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Complement activation after oxidative stress: role of the lectin complement pathway.

The complement system plays an important role in mediating tissue injury after oxidative stress. The role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and the lectin complement pathway (LCP) in mediating complement activation after endothelial oxidative stress was investigated. iC3b deposition on hypoxic (24 hours; 1% O(2))/reoxygenated (3 hours; 21% O(2)) human endothelial cells was attenuated by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or D-mannose, but not L-mannose, in a dose-dependent manner. Endothelial iC3b deposition after oxidative stress was also attenuated in MBL-deficient serum. Novel, functionally inhibitory, anti-human MBL monoclonal antibodies attenuated MBL-dependent C3 deposition on mannan-coated plates in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of human serum with anti-MBL monoclonal antibodies inhibited MBL and C3 deposition after endothelial oxidative stress. Consistent with our in vitro findings, C3 and MBL immunostaining throughout the ischemic area at risk increased during rat myocardial reperfusion in vivo. These data suggest that the LCP mediates complement activation after tissue oxidative stress. Inhibition of MBL may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for ischemia/reperfusion injury and other complement-mediated disease states.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Microglial reactions after subcutaneous formalin injection into the rat hind paw.

Microglia in primary afferent projection territories are activated and proliferate after peripheral nerve injury. However, it is not known whether stimulation of peripheral nerves by noxious stimuli applied to their receptive fields activates microglial cells in the spinal cord. This study was designed to investigate the response of microglia in the lumbar spinal cord and in the brainstem to a tonic noxious stimulus. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of 5% formalin (50 microliter) into the plantar surface of the right hind paw, and 24 rats were injected with 50 microliter saline as a control. The lumbar spinal cord and brainstem were evaluated for immunoreactivity (IR) to complement receptor C3bi (monoclonal antibody OX-42) and major histocompatibility complex class II (monoclonal antibody OX-6) on postinjection hours 0, 2, 4 and 8 and days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28. A qualitative and quantitative increase of OX-42-IR microglial cells were observed in the medial portion of the dorsal horn and in the gracile nucleus of the brainstem on the side ipsilateral to the formalin injection, starting on days 1-3 and peaking on day 7 postinjection. OX-6-positive cells were scattered both in gray and white matter, but no difference was detected between the two sides of the spinal cord or between formalin-injected and control animals. This is the first study that reports that subcutaneous injection of formalin into the rat's hind paw induces microglial activation in the spinal cord as well as in the brainstem. Although we have not determined whether these responses result from nociceptor activity, peripheral inflammation, or degeneration of primary afferents and/or central neurons, this method provides a simple, effective and stable animal model that will permit the future study of the mechanisms that contribute to microglial activation and its pathophysiological consequences.

Animals↗

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↗

The GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab (c7E3) inhibits the binding of various ligands to the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18, alphaMbeta2).

Cross-reactivity with integrins other than glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) is discussed as a potential reason for the overall clinical benefits of the GP IIb/IIIa-blocking antibody-fragment abciximab. We evaluated whether abciximab binds to the leukocyte integrin Mac-1, whether it inhibits binding of the distinct ligands and thereby may modulate inflammation, cell proliferation and coagulation. Binding of fluorescence-labelled abciximab to phorbolmyristate acetate-stimulated monocytes and to a monocytic cell line (THP-1) could be detected in flow cytometry. The binding of fibrinogen, the inactivated complement factor 3b (iC3b), and the coagulation factor X to Mac-1 could be inhibited by abciximab (10 microg/ml) in vitro. As a functional consequence, the conversion of factor X to factor Xa mediated by Mac-1, as detected by the chromogenic substrate SZ-2222, was impaired by abciximab. Adhesion of THP-1 cells to immobilized intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and to fibrinogen was reduced significantly by abciximab. Fibrinogen-mediated cell aggregation was also impaired. In conclusion, we describe binding of abciximab to Mac-1 on stimulated monocytes. Thereby, abciximab inhibits binding of the ligands fibrinogen, ICAM-1, iC3b and factor X. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Mac-1-dependent conversion from factor X to factor Xa is impaired by abciximab, arguing for the direct modulation of the coagulation cascade by abciximab. Overall, the inhibition of Mac-1 could provide additional clinical benefits of abciximab beyond the well-described blockade of GP IIb/IIIa.

Abciximab↗

Compstatin, a peptide inhibitor of complement, exhibits species-specific binding to complement component C3.

Although activation of complement protein C3 is essential for the generation of normal inflammatory responses against pathogens, its unregulated activation during various pathological conditions leads to host cell damage. Previously we have identified a 13-residue cyclic peptide, Compstatin, that inhibits C3 activation. In this study, we have examined the species-specificity of Compstatin. Bimolecular interaction analysis using a real-time surface plasmon resonance-based assay showed that Compstatin exhibits exclusive specificity for primate C3s and does not bind either to C3s from lower mammalian species or to two structural homologs of C3, human C4 and C5. Furthermore, it showed that although the kinetics of binding of Compstatin to non-human primate C3s were distinctly different from those to human C3, like human C3 its mechanism of binding to non-human primate C3 was biphasic and did not follow a simple 1:1 interaction, suggesting that this binding mechanism could be important for its inhibitory activity. Analysis of Ala substitution analogs of Compstatin for their inhibitory activities against mouse and rat complement suggested that the lack of binding of Compstatin to mouse and rat C3s was not a result of sterically hindered access to the binding pocket due to individual bulky side chains or the presence of charge on the Compstatin molecule. These results suggest that Compstatin's exclusive specificity for primate C3s could be exploited for the development of species-specific complement inhibitors.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Complement activation following reoxygenation of hypoxic human endothelial cells: role of intracellular reactive oxygen species, NF-kappaB and new protein synthesis.

Complement plays an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. We recently demonstrated that reoxygenation of hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) activated the classical complement pathway and augmented iC3b deposition. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of oxygen-derived free radicals, NF-kappaB and new protein synthesis in this model. HUVECs subjected to 12 or 24 h hypoxic stress (1% O2) and then reoxygenated (0.5, 1, 2 or 3 h; 21% O2) in 30% human serum activated complement and deposited iC3b. Addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 1-100 micromol/l) to normoxic HUVECs increased iC3b deposition in a concentration-dependent manner. H2O2 (10 micromol/l), a concentration that did not significantly increase iC3b deposition on normoxic HUVECs, augmented iC3b deposition on hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs. We observed a significant increase in intracellular H2O2 and hydroxyl radical (OH.) production in hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs using dihydrorhodamine 123. Further, treatment of HUVECs with dimethylthiourea (DMTU, 1-100 micromol/l), deferoxamine (DEF, 1-100 micromol/l), or oxypurinol (10 micromol/l), but not superoxide dismutase (SOD, 500 U/ml), catalase (300 U/ml) or iron-loaded DEF, attenuated iC3b deposition following hypoxia/reoxygenation in a concentration-dependent manner. Western analysis demonstrated hypoxia-induced nuclear NF-kappaB translocation that increased with reoxygenation. Inhibition of new protein synthesis (i.e. cycloheximide) or inhibition of NF-kappaB (ALLN or SN-50) also significantly decreased iC3b deposition on hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs. We conclude that (1) hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs generate H2O2 and OH.; (2) treatment of HUVECs with cell permeable reactive oxygen species inhibitors/scavengers (i.e. DEF, DMTU, oxypurinol) but not large molecular weight inhibitors (i.e. catalase or SOD) significantly reduces iC3b deposition and (3) inhibition of new protein synthesis or NF-kappaB activation attenuates iC3b deposition. These data suggest that iC3b deposition on the vascular endothelium may be regulated by intracellular oxygen-derived free radical-induced activation of NF-kappaB, new protein synthesis and activation of the classical complement pathway during ischemia/reperfusion.

Cell Hypoxia↗

A simple procedure for isolation of Bufo arenarum C3 complement fraction and preparation of antiserum.

Because of the need for antibodies in our studies involving the third component of complement in Bufo arenarum, we performed a simple procedure to purify C3 from B. arenarum serum to use as antigen in the preparation of the antiserum. The strategy was based on the well-known ability of C3 to bind to zymosan (Zy), a yeast cell wall extract comprised of polysaccharides. The Zy-bound fraction showed cross reactivity with a commercial antibody to human C3 as well as a similar electrophoretic profile (SDS-PAGE) to C3 from other species. The Zy-C3 complex resulting from binding Zy to B. arenarum serum was injected into rabbits and the antiserum against this C3-like fraction was purified by protein A-Sepharose chromatography. The purified C3 antibody was found to be suitable for immunochemical studies.

Animals↗

The interstitial space of the thyroid gland of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

The interstitial space of the thyroid gland of adult marmosets contains, like the stroma of other organs, cells and intercellular substance (matrix), blood vessels (predominantly capillaries), lymph vessels and unmyelinated nerves. It is demarcated from the follicular epithelium, the capillaries and Schwann cells by a basal lamina (BL). The perifollicular BL shows thickenings of up to 3 microns over long distances or a multilayered arrangement. These thickened segments exhibit numerous epithelial processes and ridges; in other words, the contour of the basal cell membrane is very irregular in these areas. Indentations of capillaries into the epithelium are rarely observed. The endothelium is only slightly porous. Lymph capillaries occur in large numbers. They originate freely in the interstitial space, show gaps or unspecific contacts between the thin endothelial cells; a basal lamina is missing. Bundles of 10-nm thick filaments (anchor filaments) extend to the endothelial cells of the lymph capillaries. Thin and very long (up to 8 microns) plate-like processes surround the capillaries or run parallel to the outer contour of the follicles. They originate at the poles of oval, fibroblast-like cells. Since these cells are FXIII- and C3bi-positive, they can be considered as dendritic cells. They obviously play a role in the frequently-observed autoimmune diseases of this species. In addition, monocytes and all transitional forms including macrophages, fibrocytes and lymphocytes as well as numerous mast cells occur. In the region of the BL, integrins of the beta 1-group (alpha 6) can be demonstrated immunohistologically in addition to the usual components (collagen type IV, laminin and heparan sulfate-proteoglycan). Of the fibrillar collagens type I does not occur, type III occurs only in small amounts, whereas types V and VI are observed in large amounts. The presented findings may serve as basis for more extensive experiments on these primates.

Animals↗

Identity of the amino acid residues involved in C3bi binding to the I-domain supports a mosaic model to explain the broad ligand repertoire of integrin alpha M beta 2.

Interactions between the complement degradation product C3bi and leukocyte integrin alpha(M)beta(2) are critical for host defense against foreign pathogens and in tumor cell surveillance. To gain insight into the mechanism by which the alpha(M)I-domain of the integrin interacts with C3bi, detailed mapping of the C3bi binding site was undertaken. Previous mutagenesis studies had implicated five small structural segments within the alpha(M)I-domain in recognition of this ligand. Sets of three amino acids within the five implicated segments were mutated to the corresponding alpha(L)I-domain residues. Then, within the affected mutants, single point mutations were introduced to precisely define the requisite residues. Ultimately, H148, F150, Q204, L205, R208, T211, T213, I256, P257 were identified as being critical for C3bi binding. A synthetic peptide approach confirmed the involvement of the specified residues with the complex midsegment, Q204-I215, in C3bi recognition. Furthermore, the alpha(D)I-domain, which has a low intrinsic affinity for C3bi, acquired high affinity for the ligand when the implicated residues were inserted. The residues necessary to engage C3bi reside on or adjacent to the cation binding MIDAS site of the alpha(M)I-domain. The amino acids involved in C3bi binding are distinct from those involved in interaction of previously mapped ligands with the alpha(M)I-domain. This divergence supports a mosaic model, in which different ligands engage different amino acids to bind to alpha(M)I-domain, accounting for the broad recognition capacity of integrin alpha(M)beta(2).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Processing of serum proteins underlies the mass spectral fingerprinting of myocardial infarction.

The MALDI-TOF spectra of peptides from the sera of normal and myocardial infarction patients produced patterns that provided an accurate diagnostic of MI. In myocardial infarction, the spectral pattern originated from the cleavage of complement C3 alpha chain to release the C3f peptide and cleavage of fibrinogen to release peptide A. The fibrinogen peptide A and complement C3f peptide were in turn progressively truncated by aminopeptidases to produce two families of fragments that formed the characteristic spectral pattern of MI. Time course and inhibitor studies demonstrated that the peptide patterns in the serum reflect the balance of disease-specific-protease and aminopeptidase activity ex vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The role of CD55 in protecting the tumour environment from complement attack.

CD55 is a complement regulatory protein expressed by cells to protect them from bystander killing by complement. CD55 is over-expressed 2-100-fold on tumour cells and is deposited in large amounts within tumour matrix. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) produced by tumours to stimulate angiogenesis, also up-regulates endothelial cell surface expression of CD55 and stimulates the release of matrix degrading metalloproteinases. This study investigated the effects of VEGF on CD55 deposition into matrix and the release of CD55 by metalloproteinases. In contrast to inflammatory cytokines, CD55 was up-regulated by VEGF at the cell surface and within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Interestingly, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to VEGF released similar amounts of CD55 into the ECM as a tumour cell line expressing 50-fold higher level of CD55 on its cell surface. Furthermore, in contrast to earlier studies, both tumour and HUVEC-derived CD55 was functionally active. However, in contrast to papain that degrades CD55, and collagenase that fails to release CD55, MMP-7 released intact CD55 from ECM. This suggests that it may have a further role to play in protecting cells during inflammation and invasion.

CD55 Antigens↗

Computational design of an integrin I domain stabilized in the open high affinity conformation.

We have taken a computational approach to design mutations that stabilize a large protein domain of approximately 200 residues in two alternative conformations. Mutations in the hydrophobic core of the alphaMbeta2 integrin I domain were designed to stabilize the crystallographically defined open or closed conformers. When expressed on the cell surface as part of the intact heterodimeric receptor, binding of the designed open and closed I domains to the ligand iC3b, a form of the complement component C3, was either increased or decreased, respectively, compared to wild type. Moreover, when expressed in isolation from other integrin domains using an artificial transmembrane domain, designed open I domains were active in ligand binding, whereas designed closed and wild type I domains were inactive. Comparison to a human expert designed open mutant showed that the computationally designed mutants are far more active. Thus, computational design can be used to stabilize a molecule in a desired conformation, and conformational change in the I domain is physiologically relevant to regulation of ligand binding.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Tolerance is dependent on complement C3 fragment iC3b binding to antigen-presenting cells.

Systemic tolerance can be induced by the introduction of antigen into an immune-privileged site. Here we investigated the role of complement in the induction of tolerance after intraocular injection. We found that the development of antigen-specific tolerance is dependent on a complement activation product. The ligation of the complement C3 activation product iC3b to complement receptor type 3 (the iC3b receptor) on antigen-presenting cells resulted in the sequential production of transforming growth factor-beta2 and interleukin-10, which is essential for the induction of tolerance. These observations may extend to the development of both neonatal tolerance and other forms of acquired tolerance.

Animals↗

Novel Rap1 dominant-negative mutants interfere selectively with C3G and Epac.

Rap1 is a Ras-related GTPase that is principally involved in integrin- and E-cadherin-mediated adhesion. Rap1 is transiently activated in response to many incoming signals via a large family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). The lack of potent Rap1 dominant-negative mutants has limited our ability to decipher Rap1-dependent pathways; we have therefore developed a procedure to generate such mutants consisting in the oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis of residues 14-19, selection of mutants presenting an enhanced interaction with Epac2 by yeast two-hybrid screening and counter-screening for mutants still interacting with Rap effectors. In detail analysis of their interaction capacity with various Rap-GEFs in the yeast two-hybrid system revealed that mutants of residues 15 and 16 interacted with Epacs, C3G and CalDAG-GEFI, whereas mutants of position 17 had selectively lost their ability to bind CalDAG-GEFI as well as, for some, C3G. In cellular models where Rap1 is activated via endogenous GEFs, the Rap1[S17A] mutant inhibits both the cAMP-Epac and EGF-C3G pathways, whereas Rap1[G15D] selectively interferes with the latter. Finally, Rap1[S17A] is able to act as a bona fide dominant-negative mutant in vivo since it phenocopies the eye-reducing and lethal effects of D-Rap1 deficiency in Drosophila, effects that are overcome by the overexpression of D-Epac or D-Rap1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗