CD11b and CD11c antigens are rapidly increased on human natural killer cells upon activation.

A brief incubation with PMA or other secretagogues has been reported to enhance the expression of C3 receptors on myeloid cells. We now observed increases up to threefold in the expression of the CD11b/CD18 Ag (CR3) and the CD11c/CD18 (CR4, p150,95) Ag after 30-min incubation with PMA on a subpopulation of PBL. The majority of these cells was CD56+ and CD16+. Isolated NK cells retained their ability to respond to PMA with increased CD11b and CD11c membrane Ag expression. Preincubation of the cells with cycloheximide did not abrogate the effects of PMA. Other membrane molecules on lymphocytes (CD11a, CD35, CD45, CD45R0, CD56) were not modulated by PMA. Purified C5a, FMLP, or LPS increased CR3 on myeloid cells but not on lymphocytes. In contrast, cell activation by K562 cells led to an augmentation of the CD11b Ag expression on CD56+ lymphocytes but not on other lymphocytes or monocytes. This increase was inhibitable by CD11a mAb. Rapid increases of CD11b and CD11c Ag on the membrane of NK cells may be of biologic significance because many functions have been attributed to these molecules.     

Natural killer cell and granulocyte Fc gamma receptor III (CD16) differ in membrane anchor and signal transduction

CD16 is a low affinity Fc gamma R III expressed on granulocytes, macrophages and large granular lymphocytes, the mediators of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and NK. The occupancy of CD16 by aggregated IgG on large granular lymphocytes induces expression of activation markers, release of inflammatory mediators and triggering of effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Recently we and others described that CD16 is anchored to the membrane of granulocytes via a phosphatidylinositol glycan moiety. Here we show that the CD16 molecule expressed on NK cells, cultured monocytes, and lung macrophages is not phosphatidylinositol glycan moiety anchored. It is not released with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, and after removal of N-linked carbohydrate is 5 to 7 kDa larger than the granulocyte CD16 molecule, strongly suggesting the presence of transmembrane and cytoplasmic protein domains. Redirected killing of hybridoma targets expressing anti-CD16 surface Ig shows that NK cell CD16 is unable to do so. These findings demonstrate that NK cell and granulocyte CD16 have different membrane anchors and indicate that the type of membrane anchor is an important biologic mechanism for regulating the functional capacity of surface receptors.     

Sulfonated human immunoglobulin enhances CD16-linked CD11b expression on human neutrophils

Intravenous human immunoglobulin therapy infrequently results in excessive inflammatory responses in vivo; these effects are not fully understood. We assessed whether sulfonated human immunoglobulin (SHIG) or polyethylene glycol-treated human immunoglobulin (PHIG) enhanced expression of inflammatory receptors on peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro, such as alphaMbeta2 (CD11b/CD18) and Fc gamma receptor type III (FcgammaRIII). CD11b and CD16 expression on neutrophils was measured by fluorescence flow cytometry. Various cytokines were assessed using a highly sensitive fluorescence microsphere system. SHIG enhanced/induced CD11b expression and partial aggregations on neutrophils, but PHIG did not. No detection of aggregation IgG was observed in SHIG and PHIG. SHIG-induced CD11b expression was inhibited by treatment of corticosteroid (dexamethasone) and by anti-CD16 monoclonal antibody. Concentrations of various cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, RANTES, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interferon (INF)-gamma in culture supernatant were not significantly changed by SHIG or PHIG. SHIG and PHIG did not enhance CD16 on neutrophils. SHIG enhanced CD16-linked CD11b expression on neutrophils in vitro. CD11b induction was inhibited by dexamethasone and by anti-CD16 antibody. These in vitro results suggest that aggregations and enhancement of CD11b on neutrophils by SHIG may induce excessive inflammatory responses in vivo.     

Activation of cloned human natural killer cells via Fc gamma RIII

The Fc gamma RIII (CD16) Ag on human NK cells involved in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been demonstrated to be an important activation structure. The present studies were carried out to further characterize the functional role of the CD16 Ag and the mechanisms whereby cytotoxicity is activated by using human NK clones. In phenotypic studies Fc gamma RIII was found to be expressed heterogeneously on various human cloned NK cells. Expression on CD3- and CD3+ clones varied with the donor and mAb used for detection. Functional data demonstrated that cytotoxicity against NK-resistant target cells can be induced in CD3-CD16+ NK clones and CD3+CD16+ clones with NK activity when various CD16 mAb were used. CD16 antibodies but not reactive isotype control antibodies induced cytotoxicity. In contrast to complete CD16 antibodies F(ab')2 fragments were not able to activate the cytotoxic mechanism. Both an antibody against FcR on the target cell (Fc gamma RII) and a CD11a antibody blocked induction of cytotoxicity. These results suggest that three steps are critical for activation of CD16+ cells via Fc gamma RIII: 1) specific binding of CD16 antibodies to Fc gamma RIII on effector cells irrespective of the epitope recognized; 2) cross-linking of effector cell CD16 Ag through binding of the Fc site of CD16 antibodies via corresponding FcR on the target cell membrane; and 3) interaction of CD11a/18 molecules with the target cell membrane.     

IFN-gamma induces expression of Fc gamma RIII (CD16) on human eosinophils.

The extent to which eosinophils constitutively express FcRIII (CD16) is controversial. We were unable to detect this receptor on freshly isolated, peripheral blood eosinophils. The capacity of eosinophils to change their Fc gamma R expression in vitro has not been previously demonstrated. Culture with IFN-gamma for 1 to 2 days induced FcRIII expression on eosinophils. This effect was dose-dependent and significant at concentrations of 100 U/ml IFN-gamma and above. Expression of FcRI (CD64) and FcRII (CDw32) was also upregulated. These increases were inhibited by cycloheximide (10(-6) M), suggesting a requirement for protein synthesis, and dexamethasone (10(-6) M). Northern blot analysis demonstrated the presence of FcRIII mRNA in eosinophils cultured with IFN-gamma for 2 days but not in unstimulated eosinophils. By contrast, culture with IL-3 caused an up-regulation of eosinophil FcRII expression but did not induce expression of FcRI or FcRIII. The FcRIII expressed by eosinophils after IFN-gamma stimulation was functionally active, as shown by the triggering of eosinophil membrane depolarization and LTC4 generation by an anti-CD16 mAb. Treatment of IFN-gamma-stimulated eosinophils with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C reduced FcRIII expression, suggesting that, like neutrophils, eosinophils express the phosphatidylinositol glycan-linked form of this receptor. Therefore, this study demonstrates that IFN-gamma-treated eosinophils express a functionally active, phosphatidylinositol glycan-anchored form of FcRIII.     

Selected antibodies to leukocyte common antigen (CD45) inhibit human neutrophil chemotaxis.

The CD45 Ag family is a group of high m.w. glycoproteins that are expressed on the plasma membranes of all leukocytes. CD45 has protein tyrosine phosphatase activity and appears to regulate signal transduction and lymphocyte activation by specific association with receptor molecules on T and B lymphocytes. However, little is known about CD45 function in neutrophils (PMN). In this study, PMN were incubated with CD45 mAb and tested for their chemotactic responses to four unrelated chemo-attractants: FMLP, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), recombinant human C5a (C5a), and recombinant human neutrophil-activating protein-1, recently designated IL-8. A panel of CD45 mAb including an IgM mAb, AHN-12.1, and six IgG1 mAb, AHN-12, AHN-12.2, AHN-12.3, AHN-12.4, HLe-1, and KC56(T200), were tested for their effects on PMN chemotaxis. PMN chemotaxis was evaluated with two different membrane assays; one assay quantified the total number of migrating PMN and the other assayed the leading front of migrating PMN. AHN-12.1 and KC56(T200) significantly inhibited PMN chemotaxis to LTB4 and C5a. AHN-12.1 slightly inhibited PMN chemotaxis to FMLP, but KC56(T200) did not. In contrast, AHN-12 and HLe-1 did not significantly inhibit PMN chemotaxis to any of the chemoattractants. None of the CD45 mAb inhibited PMN chemotaxis to neutrophil-activating protein-1/IL-8. None of the CD45 mAb inhibited PMN superoxide production. These results suggest that PMN CD45 epitopes may interact with LTB4 and C5a receptor-associated molecules and regulate chemotactic responses.     

Functional co-localization of monocytic aminopeptidase N/CD13 with the Fc gamma receptors CD32 and CD64

Information about the function of aminopeptidase N/CD13 on monocytes is limited. In order to gain more insight into its interaction with other proteins, we have identified molecules that co-localize with the membrane ectoenzyme at the cell surface of monocytes. Using laser scanning and electron microscopy as well as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measured by flow cytometry we show that monocytic CD13 co-localized with the Fc gamma receptor II/CD32 after Fc receptor ligation by a CD32-specific antibody. FRET was also observed between CD13 and the Fc gamma receptor I/CD64, but not with the myeloid marker CD33 representing a member of the sialoadhesin family. Our results imply a novel functional role of CD13 and Fc gamma receptors as members of a multimeric receptor complex. Further studies have to be done to elucidate common signaling pathways of these molecules.     

On the origin of the FcRIII (CD16)-containing vesicle population in human neutrophil granulocytes.

Human blood neutrophils bear two types of Fc receptors that recognize the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G: FcRII and FcRIII. In earlier studies we found that neutrophils not only express FcRIII on their plasma membrane but also contain a large population of FcRIII-containing vesicles mainly located in the juxtanuclear area. To find out whether these vesicles derive from the plasma membrane, we used electron microscopic techniques to study compartments involved in ligand-independent endocytosis in human neutrophil granulocytes. The endocytic compartments were labeled with BSA-gold. This marker entered the cell through non-coated invaginations of the plasma membrane as well as via coated pits. After internalization, BSA-gold was present in numerous electron-lucent vesicles in the juxtanuclear area and in the trans-Golgi reticulum, endosomes, and lysosome-like structures. FcRIII also occurred in the BSA-gold-containing electron-lucent vesicles in the juxtanuclear area, as shown by postembedding immunocytochemical labeling of FcRIII in cells already containing BSA-gold. Quantification showed that 29% of all FcRIII-containing vesicles also bear BSA-gold while the remaining 71% contain only the receptor. In sum, our findings show that one third of the FcRIII-containing electron-lucent vesicles in neutrophil granulocytes derive from the plasma membrane and are involved in ligand-independent endocytosis of FcRIII. The majority of these vesicles, however, are not of an endocytic origin and might constitute an "internal pool" of receptors in these cells.     

Soluble CD16 inhibits CR3 (CD11b/CD18)-mediated infection of monocytes/macrophages by opsonized primary R5 HIV-1

We demonstrate that soluble CD16 (sCD16; soluble Fc gamma RIII), a natural ligand of CR3, inhibits the infection of monocytes by primary R5 HIV-1 strain opsonized with serum of seronegative individuals. Inhibition of monocyte infection by sCD16 was similar to that observed with anti-CR3 mAbs, indicating that opsonized HIV may use a CR3-dependent pathway for entry in monocytic cells. Cultured human monocytes express both CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and CCR5 receptors. RANTES, the natural ligand of CCR5, inhibited infection of monocytes with unopsonized HIV particles and partially that of monocytes infected with HIV particles opsonized with complement-derived fragments. Although HIV-infected monocytes from homozygous CCR5 Delta 32/Delta 32 (CCR5(-/-)) individuals produce low levels of p24, cells infected with opsonized particles produced higher levels of p24 than cells infected with unopsonized particles. Our results thus suggest that CR3 may represent an alternative coreceptor to CCR5 of opsonized primary R5 virus entry into monocytes/macrophages. We also observed that the concentration of sCD16 is greatly decreased in sera of HIV-infected patients with low lymphocyte CD4(+) counts. Taken together, our findings suggest that sCD16, present in plasma, may play an important role in controlling HIV-1 spread.     

CD13 (human aminopeptidase N) mediates human cytomegalovirus infection.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects cells by a series of processes including attachment, penetration via fusion of the envelope with the plasma membrane, and transport of the viral DNA to the nucleus. The details of the early events of HCMV infection are poorly understood. We have recently reported that CD13, human aminopeptidase N, a metalloprotease, is present on blood cells susceptible in vitro to HCMV infection (C. Söderberg, S. Larsson, S. Bergstedt-Lindqvist, and E. Möller, J. Virol. 67:3166-3175, 1993). Here we report that human CD13 is involved in HCMV infection. Antibodies directed against human CD13 not only inhibit infection but also block binding of HCMV virions to susceptible cells. Compounds known to inhibit aminopeptidase activity block HCMV infection. HCMV-resistant murine fibroblasts have heightened susceptibility to HCMV infection after transfection with complementary DNA encoding human CD13. A significant increase in binding of HCMV was observed in the CD13-expressing transfectants compared with neomycin-resistant control mouse cells. However, murine fibroblasts transfected with mutant CD13, lacking a portion of the aminopeptidase active site, remained susceptible to HCMV infection. Thus, human CD13 appears to mediate HCMV infection by a process that increases binding, but its enzymatic domain is not necessary for infection.     

A CD1a+/CD11c+ subset of human blood dendritic cells is a direct precursor of Langerhans cells.

Based on the relative expression of CD11c and CD1a, we have identified three fractions of dendritic cells (DCs) in human peripheral blood, including a direct precursor of Langerhans cells (LCs). The first two fractions were CD11c+ DCs, comprised of a major CD1a+/CD11c+ population (fraction 1), and a minor CD1a-/CD11c+ component (fraction 2). Both CD11c+ fractions displayed a monocyte-like morphology, endocytosed FITC-dextran, expressed CD45RO and myeloid markers such as CD13 and CD33, and possessed the receptor for GM-CSF. The third fraction was comprised of CD1a-/CD11c- DCs (fraction 3) and resembled plasmacytoid T cells. These did not uptake FITC-dextran, were negative for myeloid markers (CD13/CD33), and expressed CD45RA and a high level of IL-3Ralpha, but not GM-CSF receptors. After culture with IL-3, fraction 3 acquired the characteristics of mature DCs; however, the expression of CD62L (lymph node-homing molecules) remained unchanged, indicating that fraction 3 can be a precursor pool for previously described plasmacytoid T cells in lymphoid organs. Strikingly, the CD1a+/CD11c+ DCs (fraction 1) quickly acquired LC characteristics when cultured in the presence of GM-CSF + IL-4 + TGF-beta1. Thus, E-cadherin, Langerin, and Lag Ag were expressed within 1 day of culture, and typical Birbeck granules were observed. In contrast, neither CD1a-/CD11c+ (fraction 2) nor CD1a-/CD11c- (fraction 3) cells had the capacity to differentiate into LCs. Furthermore, CD14+ monocytes only expressed E-cadherin, but lacked the other LC markers after culture in these cytokines. Therefore, CD1a+/CD11c+ DCs are the direct precursors of LCs in peripheral blood.     

Regulation of aminopeptidase-N (CD13) and Fc epsilon RIIb (CD23) expression by IL-4 depends on the stage of maturation of monocytes/macrophages.

IL-4 has multiple biologic activities and it has been shown to have effects on B and T lymphocytes, mast cells, NK cells, and monocytes. We studied the influence of IL-4 on the expression of cell membrane determinants, in particular aminopeptidase-N (CD13) and Fc epsilon RIIb (CD23), on human peripheral blood monocytes. We compared the response of monocytes with the response of human alveolar macrophages and monocytic cell lines (U937 and THP1), as mature and more immature representatives of the mononuclear phagocyte system, respectively. A dose-dependent increase of the expression of CD13 Ag was observed when monocytes were cultured with IL-4. Kinetic analyses revealed that this induction was maximal after 2 to 3 days of culture and resembled the kinetics of IL-4-induced expression of Fc epsilon RIIb on monocytes. This IL-4-induced increase was absent when monocytes were cultured with IL-4 and an anti-IL-4 antiserum. Concomitantly, an IL-4-induced increase in leucine-aminopeptidase activity could be observed. Northern blot analysis showed that incubation of monocytes with IL-4 induced a marked increase in CD13 mRNA. Alveolar macrophages also exhibited an increase in CD13 Ag expression when exposed to IL-4. Surprisingly, IL-4 was unable to induce expression of Fc epsilon RIIb on alveolar macrophages. U937 and THP1 cells did not show an induction of CD13 Ag when cultured in the presence of IL-4. However, IL-4 did induce the expression of Fc epsilon RIIb on both cell lines, suggesting the presence of functional IL-4R. Our data demonstrate that IL-4 increases the expression of CD13 Ag on monocytes. This IL-4-induced increase can also be observed in more mature monocytic cells such as alveolar macrophages, but is absent in immature cells such as U937 or THP1 cells. This is functionally accompanied by an increase in leucine-aminopeptidase activity and may be part of the general activation of monocytes/macrophages by IL-4. In conclusion, the data suggest that IL-4 responsiveness, in particular the induction of CD13 Ag and Fc epsilon RIIb expression, may be dependent on the stage of maturation of monocytes/macrophages.     

Induction of CD23, CD25 and CD4 expression on an eosinophilic cell line (EoL-3) by interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-5 (IL-5).

The effects of IL-3, GM-CSF and IL-5 on the expression of CD23 (Fc epsilon RII), CD25 (IL-2R/p55) and CD4 on an eosinophilic cell line (EoL-3) were investigated by flow cytometry. A separate incubation with IL-3, GM-CSF or IL-5 alone, did not induce the expression of CD23, CD25, or CD4. However, a sequential incubation with IL-3 for 6 days, then with IL-3 and GM-CSF for the following 6 days, induced a significant expression of CD23 and CD25. After a further incubation for 6 days with IL-3, GM-CSF and IL-5, CD4 was then expressed, while CD23 and CD25 expression still increased. The kinetics of expression of CR3/CD11b were parallel to that of CD23, but the expression of the transferrin receptor (CD71) remained negative. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of mRNA encoding CD23, CD25 and CD4 in EoL-3 stimulated by IL-3, GM-CSF and IL-5. Culture with GM-CSF induced the binding of radiolabeled IL-5 to EoL-3 cells, with an increased affinity after incubation with IL-3, GM-CSF and IL-5. These data indicate that IL-3, GM-CSF and IL-5, might be involved in the expression of functional markers on eosinophil membrane.     

Analysis of Fc gamma RIII (CD16) membrane expression and association with CD3 zeta and Fc epsilon RI-gamma by site-directed mutation.

Two genes encode Fc gamma RIII (CD16), a low affinity FcR for IgG. CD16-I is expressed as a phosphatidylinositol glycan-anchored membrane glycoprotein on neutrophils, whereas CD16-II is a transmembrane-linked glycoprotein on NK cells. Membrane anchoring is determined by codon 203. Site-directed mutation of codon 203 and transient expression of these cDNA in COS-7 cells indicated that Phe, Ile, Leu, and Val permit transmembrane expression, whereas Ser, Thr, Tyr, Asn, Gly, Ala, Asp and Lys enable phosphatidylinositol-glycan attachment. Thus, the involvement of amino acid 203 in membrane anchoring cannot be explained simply on the basis of size, charge, or polarity of the amino acid side groups at this site. Efficient expression of CD16-II in COS-7 cells requires co-transfection with either CD3 zeta or Fc epsilon RI-gamma. Truncation of the cytoplasmic segment of CD16 failed to affect association with CD3 zeta. CD3 zeta and Fc epsilon RI-gamma with truncated cytoplasmic segments were also able to facilitate membrane expression of CD16-II, implicating the transmembrane segments as the interaction site between CD16-II and CD3 zeta or Fc epsilon RI-gamma. Prior studies have suggested that the acidic residue in the CD3 zeta transmembrane segment may be important for the association of CD3 zeta complexes. Although site-directed mutation of CD3 zeta-Asp36 to Glu, Leu, or Val retained the ability to permit membrane expression of CD16-II, quantitatively the wild-type CD3 zeta-Asp36 provided optimal levels of expression, consistent with conservation of this amino acid in mouse and human CD3 zeta.     

Insights into the human CD59 complement binding interface toward engineering new therapeutics

CD59 is a 77-amino acid membrane glycoprotein that plays an important role in regulating the terminal pathway of complement by inhibiting formation of the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC or C5b-9). The MAC is formed by the self assembly of C5b, C6, C7, C8, and multiple C9 molecules, with CD59 functioning by binding C5b-8 and C5b-9 in the assembling complex. We performed a scanning alanine mutagenesis screen of residues 16-57, a region previously identified to contain the C8/C9 binding interface. We have also created an improved NMR model from previously published data for structural understanding of CD59. Based on the scanning mutagenesis data, refined models, and additional site-specific mutations, we identified a binding interface that is much broader than previously thought. In addition to identifying substitutions that decreased CD59 activity, a surprising number of substitutions significantly enhanced CD59 activity. Because CD59 has significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, we investigated further the ability to enhance CD59 activity by additional mutagenesis studies. Based on the enhanced activity of membrane-bound mutant CD59 molecules, clinically relevant soluble mutant CD59-based proteins were prepared and shown to have up to a 3-fold increase in complement inhibitory activity.     

Diagnostic application of monoclonal antibody KB90 (CD11c) in acute myeloid leukaemia

The expression of membrane CD11c by leukaemic blast cells was examined (indirect immunorosetting) in 75 cases of acute leukaemia (myeloid, n = 60; lymphoid, n = 15) and evaluated as a potential marker for the diagnostic discrimination between monocytic (AMML-M4 and AMoL-M5) and non-monocytic (M1, M2 and M3) AML subtypes. Preliminary studies of normal bone marrow cells indicated that CD11c expression was not restricted to cells of monocytic lineage but was also present, with apparent lower density, on significant proportions of mature and immature granulocytes. Examination of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) subtypes revealed that the non-monocytic leukaemias (n = 33) were CD11c-, defined as less than 30% positive cells, whereas all but one of the AMML-M4 (n = 13) and AMoL-M5 (n = 14) cases were CD11c+. All 15 cases of lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) showed less than 5% CD11c+ blasts. Membrane CD11c expression was also compared to the more widely used markers of monocytic differentiation; cytoplasmic alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and membrane CD14 expression. This analysis showed that all 13 AMML-M4 leukaemias studied, including seven cases that were CD14- and eight that were ANAE-, were CD11c+. In addition, the AMoL-M5 cases (all of which were ANAE+) could be phenotypically subdivided into CD11c+ CD14+ (n = 9), CD11c+ CD14- (n = 4) and CD11c- CD14- (n = 1) subgroups. The study also confirmed that the discriminitive ability and sensitivity of the immunorosetting procedure for the detection of membrane CD11c compared favourably to immunofluorescent staining intensities as measured by flow cytometry.     

CD14, CD16 and HLA-DR reliably identifies human monocytes and their subsets in the context of pathologically reduced HLA-DR expression by CD14(hi) /CD16(neg) monocytes: Expansion of CD14(hi) /CD16(pos) and contraction of CD14(lo) /CD16(pos) monocytes in acute liver failure

Changes in monocytes and their subsets (CD14(hi) /CD16(neg) , CD14(hi) /CD16(pos) and CD14(lo) /CD16(pos) ) have been described in several diseases. The combination of CD14, CD16 and HLA-DR has been suggested to discriminate monocytes from the CD16(pos) /HLA-DR(neg) NK-cells and neutrophils but no data exist whether this strategy can be used in situations when monocyte HLA-DR expression is pathologically reduced. Monocytes and their subsets were concurrently identified through negative (exclusion of CD66b(pos) neutrophils, CD56(pos) NKcells, CD19(pos) B-cells, and CD3(pos) T-cells) and positive gating (inclusion of monocytes by expression of CD14, CD16, and HLA-DR) strategies on 30 occasions [9 healthy controls (HC) and 21 patients with conditions associated with low monocyte HLA-DR expression]. Bland-Altman and Passing and Bablok regression statistics did not demonstrate any significant measurement bias between the two strategies of monocyte identification. Monocyte subset phenotype was then compared in 18 HC and 41 patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Compared with HC, in ALF, the percentage of CD14(hi) /CD16(pos) monocytes was higher (7% vs 4%) whilst the percentage of CD14(lo) /CD16(pos) was lower (1.9% vs. 7%) (P ≤ 0.001); HLA-DR and CD86 MFIs on all monocyte subsets were lower, whilst CCR5, CD64, and CD11b MFIs were higher (P < 0.05). The relative expression by monocyte subsets of HLA-DR, CCR2, CCR5, CX3CR1, and CD11a was similar in ALF patients and HCs. Repeat analysis of an identical antibody-fluorochrome "backbone" targeting HLA-DR, CD14, and CD16 was assessed in 189 samples across 5 different experiments. There was excellent agreement in the results obtained using the positive gating strategy (interclass correlation coefficients > 0.8). Monocytes and their subsets can be reliably identified using an antibody-fluorochrome "backbone" of HLA-DR, CD14, and CD16. CD16(pos) monocytes continue to constitutively express HLA-DR even in conditions where HLA-DR is pathologically reduced on CD14(hi) /CD16(neg) monocytes. Understanding the changes in monocyte pheontype in ALF and similar clinico-pathological diseases may allow the development of novel biomarkers or therapeutic strategies. ? 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.     

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the leukocyte surface protein CD31.

The CD31 Ag is a surface glycoprotein of 130 kDa with a broad cellular distribution. We show that among peripheral human blood cells, it is expressed on monocytes, granulocytes, platelets, and a subpopulation of lymphocytes. Activation of granulocytes leads to down-regulation of CD31 molecule expression. Sequence analysis and quantitative measurements of the relatedness of the CD31 molecule to other known proteins demonstrate that it consists of six Ig constant domains and that each domain bears substantial similarity to Fc gamma R domains. We find, however, that the CD31 molecule does not bind Ig Fc domains. On human monocytes we demonstrate that CD31 mAb recognizing certain epitopes of the CD31 molecule induce the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites. No such effect was seen with human granulocytes. By using two CD31 mAb, termed 1B5 and 7E4, we analyzed the requirements for activation of the monocyte respiratory burst via CD31 Ag in more detail. We show that signal transduction occurs via formation of a CD31 Ag-mAb-Fc gamma R complex involving either Fc gamma RI (CD64) or Fc gamma RII (CDw32) molecules.     

C33 antigen recognized by monoclonal antibodies inhibitory to human T cell leukemia virus type 1-induced syncytium formation is a member of a new family of transmembrane proteins including CD9, CD37, CD53, and CD63.

C33 Ag was originally identified by mAb inhibitory to syncytium formation induced by human T cell leukemia virus type 1. The Ag was shown to be a highly heterogeneous glycoprotein consisting of a 28-kDa protein and N-linked oligosaccharides ranging from 10 to 50 kDa. In the present study, cDNA clones were isolated from a human T cell cDNA expression library in Escherichia coli by using mAb C33. The identity of cDNA was verified by immunostaining and immunoprecipitation of transfected NIH3T3 cells with mAb. The cDNA contained an open reading frame of a 267-amino acid sequence which was a type III integral membrane protein of 29.6 kDa with four putative transmembrane domains and three putative N-glycosylation sites. The C33 gene was found to belong to a newly defined family of genes for membrane proteins, such as CD9, CD37, CD53, CD63, and TAPA-1, and was identical to R2, a cDNA recently isolated because of its strong up-regulation after T cell activation. Availability of mAb for C33 Ag enabled us to define its distribution in human leukocytes. C33 Ag was expressed in CD4+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes, and CD16+ granulocytes. Its expression was low in CD8+ T cells and mostly negative in CD16+ NK cells. PHA stimulation enhanced the expression of C33 Ag in CD4+ T cells by about 5-fold and in CD8+ T cells by about 20-fold. PHA stimulation also induced the dramatic size changes in the N-linked sugars previously shown to accompany human T cell leukemia virus type 1-induced transformation of CD4+ T cells.