Serologic, biologic and western blot analysis of human IgE-binding factor derived from a T cell hybridoma maintained in protein-free medium.

The human T cell hybridoma AC5 has been shown to produce an IgE-binding factor (IgEBF) upon stimulation with T cell mitogens, or anti-CD3 antibody. In this study, the line was established, propagated long term in a newly available serum-free, protein-free medium, and the factor it produced was analyzed. Serologic analysis, utilizing an ELISA assay and biotin-labeled human Ig of various isotypes, revealed that the IgEBF thus obtained was highly specific for the Ig epsilon-chain and was released primarily within the first 24 h after mitogen stimulation. Using biotin-labeled IgE as the detecting reagent, Western blot analysis of this factor demonstrated that the molecule was a single chain moiety of m.w. 64,000, and could be purified to apparent homogeneity by either DEAE or affinity (IgE column) chromatography. Detection of the IgEBF by ELISA and Western blot correlated well with activity in the previously employed rosette inhibition assay. Finally, purified IgEBF was found to suppress in vitro the production of IgE in the monoclonal human myeloma line U266, but not IgA or IgM-producing myelomas, providing evidence for the direct and specific regulatory action of this molecule on IgE-producing cells.     

Porin Associates with Tom22 to Regulate the Mitochondrial Protein Gate Assembly

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HIV-1 Accessory Protein Vpu Internalizes Cell-surface BST-2/Tetherin through Transmembrane Interactions Leading to Lysosomes

Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2, also known as tetherin) is a recently identified interferon-inducible host restriction factor that can block the production of enveloped viruses by trapping virus particles at the cell surface. This antiviral effect is counteracted by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory protein viral protein U (Vpu). Here we show that HIV-1 Vpu physically interacts with BST-2 through their mutual transmembrane domains and leads to the degradation of this host factor via a lysosomal, not proteasomal, pathway. The degradation is partially controlled by a cellular protein, β-transducin repeat-containing protein (βTrCP), which is known to be required for the Vpu-induced degradation of CD4. Importantly, targeting of BST-2 by Vpu occurs at the plasma membrane followed by the active internalization of this host protein by Vpu independently of constitutive endocytosis. Thus, the primary site of action of Vpu is the plasma membrane, where Vpu targets and internalizes cell-surface BST-2 through transmembrane interactions, leading to lysosomal degradation, partially in a βTrCP-dependent manner. Also, we propose the following configuration of BST-2 in tethering virions to the cell surface; each of the dimerized BST-2 molecules acts as a bridge between viral and cell membranes.