N-glycosylation is required for human CD2 immunoadhesion functions.

The T-lymphocyte glycoprotein receptor, CD2, mediates cell-cell adhesion by binding to the surface molecule CD58 (LFA-3) on many cell types including antigen presenting cells. Two domains comprise the CD2 extracellular segment, with all adhesion functions localized to the amino-terminal domain that contains a single N-glycosylation site at Asn65. We have defined an important role for the N-linked glycans attached to Asn65 of this domain in mediating CD2-CD58 interactions and also characterize its N-glycotype structure. Analysis of deglycosylated soluble recombinant CD2 as well as a mutant transmembrane CD2 molecule containing a single Asn65-Gln65 substitution demonstrates that neither deglycosylated CD2 nor the mutant CD2 transmembrane receptor binds CD58 or monoclonal antibodies directed at native CD2 adhesion domain epitopes. Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry demonstrates that high mannose oligosaccharides ((Man)nGlcNAc2, n = 5-9) are the only N-glycotypes occupying Asn65 when soluble CD2 is expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Based on a model of human CD2 secondary structure, we propose that N-glycosylation is required for stabilizing domain 1 in the human receptor. Thus, N-glycosylation is essential for human CD2 adhesion functions.     

The leukocyte integrin alpha D beta 2 binds VCAM-1: evidence for a binding interface between I domain and VCAM-1.

The trafficking of leukocytes through tissues is supported by an interaction between the beta 2 (CD18) integrins CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1) and CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) and their ligand ICAM-1. The most recently identified and fourth member of the beta 2 integrins, alpha D beta 2, selectively binds ICAM-3 and does not appear to bind ICAM-1. We have reported recently that alpha D beta 2 can support eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1. Here we demonstrate that expression of alpha D beta 2 in a lymphoid cell that does not express alpha 4 integrins confers efficient binding to VCAM-1. In addition, a soluble form of alpha D beta 2 binds VCAM-1 with greater efficiency relative to ICAM-3. The I domain of alpha D contains a binding site for VCAM-1 since recombinant alpha D I domain binds specifically to VCAM-1. In addition, alpha D mAb that block cellular binding to VCAM-1 bind the alpha D I domain. Using VCAM-1 mutants we have determined that the binding site on VCAM-1 for alpha D beta 2 overlaps with that of alpha 4++ integrins. Substitution of VCAM-1 aspartate at position 40, D40, within the conserved integrin binding site, diminishes binding to alpha D beta 2 and abrogates binding to the alpha D I domain. The corresponding integrin binding site residue in ICAM-3 is also essential to alpha D beta 2 binding. Finally, we demonstrate that alpha D beta 2 can support lymphoid cell adhesion to VCAM-1 under flow conditions at levels equivalent to those mediated by alpha 4 beta 1. These results indicate that VCAM-1 can bind to an I domain and that the binding of alpha D beta 2 to VCAM-1 may contribute to the trafficking of a subpopulation of leukocytes that express alpha D beta 2.     

Cloning of the murine lymphocyte function-associated molecule-1 alpha-subunit and its expression in COS cells

The lymphocyte function-associated molecule 1 (LFA-1, CD11a/CD18) is an integrin that mediates adhesion of immune cells by interaction with two members of the Ig superfamily, ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. LFA-1 consists of an alpha subunit (Mr = 180,000) and a beta subunit (Mr = 95,000). We report here the isolation and expression of the murine alpha subunit cDNA (GenBank accession no. M60778). The deduced sequence comprises a 1061 amino acid extracellular domain, a 29 amino acid transmembrane region, and a 50 amino acid cytoplasmic domain. It has a 72% amino acid identity with its human counterpart and 34% identity with the murine Mac-1 alpha subunit. The murine LFA-1 alpha subunit could be expressed on the cell surface of a fibroblastoid cell line, COS, by cotransfection with either the human or murine beta subunit cDNA.     

Primary structure of the leukocyte function-associated molecule-1 alpha subunit: an integrin with an embedded domain defining a protein superfamily

The leukocyte function-associated molecule 1 (LFA-1, CD11a/CD18) is a membrane glycoprotein which functions in cell-cell adhesion by heterophilic interaction with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). LFA-1 consists of an alpha subunit (Mr = 180,000) and a beta subunit (Mr = 95,000). We report the molecular biology and protein sequence of the alpha subunit. Overlapping cDNAs containing 5,139 nucleotides were isolated using an oligonucleotide specified by tryptic peptide sequence. The mRNA of 5.5 kb is expressed in lymphoid and myeloid cells but not in a bladder carcinoma cell line. The protein has a 1,063-amino acid extracellular domain, a 29-amino acid transmembrane region, and a 53-amino acid cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain contains seven repeats. Repeats V-VII are in tandem and contain putative divalent cation binding sites. LFA-1 has significant homology to the members of the integrin superfamily, having 36% identity with the Mac-1 and p150,95 alpha subunits and 28% identity with other integrin alpha subunits. An insertion of approximately 200 amino acids is present in the NH2-terminal region of LFA-1. This "inserted/interactive" or I domain is also present in the p150,95 and Mac-1 alpha subunits but is absent from other integrin alpha subunits sequenced to date. The I domain has striking homology to three repeats in human von Willebrand factor, two repeats in chicken cartilage matrix protein, and a region of complement factor B. These structural features indicate a bipartite evolution from the integrin family and from an I domain family. These features may also correspond to relevant functional domains.     

Structural basis for CD44 recognition by ERM proteins

CD44 is an important adhesion molecule that functions as the major hyaluronan receptor which mediates cell adhesion and migration in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Although full activity of CD44 requires binding to ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) proteins, the CD44 cytoplasmic region, consisting of 72 amino acid residues, lacks the Motif-1 consensus sequence for ERM binding found in intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-2 and other adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Ultracentrifugation sedimentation studies and circular dichroism measurements revealed an extended monomeric form of the cytoplasmic peptide in solution. The crystal structure of the radixin FERM domain complexed with a CD44 cytoplasmic peptide reveals that the KKKLVIN sequence of the peptide forms a beta strand followed by a short loop structure that binds subdomain C of the FERM domain. Like Motif-1 binding, the CD44 beta strand binds the shallow groove between strand beta5C and helix alpha1C and augments the beta sheet beta5C-beta7C from subdomain C. Two hydrophobic CD44 residues, Leu and Ile, are docked into a hydrophobic pocket with the formation of hydrogen bonds between Asn of the CD44 short loop and loop beta4C-beta5C from subdomain C. This binding mode resembles that of NEP (neutral endopeptidase 24.11) rather than ICAM-2. Our results reveal a characteristic versatility of peptide recognition by the FERM domains from ERM proteins, suggest a possible mechanism by which the CD44 tail is released from the cytoskeleton for nuclear translocation by regulated intramembrane proteolysis, and provide a structural basis for Smad1 interactions with activated CD44 bound to ERM protein.     

Structure of a heterophilic adhesion complex between the human CD2 and CD58 (LFA-3) counterreceptors.

Interaction between CD2 and its counterreceptor, CD58 (LFA-3), on opposing cells optimizes immune recognition, facilitating contacts between helper T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells as well as between cytolytic effectors and target cells. Here, we report the crystal structure of the heterophilic adhesion complex between the amino-terminal domains of human CD2 and CD58. A strikingly asymmetric, orthogonal, face-to-face interaction involving the major beta sheets of the respective immunoglobulin-like domains with poor shape complementarity is revealed. In the virtual absence of hydrophobic forces, interdigitating charged amino acid side chains form hydrogen bonds and salt links at the interface (approximately 1200 A2), imparting a high degree of specificity albeit with low affinity (K(D) of approximately microM). These features explain CD2-CD58 dynamic binding, offering insights into interactions of related immunoglobulin superfamily receptors.     

Binding sites of leukocyte beta 2 integrins (LFA-1, Mac-1) on the human ICAM-4/LW blood group protein

The red cell ICAM-4/LW blood group glycoprotein, which belongs to the family of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), has been reported to interact with CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1) and CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) beta(2) integrins. To better define the basis of the ICAM-4/beta(2) integrin interaction, we have generated wild-type, domain-deleted and mutated recombinant chimeric ICAM-4-Fc proteins and analyzed their interaction in a cellular adhesion assay with LFA-1 and Mac-1 L-cell stable transfectants. We found that monoclonal antibodies against CD11a, CD11b, CD18, or LW(ab) block adhesion of transfectant L-cells to immobilized ICAM-4-Fc protein and that the ICAM-4/beta(2) integrin interaction was highly sensitive to the presence of the divalent cations Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). Deletion of individual Ig-domains D1 or D2 of the extracellular part of ICAM-4 showed that LFA-1 binds to the first Ig-like domain, whereas the Mac-1 binding site encompassed both the first and the second Ig-like domains. Based on the crystal structure of ICAM-2, we propose a model for the Ig-like domains D1 and D2 of ICAM-4. Accordingly, by site-directed mutagenesis of 22 amino acid positions spread out on all faces of the ICAM-4 molecule, we identified four exposed residues, Leu(80), Trp(93), and Arg(97) on the CFG face and Trp(77) on the E-F loop of domain D1 that may contact LFA-1 as part of the binding site. However, the single and double mutants R52E and T91Q on the CFG face of domain D1, which correspond to the key residues Glu(34) and Gln(73) for ICAM-1 binding to LFA-1, had no effect on LFA-1 binding. In contrast, all mutants on the CFG face of domain D1 and residues Glu(151) and Thr(154) in the C'-E loop of the domain D2 seem to play a dominant role in Mac-1 binding. These data suggest that the binding site for LFA-1 on ICAM-4 overlaps but is distinct from the Mac-1 binding site.     

The lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 and CD2/LFA-3 pathways of antigen-independent human T cell adhesion

Human cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones form conjugates with both antigen-positive and antigen-negative lymphoblastoid cells. Conjugates with antigen-negative targets form as rapidly, and are almost as frequent, as those with antigen-positive targets; both types are strong. Monoclonal antibodies against lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1, CD2, and LFA-3 (or their Fab fragments) each consistently inhibit conjugate formation, but only partially; mixes of alpha LFA-1 with either CD2 monoclonal antibodies or alpha LFA-3 cause complete inhibition. Our previous studies have demonstrated two distinct pathways of antigen-independent conjugate (AIC) formation, one involving LFA-1 and the other involving CD2/LFA-3. The present studies showing supra-additive inhibition with mixes of Fab indicate that at least a major fraction of the conjugates involve T cells which utilize both pathways. Preincubation studies (and restricted expression for CD2) demonstrate that in the CD2/LFA-3 pathway, CD2 is critical on the effector and LFA-3 on the target and that in the LFA-1 pathway, LFA-1 is critical on the effector. Analysis of conjugate formation by primary allosensitized T cells confirms the critical findings made with T cell clones. Among a panel of antigen-negative "target" cell lines tested, there is wide variation in the number of AIC formed with cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones; this variation correlates partially with differences in level of expression of LFA-3. Both pathways of adhesion are utilized in AIC formation with all five targets tested, but there was variation between targets in the relative contribution by each pathway. Studies of inhibition of lysis (rather than conjugate formation) support the relevance of the two-pathway model to the lytic process as a whole. These studies demonstrate the general involvement of two pathways of adhesion in human T cell interactions: one involving T cell LFA-1 and the other involving T cell CD2 binding to target cell LFA-3.     

The membrane-spanning domain of CD98 heavy chain promotes alpha(v)beta3 integrin signals in human extravillous trophoblasts

CD98 heavy chain (CD98hc) is expressed highly in developing human placental trophoblast. CD98hc is an amino acid transporter and is thought to function in cell fusion, adhesion, and invasion by interacting with integrins. In invasive extravillous trophoblast, alpha(v)beta(3) integrin is expressed in a temporally and spatially specific manner, which prompted us to investigate the potential role of CD98hc in signal transduction of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. Immunocytochemistry of extravillous trophoblast derived from human placenta revealed that CD98hc colocalized with alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and with alpha(v)beta(3)-associated cytoplasmic proteins including paxillin, vinculin, and focal adhesion kinase. Coimmunoprecipitation of CD98hc and its mutants revealed that the transmembrane domain of CD98hc is necessary for the association of CD98hc with alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. When CD98hc negative liver cells (FLC4) were stably transfected with CD98hc and the extracellular domain of CD98hc was cross-linked by anti-CD98 antibody, FLC4 cells binding affinity to fibronectin and cell motility increased. The anti-CD98 antibody cross-linking promoted actin stress fiber formation and activation of signal transduction downstream of RhoA GTPase, and elevated the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and protein kinase B. Pretreatment of transfected FLC4 cells with specific inhibitors for alpha(v)beta(3)integrin, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and RhoA diminished these effects caused by anti-CD98 antibody cross-linking. These results suggest that notoriously invasive activity of extravillous trophoblast is mediated by CD98hc, which promotes alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-dependent signals.     

The integrin alpha L beta 2 hybrid domain serves as a link for the propagation of activation signal from its stalk regions to the I-like domain

Integrin activation involves global conformational changes as demonstrated by various functional and structural analyses. The integrin beta hybrid domain is proposed to be involved in the propagation of this activation signal. Our previous study showed that the integrin beta(2)-specific monoclonal antibody 7E4 abrogates monoclonal antibody KIM185-activated but not Mg(2+)/EGTA-activated leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; alpha(L)beta(2))-mediated adhesion to ICAM-1. Here we investigated the allosteric inhibitory property of 7E4. By using human/mouse chimeras and substitution mutations, the epitope of 7E4 was mapped to Val(407), located in the mid-region of the beta(2) hybrid domain. Two sets of constitutively active LFA-1 variants were used to examine the effect of 7E4 on LFA-1/ICAM-1 binding. 7E4 attenuated the binding of variants that have modifications to regions membrane proximal with respect to the beta(2) hybrid domain. In contrast, the inhibitory effect was minimal on variants with alterations in the alpha(L) I- and beta(2) I-like domains preceding the hybrid domain. Furthermore, 7E4 abrogated LFA-1/ICAM-1 adhesion of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-treated MOLT-4 cells. Our data demonstrate that interaction between the hybrid and I-like domain is critical for the regulation of LFA-1-mediated adhesion.     

Cholesterol-independent interactions with CD47 enhance alphavbeta3 avidity

Expression in OV10 cells of either wild-type CD47 or its extracellular IgV domain linked to a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor-(IgV-GPI) enhanced ligand-induced alpha(v)beta(3) activation as detected by the binding of LIBS1 and LIBS6 mAbs. The amplitude of LIBS binding was greater with both CD47 and IgV-GPI expression, indicating an increase in the population of "activable" integrin molecules. Expression of either CD47 species also increased alpha(v)beta(3)-mediated adhesion to vitronectin, and to surfaces coated with the anti-beta(3) antibody AP3, because of enhanced clustering of alpha(v)beta(3) as confirmed by chemical cross-linking. Cholesterol depletion with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin did not prevent the increase in anti-LIBS binding, but reduced cell adhesion to vitronectin and AP3. However, cells expressing CD47 were partially insulated against this disruption, and IgV-GPI was even more effective. Both CD47 and IgV-GPI were found in cholesterol-rich rafts prepared in the absence of detergent, but only CD47 could recruit alpha(v)beta(3) and its associated signaling molecules to these domains. Thus CD47-alpha(v)beta(3) complexes in cholesterol-rich raft domains appear to engage in G(i)-dependent signaling whereas CD47-alpha(v)beta(3) interactions that lead to integrin clustering are also detergent resistant, but are insensitive to cholesterol depletion and do not require the transmembrane region of CD47.     

On the species specificity of the interaction of LFA-1 with intercellular adhesion molecules

Species restrictions in immune cell interactions have been demonstrated both in Ag-specific responses of T lymphocytes and the phenomenon of natural attachment. To determine the possible contribution of adhesion receptors to these restrictions, we have studied binding between the murine and human homologues of LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and ICAM employing purified human LFA-1 and ICAM-1 (CD54) bound to solid substrates. Murine cell lines bind to purified human LFA-1 through ICAM-1 and at least one other counter-receptor. This provides evidence for multiple counter-receptors for LFA-1 in the mouse as well as in the human. In contrast to binding of murine ICAM-1 to human LFA-1, murine LFA-1 does not bind to human ICAM-1. The species specificity maps to the LFA-1 alpha subunit, because mouse x human hybrid cells expressing the human alpha subunit associated with a mouse beta subunit bind to human ICAM-1, whereas those with a human beta subunit associated with a murine alpha subunit do not. Increased adhesiveness for ICAM-1 stimulated by phorbol esters could be demonstrated for hybrid LFA-1 molecules with human alpha and murine beta subunits.     

Function of the lectin domain of Mac-1/complement receptor type 3 (CD11b/CD18) in regulating neutrophil adhesion

A lectin function within CD11b mediates both cytotoxic priming of Mac-1/complement receptor type 3 (CR3) by beta-glucan and the formation of transmembrane signaling complexes with GPI-anchored glycoproteins such as CD16b (FcgammaRIIIb). A requirement for GPI-anchored urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR; CD87) in neutrophil adhesion and diapedesis has been demonstrated with uPAR-knockout mice. In this study, neutrophil activation conditions generating high-affinity (H-AFN) or low-affinity (L-AFN) beta(2) integrin adhesion were explored. A role for the Mac-1/CR3 lectin domain and uPAR in mediating H-AFN or L-AFN adhesion was suggested by the inhibition of Mac-1/CR3-dependent adhesion to ICAM-1 or fibrinogen by beta-glucan or anti-uPAR. The formation of uPAR complexes with Mac-1/CR3 activated for L-AFN adhesion was demonstrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Conversely, Jurkat cell LFA-1 H-AFN-adhesion to ICAM-1 was not associated with uPAR/LFA-1 complexes, any requirement for GPI-anchored glycoproteins, or inhibition by beta-glucan. A single CD11b lectin site for beta-glucan and uPAR was suggested because the binding of either beta-glucan or uPAR to Mac-1/CR3 selectively masked two CD11b epitopes adjacent to the transmembrane domain. Moreover, treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C that removed GPI-anchored proteins increased CD11b-specific binding of (125)I-labeled beta-glucan by 3-fold and this was reversed with soluble recombinant uPAR. Conversely, neutrophil activation for generation of Mac-1/CR3/uPAR complexes inhibited CD11b-dependent binding of (125)I-labeled beta-glucan by 75%. These data indicate that the same lectin domain within CD11b regulates both the cytotoxic and adhesion functions of Mac-1/CR3.     

Alpha 4 integrin signaling activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and stimulates T cell adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 to a similar extent as CD3, but induces a distinct rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton.

Dynamic regulation of beta(2) integrin-dependent adhesion is critical for a wide array of T cell functions. We previously showed that binding of high-affinity alpha(4)beta(1) integrins to VCAM-1 strengthens alpha(L)beta(2) integrin-mediated adhesion to ICAM-1. In this study, we compared beta(2) integrin-mediated adhesion of T cells to ICAM-1 under two different functional contexts: alpha(4) integrin signaling during emigration from blood into tissues and CD3 signaling during adhesion to APCs and target cells. Cross-linking either alpha(4) integrin or CD3 on Jurkat T cells induced adhesion to ICAM-1 of comparable strength. Adhesion was dependent on phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase but not p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular regulated kinase 1/2), because it was inhibited by wortmannin and LY294002 but not U0126. These data suggest that PI 3-kinase is a ubiquitous regulator of beta(2) integrin-mediated adhesion. A distinct morphological change consisting of Jurkat cell spreading and extension of filopodia was induced by alpha(4) integrin signaling. In contrast, CD3 induced radial rings of cortical actin polymerization. Inhibitors of PI 3-kinase and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 did not affect alpha(4) integrin-induced rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, but treatment with ionomycin, a Ca(2+) ionophore, modulated cell morphology by reducing filopodia and promoting lamellipodia formation. Qualitatively similar morphological and adhesive changes to those observed with Jurkat cells were observed following alpha(4) integrin or CD3 stimulation of human peripheral blood T cells.     

Effect of integrin beta 2 subunit truncations on LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) assembly, surface expression, and function

LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) are members of the beta2 integrins involved in leukocyte function during immune and inflammatory responses. We aimed to determine a minimized beta2 subunit that forms functional LFA-1 and Mac-1. Using a series of truncated beta2 variants, we showed that the subregion Q23-D300 of the beta2 subunit is sufficient to combine with the alphaL and alphaM subunits intracellularly. However, only the beta2 variants terminating after Q444 promote cell surface expression of LFA-1 and Mac-1. Thus, the major cysteine-rich region and the three highly conserved cysteine residues at positions 445, 447, and 449 of the beta2 subunit are not required for LFA-1 and Mac-1 surface expression. The surface-expressed LFA-1 variants are constitutively active with respect to ICAM-1 adhesion and these variants express the activation reporter epitope of the mAb 24. In contrast, surface-expressed Mac-1, both the wild type and variants, require 0. 5 mM MnCl2 for adhesion to denatured BSA. These results suggest that the role of the beta2 subunit in LFA-1- and Mac-1-mediated adhesion may be different.     

Low affinity binding of an LFA-3/IgG1 fusion protein to CD2+ T cells is independent of cell activation

Quantitative analysis of binding of the bivalent recombinant soluble fusion protein, LFA-3/IgG1, shows that the fusion protein binds to human CD2+ PBLs primarily through low affinity (KD approximately 140 microM) but also through high avidity (90 nM) interactions. The concentration dependence for LFA-3/IgG1 PBL binding took the form of two overlapping bell-shaped curves separated by a clear and reproducible minimum. This was accounted for in part by minor heterogeneity in the LFA-3/IgG1 preparations, and potentially by the ability of the ligand to bind to both CD2 and Fc receptors (FcR), best evidenced by the distinct binding properties of the fusion protein to NK and T cells. The low affinity LFA-3/ IgG1 binding to T cells is consistent with binding to CD2 only, and is in agreement with the low affinity reported for interactions between soluble forms of LFA-3 and CD2 by surface plasmon resonance technology. Moreover, as the low affinity determinations are similar for CD2 on resting and activated T cells, although the CD2 molecule has been reported to be altered to reveal new epitopes upon T cell activation, the binding data argue against multiple cell activation-dependent affinity states of CD2 for LFA-3 binding. This is distinct from that observed with other adhesion partners, and suggests that the different adhesion pathways utilize distinct mechanisms to mediate cell adhesion.     

Direct extracellular contact between integrin alpha(3)beta(1) and TM4SF protein CD151

Previously we established that the alpha(3)beta(1) integrin shows stable, specific, and stoichiometric association with the TM4SF (tetraspannin) protein CD151. Here we used a membrane impermeable cross-linking agent to show a direct association between extracellular domains of alpha(3)beta(1) and CD151. The alpha(3)beta(1)-CD151 association site was then mapped using chimeric alpha(6)/alpha(3) integrins and CD151/NAG2 TM4SF proteins. Complex formation required an extracellular alpha(3) site (amino acids (aa) 570-705) not previously known to be involved in specific integrin contacts with other proteins and a region (aa 186-217) within the large extracellular loop of CD151. Notably, the anti-CD151 monoclonal antibody TS151r binding epitope, previously implicated in alpha(3) integrin association, was mapped to the same region of CD151 (aa 186-217). Finally, we demonstrated that both NH(2)- and COOH-terminal domains of CD151 are located on the inside of the plasma membrane, thus confirming a long suspected model of TM4SF protein topology.     

Effect of lengthening lymphocyte function-associated antigen 3 on adhesion to CD2.

The effect of lengthening the distance in an adhesion molecule between the receptor binding site and the membrane anchor was studied by inserting four Ig-like domains into the two Ig domain lymphocyte function-associated antigen 3 (LFA-3) molecule. The extended molecule expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells bound to CD2 on T lymphocytes 4- to 20-fold more efficiently than the wild-type molecule at 4 degrees C. Treatment of the CHO clones with neuraminidase to remove sialic acid, or with deoxymannojirimycin to reduce the bulk of N-linked glycosylation, showed that adhesion to both the wild-type and the chimeric LFA-3 molecules was under the influence of cell-cell repulsive forces to a similar extent and that these treatments had less effect than lengthening LFA-3. At higher temperatures, such as 22 and 37 degrees C, the efficiency of binding to the wild-type LFA-3 increased to levels comparable with binding to extended LFA-3. Our results suggest that more distal locations of the adhesive binding site from the cell membrane anchor increase the efficiency of cell-cell adhesion by enhancing the frequency of receptor encounter with ligand and that more proximal locations of the adhesive binding site can provide efficient cell-cell adhesion at physiological temperatures.     

Assembly and crystallization of the complex between the human T cell coreceptor CD8alpha homodimer and HLA-A2.

A strategy for overexpression in Escherichia coli of the extracellular immunoglobulin domain of human CD8alpha was devised using codon usage alterations in the 5' region of the gene, designed so as to prevent the formation of secondary structures in the mRNA. A fragment of CD8alpha, comprising residues 1-120 of the mature protein, excluding the signal peptide and the membrane-proximal stalk region, was recovered from bacterial inclusion bodies and refolded to produce a single species of homodimeric, soluble receptor. HLA-A2 heavy chain, beta2-microglobulin and a synthetic peptide antigen corresponding to the pol epitope from HIV-1 were also expressed in E. coli, refolded and purified. CD8alpha/HLA-A2 complexes were formed in solution and by co-crystallization with a stoichiometry of one CD8alpha alpha dimer to one HLA-A2-peptide unit.     

Visualization of CD2 interaction with LFA-3 and determination of the two-dimensional dissociation constant for adhesion receptors in a contact area

Many adhesion receptors have high three-dimensional dissociation constants (Kd) for counter-receptors compared to the KdS of receptors for soluble extracellular ligands such as cytokines and hormones. Interaction of the T lymphocyte adhesion receptor CD2 with its counter- receptor, LFA-3, has a high solution-phase Kd (16 microM at 37 degrees C), yet the CD2/LFA-3 interaction serves as an effective adhesion mechanism. We have studied the interaction of CD2 with LFA-3 in the contact area between Jurkat T lymphoblasts and planar phospholipid bilayers containing purified, fluorescently labeled LFA-3. Redistribution and lateral mobility of LFA-3 were measured in contact areas as functions of the initial LFA-3 surface density and of time after contact of the cells with the bilayers. LFA-3 accumulated at sites of contact with a half-time of approximately 15 min, consistent with the previously determined kinetics of adhesion strengthening. The two-dimensional Kd for the CD2/LFA-3 interaction was 21 molecules/microns 2, which is lower than the surface densities of CD2 on T cells and LFA-3 on most target or stimulator cells. Thus, formation of CD2/LFA-3 complexes should be highly favored in physiological interactions. Comparison of the two-dimensional (membrane- bound) and three-dimensional (solution-phase) KdS suggest that cell- cell contact favors CD2/LFA-3 interaction to a greater extent than that predicted by the three-dimensional Kd and the intermembrane distance at the site of contact. LFA-3 molecules in the contact site were capable of lateral diffusion in the plane of the phospholipid bilayer and did not appear to be irreversibly trapped in the contact area, consistent with a rapid off-rate. These data provide insights into the function of low affinity interactions in adhesion.