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Protective role of Kupffer cells in acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury in mice.

Hepatic injury induced by various toxic agents, including acetaminophen (APAP), has been attributed, in part, to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and other mediators by resident Kupffer cells within the liver. However, recent evidence from our laboratory has demonstrated that hepato-protective factors, such as interleukin (IL)-10 and cyclooxygenase-derived mediators, are also upregulated in response to hepatic damage to help protect against exacerbated injury, and Kupffer cells have been suggested to be a source of these modulatory factors. In other models, Kupffer cells also serve important regulatory functions in pathophysiological states of the liver. Therefore, we reevaluated the role of Kupffer cells in a murine model of APAP-induced liver injury using liposome-entrapped clodronate (liposome/clodronate) as an effective Kupffer cell-depleting agent. We show that in contrast to pretreatment of mice with a widely used macrophage inhibitor, gadolinium chloride, which did not deplete Kupffer cells but moderately protected against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity as reported previously, the intravenous injection of liposome/clodronate caused nearly complete elimination of Kupffer cells and significantly increased susceptibility to APAP-induced liver injury as compared with mice pretreated with empty liposomes. This increased susceptibility was apparently unrelated to the metabolism of APAP since liposome/clodronate pretreatment did not alter APAP-protein adduct levels. Instead, Kupffer cell depletion by liposome/clodronate led to significant decreases in the levels of hepatic mRNA expression of several hepato-regulatory cytokines and mediators, including IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 binding protein and complement 1q, suggesting that Kupffer cells are a significant source for production of these mediators in this model. Our findings indicate that, in addition to their protoxicant activities, Kupffer cells can also have an important protective function in the liver through the production of a variety of modulatory factors which may counteract inflammatory responses and/or stimulate liver regeneration.

Acetaminophen↗

Highly efficient neutralization of HIV with recombinant CD4-immunoglobulin molecules.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exploits the cell surface CD4 molecule to initiate the infection which can lead, eventually, to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The HIV-1 envelope protein, gp120, interacts specifically with CD4 and soluble CD4 molecules have been shown to inhibit HIV infectivity in vitro. Effective inhibition in vivo may, however, require more potent reagents. We describe here the generation of molecules which combine the specificity of CD4 and the effector functions of different immunoglobulin subclasses. Replacing the VH and CH1 domains of either mouse gamma 2a or mu heavy chains with the first two N-terminal domains of CD4 results in molecules that are secreted in the absence of any immunoglobulin light chains. We find that the pentameric CD4-IgM chimaera is at least 1,000-fold more active than its dimeric CD4-IgG counterpart in syncytium inhibition assays and that effector functions, such as the binding of Fc receptors and the first component of the complement cascade (Clq), are retained. Similar chimaeric molecules, combining CD4 with human IgG were recently described by Capon et al., but these included the CH1 domain and did not bind Clq. Deletion of the CH1 domain may allow the association and secretion of heavy chains in the absence of light chains, and we suggest that the basic design of our constructs may be generally and usefully applied.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Serum amyloid P component controls chromatin degradation and prevents antinuclear autoimmunity.

Serum amyloid P component (SAP), a highly conserved plasma protein named for its universal presence in amyloid deposits, is the single normal circulating protein that shows specific calcium-dependent binding to DNA and chromatin in physiological conditions. The avid binding of SAP displaces H1-type histones and thereby solubilizes native long chromatin, which is otherwise profoundly insoluble at the physiological ionic strength of extracellular fluids. Furthermore, SAP binds in vivo both to apoptotic cells, the surface blebs of which bear chromatin fragments, and to nuclear debris released by necrosis. SAP may therefore participate in handling of chromatin exposed by cell death. Here we show that mice with targeted deletion of the SAP gene spontaneously develop antinuclear autoimmunity and severe glomerulonephritis, a phenotype resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus, a serious autoimmune disease. The SAP-/- mice also have enhanced anti-DNA responses to immunization with extrinsic chromatin, and we demonstrate that degradation of long chromatin is retarded in the presence of SAP both in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate that SAP has an important physiological role, inhibiting the formation of pathogenic autoantibodies against chromatin and DNA, probably by binding to chromatin and regulating its degradation.

Animals↗

Measurement of circulating immune complexes in human sera by enzyme immunoassay.

Two methods, based on enzyme immunoassay, are described for the detection and quantitation of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in human sera. Aggregated human gamma globulin (AHG) or immune complexes in human sera are bound to complement receptors on Raji cells or to Clq adsorbed on to the plastic surface of microtitre plates. The bound complexes are subsequently detected using peroxidase-conjugated anti-human immunoglobulin antisera. The assays offer a benefit over previously described assays in that they use cheap, commercially available antisera and enable the detection of immune complexes composed of varying immunoglobulin classes.

Animals↗

Recombinant polymeric IgG: an approach to engineering more potent antibodies.

IgM and IgG are the only classes of immunoglobulin capable of initiating the classical complement cascade. IgM, however, fixes complement much more effectively than IgG making it a more attractive Fc for some immunotherapeutic strategies. IgG, on the other hand, triggers additional effector functions mediated through gamma specific Fc receptors. Using a generalizable technique we have produced IgM-like polymers of IgG that possess both the Fc gamma receptor binding properties of IgG and the more potent complement activity of IgM.

Animals↗

Gene expression profiling in a mouse model for African trypanosomiasis.

This study aimed to provide the foundation for an integrative approach to the identification of the mechanisms underlying the response to infection with Trypanosoma congolense, and to identify pathways that have previously been overlooked. We undertook a large-scale gene expression analysis study comparing susceptible A/J and more tolerant C57BL/6 mice. In an initial time course experiment, we monitored the development of parasitaemia and anaemia in every individual. Based on the kinetics of disease progression, we extracted total RNA from liver at days 0, 4, 7, 10 and 17 post infection and performed a microarray analysis. We identified 64 genes that were differentially expressed in the two strains in non-infected animals, of which nine genes remained largely unaffected by the disease. Gene expression profiling at stages of low, peak, clearance and recurrence of parasitaemia suggest that susceptibility is associated with high expression of genes coding for chemokines (e.g. Ccl24, Ccl27 and Cxcl13), complement components (C1q and C3) and interferon receptor alpha (Ifnar1). Additionally, susceptible A/J mice expressed higher levels of some potassium channel genes. In contrast, messenger RNA levels of a few immune response, metabolism and protease genes (e.g. Prss7 and Mmp13) were higher in the tolerant C57BL/6 strain as compared to A/J.

Animals↗

Pyridinedicarboxylates, the first mechanism-derived inhibitors for prolyl 4-hydroxylase, selectively suppress cellular hydroxyprolyl biosynthesis. Decrease in interstitial collagen and Clq secretion in cell culture.

Two pyridinedicarboxylates, predicted [Hanauske-Abel (1983) M.D.-Ph.D. Thesis, Philipps Universität Marburg] and later found to be potent reversible inhibitors of purified prolyl 4-hydroxylase [Majaama, Hanauske-Abel, Günzler & Kivirikko (1984) Eur. J. Biochem. 138, 239-245] were investigated with respect to their effect on hydroxyprolyl biosynthesis in the fibroblast/collagen and the macrophage/Clq systems, and the effect was compared with that of the iron chelator 2,2'-dipyridyl, the compound usually employed to inhibit cellular hydroxyprolyl formation. Only the enzyme-mechanism-derived pyridinedicarboxylates were highly selective inhibitors, and only they lacked overt cytotoxicity. Morphologically, their effect was restricted to the site of cellular hydroxyprolyl biosynthesis, i.e. the cisternae of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. They were equally effective in the different cell types studied, and human and guinea-pig fibroblasts showed the same sensitivity. The minimal lipophilicity of the pyridinedicarboxylates necessitated high concentrations to achieve suppression of cellular hydroxyprolyl formation, but lipophilic bio-activatable pro-inhibitors may overcome this disadvantage. For the first time, experimental evidence is presented suggesting that, in cell culture, the biosynthesis of interstitial collagens and Clq can be suppressed selectively, identifying the pyridinedicarboxylates as promising pilot compounds for experiments in vivo.

Animals↗

Demonstration by pulsed neutron scattering that the arrangement of the Fab and Fc fragments in the overall structures of bovine IgG1 and IgG2 in solution is similar.

The bovine IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes exhibit large differences in effector functions. To examine the structural basis for this, the 12-domain structures of IgG1 and IgG2 were investigated by pulsed neutron scattering using a recently developed camera LOQ. This method reports on the average relative disposition in solution of the Fab and Fc fragments in IgG. The radii of gyration (RG) were found to be similar at 5.64 and 5.71 nm for IgG1 and IgG2 respectively in 100% 2H2O buffers. The two cross-sectional radii of gyration (RXS) were also similar at 2.38-2.41 and 0.98-1.02 nm. Similar values were obtained for porcine IgG. Both bovine IgG1 and IgG2 possess similar overall solution structures, despite sequence differences at the hinge region at the centre of their structures. An automated computer survey of possible IgG structures was developed, in which coordinates for the two Fab fragments were displaced in a two-dimensional plane relative to those of the Fc fragment in 0.25 nm steps. The scattering curves calculated from these structures were found to be sensitive to relative displacements of the three fragments, but not on their rotational orientation about their longest axes. Good agreement with the solution scattering data was obtained with a planar IgG model in which the C-terminus of the CH1 domain of Fab was 3.6 nm from the N-terminus of Fc in both IgG1 and IgG2, with a precision of 0.7 nm. Energy refinement showed that this spatial separation is compatible with the hinge sequences of bovine IgG1 and IgG2. The results show that multidomain protein structures can be modelled using LOQ data, and that a long hinge sequence does not necessarily reflect a large distance between Fab and Fc. The steric accessibility of Fc sites for interactions with cell-surface Fc receptors and C1q of complement is shown to be generally similar for IgG1 and IgG2, and the difference in effector function between IgG1 and IgG2 is probably based on deletions in the IgG2 hinge sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of a platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist on hyperacute xenograft rejection; evaluation in a pig kidney-human blood xenoperfusion model.

In pig to human discordant xenotransplantation, PAF may contribute to the pathogenesis of hyperacute xenograft rejection (HXR). We examined the release of PAF and the effect of a PAF receptor antagonist (BN 52021) on HXR in a pig kidney-human blood xenoperfusion model. Pig kidneys were perfused with porcine blood (AUTO group, n = 5), human blood (HETER group, n = 6) or human blood plus BN 52021 (BN group, n = 4), respectively. In contrast to HETER kidneys that never produced urine and were rejected in 15-30 min, the administration of BN 52021 induced a partial recovery of glomerular filtration rate and allowed kidneys to function until the end of the study. The release of PAF and soluble P-selectin, as well as endothelial P-selectin expression and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO), were much higher in the HETER than in the AUTO group. HETER and BN kidneys displayed similar natural xenoantibody titres, CH50, PAF, soluble P-selectin as well as renal immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG, IgA) and complement (C3, C1q) deposition. However, HETER kidneys displayed a full histologic picture of HXR (mainly interstitial haemorrhage and vascular microthrombi) and BN kidneys had only endothelial cell swelling. Also, BN 52021 administration attenuated glomerular and vascular P-selectin expression and renal tissue MPO activity. We conclude that in the pig kidney-human blood xenoperfusion model, PAF is produced in higher amounts than in the pig kidney-pig blood autologous combination. The administration of BN 52021 exerts a protective effect by means of attenuating the acute inflammatory response and blocking vascular microthrombi formation.

Animals↗

A pivotal role of cell-bound but not soluble CD4 molecules in full development of lupus-like manifestations in MRL-Fas(lprcg)/Fas(lprcg) mice.

The role of CD4 molecules in the autoimmune and lymphoproliferative syndrome caused by murine Fas mutations was studied using the novel systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) model, MRL-Fas(lpr(cg))/Fas(lprcg) (MRL-lpr(cg)) mice, in combination with the novel mutant CD4 gene producing soluble CD4 (sCD4) instead of membrane-bound CD4 (mCD4). For this purpose, various autoimmune manifestations were compared among MRL-lpr(cg) mice homozygous (CD4slprcg), heterozygous (CD4s/mlpr(cg)), and wild-type (CD4mlpr(cg)) for the CD4 mutation. The mortality, glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, and lymphadenopathy were significantly ameliorated in CD4slprcg compared with CD4mlpr(cg) and CD4s/mlpr(cg) mice, both being comparable in these clinical characteristics. In parallel with the clinical improvement, the serum levels of immunoglobulin, anti-DNA antibodies, anti-nuclear antibodies and immune complexes, and the extent of glomerular immune deposition, were significantly lower in the former. The results indicate that mCD4 is important and can not be replaced by sCD4 in full development of SLE-like manifestations, and suggest that CD4+ T cells may aggravate the autoimmune disease by stimulating autoreactive B cells to produce autoantibodies through their helper activity in Fas mutant models. The sCD4 levels in the serum and spleen elevated with the increased accumulation of B220+CD4-CD8- (double-negative (DN)) T cells in CD4slpr(cg) mice. This, together with the significantly milder lymphadenopathy associated with lower DN T cell contents in CD4slpr(cg) than CD4mlpr(cg) mice, implies that some of abnormal DN T cells may be derived from cells of the CD4 lineage.

Animals↗

Pathophysiological roles of calreticulin in autoimmune disease.

Autoantibodies against the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal protein, calreticulin are often present in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatic disease and various parasitic diseases including onchocerciasis. New information has revealed that calreticulin is implicated in a number of autoimmune processes, including molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, complement inactivation and stimulation of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide production. Calreticulin also binds to the Ro/SS-A antigen complex, which is composed of at least three immunologically distinct proteins bound to a group of small cytoplasmic RNAs that together form a common target for autoimmune responses. Up-regulation of calreticulin at the protein and RNA levels can be triggered by cell stresses, including heat shock, exposure to heavy metals and perturbation of normal ER function, which may in some cases lead to its secretion from cells. Calreticulin is targeted by autoantibodies following its release into the extracellular environment, possibly as a result of cell death, or its presence at the cell surface in response to insults such as viral infection or ultraviolet irradiation. These findings suggest that calreticulin is not just an autoantigen, but plays an active role in the pathology of various autoimmune disease through determinant spreading.

Animals↗

Binding of Tamm-Horsfall protein to complement 1q and complement 1, including influence of hydrogen-ion concentration.

The goal of this study was to further characterize the interaction between an abundant urinary glycoprotein, Tamm-Horsfall protein, and complement 1q to determine the robustness of this reaction under different environmental conditions (particularly pH) and to begin to determine the specificity of this reaction. The influence of pH coupled with ionic strength was evaluated with an ELISA that demonstrated immobilized Tamm-Horsfall protein bound complement 1q strongly with a KD in the nmol/L range from pH 9 to pH 5.5. Increasing the ionic strength from 10 mmol/L sodium chloride (NaCl) to 154 mmol/L NaCl decreased the affinity of Tamm-Horsfall protein for complement 1q slightly (2-7-fold) at pH 9 to pH 6.5. A resonant mirror biosensor was also utilized to evaluate the binding of Tamm-Horsfall protein to complement 1q at different pH values (pH 8.2-5.8). These studies indicated that, compared to at pH 8.2, Tamm-Horsfall protein bound complement 1q at pH 5.8 with an almost two-fold higher affinity (pH 8.2, KD = 5.1 nmol/L vs at pH 5.8, KD = 2.8 nmol/L) due to a faster association rate (pH 8.2 kass = 1.6 x 106 L/mol per s vs pH 5.8 kass = 2.9 x 106 L/mol per s). Surprisingly, the capacity of Tamm-Horsfall protein for complement 1q decreased significantly at pH 5.8, suggesting that a site for complement 1q binding to Tamm-Horsfall protein may be lost at the acidic pH. Biosensor studies also showed that Tamm-Horsfall protein bound the entire complement 1 complex with binding affinities and association rates similar to those obtained for complement 1q individually. This suggested that Tamm-Horsfall protein bound complement 1q at a site other than the region of its collagenous tail where C1r2 and C1s2 bind. By western blot analysis, it was demonstrated that Tamm-Horsfall protein bound preferentially to the C chain of complement 1q.

Biosensing Techniques↗

Plasmapheresis with a substitution solution of human serum protein (5%) versus plasmapheresis with a substitution solution of human albumin (5%) in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used extensively for over 2 decades to treat a variety of autoimmune and congenital diseases and is now widely accepted. The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of two plasma exchange preparations, human serum protein (HSP) and human albumin (HA). Twenty-four patients in the following disease categories underwent TPE using either HSP (Biseko, 5%) or HA (5%): systemic lupus erythematosus, 8; glomerulonephritis, 8; myasthenia gravis, 2; Guillain-Barré-syndrome, 2; recurrent iritis, 1; pemphigoid, 1; uveitis, 1; and vascular retinitis, 1. There was no statistically significant difference in the average number of TPEs needed in the HSP group (13.5) and HA (13.8) measured over the first 6 weeks of treatment. The secondary parameters, in particular the immunological parameters IgG and IgA, provided evidence that plasma exchange with HSP may have some advantages over HA, and confirmatory studies in a larger group of patients are indicated. Adverse events during TPE occurred in both the HAS group (4 patients) and the HA group (4 patients). However, patients in the HSP group were older (12.3 years), were suffering from more complicated autoimmune diseases, and the number of occasions (days) on which these were reported (6 days) was less than in the HA group (11 days). One patient in the HA group died from septic-toxic circulatory collapse on Day 49 due to an infection with resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Infections in other patients did not occur; all showed considerable improvement in their symptoms and completed the study in good general condition.

Adult↗

Immunoadsorption of human plasma with protein A-sepharose columns.

Four patients with refractory acute leukemia were treated a total of 31 times with an immunoadsorption system consisting of protein A-sepharose columns, a cell separator, and an elution monitor to test its safety and capacity to remove immunoglobulins. The procedure was tolerated well, and acutely reduced plasma IgG levels by approximately 18 percent. When the procedure was repeated two to three times per week for 3 weeks, IgG levels dropped by 30 to 40 percent, but they gradually returned to pretreatment levels after completion of the course of treatment. Single columns became saturated with IgG after approximately 1500 ml of plasma had passed through the columns. The use of multiple columns sequentially provided continuous extraction of immunoglobulin. One patient regained responsiveness to platelet transfusions after removal of platelet antibodies. These preliminary studies suggest that this immunoadsorption system is effective for specifically removing IgG and that it merits further clinical testing.

Acute Disease↗

An adipocyte-derived plasma protein, adiponectin, adheres to injured vascular walls.

Adipose tissue secretes a variety of proteins into the bloodstream. We have previously reported a novel cDNA, apM1 (adipose most abundant gene transcript 1), which is specifically and abundantly expressed in adipose tissue [1]. Primary structure analysis predicted that the apM1 gene product possesses significant homology to collagens VIII, X and complement factor C1q, and we named it adiponectin. In the current study, we analyzed characteristics of adiponectin in vitro and in vivo. Adiponectin protein was proved to be secreted into the medium when the cDNA was transfected to COS cells. Anti-adiponectin cross-reactivities were abundantly detected in the human plasma. In solid-phase binding assays, adiponectin specifically bound to collagen types I, III and V, which are present in vascular intima. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that adiponectin was detected in the walls of the catheter-injured vessels but not in the intact vascular walls. These data suggest that adiponectin is a plasma protein produced by adipose tissue and accumulates in vascular walls when the endothelial barrier is injured.

Adipocytes↗