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Biomedical subjects

S Pillai

Publications and source records attributed to S Pillai.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Distinct intracellular fates of membrane and secretory immunoglobulin heavy chains in a pre-B cell line.

The intracellular fates of membrane and secretory immunoglobulin heavy chains were examined in a pre-B cell line that has switched to the gamma isotype. The membrane form of the heavy chain (gamma m) was rapidly degraded while the secretory form (gamma s) was retained intracellularly in association with BiP. The degradation of gamma m could not be inhibited by ammonium chloride, chloroquine, or monensin suggesting that it occurred in a nonlysosomal compartment. The inability to detect any Endo H-resistant form of gamma m before its degradation suggested that degradation occurs before entry into the Golgi compartment. Degradation of gamma m could be inhibited by incubation at 24 degrees C. In a derivative of this cell line expressing a transfected kappa gene, gamma s formed disulfide linked tetramers with kappa and was secreted, while gamma m, although associated with kappa, continued to be rapidly degraded. These observations suggest that membrane and secretory heavy chain proteins are retained by distinct intracellular mechanisms. Although masking of the CH1 domain abrogates gamma s retention, this domain does not influence the intracellular fate of gamma m.

Ammonium Chloride↗

Squamous carcinoma cell lines produce 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D, but fail to respond to its prodifferentiating effect.

The active metabolite of vitamin D3, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D], is produced by normal human keratinocytes (NKC) and regulates their differentiation. Squamous carcinoma cell (SCC) lines lack the ability to differentiate in vitro, which might involve defective 1,25(OH)2D synthesis or response. To address this possibility we obtained four SCC lines (12F2, 12B2, 25, and A431) and first determined whether they could produce 1,25(OH)2D from its substrate 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (250HD). All could (12F2 greater than NKC greater than 25 greater than 12B2 greater than A431). Furthermore, exogenously added 1,25(OH)2D inhibited 1,25(OH)2D production and stimulated 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D] production in all cell lines but with different potency (25 = A431 greater than NKC greater than 12B2 greater than 12F2). Cellular binding studies suggested that the high-affinity binding site for 1,25(OH)2D in NKC is not found in 12F2 and 12B2. When the effect of 1,25(OH)2D on differentiation was determined, only NKC responded with an increase in cornified envelope formation, although some of the cell lines responded to the proliferative [at low 1,25(OH)2D concentration] or antiproliferative [at high 1,25(OH)2D concentration] effect of 1,25(OH)2D. Thus, although SCC lines synthesize 1,25(OH)2D and respond to exogenous 1,25(OH)2D with respect to appropriate regulation of endogenous 250HD metabolism, these cell lines fail to respond to the differentiating influence of this vitamin D metabolite.

Calcitriol↗

Distinct pattern of antibody reactivity with oligomeric or polymeric forms of the capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b.

The chain length of oligosaccharides required for antibody binding has been studied by using the capsular polysaccharide from Haemophilus influenzae type b or oligosaccharides derived from it. The concentration of competing antigens required to achieve a 50% inhibition of antibody binding by human polyclonal antisera in an in vitro competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay decreased progressively from greater than 10(-3) to 5 x 10(-7) M as the inhibiting saccharide chain length increased from 1 to 262 repeat units. Even small oligosaccharides (one or two repeat units) are potentially capable of competing to a significant level if a high enough concentration of saccharides is used. A similar pattern of reactivity was seen with a monoclonal anti-polyribosyl ribitol phosphate antibody, suggesting that the differences in the avidity of the antibody subpopulations in the polyclonal antisera do not contribute to the binding patterns observed. The binding reaction was specific as evaluated with pneumococcal saccharides. Furthermore, an oligosaccharide-protein conjugate binds antibody better than the free oligosaccharides do. Such a difference in binding was not observed between the polysaccharide and a polysaccharide-protein conjugate. Overall, the data suggest that identical epitopes are expressed by oligomeric and polymeric forms of the antigen and that a particularly more stable conformation in polysaccharides is preferred by antibodies. Covalent coupling of oligomers to protein increases the expression of stable conformation of epitopes. The data further suggest that this kind of antigenic analysis may be important for the design and synthesis of glycoconjugate vaccines.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production by human keratinocytes.

The keratinocyte has receptors for, responds to, and produces both tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D]. Both TNF and 1,25-(OH)2D facilitate the differentiation of keratinocytes. To explore the possibility that TNF stimulates keratinocyte differentiation at least in part by regulating 1,25-(OH)2D production we examined the effect of TNF on both 1,25-(OH)2D production and differentiation (transglutaminase activity, cornified envelope formation) at different stages of differentiation. 1,25-(OH)2D production, transglutaminase activity, and cornified envelope formation are sequentially increased during differentiation such that 1,25-(OH)2D production occurs first, followed by transglutaminase activity and, finally, cornified envelope formation. In preconfluent cells, TNF stimulated 1,25-(OH)2D production. Interferon-gamma also stimulated 1,25-(OH)2D production at low concentrations, but this was not additive to that by TNF. The stimulatory effect of TNF was maximal after 1-2 days of incubation and decreased with prolonged incubation. TNF had little effect on cornified envelope formation and transglutaminase activity in the preconfluent cells. Once keratinocytes achieved confluence, TNF stimulated transglutaminase activity and cornified envelope formation, but inhibited 1,25-(OH)2D production. Our results suggest that TNF regulates 1,25-(OH)2D production as part of its ability to accelerate keratinocyte differentiation; whether TNF stimulates or inhibits 1,25-(OH)2D production depends on whether TNF is added before or after the cell has reached its maximal capacity to make 1,25-(OH)2D.

Calcitriol↗

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis associated with hideradenitis suppurativa.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a noninfectious inflammation and ulceration of the peripheral cornea. It may be idiopathic--i.e., Mooren's ulcer--or it may be associated with a variety of systemic disorders, including many collagen vascular diseases. We present a patient who had bilateral peripheral infiltrative and ulcerative keratitis in association with severe hideradenitis suppurativa (HS), a suppurative and cicatricial disease of the apocrine glands of the skin. The peripheral ulcerative keratitis was unresponsive to all routine treatment modalities, but it finally responded to immunosuppression by cyclophosphamide, given orally. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one report in the dermatology literature citing the association of hideradenitis suppurativa and interstitial keratitis.

Adult↗

Calcium regulation of growth and differentiation of normal human keratinocytes: modulation of differentiation competence by stages of growth and extracellular calcium.

In this study we examined the different aspects of the pathway leading to the differentiation of keratinocytes as a function of time in culture and calcium concentration of the culture medium. Human neonatal foreskin keratinocytes were grown in a serum-free, defined medium containing 0.07, 1.2, or 2.4 mM calcium and assayed for the rate of growth and protein synthesis, involucrin content, transglutaminase activity, and cornified envelope formation at preconfluent, confluent, and postconfluent stages of growth. We observed that keratinocytes grown to postconfluence in all calcium concentrations showed an increased protein/DNA ratio and an increased rate of membrane-associated protein synthesis. Extracellular calcium concentrations did not have a clear influence on these parameters. However, preconfluent and confluent keratinocytes grown in 0.07 mM calcium showed markedly retarded differentiation at all steps, i.e., involucrin synthesis, transglutaminase activity, and cornified envelope formation. Within 1 week after achieving confluence, these keratinocytes began synthesizing involucrin and transglutaminase and developed the ability to form cornified envelopes. Cells grown in 1.2 and 2.4 mM calcium synthesized involucrin and transglutaminase prior to confluence and were fully competent to form cornified envelopes by confluence. Thus external calcium-regulated keratinocyte differentiation is not an all or none phenomenon, but rather it is the rate at which keratinocytes differentiate that is controlled by calcium. We conclude that either or both higher extracellular calcium concentration and the achievement of cell-cell contacts lead to a coordinate increase of at least two precursors--involucrin content and transglutaminase activity--required for cornified envelope formation. We speculate that a critical level of cytosolic calcium, achieved by increased extracellular calcium or by achievement of intercellular communication established by cell-cell contact, may trigger mechanisms required for initiation of keratinocyte differentiation.

Calcium↗

Molecular cloning of a human macrophage lectin specific for galactose.

The murine Mac-2 protein is a galactose- and IgE-binding lectin secreted by inflammatory macrophages. We describe here the cloning and characterization of a cDNA representing the human homolog of Mac-2 (hMac-2). The amino acid sequence derived from the hMac-2 cDNA indicates that the protein is evolutionarily highly conserved, with 85% of its amino acid residues being similar to those in the murine homolog. This conservation is especially marked in the carboxyl-terminal lectin domain. The amino-terminal half of the protein is less conserved but still contains the repetitive proline-glycine-rich motif seen in the mouse protein. hMac-2 synthesized in vitro is recognized by the M3/38 monoclonal antibody to Mac-2 and binds to the desialylated glycoprotein asialofetuin and to laminin, a major component of basement membranes. These findings are discussed in the context of the potential functions of hMac-2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The prediction of serum IgG levels by scanning densitometry.

A novel approach has been described. In this method the serum IgG level can be predicted with a fair degree of accuracy by scanning densitometry and total serum protein values. This approach might be useful as a screening procedure for hypogammaglobulinemia.

Agammaglobulinemia↗

The Mac-2 antigen is a galactose-specific lectin that binds IgE.

A cDNA encoding the Mac-2 antigen, a surface marker highly expressed by thioglycollate-elicited macrophages, has been cloned by immunoscreening of a lambda gt11-P388D1 expression library. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA is identical to that of carbohydrate-binding protein 35, a galactose-specific lectin found in fibroblasts and highly homologous to a rat IgE-binding protein from basophilic leukemia cells. The in vitro synthesized Mac-2 protein displayed the expected carbohydrate- and IgE-binding properties. By pulse-chase analysis and subcellular fractionation studies, the Mac-2 protein was found in the cytosol but was also seen to accumulate in the extracellular medium. The latter finding was surprising in view of the fact that the cDNA did not encode a signal peptide or transmembrane domain. An alternatively spliced cDNA with the potential to encode a NH2 terminally extended Mac-2 protein with a stretch of hydrophobic amino acids at its NH2 terminus was also found, but it is not clear whether it is the source of the extracellular Mac-2. Possible functions for the Mac-2 protein based on its lectin- and IgE-binding properties are discussed.

Animals↗

Synthetic peptide representing a T-cell epitope of CRM197 substitutes as carrier molecule in a Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) conjugate vaccine.

The cross-reactive material (CRM197) of diphtheria toxin is considered to be advantageous as a carrier molecule in the formulation of a Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine. In order to more precisely understand the function of the CRM197 in the vaccine, we have begun mapping the T-cell epitopes of the protein. A peptide which represents a segment of the primary sequence of CRM197 has been identified and found to stimulate diphtheria toxoid or CRM197-primed murine T-lymphocytes. In addition, the peptide is capable of priming T-cells in vivo for a subsequent in vitro T-cell response to itself or to the intact CRM197 molecule. The ability of the peptide to replace CRM197 as a carrier molecule was examined by immunizing mice with PRP, PRP-CRM197 conjugate, or PRP covalently coupled to the peptide. Antibodies to PRP were only detected in the PRP-CRM197 or PRP-peptide immunized groups. Both conjugates elicited primary and secondary antibody responses. Thus, a synthetic peptide representing a defined T-cell epitope of CRM197 has been functionally demonstrated based on its ability to act as a carrier molecule in a PRP conjugate vaccine.

Animals↗

Nondysenteric intestinal amebiasis. Colonic morphology and search for Entamoeba histolytica adherence and invasion.

There is controversy regarding the presence of colonic mucosal abnormalities or mucosal invasion by Entamoeba histolytica in patients with "nondysenteric intestinal amebiasis." To determine the role of E. histolytica in causing symptoms and mucosal changes and to detect if mucosal invasion by E. histolytica is present in nondynsenteric intestinal amebiasis, we evaluated 24 E. histolytica-infected patients (stool microscopy positive for E. histolytica) and 12 noninfected controls who presented with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, but without dysentery, to a clinic in Calcutta. The colonic mucosa was evaluated at colonoscopy, and mucosal biopsies obtained from the cecum, sigmoid colon, and rectum were evaluated by light microscopy, indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. At colonoscopy mucosal ulcerations were absent in all the controls and all except one of the E. histolytica-infected patients. E. histolytica trophozoites or cysts were not seen in the lamina propria or on the luminal surface in any infected patient by light and immunofluorescence microscopy. On scanning electron microscopy, structures that resembled rounded E. histolytica trophozoites were seen on the luminal surface in two of 19 cecal specimens from the infected patients. Moderate or severe mucosal inflammation was frequent on light microscopy in both the E. histolytica-infected patients and the noninfected controls with the cecum involved in two thirds of both groups. Antibodies to E. histolytica were detected in serum of 25% of study patients and 58% of controls. Mucosal inflammation did not correlate with stool positivity for E. histolytica or seropositivity for ameba antibody.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Binding and biological effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha on cultured human neonatal foreskin keratinocytes.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) localizes to the epidermis when injected in vivo, but its role in the skin has heretofore not been evaluated. As a first approach to assessing the role of TNF alpha in the skin, we evaluated the binding and biological effects of TNF alpha on human neonatal foreskin keratinocytes maintained in culture. We found that TNF alpha at 0.3-1.0 nM inhibited proliferation of keratinocytes in a reversible fashion as demonstrated by a reduction in total DNA content and clonal growth. The antiproliferative effects were most marked when TNF alpha was added in the preconfluent stages of cell growth. Accompanying this antiproliferative effect was a stimulation by TNF alpha of differentiation of keratinocytes as indicated by the stimulation of cornified envelope formation. Keratinocytes specifically bound TNF alpha, reaching maximal binding in 2 h at 34 degrees C or 8 h at 4 degrees C. Much of the apparent binding at 34 degrees C was due to internalization of the TNF alpha. At 4 degrees C the rate of internalization was much less. Confluent keratinocytes showed a single class of high-affinity receptors with 1,250 receptors/cell and a Kd of 0.28 nM. These data suggest a role for TNF alpha in the growth and differentiation of the epidermis.

Cell Differentiation↗

Regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production in human keratinocytes by interferon-gamma.

Interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] each have potent antiproliferative and prodifferentiating effects on keratinocytes. Since keratinocytes produce 1,25-(OH)2D, we explored the possibility that IFN gamma acted on keratinocytes in part by regulating 1,25-(OH)2D production. We cultured human neonatal foreskin keratinocytes for various periods of time in the presence of various concentrations of IFN gamma before assessing their ability to produce 1,25-(OH)2D. The production of 1,25-(OH)2D by preconfluent keratinocytes grown in the presence of serum (which retards differentiation) was stimulated by 1.8 nM IFN gamma. Postconfluent keratinocytes did not respond to 1.8 nM IFN gamma. The production of 1,25-(OH)2D by keratinocytes grown in serum-free medium was maximally stimulated by 0.006 nM IFN gamma and inhibited at concentrations greater than 0.06 nM. Keratinocytes grown in 0.1 mM calcium serum-free medium (which prevents differentiation) were more sensitive to both the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of IFN gamma than keratinocytes grown in 1.2 mM calcium serum-free medium (which permits differentiation). The stimulatory effect of IFN gamma on 1,25-(OH)2D production was maximal after 2 days of incubation. Incubations longer than 2 days showed increasingly less stimulation at the low IFN gamma concentrations and increasingly greater inhibition at the higher IFN gamma concentrations. The inhibitory effects of IFN gamma on 1,25-(OH)2D production paralleled the inhibitory effects of IFN gamma on cell growth. Thus, IFN gamma does regulate 1,25-(OH)2D production by keratinocytes. However, this regulation is modulated by the state of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and is influenced by calcium and undefined factors in serum. The data are consistent with the possibility that IFN gamma alters keratinocyte differentiation in part by regulating 1,25-(OH)2D production.

Cells, Cultured↗

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, contralateral hemiplegia, and recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex.

A 42-year-old man presented with herpes zoster ophthalmicus on the right side. He was found to have acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex. Two weeks later he developed toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in the left eye. He also presented later with left hemiplegia, which was probably caused by herpes zoster arteritis. Nine months after the retinal lesion resolved he developed another area of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis adjacent to the first lesion. Herpes zoster may be the first presentation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex in a young healthy individual. Ophthalmologists are encountering patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome who may have multiple organisms as the cause for their ocular infections and this might pose a treatment dilemma. The combination of herpes zoster ophthalmicus and ocular toxoplasmosis in this patient makes this case unusual.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D production and receptor binding in human keratinocytes varies with differentiation.

Human foreskin keratinocytes in culture produce 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3) and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (24,25-(OH)2D3) from 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-(OH)D3). The production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 by these cells correlated with the early events of differentiation such as expression of transglutaminase activity and the levels of a precursor protein for the cornified envelopes, involucrin. In contrast, the increased production of 24,25-(OH)2D3, as 1,25-(OH)2D3 production declined, correlated with the terminal differentiation marker, cornified envelope formation. Exogenous 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10(-11)-10(-9) M) inhibited the 1-alpha-hydroxylase at all stages of growth of these cells. Keratinocytes in culture expressed receptors for 1,25-(OH)2D3 which had similar sedimentation behavior in sucrose density gradients as chick intestinal cytosol receptors. Cells in early stages of growth (preconfluent and confluent) contained higher numbers of receptors (26-27 fmol/mg protein) than post-confluent cells. The dissociation constant (237-278 pM) of these receptors for 1,25-(OH)2D3 was not consistently altered by differentiation. Since 1,25-(OH)2D3 is a potent stimulator of cell differentiation in a variety of systems including the epidermis, our results suggest the possibility that endogenous 1,25-(OH)2D3 production may participate in the differentiation of keratinocytes in culture and, perhaps, in vivo.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗