Diphosphoryl lipid A from Rhodobacter sphaeroides blocks the binding and internalization of lipopolysaccharide in RAW 264.7 cells.

Diphosphoryl lipid A derived from the nontoxic LPS of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (RsDPLA) has been shown to be a powerful LPS antagonist in both human and murine cell lines. In addition, RsDPLA also can protect mice against the lethal effects of toxic LPS. In this study, we complexed both the deep rough LPS from Escherichia coli D31 m4 (ReLPS) and RsDPLA with 5- and 30-nm colloidal gold and compared their binding to the RAW 264.7 cell line by electron microscopy. Both ReLPS and RsDPLA bound to the cells with the following observations. First, binding studies revealed that pretreatment with RsDPLA completely blocked the binding and thus internalization of ReLPS-gold conjugates to these cells at both 37 degrees C and 4 degrees C. Second, ReLPS was internalized via micropinocytosis (noncoated plasma membrane invaginations) involving formation of caveolae-like structures and leading to the formation of micropinocytotic vesicles, macropinocytosis (or phagocytosis), formation of clathrin-coated pits (receptor mediated), and penetration through plasma membrane into cytoplasm. Third, in contrast, RsDPLA was internalized predominantly via macropinocytosis. These studies show for the first time that RsDPLA blocks the binding and thus internalization of LPS as observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.     

Binding sites for endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) on human monocytes.

The nature of the binding sites for LPS on human monocytes was investigated using [3H] labeled intact LPS from Neisseria meningitidis and from Salmonella minnesota R7, and the [3H] labeled purified inner core region (PS-OMe) of S.m. R7 LPS. In the presence of serum, intact LPS from enterobacterial and nonenterobacterial strains bound to monocytes in a dose-dependent, saturable, and displaceable fashion. N.m. LPS and LPS from the enterobacterial strain of Escherichia coli 0111-B4 bound to the same sites on monocytes as assessed in competitive binding experiments. Specific binding of intact LPS to monocytes occurred through the CD14 molecule as shown by the ability of mAb and of F(ab')2 fragments of mAb directed against specific epitopes of CD14 to inhibit the binding of [3H]-LPS to cells and by the lack of binding of intact LPS to CD14-deficient cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Specific binding of LPS to monocytes was not mediated by the CD11/CD18 complex because mAb to the alpha and beta chains of the Leu-CAM molecules did not alter the binding of LPS to cells and because LPS did not inhibit the binding of labeled mAb to monocytes. [3H]-PS-OMe also bound in a dose-dependent and displaceable fashion to monocytes involving an unidentified, non-CD14, binding site on the cells. Binding of LPS to monocytes also involved nonsaturable binding sites for hydrophobic structures of LPS as evidenced in binding experiments performed in the absence of serum. These observations indicate that intact LPS may interact with the monocyte membrane in at least three ways including serum-dependent binding to CD14 and to a lectin-like receptor, and serum-independent hydrophobic interactions.     

Targeting of Liposomes to Cells Bearing Nerve Growth Factor Receptors Mediated by Biotinylated Nerve Growth Factor

We have used biologically active derivatives of beta-nerve growth factor (NGF), modified by biotinylation via carboxyl groups, to target the specific binding of liposomes to cultured rat and human tumor cells bearing NGF receptors. Liposomes, to be used for targeting, were prepared by conjugating streptavidin to phospholipid amino groups on liposomes prepared by reverse-phase evaporation. Approximately 2,000 streptavidin molecules were incorporated per liposome. Addition of biotinylated NGF, but not of unmodified NGF, could mediate the subsequent binding of radiolabeled streptavidin-liposomes to rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in suspension at 4 degrees C. In contrast, incubation with biotinylated NGF did not mediate the binding of hemoglobin-conjugated liposomes. Under optimal incubation conditions, approximately 570 streptavidin-liposomes were specifically bound per cell. Biotinylated NGF was also used to obtain specific binding of streptavidin-liposomes containing encapsulated fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran to PC12 cells or human melanoma HS294 cells. When HS294 cells were incubated at 37 degrees C following targeted liposome binding at 4 degrees C, the cell-associated fluorescence appeared to become internalized, displaying a perinuclear pattern of fluorescence similar to that observed when lysosomes were stained with acridine orange. Trypsin treatment abolished cell-associated fluorescence when cells were held at 4 degrees C but did not alter the fluorescence pattern in cells following incubation at 37 degrees C. When liposomes containing carboxyfluorescein, a dye capable of diffusing out of acidic compartments, were targeted to HS294 cells, subsequent incubation at 37 degrees C resulted in diffuse cytoplasmic fluorescence, suggesting that internalized liposomes encounter lysosomal or prelysosomal organelles.     

Diverging pathways for lipopolysaccharide and CD14 in human monocytes

BACKGROUND: CD14 is considered to be the major endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) binding molecule on human monocytes. It initiates cellular response, but its role in the clearance of LPS is not well understood. Under conditions that ensure totally CD14-dependent LPS binding on human monocytes, the internalization mechanisms of LPS and CD14 were studied. METHODS: The uptake and intracellular distribution of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-LPS and CD14 was determined by flow cytometry, trypan blue quenching, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Incubation of surface-biotinylated cells with LPS at 37 degrees C or 4 degrees C and subsequent subfractionation was used to further characterize CD14 internalization. The amount of the intracellular CD14 was estimated by CD14 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The internalization rate of 10 ng/ml FITC-LPS with 1% human serum was 1% of bound endotoxin per minute, whereas CD14 expression did not decrease at the same time surface. We proved the presence of an intracellular CD14 pool (2.68 x 10(6) molecules per unstimulated monocyte) and could show that internalized FITC-LPS molecules can be found in different intracellular compartments than CD14. Subfractionation of LPS-treated biotinylated monocytes showed no change in biotinylated CD14 in the membrane fraction independently of the incubation temperature (37 degrees C or at 4 degrees C) used, indicating that these CD14 molecules were not taken up by an active process. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate the presence of a large intracellular CD14 pool in monocytes with a yet unknown function, and suggest that LPS and CD14 molecules can be internalized independently after association on the cell surface.     

Receptor-bound somatostatin and epidermal growth factor are processed differently in GH4C1 rat pituitary cells

GH4C1 cells, a clonal strain of rat pituitary tumor cells, have high-affinity, functional receptors for the inhibitory hypothalamic peptide somatostatin (SRIF) and for epidermal growth factor (EGF). In this study we have examined the events that follow the initial binding of SRIF to its specific plasma membrane receptors in GH4C1 cells and have compared the processing of receptor-bound SRIF with that of EGF. When cells were incubated with [125I-Tyr1]SRIF at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37 degrees C, greater than 80% of the specifically bound peptide was removed by extraction with 0.2 M acetic acid, 0.5 M NaCl, pH 2.5. In contrast, the subcellular distribution of receptor-bound 125I-EGF was temperature dependent. Whereas greater than 95% of specifically bound 125I-EGF was removed by acid treatment after a 4 degrees C binding incubation, less than 10% was removed when the binding reaction was performed at 22 or 37 degrees C. In pulse-chase experiments, receptor-bound 125I-EGF was transferred from an acid-sensitive to an acid-resistant compartment with a half-time of 2 min at 37 degrees C. In contrast, the small amount of [125I-Tyr1]SRIF that was resistant to acid treatment did not increase during a 2-h chase incubation at 37 degrees C. Chromatographic analysis of the radioactivity released from cells during dissociation incubations at 37 degrees C showed that greater than 90% of prebound 125I-EGF was released as 125I-tyrosine, whereas prebound [125I-Tyr1]SRIF was released as a mixture of intact peptide (55%) and 125I-tyrosine (45%). Neither chloroquine (0.1 mM), ammonium chloride (20 mM), nor leupeptin (0.1 mg/ml) increased the amount of [125I-Tyr1]SRIF bound to cells at 37 degrees C. Furthermore, chloroquine and leupeptin did not alter the rate of dissociation or degradation of prebound [125I-Tyr1]SRIF. In contrast, these inhibitors increased the amount of cell-associated 125I-EGF during 37 degrees C binding incubations and decreased the subsequent rate of release of 125I-tyrosine. The results presented indicate that, as in other cell types, EGF underwent rapid receptor-mediated endocytosis in GH4C1 cells and was subsequently degraded in lysosomes. In contrast, SRIF remained at the cell surface for several hours although it elicits its biological effects within minutes. Furthermore, a constant fraction of the receptor-bound [125I-Tyr1]SRIF was degraded at the cell surface before dissociation. Therefore, after initial binding of [125I-Tyr1]SRIF and 125I-EGF to their specific membrane receptors, these peptides are processed very differently in GH4C1 cells.     

Lactoferrin-lipopolysaccharide interactions. Effect on lactoferrin binding to monocyte/macrophage-differentiated HL-60 cells.

Lactoferrin (LF) has been implicated in a number of functions including the negative regulation of myelopoiesis in vitro and in vivo, an effect mediated by suppression of cytokine release from monocytes/macrophages. This suppression is abrogated by bacterial LPS. In the present study, HL-60 cells were induced to differentiate to monocytes/macrophages by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, and LF-binding assays were performed. After differentiation, HL-60 cells showed a twofold increase of LF-binding sites with no difference in the specificity or affinity of LF between pre- and post-differentiated cells. CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c Ag, which have been associated with specific binding sites for LPS on monocytes/macrophages, were also increased three- to fourfold after differentiation. With the use of this system, the effect of LPS on LF binding was studied. At 37 degrees C, LPS enhanced LF binding on HL-60 cells, especially after differentiation. Conversely, at 4 degrees C, LPS inhibited LF binding. There was little effect of temperature on LF binding in the absence of LPS. In the presence of polymyxin B sulfate, the enhanced LF binding by LPS was abrogated. Also, pretreatment with mAbCD11 and/or mAb5D3, which are associated with or directed against candidate LPS receptors, reduced LF binding. Cross-linking studies using an iodinated, photoactivatable LPS derivative ([125I]ASD-LPS) demonstrated directly the specific binding of LPS to LF. These data indicate a dichotomous nature of LF binding on monocyte/macrophage-differentiated HL-60 cells--one being mediated by specific LF receptors whereas the other is apparently mainly via LPS receptors after formation of an LF-LPS complex. These interactions, for which a model is proposed, help to explain the mechanism behind LPS abrogation of the myelopoietic suppressive effects of LF, and a situation that probably occurs during bacterial infection.     

Monoclonal antibodies to the leukocyte common antigen (CD45) inhibit IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils.

mAb were selected that inhibited IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils. The two mAb, HB 9AB6 and HB 10AB2, are of the IgG1 subclass and have a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.16 to 1.1 micrograms/ml. The mAb required several hours of incubation with the basophils at 37 degrees C to induce maximum inhibition. Neither mAb directly released histamine from human basophils nor did they inhibit release induced by formylmethionine tripeptide, calcium ionophore A23187, or PMA. There was little inhibition of IgE-mediated release when the cells were preincubated with the mAb at 4 degrees C. By FACS analysis the 2 mAb bound to all peripheral blood leukocytes and immunoprecipitated a approximately 200-kDa protein from peripheral blood leukocytes and several cell lines of human origin. In binding studies and by sequential immunoprecipitation the 2 mAb and a known anti-CD45 mAb bound to the same protein. However, the mAb recognized different epitopes. Therefore, mAb to the CD45 surface Ag, a membrane protein tyrosine phosphatase, inhibits IgE-receptor mediated histamine release from human basophils. The data suggest a link between protein tyrosine phosphorylation and high affinity IgE receptor-mediated signal transduction in human basophils.     

Characterization of ligand binding and processing by bombesin receptors in an insulin-secreting cell line.

Bombesin is a tetradecapeptide which stimulates insulin secretion in vivo by isolated islets and by HIT-T15 cells, a clonal line of hamster pancreatic-islet cells. In the present study we have used [125I-Tyr4]bombesin to characterize bombesin receptors in HIT-T15 cells. [125I-Tyr4]Bombesin binding was time- and temperature-dependent: maximum binding occurred after 45 min, 90 min and 10 h at 37, 22 and 4 degrees C respectively. Thereafter, cell-associated radioactivity declined at 37 degrees C and 22 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C. Scatchard analysis of [125I-Tyr4]bombesin binding measured at 4 degrees C showed that HIT-T15 cells contain a single class of binding sites (approximately equal to 85000/cell) with an apparent Kd of 0.9 +/- 0.11 nM. Structurally unrelated neuropeptides did not compete for [125I-Tyr4]bombesin binding. However, the relative potencies of bombesin and four bombesin analogues in inhibiting the binding of [125I-Tyr4]bombesin correlated with their ability to stimulate insulin release. Receptor-mediated processing of [125I-Tyr4]bombesin was examined by using an acid wash (0.2 M-acetic acid/0.5 M-NaCl, pH 2.5) to dissociate surface-bound peptide from the cells. Following [125I-Tyr4]bombesin binding at 4 degrees C, more than 85% of the cell-associated radioactivity could be released by acid. When the temperature was then increased to 37 degrees C, the bound radioactivity was rapidly (t1/2 less than 3 min) converted into an acid-resistant state. These results indicate that receptor-bound [125I-Tyr4]bombesin is internalized in a temperature-dependent manner. In fact, the entire ligand-receptor complex appeared to be internalized, since pretreatment of cells with 100 nM-bombesin for 90 min at 37 degrees C decreased the subsequent binding of [125I-Tyr4]bombesin by 90%. The chemical nature of the cell-associated radioactivity was determined by reverse-phase chromatography of the material extracted from cells after a 30 min binding incubation at 37 degrees C. Although 70% of the saturably bound radioactivity was co-eluted with intact [125I-Tyr4]bombesin 90% of the radioactivity subsequently dissociated from cells chromatographed as free iodide. At least some of the degradation of receptor-bound [125I-Tyr4]bombesin appeared to occur in lysosomes, since chloroquine increased the cellular accumulation of [125I-Tyr4]bombesin at 37 degrees C and slowed the release of radioactivity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Osmotic stress and the freeze-thaw cycle cause shedding of Fc and C3b receptors by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

A major problem in the cryopreservation of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) is the loss of phagocytic function in cryopreserved cells. This is not a problem with cryopreserved monocytes. To study the reasons for this difference in detail, PMN and monocytes were either osmotically stressed in hypertonic media or were frozen to various temperatures. Cells were then returned to conditions of physiologic osmolarity and temperature. All cells remained viable. However, the ability of PMN to phagocytize bacteria and to bind sheep erythrocytes (E) opsonized with IgG, C3b, or C3bi decreased sharply after exposure to media of 600 mOsM or greater and after freezing to -1.5 degrees C. In contrast, monocytes were unaffected until a concentration of 1500 mOsM or a freezing temperature of -5 degrees C was exceeded. To determine whether the functional losses of surface receptor activity in PMN resulted from a loss of receptors from the membranes or from inactivation or internalization of receptors, opsonized E were incubated in the supernatants from stressed PMN. On subsequent incubation with healthy PMN, these E made fewer rosettes than control opsonized E. The inhibitory effect of the supernatants on rosetting of IgG-sensitized E could be removed by preincubation with IgG bound to Sepharose 4B. Immunoprecipitation of C3b and C3bi receptors from surface-iodinated, osmotically stressed, and control PMN suggested that about 50% of cell surface complement receptors were lost from the cell surface during osmotic stress. These experiments suggest that receptors for IgG and C3 are extruded from PMN cell membranes as a result of hyperosmotic stress, which is associated with the freeze-thaw cycle. This may be an early event in the functional damage done to PMN during attempts at cryopreservation.     

Specific binding, internalization, and degradation of human neutrophil activating factor by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The interaction of 125I-labeled recombinant human neutrophil activating factor (NAF) with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was studied by means of a radioreceptor assay. The binding was characterized by a rapid transition (t1/2 less than or equal to 1 min) from a pH 3-sensitive state at 4 degrees C to pH 3 resistance at 37 degrees C. This was not caused by internalization of NAF since pH 3-resistant bound iodinated NAF could still be exchanged by an excess of nonlabeled NAF, i.e. was dissociable. Internalized iodinated NAF was processed into trichloroacetic acid-soluble forms. Scatchard transformation of binding isotherms at 4 and 37 degrees C led to nonlinear curves, a finding which is consistent with the expression of two receptor populations, one with high (KD = 11-35 pM) and the other with lower affinity (KD = 640-830 pM) at 4 degrees C. Numbers of the low affinity binding sites were approximately 34,000, and those with high affinity were 5,200/PMN when estimated at 4 degrees C. Binding of iodinated NAF to PMN was specific since it could be competed by an excess of nonlabeled NAF but not by two other activators of PMN function, formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine or human recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. In addition to human PMN, NAF also bound specifically to two human monocytic cell lines; however, only the low affinity binding site could be detected on these cells.     

Efficient phagocytosis of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that poorly bind to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The phagocytosis process of unencapsulated MIAT-negative strains that, although binding very poorly to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) at 4 degrees C, are efficiently killed by these cells at 37 degrees C, was studied. At 37 degrees C the number of bacteria bound to the PMN external surface was similar to that observed at 4 degrees C (about 100 bacteria/100 PMN after 60 min); on the contrary the number of internalized bacteria was much higher (from 500 bacteria/100 PMN after 60 min). Interactions between phagocytosis-sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae strains (PSK) and PMN were then compared with those of two isogenic Escherichia coli strains with and without type 1 fimbriae. Whereas PSK strain binding to blocked PMN was very slow and became significant only after 5-6 h, that of phagocytosis-sensitive fimbriated E. coli was rapid and efficient. Phagocytosis-resistant, non fimbriated E. coli strain bound with an efficiency that, within the first 60 min, was not very different from that of the PSK strains. However, longer incubations led to increases in PSK binding, whereas unfimbriated E. coli remained constant. PSK and fimbriated E. coli strains were efficiently internalized and killed, whereas the unfimbriated E. coli strain was not. It is suggested that PMN can phagocytize unopsonized bacteria through two different mechanisms. By one mechanism, observed with the fimbriated E. coli strain, PMN bind many more bacteria than those they can internalize. By the other, observed with PSK strains, PMN bind only the bacteria they can immediately internalize.     

Characterization of C1q receptor expression on human phagocytic cells: effects of PDBu and fMLP

The receptor-mediated binding of C1q to human phagocytic cells was investigated in this study. By using a C1q binding assay, we determined that purified, elutriated monocytes expressed an average of 4.6 X 10(5) C1q receptors (C1qR) per cell, with an equilibrium binding constant (Keq) of 0.91 X 10(7) (M-1). When analyzed in an identical manner, the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) expressed an average of 4.2 X 10(5) C1qR per cell, with a Keq for C1q of 1 X 10(7) (M-1). Fluorescent flow cytometric analysis showed that C1q was bound by 98% of the monocytes studied. Further, the pattern formed by these cells was consistent with a normal log distribution, indicating that this was a homogeneous population of cells. When PMN were assayed with flow cytometry, however, we found that C1q was bound by an average of only 45% of the PMN analyzed. Further, these PMN were not dispersed in a normal log distribution, indicating some heterogeneity among the cells that bind C1q. We examined the abilities of the chemoattractant N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP) and the phorbol ester phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) to modulate expression of C1qR as compared to the receptor for C3b (CR1). Pretreatment of the monocytes and the PMN with either 10(-6)M fMLP or 10 ng/ml of PDBu significantly increased cell surface CR1 expression, as reported previously by other investigators. In contrast, no significant increase in the number of C1qR on the monocytes or the PMN was observed with any of the concentrations of fMLP or PDBu used during pretreatment. However, with certain pretreatment doses of these agents, some reduction was noted in the amount of 125I-C1q bound to the monocytes and the PMN. This study characterizes the binding of C1q to purified monocytes and confirms previously published values for PMN. The distribution of cells expressing C1qR is shown to be significantly different between identically treated populations of monocytes and PMN. Finally, the abilities of fMLP and PDBu to modulate the binding of C1qR are examined. Our results indicate that the control of C1qR expression differs markedly from that of CR1.     

The interaction of small oligomers of complement 3B (C3B) with phagocytes. High affinity binding and phorbol ester-induced internalization by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The binding of soluble, multimeric ligands of the major cleavage fragment of complement component 3 (C3b) to polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) has been examined. The oligomers bound entirely via complement C3 receptor type 1 (CR1). There was a single affinity of binding (0.65 nM) at 37 degrees C, while this high affinity binding accounted for only a minority of ligand bound at 0 degree C, with the rest showing a 50-100-fold lower affinity. Azide, fluoride, cytochalasin B, and colchicine had no effect on oligomer binding to PMN. Binding of oligomers had no effect on CR1 expression by PMN. C3b oligomers were not spontaneously internalized by PMN, but were internalized in response to phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu). Both CR1 initially present on the PMN plasma membrane and CR1 initially present in the internal pool of receptors were able to participate in PDBu-induced ligand internalization. C3b oligomers attached to the detergent-insoluble cell cytoskeleton during incubation at 37 degrees C, but cytochalasin B did not inhibit PDBu-induced ligand internalization. Internalized ligand was no longer associated with the detergent-insoluble cytoskeleton. These data demonstrate that 1) some CR1 diffusion is required for optimal oligomer binding; 2) high affinity ligand is not a signal for plasma membrane expression of the internal pool of CR1; 3) CR1 cross-linking is not a sufficient signal for endocytosis; and 4) functional CR1 association with the cytoskeleton which occurs at the plasma membrane is not required for ligand internalization.     

Binding and processing of (125)I-ACTH by isolated rat splenic lymphocytes

The effect of incubation temperature and ligand competition was tested for (125)I-ACTH binding to isolated rat lymphocytes. AlphaMSH but not Agouti-like peptide was an effective competitive inhibitor for cell surface binding at 4 degrees C. Cells incubated with (125)I-ACTH at 37 degrees C rapidly associated ligand for 10 min and then gradually lost the radioactivity with time. Cells incubated with (125)I-ACTH at 4 degrees C accumulated ligand to only about half the maximal amount when compared to cells incubated at 37 degrees C for 10 min. Temperatures below 20 degrees C and toxins that block lysosomal degradation blocked the loss of cell-associated radioactivity. These results suggest the lymphocyte ACTH receptor is the Melanocortin 5 receptor and the receptor is internalized by endocytosis to deliver ligand to the lysosome.     

Receptor-mediated internalization of high density lipoprotein by rat sinusoidal liver cells: identification of a nonlysosomal endocytic pathway by fluorescence-labeled ligand

Rat sinusoidal liver cells possess the surface receptor for high density lipoprotein (HDL) (Murakami, M., S. Horiuchi, K. Takata, and Y. Morino. 1987. J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 101: 729-741). The present study was undertaken to determine whether cell surface-bound HDL underwent subsequent endocytic internalization by using 125I-labeled HDL and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled HDL (FITC-HDL). The cell-associated radioactivity obtained by a 40-min incubation with 125I-labeled HDL at 37 degrees C was released into the medium as acid-precipitable forms upon further incubation at 37 degrees C. When further incubated at 0 degree C instead of 37 degrees C, however, this release was significantly reduced. A similar phenomenon was observed after the cell-associated ligands had been treated with trypsin. The cell-associated ligands obtained after a 1-hr incubation with 125I-labeled HDL at 0 degree C were largely counted for by those bound to the outer surface of the cells, thus suggesting that HDL is internalized into cells at 37 degrees C but not at 0 degree C. Moreover, when cells were incubated with FITC-HDL at 0 degree C, the cell-associated ligands were found in a pH 7.2 +/- 0.1 compartment, whereas when incubated at 37 degrees C, its microenvironmental pH became much more acidic, exhibiting pH 6.2 +/- 0.1. Furthermore, this value returned to 7.1 +/- 0.1 upon treatment with carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone known to dissipate the total protonomotive force. These results suggest, therefore, that the internalization process does follow receptor-mediated binding of HDL in rat sinusoidal liver cells. This notion was also supported by fluorescence microscopic observations.     

Binding characteristics and cross-reactivity of three different antilipid A monoclonal antibodies

A detailed characterization of binding specificity and cross-reactivity of three antilipid A murine mAb was performed. Binding characteristics of these three mAb were investigated against Ag (ReLPS, lipid A, derivatives of lipid A) in solid phase (ELISA) and in fluid phase (C consumption, inhibition studies), and upon incorporation in membranes (E: passive hemolysis assay, and liposomes: inhibition studies). Cross-reactivity with heterologous Ag was investigated in ELISA (LPS, Gram-negative bacteria) and immunoblot experiments (LPS). The binding specificity of mAb 26-5 (IgG2b), raised against synthetic lipid A, was located in the hydrophilic region of biphospholipid A and was also exposed after membrane incorporation of lipid A or after preincubation of lipid A with polymyxin B (PMX). mAb 26-20 (IgM), also raised against synthetic lipid A, showed binding specificity for the hydrophobic region of lipid A: no binding to membrane-associated lipid A could be demonstrated, and binding in ELISA could be blocked very efficiently by PMX. The reaction pattern of mAb 8-2 (IgM), raised against the heat-killed Re mutant of Salmonella typhimurium, was in part similar to that of mAb 26-20. However, inhibition of binding with PMX was less efficient and a high specificity for ReLPS, also after membrane incorporation of this Ag, was demonstrated. In contrast to mAb 26-5 and 26-20, mAb 8-2 showed extensive cross-reactivity with heterologous LPS preparations and heat-killed as well as live Gram-negative bacteria. It is concluded that each of the three mAb binds to a different antigenic epitope in lipid A and that exposure of those epitopes for antibody binding is restricted in a differential manner, depending on mode of Ag presentation. The here defined reaction patterns provide a basis for the interpretation of potential inhibitory effects on in vitro and in vivo biologic (and toxic) activities of endotoxins and Gram-negative bacteria.     

Receptor kinetics differ for endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 binding to Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts

The equilibrium binding, kinetics of ligand-receptor interactions, and biological activity of endothelin-1 and -2 have been studied in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. Scatchard analyses of saturation binding data for ET-1 and -2, performed at 4 degrees C to prevent internalization of the occupied receptor, revealed similar affinity constants and numbers of binding sites for endothelin-1 and -2. Experiments designed to determine ligand-induced effects on 45Ca efflux demonstrated no qualitative or quantitative differences between the two endothelin isoforms. In contrast, kinetic studies resulted in different rates of dissociation for the two isoforms and different extents of dissociation. Specifically, only 40% of the bound [125I]endothelin-1 was dissociated at 4 h following the addition of excess unlabeled ligand, whereas 85-90% of the bound [125I]endothelin-2 was dissociated under the same conditions. Endothelin-1 and -2 also differed in the percent of specific cell-associated ligand bound after a 2 h incubation at 37 degrees C following an initial equilibration at 4 degrees C. The differences in dissociation rates and association or internalization rates at 37 degrees C are the first data that differentiate between the two isoforms. It is suggested that isoform-specific differences in the rate of dissociation from cell surface endothelin receptors influence the level of cell-associated endothelin and may be important in determining physiologic responses in vivo.     

The complement-mediated binding of soluble antibody/dsDNA immune complexes to human neutrophils

The complement-mediated binding of soluble antibody/3H-dsDNA immune complexes (prepared in vitro) to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) has been investigated quantitatively. Studies with isolated complement components in conjunction with experiments on the binding of these complexes to human red blood cells suggest that the binding to both cell types is mediated predominantly by CR1 (C4b-C3b) receptors but that CR3 (iC3b or C3d-g) receptors may play a role in binding to PMN but probably not to RBC. Our results also indicate that under the standard conditions of these assays (37 degrees C, 20 to 40 min incubations) there is no significant internalization of the soluble antibody/dsDNA immune complexes after they are bound by the PMN.     

An immobile subset of plasma membrane CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) is involved in phagocytosis of targets recognized by multiple receptors

CD11b/CD18 is a heterodimeric leukocyte surface receptor which functions in both C3bi-ligand binding and homotypic and heterotypic cell adherence. We have examined the effect of several anti-CD11b/18 mAb on phagocytosis of IgG (EIgG) or complement (EC4b) opsonized erythrocytes by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes. F(ab')2 of two mAb (IB4, an anti-beta-chain mAb and Mo-1 an anti-alpha-chain mAb), inhibited both phagocytosis of EIgG and phorbol ester-stimulated phagocytosis of EC4b by PMN and monocytes. These F(ab')2 inhibited the binding of EIgG to monocytes, but they had no effect on binding of EIgG to PMN, or EC4b to either phagocyte. In addition, IB4 inhibited phorbol-ester stimulated phagocytosis of sheep E opsonized with C component 3bi (EC3bi) without inhibiting rosetting of these same targets. These data separate the anti-phagocytic effect of these mAb from effects on phagocyte-target adherence. When PMN were adherent to an anti-CD11b/CD18 F(ab')2-coated surface, EC3bi binding was abolished, but phagocytosis of EIgG or EC4b was unaffected. Subsequent addition of fluid- phase IB4 or Mo-1 F(ab')2 inhibited phagocytosis of EIgG or EC4b by the adherent cells. This suggested that the CD11b/CD18 involved in C3bi rosetting were mobile in the membrane, whereas those involved in phagocytosis of EIgG or EC4b were not. Cytochalasin treatment of PMN during adherence to F(ab')2-coated plates decreased both apical expression of CD11b/18 and subsequent ingestion of EIgG by 70%, suggesting that microfilaments are important in maintaining immobile CD11b/18 on the apical PMN surface. We conclude that there are functionally distinct populations of CD11b/CD18 on monocytes and PMN: one involved in C3bi rosetting and another involved in the process of phagocytosis mediated via several different receptors. CD11b/18 is not required for optimal target binding in all cases, but is always required for ingestion. As with several other integrins, the CD11b/18 molecules involved in phagocytosis have a functional association with the cell cytoskeleton.