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Function of the factor I modules (FIMS) of human complement component C6.

In order to elucidate the function of complement component C6, truncated C6 molecules were expressed recombinantly. These were either deleted of the factor I modules (FIMs) (C6des-748-913) or both complement control protein (CCP) modules and FIMs (C6des-611-913). C6des-748-913 exhibited approximately 60-70% of the hemolytic activity of full-length C6 when assayed for Alternative Pathway activity, but when measured for the Classical Pathway, C6des-748-914 was only 4-6% as effective as C6. The activity difference between C6 and C6des-748-913 for the two complement pathways can be explained by a greater stability of newly formed metastable C5b* when produced by the Alternative Pathway compared with that made by the Classical Pathway. The half-lives of metastable C5b* and the decay of (125)I-C5b measured from cells used to activate the Alternative Pathway were found to be about 5-12-fold longer than those same parameters derived from cells that had activated the Classical Pathway. (125)I-C5 binds reversibly to C6 in an ionic strength-dependent fashion, but (125)I-C5 binds only weakly to C6des-FIMs and not at all to C6des-CCP/FIMs. Therefore, although the FIMs are not required absolutely for C6 activity, these modules promote interaction of C6 with C5 enabling a more efficient bimolecular coupling ultimately leading to the formation of the C5b-6 complex.

Animals↗

A simple hemolytic assay for bovine complement component C3.

A simple, one-step, alternative pathway (AP) hemolytic assay for bovine C3 has been developed. Methylamine was used to prepare a bovine serum reagent, R3, functionally depleted of C3. The addition of purified bovine C3 to the R3 reconstituted, in a dose-dependent manner, the hemolytic activity for unsensitized heterologous erythrocytes. The assay was used to determine relative levels of C3 in different bovine serum samples. Human C3 and bovine C3 were interchangeable in the assay. Reconstitution of bovine and human R3 reagents with homologous or heterologous C3, in the presence of different species of erythrocytes, provided evidence that cell surface regulation of the homologous hemolytic AP may not be limited to the assembly and activity of the C3 convertase. The AP assay was more sensitive and less complex to perform than a standard classical pathway assay for bovine C3.

Animals↗

A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring immunoconglutinins directed against the third component of human complement. Findings in systemic lupus erythematosus.

A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using purified activation product of the third component of human complement (C3b), detects immunoglobulins of the IgG isotype which demonstrate affinity for C3b (C3b-immunoconglutinins; C3b-IK). This assay offers significantly improved specificity compared to previous immunoconglutinin (IK) assays in that it not only defines the isotype and antigenic specificity of the IK but also eliminates false positive results associated with immune complexes or aggregated human gamma globulin, or with natural antibodies directed at heterologous reagents. Using this assay, we observed elevated C3b-IK levels in serum of 34 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients when compared to serum of 13 healthy controls. Comparing sera from patients with clinically active and clinically inactive lupus showed greater immunoconglutinin levels in the active group. Immunoconglutinin levels did not correlate with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total hemolytic complement, or with circulating immune complex levels by the Raji cell and C1q-binding assays.

Autoantibodies↗

Opsonic activity of human ascitic fluid: a potentially important protective mechanism against spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

The opsonic activity of 60 ascitic fluids from 47 patients was measured using a standard opsonophagocytic assay. Curve analysis of the opsonic activity compared to the ascitic fluid concentration of total protein, total hemolytic complement, C3 and C4 yielded correlation coefficients of 0.84 (p less than 0.001), 0.84 (p less than 0.001), 0.94 (p less than 0.001) and 0.92 (p less than 0.001), respectively. There appeared to be a threshold of concentration for each protein below which there was no killing of bacteria. Cirrhotic ascites had significantly (all p less than 0.001) lower concentrations of total protein and complement and less opsonic activity than noncirrhotic ascites (including malignant, cardiac and miscellaneous types). Perhaps it is the dilution of crucial antimicrobial proteins below a threshold which predisposes to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Ascites↗

A novel ELISA for the evaluation of the classical pathway of complement.

Assessment of the overall function of the classical pathway of complement is traditionally performed by the hemolytic titration assay CH50. In the present study, we established a novel method for the quantitation of complement activity by measuring the deposition of C1q, C4, C3 and C9 on solid-phase IgM by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using the CH50 method as the reference, C9 deposition values displayed a sensitivity of 96.3% and a specificity of 99.4% in sera from patients with a variety of diseases. For C3, the sensitivity was 91.3% and the specificity 100%, for C4, the values were 95% and 100%, and for C1q the corresponding values were 52.9% and 98.9%. A close correlation was found between CH50 values below 30 U/ml and the deposition of C9 (r = 0.92), C3 (r = 0.91) and C4 (r = 0.92). In two patients with postinfectious glomerulonephritis normal C4 and C1q deposition was accompanied by decreased C3 and C9 deposition reflecting complement activation predominantly through the alternative pathway. In contrast, in two patients with complete C2 deficiency the deposition of C3 and C9 was undetectable together with normal C4 deposition values. Furthermore, in two patients with hereditary C1-inhibitor deficiency distinctly increased C1q deposition was accompanied by decreased C4 deposition values. In conclusion, the determination of complement deposition by ELISA represents a novel, quantitative method for the evaluation of complement activity. The measurement of C9 deposition alone or in combination with further complement proteins makes this ELISA a valuable tool for assessing the degree and level of complement consumption as well as localizing the missing protein in the case of complement deficiencies.

Complement C1q↗

[Non-specific changes in the complement system in neoplastic processes].

The study using immunochemical and biological methods was concerned with assaying complement components C1q, C3, C4, and C5, C3 derivatives--C3a and, C3(H2O), C1ing control protein, hemolytic activity (CH50), total proteolytic activity and regulatory immune complexes in sera from patients with cancer of the stomach, breast and ovary, subjects at risk of cancer and healthy donors. Neoplasia was associated with lowered levels of intact C3 and C1ing matched by high concentrations of C3a, C1q and C4. Hemolytic activity (CH50) was increased against the background of relatively higher total proteolytic activity both in healthy subjects and cancer patients. Significant decrease in C1ing concentration may be used as an additional biochemical prognosticator in breast cancer.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Purification and characterization of the 1q subcomponent of canine complement and its use in the 125I-C1q binding assay for detection of immune complexes.

The complement subcomponent, C1q, was isolated from serum obtained from clinically normal dogs, using a rapid 2-step process involving affinity chromatography. Yield of C1q ranged from 8 to 10 mg/L of serum. Hemolytically active C1q had 3 protein bands after sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions and formed a single line of identity with rabbit anti-canine C1q. The amino acid composition of canine C1q was similar to that of human C1q and contained a high percentage of glycine. Isolated canine C1q was iodinated, and the fluid-phase binding assay was used to detect circulating immune complexes in dogs with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Amino Acids↗

Terminal complement complex (C5b-9) in children with recurrent hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Recurrent hemolytic uremic syndrome (recHUS) is a heterogeneous group of disorders. The pathogenesis of recHUS is not fully understood. recHUS has a high risk of development of terminal renal insufficiency and other sequelae. Abnormalities in complement factor H or in membrane-bound complement inhibitors with consecutive complement activation can be found in approximately 30 to 50% of the patients. Starting in 2001, we evaluated 42 patients with recHUS from five European countries (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic). We measured the terminal complement complex (TCC) by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a neoepitope-specific anti-C9 antibody in 17 patients in plasma (native complement activation), serum (after coagulation), and zymosan-activated serum (Z-serum; after stimulation of coagulation). We compared the results to those of 16 healthy persons. In patients with recHUS (eight males, nine females) with a median age of 10.8 years, the TCC values were higher in plasma (0.57 versus 0.48 microg/mL; P = 0.04) and serum (3.1 versus 2.2 microg/mL) than in those of the control group, with a median age of 28.6 years (six males, 10 females) The TCC values in patients with low C3 compared with patients with normal C3 levels were even higher in plasma and serum, and the ratio was much lower. Children with recHUS have higher concentrations of TCC in plasma and serum. The ratio of Z-serum to serum showed significantly lower values in children with recHUS (96.01 versus 150.3; P = 0.01). These findings indicate a higher grade of complement activation and consumption in recHUS, suggesting that TCC may mediate cell toxicity. This may play an important role in the inferior outcome of these patients. The isolated substitution of factor H, or other complement inhibitors to block TCC formation, may represent useful therapies for these patients.

Adolescent↗

C1q-binding peptides share sequence similarity with C4 and induce complement activation.

Two peptide motifs that bind to C1q have been identified from phage displayed libraries. A first panning cycle recovered phage that displayed a [N/S]PFxL motif. A synthetic peptide with that motif blocked those phage from binding to C1q. A second panning cycle was conducted with the [N/S]PFxL motif peptide present, leading to recovery of phage displaying a different motif, SHY. The two motifs are specific for C1q and are competed by DNA and the cognate synthetic peptide but not by immunoglobulins. Phage displayed peptide sequences containing the [N/S]PFxL have significant sequence similarity to a region of complement component C4, suggesting a possible site of interaction between C4, or one of its processed forms, and C1q. The SHY motif peptide induces C4 consumption in a hemolytic assay, suggesting that it activates C1 independent of immune complexes. This peptide may activate C1 by a mechanism similar to the beta-amyloid peptides found in Alzheimer's disease.

Animals↗

Active sites in complement component C3 mapped by mutations at indels.

Engineered mutants of human complement component C3 were used to test the idea that sites of length polymorphisms in protein families (indels) can guide a search for protein:protein interaction sites. Sequence changes were introduced at each of the 27 indels in the C3/4/5 protein family, and mutants at 26 indels were expressed by transiently transfected COS cells. Expressed proteins were assayed 1) for concentration, by ELISA and by autoradiography of radiolabeled protein; 2) for classical pathway hemolytic activity; 3) for susceptibility to proteolytic activation by the alternative pathway and cobra venom factor C3 convertases; and 4) for susceptibility to complement factor I in the presence of factor H. Most of the mutations did not appreciably alter expression or activity relative to wild-type C3, consistent with the idea that most indels occur at the protein surface. Mutations at four indels severely damaged C3 functional activity, but did not affect the stability or structure of the protein, as assessed by their effects on expression by COS cells and on susceptibility to cleavage by C3 convertases and factor I. These indels are therefore near functionally important amino acid residues; they represent good candidates for sites of protein:protein interactions. Mutation of the sequence at a fifth indel altered the equilibrium between the latent and reacted C3 conformations, and mutations at 4 other indels substantially decreased both protein activity and expression. The mutants provided an overview of the structural and functional roles played by different parts of C3.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rocket immunoelectrophoresis of C4 and C4d. A simple sensitive method for detecting complement activation in plasma.

Activation of complement component C4 has recently been measured by the quantitation of C4 and C4d (a cleavage fragment of C4) by electroimmunodiffusion in gels containing specific precipitating antibodies for C4 and C4d (Rocket immunoelectrophoresis, RIE). Quantitative measurements of the complement component C4 and its fragment C4d were determined in rocket immunoelectrophoresis (RIE) and compared with measurements of total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) or concentrations of C4 as determined by single radial immunodiffusion (RID). This newly developed RIE assay shows activation of the classical complement pathway and involves electroimmunodiffusion in gels containing specific precipitating antibodies for C4 and its cleavage fragment, C4d. In 37 plasma samples, excellent correlation was demonstrated between the C4 in RIE and CH50 (r = .70) and C4 by RID (r = .87). In vivo activation of C4 was determined by measuring the ratio of C4d to C4; 21 of the plasma samples assayed had ratios greater than 1.1 indicating activation of C4. In 13 of the plasma samples there were correspondingly low CH50 values, whereas 8 had normal CH50 levels. Therefore, activation can be detected in those instances when other measurements (CH50 and C4 quantitation) are normal. Thus the RIE assay for plasma C4 activation appears to be the most sensitive method available for assessing in vivo activation of the classical pathway of complement.

Animals↗

Control of the humoral immune system within the rabbit oviduct.

Within the oviduct the maternal humoral immune system can react with the sperm on their way to fertilize the ovum and with preimplantation embryos which express paternal surface antigens. The embryo or sperm is destroyed by antibodies plus complement; thus control of the humoral immune system in the oviduct is advantageous. This paper confirms the absence of whole complement in the oviduct as determined by both in vivo and in vitro hemolytic assays. Further, it is established that there exists within oviductal fluid a concentration-dependent inhibition of complement activity. This inhibitor is heat labile and nondialyzable. Utilizing purification by Sephadex G-200 and ion-exchange chromatography, the complement inhibition was attributed to a family of sulfated glycoproteins secreted by the oviductal epithelium.

Animals↗

[Effect of intravenous contrast media used in urography on the complement system and blood calcium].

The investigations were carried out in 30 persons subjected to the urography, in which influence of intravenous contrast media on coagulation and fibrinolysis system were studied (Part I). In venous blood collected before and in determined time intervals after injection of "Uropolinum" Polfa hemolytic activity of the complement system, concentration of its components (C3, C4) and total calcium level in blood were assayed. These parameters may contribute to the pathogenesis of side effects following injection of the contrast media. Disturbances in function of coagulation system were accompanied by a decrease in calcium level and activity of the complement. This phenomenon did not correlate with clinical symptoms.

Adult↗

[Effect of intravenous contrast media used in urography on the complement system and blood calcium].

The investigations were carried out in 30 persons subjected to the urography, in which influence of intravenous contrast media in coagulation and fibrinolysis system were studied (Part I). In venous blood collected before and in determined time intervals after injection of "uropolinum polfa" hemolytic activity of the complement system, concentration of its components (C3, C4) and total calcium level in blood were assayed. These parameters may contribute to the pathogenesis of side effects following injection of the contrast media. Disturbances in function of coagulation system were accompanied by a decrease in calcium level and activity of the complement. This phenomenon did not correlate with clinical symptoms.

Adult↗

ELISA for evaluating the incorporation of plasma derived complement split-products C3b/iC3b into solid-phase immune complexes.

An ELISA that measures plasma derived complement (C) split-products C3b/iC3b deposited on solid-phase immune complexes during C activation is described. Plates are coated with BSA, anti-BSA and plasma is added. Deposited C3b/iC3b is then detected by biotinylated anti-C3c-antibodies, avidin-alkaline phosphatase and para-nitrophenylphosphate. A novel feature is that the assay measures residual C activation capacity rather than in vivo generated C activation products. The assay was applied to plasma from 250 healthy blood donors. No difference in activation capacity of either the alternative (AP) or classical pathway (CP) with regard to age or gender was demonstrated. The total coefficient of variation was <5.7%. The ELISA procedure was compared to a standard hemolytic complement CH(50) assay using plasma from 23 out-patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There was a weak correlation between the two assays for both C pathways, but neither the ELISA nor the CH(50) assay showed any correlation with the diagnostic ACR-criteria for SLE. However, the capacity of the CP was significantly reduced in SLE out-patients compared to healthy blood donors (P<0.0001).

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

A hemolytic assay for the estimation of functional mannose-binding lectin levels in human serum.

A simple assay was developed to estimate functional mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels in serum based on the principle of yeast-induced bystander lysis of chicken erythrocytes (ChE). The assay is sensitive to inhibition by ethylene glycol bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) (which allows alternative pathway activation), ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), mannose, N-acetylglucosamine and C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), whereas it was not inhibited by galactose. A high-titer human anti-mannan antibody-containing serum with 0.06 microg MBL/ml gave a functional signal corresponding to 0.12 microg equivalents MBL/ml, indicating that anti-mannan antibodies are poorly hemolytic in the assay. The assay is well suited for the large-scale testing of patient samples for a functional MBL pathway of complement activation.

Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins↗

Hemolytic complement in tears.

We performed hemolytic assays for C1, C4, C3 and C5 on tear samples from 7 normal subjects and 10 patients with corneal ulcers. Hemolytic activities in tears were determined by 50% hemolysis of sensitized sheep red blood cells. Absent or low hemolytic activities of C1, C4 and C3 were found in normal tears. C5 was detected in tear samples from 4 of 7 normal subjects. Tear samples from patients with corneal ulcers showed elevated levels of C1, C4, C3 and C5, but wide ranges in values were found. C5 had the highest hemolytic activities in both normal tears and tears from eyes with corneal ulcers. Complement in tears may contribute to host defense in microbial corneal ulcers.

Adolescent↗

Deficiency of the fifth component of complement in human subjects. Clinical, genetic and immunologic studies in a large kindred.

The discovery of a large kindred with a heritable deficiency of the fifth component of complement (C5) has permitted the accumulation of new clinical, genetic and immunologic data concerning the role of C5 in human subjects. The proband, who has had nine episodes of disseminated gonococcal infection, has a hemolytic C5 level of approximately 0.5 per cent of normal. No C5 protein was detectable, but low levels of functional C5 activity could be found using a sensitive bactericidal assay. The proband's twin as well as another sister also had extremely low levels of hemolytic C5(approximately 0.5 per cent normal), but both these subjects have been healthy. Hemolytic complement and bacteriolytic activity could be restored by the addition of purified C5. No chemotactic activity for polymorphonuclear leukocytes could be generated in the C5-deficient serums upon activation of either the classic or alternative pathways, again demonstrating the importance of C5 in human subjects for the production of chemotactic factors. The chemotactic responsiveness of the patients' polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes to preformed chemotactic factors was not depressed. Twenty-two of 32 other family members from three generations had depressed whole hemolytic complement levels. In 19 of 30 family members, levels of hemolytic C5 ranged from 13 to 64 per cent of normal. No linkage for C5 deficiency and the A or B loci of the major histocompatibility complex could be found. These data suggest an autosomal codominant mode of inheritance of C5 deficiency. Deficiency of C5 is compatible with good health, but it can be associated with repeated disseminated gonococcal infection.

Adult↗