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Structural homology of complement protein C6 with other channel-forming proteins of complement.

The amino acid sequence of the amino-terminal half of the complement protein C6 has been found to show overall structural homology with the homologous regions of the channel-forming proteins C7, C8 alpha, C8 beta, and C9. In addition, two specific cysteine-rich segments common to the amino-terminal regions of C7, C8 alpha, C8 beta, and C9 also occur in their expected positions in C6, suggesting functional significance. Two cDNA clones encoding C6 were isolated from a human liver library in the bacteriophage vector lambda gt11. The predicted protein sequence contains an apparent initiation methionine and a putative signal peptide of 21 residues, as well as a site for N-glycosylation at residue 303. The sequence of the C6 protein reported here has 47-52% similarity with C7, C8 alpha, C8 beta, and C9, as well as 31-38% similarity with thrombospondin, thrombomodulin, and low density lipoprotein receptor. The sequence data have been interpreted by using computer algorithms for estimation of average hydrophobicity and secondary structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of the activator system for antibody to Toxoplasma as the classical complement pathway.

In view of the many recent advances in our understanding of the composition and function of the complement system, it was decided to apply this newer knowledge to an investigation of the heat-labile activator required for the action of antibody to Toxoplasma gondii in the neutralization and dye tests. With use of antibody-coated toxoplasma trophozoites in a diluent of 0.2% gelatin in 0.85% NaCl and alkaline methylene blue as indicator, various component-deficient sera were added to activate the antibody on the protozoan membranes. It was determined that the classical complement system is required for antibody activity and that the properdin system plays no role in the reaction. Human sera genetically deficient in C5, C6, C7, and C8 were shown to be inactive as activators of antibody to Toxoplasma. The addition of specific missing components immediately restored full activity to the deficient sera.

Animals↗

Formation of EAC142 and EAC1423 with macrophage culture supernatant containing the secreted complement components C1 to C3.

Culture supernatants of thioglycollate-elicited guinea pig peritoneal macrophages contained hemolytic C1, C4, C2 and C3, whereas hemolytic C5, C6, C7, C8 or C9 were not detected. Activity of C1, C2 and C3 increased up to a 48 h culture period, whereas C4 activity already declined in 2 day old cultures. After secretion, the hemolytic activity of C1 was least stable in culture supernatant. Sensitized sheep erythrocytes (EA) when incubated with culture supernatant initiated activation and functional cooperation of secreted C1 to C3 as indicated by formation of EAC142 and EA1423 intermediates. Decay and regeneration with purified C2 was shown for EAC142 and deposition of C3 fragments on EAC1423 was demonstrated with anti-C3. On an average, supernatants of 2 day old macrophage cultures were most suitable for formation of EAC142 and EAC1423 . The rate of EAC142 and EAC1423 formation, and also of C2 and C3 inactivation, during incubation of EA with culture supernatant was slow; addition of purified C1 to culture supernatant, however, greatly enhanced the same reactions of EA with supernatant which indicated that C1 was the rate limiting factor. Local secretion of hemolytic C1, C4, C2 and C3 by macrophages may have an important role in antimicrobial defense mechanisms due to the well-known functional cooperation between macrophages and activated C3.

Animals↗

Identification of disulfide bonds in the ninth component (C9) of human complement.

C9 is the most abundant protein of the membrane attack complex of complement. By means of limited proteolysis, different chromatographic techniques, a thiol-specific fluorescence assay, amino acid analysis, and Edman degradation 9 out of 12 disulfide bridges are definitely assigned (Cys22-Cys57, Cys33-Cys36, Cys67-Cys73, Cys121-Cys160, Cys233- Cys234, Cys359-Cys384, Cys489-Cys505, Cys492-Cys507, Cys509-Cys518). Weaker evidence permits to reduce the number of possible configurations for the remaining 3 cystines (Cys80-Cys91, Cys86-Cys104, Cys98-Cys113, or Cys80-Cys91, Cys86-Cys113, Cys98-Cys104). These findings are discussed in comparison with the strongly related components C6, C7, C8alpha, and C8beta.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Depletion of complement by light and porphyrin does not depend on sequential activation.

The mechanism of complement depletion from human serum fortified with porphyrin and irradiated with light has been reinvestigated, with the conclusion that it did not depend on the normal sequence of complement activation. Thus, disappearance of the activities of C3, C4, and C5 was not dependent on divalent cations. Purified C3-C7 were labile to porphyrin/light treatment in the absence of other components. The depletion of C4 was not prevented by potent inhibitors of C1 and, unlike the depletion of C4 seen in response to aggregated gamma globulin, was insensitive to change in temperature. Electrophoresis showed an alteration of C3 unlike that caused by cobra venom factor and that light/porphyrin treatment nonspecifically altered many serum proteins.

Complement Activation↗

Complementation between glucocorticoid receptor and lymphocytolysis in somatic cell hybrids of two glucocorticoid-resistant human leukemic clonal cell lines.

Somatic hybrids between two glucocorticoid-resistant clonal cell lines, CEM C1 and ICR-27, isolated independently from the CCRF-CEM human lymphoblastoid cell line, were constructed to investigate the complementation effect between the glucocorticoid receptor and the gene product(s) for inducing receptor-mediated lymphocytolysis. CEM C1 (r+ly-) has a normal amount of functional glucocorticoid receptor as compared to the steroid-sensitive clonal line CEM C7. Clone ICR-27 (r-ly?), which was originally isolated following mutagenesis of CEM C7 with the mutagen ICR 191, has few glucocorticoid receptors as determined by whole-cell receptor assay. The eight randomly selected CEM C1 X ICR-27 hybrid clones all showed sensitivity to 10(-6) M dexamethasone (ly+). The receptor site content of two near-tetraploid hybrids chosen for analysis was close to that of CEM C1 (r+). Hybrids constructed between CEM C1 and the receptor-bearing, steroid-sensitive clone, CEM C7 (r+ly+) also showed glucocorticoid sensitivity, and their receptor sites corresponded to the sum of those of CEM C1 and CEM C7 (r+r+ly+). These results indicate: that CEM C1 has no trans-active inhibitor of lysis; that CEM C1 has intact glucocorticoid receptor; and that ICR-27 and CEM C1 complement one another to restore lymphocytolysis. Therefore, CEM C1 cells can serve as a donor of human glucocorticoid receptors.

Cell Line↗

The interaction of Escherichia coli with normal human serum: the kinetics of serum-mediated lipopolysaccharide release and its dissociation from bacterial killing.

We have examined the killing of E. coli and kinetics of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) release after the exposure of the bacteria to normal human serum (NHS) and sera deficient in complement components, or with inactivated complement components. LPS of the galactose epimerase-deficient strain E. coli J5 were specifically radiolabeled by growing the bacteria in a medium containing [3H]galactose. Exposure of the washed bacteria to NHS resulted in a significant reduction (greater than 99%) in viability within 15 min and the concomitant release of radiolabeled LPS. However, maximal release of LPS was consistently 30% of the total radiolabel incorporated into the LPS molecules. The amount of tritium-labeled LPS released was shown to be directly proportional to the concentration of bacteria exposed to NHS, suggesting that release of LPS was not limited by the availability of some critical serum component(s). The consumption of complement in NHS by incubation with E. coli was demonstrated by decreased alternative and classical pathway-specific hemolytic activity. The use of Factor D-depleted and VEM-treated human sera demonstrated that, with these bacteria, both the alternative and classical pathways of complement contribute to bacterial killing and release of LPS. It is noteworthy that, in VEM-treated and Factor D-depleted sera, the rate of killing and the kinetics of LPS release were somewhat slower as compared to control serum. Bacterial killing in C7-depleted and C9-deficient human sera was minimal. Neither killing nor LPS release occurred in heat-inactivated (56 degrees C, 30 min) human serum. The amount of [3H]LPS released by C9-deficient serum was qualitatively similar to the amount released by the action of NHS. Tritium-labeled LPS was not released in C7-depleted serum. These data indicate that bacterial killing can be dissociated from LPS release, and suggest that, whereas LPS release may be necessary for the bactericidal effects of serum complement, it is probably not sufficient to effect killing. Furthermore, a significant fraction of LPS can be removed from the outer membrane of the bacteria without an apparent affect on viability.

Adult↗

Inhibition of the terminal stage of complement-mediated lysis (reactive lysis) by zinc and copper ions.

The effect of various metal ions, Fe++, Fe+++, Cu++, Zn++, Co++, on the terminal stage of reactive lysis (a form of complement-mediated hemolysis in which only late-acting components of complement are required) was studied. Only Cu++ and Zn++ exhibited an inhibitory effect on the lysis of EC5678 (sheep erythrocytes reacted with C56, C7 and C8) induced by C9. The mode of action of these metal ions was further explored. Both Cu++ and Zn++ inhibited the formation of hemolytically active EC56789 from EC5678 and C9. Their effect appeared to be primarily due to the inhibition of C9 binding to EC5678 through their reversible interaction with C9. Furthermore, Cu++ is shown to inactivate irreversibly the hemolytic activity of EC5678. EC5678 pretreated with Cu++ was capable of binding C9, but the resulting EC56789 was hemolytically inactive. Besides their effect on complement, both metal ions were shown to affect directly the erythrocyte membrane, since the mechanical lysis of hemolytic intermediate cells (E, EC567, EC5678) was suppressed by Cu++ and Zn++. The lysis of EC56789, a process of internal activation, was also inhibited by both Cu++ and Zn++.

Animals↗

Complement-induced vesiculation and exposure of membrane prothrombinase sites in platelets of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired stem-cell disorder in which the glycolipid-anchored membrane proteins, including the cell-surface complement inhibitors, CD55 and CD59, are partially or completely deleted from the plasma membranes of mature blood cells. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of thrombosis that is frequently observed in this disorder, the procoagulant responses of PNH platelets exposed to the human terminal complement proteins C5b-9 were investigated. C5b-9 complexes were assembled on gel-filtered platelets by incubation with purified C5b6, C7, C9, and limiting amounts of C8. Platelet microparticle formation and exposure of plasma membrane-binding sites for coagulation factor Va were then analyzed by flow cytometry. PNH platelets exhibiting undetectable levels of surface CD59 antigen showed an approximately 10-fold increase in sensitivity to C5b-9-stimulated expression of membrane-binding sites for factor Va when compared with platelets from normal controls. Expression of catalytic surface for the prothrombinase complex (VaXa) paralleled the exposure of factor Va-binding sites; the rate of prothrombin conversion by C5b-9-treated PNH platelets exceeded that of C5b-9-treated normal controls by approximately 10-fold at the maximal input of C8 tested (500 ng/mL). These data indicate that PNH platelets deficient in plasma membrane CD59 antigen are exquisitely sensitive to C5b-9-induced expression of prothrombinase activity, and suggest that the tendency toward thrombosis in these patients may be due, at least in part, to the deletion of this complement inhibitor from the platelet plasma membrane.

Adult↗

Complement membrane attack complexes induce in human leukemic cells rapid expression of large proteins (L-CIP).

The effect of sublytic doses of the complement membrane attack complexes (MAC) on protein synthesis in human leukemic cells was examined. As shown herein, rapid protein synthesis is evident in K562 erythroleukemic cells upon exposure to sublytic complement doses. Analysis of cell extracts by SDS-PAGE revealed high molecular weight proteins which appeared in the cells already after 15 min treatment with complement at 37 degrees C, reaching a maximal level after 40-50 min. These large complement-induced proteins (L-CIP) were clearly observed in gels stained by Coomassie blue and in autoradiograms following [35S]-Met or [3H]-Leu incorporation. Rabbit antibodies prepared against L-CIP were reactive in immunoassays with extracts of MAC-treated cells but not of non treated cells. They also bound to the surface of intact K562 cells (as determined by immunofluorescence), but only after treatment of the cells with complement. Both heterologous (rabbit and guinea pig) and homologous (human) sera induced L-CIP synthesis. The induction of L-CIP was indeed mediated by the complement MAC since L-CIP could not be detected in K562 cells exposed to heat-inactivated human serum or C6-deficient rabbit serum. Similarly, C7- or C8-deficient human sera could not induce L-CIP production unless they were reconstituted with purified human C7 or C8, respectively. The synthesis of L-CIP was largely inhibited by the protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide and puromycin and partially inhibited by the RNA synthesis inhibitor actinomycin D. L-CIP was similarly induced in two other human leukemic cell lines, U937 and HL-60, but not in K562/S, a subline of K562 which is highly sensitive to complement damage. These results are discussed with respect to the resistance of leukemic cells, and nucleated cells in general, to complement-mediated immune damage.

Cell Death↗

Lysis of erythrocytes by complement in the absence of antibody.

A new pathway of complement-mediated hemolysis has been described. It is independent of antibody and does not require binding of the first four complement components to the target-cell surface. The actual attack of the target cell begins with the attachment of C5, C6, and C7. The binding reaction is catalyzed by C4, 2, 3, an enzyme which may be formed in cell-free solution. C4, 2, 3 may effect binding of C5, 6, 7 by acting from the fluid phase or from the surface of another cell to which it is specifically bound (EAC 4, 2, 3). In either case, the resulting product is EC5, 6, 7 which is susceptible to lysis by C8 and C9. Erythrocytes from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) were particularly susceptible to lysis by the above described mechanism. PNH cells, but not normal human erythrocytes, could also be lysed through activation of complement by cobra factor. These observations allow the operational distinction of an activation and an attack mechanism of complement.

Animals↗

The membrane attack complex of complement and its precursor proteins lack phospholipase activity.

The membrane attack complex of human complement and its highly purified precursor proteins have been analyzed for phospholipase activity. Using three different sensitive assays, phospholipase A1, A2, C or D activity could not be detected. Based on the sensitivity of the assays employed, these results indicate the complement-mediated membrane damage is not enhanced by covalent breakdown of membrane phospholipids, but is entirely caused by physical action of the membrane attack complex. The results also imply that the putative serine esterase sites of C6 and C7 are not acting on phospholipids.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗

Complement C5b-9 increases plasminogen binding and activation on human endothelial cells.

Deposition of the terminal complement proteins (C5b-9) on human endothelial cells can result in cell lysis or nonlytic alterations of cell function including procoagulant responses. Because regulation of fibrinolysis is a central endothelial function and because C9 contains a carboxyl-terminal lysine similar to other proteins that bind and facilitate activation of plasminogen (PG), the effects of complement injury on PG binding and activation on these cells were investigated. Activation of complement through deposition of C5b67 complexes on endothelial cells resulted in a small increase (approximately 20%) in PG binding. Incorporation of C8 into C5b-8 resulted in no further increase in binding; however, specific 125I-PG binding was increased by approximately 100% after C5b-9 deposition. Moreover, PG was found to bind specifically to C7 and C9. The PG bound to endothelial cells after C5b-9 deposition was readily activated by tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA). In a cell-free system, complement C9 and a synthetic peptide composed of the 20 carboxyl-terminal amino acids of C9 enhanced PG activation by TPA. Removal of the carboxyl-terminal lysine of C9 abolished the enhancement of PG activation without diminishing PG binding. We conclude that membrane C9 may comprise a binding site for PG and serve to enhance activation of this zymogen by TPA. These findings suggest that immune injury to the endothelium may enhance both the fibrin-generating and fibrinolytic capacity of the vessel wall.

Binding Sites↗

Ultrastructure of the membrane attack complex of complement: detection of the tetramolecular C9-polymerizing complex C5b-8.

The ultrastructure of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement had been described as representing a hollow cylinder of defined dimensions that is composed of the proteins C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9. After the characteristic cylindrical structure was identified as polymerized C9 [poly(C9)], the question arose as to the ultrastructural identity and topology of the C9-polymerizing complex C5b-8. An electron microscopic analysis of isolated MAC revealed an asymmetry of individual complexes with respect to their length. Whereas the length of one boundary (+/- SEM) was always 16 +/- 1 nm, the length of the other varied between 16 and 32 nm. In contrast, poly(C9), formed spontaneously from isolated C9, had a uniform tubule length (+/- SEM) of 16 +/- 1 nm. On examination of MAC-phospholipid vesicle complexes, an elongated structure was detected that was closely associated with the poly(C9) tubule and that extended 16-18 nm beyond the torus of the tubule and 28-30 nm above the membrane surface. The width of this structure varied depending on its two-dimensional projection in the electron microscope. By using biotinyl C5b-6 in the formation of the MAC and avidin-coated colloidal gold particles for the ultrastructural analysis, this heretofore unrecognized subunit of the MAC could be identified as the tetramolecular C5b-8 complex. Identification also was achieved by using anti-C5 Fab-coated colloidal gold particles. A similar elongated structure of 25 nm length (above the surface of the membrane) was observed on single C5b-8-vesicle complexes. It is concluded that the C5b-8 complex, which catalyzes poly(C9) formation, constitutes a structure of discrete morphology that remains as such identifiable in the fully assembled MAC, in which it is closely associated with the poly(C9) tubule.

Complement C9↗

Evidence that C5b recognizes and mediates C8 incorporation into the cytolytic complex of complement.

The aim of this study was to identify constituents of the intermediate C5b-7 complex of human complement that mediate binding of C8 and formation of C5b-8. Analysis of interactions between purified C8 and C5, C6, or C7 indicate that C5 and C8 associate to form a dimer in solution. This interaction is specific and involves a single C5 binding site located on the beta-subunit of C8. Simultaneous interaction of C8 with C5 and C9 in solution suggests that during assembly of the cytolytic C5b-9 complex on membranes, C8 binds to C5b-7 through association of beta with C5b, after which C9 associates through interaction with the previously identified C9-specific site on the alpha-subunit. Other evidence of interaction with C5b was provided by the fact that C8 can bind purified C5b6. Also, in situ cross-linking experiments showed that within C5b-8, the beta-subunit is in close proximity to C5b. These results indicate that C8 binding to C5b-7 is mediated by a specific C5b recognition site on beta, thus explaining the requirement for this subunit in C5b-8 formation. They also reveal that C5b contains a specific site for interaction with beta.

Binding Sites↗

Complement profiles in monkeys subjected to aggregate (immune complex) anaphylaxis, and following injection of soluble and particulate polysaccharides.

Complement profiles were established in four groups of Macaca irus monkeys: (I) Aggregate (immune complex) anaphylaxis was induced following immunization, with ovalbumin. Upon challenge, systemic arterial pressure decreased from 115 to 50 mm Hg (mean values) in 10 min. The complement profiles revealed decreases in: C1q to less than 10% of initial value within 5 min; C4 proportional to hypotension; C3 slowly to 60% at 24 h; C5, C6, C7, C8 and factor B to about 80% of initial value in 5--30 min. Conversion products of C3 and factor B were detected on the day of anaphylaxis. In conclusion, mainly the classical and to a lesser extent the alternative pathway, were activated. Following injection of (II) native B 512 dextran, (III) biodegradable starch microspheres, and (IV) saline, no significant changes of complement profiles were seen. Conversion products of C3 and factor B were, however, demonstrable in groups II and III without appearance of clinical signs.

Anaphylaxis↗

The activation of the C3b feedback cycle with human complement components. II. Using components of the alternative pathway.

The C3 convertase of the C3b feedback cycle was generated in the fluid phase from C3b and factors B and D. It was shown to be an effective decomplementing agent when reacted with human serum. Many of the effects observed were dependent on the operation of the feedback during the ongoing reaction. Oxidization of factor B with iodine did not significantly increase the potency or the stability of the enzyme. Treatment of C3b with antrypol inhibited the formation of the enzyme. In preliminary experiments in the rat, the convertase was successfully formed in vivo, accompanied by cleavage of C3, consumption of C5, C6 and C7, and a biphasic change in the circulating neutrophils.

Animals↗