Detection of function-associated molecules on rat NK cells and their role in target cell lysis.

Anti-effector cell mAb 5C6.10.4 (5C6) inhibits cytotoxic activity of fish nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC). We now show that 5C6 also inhibits mammalian NK cell activity using fresh and cultured (CRC) leukemic rat NK cells. The inhibitory activity of 5C6 was caused by blocking of conjugate formation between NK cells and YAC-1 targets. Binding studies done by flow cytometry (FCM) showed that mAb 5C6 specifically bound to 8% of unfractionated rat spleen cells. Enrichment by nylon-wool fractionation produced 27.2% specific binding, along with a 3.4-fold enrichment in cytotoxic activity. Tissue distribution studies revealed that the highest number of cells recognized by mAb 5C6 were found in NWNA spleen cells (28.7%), followed by liver (18.9%) and peripheral blood (13.9). Two-color FCM showed that although all 3.2.3 mAb-positive cells were also stained with mAb 5C6, a small percentage of 3.2.3. negative noncytotoxic NWNA spleen T cells were 5C6 positive. Redirected lysis experiments demonstrated that anti-effector mAb-producing myeloma cells could be killed by CRC and NWNA spleen cells. In addition, mAb 5C6 produced specific inhibition of redirected lysis of each myeloma target. Experiments were also conducted to determine the signaling capability of the FAM complex. Binding of the anti-FAM mAbs to NWNA rat spleen cells caused a rapid increase in cytosolic free calcium of approximately 472 nM. Western blot analysis of CRC cell lysates showed that the molecules recognized by anti-FAM mAbs have molecular weights of 38 and 42 kDa. These studies indicate that the anti-effector mAbs recognize a functionally relevant molecule on rat NK cells that is involved in the first steps of cytolysis, i.e., antigen recognition, and which also triggers the activation of signal-transducing events in these cells.     

Monoclonal antibodies bind distinct classes of hemocytes in the moth Pseudoplusia includens

Insect hemocytes have historically been identified on the basis of morphology, ultrastructure and hypothesized function. Among insects in the order Lepidoptera, five hemocyte classes are usually recognized: granular cells, plasmatocytes, spherule cells, oenocytoids and prohemocytes. We have generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against hemocytes of the moth Pseudoplusia includens. In this study, hemocyte identification using 16 different mAbs was compared to identification methods using morphological characters. Three main categories of mAb binding activity were identified: (1) mAbs that specifically labeled only one morphological class of hemocytes, (2) mAbs that labeled granular cells and spherule cells, and (3) mAbs that labeled plasmatocytes and oenocytoids. With one exception, none of the antibodies bound to other tissues in P. includens. However, certain mAbs that specifically labeled granular cells and/or spherule cells in separated hemocyte populations also labeled plasmatocytes co-cultured with granular cells or cultured in granular cell conditioned medium. Overall, our results suggest that granular cells are antigenically related to spherule cells, and that plasmatocytes are antigenically related to oenocytoids. The use of mAbs as hemocyte markers are discussed.     

Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for the genus Listeria

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies were obtained by the classic hybridoma technique with lymphocytes of BALB/c mice immunized with formalin killed Listeria monocytogenes cells. Among 1000 hybridomas issued from the fusion, four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs A6 A E4, C10 A F7, G4 A D6, G7 A D5) gave interesting results. By Western-blot analysis with various soluble extracts of different Listeria species, the four mAbs reacted with two major antigens of 38 and 41 kDa, with all Listeria species tested. The mAb A6 A E4 is an IgG2b with κ light chains and reacted only with Listeria antigens without any cross reaction with other organisms tested by ELISA, dot-blotting and Western-blotting. With the same conditions, the three other mAbs reacted with Listeria and with other genus extracts, particularly with Streptococcus and Enterococcus . mAb A6 A E4-reactive antigens are proteins, and glycoprotein immunoassay indicated that the epitope is devoid of carbohydrate moiety. This mAb A6 A E4-reactive protein was neither expressed on cell surface nor released outside the bacteria; immunogold electron microscopy showed that these antigens were localized in the cytoplasma area.     

Mutagenesis of all eight avr genes in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris had no detected effect on pathogenicity, but one avr gene affected race specificity

Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify genes present in the systemic crucifer black rot pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 528T but missing from the nonsystemic crucifer leaf spot pathogen, X. campestris pv. armoraciae 417. Among the DNA fragments unique to 528T was Xcc2109, one of eight putative avr genes identified in the published 528T genome (NC_003902). Individual and sequential deletion, insertion mutations, or both of all eight 528T avr gene loci were made, but no change in pathogenicity was observed with any combination of avr mutations, including a strain with all eight avr genes deleted. However, insertion or deletion mutants affecting the Xcc2109 locus lost avirulence (i.e., became virulent) on Florida Mustard, an X. campestris pv. campestris race-determining, differential host. The Xcc2109 open reading frame as annotated was cloned and found to be nonfunctional. A longer gene, encompassing Xcc2109 and here designated avrXccFM, was cloned and found to complement the Xcc2109 mutants and to confer avirulence to two additional wild-type X. campestris pv. campestris strains, thereby changing their races. Resistance in Florida Mustard to 528T strains carrying avrXccFM occurred without a typical hypersensitive response (HR) on leaves, although a vascular HR was observed in seedlings.     

O-chain expression in the rough Brucella melitensis strain B115: induction of O-polysaccharide-specific monoclonal antibodies and intracellular localization demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy.

Spleen cells from mice infected with the rough Brucella melitensis strain B115 were fused with NSO myeloma cells. Hybridoma supernatants were screened in ELISA with cell walls (CW), sonicated cell extracts (CE) and rough lipopolysaccharide (R-LPS) of B. melitensis strain B115 and whole B. melitensis B115 cells. Surprisingly, 22 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reacting in ELISA with both CW and CE but not with R-LPS and bacterial cells were shown by immunoblot analysis and ELISA to react with smooth lipopolysaccharide (S-LPS). These mAbs also reacted in ELISA with O polysaccharides (OPS) from the smooth Brucella abortus strain 99 and the smooth B. melitensis strain 16M and thus recognize epitopes present on the O-chain. Proteinase K LPS preparations from B. melitensis B115 analysed by immunoblotting with one mAb (12G12) recognizing S-LPS of both A and M specificity displayed the typical S-LPS high-molecular-mass ladder pattern but no S-LPS was detected in the phenol/water/chloroform/light petroleum LPS preparation of the same strain. mAb 12G12, specific for S-LPS, and a mAb (A68/03F03/D05) specific for R-LPS were used to localize the O-chain and R-LPS expressed in B. melitensis strain B115 by immunoelectron microscopy. Immunogold labelling was observed at the surface of B. melitensis B115 cells with the anti-R-LPS mAb but not with the anti-S-LPS mAb. In ultrathin sections, immunogold labelling with the S-LPS specific mAb was observed in the cytoplasm and in the periphery of the cytoplasm, probably at the cytoplasmic membrane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

THE EFFECT OF LABELING INTENSITY,ESTIMATED BY REAL-TIME CONFOCAL LASER SCANNING MICROSCOPY,ON FLOW CYTOMETRIC APPEARANCE AND IDENTIFICATION OF IMMUNOCHEMICALLY LABELED MARINE DINOFLAGELLATES1

Two different fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugates were used to analyze the effect of labeling intensity on the flow cytometric appearance of marine dinoflagellates labeled with antibodies that specifically recognized the outer cell wall. Location of the labeling was revealed by epifluorescence and real-time confocal laser scanning microscopy using an anti-rabbit IgG/FITC-conjugated secondary antiserum. Flow cytometric measurements showed that cells of Prorocentrum species labeled this way could not always be distinguished from unlabeled cells. The labeling intensity increased several times when a biotinylated anti-rabbit IgG secondary antiserum was used in combination with a streptavidin/FITC conjugate. Flow cytometry indicated that the labeling intensity had increased 50%, which resulted in an improved separation of clusters of labeled and unlabeled cells.     

Comparison of different staining procedures for the flow cytometric analysis of U-937 cells infected with different Leishmania-species.

The human macrophage cell line U-937 infected with different Leishmania species, Leishmania mexicana amazonensis (Lma), Leishmania donovani (Ld) and Leishmania infantum (Li), was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Leishmania spp. were labeled with different stains prior to the infection of the U-937 cells (BCECF-Am, PKH2-GL and SYTO 17) or after the infection (AO, FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibodies, PI). Infected cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and in parallel microscopically after Giemsa staining. The data obtained by these two methods were compared to decide which method is mostly appropriate for detection and estimation of the infection rate. Three fluorescent stains were suitable: BCECF-Am, SYTO 17 and FITC-conjugated MoAb with 0.02% digitonin. None of the vital stains gave evaluable results after 3 days of incubation.     

Simultaneous blockade of Fc gamma receptors and indirect labeling of mouse lymphocytes by the selective detection of allotype-restricted epitopes on the kappa chain of rat monoclonal antibodies

BACKGROUND: Incubation of mouse hemopoietic cells with rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) of the IgG class sometimes results in Fc-region mediated binding of immunoglobulins by Fc-receptors. This unwanted binding can be prevented by preincubation of target cells with the rat anti-mouse anti-CD16/32 (2.4G2) mAb. METHODS: To avoid the cross-reactivity of fluorochrome-conjugated secondary anti-rat antibodies with the Fc-receptor blocking 2.4G2, direct fluorochrome-conjugated immunoglobulins need to be used. However, we report that a mouse mAb (MRC OX12) with a strong rat Igk(a) allotype preference can be used for flow cytometric measurements in conjunction with unlabeled rat mAbs with the simultaneous blockade of Fc gamma receptors by the 2.4G2 mAb. Results and Discussion This lack of reactivity of OX12 against the 2.4G2 mAb is remarkable, as it could efficiently detect another Sprague-Dawley-derived rat mAb. This staining procedure (unlabeled rat mAb of the appropriate strain detected by OX12 mAb in the presence of 2.4G2 IgG) is an attractive alternative to using direct antibody conjugates, while satisfying the need for an effective Fc gamma-receptor blockade.     

Demonstration of peptidoglycan-associated Brucella outer-membrane proteins by use of monoclonal antibodies.

A monoclonal antibody (3D6) was produced which reacted only with Brucella sonicated cell extracts that had been lysozyme-treated after sonication. The monoclonal antibody (mAb) reacted with the three major outer-membrane proteins (OMPs) of B. melitensis B115 in Western blots. A large number of reactive bands ranging from 12 to 43 kDa were present in lysozyme-treated Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica sonicated cell extracts. In a latex agglutination inhibition immunoassay, mAb 3D6 showed better reactivity with purified peptidoglycan (PG) of B. melitensis B115 than with that of Escherichia coli. This mAb was also used in immunogold electron microscopy with whole Brucella cells and sections. No binding was observed on whole cells and immunogold labelling in sections was observed close to the outer membrane, in the periplasmic space and in the cytoplasm. These findings indicate that mAb 3D6 is specific for PG subunits. Immunoblot analysis of B. melitensis B115 rough sonicated cell extracts after SDS-PAGE, with or without lysozyme treatment, was performed using mAbs specific for Brucella OMPs of molecular masses of 10, 16.5, 19, 25-27, 31-34, 36-38 and 89 kDa, for PG and for rough lipopolysaccharide (R-LPS) and smooth lipopolysaccharide (S-LPS). mAbs specific for the 25-27, 31-34 and 36-38 kDa OMPs reacted with three to six bands. All of them except the band of lowest molecular mass reacted with the PG-specific mAb and not with R-LPS- and S-LPS-specific mAbs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Protein cross-migration during isolation of nuclei from mixtures of heated and unheated HeLa cells

To investigate the cross-migration of proteins during nuclear isolation heated and control cells were mixed prior to nuclear isolation. These nuclei were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC, a protein-specific stain) and with propidium iodide (PI, a DNA-specific stain). Flow cytometric (FCM) analysis showed two populations distinguishable on the basis of protein content. The protein content of the nuclei in the upper population was identical to that for nuclei isolated from heated cells while that for the lower population had a protein content identical to the protein content of nuclei from control cells. This result shows that the heat-induced increase in nuclear protein content occurred throughout the entire population of nuclei (i.e., in G1, S, and G2 nuclei) and that the measured protein content of nuclei was not affected by the presence of the other population during isolation. The capability of the FCM to sort subpopulations from different regions of a histogram was used to separate the subpopulations after analysis. When control cells were prelabeled with [3H]leucine and mixed with unlabeled heated cells, 11% of the radioactivity was found to be associated with the nuclei from heated cells. Autoradiographs showed grains over approximately 99% of the nuclei from heated cells. When [3H]TdR was used as a label in a similar experiment, only 0-3% of the label was observed to become associated with the population of nuclei from heated cells and autoradiography showed that 97% of these nuclei were not labeled. Comparable results were obtained when the labeled cells were heated and the control cells were left unlabeled. These results show that a small amount of protein (approximately 10% of the nuclear protein) will cross-migrate during nuclear isolation without affecting the net amount of protein in either population.     

Production of monoclonal antibodies against Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae and their use to investigate differences in virulence

G.M. SANDERS, J.A. VERSCHOOR, S. VAN WYNGAARD, L. KORSTEN AND J.M. KOTZE 1994. Four Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae isolates from mango black spot lesions were grouped according to differences in virulence and used to raise monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Two immunization approaches were followed. In the first, four groups of mice were immunized, each with a different isolate and the spleens from each group homogenized together for cell fusion. The second approach entailed immunization of a single group of mice with bacteria pooled from all four isolates. The resultant mAbs were characterized with regard to the antigen binding specificity and antibody class. A relationship between mAb binding specificity and virulence of the bacteria was shown by Western blot analysis.     

Monoclonal antibodies to different epitopes on a cell-surface enzyme, human placental alkaline phosphatase, effect different patterns of labeling with protein A-colloidal gold

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to different epitopes on human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), both of the immunoglobulin G2a heavy-chain class and having similar affinities for PLAP, were compared for their ability to label the enzyme on the HeLa cell surface. In one type of experiment employing [125I]-labeled mAbs, the results demonstrated quantitative differences in binding of the mAbs to the cells. At saturating levels, the number of molecules of mAb E5 bound to the cells was almost eight times the number of mAb B10 molecules bound. In another type of experiment, mAbs were indirectly visualized on the cell surface using protein A tagged with colloidal gold particles in transmission electron microscopy. Only one of the antibodies (E5) displayed a clustered distribution of PLAP that previously had been observed with rabbit polyclonal antibodies and goat anti-rabbit IgG-labeled gold (J Histochem Cytochem 33:1227, 1985). The other antibody (B10) showed less frequent and more scattered labeling; three to four times more gold particles were visualized in each cluster on cells bound by mAb E5 compared to cells bound by B10. These results are consistent with the idea that not all epitopes on a membrane-bound antigen may be equally accessible for antibody binding. Even identical epitopes on different PLAP molecules are not equally hindered by other membrane components, since at least some of the PLAP molecules are labeled by the more sterically hindered mAb B10. Quantification of the number of gold particles employing the more abundantly bound mAb E5 provides an average estimate of seven to eight molecules of PLAP in each cluster. Because of inefficiencies in labeling, however, this value is probably lower than the real number.     

Monoclonal IgGs from an autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mouse induce an interleukin-3-dependent myeloid cell line to produce tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6.

We previously reported that two IgG mAbs, 1D11 and 1G10, derived from an autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr(MRL/l) mouse, induced IL-3 synthesis in the IL-3-dependent myeloid cell line, FDC-P2/185-4. In this study, we found that these mAbs induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 production in FDC-P2/185-4 cells. Both TNF-alpha and IL-6 were secreted rapidly within 1 hr after the addition of mAb to the cells. Increases of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA were also observed in FDC-P2/185-4 cells stimulated with MRL/l-derived mAb. The anti-Fc gamma RII mAb 2.4G2 suppressed TNF-alpha and IL-6 production induced by these mAbs. Our results suggest that some IgGs of MRL/l mice may have the capacity to induce cytokine synthesis in Fc gamma R-bearing cells.     

Tubulin is a neuronal target of autoantibodies in Sydenham's chorea

Sydenham's chorea is a CNS disorder and sequela of group A streptococcal infection where deposition of Abs in brain may result in movement and neuropsychiatric abnormalities. We studied human mAbs 24.3.1, 31.1.1, and 37.2.1 derived from chorea and selected for cross-reactivity with group A streptococci and brain Ags. Our novel findings reveal that Sydenham's chorea mAbs target a 55-kDa brain protein with an N-terminal amino acid sequence of MREIVHLQ corresponding to beta-tubulin. Chorea mAb specificity for purified brain tubulin was confirmed in ELISA and Western immunoblot, and significant levels of anti-tubulin IgG were found in acute chorea sera and cerebrospinal fluid. Lysoganglioside G(M1) inhibited binding of chorea mAbs to tubulin and mAb reactivity with human caudate and putamen brain sections was blocked by anti-tubulin mAb. The chorea mAbs labeled both intra- and extracellular Ags of a neuronal cell line providing evidence suggesting mimicry between intracellular brain protein tubulin and extracellular lysoganglioside. In addition, chorea mAb 24.3.1 and acute chorea sera induced calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity in human neuronal cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the chorea mAb V(H) genes revealed that mAb 24.3.1 V(H) gene was encoded by the V(H)1 germline gene family which encodes other anti-ganglioside V(H) genes associated with motor neuropathies. mAb recognition of tubulin and the neuronal cell surface with initiation of cell signaling and dopamine release supports an emerging theme in autoimmunity whereby cross-reactive or polyreactive autoantibodies against intracellular Ags recognize cell surface epitopes potentially leading to disease.     

Isolation of a Xanthomonas campestris strain with elevated beta-galactosidase activity for direct use of lactose in xanthan gum production

AIMS: To isolate a Xanthomonas campestris strain that can use lactose directly for xanthan gum production. METHODS AND RESULTS: The presence of indigenous beta-galactosidase gene in the wild-type Xc17 was detected by PCR and Southern hybridization. Treatment of Xc17 with nitrous acid resulted in the isolation of Xc17L with a 3.5-fold elevation of beta-galactosidase activity capable of growing in lactose-based medium. Xc17L is stable for at least 100 generations in terms of beta-galactosidase expression. The amounts of xanthan produced by Xc17L in lactose-based medium are comparable to those in glucose-based medium. CONCLUSIONS: Xc17L is potentially useful for xanthan production from whey, a waste containing lactose. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A lactose-utilizing strain of X. campestris strain can be constructed without incorporation of any exotic DNA or antibiotic resistance gene and therefore concern of a gene-modified organism and fear of a spread of an antibiotic-resistant gene are avoided.     

Genetic and Pathogenic Variability of Indian Strains of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xanthomonas campestris</Emphasis> pv. <Emphasis Type="Italic">campestris</Emphasis> Causing Black Rot Disease in Crucifers

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Pammel) Dowson (Xcc) causing black rot of crucifers is a serious disease in India and causes >50% crop losses in favorable environmental conditions. Pathogenic variability of Xcc, X. oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), and X. axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) were tested on 19 cultivars of cruciferae including seven Brassica spp. viz., B. campestris, B. carinata, B. juncea, B. napus, B. nigra, B. oleracea and B. rapa, and Raphanus sativus for two consecutive years viz., 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 under field conditions at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Xcc (22 strains) and other species of Xanthomonas (2 strains), they formed three distinct groups of pathogenic variability i.e., Group 1, 2, and 3 under 50% minimum similarity coefficient. All strains of Xcc clustered under Groupl except Xcc-C20. The strains of Xcc further clustered in 6 subgroups viz., A, B, C, D, E, and F based on diseases reaction on host. Genetic variability of 22 strains of Xcc was studied by using Rep-PCR (REP-, BOX- and ERIC-PCR) and 10 strains for hrp (hypersensitive reaction and pathogenecity) gene sequence analysis. Xcc strains comprised in cluster 1, Xac under cluster 2, while Xoo formed separate cluster 3 based on >50% similarity coefficient. Cluster 1 was further divided into 8 subgroups viz., A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H at 75% similarity coefficient. The hrpF gene sequence analysis also showed distinctness of Xcc strains from other Xanthomonads. In this study, genetic and pathogenic variability in Indian strains of Xcc were established, which will be of immense use in the development of resistant genotypes against this bacterial pathogen.