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Integrin alpha 4 beta 1 and glycoprotein IV (CD36) are expressed on circulating reticulocytes in sickle cell anemia.

The abnormal adherence of red blood cells, especially circulating reticulocytes (erythrocyte precursors), to the endothelium is believed to contribute to vascular occlusion observed in patients with sickle cell disease. Although several plasma proteins including von Willebrand factor and fibronectin have been proposed to mediate this adhesion, the mechanism of sickle cell adhesion to the endothelium remains unknown. Using flow cytometry, we screened sickle red blood cells with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against known adhesion receptors and detected integrin subunits alpha 4 and beta 1 and the nonintegrin glycoprotein IV on reticulocytes but not on erythrocytes. No reactivity was detected against integrin subunits alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6, alpha v, beta 2, beta 3, integrin alpha IIb beta 3, or the nonintegrin glycoprotein Ib. Immunoprecipitation of reticulocytes with either alpha 4- or beta 1-specific antibodies identified the alpha 4 beta 1 complex (alpha 4(70) and alpha 4(80) forms), a receptor for fibronectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. An antibody against glycoprotein IV, a receptor reported to bind thrombospondin and collagen, immunoprecipitated an 88-kD protein consistent with its reported M(r). MoAbs against alpha 4 and glycoprotein IV bound to an average of 4,600 and 17,500 sites per reticulocyte, respectively. Identification of alpha 4 beta 1 and glycoprotein IV on reticulocytes suggests both plasma-dependent and independent mechanisms of reticulocyte adhesion to endothelium and exposed extracellular matrix.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Competitive binding of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and the HepII/IIICS domain of fibronectin to the integrin alpha 4 beta 1.

The integrin receptor alpha 4 beta 1 binds to two different ligands, the extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibronectin and the endothelial cell surface protein vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Using probes derived from each ligand and a variety of cell adhesion and ligand-receptor binding assays, we have investigated the relationship between the mechanisms of fibronectin and VCAM-1 interaction with alpha 4 beta 1. CS1 peptide, which represents the dominant active site from the HepII/IIICS recognition domain in fibronectin, was found to inhibit VCAM-1-dependent adhesion in three different assays: MOLT-4 T lymphoblastic leukaemia cell attachment to immobilized recombinant soluble VCAM-1 (rsVCAM-1), MOLT-4 cell attachment to monolayers of VCAM-1-transfected COS-1 cells, and A375-SM melanoma cell spreading on immobilized rs VCAM-1. Half-maximal inhibition required CS1 concentrations of 1.7-3.0 mg/ml, some 3-7-fold higher than that needed to autoinhibit adhesion to CS1-IgG conjugate. Using a more sensitive solid-phase receptor-ligand binding assay, CS1 was found to be a potent inhibitor of the binding of rsVCAM-1 to alpha 4 beta 1 (half-maximal inhibition at 13 micrograms/ml). In agreement with cell-based assays, severalfold lower concentrations of CS1 were required to inhibit binding of recombinant HepII/IIICS region of fibronectin (half-maximal inhibition at 3 micrograms/ml). VCAM-1-alpha 4 beta 1 binding was blocked not only by CS1 peptide but also by the recombinant HepII/IIICS region of fibronectin. Kinetic analysis of CS1 inhibition of VCAM-1 binding revealed that it was directly competitive in nature, indicating that VCAM-1 and fibronectin recognize either identical or spatially overlapping binding sites on alpha 4 beta 1. The implications of these results for the future design of VCAM-1 antagonists are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a combinatorial epitope expressed by the integrin alpha 4 beta 1 heterodimer involved in the regulation of cell adhesion.

The alpha 4 integrin subunit can associate with either the beta 1- or beta 7-integrin subunit to form two unique adhesion receptors alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 7. We developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb 19H8) that immunoprecipitated alpha 4 beta 1, induced homotypic leukocyte aggregation, and blocked the binding of cells to a synthetic peptide corresponding to the CS-1 peptide region of fibronectin. Aggregation cross-blocking analysis suggested that mAb 19H8 belonged to the group of mAbs that react with the B2 epitope of the alpha 4 subunit (alpha 4.B2 epitope); however, unlike the alpha 4.B2-specific mAb L25, mAb 19H8 did not immunoprecipitate alpha 4 beta 7. In addition, mAb 19H8 did not bind to beta 1-positive cells unless transfected with alpha 4 cDNA. These results indicated that mAb 19H8 was not specific for an individual alpha 4, beta 1, or beta 7 subunit but reacted with an epitope formed from the association of alpha 4 with beta 1. Separating the alpha 4 from the beta 1 subunit, by removing divalent cations or by treatment with high pH, disrupted mAb 19H8 binding. In contrast, the alpha 4-specific mAb L25 and the beta 1-specific mAb 18D3 could react with their respective subunits without subunit association. Therefore, mAb 19H8 defined a novel regulatory epitope expressed by the integrin alpha 4 beta 1.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Cyclic RGD peptide inhibits alpha 4 beta 1 interaction with connecting segment 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule.

The integrin supergene family includes receptors for a variety of extracellular matrix as well as cell surface proteins. Integrin alpha 4 has been shown to play an important role in leukocyte adhesion and extravasation during immune and inflammatory reactions. One recognition sequence known to interact with alpha 4 is the Leu-Asp-Val (LDV) site contained in the connecting segment 1 region of fibronectin. Here we present evidence that shows that a conformationally restricted RGD-containing peptide is a potent inhibitor of cell adhesion mediated by alpha 4 beta 1, a receptor not convincingly documented to interact with RGD peptides. This peptide, 1-adamantaneacetyl-Cys-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Cys (disulfide bridge between residues 1-8), blocks Jurkat cell adhesion to connecting segment 1-containing peptides as well as cell adhesion to cytokine-activated endothelial cells. Adhesion of Jurkat cells to either vascular cell adhesion molecule-expressing cells or recombinant vascular cell adhesion molecule-coated plates was likewise inhibited by this peptide. Furthermore, alpha 4 beta 1 can bind directly to a cyclic RGD peptide immobilized to Sepharose. Integrins, alpha 5 beta 1, alpha v beta 3, alpha IIb/beta IIIa, alpha 2 beta 1, alpha v beta 1, alpha v beta 5, alpha v beta 6, and alpha 3 beta 1, have been shown to recognize the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence present in a variety of extracellular matrix proteins, and our data support the addition of alpha 4 beta 1 to this group. Further studies using molecular modeling of such cyclic RGD peptides could help in the design of more potent peptides or nonpeptide mimetics that could effectively block alpha 4-mediated activity and have potential application in a number of inflammatory diseases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Adhesion of committed human hematopoietic progenitors to synthetic peptides from the C-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin: cooperation between the integrin alpha 4 beta 1 and the CD44 adhesion receptor.

Close interaction of human hematopoietic progenitors with the bone marrow microenvironment is important for the ordered progression of human hematopoiesis. Progenitor cell adhesion to stroma has a complex molecular basis, involving various cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions. We have previously shown that adhesion of colony-forming cells (CFC) to fibronectin, present in stromal extracellular matrix, involves multiple sites, including two heparin-binding synthetic peptides (FN-C/H I and FN-C/H II) and the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin-binding peptide CS1. These synthetic peptides are located in close proximity in the type III repeat 14 and the immediately adjacent type IIIcs region of fibronectin. In the current study, we evaluate receptors expressed by CFC responsible for their adhesion to fibronectin. We show that the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin mediates adhesion to CFC to the peptides FN-C/H I and CS1. Adhesion of CFC to fibronectin is also mediated by proteoglycans, because removal of cell surface chondroitin-sulfate proteoglycans resulted in decreased adhesion of CFC to FN-C/ I and FN-C/H II. The core protein of this proteoglycan was identified by immunoprecipitation as a 90-kD member of the CD44 group of adhesion molecules. Interestingly, although the proteoglycan core protein failed to adhere to FN-C/H II affinity columns, anti-CD44 monoclonal antibodies blocked CFC adhesion to FN-C/H II, indicating that these monoclonal antibodies may interfere with core protein-mediated intracellular signalling. Finally, we show that CD44 and alpha 4 beta 1 may cooperate in establishing progenitor adhesion, because anti-CD44 antibodies potentiated the adhesion-inhibitory effects of suboptimal concentrations of anti-alpha 4 or anti-beta 1 monoclonal antibodies. These results provide a working model for progenitor cell recognition of fibronectin (and possibly the marrow micro-environment) in which the coordinated action of integrins and cell surface proteoglycans is necessary for cell adhesion. This model can now be used to study the complex relationship between progenitor cell adhesion and the regulation of their proliferation and differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of beta 1 integrin mRNAs in human leukemic blasts.

Adhesion receptors from the very late activation (VLA) (beta 1) integrin subfamily play a role in the cooperation of hematopoietic progenitors with bone marrow stroma, and the disregulated expression of these molecules, as evaluated by immunophenotyping, has been implicated in the acquisition of the malignant phenotype by hematopoietic cells. In the present study, Northern hybridization was used to determine the pattern of expression of transcripts for VLA subunits in: (i) leukemic blasts obtained from the peripheral blood of ten patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) of different FAB subclasses; (ii) the human leukemic cell lines KG-1, HL-60, K-562, HEL and U-937; and (iii) normal hematopoietic cells. Most of the AML blasts and the cultured leukemic cells expressed mRNAs for the beta 1 and alpha 5 subunits (the only exception among the cell lines was KG-1 cells) and these transcripts were also found in normal bone marrow progenitors, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC), and peripheral blood monocytes. While the alpha 4 transcript was detected in all cultured cells but K-562, and in normal circulating monocytes, it occurred in blasts from only two AML patients and was weakly expressed in mature PBMNC. No specific pattern of expression of beta 1, alpha 5, and alpha 4 transcripts could be related to cell differentiation or maturation in the AML blasts and leukemic cell lines tested. None of the primary AML blasts or cultured cells showed mRNA messages for alpha 2, alpha 3 or alpha 6 chains of the beta 1 integrins. The results suggest that, in some cases of AML, the malignant phenotype of leukemic blasts may be associated with down-regulated transcription of the alpha 4 integrin subunit.

Adult↗

Integrin alpha 4 beta 1-mediated melanoma cell adhesion and migration on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and the alternatively spliced IIICS region of fibronectin.

The integrin receptor alpha 4 beta 1 (also known as VLA-4) binds two different ligands, the endothelial cell surface protein vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and the extracellular matrix component fibronectin. Three distinct sites in fibronectin are recognized by alpha 4 beta 1. Two of these (represented by peptides CS1 and CS5) are present in the alternatively spliced IIICS region and lie in separate, independently spliced segments of this region. A third site resides in the adjacent constitutively expressed HepII domain. Recombinant proteins containing the HepII domain and different splice variants of the IIICS have been generated and compared for their ability to mediate cell attachment, spreading and migration. The activity of these proteins has also been compared with that of a recombinant soluble form of VCAM-1 (rsVCAM-1). All the recombinant proteins supported A375-SM human melanoma cell attachment and spreading in an alpha 4 beta 1-dependent manner, but had varied adhesive activities with rsVCAM-1 > fibronectin variants containing the CS1 sequence >> other fibronectin variants. Low concentrations of rsVCAM-1 and CS1-containing fibronectin variants effectively supported cell migration in a trans-filter assay; however, cell motility was retarded at high concentrations of the same proteins. Fibronectin variants lacking CS1 supported little or no migration. To obtain further insight into the molecular basis of this varied adhesive activity, apparent dissociation constants for each of the recombinant proteins were measured using a solid phase receptor-ligand binding assay. The results revealed a hierarchy of ligand affinities that mirrored their adhesive activity (rsVCAM-1 > fibronectin variants containing CS1 >> other fibronectin variants).

Alternative Splicing↗

Stem cell factor modulates avidity of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins expressed on hematopoietic cell lines.

Interactions between hematopoietic cells and bone marrow (BM) stroma, composed of extracellular matrix and stromal cells, are crucial for hematopoiesis. Integrins facilitate these interactions by mediating adherence of hematopoiesis. Integrins facilitate these interactions by mediating adherence of hematopoietic cells to both the extracellular matrix and stromal cells. Marrow stromal cells secrete a variety of growth factors, including stem cell factor (SCF). Because treatment with SCF in vivo mobilizes primitive hematopoietic cells from the BM, we investigated the effect of the growth factor SCF of hematopoietic cell adhesion. These studies show that SCF modulates adhesive function in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but does not modulate expression of the integrins alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 in the SCF-responsive cell line MO7E. Treatment of MO7E cells with SCF (200 ng/mL) produced a transient increase in adherence to cytokine-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with peak adhesion at 30 minutes and return to baseline by 60 to 90 minutes. This increase in adhesion was paralleled by increased binding of the beta 1 activation-dependent monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 15/7, as determined by flow cytometry. However, prolonged incubation of MO7E with SCF induced a marked decrease in integrin-mediated adherence, with maximal inhibition by 24 hours. No change in expression of integrins, as determined by flow cytometry, was observed with short- or long-term incubation with SCF. SCF-treated cells were still able to respond to phorbol esters and to the activating beta 1 MoAb 8A2 with increased adherence, but not to the level seen in control cells. This suggests that a subpopulation of expressed alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins is disengaged by prolonged incubation with SCF.

Animals↗

Stimulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation by interaction of NK cells with fibronectin via alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1.

Recent evidence indicates that integrins do transduce signals that are involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes. We have shown previously that human NK cells express alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, which mediate their adhesion to fibronectin (FN). Here we investigate whether cross-linking of beta 1 FN receptors on human NK cells stimulates tyrosine kinase activation. Our results indicate that cross-linking of beta 1 integrins on NK cells, either freshly isolated from PBL or generated from 10-day coculture of nonadherent PBMC with an irradiated EVB+ lymphoblastoid B cell line (long-term activated NK cells), altered the tyrosine phosphorylation pattern. In particular, we found stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of two proteins migrating with an apparent mass of 105 and 115 kDa, which was not observed after CD16 engagement. Phosphorylation of pp105-115 was already observed at 1 min, raised maximal values at 3 to 5 min, and persisted until 20 min after stimulation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of pp105-115 was also observed upon engagement of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 FN receptors either with mAb directed against the alpha subunits or after NK cell adhesion to FN or its 120- and 40-kDa fragments. Pretreatment of NK cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A resulted in marked decrease of phosphorylation stimulated through alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, indicating that ligation of FN receptors on NK cells activates tyrosine kinase(s). Overall our results suggest that beta 1 integrins on NK cells play a major role as signaling molecules in the regulation of NK cell functions.

Animals↗

Induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in human natural killer cells by triggering via alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 integrins.

Recent studies have shown that cell-surface integrins expressed on platelets, fibroblasts, or carcinoma cell lines serve not only as adhesion receptors that connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton, but also as signal-transducing molecules involved in altering cellular patterns of tyrosine phosphorylation. In this present report we provide evidence that adhesion of freshly purified human natural killer (NK) cells to fibronectin (FN) induces tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins of approximate molecular mass of 60, 70, and 120 kD. Increases in phosphorylation induced by NK cell binding to immobilized FN were partially blocked by EILDV- (CS-1) or RGD-containing peptides, which compete specifically for a distinct binding site for either alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, respectively, within the FN molecule. The presence of either one of the inhibitory peptides alone inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation primarily during short-term (30 minutes) and, to a lesser extent, during long-term (2 to 3 hours) periods of adhesion. These observations indicate that triggering either via alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, which are constitutively expressed on NK cells, induces protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Moreover, FN fragments of 40 or 120 kD, known to contain the binding sites for alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, respectively, used as immobilized substrates for NK cell adhesion, were able to initiate tyrosine kinase activity. The induced tyrosine phosphorylation was observed mainly on intracellular proteins of greater than 50 kD molecular weight. We have identified a 70-kD tyrosine phosphoprotein as paxillin, a cytoskeletal-associated tyrosine kinase substrate previously identified in fibroblasts and shown to localize to focal adhesions. Thus, interaction of NK cells with immobilized extracellular matrix glycoproteins required for migration and extravasation of these cells involves activation of intracellular protein tyrosine kinases and tyrosine phosphorylation of cytoskeleton-associated protein, paxillin, which may play a role in signaling between beta 1 integrins and the underlying cytoskeleton.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel beta 1-dependent adhesion pathway on neutrophils: a mechanism invoked by dihydrocytochalasin B or endothelial transmigration.

It is generally accepted that the beta 2-integrin is restricted to mononuclear leukocytes. The objective of this study was to determine whether neutrophils can also express beta 1-integrin (specifically alpha 4 beta 1) and whether this can support neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells and to extracellular matrix. We stimulated neutrophils with dihydrocytochalasin B (DHCB) and various chemotactic stimuli and observed that chemotactic stimuli induced neutrophil adhesion via beta 2-integrin (CD18), whereas DHCB and either fMLP, PAF, or IL-8 induced adhesion to endothelium or protein-coated plastic that was not inhibitable by anti-CD18 antibody. beta 2-integrin-deficient cells, which did not respond to chemotactic stimuli alone, also adhered avidly in the presence of chemotactic stimuli and DHCB. The induced neutrophil adhesion was inhibited by antibody to beta 1- or alpha 4-integrin chains, but only if an anti-beta 2-integrin antibody was also present. Flow cytometry revealed increased expression of both beta 1 and alpha 4 in the presence of fMLP plus DHCB. Transendothelial migration of neutrophils induced by chemotactic stimuli alone also increased expression of beta 1 and alpha 4. Transmigration across deendothelialized membranes induced a similar beta 1 expression on neutrophils suggesting that events other than an endothelial signal elicited beta 1-integrin expression. Transmigration-induced beta 1-dependent expression translated into only modest adhesion to protein-coated plastic. These data suggest that both a pharmacological (DHCB) and a physiological (transmigration) stimulus can invoke expression of alpha 4 and beta 1 on human neutrophils to mediate adhesion.

Antigens, CD↗

A recombinant adenoviral vector expressing a soluble form of VCAM-1 inhibits VCAM-1/VLA-4 adhesion in transduced synoviocytes.

Intra-articular injection of recombinant adenovirus has been shown to be a feasible approach to the introduction of genetic reagents into synovial tissues in vivo. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytes and monocytes into inflamed synovium. It has been hypothesized that the recruitment of T lymphocytes/monocytes into sites of chronic inflammation is mediated by enhanced binding of very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressed on microvascular endothelial cells. Additional evidence suggests that VLA-4 binding continues to be important within the inflamed synovial membrane, where it appears to play a role in T cell retention and activation. A feasible therapeutic strategy for RA could be to utilize a soluble congener of the VCAM-1 molecule to block VLA-4 binding. In order to test this concept, a recombinant serotype Ad5 human adenovirus encoding a secreted form of VCAM-1 (Ad.CBsVCAM) was constructed. Human synoviocytes were readily infected in vitro with Ad.CBsVCAM, and sVCAM-1 expression and processing were analyzed by immunoprecipitation studies. Secretion of transgenic sVCAM was identified by ELISA of tissue culture supernatants, and biological activity was demonstrated with cell adhesion assays. In vivo, transgenic sVCAM-1 expression was determined by immunohistochemical analysis and in situ hybridization of synovial tissue, and secretion of transgenic sVCAM-1 was demonstrated by ELISA of tidal knee lavage fluid. The results showed that recombinant adenovirus can mediate the expression of a biologically active sVCAM-1 by synoviocytes in vivo and suggest that this strategy may be useful for inhibiting T lymphocyte retention and activation within rheumatoid synovium.

Adenoviridae↗

The integrin alpha 4 beta 1 (VLA-4) as a therapeutic target.

Disease models in animals demonstrate that the leukocyte integrin alpha 4 beta 1 (VLA-4) is a suitable target for therapy in a number of chronic inflammatory disorders. While in vivo studies have concentrated on the use of anti-alpha 4 antibodies as proof of concept tools, repeated administration to combat human chronic inflammatory conditions is likely to require small antagonists of alpha 4 beta 1. We have developed low molecular weight alpha 4 beta 1 inhibitors which have shown therapeutic promise in animal models of chronic inflammation.

Animals↗

Enhancement of VLA integrin receptor function on thymocytes by cAMP is dependent on the maturation stage of the thymocytes.

A class of adhesion molecules, the VLA integrins, are expressed on thymocytes and have been shown to affect immature thymocyte differentiation in vitro. This study examines the ability of cAMP to regulate VLA receptor function in thymocytes. Pharmacologic agents that raise intracellular cAMP enhanced the binding of immature CD4- CD8- and CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes to fibronectin while having no effect on the binding of the more mature JIId- thymocytes. PGE2, a hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells and known to raise intracellular cAMP levels in thymocytes, also increased the binding of immature thymocytes to fibronectin. In contrast, activation of protein kinase C via PMA enhanced the binding of all three thymocyte subsets. The cAMP-induced binding was blocked by mAbs to the VLA integrin chains alpha 4 and alpha 5 and by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, (Rp)-cAMPS, indicating that activation of PKA enhances VLA-4 and VLA-5 receptor function. Activation of PKA was induced in all three thymocyte subsets following addition of cAMPa or forskolin, indicating that the inability of cAMP to enhance the binding of JIId- thymocytes was not due to an inability to activate PKA. Thus, cAMP enhances integrin function in thymocytes in a maturation stage-specific manner.

Animals↗

Similar but nonidentical amino acid residues on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 are involved in the interaction with alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 7 under different activity states.

The integrin receptors alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 7 both bind to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Here, we report that the amino acid residue requirements for murine VCAM-1 adhesion to murine alpha 4 beta 1 (WEHI 231) and alpha 4 beta 7 (38C13/beta 7-transfectant) positive cells are strikingly similar but nonidentical under multiple adhesion activity states. By site-directed mutagenesis of domain 1 of VCAM-1, the amino acid residues on the loop between beta strands C and D (R36, Q38, I39, D40, P42) and on the adjacent antiparallel beta strand F (L70 and T72) were required for basal level adhesion to both alpha 4 beta 1-positive and alpha 4 beta 7-positive cells. Mutation at two other sites, N44 (loop between beta strands C and D) and E66 (loop between beta strands E and F), specifically reduced alpha 4 beta 7-positive cell adhesion, but not alpha 4 beta 1-positive cell adhesion. Mutation H85A augmented alpha 4 beta 7 binding but not alpha 4 beta 1 binding. These apparent differences relate to the higher intrinsic activity state of alpha 4 beta 1 on WEHI 231 than on alpha 4 beta 7 (38C13/beta 7-transfectant). In contrast, under higher adhesion activity states induced by either MnCl2 or truncation of the beta 7 cytoplasmic tail, mutation of either amino acid residue D40 or L70 completely blocked cell adhesion without evidence of structural perturbation of VCAM-1. These results suggested that the two structurally discontinuous amino acid residues, the negatively charged D40 and the hydrophobic L70 adjacently located on domain 1 of VCAM-1, are essential for interaction under multiple activity states with both alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 7 integrin receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cross-linking of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 fibronectin receptors enhances natural killer cell cytotoxic activity.

Cell/extracellular matrix interactions mediated by integrins regulate differentiation, migration, and effector functions of immune system components. Human NK cells express alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, which mediate their binding to fibronectin (FN). We have investigated the ability of FN and its beta 1 integrin receptors to modulate NK cytotoxicity. Our data show that the presence of immobilized FN significantly augments the spontaneous cytotoxic activity of in vitro cultured human NK cells against several NK-susceptible, but not NK-resistant, target cells; Ab-dependent cytotoxicity against Ab-coated P815 target cells and the redirected lysis of anti-CD16 hybridomas are also enhanced in the presence of FN. Solid-phase-bound anti-human beta 1, or its F(ab')2 fragment, anti-alpha 4 and anti-alpha 5 mAbs, all consistently enhance Ab-dependent cytotoxicity against Ab-coated murine target cells. The 120-kDa (alpha 5 beta 1-binding), but not the 40-kDa (alpha 4 beta 1-binding), FN fragment fully reproduced the enhancing effect observed with the entire molecule. Our data also demonstrate that alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 cross-linking on NK cells induces an increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration that is abrogated by EGTA, thus suggesting that the capacity to mobilize Ca2+ is involved in the coactivating role of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 FN receptors in the cytotoxic functions of NK cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Presence of T cells with activated and memory phenotypes in inflammatory spinal cord lesions.

The phenotypic and functional characteristics of activated T cells and recruited unactivated T cells at an inflammatory site were examined using a V beta 4+ myelin basic protein-specific T cell clone in a passively transferred model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. A high percentage of the T cells isolated from the central nervous system (CNS) were V beta 4+. This population exhibited the characteristics of activated T cells based on the proportion of cells in the blast state, their ability to proliferate in response to IL-2 or CNS Ag, and their expression of activation/memory cell markers. Activated V beta 4+ T cells were also observed in the periphery. Large numbers of V beta 4- T cells, which are entirely host-recruited, were also found in the CNS, where they demonstrated the properties of memory cells. There were differences in adhesion molecule expression between CNS V beta 4+ T cells and peripheral V beta 4+ T cells, although both populations were in activated state. V beta 4+ T cells at the site of Ag expression (the spinal cord) demonstrated higher levels of LFA-1 and CD44, but lower levels of VLA-4 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, than did V beta 4+ T cells in the spleen. In contrast, the levels of all of these adhesion molecules on recruited V beta 4- T cells were higher in the CNS than in the periphery. This experimental model allows the detailed characterization of different T cell populations isolated from the same inflammatory site.

Animals↗