Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W A Muller

Publications and source records attributed to W A Muller.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Cell surface glycosaminoglycans do not serve as ligands for PECAM-1. PECAM-1 is not a heparin-binding protein.

Previous studies have suggested that PECAM-1 mediates cellular interactions via both homophilic and heterophilic adhesive mechanisms. Cell surface glycoaminoglycans have been implicated as one of the heterophilic ligands for PECAM-1. To determine whether PECAM-1 is capable of interacting directly with glycosaminoglycans, we examined the adhesive properties of multiple monovalent and multivalent forms of this adhesion molecule. We found that the binding of a bivalent PECAM-1/IgG chimeric protein or multivalent PECAM-1-containing proteoliposomes to multiple different cell lines was 1) strictly dependent upon cell surface expression of PECAM-1 and 2) unaffected by the presence of excess heparin or heparan sulfate. The extracellular domain of PECAM-1 failed to interact specifically with heparin-Sepharose, 3H-labeled heparin, or a heparin-bovine serum albumin conjugate. In addition, an amino acid sequence motif inadvertently created by the juxtaposition of PECAM-1 and IgG sequences within the hinge region of certain PECAM-1/IgG chimeric constructs was found to confer glycosaminoglycan binding properties not normally present within the extracellular domain of the native molecule. Together, these data suggest that the mechanism by which heparin is able to affect PECAM-1-dependent cell-cell adhesion is indirect and occurs via inhibition of events that occur downstream from PECAM-1 engagement.

Animals↗

Ligation of CD31/PECAM-1 modulates the function of lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils.

CD31 or platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) is a 130-kDa glycoprotein expressed on endothelial cells, granulocytes, a subset of lymphocytes and platelets. In this study, we examined the ability of four monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against different domains of CD31 to modulate the function of T lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. Engagement of CD31 on T lymphocytes results in co-stimulation of T lymphocyte proliferation to suboptimal doses of anti-CD31 mAb. This proliferation is accompanied by secretion of numerous cytokines and chemokines, up-regulation of CD25 and an increase in cell size. Purification of T lymphocytes into CD45RO and CD45RA subsets showed that only naive CD45RA T lymphocytes are co-stimulated by anti-CD31 mAb. Further studies on neutrophils show that engagement of CD31 results in down-regulation of CD62L and up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 as well as oxidative burst, as assessed by superoxide release. In addition, ligation of CD31 on monocytes results in TNF-alpha secretion, and studies with various cell signaling inhibitors indicate that tyrosine kinases and cAMP-dependent kinases are involved in monocyte activation via CD31. Of the four mAb used in this study, only two activated human leukocytes. These mAb were PECAM-1.3 and hec7, which bind to domains 1 and 2 of CD31. We conclude that engagement of domains 1 and 2 of CD31 results in outside-in signaling in leukocytes.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Diabetes mellitus--long time survival.

The medical literature of the last decade enables us to estimate survival of diabetics. Insulin dependent diabetic (IDDM) present a 3 to 6-fold mortality and die after age 30, the most frequent causes being end stage renal and vascular diseases. Non insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) mortality is 1.4 to 3.7 times that of non-diabetics. Cardiovascular events and strokes are the major causes of death. Pancreatic carcinoma occurs twice as frequently in NIDDM compared to non-diabetics. Early markers of late severe complications are hypertension and proteinuria. Retinopathy has little influence on morality if other risk factors are considered. Yet, glaucoma and lens changes are associated with three- and twofold mortalities. One of five IDDM with microalbuminuria progresses to overt nephropathy in 5 years. In NIDDM micro-albuminuria predicts cardiovascular disease with a mortality of up to 2 times. Careful treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and of microalbuminuria combined with optimal metabolic control substantially reduces mortality of diabetics.

Adult↗

Neutrophil platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 participates in neutrophil recruitment at inflammatory sites and is down-regulated after leukocyte extravasation.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), a member of the Ig superfamily, is found on endothelial cells and neutrophils, and has been shown to be involved in the migration of leukocytes across the endothelium. Although studies have supported a role for endothelial PECAM-1 in this process, the participation of neutrophil PECAM-1 in vivo has not been unambiguously demonstrated. Therefore, to examine the involvement of neutrophil PECAM-1 in leukocyte recruitment, we studied the effect of a blocking Ab against murine PECAM-1 on neutrophil recruitment in an established model of murine peritonitis and in a murine model for studying leukocyte-endothelial interactions involving the human vasculature. These studies not only confirmed that neutrophil PECAM-1 is important in the accumulation of neutrophils at inflammatory sites, but that extravasated neutrophils displayed decreased surface expression of PECAM-1. In vitro, the surface expression of murine neutrophil PECAM-1 was not decreased significantly by inflammatory mediators, but was reduced after transendothelial migration. These studies, consistent with previous in vitro observations, confirm that neutrophil PECAM-1, as well as endothelial PECAM-1, is involved in the recruitment of neutrophils into inflammatory sites in vivo, and suggest that the expression of neutrophil PECAM-1 is down-regulated after extravasation into inflamed tissues possibly as a result of engagement of its ligand.

Animals↗

Soluble domain 1 of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) is sufficient to block transendothelial migration in vitro and in vivo.

The inflammatory response involves sequential adhesive interactions between cell adhesion molecules of leukocytes and the endothelium. Unlike the several adhesive steps that precede it, transendothelial migration (diapedesis), the step in which leukocytes migrate between apposed endothelial cells, appears to involve primarily one adhesion molecule, platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM, CD31). Therefore, we have focused on PECAM as a target for antiinflammatory therapy. We demonstrate that soluble chimeras made of the entire extracellular portion of PECAM, or of only the first immunoglobulin domain of PECAM, fused to the Fc portion of IgG, block diapedesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the truncated form of the PECAM-IgG chimera does not bind stably to its cellular ligand. This raises the possibility of selective anti-PECAM therapies that would not have the untoward opsonic or cell-activating properties of antibodies directed against PECAM.

Cell Adhesion↗

PECAM-1/CD31, an endothelial receptor for binding Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes.

Excessive binding of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (pRBCs) to the vascular endothelium (cytoadherence) and to uninfected erythrocytes (rosetting) may lead to occlusion of the microvasculature and thereby contribute directly to the acute pathology of severe human malaria. A number of endothelial receptors have been identified as targets for the pRBCs, including CD36, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and chondroitin-4-sulfate (CSA). In vitro, CD36 is the most frequent target of strains from patients with mild as well as severe P. falciparum malaria, but is expressed at low levels on the cerebral microvasculature and therefore seems unlikely to be involved in the evolution of cerebral disease. Strains of P. falciparum that form rosettes are associated both with the occurrence of cerebral malaria and severe anemia. Here we report that malaria-infected RBCs adhere to platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) on the vascular endothelium. pRBCs bind to endothelial cells, to PECAM-1/CD31 transfected cells, and directly to recombinant PECAM-1/CD31 absorbed onto plastic. Soluble PECAM-1/CD31 and monoclonal antibodies specific for the amino-terminal segment of PECAM-1/CD31 (domains 1-4) blocked the binding. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-essential for the development of cerebral malaria in the mouse-was found to augment adhesion of human pRBCs to PECAM-1/CD31 on endothelial cell monolayers. Our results suggest that PECAM-1/CD31 is a virulence-associated endothelial receptor of P. falciparum-infected RBCs.

Animals↗

Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin): cloning and role in endothelial cell-cell adhesion.

OBJECTIVE: To identify proteins responsible for intercellular junction integrity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we produced a monoclonal antibody that recognized an endothelial cell-specific, junctionally restricted protein. We characterized and cloned the antigen to study its functional properties. METHODS: The size and cellular distribution of the antigen were determined by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation. The molecule was cloned and transfected into cell lines, and its role in cell-cell adhesion and growth rate was determined. RESULTS: Monoclonal antibody hec1 recognizes VE-cadherin, an endothelial cell-restricted cell adhesion molecule. VE-cadherin is localized to the borders between apposing endothelial cells but is diffusely distributed on subconfluent or migrating cells. Transfection of fibroblasts with VE-cadherin imparts to them the ability to adhere to each other in a calcium-dependent homophilic manner. Expression of VE-cadherin over a several-log range does not change the growth rate of these cells. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that VE-cadherin is a "nonclassical" cadherin by structure, it functions as a classic cadherin by imparting to cells the ability to adhere in a calcium-dependent, homophilic manner. On HUVEC it appears to play a role in maintaining monolayer integrity.

Animals↗

Fluorescence in situ hybridization mapping of the mouse platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM1) to mouse chromosome 6, region F3-G1.

Human platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM1), an important member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, is widely distributed on cells of the vascular system and mediates cellular interactions through both homophilic and heterophilic adhesive mechanisms. The function of PECAM1 in vitro has begun to be understood, but its function in vivo is yet to be established. To study the function of PECAM1 in vivo, its mouse counterpart was identified and its cDNA gene isolated and characterized. In this study, the mouse chromosomal localization was determined for the mouse gene encoding Pecam. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to map the Pecam gene on mouse chromosome 6, region F3-G1.

Animals↗

Roles of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) in natural killer cell transendothelial migration and beta 2 integrin activation.

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) is a glycoprotein expressed on the surfaces of monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, a subpopulation of T cells, and, as described in this work, on NK cells. It is also concentrated at the junctions between endothelial cells (EC) in culture, and is expressed on continuous endothelia in all tissues. PECAM has been shown to be involved in monocyte and neutrophil transendothelial migration in vitro and in vivo. The function of PECAM in NK cell interaction with EC has never been studied. In this work, we demonstrate that ligation of PECAM on the surface of NK cells activates their beta 2 integrins. Anti-PECAM Abs added to NK cells caused a 2.5- to 4-fold increase in the binding of these cells to monolayers of EC or 3T3 cells transfected with ICAM-1, and this was inhibited by a mAb against CD18. PECAM also plays a role in NK cell transendothelial migration. Anti-PECAM Abs inhibited 50% of NK cell transmigration through resting EC in an in vitro system. The transmigration of CD56dim and CD56bright cells was inhibited equally. IFN-gamma increased NK cell transmigration; the transmigration of CD56bright cells was increased to a much greater extent than CD56dim transmigration (4-fold vs 1.5-fold). Anti-PECAM inhibited the transmigration of CD56dim cells by 30%, while that of CD56bright cells was not blocked. These studies demonstrate that PECAM-1 could play an important role in the extravasation of NK cells into tissues for constitutive surveillance and into sites of inflammation.

3T3 Cells↗

Migration of monocytes across endothelium and passage through extracellular matrix involve separate molecular domains of PECAM-1.

During the inflammatory response, the adhesion molecule PECAM plays a crucial role in transendothelial migration, the passage of leukocytes across endothelium. We report here an additional role for PECAM in the subsequent migration of monocytes through the subendothelial extracellular matrix. PECAM has six immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily domains. Monoclonal antibodies whose epitopes map to domains 1 and/or 2 selectively block monocyte migration through the endothelial junction, whereas those that map to domain 6 block only the migration through the extracellular matrix, trapping the monocyte between the endothelium and its basal lamina. Therefore, transendothelial migration (diapedesis) and passage through extracellular matrix (interstitial migration) are distinct and separable phases of monocyte emigration. Furthermore, distinct and separate Ig domains of PECAM are involved in mediating these two steps.

Animals↗

Ligation of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1/CD31) on monocytes and neutrophils increases binding capacity of leukocyte CR3 (CD11b/CD18).

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1/CD31) is a member of the Ig gene superfamily expressed on the surfaces of monocytes (Mo), neutrophils (PMN), and some T cell subsets, as well as on platelets and the intercellular junctions of endothelial cells. We used mAbs (mAb) against PECAM on Mo and PMN to mimic interaction with natural ligand. Such treatment resulted in the rapid increase of leukocyte beta 2 integrin-mediated adhesive function, as measured in two in vitro assays. Anti-PECAM-treated Mo bound more rapidly and in a CD18-dependent manner to cultured endothelial cells. Monovalent Fab fragments augmented binding significantly and intact IgG, bivalent F(ab')2 fragments, and secondarily cross-linked Fab fragments were even more effective. In a direct assay of CD11b/CD18 (CR3) function, PMN settling on surfaces coated with anti-PECAM mAb (including Fab fragments) were stimulated to bind C3bi-coated erythrocytes. These studies demonstrate that, in addition to the previously described functions of PECAM-1, this molecule is capable of participating in an adhesion cascade resulting in the activation of Mo and PMN beta 2 integrins. This activation may be important for the CR3-dependent adhesion events that are critical in the emigration of Mo and PMN at sites of inflammation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The role of PECAM-1 (CD31) in leukocyte emigration: studies in vitro and in vivo.

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) is a molecule capable of mediating both homophilic and heterophilic adhesion. It is constitutively expressed and concentrated in the lateral borders between endothelial cells and expressed on the surfaces of neutrophils, monocytes, and some T cell subsets, as well as on platelets. In a quantitative in vitro assay, monoclonal antibody against PECAM-1 or soluble recombinant PECAM-1 selectively blocked passage of both neutrophils and monocytes across the endothelial monolayer by 70-90% without interfering with the ability of these cells to bind to the apical endothelial cell surface. These regents worked whether directed against leukocyte PECAM-1 or against endothelial cell PECAM-1 and were not additive, suggesting that a homophilic interaction was occurring. In a murine model of acute inflammation, thioglycollate-induced peritonitis, a monoclonal antibody against mouse PECAM-1 blocked emigration of leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity down to background levels. Examination of peritoneal venules in these mice revealed many leukocytes in apparent contact with the endothelial surface but unable to cross the intima. Thus, PECAM-1 has a distinct role in the transendothelial migration phase of leukocyte emigration, independent of the adhesion events on the apical surface.

Animals↗

The use of anti-PECAM reagents in the control of inflammation.

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1/CD31) is expressed on the surfaces of neutrophils and monocytes and concentrated at the junctional surfaces of vascular endothelial cells. Monoclonal antibodies against PECAM-1 and soluble recombinant PECAM-1 selectively block the passage of these leukocytes across the endothelial monolayer without interfering with earlier adhesion events in the emigration pathway. This block is seen both in vitro and in several in vivo models of acute inflammation. Since PECAM-1 appears to be crucial for a distinct step in the emigration of leukocytes into a focus of inflammation, PECAM-1 appears to be a new and potentially important target for anti-inflammatory therapy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Isolation and longterm culture of human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells.

Microvascular endothelial cells play an important part in inflammation as well as in organ specific leucocyte traffic, and may be functionally different from large vessel endothelium in this respect. This study therefore established a method for isolation and longterm culture of human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMEC). After dissociation by collagenase/dispase/DNase of mucosal and submucosal tissue obtained from normal adult jejunum, cells were plated and cultured to subconfluence in endothelial serum free medium containing 2.5% fetal calf serum, hydrocortisone, and N6, O2-dibutyryladenosine cyclic monophosphate. Primary cultures were trypsinised and endothelial cells were isolated by paramagnetic beads armed with monoclonal antibody to CD31. Optimal growth conditions for HIMEC cultures were established, allowing up to nine passages (three months in vitro). The cells contained Weibel-Palade bodies, expressed von Willebrand factor, CD31, and VE-cadherin; and bound Ulex Europaeus lectin I. A method to establish longterm cell cultures of HIMEC will facilitate further investigation of the function of intestinal endothelial cells and their participation in physiological and pathological events in the gut.

Adult↗

Monoclonal antibody to murine PECAM-1 (CD31) blocks acute inflammation in vivo.

A murine model of peritonitis was used to test the role of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1/CD31) in acute inflammation. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for murine PECAM-1 injected intravenously 4 h before the intraperitoneal injection of thioglycollate broth blocked leukocyte emigration into the peritoneal cavity for up to 48 h. This block was particularly evident for neutrophils. Control mAb, including one that bound to murine CD18 without blocking its function, failed to block emigration when used at the same or higher concentrations. The decreased emigration seen with the anti-PECAM-1 antibody was not due to neutropenia or neutrophil sequestration in the lung, spleen, or other organs; peripheral blood leukocyte counts were not diminished in these mice. In the mesenteric venules of the mice treated with anti-PECAM-1 mAb, leukocytes were frequently seen in association with the luminal surface of the vessel, but did not appear to emigrate. Thus, the requirement for PECAM-1 in the transendothelial migration of leukocytes previously seen in an in vitro model holds true in this in vivo model of acute inflammation.

Animals↗