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A discontinuous factor H binding site in the third component of complement as delineated by synthetic peptides.

Factor H, a very important regulator of alternative pathway activation, exerts its effects by binding to the third component complement, C3. In this study we present evidence that factor H reacts with at least two sites in the third component of complement (C3), and we have mapped one of these sites within the C3d fragment of C3. By using direct binding assays of an anti-human H anti-idiotypic antibody (alpha alpha H) and of H to C3 fragments, it was shown that both bound to the C3b and C3d (but not to C3c) fragments of C3. Cleavage of C3d by CNBr generated two major fragments with Mr values of 12,500 (residues 997-1107) and 8,600 (residues 1178-1252). Binding studies with these two fragments showed that only the Mr 8,600 fragment bound to both H and alpha alpha H. Several synthetic peptides (A58, 1192-1249; P28, 1187-1214; P16, 1194-1209; P14, 1201-1214; B17, 1206-1222; J28, 1222-1249; and J16, 1234-1249) were synthesized according to the primary sequence of the Mr 8,600 fragment. Based on the differential binding of these synthetic peptides to H, their inhibitory effect on H binding to C3b or C3d, and their effect on H cofactor activity, we mapped the H binding site in C3 to a discontinuous site spanning residues 1187-1249 of the C3 sequence. By studying the inhibition of H binding to C3b or C3d by the different synthetic peptides, we also present evidence that a second binding site in C3b for H exists.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The initial reactions of graphite and gold with blood.

The initial reactions of graphite and gold with blood were investigated by short-time exposure to capillary blood and detection of surface-adsorbed plasma proteins and cells with an immunofluorescence technique. Antibodies specific to fibrinogen, complement factors C1q and C3c, prothrombin/thrombin, von Willebrand factor, and platelet- and leukocyte-membrane antigens were used. The fluorescence intensity was quantitated by computer-aided image analysis. Fibrinogen was the most abundant plasma protein immobilized on either surface, and dense populations of platelets adhered to the protein layer. Complement factors and prothrombin/thrombin were found on the graphite surface, localized in fibrin clots or related to platelets. Platelets were activated (expression of selectin CD62) on both surfaces but more extensively so on the gold surface. Activation of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNGs), measured as expression of integrin CD11b, was seen on both surfaces but with different kinetics. On the graphite surface, the CD11b expression was only transient whereas on gold it increased with time. Our data indicate that graphite is more thrombogenic than gold but less inflammatory.

Adsorption↗

A simple alternative pathway for hemolytic assay of human complement component C3 using methylamine-treated plasma.

A quantitative, alternative pathway (AP) hemolytic assay for human complement component C3 has been developed. This AP-C3 assay is inexpensive, rapid, simple, reproducible and insensitive to C3 degradation products. The AP-C3 assay uses rabbit erythrocytes as complement activator and methylamine-treated plasma, depleted of C3 and C4, as complement source. Rabbit erythrocyte sensitivity varies little from batch to batch, and remains unaltered for at least one month in Alsever's solution. Methylamine plasma may be stored at -20 degrees C for 3 months. AP-C3 lysis of 5-25% of erythrocytes is complete in 20 min and does not change subsequently. The AP-C3 assay is optimally stable at 2 mM Mg2+, 5 mM EGTA and at 5 X 10(7) erythrocytes/ml, yet insensitive to at least 20% deviation in these concentrations. The AP-C3 assay is specific to functional C3 and well suited for determination in plasma samples and during C3 preparation. Adding excessive amounts of C3c or plasma components other than C3 does not change the hemolytic response. The level of native C3 in plasma from 14 donors relative to a reference plasma pool ranged from 0.78 to 1.23. The standard deviation of relative C3 determinations did not exceed 2%.

Animals↗

The attachment of serum- and plasma-derived C3 to solid-phase immune aggregates and its relation to complement-mediated solubilization of immune complexes.

The interaction between immune aggregates and complement (C) was investigated. Solid-phase immune aggregates were prepared by coating microwells with heat-aggregated bovine serum albumin (BSA) followed by rabbit anti-BSA antibody. The immune aggregates were reacted with human serum or citrated plasma at 37 degrees C. The binding of C3 components was investigated with biotinylated F(ab')2 antibodies to C3c and C3d and avidin-coupled alkaline phosphatase. The form of the incorporated C3, whether C3b-iC3b or C3dg, can be deduced from the response with these two antibodies. The maximal binding of C3b-iC3b to the immune aggregates was observed within 5 min of incubation with serum or citrated plasma. The conversion to C3dg was evident by a decrease in bound anti-C3c concomitant with increasing anti-C3d reactivity within about 10 min of incubation. When the classical C pathway activation was inhibited, the binding of C3b-iC3b was delayed by 20-30 min, whereas stopping of the alternative pathway did not influence the initial kinetics of the reaction. The addition of human red blood cells had no measurable influence on the degradation of bound C3b-iC3b. 125I-labelled anti-BSA antibody bound to the solid-phase BSA was not released during the C3 incorporation. The incorporation of C3b into the immune aggregates was mediated equally well by serum and by citrated plasma. The incorporation of C3b-iC3b into immune complexes (IC) is thought to be responsible for the C-mediated solubilization (CMS) of IC. Citrated plasma, however, exerted no CMS capacity when measured by a radiometric assay. The CMS capacity of serum was inhibited by citrate, but could then be restored by adding Ca2+ and Mg2+, whereas no CMS could be demonstrated with citrated plasma to which divalent metal ions were added.

Antibodies↗

Plasma C3c changes in myasthenia gravis patients receiving high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin during crisis.

Fast-migrating C3c, a sensitive index of complement activation, was assayed in the plasma of 2 myasthenia gravis (MG) patients in crisis who received high-dose IV immunoglobulin therapy. Dramatic responses were observed in both patients. Clinical improvement paralleled a decrement in C3c levels, suggesting that regulation of complement activation may be one possible mechanism of IV immunoglobulin treatment in MG.

Adolescent↗

Complement activation in stored platelet concentrates.

Activation of platelets during preparation and/or storage of platelet concentrates in plastic containers at room temperature has recently been recognized. Many different biologic causes of this activation have been postulated. Activated complement, as a multi-enzyme system, is one of the possible sources of molecules leading to platelet activation. To detect complement activation, functional complement activity and the generation of complement-derived ligands were investigated in platelet concentrate supernatant plasma during 5 days of storage at room temperature. Hemolytic tests for functional classical and alternative pathway activity were used, as was the kinetic test for complement-mediated inhibition of immune complex precipitation. The presence of C3 activation products (C3, C3c, C3dg) was investigated in plasma by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting procedures and on platelets by immunofluorescence. Activation of complement was evident during storage, and C3c and C3d fragments were clearly demonstrated in plasma. The amount of C3d fragments on platelets gradually rose during the first 3 days of storage. At the end of 5 days of storage, the platelets became C3d negative. There are two possible mechanisms of C3d disappearance--shedding and/or further degradation of C3d fragments. Those results indicated that complement activation and the generation of complement-dependent ligand-receptor interaction may be mechanisms for platelet activation in concentrates stored at room temperature.

Binding Sites, Antibody↗

Localisation of complement components in association with glomerular extracellular particles in various renal diseases.

Intraglomerular extracellular microparticles including so-called virus-like particles and striated membranous structures have been observed in various renal diseases. The presence and localisation of complement components in these extracellular bodies was studied using the protein A-gold electron microscopy method. Ultrastructurally these particles were differentiated into microspherical structures (MSS) and thread-like structures (TS). Both structures showed weak to moderate diffuse labelling with C1s, whilst the intense labelling found with C3d and C9 was confined to individual membrane-like structures of both MSS and TS. Labelling with IgA, IgG, fibrinogen and the complement components C1q, C1r, C3c C4 and C5 showed negative or trace results. There were no differences between the immunolabelling patterns of MSS and TS, nor among different renal diseases in which these structures were found. These findings raise the possibility that formation of so-called virus-like particles such as MSS and TS may be associated with complement activation.

Complement System Proteins↗

Complement activation and regulator expression after anoxic injury of human endothelial cells.

Complement activation is involved in the ischemia-reperfusion injury of various organs, but the mechanisms leading to activation of the complement system are incompletely understood. In this study we show that EA.hy 926 human endothelial cells cultured under anoxic conditions (24 or 48 h) become activators of the homologous complement system. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that C1q, C3c, C3d, C4, C5, C9 components of complement are deposited on anoxic but not on normoxic cells after incubation with normal human serum. Cell membrane-associated regulators of complement, membrane cofactor protein (CD46), decay-accelerating factor (CD55) and protectin (CD59) were expressed on EA.hy 926 cells grown under normal oxygen tension. Under anoxic conditions the expression of protectin was clearly decreased, whereas the expression of CD46 and CD55 diminished only slightly. Our results suggest that anoxia can convert human endothelial cells to activators of the complement system. The diminished expression of protectin, CD46 and CD55 can sensitize the cells to complement-mediated damage. Activation of the complement system due to the anoxic injury of human endothelial cells might be an important triggering mechanism in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury of human heart.

Antigens, CD↗

Detection of humoral rejection in human cardiac allografts by assessing the capillary deposition of complement fragment C4d in endomyocardial biopsies.

BACKGROUND: There are no well-established diagnostic criteria to detect humoral rejection in organ transplantation. The value of commonly used markers in immunohistochemistry, such as C1q, C3c, IgG, IgM and fibrinogen, is questioned by some groups. Complement fragment C4d is a more stable marker of complement activation as it is covalently bound to graft capillaries. C4d has been shown to identify clinically relevant, but otherwise undetectable humoral anti-graft reactions in human kidney transplants. METHODS: Immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate 155 endomyocardial biopsies from 56 heart transplant recipients less than 3 months post transplantation for the presence of capillary C4d staining. In a subset of patients, C4d staining was compared with C1q, C3c, IgM and fibrin staining and was correlated with clinical outcome. RESULTS: Within 3 months 9 of 56 patients died. Five of these nonsurvivors had prominent C4d staining (p < .05), whereas C1q, C3c and IgM showed no correlation with clinical outcome. Presence of fibrin correlated with clinical outcome and C4d staining (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The capillary deposition of complement split product C4d in human endomyocardial biopsies was significantly associated with graft loss. Determination of fibrin deposition may yield additional information to establish a diagnosis of humoral rejection. The immunohistochemical assessment of capillary deposition of C4d and fibrin appears to be an appropriate tool for the identification of patients, who may require additional or alternative immunosuppressive therapy targeted against the humoral immune system.

Adult↗

Kinetic analysis of the interactions of complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21) with its ligands C3d, iC3b, and the EBV glycoprotein gp350/220.

The molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction of complement receptor 2 (CR2) with its natural ligands iC3b and C3d are still not well understood. In addition, studies regarding the binding site(s) of the receptor on C3 as well as the affinities of the C3 fragments for CR2 have produced contradictory results. In the present study, we have used surface plasmon resonance technology to study the interaction of CR2 with its ligands C3d, iC3b, and the EBV surface glycoprotein gp350/220. We measured the kinetics of binding of the receptor to its ligands, examined the influence of ionic contacts on these interactions, and assessed whether immobilized and soluble iC3b bound with similar kinetics to CR2. Our results indicate that 1) gp350 binding to CR2 follows a simple 1:1 interaction, whereas that of the C3 fragments is more complex and involves more than one intramolecular component; 2) kinetic differences exist between the binding of C3d and iC3b to CR2, which may be due to an additional binding site found on the C3c region of iC3b; and 3) iC3b binds to CR2 with different kinetics, depending on whether the iC3b is in solution or immobilized on the surface. These findings suggest that binding of CR2 to iC3b and C3d is more complex than previously thought.

Alanine↗

Immunoglobulins and complement factors in senile plaques. An immunoperoxidase study.

Immunoperoxidase techniques were used to obtain information about the possible presence of serum factors in senile plaques. We found only in plaques consisting of an amyloid core surrounded by a corona of degenerating neurites small amounts of IgG and light chains (kappa and lambda). These immunoglobulins were principally localized in the corona and not in the central amyloid core. Further it was found that all plaques contain the complement factors C1q, C3b, C3c, C3d and C4. Senile plaques lacked C5, C3 pro-activator and properdin. The possible significance of these findings in the genesis of the senile plaques and amyloid formation is discussed.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Synthesis of complement by alveolar macrophages from patients with sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology. Alveolar macrophages (AM) in sarcoidosis release a variety of mediators important to the pathogenesis of the disease. Complement is essential for the inflammatory response and we investigated whether there were any major defects in the potential for sarcoidosis AM to synthesize complement in vitro. AM from 11 patients with active sarcoidosis and three healthy controls were cultured under serum-free conditions. There was a significant binding of polyclonal (anti-C5, -C6, -C7, -C8) and monoclonal anti-complement antibodies (anti-C3c and anti-C9 neoepitope (aE11] to agarose beads incubated with unstimulated AM for 24, 48, or 72 h. A significant and inhibitable production of soluble C3c, C5, C9, and S-protein was found in the harvested medium as detected by enzyme immunoassays. Activated C3 and C9 were also detected based on neoepitope expression. Presence of co-cultured agarose beads reduced the amount of soluble S-protein due to deposition on the agarose. We argue that the C9 neoepitope is an integral part of the terminal complement complex (TCC), both in the fluid and solid phase when bound to the agarose. In the fluid phase, SC5b-9 was generated, whereas the agarose-bound S-protein is assumed not to be associated with TCC on the beads. The results demonstrate for the first time that AM from sarcoidosis patients synthesize the functional alternative and terminal pathway of complement.

Adult↗

Complement activation by Proteus mirabilis negatively charged lipopolysaccharides.

Proteus mirabilis strains are human pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections and bacteremias and may be involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, bacterial endotoxin), the major component of the cell wall, is one of the virulence factors of Proteus. In the presented studies, we have investigated complement activation by LPSs isolated from P. mirabilis O10, O23, O30, and O43 strains, which differ in the number of negative COO- groups on their polysaccharide components. Four P. mirabilis strains studied were sensitive to complement-mediated killing, despite complement binding by their LPSs. The optimal complement binding by LPSs was detected in serum with functional assays for both the classical and alternative pathways. Complement activation in 80% serum by the smooth, uronic acid, and hexosamine containing P. mirabilis LPSs was not critically determined by the structure of their O-chain polysaccharides. One of four LPSs used as a model, P. mirabilis O10 LPS, fragmented C3 in an LPS dose- and time-dependent manner. It was detected by crossed-immunoelectrophoresis and capture ELISA with anti-C3c antibodies. The lower complement activation by 023 LPS correlates with its reduced C3 fragmentation, compared with three other Proteus LPSs studied. Rabbit anti-O antibodies enhanced the complement binding and factor C3 fragmentation by O10, O23, O30, and O43 P. mirabilis LPSs.

Animals↗

Immunohistological investigations of PAS-negative globular intracisternal hyalin in human liver biopsy specimens.

Eight liver biopsy specimens from five patients with PAS-negative intracisternal hyalin were investigated by immunofluorescence for: (1) immunoglobulins (Ig) G, A, M, D, E; (2) light chains (kappa and lambda); (3) complement components C1q, C4, C3c, C5, C9; (4) C1-inactivator; (5) C3-activator; (6) alpha 1-antitrypsin; (7) alpha 1-antichymotrypsin; (8) plasminogen; (9) fibrinogen; (10) fibrinogen breakdown products D and E; (11) fibronectin; (12) prealbumin; (13) albumin; (14) betalipoprotein; (15) apolipoprotein; (16) alpha 1- and alpha 2-glycoprotein; (17) cholinesterase; (18) ceruloplasmin; (19) haemopexin; (20) myoglobin; (21) placenta lactogen; (22) transferrin; (23) actin; (24) myosin; (25) cathepsin D; and (26) hepatitis B surface and core antigens (HBsAg and HBcAg). The globules reacted significantly with antisera against C3c (three patients), C4 (three patients), C3-activator (one patient) and fibrinogen (two patients). The cause of the protein accumulation is not clear. Serial studies indicate the possibility of a disturbance of protein secretion and an as yet unidentified immune complex disorder.

Complement C3↗

Function of the follicular dendritic cell in the germinal center of lymphoid follicles.

The authors made an immunocytochemical examination of the germinal centers (GCs) of (1) lymph follicles in physiological lymph nodes and (2) extra-nodal tissues of divergent diseases including thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, Warthin's tumor and Kimura's disease (Eosinophilic lymphfolliculoid granuloma). In these germinal centers, the presence of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), early acting complement components (C1q, C4, C3c, C3d), receptors for C3b and C3d and dendritic reticulum cell-1 was demonstrated in lace-like network patterns which were proven electron-microscopically to coincide with the surface of follicular dendritic cells. IgE was distributed in a lace-like pattern in the GCs of proliferating follicles of Kimura's disease, in which the lysis of follicles was frequently observed. This lysis appeared to be related to the presence of complement components. In the germinal centers of extra-nodal tissues, including the thyroid tissues accompanying the lymph follicles, rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissues as well as Warthin's tumors, thyroglobulin, rheumatoid factor and salivary amylase were detected as specific antigens, occurring in lace-like patterns. It is possible that follicular dendritic cells may play a role in the genesis of GCs and be responsible for the immune response through C3 receptors.

Adenolymphoma↗

Ellipsometric in vitro studies on the activation of complement by human immunoglobulins M and G after adsorption to methylated silicon.

Human serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) or human immunoglobulin G (IgG) were adsorbed to dichlorodimethyl silane (DDS) treated silicon. Subsequently, the model surfaces were incubated in normal-, complement factor 1q (C1q)-complement factor B or complement factor 2 (C2)-depleted human sera at 37 degrees C for up to 1.5 h. The serum deposition and binding of selected polyclonal complement antibodies into this layer were then quantified by null ellipsometry. Both types of precoated surfaces bound large amounts of anti-complement factor 3c (anti-C3c), anti-properdin and anti-C3d, after incubation in normal serum. In contrast to IgG coated surfaces, IgM coated surfaces bound no anti-C1q after the serum incubations and no anti-C3c deposition lag time was observed after incubations in EGTA serum. Upon immersions of IgM coated surfaces in the different sera, a rapid complement activation via a C1q factor B, and Ca(2+)-independent, but C2 dependent pathway, was indicated. When IgM was instead immobilized to APTES/glutaraldehyde surfaces, anti-C3c deposition was lower after incubations in EGTA than normal serum. The results suggest that, under the present experimental conditions, human IgM and IgG activate the complement system differently.

Journal Article↗

Central role of complement in passive protection by human IgG1 and IgG2 anti-pneumococcal antibodies in mice.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbitity and mortality worldwide. Capsule-specific IgG1 and IgG2 Abs are induced upon vaccination with polysaccharide-based vaccines that mediate host protection. We compared the protective capacity of human recombinant serogroup 6-specific IgG1 and IgG2 Abs in mice deficient for either leukocyte FcR or complement factors. Human IgG1 was found to interact with mouse leukocyte FcR in vitro, whereas human IgG2 did not. Both subclasses induced complement activation, resulting in C3c deposition on pneumococcal surfaces. Passive immunization of C57BL/6 mice with either subclass before intranasal challenge with serotype 6A induced similar degrees of protection. FcgammaRI- and III-deficient mice, as well as the combined FcgammaRI, II, and III knockout mice, were protected by passive immunization, indicating FcR not to be essential for protection. C1q or C2/factor B knockout mice, however, were not protected by passive immunization. Passively immunized C2/factor B(-/-) mice displayed higher bacteremic load than C1q(-/-) mice, supporting an important protective role of the alternative complement pathway. Spleens from wild-type and C1q(-/-) mice showed hyperemia and thrombotic vessel occlusion, as a result of septicemic shock. Notably, thrombus formation was absent in spleens of C2/factor B(-/-) mice, suggesting that the alternative complement pathway contributes to shock-induced intravascular coagulation. These studies demonstrate complement to play a central role in Ab-mediated protection against pneumococcal infection in vivo, as well as in bacteremia-associated thrombotic complications.

Animals↗

Activation of the human terminal complement pathway in atherosclerosis.

The presence of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex in tissues indicates that complement activation has occurred in situ with subsequent membrane damage, tissue injury, and inflammatory response mediation. The terminal C5b-9 neoantigens of the complement system, S protein C3c, C3d, and apolipoprotein B deposits were localized in 20 aortic fibrous plaques, 12 aortic intimal thickenings, 8 aortic fatty streak intimae, 14 coronary fibrous plaques, 5 coronary intimal thickenings, and 8 femoral fibrous plaques, using an indirect and double-staining immunoperoxidase technique. The specific granular deposits were present from the early to the advanced stages of atherosclerosis in relation to the degree of fibrosis and necrosis. The different double-staining localization of C5b-9 and S protein may suggest local assembly of the complex as a consequence of complement activation and may sustain its role in the chronic progression of atherosclerosis.

Aorta↗