Potentiation of NK cytotoxicity by antibody-C3b/iC3b heteroconjugates

The interaction of two Burkitt lymphoma lines, Raji and Rael, with human C and NK cells was analyzed. Raji cells activate the alternative C pathway (ACP) and then bind C3 fragments. Consequently, the cells become more sensitive to lysis by CR3-bearing NK cells but not to C lysis. In contrast, Rael cells are poor ACP activators, do not bind C3 fragments, and are therefore resistant to C-dependent NK lysis. As suggested earlier, the difference between Raji and Rael could be attributed to the presence or absence of CR2, respectively, on their surface. To potentiate C- and NK-dependent lysis of target cells, we generated heteroconjugates composed of a murine antitransferrin receptor mAb and of human C C3b or iC3b. Antibody-C3b conjugates induced C3 deposition on Rael cells and elevated C3 deposition on Raji cells in human serum. Both Raji and Rael cells coated with antibody-C3b conjugates were efficiently lyzed by the cytolytic ACP in human serum. This conjugate had a small enhancing effect on target cell lysis by NK cells which could be markedly increased by combined treatment of the target cell with antibody-C3b conjugate and C5-depleted human serum. On the other hand, antibody-iC3b conjugates efficiently potentiated lysis of target cells by NK cells in the absence of serum. The iC3b-directed cytotoxicity was mediated by CR3-bearing NK effector cells. Anti-C3 but not anti-mouse Ig antibodies abrogated the activity of the antibody-iC3b conjugate. These results further demonstrate that NK cytotoxicity may be potentiated by opsonizing the target cells with C3 fragments and suggest that antibody-C3b/iC3b conjugates could be potent tools for targeting and potentiation of the lytic action of both C and NK cells against tumor cells.     

Analysis of the mechanism of recognition in the complement alternative pathway using C3b-bound low molecular weight polysaccharides

The human complement (C) system recognizes bacterial, fungal and viral activators of the alternative pathway following covalent attachment of the protein C3b to carbohydrates (CHO) on the surface of the organisms. Recognition first manifests itself as a 3- to 10-fold reduction in the affinity of C3b for factor H, a regulatory protein of C. This report describes the use of a fluorimetric assay which is sensitive to the C3b-H interaction to study the characteristics of recognition. Fluid phase C3b covalently bound to CHO (C3b-CHO) was prepared by activating C3 in the presence of the small homopolymers dextran (alpha 1-6 polyglucose) or inulin (beta 1-2 polyfructose). In particulate form both polysaccharides are activators of C. The conjugates exhibited increased resistance to inactivation in the factor H-dependent assays compared to C3b not bound to CHO and to C3b bound to mono- or disaccharides. The dextran-induced restriction of inactivation was partially reversed by treatment of the conjugate with dextranase. C3b-CHO conjugates failed to bind to factor H-Sepharose and when introduced into serum behaved as though C3b was attached to particulate activators of C, suggesting that the fluorimetric assay accurately reports recognition. The results suggest that the recognition site which induces a reduction in the affinity of C3b for factor H is distinct from the thioester site of C3b and can recognize structural features of polysaccharides including size, sialic acid content, and possibly aspects of three-dimensional oligosaccharide structure.     

Species specificity of recognition by the alternative pathway of complement

The recognition function of the alternative complement pathway was studied with isolated human and rabbit components. Zymosan and homologous and heterologous erythrocytes were used as representative activators or nonactivators. The binding affinity of Factor B and Factor H for particle-bound C3b was measured. In both species, the average affinity of Factor H for bound C3b on homologous cells (nonactivators) was eight to 10 times higher than on zymosan particles (activators). The interaction between Factor H and C3b on rabbit erythrocytes was species-specific: rabbit Factor H bound strongly to rabbit C3b on rabbit erythrocytes and also on human erythrocytes, which are nonactivators for the rabbit alternative pathway. Human Factor H bound strongly to human C3b on human erythrocytes but seven times weaker on rabbit erythrocytes, which are activators of the human alternative pathway. No substantial differences were found in the binding of Factor B to bound C3b regardless of the nature of the particle to which C3b was bound. The results indicate that in the two species studied, the molecular mechanism of recognition is analogous and that recognition is species-specific.     

Beta-glucan, a "specific" biologic response modifier that uses antibodies to target tumors for cytotoxic recognition by leukocyte complement receptor type 3 (CD11b/CD18).

beta-Glucans were identified 36 years ago as a biologic response modifier that stimulated tumor rejection. In vitro studies have shown that beta-glucans bind to a lectin domain within complement receptor type 3 (CR3; known also as Mac-1, CD11b/CD18, or alphaMbeta2-integrin, that functions as an adhesion molecule and a receptor for factor I-cleaved C3b, i.e., iC3b) resulting in the priming of this iC3b receptor for cytotoxicity of iC3b-opsonized target cells. This investigation explored mechanisms of tumor therapy with soluble beta-glucan in mice. Normal mouse sera were shown to contain low levels of Abs reactive with syngeneic or allogeneic tumor lines that activated complement, depositing C3 onto tumors. Implanted tumors became coated with IgM, IgG, and C3, and the absent C3 deposition on tumors in SCID mice was reconstituted with IgM or IgG isolated from normal sera. Therapy of mice with glucan- or mannan-rich soluble polysaccharides exhibiting high affinity for CR3 caused a 57-90% reduction in tumor weight. In young mice with lower levels of tumor-reactive Abs, the effectiveness of beta-glucan was enhanced by administration of a tumor-specific mAb, and in SCID mice, an absent response to beta-glucan was reconstituted with normal IgM or IgG. The requirement for C3 on tumors and CR3 on leukocytes was highlighted by therapy failures in C3- or CR3-deficient mice. Thus, the tumoricidal function of CR3-binding polysaccharides such as beta-glucan in vivo is defined by natural and elicited Abs that direct iC3b deposition onto neoplastic cells, making them targets for circulating leukocytes bearing polysaccharide-primed CR3. Therapy fails when tumors lack iC3b, but can be restored by tumor-specific Abs that deposit iC3b onto the tumors.     

Ligation of human CD46 with purified complement C3b or F(ab')(2) of monoclonal antibodies enhances isoform-specific interferon gamma-dependent nitric oxide production in macrophages

CD46, a complement regulatory protein widely expressed on human cells, serves as an entry receptor for measles virus (MV). We have previously shown that the expression of human CD46 in mouse macrophages restricts MV replication in these cells and enhances the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the presence of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). In this study, we show that crosslinking human CD46 expressed on the mouse macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7 with purified C3b multimer but not monomer enhances NO production. The enhanced production of NO in response to IFN-gamma was observed again with C3b multimer but not monomer. The augmentation of NO production is human CD46-dependent with a CYT1>CYT2 profile. Thus, the reported MV-mediated NO production, irrespective of whether it is IFN-gamma-dependent or -independent, should be largely attributable to CD46 signaling but not to MV replication. Similar CYT1-dependent augmentation of NO production was reproducible with two CD46 ligating reagents, CD46-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) or their F(ab')(2) and MV hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) glycoproteins. Co-cultivation of mouse macrophages bearing human CD46 with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing MV H and F enhanced IFN-gamma-induced NO production. Yet, the NO levels induced by F(ab')(2) against CD46 or MV H/F on CHO cells were much lower than those induced by CD46-crosslinking mAb with Fc or MV infection. Removing the cytoplasmic tails of CD46 abrogated the augmentation of NO production triggered by all three stimulators. Thus, the CD46 CYT1 and CYT2 isoforms functionally diverge to elicit innate immune responses, which can be modulated by purified C3b multimer or anti-CD46 mAbs.     

Interaction between hybrid mouse monoclonal antibodies and the human high-affinity IgG FcR, huFc gamma RI, on U937. Involvement of only one of the mIgG heavy chains in receptor binding

Here we have used hybrid mouse IgG1-2a and IgG2a-2b mAb to demonstrate that the interaction between the human high-affinity IgG FcR (huFc gamma RI) and monomeric mouse IgG2a mAb requires only one of the mIgG2a H chains. Recently, we reported a method for the generation and isolation of hybrid hybridomas, producing hybrid mouse mAb. Using this method we have obtained hybrid mouse (m)IgG1-2a and mIgG2a-2b mAb reacting with either horseradish peroxidase or human IgA1 (monospecific mAb) or with both Ag (bispecific mAb). Using protein A- or Ag-affinity chromatography purified hybrid mAb, we demonstrate here the binding of monomeric hybrid mIgG1-2a and mIgG2a-2b mAb to huFc gamma R on U937 cells, whereas no binding could be observed to the K562 cell line. Monomeric mouse IgG2a mAb and human IgG1 were found to be capable of inhibiting the binding of these hybrid mIgG1-2a and mIgG2a-2b mAb in a manner similar to the way they inhibited binding of monomeric mIgG2a mAb to U937 cells; this is in contrast to our findings for mIgG1 and mIgG2b mAb which did not inhibit the binding of both hybrid mAb. In addition, the binding of the hybrid mIgG1-2a and mIgG2a-2b mAb could be blocked by mAb TB-3, which is known to block huFc gamma RI-mediated binding by the "Kurlander phenomenon" and not by the anti-Fc gamma RII mAb CIKM5 and IV.3. These results indicate that both types of monomeric hybrid mAb are bound by the huFc gamma RI. Scatchard plots of mIgG2a, hybrid mIgG1-2a, and mIgG2a-2b mAb binding revealed similar numbers of binding sites and similar affinity constants of huFc gamma RI for these mAb (0.9 to 3.6 x 10(8) M-1). These results suggest that huFc gamma RI, present on the U937 cell line, are capable of binding monomeric hybrid mIgG1-2a and mIgG2a-2b mAb, and that this interaction requires only one of the mIgG2a H chains.     

Rapid removal of mycoplasma from cell lines mediated by a direct effect of complement

Mycoplasma can be removed from the surface of contaminated human and murine cell lines by incubation for 4 h with human, rabbit, guinea pig, or mouse sera. Several lines of evidence suggest the involvement of complement in this process: (1) The activity can be abrogated by heat treatment (56 degrees C for 45 min). (2) Using monoclonal antibodies directed against C3a and C3b, the deposition of C3b fragments on the surface of mycoplasma-positive cells can be demonstrated after 1 h incubation with human serum. (3) Ca2+ depletion ablates the ability of serum to remove the activity. (4) C2def' sera are inactive while addition of purified C2 reconstitutes the activity. The latter two findings implicate that activation of the classical pathway of complement is responsible for the effect. Antibody, however, is not required as demonstrated by the uncompromised activity of Ig-deficient sera from bursectomized chicken. Treatment with human serum or rabbit serum was used successfully to permanently cleanse 10/10 tumor cell lines of human and of murine origin. The complete removal of mycoplasma was monitored over at least 8 weeks by direct DNA staining and confirmed by agar culture and transfer of supernatants to mycoplasma-free Vero cells followed by DNA staining. Thus the direct interaction of mycoplasma and complement appears to be an effective and rapid means of curing cell lines from mycoplasma.     

Activation of complement on the surface of cells infected by human immunodeficiency virus

Cells were infected with HIV-1 and tested for C activation using a flow cytometric assay for bound C3 fragments. HIV-infected H9 cells bound increased levels of C3 using normal human serum as a C source only after cells were first incubated with serum containing anti-HIV antibody. Uninfected H9 cells or infected cells incubated with HIV-antibody negative sera did not bind C3. Although C3 bound quickly and was maximal within 10 min, modulation of bound C3 was slow with about 50% loss after 4 h. C3 binding required specific anti-HIV antibody, was blocked by EGTA, and did not occur in C2-deficient serum suggesting that binding was via the classical pathway. The HTLV-1-infected MT-4 cell line also bound high levels of C3 after coinfection with HIV. C3 binding in HIV-infected MT4 cells was also mediated via the classical pathway because it was not observed in Mg-EGTA chelated or C2-deficient sera. However, this classical pathway activation appeared to be antibody independent because it was also detected in HIV-antibody negative serum and a-gamma-globulinemic serum. This indicates that coinfection with HTLV-1 and HIV-1 can produce novel C activating conditions. No cytotoxic effect of human C for antibody-treated HIV-infected cells was observed in a chromium release assay. However, rabbit C was cytotoxic for HIV-infected cells in the absence of anti-HIV antibodies. Our results suggest that C can be activated in vivo by infected cells via specific anti-HIV antibody. The resultant C3 deposition on infected cells could have profound effects on interaction with CR-bearing cells.     

Toxicity of ligand and antibody-directed ricin A-chain conjugates recognizing the epidermal growth factor receptor

Approximately equal amounts of 125I-mAb 225 (a monoclonal antibody recognizing the human epidermal growth factor receptor) and 125I-labeled epidermal growth factor (125I-EGF) were bound by HeLa cells. However, these two EGF receptor binding moieties had different fates after binding. Sixty percent of cell-associated 125I-EGF was internalized. The majority of internalized 125I was released from the cell within 2 hr. In contrast, whereas only 30% of bound 125I-mAb 225 was internalized by HeLa cells, the internalized radioactivity remained cell-associated. EGF and mAb 225 were used to construct ricin A-chain (RTA) conjugates. The two chimeric molecules, EGF-RTA and mAb 225-RTA, were equally toxic to human HeLa cells. EGF-RTA was also toxic to murine 3T3 cells. In contrast, mAb 225-RTA was not toxic to 3T3 cells, consistent with the human EGF-receptor specificity of mAb 225. Neither conjugate was cytotoxic to EGF receptor-deficient 3T3-NR6 cells. Rapidity and potency of protein synthesis inhibition of HeLa cells were equivalent for the two chimeric conjugates, as was the degree to which colony-forming ability was reduced. However, ammonium chloride enhanced the toxicity of EGF-RTA but not mAb 225-RTA, suggesting that the two toxic chimeric toxins--like the unconjugated receptor-binding moieties--are processed differently by HeLa cells.     

Mouse complement receptor-related gene y/p65-neutralized tumor vaccine induces antitumor activity in vivo

Two mouse tumor cell lines, Meth A (BALB/c mouse-derived fibrosarcoma) and MM46 (C3H/He mouse-derived mammary tumor), were shown to express high levels of complement receptor-related gene y/p65 (Crry/p65), a membrane-bound complement-regulatory protein. Inhibiting the complement-regulatory activity of Crry/p65 with mAb 5D5 induced high levels of C3 deposition on in vivo tumor-derived Meth A and MM46 cells. To determine the effect of Crry/p65 blockade and increased C3 deposition on in vivo tumor growth, Meth A and MM46 cells were treated with 5D5 mAb and injected into BALB/c and C3H/He mice, respectively. Pretreating MM46 cells with 5D5 mAb significantly suppressed their tumorigenicity when injected s.c. Pretreatment with 5D5 mAb had a modest effect on Meth A s.c. tumor growth. Because complement is involved in the induction of an immune response, we investigated the effect of Crry/p65 blockade and increased C3 deposition on the immunogenicity of the tumor cells in a vaccination protocol. Vaccination of mice with irradiated Meth A cells pretreated with 5D5 mAb protected mice from subsequent challenge. In contrast, vaccination with irradiated Meth A cells without pretreatment was not protective. Survival was correlated with a high titer IgM response and specific CTL activity. These data demonstrate that the functional inhibition of Crry/p65 on tumor cells affects tumor growth and immunogenicity, and that the complement deposition resulting from this inhibition can act in concert with antitumor effector mechanisms to elicit potent antitumor immunity in vivo.     

Monoclonal antibodies against the complement control protein Factor H (β1 H)

Two mouse monoclonal antibodies against the human complement control protein, Factor H (beta 1H), are described. The antibodies are both IgG - gamma 1 - subclass and are directed against different epitopes on the human Factor H molecule. One of the antibodies, MRC OX 24, increases the cofactor activity of Factor H in Factor I-mediated cleavage of soluble C3b. The second antibody, MRC OX 23, which has no effect alone, reduces the increase in cofactor activity observed in the presence of the first antibody. However, MRC OX 24 inhibits the binding of 125I-labelled Factor H to surface-bound C3b (EAC3b). Again MRC OX 23 alone does not have an effect but decreases the inhibition in 125I-labelled Factor H binding to EAC3b observed with MRC OX 24. These studies show clearly that the interaction of Factor H with soluble C3b is different to its interaction with surface-bound C3b. In an indirect immunoprecipitation system using these monoclonal antibodies, single-chain molecules of 150 000 mol.wt. are specifically precipitated from human serum and also from the sera of other primates - rhesus monkey, cynomolgus monkey, and African green monkey. There was no precipitation from sera of cow, pig, sheep, chick, or rabbit. Using a radioimmunoassay with radiolabelled monoclonal MRC OX 23, the concentration of Factor H in human plasma was determined.     

Functional properties of membrane cofactor protein of complement.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP or gp45-70) of the complement system is a cofactor for factor I-mediated cleavage of fluid-phase C3b and C3b-like C3, which opens the thioester bond. In the present study the activity of MCP was further characterized. Unexpectedly, in the absence of factor I, MCP stabilized the alternative- and, to a lesser extent, the classical-pathway cell-bound C3 convertases and thereby enhanced C3b deposition. Soluble MCP, if added exogenously, hardly functioned as cofactor for the cleavage of erythrocyte-bound C3b to iC3b; i.e. its activity, compared with the cofactor activity of factor H, was inefficient, since less than 10% of the bound C3b was MCP-sensitive. Further, exogenously added soluble MCP was also a weak cofactor for the cleavage of C3b bound to zymosan. Likewise, factor I, in the presence of cells bearing MCP, cleaved fluid-phase C3b inefficiently. These results imply that MCP has very little extrinsic cofactor activity for factor I. In contrast, exogenously added MCP and factor I mediated efficient cleavage of erythrocyte-bound C3b if the concentration of Nonidet P40 was sufficient to solubilize the cells. Interestingly, soluble MCP and factor I degraded C3b attached to certain solubilized acceptor membrane molecules more readily than others. The cleavage reaction of fluid-phase and cell-bound C3b by soluble MCP and factor I produced iC3b, but no C3c and C3dg. These and prior data indicate that soluble MCP has potent cofactor activity for fluid-phase C3b or C3b bound to solubilized molecules, but acts inefficiently towards C3b on other cells. This functional profile is unique for a C3b/C4b binding protein and, taken together with its wide tissue distribution, suggests an important role for MCP in the regulation of the complement system.     

Rituximab infusion promotes rapid complement depletion and acute CD20 loss in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Complement plays an important role in the immunotherapeutic action of the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab, and therefore we investigated whether complement might be the limiting factor in rituximab therapy. Our in vitro studies indicate that at high cell densities, binding of rituximab to human CD20(+) cells leads to loss of complement activity and consumption of component C2. Infusion of rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients also depletes complement; sera of treated patients have reduced capacity to C3b opsonize and kill CD20(+) cells unless supplemented with normal serum or component C2. Initiation of rituximab infusion in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients leads to rapid clearance of CD20(+) cells. However, substantial numbers of B cells, with significantly reduced levels of CD20, return to the bloodstream immediately after rituximab infusion. In addition, a mAb specific for the Fc region of rituximab does not bind to these recirculating cells, suggesting that the rituximab-opsonized cells were temporarily sequestered by the mononuclear phagocytic system, and then released back into the circulation after the rituximab-CD20 complexes were removed by phagocytic cells. Western blots provide additional evidence for this escape mechanism that appears to occur as a consequence of CD20 loss. Treatment paradigms to prevent this escape, such as use of engineered or alternative anti-CD20 mAbs, may allow for more effective immunotherapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.     

Mechanism of resistance to lysis by the alternative complement pathway in Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes: effect of specific monoclonal antibody

Trypanosoma cruzi G strain epimastigotes were lysed by normal human serum (NHS) through activation of the alternative complement pathway (ACP), whereas metacyclic trypomastigotes were resistant to lysis. Epimastigotes and metacyclics with equivalent amounts of C3b deposited on their surface bound factor B with similar affinities. In contrast, factor H bound with higher affinity to metacyclics than to epimastigotes. Both T. cruzi forms with bound C3b were extensively (60 to 80%) lysed after formation of surface C3-convertase and the addition of a C3-C9 complement source. In the presence of factors H and I, or incubation with NHS with EDTA, the percentage of lysis of metacyclics decreased faster than that of epimastigotes with increasing incubation times. These data suggest, as a possible mechanism of resistance to lysis in metacyclic trypomastigotes, the higher binding affinity of factor H to C3b and the inactivation of the latter by serum regulatory proteins. Metacyclics were lysed by NHS, through ACP, in the presence of human immune serum to T. cruzi or anti-T. cruzi monoclonal antibody, but not with the Fab fragment of the latter, which recognizes a 90,000 m.w. antigen from T. cruzi metacyclics. Protection of parasite-bound C3b from serum control proteins was observed when parasites were incubated, before C3 deposition, with the lytic monoclonal antibody but not with its Fab fragment or a nonrelated IgG control. When C3b was deposited on metacyclics before antibody binding, C3b inactivation occurred. In the lysis of metacyclics, through ACP activation, binding of antibody apparently creates new acceptor sites which prevent the activity of serum regulatory proteins.     

Regulatory proteins for the activated third and fourth components of complement (C3b and C4b) in mice. II. Identification and properties of complement receptor type 1 (CR1)

We identified on the membrane of mouse spleen cells a polypeptide of Mr 190,000 (S190), with binding affinity for the mouse third component of the complement system (C3). S190, purified by affinity chromatography on C3-Sepharose, has properties resembling those of the human C3 receptor type 1 (CR1). Thus, S190, like CR1, served as a cofactor for the C3b inactivator (I)-mediated cleavage of fluid-phase C3b into iC3b, and had cofactor activity comparable to that of serum factor H (H). S190 also acted as a cofactor for the cleavages of membrane-bound C3b or membrane-bound iC3b into C3c (Mr 140,000) and C3dg (Mr 40,000) by serum factor I. As is the case with CR1, the specific activity of S190 for the cleavages leading to C3c-C3dg formation was approximately 100-fold greater than that of H. We therefore conclude that S190 and CR1 are analogous proteins.     

Targeting of cancer cells with monoclonal antibodies specific for C3b(i)

Purpose: The goal of this research is to determine the feasibility of an immunotherapeutic approach based on the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to target complement activation fragments on opsonized cancer cells. Methods: We investigated whether treatment of LNCaP and C4-2 human prostate cancer cell lines with normal human serum would allow for deposition of sufficient amounts of the complement-activation protein C3b and its fragments [collectively referred to as C3b(i)] such that these proteins could serve as cancer-cell-associated antigens for targeting by mAb. Radioimmunoassays, flow cytometry, and magnetic purging with specific immunomagnetic beads were used for the analyses. Results: In vitro opsonization of human prostate cancer cells with normal human serum resulted in deposition of C3b(i) in sufficient quantity (approx. 100,000 molecules/cell) for the cells to be targeted in a variety of protocols. We found that ⁵¹Cr-labeled and C3b(i)-opsonized cancer cells could be specifically purged at high efficiency (95%–99%) using anti-C3b(i) mAb covalently coupled to magnetic beads. Flow-cytometry experiments indicated that most normal white cells were not removed under similar conditions. Opsonization of cancer cells with sera from men with prostate cancer led to lower levels of cell-associated IgM and, subsequently, lower amounts of C3b(i) deposited than in normal subjects. Prototype experiments suggested that this deficiency could be corrected by addition of IgM from normal donor plasma. Conclusion: mAb directed against complement-activation products may provide new opportunities to deliver diagnostic and therapeutic agents selectively to cancer cells and tumor deposits. These opportunities may include ex vivo purging of C3b(i)-opsonized cancer cells prior to autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Received: 17 February 2000 / Accepted: 1 August 2000     

Shared idiotypes on anti-DNA and anti-poly (ADP-ribose) antibodies

Hed 10 is a ssDNA-specific mAb derived from an NZB/W autoimmune mouse. ADP 1 is a poly(ADP-ribose)-specific mAb derived from a C57BL/6 mouse. Rabbit anti-idiotypic sera were raised against Hed 10 and ADP 1. By affinity chromatography it was shown that at least 20 to 30% of DNA-binding antibodies contained these idiotypes. The sera were also used to evaluate idiotypic cross-reactivity among 26 diverse, predominantly anti-nucleic acid, murine mAb. Each serum bound directly to several mAb and in addition inhibited the binding of several antibodies to their appropriate Ag. The anti-Hed 10 serum detected an idiotype which was restricted to antibodies that bound to poly(dT) and/or poly(ADP-ribose). The anti-ADP 1 serum detected a more widely distributed idiotype contained in antibodies which bound to a variety of nucleic acids. Although both sera bound directly to Hed 10, only the anti-Hed 10 serum could compete for the binding of Hed 10 to poly(dT). On the other hand, both sera could compete for the binding of ADP 1 to poly(ADP-ribose) as well as bind directly to ADP 1. In addition anti-ADP 1 serum appeared to enhance, rather than inhibit, the binding of one mAb to native calf thymus DNA and poly[d(AT)] but had no effect on the binding to several ssDNA. These results demonstrate that many antibodies which recognize DNA and poly(ADP-ribose) have shared idiotypes. This may be of relevance to the development of autoimmunity because poly(ADP-ribose) is ubiquitous and immunogenic.     

The embryotrophic activity of oviductal cell-derived complement C3b and iC3b, a novel function of complement protein in reproduction

The oviduct-derived embryotrophic factor, ETF-3, enhances the development of trophectoderm and the hatching process of treated embryos. Monoclonal anti-ETF-3 antibody that abolishes the embryotrophic activity of ETF-3 recognized a 115-kDa protein from the conditioned medium of immortalized human oviductal cells. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that the protein was complement C3. Western blot analysis using an antibody against C3 confirmed the cross-reactivities between anti-C3 antibody with ETF-3 and anti-ETF-3 antibody with C3 and its derivatives, C3b and iC3b. Both derivatives, but not C3, were embryotrophic. iC3b was most efficient in enhancing the development of blastocysts with larger size and higher hatching rate, consistent with the previous reported embryotrophic activity of ETF-3. Embryos treated with iC3b contained iC3b immunoreactivity. The oviductal epithelium produced C3 as evidenced by the presence of C3 immunoreactivity and mRNA in the human oviduct and cultured oviductal cells. Cyclical changes in the expression of C3 immunoreactivity and mRNA were also found in the mouse oviduct with the highest expression at the estrus stage. Molecules involving in the conversion of C3b to iC3b and binding of iC3b were present in the human oviduct (factor I) and mouse preimplantation embryo (Crry and CR3), respectively. In conclusion, the present data showed that the oviduct produced C3/C3b, which was converted to iC3b to stimulate embryo development.     

Processing of C3b-opsonized immune complexes bound to non-complement receptor 1 (CR1) sites on red cells: phagocytosis, transfer, and associations with CR1

Severe anemia is a lethal complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, particularly in children. Recent studies in children with severe P. falciparum anemia have demonstrated elevated levels of E-bound Abs, reduced E-associated complement receptor 1 (CR1) and decay-accelerating factor (DAF), and pronounced splenic enlargement, suggesting a mechanism for E loss involving Abs, complement, and phagocytosis. Motivated by these reports, we have developed an in vitro model in which human E with Abs and complement bound to CR1, DAF, or glycophorin A are incubated with model human macrophages (the THP-1 cell line). Previous work has demonstrated that immune complex (IC) substrates bound to E CR1, either by an Ab or via C3b, are transferred to macrophages with loss of CR1. In this study, we report that IC bound to DAF or glycophorin A by an Ab linkage are also transferred to macrophages. DAF is lost from the E during the transfer of DAF-bound IC, but the transfer of CR1-bound IC does not lead to a significant loss of DAF. Using glycophorin A-bound IC, we observe competition between transfer of IC and phagocytosis of the E: a fraction (相似文献   

Human pentraxin 3 binds to the complement regulator c4b-binding protein

The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble recognition molecule with multiple functions including innate immune defense against certain microbes and the clearance of apoptotic cells. PTX3 interacts with recognition molecules of the classical and lectin complement pathways and thus initiates complement activation. In addition, binding of PTX3 to the alternative complement pathway regulator factor H was shown. Here, we show that PTX3 binds to the classical and lectin pathway regulator C4b-binding protein (C4BP). A PTX3-binding site was identified within short consensus repeats 1-3 of the C4BP α-chain. PTX3 did not interfere with the cofactor activity of C4BP in the fluid phase and C4BP maintained its complement regulatory activity when bound to PTX3 on surfaces. While C4BP and factor H did not compete for PTX3 binding, the interaction of C4BP with PTX3 was inhibited by C1q and by L-ficolin. PTX3 bound to human fibroblast- and endothelial cell-derived extracellular matrices and recruited functionally active C4BP to these surfaces. Whereas PTX3 enhanced the activation of the classical/lectin pathway and caused enhanced C3 deposition on extracellular matrix, deposition of terminal pathway components and the generation of the inflammatory mediator C5a were not increased. Furthermore, PTX3 enhanced the binding of C4BP to late apoptotic cells, which resulted in an increased rate of inactivation of cell surface bound C4b and a reduction in the deposition of C5b-9. Thus, in addition to complement activators, PTX3 interacts with complement inhibitors including C4BP. This balanced interaction on extracellular matrix and on apoptotic cells may prevent excessive local complement activation that would otherwise lead to inflammation and host tissue damage.