral deenvelopment and nucleocapsid transit into the cytoplasm occurred from the large endocytic vesicles within 15 to 30 min at 37 degrees and did not involve lysosomal enzymes. During this time, the viral envelope became amorphous and its separation from the nucleocapsid was evident. After 60 to 90 min at 37 degrees, viral nucleocapsids were visualized in close proximity to the cell nucleus. Weak bases such as chloroquine, methylamine, and ammonium chloride retarded viral deenvelopment and fusion inside the endocytic vacuoles, resulting in abrogation of viral infectivity and accumulation of intact virions within cell vacuoles. These studies indicate that EBV enters normal B lymphocytes by a different endocytic pathway than the clathrin-receptosome-lysosome pathway utilized by many other ligands, including a number of viruses, to enter cells. In contrast to the pathway of entry into normal B lymphocytes, EBV entered B lymphoblastoid cells by direct fusion with the outer cell membrane within 2 to 5 min at 37 degrees.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Complement activation by the surface of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes.

The surface of trophozoite-stage Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes will, in the presence of immune human or owl monkey serum, activate the classical complement pathway. This was demonstrated with a sensitive, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which detects the complex, C1s-C1 inhibitor, which is only generated when the classical pathway is activated. A second enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as well as Covaspheres coated with affinity-purified anti-C3, showed that immune activation of the classical pathway by infected erythrocytes resulted in the accumulation of significant amounts of C3b on the erythrocyte surface. During the development of the parasite to the trophozoite stage, the erythrocyte membrane is also transformed from a non-activator into a surface capable of activating complement by the alternative pathway. Erythrocytes infected with trophozoite-stage parasites directly activated the alternative complement pathway. This activation led to the specific binding of an average of 15,000 C3b molecules per infected cell. Alternative pathway activation was augmented by anti-parasite antibody. Such conditions mediated the accumulation of an average of 36,000 C3b molecules per infected erythrocyte. The amounts of C3b on the infected erythrocyte surface did not lead to cellular lysis. They are, however, likely to have a major impact on the total in vivo response to this parasite.

Cells, Cultured↗

Infection of B lymphocytes by a human herpesvirus, Epstein-Barr virus, is blocked by calmodulin antagonists.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that selectively binds to and infects human B lymphocytes (B cells). In the studies presented here, we found that several phenothiazines, including trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, prochlorpromazine, and promethazine, blocked EBV infectivity of isolated adult human B cells as measured either by outgrowth of transformed cell colonies or by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, and prochlorpromazine were equally effective with 20 microM fully inhibiting infectivity, whereas 100 microM promethazine was required for a comparable effect. Inhibition by trifluoperazine was partially reversible. Studies with radiolabeled EBV demonstrated that the inhibitors did not impair virus binding to B cells. Electron microscopic examination of B lymphocytes revealed that trifluoperazine reduced the number of large uncoated cell vacuoles and the number of membrane microvilli, indicating that this agent interfered with cell pinocytosis. This process was accompanied by inhibition of EBV endocytosis into B cells. Phenothiazines bind to and inhibit calmodulin, an intracellular calcium-binding protein that regulates several key enzymes, some of which directly affect cytoskeletal elements, although they also may interact nonspecifically with other cellular constituents. In this regard, haloperidol, a non-phenothiazine calmodulin antagonist, and R24571, a derivative of the antimycotic miconazole, which is a potent and highly specific calmodulin inhibitor, also blocked EBV infection. These studies suggest that calmodulin or a calmodulin-regulated cellular enzyme(s) is involved in normal cellular endocytic processes in B lymphocytes and thereby in the early stages of EBV infection.

B-Lymphocytes↗

The role of antibody and complement in the control of viral infections.

Host defense against viral infection is extremely complex and includes both humoral and cellular immune mechanisms. This contribution examines the mechanisms by which antibody (Ab) and the complement (C) system, major constituents of the humoral immune system, inactivate viruses and block viral maturation in virus-infected cells in vitro. Ab and C may neutralize viruses by envelopment in a coating of protein, by aggregation by lysis, or by facilitating interactions with various effector cells. Ab and C molecules deposited on the surfaces of viruses may physically interfere with the ability of the virus to infect a potentially susceptible cell. This appears to be the most common mechanism by which Ab and C neutralize viruses. In rare instances, Ab and/or C may aggregate viruses; aggregation reduces the net number of infectious particles and thus is manifest as neutralization. C may lyse enveloped viruses, resulting in irreversible viral inactivation. However, this does not appear to be a major mechanism of viral neutralization. Finally, the Fc portions of bound Ab molecules as well as bound C molecules may interact with effector cells with specific receptors for these factors and thereby facilitate viral destruction. In regard to virus-infected cells, the deposition of Ab or C on the cell surface may prevent the maturation or release of viral particles and alter normal cellular functions. Ab and C may also lyse virus-infected cells, abruptly stopping further viral maturation. Such lytic events require only the F(ab')2 portion of the Ab molecule and proceed via activation of the alternative C pathway. Effector cells may also interact with Ab and/or C molecules deposited on virus-infected cells, leading to cytotoxic reactions and/or ingestion depending on the type of effector cell involved. The activated C system has the ability to produce an acute inflammatory response leading to alterations in vessel permeability, edema, changes in smooth-muscle contractility, and the influx of leukocytes. Such inflammatory responses occurring in tissues, including the skin, as a result of C activation not only retard the spread of the infection and facilitate the destruction of the infectious agent, but also in all likelihood damage normal tissues in the vicinity. In addition, C activation in tissues also has the ability to stimulate arachidonic acid metabolism and induce the release of histamine and other mediators as well as pyrogens from appropriate cell types. A number of the systemic symptoms characteristic of viral infections, such as headaches, myalgias, and fever, likely result from such processes.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Development and application of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantitation of alternative complement pathway activation in human serum.

We have developed a new, specific, and highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which quantitates activation of the alternative pathway in human serum, plasma, or on the surface of activators. The ELISA detects the third component of complement (C3b), proteolytic fragment of complement Factor B (Bb), and properdin (P) complex or its derivative product, C3b,P. In the method, activator-plasma mixtures, plasma containing an activated alternative pathway, or other samples are added to the wells of microtitration plates precoated with antibody to P. C3b, Bb,P or C3b,P complexes which become bound are quantitated by subsequently added, enzyme-labeled, anti-C3. The resulting hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate is expressed as nanograms of C3b by reference to a C3 standard curve. In addition to absolute specificity for activation of the pathway because of the nature of the complex detected by the assay, the ELISA is highly sensitive and able to reproducibly detect 10-20 ng/ml of C3b,P complexes in serum. This value corresponds to 0.0015% of the C3 in serum. In a series of studies to validate the parameters of the ELISA, reactivity was found to be dependent on the presence of alternative pathway proteins, the functional integrity of the pathway, and on the presence of magnesium. Sheep erythrocytes were converted to activators by treatment with neuraminidase. By using a variety of activators, the kinetics of activation and the numbers of bound C3b molecules quantitated by the ELISA were very similar to those measured by C3b deposition. The ELISA also detected identical activation kinetics when MgEGTA-serum and a mixture of the purified alternative pathway proteins were used as sources of the pathway. ELISA reaction kinetics also correlated with the restriction index, a measure of alternative pathway-activating ability. These studies cumulatively validate the ELISA as a direct and quantitative assay for alternative pathway activation. The sensitivity of the ELISA has permitted its use to detect direct alternative pathway activation by several viruses. The ELISA has also shown that certain classical pathway activators trigger the amplification loop of the alternative pathway while others do not. In addition, stable ELISA reactive complexes appeared in the supernatant of mixtures of serum with certain, but not other activators. The ability of the ELISA to detect activation which has already occurred and the stability of the reactive complexes permits studies of clinical sera. Normal human sera (20) contained low levels (5-20 ng/ml) of ELISA-reactive complexes. A proportion of sera from individuals with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (9-10), typhoid fever (8-10), malaria (3-5), gram-negative sepsis (9 of 47), acute trauma and shock (6 f 25), and systemic lupus erythematosus (3 of 29) showed elevated levels of complexes reactive in the alternative pathway ELISA. In contrast, nine sera from patients with circulating C3 nephritic factor were not reactive in the ELISA.

Animals↗

Antibody-independent C1 activation by E. coli.

Antibody-independent interactions of C1 with several E. coli strains were examined. Purified C1 was directly activated by the semi-rough mutant E. coli J-5, its parental wild-type strain, E. coli 0111:B4, and two clinical isolates, E. coli (P) and E. coli (A), in the absence of C1 inhibitor. E. coli J-5 activated C1 about 10-fold more rapidly and bound approximately threefold more C1 than the other strains. E. coli J-5, but not the other strains, also bound C1s2, provided that the subcomponent was offered to the bacteria in the presence of C1q and calcium; such binding was thus independent of the presence or absence of C1r2. After C1 activation in the absence of C1 inhibitor, activated C1s spontaneously dissociated from E. coli 0111:B4, (P), and (A), but remained associated with E. coli J-5. The regulatory protein C1 inhibitor prevented C1 activation by the weaker activators, E. coli strains 0111:B4, (P), and (A), but had no effect on C1 activation by E. coli J-5. Although C1 inhibitor thus failed to modulate C1 activation by E. coli J-5, it did block the enzymatic activity of activated C1 bound to this strain. Analyses of the molecular processes involved revealed differences with other systems. In the presence of C1 inhibitor, the C1s subunit of C1 activated by E. coli J-5 underwent further cleavage with the release into the supernatant of C1s fragments and complexes of C1 inhibitor with light chain fragments. Such fragments were not disulfide-linked to the remainder of the C1s molecule. The bulk of the heavy chain remained adherent to the surface of E. coli J-5. This finding documents the presence of a binding site for activated C1s on the surface of E. coli J-5 and localizes this site to the heavy chain. These studies thus indicate that several E. coli strains are direct C1 activators. Furthermore, E. coli J-5 provides another example of a direct C1 activator having binding sites not only for C1q but also for dimeric C1s. The studies also show that there are multiple properties of particles which determine the ability to activate C1, the rate of activation, the possibility of regulation of the activation process by C1 inhibitor, and the fate of activated C1.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗