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cDNA cloning and expression of human complement component C2.

A full-length cDNA clone for C component C2 was isolated from a human liver cDNA library in lambda gt11 by initially screening with an affinity-purified rabbit anti-C2 antibody and then using the isolated partial C2 cDNA as a probe for re-screening the library. The cDNA insert of clone lambda C2HL5-3 was sequenced in its entirety. It consisted of 2961 nucleotides including a 5' untranslated region of 388 nucleotides, followed by a 60 nucleotide region coding for a putative signal peptide, a 2196 nucleotide region coding for the 732 amino acids of the mature C2 polypeptide, and a 317 nucleotide long 3' untranslated region. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence to the previously reported C2 cDNA sequence showed two major differences. First, the 5' untranslated region of C2HL5-3 was 352 nucleotides longer and included four ATG followed by in-frame termination codons. Second, nucleotide residue 1987 was a C instead of a G, resulting in a change of amino acid residue 513 from Leu to Phe and in the appearance of an EcoRI site. The full-length C2 cDNA was cloned into the expression vector p91023(B). Transfection of the recombinant plasmid in COS cells resulted in the secretion of a protein with antigenicity and hemolytic activity similar to those of native C2. Western blot analysis indicated that secreted rC2 had the same apparent m.w. as C2 in human serum. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from transfected COS cells showed two bands of C2 mRNA, both of which were longer than human liver C2 mRNA and represent transcripts generated by the vector-C2 construct.

Amino Acid Sequence

Angioedema induced by a peptide derived from complement component C2.

Synthetic peptides that correspond to the COOH-terminal portion of C2b enhance vascular permeability in human and guinea pig skin. In human studies, 1 nmol of the most active peptide of 25-amino acid residues produced substantial local edema. A pentapeptide and a heptapeptide corresponding to the COOH-terminal sequence of C2b each induced contraction of estrous rat uterus in the micromole range; a peptide of 25 amino acids from this region induced a like contraction of rat uterus at a concentration 20-fold lower than the smaller peptides. The vascular permeability of guinea pig skin was enhanced by doses of these synthetic peptides in a similar fashion as that observed for the concentration of rat uterus. The induction of localized edema by intradermal injection in both the guinea pig and the human proceeds in the presence of antihistaminic drugs, suggesting that there is a histamine-independent component to the observed increase in vascular permeability. Cleavage of C2 with the enzymic subcomponent of C1, C1s, yields only C2a and C2b, and no small peptides, whereas cleavage of C2 with C1s and plasmin yields a set of small peptides. These plasmin-cleaved peptides are derived from the COOH terminus of C2b, and they induce the contraction of estrous rat uterus.

Amino Acid Sequence

Linkage of total deficiency of the second component (C2) of the complement system and of genetic C2-polymorphism to the major histocompatibility complex of the guinea pig.

In the guinea pig six common phenotypes for hemolytically active C2 were detected. They resulted from three allotypic variants: a basic C2B and two more acidic variants C2A and C2A1. (The gene frequency for C2B in the outbred population was 0.36, 0.33 for C2A, and 0.31 for C2A1.) These variants were inherited as autosomal codominant traits. A strong linkage-disequilibrium between C2 and C4 allotypes was observed consisting of the pairs C2A1-C4F. C2A-C4S, whereas C2B was associated with either C4S or C4S1. To investigate the linkage of C2 to the MHC a family of strain 2 X strain OM3 was studied: the C2B allotype segregated with the strain haplotype of OM3 whereas C2A1 does the same with the strain 2 haplotype. During the C2-typing, an animal totally deficient in hemolytic C2 activity was discovered. Its C1, C4, C3, C5, factors B, D, and H were normal. Breeding yielded finally homozygous and heterozygous-deficient individuals. The latter ones exhibited 50 to 60% of the hemolytic activity of normal guinea pigs. Combined typing data of C4, C2 and GPLA showed that the deficient gene behaved like a rare, silent allele of C2, which is GPLA-linked and inherited like the normal C2-variants. An antiserum against C2 was raised in C2-deficient animals, which reacted with normal guinea pig serum but not with serum from C2-deficient animals. No cross-reactivity with human or mouse serum could be detected.

Alleles

A new, simplified method for oxidation of human complement component C2.

Oxy C2 is a valuable immunologic reagent, particularly for investigators whose research or clinical assays require a stable classical pathway C3 and/or C5 convertase or a highly active plasma complement source. To date only one method for the conversion of serum C2 or purified C2 to their respective oxy C2 forms has been published. However, this method has several disadvantages. For example, handling and dissolving the iodine crystals required in this process are difficult and time consuming. Also, the enhancement procedure results in a significant dilution of the original C2 sample. We have, therefore, developed a new, simplified method for oxidation of plasma, serum, or pure C2 which circumvents the difficulties associated with the earlier method. Moreover, this method offers additional flexibility with regard to oxidative conditions (i.e., buffer pH, temperature, and C2 concentrations) and reagent handling and final C2 product stability.

Complement C2

Reversal of immune complex inhibition of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by normal human serum.

The results of this study demonstrate that inhibition of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by ovalbumin (OA)-IgG anti-OA immune complexes (IC) can be reversed by normal human serum (NHS) or serum from a patient with congenital deficiency of the second component of complement (C2 def-HS) lacking activity of the classical complement (C) pathway. On the other hand, NHS that had been inactivated by heating at 56 degrees C for 30 min (HI-NHS) or NHS depleted of the alternative C pathway activity by absorption with zymosan (Zy-NHS) did not restore the ADCC of IC-blocked PBMC. These results suggest that the alternative pathway of C plays a very important role in the re-establishment of ADCC of PBMC blocked with IC. The recovered activity was susceptible to a new inhibition when re-exposed to IC, demonstrating that the NHS effect depends on the recovery of the functional activity of the receptor for the FC fragment of IgG on PBMC and not on the induction of non-specific cytotoxicity. The ability of NHS to restore the cytolytic potential of IC-inhibited PBMC was dependent on the time of exposure of PBMC to IC before the addition of the unblocking agent (NHS). After prolonged reaction of PBMC with IC, the blocked cells were unable to recover their ADCC activity by incubation with NHS. Unblocking of the Fc receptor of PBMC by C may be a physiological way to prevent permanent impairment of the immune mechanisms that depend on its function in the free state.

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity

[B, C2 and C4 complement factors, the HLA system and diseases. Genetic relation].

Close linkage of the complement factor loci C2, C4 and Bf to HLA loci has been firmly documented. A review of the literature was made about genetic defects of these components associated with a variety of disorders, especially immunologic diseases. Some allotypes of these factors are also closely linked to several diseases. Relationship between these diseases and the genes controlling the synthesis of C2, C4 and Bf and their allelic variants is not yet known but this association suggested several pathogenic hypotheses.

Complement C2

Isolation and characterization of a novel plasma protein which binds to activated C4 of the classical complement pathway.

We report here the isolation and partial characterization of a previously unrecognized protease-sensitive plasma protein identified during the development of a novel protocol for the purification of the second component of human complement (C2). This new protein is physicochemically similar to C2. It coprecipitates with C2 on polyethylene glycol fractionation and specifically binds, like C2, to Sepharose-bound iC4/C4b. Binding occurs both in the presence and absence of C2. The purified protein has a chain structure similar to C2 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis in the presence or absence of reducing agent and has a molecular mass of 120 kDa, only somewhat greater than C2 at 95 kDa. Both proteins radioiodinate under similar conditions to the same specific activities with each of two different methods that yield 10-fold disparate results. Quantitative Mancini analysis identifies 300 micrograms/ml of the 120-kDa protein in plasma and serum. The protein is present at normal concentrations in serum from individuals genetically deficient in C2, has no C2 functional activity, and is not cleaved as is C2 when serum complement is activated. Potent monospecific polyclonal anti-serum to each do not cross-immunoprecipitate using standard gel techniques. However, these anti-sera identify epitopes in common by Western blotting. The data presented indicate that the 120-kDa protein is a distinct plasma component and suggest that the protein is not an "immature" form of C2. Initial experiments to delineate a functional role for the 120-kDa protein have demonstrated a consistent inhibition of C1 site generation on EAC4b which is dose-dependent and reversible. Thus, this protein appears to be a new complement regulatory factor.

Blood Proteins

Influence of a deficiency of the second component of complement on the bactericidal activity of neutrophils in vitro.

Serum from three patients with a complete, selective deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) did not promote optimal killing of Staphylococcus aureus, 502A by neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in vitro. The addition of C2 reagent or the presence of heat-stable opsonin in the C2-deficient serum corrected the defective killing of S. aureus that was observed with patient or control PMN. PMN from the patients or control subjects killed bacteria with equal efficiency under conditions of optimal opsonization (normal pooled serum). However, twice-washed control PMN were better than patient PMN in killing S. aureus under circumstances of suboptimal opsonization (C2-deficient serum, heated C2-deficient serum, heated normal pooled serum, or no replacement of serum). The latter finding was due to residual C2 on the surface of twice-washed control cells. As repeated washing of control PMN progressively removed cell-associated C2, the staphylocidal effectiveness of the control RMN decreased to the level of patient PMN. In contrast to the findings with S. aureus, triply-washed PMN from patients or controls killed normal numbers of Escherichia coli, ON2, in C2-deficient serum.

Animals

HLA-B27 and allotypes of complement components in ankylosing spondylitis.

Thirteen families were studied for the frequency of HLA-B27 and allotypes of the components of complement, C2, C4 and Bf. The 13 probands all suffered from definite ankylosing spondylitis (AS) as defined by the New York criteria. The results showed that HLA-B27 positive haplotypes in AS patients possessed different complement allotypes. Thus, it is postulated that the gene conferring predisposition to the development of AS is either HLA-B27 itself or another gene in very close proximity to the HLA-B locus.

Alleles

Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura--immunological analyses of a patient pre- and post-HIV seroconversion.

A seven year follow-up of immune parameters is reported for a patient with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) pre and post human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion. Therapies such as intravenous IgG, prednisone, vincristine, or Ciclosporin A had no clear-cut beneficial effect on platelet counts. A long-term normalization of platelet counts was achieved by splenectomy. At splenectomy the patient was seropositive for HIV, most likely transmitted by blood products received half a year prior to laparatomy. Mean plasma levels of the second component of complement, C2, were half of the normal values prior to and within the lowest normal range post HIV seroconversion. Nevertheless, the T cell-dependent B cell response to HIV, which is dependent on the activation of C3 via the classical pathway of complement, was normal: Western blot analysis of total IgG and of IgG subclass responses to individual HIV antigens proved to be unimpaired.

Antigen-Antibody Complex

Pedigree of the major histocompatibility complex in a family with a neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Immunization of a mother negative for the platelet-specific antigen P1A1 against the P1A1 antigen of her child induced neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. This prompt immune response occurred in her first pregnancy and we were therefore interested to study whether there is an association with genes located within the major histocompatibility complex. We deduced haplotypes of HLA-A, B, C and DR as well as of complement C2, C4 and Bf in the maternal family members.

Adult

Inherited deficiency of the second component of complement. Rheumatic disease associations.

The prevalence of homozygous and heterozygous deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) was determined in patients with rheumatic disease including 137 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 274 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and 134 with rheumatoid arthritis. 1 C2 homozygous deficient and 19 possible heterozygous deficient individuals were identified by using both immunochemical and functional assays to determine C2 levels. Of the 20, 8 had SLE (5.9%), 10 had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (3.7%), and 2 had rheumatoid arthritis (1.4%), the homozygous deficient individual having SLE. The prevalence of C2 deficiency in the SLE and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients was significantly increased (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.02, respectively) when compared with controls, 6 (1.2%) of 509 blood donors having C2 levels consistent with heterozygous deficiency. 15 of the 20 C2 deficient patients were HLA typed and found to have antigens A10(Aw25), B18, or both. The patients with C2 deficiency and SLE had earlier age of onset of disease and less antinuclear antibody when compared with the C2 normal SLE patients. 11 families of the propositi were studied and found to have one or more C2 heterozygous deficient individuals. The family members had an equal distribution of rheumatic disease and antinuclear antibody in the C2 deficient and C2 normal groups. C2 deficient individuals were found to have significantly lower levels of properdin Factor B (242 mug/ml+/-54) when compared with the non-C2 deficient family members (282 mug/ml+/-73). These data support the concept that inherited deficiency of C2 is significantly associated with both SLE and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Adult

The chromosomal order of genes controlling the major histocompatibility complex, properdin factor B, and deficiency of the second component of complement.

The relationship of the genes coding for HLA to those coding for properdin Factor B allotypes and for deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) was studied in families of patients with connective tissue disorders. Patients were selected because they were heterozygous or homozygous for C2 deficiency. 12 families with 15 matings informative for C2 deficiency were found. Of 57 informative meioses, two crossovers were noted between the C2 deficiency gene and the HLA-B gene, with a recombinant fraction of 0.035. A lod score of 13 was calculated for linkage between C2 deficiency and HLA-B at a maximum likelihood value of the recombinant fraction of 0.04. 18 families with 21 informative matings for both properdin Factor B allotype and HLA-B were found. Of 72 informative meioses, three recombinants were found, giving a recombinant fraction of 0.042. A lod score of 16 between HLA-B and Factor B allotypes was calculated at a maximum likelihood value of the recombinant fraction of 0.04. A crossover was shown to have occurred between genes for Factor B and HLA-D, in which HLA-D segregared with HLA-A and B. These studies suggest that the genes for Factor B and C2 deficiency are located outside those for HLA, that the order of genese is HLA-A, -B, -D, Factor B allotype, C2 deficiency, that the genes coding for C2 deficiency and Factor B allotypes are approximately 3--5 centimorgans from the HLA-A and HLA-B loci, and that the apparent lack of recombinants between the Factor B gene and C2 deficiency gene suggests that these two genes lie in close proximity to one another.

Chromosome Mapping

Antibody-independent activation of C1 by type Ia group B streptococci.

A prototype fresh clinical isolate of type Ia group B streptococci (strain 515) can be opsonized by serum containing low levels of antibody. This opsonizing process can also occur in hypogammaglobulinemic serum, confirming its antibody independence, but it does require Ca++ ions and the second component of complement (C2). When formalin-fixed organisms are reacted with whole serum, C4 and C3 are cleaved. These data are strong evidence that this organism can directly activate C1 in the absence of antibody and that this activation leads to the formation of a classical C3 convertase (C4b2a), which cleaves C3. The observation that opsonization can occur in hypogammaglobulinemic serum suggests that complement alone, presumably the fixation of C3b, is sufficient for phagocytes to ingest this pathogen.

Complement Activation

Pretranslational regulation of the synthesis of the third component of complement in human mononuclear phagocytes by the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharide.

The third component of complement (C3) is a plasma glycoprotein with a variety of biologic functions in the initiation and maintenance of host response to infectious agents. While the hepatocyte is the primary source of plasma C3, mononuclear phagocytes contribute to the regulation of tissue availability of C3. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a constituent of cell walls of gram-negative bacteria, consists of a polysaccharide moiety (core polysaccharide and O antigen) covalently linked to a lipid portion (lipid A). Using metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine, immunoprecipitation, and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we examined the effects of LPS on synthesis of C3 by human mononuclear phagocytes as well as synthesis of the second component of complement (C2), factor B, lysozyme, and total protein. LPS increased C3 synthesis 5-30-fold without affecting the kinetics of secretion of C3 or the synthesis of C2, lysozyme, or total protein. Factor B synthesis was consistently increased by LPS. Experiments with lipid A-inactivated LPS (alkaline treated), LPS from a polysaccharide mutant strain, and lipid X (a lipid A precursor) indicated that the lipid A portion is the structural element required for this effect. Northern blot analysis demonstrated at least a fivefold increase in C3 mRNA in LPS-treated monolayers, which suggests that the regulation of the increase in C3 synthesis is pretranslational. C2 mRNA and factor B mRNA were increased approximately twofold. The availability of specific gene products in human mononuclear phagocytes that respond to LPS should permit understanding of the molecular regulation of more complex functions of these cells elicited by LPS in which multiple gene products are coordinately expressed.

Complement C2

Cell-specific expression of the human complement protein factor B gene: evidence for the role of two distinct 5'-flanking elements.

The human complement protein Factor B is encoded by a single gene in the major histocompatibility complex and is closely linked to the gene encoding the second component of complement C2. DNA sequencing, S1 mapping, and primer extension experiments have established that the transcription initiation site of the Factor B gene lies only 421 bp from the poly(A) site of the C2 gene. Deletion analysis of the Factor B 5'-flanking region has suggested the presence of cis-acting DNA elements that are essential for the cell-specific expression of the Factor B gene. These sequences extend into the 3' region of the C2 gene. We have defined an enhancer element in the 5'-flanking region in addition to the promoter element. Our results suggest that the cell-specific expression of the Factor B gene is dependent upon the combinatorial effect of both the promoter and the enhancer elements.

Base Sequence