Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “COS Cells”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

Cloning, expression and characterization of a human dopamine D4.2 receptor (CHO K1 cells) and various D4.2/D2L chimeras (COS-7 cells).

1. Using the gene splicing technique a synthetic human dopamine (DA) D4.2 gene was constructed and subsequently stably expressed in CHO K1 cells. 2. Binding of [3H]spiperone to membranes prepared from human DA D4.2 CHO K1 cells was saturable with a Kd of 93 +/- 0.51 pM and a Bmax of 768 +/- 22 fmol per mg protein. 3. Clozapine, apomorphine, and S(+)-NPA were more selective for D4.2 than for D2L receptors, with D2L/D4.2 ratios of 5.7, 7.1, and 19.6, respectively. 4. Functional studies indicated that DA D4.2 receptors expressed in CHO K1 cells inhibited forskolin stimulated cAMP levels showing coupling to G-proteins. 5. Two reciprocal human D2L and D4.2 chimeric receptors (D2L/D4.2 and D4.2/D2L) were constructed by exchanging the amino-terminal end to the third transmembrane (TM) of one receptor with the counter part of the other receptor and expressing them transiently into COS-7 cells. The chimeric D2L/D4.2 receptor displayed non-detectable specific binding of [3H] spiperone and other ligands. The chimeric D4.2/D2L receptor binding affinities of DA agonists were more affected than that of antagonists, suggesting that binding affinities of agonists are more sensitive to changes in receptor conformation than that of antagonists. 6. This study characterized the pharmacology of a novel synthesized DA D4.2 receptor that provides a useful model for screening of potential D4.2 receptor agonist and antagonist.

Animals↗

Cloning and characterization of an endogenous COS-7 cell thromboxane A2 receptor.

A cDNA for a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor was cloned from an SV40 transformed African Green Monkey kidney cell line (COS-7). The sequence is 98% homologous with the isoform of the human TXA2 receptor and has agonist and antagonist ligand binding characteristics that are not significantly different from the human receptor. Stimulation of the COS-7 cells with the TXA2 receptor agonist, ONO 11113 resulted in a significant increase in cAMP formation that was blocked by a receptor antagonist. The results raise the question of the utility of the COS-7 cell line for studies of cloned and expressed TXA2 receptor signalling mechanisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Simultaneous transfection of COS-1 cells with mitochondrial and microsomal steroid hydroxylases: incorporation of a steroidogenic pathway into nonsteroidogenic cells.

Transfected, nonsteroidogenic COS-1 cells derived from monkey kidney are found to be capable of supporting the initial and rate-limiting step common to all steroidogenic pathways, the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol to produce pregnenolone. Endogenous COS-1 kidney cell renodoxin reductase and renodoxin are able to sustain low levels of this activity catalyzed by bovine cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc) whose synthesis is directed by a transfected plasmid containing P450scc cDNA. Double transfection with both P450scc and adrenodoxin plasmids leads to greater pregnenolone production and indicates that adrenodoxin plays a role as a substrate for this reaction or that bovine adrenodoxin serves as a better electron donor than the endogenous iron-sulfur protein renodoxin. Also it is found that both the bovine adrenodoxin and P450scc precursor proteins are proteolytically processed upon their uptake by COS-1 cell mitochondria to forms having the same electrophoretic mobility as mature bovine adrenodoxin and P450scc. Following triple transfection of COS-1 cells with P450scc, adrenodoxin, and 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 plasmids, pregnenolone produced in mitochondria by the side-chain cleavage reaction can be further metabolized in the endoplasmic reticulum to 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone. Although this functional steroidogenic pathway can be incorporated into this nonsteroidogenic cell type, it is found to be nonresponsive to cAMP, a potent activator of steroid hormone biosynthesis in adrenal cortex, testis, and ovary. Thus the cellular mechanisms necessary to support both microsomal and mitochondrial steroid hydroxylase activities appear not to be tissue specific, whereas the acute cAMP-dependent regulation of steroidogenesis is not present in transformed kidney (COS-1) cells.

Adrenodoxin↗

Cell fusion studies identified multiple cellular factors involved in mouse hepatitis virus entry.

We have previously reported that certain murine cell lines are susceptible to mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) A59 strain infection but resistant to JHM strain, despite the expression of the viral receptor for both strains. This restriction on viral infection has been shown to occur at the virus entry level (Yokomori et al., Virology 196, 45-56, 1993). To study whether JHM resistance of these cell lines is due to a defective cellular factor necessary for JHM virus entry, or due to the presence of an inhibitor, hybrid cells were obtained by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated fusion between two resistant cell lines, i.e., a Balb/c mouse-derived cell line, BC10 cells, which are resistant to JHM infection but express a viral receptor, and the simian cell line COS cells, which are resistant to JHM because of the absence of the viral receptor. JHM could replicate in the hybrid BC10-COS cells, indicating that the restriction of viral infection in BC10 cells could be complemented by COS cells. This result indicates that the resistance of BC10 cells to JHM infection is due to the defectiveness of a cellular factor rather than the presence of an inhibitor. JHM virus-binding and penetration into BC10 cells appeared to be normal. However, JHM internalization into BC10 cells by PEG-induced virus-cell fusion did not lead to viral replication, suggesting that the restriction of JHM infection in BC10 cells is at the level of viral uncoating. This restriction could be complemented by PEG-mediated fusion with other murine cell lines which have the virion-uncoating activity, but not by cell lines which lack this activity. Furthermore, the viral resistance of most of other murine cell lines, which express MHV receptors, could not be overcome by fusion with COS cells, suggesting that different murine cell lines are defective in different viral entry functions. Therefore, we conclude that JHM viral entry process requires multiple cellular factors secondary to the viral receptor.

Adsorption↗

Reconstitution of bile acid transport in a heterologous cell by cotransfection of transporters for bile acid uptake and efflux.

The rat liver canalicular bile acid transporter/ecto-ATPase/cell CAM 105 (CBATP) is a 110-kDa transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein that is thought to have bile acid efflux, ecto-ATPase, and cell adhesion properties. Its extracellular amino-terminal domain is highly homologous to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a glycophosphatidyl inositol-anchored membrane protein with cell adhesion properties and a marker for adenocarcinoma. In the current study, we examined the possibility of more clearly defining the role of CBATP in bile acid efflux by cotransfecting a heterologous cell, the COS cell, with cDNAs for a bile acid importer, the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT), as well as for CBATP. The results show that when IBAT mediates uptake of [3H]taurocholate to a level 20-fold higher than that achieved previously by nonspecific pinocytosis, CBATP mediates time-, temperature- and concentration-dependent efflux. Efflux of [3H]taurocholate mediated by CBATP in the cotransfected COS cells is saturable and has curvilinear kinetic characteristics (Vmax = 400 pmol/mg protein/min, Km = 70 microM). It is inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid and dependent on ATP but not dependent on membrane potential. Although CEA could not mediate bile acid efflux in COS cells cotransfected with IBAT and CEA, efflux of [3H]taurocholate was detected in COS cells cotransfected with IBAT and a chimeric molecule having the carboxyl-terminal tail and membrane spanning domain of CBATP and the amino-terminal extracellular tail of CEA. Taken together, these data provide further evidence that CBATP confers bile acid efflux properties on heterologous cells and that its cytoplasmic tail and membrane spanning segment are integral to this property. The data also establish a model system for more clearly defining the molecular determinants of bile acid transport mediated by this molecule.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Identification of DNA sequences required for transcription of the human alpha 1-globin gene in a new SV40 host-vector system.

We have developed a rapid and simple method for studying the transcription of cloned eucaryotic genes, which involves transfecting SV40-transformed monkey cell lines (COS cells) with derivatives of the plasmid pBR322 that contain the SV40 viral replication origin but lack regions necessary for viral transcription (SV-ORI vectors). Because COS cells produce SV40 T antigen and are permissive for SV40 viral replication, transfected SV-ORI plasmids replicate to a high copy number. SV-ORI plasmids carrying a human alpha-globin gene are also replicated in COS cells. Moreover, the alpha-globin gene is faithfully transcribed to produce high levels of RNA, which is accurately processed to produce authentic alpha-globin mRNA. We have used this transcription system to demonstrate that a sequence located between 55 and 87 base pairs upstream from the mRNA capping site is required for efficient transcription of the alpha-globin gene in COS cells.

Animals↗

Synthesis and expression of a gene for the rat glucagon receptor. Replacement of an aspartic acid in the extracellular domain prevents glucagon binding.

In order to facilitate structure-function studies of the glucagon receptor by site-directed mutagenesis, we have designed and synthesized a gene for the rat glucagon receptor. The gene codes for the native 485-amino-acid protein but contains 91 unique restriction sites. To characterize gene expression, a highly specific, high affinity antipeptide antibody was prepared against the receptor. The synthetic gene was expressed in transiently transfected monkey kidney (COS-1) cells. COS cells expressing the synthetic receptor gene bound glucagon with affinity and specificity similar to that of hepatocytes containing native receptor. The transfected COS cells also showed increased intracellular cAMP levels in response to glucagon. The functional role of an aspartic acid residue in the NH2-terminal tail of the receptor was tested by site-directed mutagenesis. This site in the related growth hormone releasing factor receptor was shown to be responsible for the little mouse (lit) genetic defect that results in mice of small size with hypoplastic pituitary glands. Mutant glucagon receptors with amino acid replacements of Asp64 were expressed at normal levels in COS cells but failed to bind glucagon. These results indicate that amino acid Asp64 may play a key role in glucagon binding to receptor.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Low level expression of the HIV-1 Nef protein in transiently transfected COS-1 cells in culture.

Nef (negative factor) is a membrane-associated cytoplasmic accessory gene product of HIV-1 that induces increased viral load and pathogenesis in the host. In the present study, we have utilized a transient co-transfection assay with the HIV-1lai nef gene and the gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the monkey kidney cell line, COS-1, to analyze Nef expression. We have observed significantly lower level expression of the Nef protein relative to expression of the GFP reporter protein, even when identical vector constructs and similar plasmid DNA concentrations were used. Moreover, Northern blot analysis have indicated that comparable levels of both the Nef and GFP transcripts were transcribed from the co-transfected nef and gfp plasmid constructs, respectively. Western blot analysis have also indicated that the intracellular accumulation of the Nef protein was not visibly affected by proteolytic inhibitors of two major subcellular compartments, lysosomes and proteosomes. In addition, the Nef protein does not appear to be secreted into the culture medium up to 24 hr post-transfection. Our results indicate the possible selective translational expression or post-translational down-regulation of the Nef protein in cultured COS-1 cells that were transiently co-transfected with the nef and gfp genes. However, the mechanism(s) underlying this phenomenon has not been determined.

Animals↗

Expression of the renal Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter, NaDC-1, in COS-7 cells.

The cloned rabbit renal Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter, NaDC-1, was transiently expressed in the mammalian monkey kidney cell line, COS-7. Cells transfected with the plasmid pSV-201, containing the cDNA for the Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter, expressed sodium-dependent succinate and citrate transport after 48 h. Cells transfected with control plasmid, pSV-SPORT, did not express sodium-dependent transport of succinate or citrate. The transport of succinate in cells expressing NaDC-1 was inhibited by di-and tricarboxylic acids, but not by monocarboxylic acids. Sodium-dependent transport of succinate was insensitive to changes in pH, while sodium-dependent citrate transport was stimulated by acidic pH. Succinate transport by NaDC-1 was saturable with an apparent Michaelis constant, Km, around 0.5 mM. The kinetics of sodium activation of succinate transport by NaDC-1 were sigmoidal, with an apparent Hill coefficient of 2.9, indicating that three sodium ions are involved in the transport of each succinate. Succinate transport by NaDC-1 was inhibited by lithium. The functional characteristics of NaDC-1 expressed in COS-7 cells correspond to those of the Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter of the apical membrane of the renal proximal tubule.

Animals↗

The C-terminal IgI domains of myosin-binding proteins C and H (MyBP-C and MyBP-H) are both necessary and sufficient for the intracellular crosslinking of sarcomeric myosin in transfected non-muscle cells.

Using the COS cell transfection assay developed previously, we examined which domains of myosin-binding proteins C and H (MyBP-C and MyBP-H) are involved in intracellular interactions with sarcomeric myosin heavy chain (MyHC). Earlier studies demonstrated that overexpression of sarcomeric MyHC in COS cells results in the cytoplasmic assembly of anisotropic, spindle-like aggregates of myosin-containing filaments in the absence of other myofibrillar proteins. When the same sarcomeric MyHC was co-expressed with either MyBP-C or MyBP-H, prominent cable-like co-polymers of MyHC and the MyBPs formed in the cytoplasm instead of the spindle-like aggregates formed by MyHC alone. In vitro binding assays have shown that the C-terminal IgI domain of both MyBP-C (domain C10) and MyBP-H (domain H4) contains the light meromyosin (LMM)-binding sites of each molecule, but this domain cannot explain all of the intracellular properties of the molecules. For example, domains C7-C10 of MyBP-C and domains H1-H4 of MyBP-H are required for the faithful targeting of these proteins to the A-bands of myofibrils in skeletal muscle. Using truncation mutants of both MyBPs tagged with either green fluorescent protein (GFP) or c-myc, we now demonstrate that the last four domains of both MyBP-C and MyBP-H colocalize with the full-length proteins in the MyHC/MyBP cable polymers when co-transfected with MyHC in COS cells. Deletion of the C-terminal IgI domain in either MyBP-C or MyBP-H abrogated cable formation, but the expressed proteins could still colocalize with MyHC-containing filament aggregates. Co-expression of only the C-terminal IgI domain of MyBP-C with sarcomeric MyHC was sufficient for cable formation and colocalization with myosin. We conclude that the C-terminal IgI domains of both MyBP-H and MyBP-C are both necessary and sufficient for inducing MyHC/MyBP cable formation in this COS cell system. However, there must be other myosin-binding sites in MyBP-C and MyBP-H that explain the co-distribution of these proteins with myosin filaments in the absence of cable formation. These latter sites are neither sufficient nor required for cable formation.

Animals↗

[Apoptosis of Fas(+) Yac-1 cells induced with Fas ligand-transfected COS-7 cells].

The possibility of immunotherapy for lymphoma by single FasL-Fas way was investigated. After pBillneo-mFasL was transformed into competent E. coli DH5alpha and amplified, the plasmid DNA was prepared and purified from the DH5alpha. To determine the primary structure and inserting direction of mFasL cDNA gene in pBillneo-mFasL, the plasmid DNA was cleaved by restriction enzyme, and the mFasL cDNA of pBillneo-mFasL was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the DNA sequence of the PCR product was analysed by automatic DNA sequencing. After pBillneo-mFasL was transfected into COS-7 cells by liposome, the COS-7 cells were selected with G418 selective medium, and the expressing levels of mFasL cDNA on the COS-7 cell membrane was assayed by Western Blot. After the COS-7 cells higher expressing mFasL protein and mouse lymphoma cell line Yac-1 expressing Fas were cocultured for 5 hours, the suspending Yac-1 cells were collected and labeled by annexin V/PI kit. The apoptosis rate of the Yac-1 cells was tested by flow cytometry. The EcoRI cleaving products of pBillneo-mF asL included 920 bp and 7227 bp fragments. Its Hind III cleaving products included 1293 bp and 6807 bp fragments. These results showed: (1) the length of DNA sequence containing mFasL cDNA within pBillneo-mFasL is the same as theoretical length; (2) the inserting of mFasL cDNA in pBillneo-mFasL was in positive orientation. The expected 890 bp DNA fragments of mFasL cDNA (from ATG to +36 bp following TAA) emerged in PCR product with pBillneo-mFasL as a template. The sequencing result of the PCR product equaled the known mFasL cDNA sequence in the gene bank. The COS-7 cells transfected by pBillneo-mFasL and selected with G418 culture medium expressed more mFasL membrane protein assayed by Western Blot. After the COS-7 cells were cocultured with Fas(+) Yac-1 cells in different E:T ratios (1:1, 5:1 and 10:1) for 5 hours, the apoptosis rates of Yac-1 cells were (22 +/- 4.8)%, (32.18 +/- 7.8)%, and (51.8 +/- 5.4)%, respectively. These were obviously different from the control group (P < 0.01), in which the COS-7 cell was transfected by pBillneo (not carrying mFasL gene). It was concluded that lymphoma cells highly expressing Fas can be effectively killed through single Fas-FasL way in vitro.

Animals↗

Human islet amyloid polypeptide expression in COS-1 cells. A model of intracellular amyloidogenesis.

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is characterized by concurrent loss of beta-cells and deposition of islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). We have previously demonstrated that IAPP-derived amyloid forms intracellularly in humans with chronic excess insulin expression (eg, insulinoma and insulin receptor antibody-induced insulin resistance). To determine whether overexpression of IAPP results in intracellular amyloid in mammalian cells, we transfected COS cells with vectors expressing amyloidogenic human IAPP or non-amyloidogenic rat IAPP. Transfected COS-1 cells secreted comparable amounts of human IAPP and rat IAPP (2.1 to 2.8 nmol/L/48 hours). After 96 hours, 90% of cells expressing human IAPP contained amyloid fibrils and were degenerating or dead, whereas cells transfected with rat IAPP lacked amyloid and were viable. Thus, overexpression of human IAPP can result in intracellular amyloid formation that is associated with cell death, suggesting that intracellular amyloid may play a role in beta-cell loss in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Amyloid↗

Differential degradation of the three fibrinogen chains by proteasomes: involvement of Sec61p and cytosolic Hsp70.

HepG2 cells, which synthesize and secrete fibrinogen, accumulate surplus Aalpha and gamma chains. The nonsecreted fibrinogen chains are degraded both by proteasomes and lysosomes, with unassembled chains primarily degraded by proteasomes and an Aalpha-gamma complex by lysosomes. To further determine the mechanisms by which unassembled fibrinogen chains are degraded, and to explain the pools of Aalpha and gamma chains that occur in HepG2 cells, the association of fibrinogen chains with Sec61beta, a component of the translocon, and with a cytosol chaperone, Hsp70, was studied in both HepG2 cells and COS cells expressing single fibrinogen chains. Retrotranslocation from the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum was shown by treatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. MG132 caused glycosylated Bbeta to accumulate on Sec61beta in COS cells expressing Bbeta and acted similarly with all three fibrinogen chains in HepG2 cells. In HepG2 cells, Bbeta was associated with Sec61beta ahead of Aalpha and gamma chains, suggesting that pools of Aalpha and gamma chains may be caused by unequal rates of retrotranslocation. In COS cells, retrotranslocation into the cytoplasm was demonstrated by the ATP-sensitive association of ubiquitinylated Aalpha, Bbeta, and gamma chains bound to Hsp70. More Aalpha and gamma than Bbeta accumulated on Hsp70 of HepG2 cells, consistent with more rapid degradation of Bbeta. Overexpression of Hsp70 in HepG2 cells resulted in decreased secretion, but not synthesis, of fibrinogen. Decreased secretion may be due to enhanced degradation of unassembled fibrinogen chains, indicating that proteolysis by proteasomes might regulate both the intracellular pools of fibrinogen chains and fibrinogen secretion.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Expression of apolipoprotein E inhibits aggregation of the C-terminal fragments of beta-amyloid precursor protein.

An important role of apolipoprotein E in the amyloidogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is suggested by an accumulation of apolipoprotein E in beta-amyloid plaques and a genetic association between Alzheimer's disease and one of the allelic variants (APOE4) of apolipoprotein E. Overexpression of a C-terminal region of beta-amyloid precursor protein brings about aggregation of the C-terminal fragments in COS cells. This COS cell culture system was used to study effects of apolipoprotein E on aggregation of the C-terminal fragments. When both apolipoprotein E and the C-terminal fragments were overexpressed in COS cells, Western blot analyses revealed significant inhibition of aggregation of the C-terminal fragments. No significant differences between apolipoprotein E3 and E4 in the inhibitory activities were found by this method. Apolipoprotein E may inhibit formation of amyloid fibrils.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Suppression of two cloned smooth muscle-derived delayed rectifier potassium channels by cholinergic agonists and phorbol esters.

Functional coupling between muscarinic (m3) receptors and two voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels (Kv1.2 and Kv1.5) cloned originally from canine colonic smooth muscle was studied using the Xenopus oocytes expression system and a mammalian cell line (COS cells). Oocytes were coinjected with cRNAs encoding the human m3 receptor and the Kv channel clones. COS cells were stably transfected with the hm3 cDNA and the cDNA encoding Kv1.5 channels. In oocytes coexpressing hm3 receptors and Kv channels, acetylcholine (ACh, 100 microM) decreased the whole-oocyte Kv channel current (IKv) by 72% over 20 min. ACh was equally effective at suppressing IKv1.2 as IKv1.5. In oocytes expressing only Kv channels phorbol esters (phorboldibutyrate) and phorbol dideconoate (10-30 nM) mimicked the action of ACh on IKv in oocytes coexpressing hm3 receptors. At the single-channel level, both ACh and phorbol dibutyrate applied to the extra-patch membrane reduced the open probability of Kv channels in the cell-attached patches without affecting single-channel conductance. In cotransfected COS cells, over a similar time course as in oocytes ACh suppressed whole-cell IKv1.5, but only by 30% and the effect was not reversible. These data indicate that stimulation of m3 receptors in cells that express Kv1.2 and Kv1.5 channels causes a poorly reversible decrease in the open probability of these channels.

Acetylcholine↗

A requirement for the CD44 cytoplasmic domain for hyaluronan binding, pericellular matrix assembly, and receptor-mediated endocytosis in COS-7 cells.

CD44-negative COS-7 cells were transfected with expression constructs for CD44H (the predominant CD44 isoform), CD44E (epithelial isoform), or truncation mutant derivatives lacking the carboxyl-terminal 67 amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain, CD44HDelta67 and CD44EDelta67. The truncation mutant CD44HDelta67 is identical to a naturally occurring alternatively spliced "short tail" CD44 isoform (CD44st), which incorporates exon 19 in place of exon 20. CD44st lacks intracellular signaling motifs as well as protein domains necessary for interaction with cytoskeletal components. Transfection of COS-7 cells with each construct yielded equivalent levels of mRNA expression, whereas no CD44 expression was observed in parental, nontransfected COS-7 cells. Western analysis and immunostaining of COS-7 transfectants confirmed CD44 protein expression of the truncation mutant derivatives. COS-7 cells transfected with CD44H or CD44E gained the capacity to bind fluorescein-conjugated HA (fl-HA) and assemble HA-dependent pericellular matrices in the presence of exogenously added HA and proteoglycan. In addition, the CD44H- and CD44E-transfected cells were able to internalize surface-bound fl-HA. COS-7 cells transfected with the vector alone or with either of the mutant CD44 isoforms, CD44HDelta67 or CD44EDelta67, did not exhibit the capacity to assemble pericellular matrices or to bind and internalize the fl-HA. Cotransfection of CD44Delta67 mutants together with CD44H reduced the size of the HA-dependent pericellular matrices. Transfection of bovine articular chondrocytes with CD44Delta67 also inhibited pericellular matrix assembly. Collectively, these results indicate an obligatory requirement for the CD44 receptor cytoplasmic domain for ligand (HA) binding, formation and retention of the pericellular matrix, as well as CD44-mediated endocytosis of HA. In addition, the results suggest a potential regulatory role for the differentially expressed alternatively spliced short tail CD44 isoform.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Detection of rare antigen-presenting cells by the lacZ T-cell activation assay suggests an expression cloning strategy for T-cell antigens.

The alpha/beta T-cell receptor a complex ligand formed by the association of antigenic peptides with molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The inherent limitations of the conventional T-cell activation assays used to detect these peptide/MHC ligands have, until now, hampered the development of expression cloning systems for T-cell antigens. To overcome these limitations, we have recently introduced a method for detecting ligand-induced activation of individual T cells. This assay, which makes use of a lacZ reporter construct, differs from conventional ligand-induced activation assays in that it allows the detection of single, activated T cells in large pools of resting cells. We applied the lacZ assay to the problem of screening expression libraries, which requires the ability to detect ligand-bearing antigen-presenting cells when they are present at very low frequency. We show here that ligand-expressing antigen-presenting cells can be detected at frequencies of 1:10(3)-10(4), a level of sensitivity compatible with the screening of cDNA libraries. Furthermore, by using as antigen-presenting cells COS-7 cells stably transfected with the murine Kb class I MHC molecule, we demonstrate that transiently expressed ovalbumin is efficiently processed and presented to an ovalbumin/Kb-specific T-cell hybridoma. lacZ expression is induced in a detectable number of cocultured T cells, even when the ovalbumin cDNA consists of only 1:10(4) of the total DNA used to transfect the COS cells. These results suggest that unknown T-cell antigens may be identified by screening cDNA libraries in MHC-expressing COS cells using lacZ-inducible T cells as indicators of peptide antigen expression.

Animals↗

Cloning of human Stat5B. Reconstitution of interleukin-2-induced Stat5A and Stat5B DNA binding activity in COS-7 cells.

We have isolated a second human Stat5 cDNA, Stat5B, and demonstrated that the genes encoding both Stat5A and Stat5B are located at chromosome 17q11.2. Both genes were constitutively transcribed in peripheral blood lymphocytes. By using specific antisera, we demonstrated that both Stat5A and Stat5B are activated by interleukin-2 (IL-2) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, natural killer-like YT leukemia cells, and human T cell lymphotropic virus type I-transformed MT-2 T cells. In COS-7 cells, which constitutively express the Janus family tyrosine kinase Jak1, reconstitution of IL-2-induced Stat5A and Stat5B DNA binding activities was dependent on the coexpression of Jak3 along with the IL-2 receptor beta chain and the common cytokine receptor gamma-chain. This IL-2-induced Stat5 activation was dependent on the presence of either of two tyrosines (Tyr-392 or Tyr-510) in the IL-2 receptor beta chain, indicating that either of these two tyrosines can serve as a docking site. Moreover, we demonstrated that human Stat5 activation is also dependent on Tyr-694 in Stat5A and Tyr-699 in Stat5B, indicating that these tyrosines are required for dimerization. The COS-7 reconstitution system described herein provides a valuable assay for further elucidation of the IL-2-activated JAK-STAT pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗