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C4 null alleles in a Swedish population.

The distribution of C4 null alleles (C4Q0) was studied in a Swedish population comprising 410 male individuals from Stockholm County and Uppsala City. The prevalances of homozygous C4A*Q0 and C4B*Q0 determined by analysing the gene products in serum were 5.0 and 5.6%, respectively, in the Stockholm population and 4.0% each in the Uppsala population. These values are higher than those previously reported from other Caucasian populations. The finding reflects a different genetic composition of the Swedish population and may have relevance to the disease spectrum in this population as compared to other Caucasian populations.

Adult

Characterization of two hybrid C4 allotypes (C4A*12 and C4B*3) by electrophoretic, serological and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses.

Informative pedigree analysis of two rare C4 allotypes is reported. One proband was C4A deficient as a consequence of having one haplotype with a deleted C4A gene, and the second haplotype with two C4B genes--one encoding the common C4B*1 and one encoding a unique hybrid gene product C4B*3. C4B*3 had approximately normal C4B hemolytic activity, a single alpha-chain of MR 94,000 by SDS-PAGE but was positive for Rg:1,2 by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and for Rg:1 by Western blotting. The hybrid nature was confirmed by RFLP analysis with a Rg:1-associated fragment by Eco0109 digestion but no C4A-associated fragments by N1aIV digestion were identified. A gene conversion at Locus I which included just the C4 isotype region could explain the structure of C4B*3. The second pedigree had a Rodgers negative C4A*12 allotype. This C4A gene, which segregated with a single 7.0 kb TaqI fragment, encoded a C4A alpha-chain, which was negative for Rg:1 epitope. The affected haplotype lacked the Rg:1-associated fragment by Eco0109 digestion yet had the C4A specific N1aIV digestion fragment. These studies successfully employed RFLP analyses to confirm serologic and electrophoretic observations.

Adolescent

Human C4 haplotypes with duplicated C4A or C4B.

In the course of study of families for the sixth chromosome markers HLA-A, C, B, D/DR, BF, and C2, the two loci for C4, C4A, and C4B, and glyoxalase I, we encountered five examples of probable duplication of one or the other of the two loci for C4. In one of these, both parents and one sib expressed two different structural genes for C4B, one sib expressed one, and one sib expressed none, suggesting that two C4B alleles were carried on a single haplotype: HLA-A2, B7, DR3, BFS1, C2C, C4A2, C4B1, C4B2, GLO1. In a second case, two siblings inherited C4B*1 and C4B*2 from one parent and C4B*Q0 from the other. This duplication appeared on the chromosome as HLA-AW33, B14, DR1, BFS, C2C, C4A2, C4B1, C4B2, GLO2. In a third, very large family with 3 generations, a duplication of the C4B locus occurred which was followed in 2 generations. In one individual, there were three C4B alleles and two C4A alleles. One of the C4B alleles had a hemolytically active product with electrophoretic mobility near C4B2 and was designated C4B*22. It segregated with C4B1 in the family studied. The complete haplotype was HLA-A11, CW1, BW56, DR5, BFS, C2C, C4A3, C4B22, C4B1, GLO2. In another family with 12 siblings, one parent and eight children expressed two C4A alleles on the haplotype HLA-AW30, BW38, DR1, BFF, C2C, C4A3, C4A2, C4BQ0, GLO1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chromosome Mapping

Antigenic determinants of human C4, Rodgers and Chido.

The duplicated genes, C4A and C4B, are located within the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6 and each exhibits a high degree of polymorphism expressed as both electrophoretic and antigenic variation (Rg/Ch). Eight high-frequency antigens and one low-frequency antigen have been defined by immune human polyspecific antisera in haemagglutination inhibition assays. Close association exists between different C4 allotypes and the antigens they express. Normally, C4A expresses Rg and C4B has Ch but rare reverse associations exist. Nucleotide sequences of the C4d region from C4 allotypes of known antigenic status have demonstrated four polymorphic sites that correlate with the antigens, which, in a structural model, are seen to be conformational or sequential epitopes. The observed interrelationships of the antigens on C4 allotypes accommodated by the model suggest that the electrophoretic variation is located outside the C4d region. The molecular genetics of C4 are also considered as part of the polymorphism.

Amino Acid Sequence

Quantitation of the human component C4: definition of C4 Q0 alleles and C4A duplications.

We determined the C4 plasma concentrations of 48 genotypically CA4- and C4B-defined unrelated individuals from 34 families with a total of 196 members by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using Rg:1,2 (C4A) and Ch:1 (C4B) specific monoclonal antibodies. The results obtained allowed the establishment of rules for the detection of C4 Q0 alleles in the heterozygous form and of C4A gene duplications. In the present study seven homoduplications of the C4A 3 allotype were defined which had not been detected by allotyping. This procedure allows the simple, reliable, and quick determination of Rg:1,2 and Ch:1 plasma levels which are not influenced by daily rhythms of C4 production.

Alleles

Interaction between serum amyloid P component and C4b-binding protein associated with inhibition of factor I-mediated C4b degradation.

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a member of the pentraxin protein family. Although present in all types of amyloid deposits, it is also a normal constituent of blood and extravascular tissues. In blood, SAP forms a calcium-dependent, noncovalent complex with C4b-binding protein (C4BP). C4BP regulates the classical complement pathway as it binds C4b and functions as cofactor in its degradation by factor I. Although SAP and C4b bind to distinct sites on C4BP, it is not known whether the SAP-C4BP interaction affects the function of C4BP. We report that in a fluid phase system, SAP inhibited degradation of C4(H2O) (which is C4b-like) in a dose-dependent manner. Phosphorylethanolamine was found to alleviate the inhibitory effect of SAP on C4(H2O) degradation. Because this compound is known to inhibit the SAP-C4BP interaction, this indicated direct binding of SAP to C4BP to be required for inhibition of C4(H2O) degradation. Even though C4BP, C4(H2O), and SAP form a multimolecular complex in fluid phase, SAP was found to inhibit binding of C4BP to immobilized C4(H2O). The inhibitory effect was calcium dependent and alleviated by phosphorylethanolamine. Heparin, which is known to inhibit the interaction between SAP and C4BP, was also found to counteract the inhibitory effect of SAP on C4BP binding to C4(H2O). However, the effect of heparin was biphasic because high concentrations of heparin directly inhibited binding of C4(H2O) to C4BP. The inhibition of C4BP function by SAP suggests that SAP may be involved in regulation of the classical complement pathway C3 convertase.

Calcium

Two isotypes of human C4, C4A and C4B have different structure and function.

The two types of human C4, C4A and C4B, differ in their amino acid sequence and in their capacity to bind to different acceptor sites. C4B is more efficient than C4A in haemolytic assays; by contrast C4A binds preferentially to immune complexes. In assays comparing haemolysis to processing of immune complexes the two types of C4 differ more than fivefold. Thus, the classical pathway is a duplicated system that allows the formation of a C3 convertase on various substrates: this duplication may be of vital importance to eliminate invading microorganisms. In addition, the clinical observation of an increased incidence of homozygous C4A null alleles in systemic lupus erythematosus may be explained in part by defective processing of immune complexes in the absence of C4A.

Antigen-Antibody Complex

Binding of complement proteins C1q and C4bp to serum amyloid P component (SAP) in solid contra liquid phase.

Serum amyloid P component (SAP), a member of the conserved pentraxin family of plasma proteins, binds calcium dependently to its ligands. The authors investigated SAPs interaction with the complement proteins C4b binding protein (C4bp) and C1q by ELISA, immunoelectrophoresis and electron microscopy. Binding of these proteins to SAP was demonstrated when SAP was immobilized using F(ab')2 anti-SAP, but not when SAP reacted with these proteins in liquid phase; thus the binding to human SAP was markedly phase state dependent. Presaturation of solid phase SAP with heparin, which binds SAP with high affinity, did not interfere with the subsequent binding of C4bp or C1q to SAP. In contrast, collagen I and IV showed partial competition with the binding of C1q to SAP. Using fresh serum, immobilized native SAP bound C4bp whereas binding of C1q/C1 could not be demonstrated. Altogether the results indicate that firm binding of C1q and C4bp to SAP requires that SAP is presented on a solid phase, that C1q and C4bp react with sites distinct from the heparin binding site, and that C1q and collagen I share binding sites on SAP. Immobilized native SAP, aggregated SAP and SAP-heparansulphate complexes induced no detectable complement activation.

Animals

[Familial lupus erythematosus with partial C4 deficiency].

A report is presented of a family with selective partial C4-deficiency in 3 members, two of whom suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). C4-allotyping showed the presence of one "silent gene" for the C4B-locus (C4BQO) in these three cases. Presumably it is not the reduced C4-content per se that plays the essential role in the pathogenesis of familial SLE, but the combination of the C4BQO-allele with the HLA-DR2, which was also present in all three affected persons. However, it is of practical relevance that strikingly low C4-levels in comparison with the C3-levels in patients with early onset of SLE should initiate an investigation of the whole family. Furthermore, the C4-level in this form of familial SLE is not a suitable parameter for ganging disease activity on follow-up control investigations.

Alleles

Antigenic determinants expressed by human C4 allotypes; a study of 325 families provides evidence for the structural antigenic model.

The antigenic determinants of human C4 have been defined by human IgG antisera, Rodgers (Rg) and Chido (Ch), in hemagglutination-inhibition assays (HAI). Eight (2 Rg and 6 Ch) are of high frequency, greater than 90%, and 1, WH, is of low frequency, 15%. The phenotypic combinations are complex; generally, C4A expresses Rg, and C4B has Ch, but reverse antigenicities have been established both by HAI and by sequence data of selected C4 allotypes. A study of 325 families provides data on the antigenic expression of each C4 allotype and demonstrates strong associations. A structural model for the antigenic determinants of C4 proteins has been proposed and is completely supported by the family material. Of the 16 possible antigenic combinations for C4 proteins, only 3 are undetected. A new Ch combination has been recorded in two French families. The reported sequence variation within the C4d region can account for the antigenic determinants but leaves the location of electrophoretic variation in C4 still unclear.

Blood Group Antigens

Murine monoclonal anti-Ba antibody that enhances haemolytic activity of factor B.

A murine monoclonal antibody (mAb 20-ET) (IgG1, kappa) was selected from a panel of stable hybridomas produced by fusion of P3-X-63-Ag8-U1 (P3UI) myeloma cells with spleen cells from a BALB/c mouse immunized with human factor B. This antibody was shown by the immune blotting method to be directed against the Ba domain of factor B. The haemolytic activity of factor B was enhanced dose-dependently by mAb 20-ET when it was incubated with factor B and EAC4b, 3b cells (sensitized erythrocytes bearing complement fragments C4b and C3b). However, when the antibody was added after factor B had been bound to EAC4b,3b cells and the cells had been washed, it caused little enhancement of the haemolytic activity. The enhancing effect of this antibody was not due to its stabilization of the C3b-B complex, because EAC4b,3b dissociated from mAb 20-ET-bound factor B complexes rather more readily than from uncomplexed factor B. The presence of mAb 20-ET in the reaction mixture caused and maintained a much higher steady-state level of binding of factor B with EAC4b,3b cells than that in its absence. Factor P caused delayed dissociation of mAb-bound factor B from EAC4b,3b cells, thus enhancing the haemolytic activity of factor B bound with the mAb.

Animals

Covalent binding properties of the C4A and C4B isotypes of the fourth component of human complement on several C1-bearing cell surfaces.

In a previous study we demonstrated that the thioester-mediated transacylation of the human C4B isotype onto sheep erythrocytes (ES) was approximately fourfold more efficient than that of C4A. Moreover, although C4B formed predominantly ester linkages, C4A displayed a preference for amide bond formation. We therefore suggested that the relative functional activity observed for the two isotypes would be a combined reflection of their nucleophilic preference and the surface composition of the C1-bearing target. The present study tests this hypothesis. Chemical modification of amino groups on Es with ethylacetimidate produced a twofold decrease in the C1-dependent binding of C4A isotype, while having a negligible effect on C4B binding. Furthermore, with human erythrocytes and two human leukocyte cell lines, K562 and U937, the C4B to C4A deposition ratio decreased from greater than 4 with ES to between 1.5 and 2. Irrespective of the target, C4A and C4B maintained their preference for forming amide and ester bonds, respectively. Interestingly, SDS-PAGE profiles of radiolabeled C4A and C4B, which had been covalently deposited on the various cells, suggested a further degree of transacylation specificity, as the two isotypic alpha-chains sometimes bound to different membrane components. These differences were not easily accounted for by simple differences in the abundance of the preferred nucleophile for each isotype on a given surface constituent, nor were they due to the preferential binding of one isotype to the sensitizing antibody. We speculate that nascent C4B may contain a substrate binding site that facilitates productive attack on the thioester carbonyl by molecules containing the class of nucleophile preferred by each isotype.

Acylation

Susceptibility to IDDM is marked by MHC supratypes rather than individual alleles.

107 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were typed for HLA A, B, C-, and DR antigens, and for complement C4A, C4B, and Bf alleles, and the results were compared with those of a combined reference group of 332 appropriately matched healthy subjects. Supratypes (allelic combinations) were identified from the phenotype of each group, and it was shown that the frequency of several supratypes is increased in patients with IDDM, in particular supratypes (A1 Cw7) B8 C4AQ0 C4B1 BfS DR3 (P = 0.0001), (A30 Cw-) B18 C4A3 C4BQ0 BfF1 DR3 (P = 0.0003), (A2 Cw3) B62 C4AR C4B2.9 BfS DR4 (P = 0.0002), and three other supratypes including DR4. It was also shown that increases in the frequency of individual alleles are secondary to increases in supratype frequency. Moreover, supratypes appeared to interact; the presence of two relevant supratypes being particularly important. The absolute risk of IDDM was approximately 0.5 in subjects who were homozygous for B18 C4A3 C4BQ0 BfF1 DR3. We concluded that genetic susceptibility is best recognized by MHC supratypes rather than isolated alleles, and that supratype combinations make the identification of even greater disease risk possible.

Alleles

Protein C and S levels in acute leukemia.

Patients with acute leukemia undergoing remission induction chemotherapy occasionally develop venous thrombosis despite severe thrombocytopenia and in the absence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. This observation prompted us to study the levels of the naturally occurring anticoagulant proteins C and S prospectively in patients undergoing remission induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia. Plasma samples from 50 adult patients with acute leukemia (34 AML, 16 ALL) were analyzed for protein C antigen, functional protein C, immunologic total and free protein S as well as levels of C4b binding protein (C4bBP). Plasma levels of immunologic protein C were significantly lower in patients with active acute myelocytic leukemia (mean = 77.9) than in controls (mean = 123.6) or patients in remission (mean = 132). Functional protein C levels were also significantly lower in AML patients with active disease (mean = 58.5) than controls (mean = 95.5) or patients in remission (mean = 98.5). Patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) had normal levels of immunologic and functional protein C. Although total protein S levels were normal in all patients studied, levels of free protein S were significantly decreased in patients with active AML (mean = 29.3) compared with patients in remission (mean = 42.0) or controls (mean = 42.4). In contrast, patients with ALL, both with active disease and in remission had normal free protein S levels. This decrease in free protein S seen in active AML was not associated with liver disease, white cell count or an increase in C4bBP. These findings provide a possible explanation for the occasional occurrence of venous thrombosis in patients with acute myelocytic leukemia.

Acute Disease

Extended MHC haplotypes and CYP21/C4 gene organisation in Irish 21-hydroxylase deficiency families.

We have analysed fifteen classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency families from throughout Southern Ireland and report the serologically defined HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-Cw, HLA-DR, C4A and C4B polymorphisms that characterize the inferred disease haplotypes. Additionally, we have used a combination of short and long range restriction mapping procedures in order to characterize the CYP21/C4 gene organization associated with individual serologically defined haplotypes. The results obtained indicate that disease haplotypes are characterized by a high frequency (33%) of CYP21B gene deletion and 8 out of 10 such deletion haplotypes are represented by the extended haplotype HLA-DR1, C4BQo, C4A3, HLA-B40(w60), HLA-Cw3, HLA-A3. Large scale length polymorphism in the CYP21/C4 gene cluster was found to conform strictly to a variable number of tandem repeats model with 4 alleles being detected. Disease haplotypes in which defective CYP21B gene expression is inferred to result from pathological point mutations show extensive diversity of associated HLA markers and include two examples of the extended HLA haplotype HLA-DR3, B8, Cw7, A1 haplotype, which has previously been reported to be negatively associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. One unusual disease haplotype has two CYP21 + C4 units, both of which appear to contain CYP21B-like genes.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital

Defective, deleted or converted CYP21B gene and negative association with a rare restriction fragment length polymorphism allele of the factor B gene in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Defects in the enzyme, steroid 21-hydroxylase, result in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a common autosomal recessive disorder of cortisol biosynthesis. The gene encoding this protein (CYP21B) and a closely linked pseudogene (CYP21A) have been mapped in the HLA complex on chromosome 6p, adjacent to the complement genes C4B and C4A, about 80 kb from the factor B gene. Molecular analyses of patients with CAH have shown that the cause of the defect may be either a deletion, a point mutation or a conversion of the active gene. Linkage of the disease to HLA has previously been studied by several groups. We have analyzed DNAs from patients with classical and non-classical CAH and from their family members, by probing with CYP21, C4 and BF cDNAs. In 70% of the CAH haplotypes studied, the defective CYP21B gene was indistinguishable from its structurally intact corresponding gene in Southern blot analysis, and presumably bore point mutations. In the remaining chromosomes, evidence for gene conversions, deletions and various deleterious mutations of the CYP21B gene is given. Moreover, our linkage studies show that a polymorphic TaqI cleavage site in the factor B gene, recently described by us, may be a new and useful genetic marker, because we found this TaqI restriction site only in unaffected haplotypes carrying functional CYP21B genes and, therefore, in negative association with the defective CYP21B gene.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital

Identification of candidate residues for interaction of protein S with C4b binding protein and activated protein C.

Protein S is a plasma factor essential for prevention of thrombosis, partly due to its activity as a cofactor for the plasma anticoagulant protease-activated protein C. To expand knowledge about structure-function relationships in homologous protein S molecules, studies of protein S from different species have been performed. Protein S anti-coagulant activity in human, monkey, bovine, and porcine plasma has been inactivated by purified human C4b binding protein (C4BP) with dose-dependence, suggesting that each protein S can bind human C4BP and that only the free form of each is anti-coagulantly active. Purified porcine protein S has a 10-fold higher Kd for human C4BP than has human protein S. Protein S residues 420-434 provide an essential binding site for the negative regulator C4BP. cDNA sequences show that protein S residues 420-434 are highly conserved in all four species with the notable exception of Lys-429-Ile in porcine protein S. Differences between porcine and human protein S, e.g. Lys-429-Ile, Lys-43-Ala, Ser-197-Leu, Ser 199-Phe, Glu-463-Gly, Lys-571-Glu, Asn-602-Ile, Gln-607-Pro, may contribute to the decreased affinity of porcine protein S for human C4BP. Moreover, the species specificity of cofactor activities of various species of protein S is determined for human versus bovine-activated protein C, and these results, combined with sequence comparisons, agree with previous evidence that the thrombin-sensitive region and the first epidermal growth factor domain of protein S, i.e. residues 47-116, are responsible for recognition of activated protein C.

Amino Acid Sequence

Studies on the measurement of protein S in plasma.

The anticoagulant factor Protein S circulates in two major forms, free and bound to C4b binding protein (C4BP). We report a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of human Protein S that is sensitive (detection limit 30 ng) and free of notable competition from other vitamin K-dependent proteins. We demonstrate assay sensitivity to Protein S-C4BP complex, as well as to free Protein S by (a) results of immunoaffinity chromatography involving the assay antibody; (b) parallelism between the standard curve and a plasma dilution curve, including dilutions greater than 100-fold; (c) lack of effect of added C4BP on Protein S values; and (d) reactivity in the assay by high-molecular-mass plasma Protein S in gel permeation studies. These latter studies also indicate that uncomplexed Protein S has an apparent molecular mass of approximately 150,000 Da, attributable to either polymerization or conformational considerations. Inter- and intra-assay CVs were 9.8% and 5.1%, respectively, and 90% of Protein S added to plasma was recovered. Reference ranges (mean and SD) for total Protein S in middle-aged normal subjects were 16.6 (1.9) mg/L for men (n = 54) and 16.0 (3.0) mg/L for women (n = 38). In the polyethylene glycol precipitation method, the reference values for free Protein S were 5.4 (1.6) mg/L for men and 4.4 (1.1) mg/L for women.

Aged