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The complement system of Calomys callosus, Rengger, 1830 (Rodentia, Cricetidae).

The complement system (C) of Calomys callosus, Rengger, 1830 (Rodentia, Cricetidae), a wild reservoir for several infectious agents in Latin America, was characterized. Sera from normal adult animals lysed sheep erythrocytes (Es) previously sensitized with rabbit serum anti-Es (Ar) in the presence of veronal-buffered saline containing 0.15 mM CaCl2 and 0.5 mM MgCl2, pH 7.4, or unsensitized rabbit erythrocytes (Er) in the presence of one-half isotonic strength veronal-buffered-saline containing 2.5% glucose, 2 mM MgCl2 and 10 mM EGTA, pH 7.4. Both hemolytic curves were sigmoidal in shape, with CH50 values of 30-40 for females and 20-30 for males. C5, determined hemolytically using the intermediate cells EsArClm4m2m3m, was approximately 4.5 x 10(8)/ml and 4.0 x 10(8)/ml for females and males, respectively. Immunochemical serum analyses by double immunodiffusion or by immunoblotting using polyclonal antisera against human C1s, C1q, C2, C3, C4, C5, C8 and factors B, I and H indicated that C. callosus C components factor B, C4 and C3 cross-reacted with the corresponding human C components. Thus, C. callosus was found to contain effective classical and alternative pathways (CP, AP) and common pathways, reasonable amounts of C5 and common epitopes in the key C components, factor B, C4 and C3, which were preserved during evolution.

Animals↗

The cytolytic C5b-9 complement complex: feedback inhibition of complement activation.

We describe a regulatory function of the terminal cytolytic C5b-9 complex [C5b-9(m)] of human complement. Purified C5b-9(m) complexes isolated from target membranes, whether in solution or bound to liposomes, inhibited lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes by whole human serum in a dose-dependent manner. C9 was not required for the inhibitory function since C5b-7 and C5b-8 complexes isolated from membranes were also effective. No effect was found with the cytolytically inactive, fluid-phase SC5b-9 complex. However, tryptic modification of SC5b-9 conferred an inhibitory capacity to the complex, due probably to partial removal of the S protein. Experiments using purified components demonstrated that C5b-9(m) exerts a regulatory effect on the formation of the classical- and alternative-pathway C3 convertases and on the utilization of C5 by cell-bound C5 convertases. C5b-9(m) complexes were unable to inhibit the lysis of cells bearing C5b-7(m) by C8 and C9. Addition of C5b-9(m) to whole human serum abolished its bactericidal effect on the serum-sensitive Escherichia coli K-12 strain W 3110 and suppressed its hemolytic function on antibody-sensitized, autologous erythrocytes. Feedback inhibition by C5b-9(m) represents a biologically relevant mechanism through which complement may autoregulate its effector functions.

Complement Activation↗

Complement changes in falciparum malaria infection.

Complement profiles were sequentially studied in 183 Thai adults infected with Plasmodium falciparum. On the first day of admission, CH50, C1q, C4 and C3 were low in 65%, 8%, 19% and 62% of cases, respectively. All patients with low C1q or C4 also had low C3 and CH50. Simultaneous reduction of C1q, C4, C3 and CH50 were found in 10 instances. Factor B was not reduced in any of the patients indicating that only the classical pathway is activated during acute falciparum malaria infection. The incidence and the degree of hypocomplementaemia were higher in patients with cerebral, renal and hepatic complications although significant difference was seen only for C3. After 3-4 days of effective anti-malarial treatment, normalization of C1q and C4 was found in almost all instances whereas C3 and CH50 remained low in 27% and 54% of the cases, respectively. Normalization of C3 was achieved at 4 weeks after discharge while low CH50 still persisted. The reasons for the persistently low CH50 remain unknown.

Adult↗

Interaction of the C1 complex of complement with sulfated polysaccharide and DNA probed by single molecule fluorescence microscopy.

The complex C1 triggers the activation of the Complement classical pathway through the recognition and binding of antigen-antibody complex by its subunit C1q. The globular region of C1q is responsible for C1 binding to the immune complex. C1q can also bind nonimmune molecules such as DNA and sulfated polysaccharides, leading either to the activation or inhibition of Complement. The binding site of these nonimmune ligands is debated in the literature, and it has been proposed to be located either in the globular region or in the collagen-like region of C1q, or in both. Using single molecule fluorescence microscopy and DNA molecular combing as reporters of interactions, we have probed the C1q binding properties of T4 DNA and of fucoidan, an algal sulfated fucose-based polysaccharide endowed with potent anticomplementary activity. We have been able to visualize the binding of C1q as well as of C1 and of the isolated collagen-like region to individual DNA strands, indicating that the collagen-like region is the main binding site of DNA. From binding assays with C1r, one of the protease components of C1, we concluded that the DNA binding site on the collagen-like region is located within the stalk part. Competition experiments between fucoidan and DNA for the binding of C1q showed that fucoidan binds also to the collagen-like region part of C1q. Unlike DNA, the binding of fucoidan to collagen-like region involves interactions with the hinge region that accommodate the catalytic tetramer C1r2-C1s2 of C1. This binding property of fucoidan to C1q provides a mechanistic basis for the anticomplementary activity of the sulfated polysaccharide.

Buffers↗

Avidin attachment to red blood cells via a phospholipid derivative of biotin provides complement-resistant immunoerythrocytes.

Preincubation of red blood cells (RBC) in an aqueous dispersion of biotin-phosphatidylethanolamine (biotin-PE) provides binding sites for avidin on the surface of these cells (up to 5 x 10(5) avidin molecules per cell). Previously we have shown that biotin covalently attached to the surface of RBC by a chemical reaction with biotin N-hydroxysuccinimide ester permits attachment of avidin to these cells, resulting in the activation of the alternative pathway of complement with subsequent cell lysis. However, avidin attached to RBC via biotin-PE did not cause complement activation. This is not due to the stabilizing action of biotin-PE. In contrast, various phospholipids, including biotin-PE, enhance the lysis of RBC induced by hemolytic antibodies via the classical complement pathway. The potential of avidin-coated RBC to act as activators of the complement alternative pathway depends on the method of biotin attachment to RBC. Complement-resistant avidin-coated RBC can specifically bind biotinylated antibodies. These immunoerythrocytes effectively and specifically bind to the antigen-coated surface and are not lysed by complement even in the presence of soluble antigen. These data extend the possible applications of immunoerythrocytes in drug targeting.

Animals↗

C1q-bearing immune complexes induce IL-8 secretion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) through protein tyrosine kinase- and mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent mechanisms: evidence that the 126 kD phagocytic C1q receptor mediates immune complex activation of HUVEC.

Endothelial cells play a pivotal role in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammation. C1q, the first component of the classical pathway of complement, is a potent stimulus leading to endothelial cell activation and cytokine production. The specific cellular mechanisms through which endothelial cells are stimulated by C1q are not known. We stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with either monomeric C1q or C1q-bearing immune complexes (C1q-IC) in the presence or absence of inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) or mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). C1q-IC, but not monomeric C1q, induced IL-8 production in dose- and time-dependent fashion. R3, a cross-linking monoclonal IgM antibody against the 126 kD phagocytic C1q receptor (C1qR), also stimulated IL-8 production. IL-8 mRNA accumulation was detected by Northern blot analysis within 2 h of stimulation by the immune complexes and was enhanced by the addition of cycloheximide. Secretion of IL-8 by C1q-IC stimulated HUVEC was completely blocked by the PTK inhibitor, genistein or the MAPK inhibitor, UO126. These experiments demonstrate that C1q-IC-induced production of IL-8 in HUVEC is dependent upon the activation of PTK and MAPK. These findings also support a role for the phagocytic C1qR as an important activator of HUVEC by immune complexes.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Complement-mediated phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The nature of the opsonic factors in nonimmune human serum for six blood culture isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated by measuring uptake of [3H] adenine-labeled bacteria by human PMNs. Normal human serum, C2- and C4-deficient sera, zymosan-treated serum, and immunoglobulin-deficient sera were used as opsonic sources. Heat inactivation of each of these serum sources markedly reduced its opsonic capacity for all Pseudomonas strains, suggesting that the serum C system was essential for opsonization. Five strains were opsonized in the absence of the classical C pathway; however, kinetic studies revealed that opsonization proceeded at a faster rate when the classical pathway was present. In spite of markedly reduced factor B and C3 levels, zymosan-treated serum retained significant opsonic activity for one of the strains tested. Four strains were poorly opsonized by immunoglobulin-deficient serum, and C activation by these strains appeared to depend upon the presence of antibodies. Two strains, however, were effectively opsonized in a relative absence of antibodies. Thus, in the nonimmune state, phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa is mediated primarily via the C system, and antibodies appear to play a role in the opsonization of some but perhaps not all Pseudomonas strains.

Complement Factor B↗

Inhibitory effects of FUT-175, a new synthetic protease inhibitor, on intravascular hemolysis by human serum in mice.

Effects of FUT-175, a new protease inhibitor, on intravascular hemolysis of mouse erythrocytes caused by intravenous injection of human serum was studied in mice. In in vitro experiments, unsensitized erythrocytes obtained from various species of animals were lysed with sera in EGTA-GVB-Mg++. After heat inactivation of sera at 50 degrees C for 30 min, hemolysis in EGTA-GVB-Mg++ was abolished, indicating loss of activity of the alternative complement pathway. FUT-175 inhibited the alternative complement pathway-mediated hemolysis with IC50 values of 1.3 X 10(-7) to 4.0 X 10(-7) M. Intravenous injection of human serum caused intravascular hemolysis of mouse erythrocytes in mice. No remarkable change was observed in the mice that were injected with heat-inactivated (56 degrees C, 30 min) human serum. Intravenous administration of FUT-175 at a dose of 3 or 10 mg/kg inhibited intravascular hemolysis of mouse erythrocytes regardless of whether it was administered before or after injection of human serum. These results indicated that FUT-175 prevents intravascular hemolysis of mouse erythrocytes through the inhibitory effect of both alternative and classical complement pathway.

Animals↗

Combined total deficiency of C7 and C4B with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The first inherited combined total deficiency of C7 and C4B complement components associated with SLE is described in a young female. Functional C7 assays showed a homozygous C7 deficiency in the propositus and her sister, and an heterozygous one in their parents. C4 molecular analyses showed that both the propositus and her mother had two HLA haplotypes carrying only C4A-specific DNA sequences and a normal C4 gene number. Thus, only C4A proteins could be expressed, with resultant normal C4 serum levels. The coexistence of a combined complete C7 and C4B deficiency may therefore abrogate essential functions of the complement cascade presumably related to immune complex handling and solubilization despite an excess of circulating C4A. These findings challenge the putative pathophysiological roles of C4A and C4B and stress the need to perform both functional assays and C4 allotyping in patients with autoimmune pathology and low haemolytic activity without low serum levels of a classical pathway complement component.

Adult↗

Susceptibility of HIV-1 plasma virus to complement-mediated lysis. Evidence for a role in clearance of virus in vivo.

This study was undertaken to directly assess the susceptibility of HIV-1 plasma virus to C-mediated lysis. Plasma from HIV-infected individuals was collected and ultracentrifuged over 20% sucrose to isolate virions from plasma components including anticoagulants, which inhibit C activity. Treatment with C alone in the absence of exogenously added Ab caused lysis of virus from all patients (n = 18) (range 14 to 86%). This lysis occurred via the classical C pathway and was not due to cross-reactive Abs in the C source. Protein A bound a fraction of isolated plasma virus and this binding was blocked by purified human Ig suggesting that anti-HIV Abs bound to plasma virus could be responsible for inducing C activation. A portion of virus bound to CR2 on cells in the absence of exogenously added C indicating that virus activated C in vivo. C levels from six of six patients were determined to be sufficient to lead to lysis of virus in vivo. Since plasma virus appeared more sensitive to C than primary isolates, isolated virus was evaluated for the presence of C control proteins. While primary isolate virions contained CD46, CD55, and CD59, only CD59 was detected on plasma virus. The results of this study strongly suggest that C is activated by a portion of plasma virus in vivo due to the binding of Ab. The resultant opsonization plus subsequent lysis may be important routes of clearance and destruction of plasma virus in infected persons.

Antigens, CD↗

Inhibition of complement activation by recombinant Sh-CRIT-ed1 analogues.

Sh-CRIT-ed1 is a potent anti-complement peptide that inhibits the classical complement-activation pathway by interfering with the formation of the C3-convertase complex, C4b2a. C2 is an essential serum glycoprotein that provides the catalytic subunit of the C3 and C5 convertases of the classical pathways of complement activation. Because only in its C4-bound state is C2a capable of cleaving its physiological protein substrates C3 and C5, the interaction of Sh-CRIT-ed1 with C2 plays a decisive role of inhibition in the classical complement-activation process. However, the role of individual Sh-CRIT-ed1 amino acid residues in C2 binding is not fully understood. We constructed nine recombinant Sh-CRIT-ed1 (rSh1) analogues, substituted at conserved residues, and evaluated their anti-complement and C2-binding activities. Results from glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down and haemolytic assays suggested that residues 10K, 17E, 19K and 26Y are critical for the interaction of rSh1 with C2. We then constructed an improved anti-complement peptide by duplicating Sh-CRIT-ed1 C-terminal motifs (17H-26Y). This linear homodimer (rH17d) was more potent than rSh1 with respect to binding to C2 and anti-complement activity (the 50% inhibitory concentration value was approximately equal 1.2 micro m versus approximately equal 6.02 micro m for rSh1). Furthermore, rH17d showed higher anti-complement activity in vivo, providing additional evidence that this duplication is a more effective inhibitor of complement activation than rSh1. Taken together, these results identify four key residues in rSh1 and strongly suggest that rH17d is a potent inhibitor of complement activation that may have therapeutic applications.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Yeast opsonization and phagocytosis studied by a visual assay and measurement of neutrophil chemiluminescence.

Yeast opsonization was examined by a visual phagocytic assay which identified intracellular particles by means of staining with reduced nitroblue tetrazolium, and by measurement of the chemiluminescent response of neutrophils to opsonized particles. With both assays optimal opsonization was dependent on the classical complement pathway at lower serum concentrations, however, alternative pathway activity alone was able to opsonic optimally at higher serum concentrations. Examination of the complement pathway and opsonic activity of sera from 17 children with atopic dermatitis revealed 2 subjects with defective alternative pathway lytic activity. There was no significant difference in the opsonic activity between atopic children and control subjects. This investigation does not confirm the suggestion that yeast opsonization is a common defect in atopic individuals and indicates yeast can be opsonized by both classical and alternative pathways.

Humans↗

Complement profile and anticomplementary potential in mixed cryoglobulinemia.

In six mixed cryoglobulinemias we have found the indications of a complement classic pathway activation and the fall of the total hemolytic activity (CH50): cryoprecipitate anticomplementary power was always proportional to the respective serum CH50 fall, while no correlation with its own immunoglobulin constitution was found.

Animals↗

A role for C-reactive protein in the complement-mediated stimulation of human neutrophils by type 27 Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Although C-reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to be opsonic when bound to erythrocytes, its role in bacterial phagocytosis is unclear. Chemiluminescence (CL), a measure of the metabolic stimulation of neutrophils, was used to investigate the effects of CRP and complement (C) on the interaction between phagocytes and Streptococcus pneumoniae, type 27 (Pn27). CRP binding to Pn27 was demonstrated by using radiolabeled CRP, and Scatchard analysis indicated a saturation binding of about 10(7) CRP molecules/CFU. When Pn27 was pretreated with normal human serum and added to neutrophils, the CL response observed was directly related to the number of bacteria and the amount of serum added. Although bacteria pretreated with CRP alone produced minimal CL, the addition of CRP to serum resulted in a two to 13-fold enhancement of the CL response. CRP enhancement of CL was not observed with heated serum or serum from a patient genetically lacking C2. CRP bound to Pn27 was found to cause consumption of C3 and C4 in normal human serum, indicating activation of the classical C pathway. Because CRP opsonization might provide early protection in the nonimmune host, we tested the ability of CRP to enhance opsonization in serum with markedly decreased immunoglobulin. CRP enhanced the CL response in serum from a hypogammaglobulinemic patient to between 12 and 16 times the serum control. These studies show CRP binds to Pn27 and in the presence of C enhances the opsonization of these organisms. These findings support the concept that CRP plays a protective role in bacterial infection.

Agammaglobulinemia↗

Immunological studies of grain dust.

Epidemiological investigations of grain workers have suggested the presence of biological hazards in terminal grain elevators. Immunological assessments of the involved individuals, however, have produced inconclusive results. We have recently demonstrated in vitro a potential biological mechanism which could occur in vivo upon inhaling airborne graon dust, thereby constituting a potential inflammatory insult to the respiratory tracts of grain workers. Airborne dusts of similar size distributions generated by transporting grain in terminal grain elevators have been shown to activate the alternative pathway of complement in precipitin-negative pooled normal human serum. These dusts consumed hemolytic complement in a dose-response manner as quantified by both CH100 immunodiffusion and CH50 tube methods. The proactivator of C3 was converted to the activator form in the presence of the chelator EGTA, but conversion was prevented by EDTA. Likewise, serum from guinea pigs genetically deficient in C4, thereby lacking a functional classical complement pathway, showed complement consumption by grain dusts via the alternative pathway. Relative CH50 toxicity ranking of the various dusts was found to be unrelated to the amount of endotoxin present. Of interest, aged settled dust (20-30 years) remained relatively active against the alternative complement pathway as did 15 min aqueous extracts of ground whole rye.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Lectin complement system and pattern recognition.

Living organisms have strong defense mechanisms against invading microorganisms as survival strategies. One of the defense mechanisms is the complement system, composed of more than 30 serum and cell surface components. This system collaborates in recognition and elimination of pathogens as a part of both the innate and acquired immune systems. The two collagenous lectins, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins, are pattern recognition proteins acting in innate immunity and, upon recognition of the pathogens, they trigger the activation of the lectin complement pathway through attached serine proteases (MASPs). A similar lectin-based complement system, consisting of the lectin-protease complex and C3, is present in ascidians, our closest invertebrate relatives and in lamprey, the most primitive vertebrate. Furthermore, a lamprey N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-binding lectin was identified as the orthlogue of mammalian C1q, and lamprey MASP is suggested as the prototype of MASP-2/C1r/C1s, indicating that the classical complement pathway arose as a part of the innate immune system. Thus, the complement system is one of the most highly organized innate immune systems in invertebrates and jawless vertebrates, and this system has survived in vertebrates with its core components little changed for 600-700 million years.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The C4 and C2 but not C1 components of complement are responsible for the complement activation triggered by the Ra-reactive factor.

Ra-reactive factors (RaRF) are the name of a group of C-dependent bactericidal factors that bind specifically to Ra chemotype strains of Salmonella. These factors are present in the sera of a wide variety of vertebrates and have common characteristics. Here we investigate the C components required for the C activation induced by mouse RaRF, by using hemolysis of Ra LPS-coated E (ELPS) as a model system. It was found that C1-depleted and C1q-depleted sera were as effective as the undepleted serum in the lysis of ELPS sensitized with RaRF. Addition of the C1 component or C1q subcomponent to the depleted sera did not increase the effect. On the other hand, C4 and C2 components were found to be essential for the lysis of RaRF-sensitized ELPS. Activities of C4 and C2 remained on the sensitized cells even after washing the cells, suggesting that the classical C3 convertase, C4b2a, is generated on the RaRF-sensitized ELPS.

Animals↗

Complement, circulating immunocomplexes and autoantibodies after ionizing radiation exposure.

The short- and long-term effects of whole body irradiation by a single dose (4Gy) on some immunological parameters in mice have been studied. The results showed a transitory but significant impairment of classical activity of complement, high incidence of anti nuclear, anti gastric parietal cells and anti smooth muscle autoantibodies, and circulating immunocomplexes in sera on irradiated mice. These immunological changes could be related to complications developed as late manifestations of radiation effects.

Animals↗