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.     

A discontinuous factor H binding site in the third component of complement as delineated by synthetic peptides

Factor H, a very important regulator of alternative pathway activation, exerts its effects by binding to the third component complement, C3. In this study we present evidence that factor H reacts with at least two sites in the third component of complement (C3), and we have mapped one of these sites within the C3d fragment of C3. By using direct binding assays of an anti-human H anti-idiotypic antibody (alpha alpha H) and of H to C3 fragments, it was shown that both bound to the C3b and C3d (but not to C3c) fragments of C3. Cleavage of C3d by CNBr generated two major fragments with Mr values of 12,500 (residues 997-1107) and 8,600 (residues 1178-1252). Binding studies with these two fragments showed that only the Mr 8,600 fragment bound to both H and alpha alpha H. Several synthetic peptides (A58, 1192-1249; P28, 1187-1214; P16, 1194-1209; P14, 1201-1214; B17, 1206-1222; J28, 1222-1249; and J16, 1234-1249) were synthesized according to the primary sequence of the Mr 8,600 fragment. Based on the differential binding of these synthetic peptides to H, their inhibitory effect on H binding to C3b or C3d, and their effect on H cofactor activity, we mapped the H binding site in C3 to a discontinuous site spanning residues 1187-1249 of the C3 sequence. By studying the inhibition of H binding to C3b or C3d by the different synthetic peptides, we also present evidence that a second binding site in C3b for H exists.     

Heat-induced thiol-disulfide interchange reaction on the third component of human complement, C3

The third component of human complement, C3 is composed of two disulfide-bridged polypeptide chains of Mr 120,000 (alpha chain) and Mr 70,000 (beta chain). C3 has a thioester bond that serves as a binding site for targets when C3 is activated. Heat treatment of C3 induces autolytic peptide bond cleavage at the thioester site in the alpha chain as well as rupture of the thioester bond. The alpha chain fragments are linked to each other and beta chain via disulfide bonds. This study, however, documented that prolonged heating gave rise to liberation of several fragments including beta and the larger fragment of alpha chain. Using a fluorescent thiol reagent and [14C]iodoacetamide, we analyzed thiol residues present on each fragment, and elucidated that the thiol residue exposed by rupture of the thioester bond shifts in turn to another fragment resulting in the liberation of the fragments. The results were compatible with those on C4, and suggested that the generated thiol residue induces thiol-disulfide interchange reaction. On heating of plasma, fragments of C3 were not released, while the cleavage of the alpha chain occurred more effectively. The heated C3 (56 degrees C, 15 min) became insusceptible to C3b inactivator (I) and factor H, suggesting that additional conformational change is accompanied with cleavage of the thioester bond.     

Use of time-resolved FRET to validate crystal structure of complement regulatory complex between C3b and factor H (N terminus)

Structural knowledge of interactions amongst the ～ 40 proteins of the human complement system, which is central to immune surveillance and homeostasis, is expanding due primarily to X‐ray diffraction of co‐crystallized proteins. Orthogonal evidence, in solution, for the physiological relevance of such co‐crystal structures is valuable since intermolecular affinities are generally weak‐to‐medium and inter‐domain mobility may be important. In this current work, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to investigate the 10 μM K_D (210 kD) complex between the N‐terminal region of the soluble complement regulator, factor H (FH1‐4), and the key activation‐specific complement fragment, C3b. Using site‐directed mutagenesis, seven cysteines were introduced individually at potentially informative positions within the four CCP modules comprising FH1‐4, then used for fluorophore attachment. C3b possesses a thioester domain featuring an internal cycloglutamyl cysteine thioester; upon hydrolysis this yields a free thiol (Cys988) that was also fluorescently tagged. Labeled proteins were functionally active as cofactors for cleavage of C3b to iC3b except for FH1‐4(Q40C) where conjugation with the fluorophore likely abrogated interaction with the protease, factor I. Time‐resolved FRET measurements were undertaken to explore interactions between FH1‐4 and C3b in fluid phase and under near‐physiological conditions. These experiments confirmed that, as in the cocrystal structure, FH1‐4 binds to C3b with CCP module 1 furthest from, and CCP module 4 closest to, the thioester domain, placing subsequent modules of FH near to any surface to which C3b is attached. The data do not rule out flexibility of the thioester domain relative to the remainder of the complex.     

The third component of complement: covalent attachment of a radioactive sugar to the labile binding site of C3 via the alternative pathway

A complement- (C) fixing particle consisting of agarose beads to which 5-thioglucose was attached by a --S--S-- bond (agarose-thioglucose) was employed to investigate the mechanism of attachment of C3 to surfaces. When whole serum containing [125I] C3 was incubated with agarose-thioglucose, labeled C3b was taken up in a form that was not removed by 2 M NaCl but was released by 10 mM dithiothreitol. Deposition of DTT-releasable C3b was dependent upon the alternative pathway of C activation. Gel electrophoresis of DTT-releasable C3b from similar experiments performed with unlabeled serum and agarose-[3H]thioglucose showed that the liberated C3b contained a molecule of radioactive thioglucose attached to the alpha'-chain by a covalent bond that was stable to mercaptoethanol. We propose that the thioglucose-alpha' chain bond was formed during the course of C activation by a reaction between the "labile binding site" of newly released C3b and the (then) particle-bound sugar. This formulation implies that the reaction by which C3b attaches to 5-thioglucose in this system is the reaction responsible for opsonization by C3b, and that the C3b-linked sugar represents a marker for the labile binding site. Incubation of the particle-bound C3b in serum resulted in the cleavage of the covalently linked alpha'-chain to several smaller polypeptides, the major cleavage product having a m.w. of 70,000.     

The role of the capsular polysaccharide in the activation of the alternative pathway by the pneumococcus.

Previous studies have shown that when pneumococci are incubated in normal, nonimmune serum, they activate the alternative pathway and opsonically active C3b is fixed to the surface of the organism. Other studies have demonstrated that C3-dependent opsonization via the alternative pathway plays a significant role in the nonimmune host's defense against the pneumococcus. The present studies concern the role of the capsular polysaccharide in initiating the activation of the alternative pathway by the pneumococcus. Some pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide types, but not all, are able to activate the alternative pathway. Soluble purified capsular polysaccharide types 1, 4 and 25 activate the alternative pathway, whereas types 2, 3, 14, and 19 do not. Since the capsular polysaccharides exist in their native form attached to the pneumococcal surface, selected capsular polysaccharides were also tested for their ability to activate the alternative pathway when attached to a particulate carrier, sheep erythrocytes. Capsular polysaccharide types 2 and 3 failed to activate the alternative pathway when attached to sheep erythrocytes, paralleling the results obtained when these capsular polysaccharides were in solution. In contrast, the type 25 capsular polysaccharide not only activated the alternative pathway when attached to sheep erythrocytes, as it had when in solution, but it also initiated alternative pathway-mediated lysis of the erythrocytes. The capsular polysaccharide is not required for the activation of the alternative pathway by the pneumococcus. Although all types of encapsulated pneumococci are able to activate the alternative pathway, not all the purified capsular polysaccharide types are able to do so. In addition, a nonencapsulated pneumococcus, derived originally from a type 2 organism, activates the alternative pathway as well as a fully encapsulated type 2 pneumococcus.     

Factor H-related protein 4 activates complement by serving as a platform for the assembly of alternative pathway C3 convertase via its interaction with C3b protein

Human complement factor H-related protein (CFHR) 4 belongs to the factor H family of plasma glycoproteins that are composed of short consensus repeat (SCR) domains. Although factor H is a well known inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway, the functions of the CFHR proteins are poorly understood. CFHR4 lacks SCRs homologous to the complement inhibitory domains of factor H and, accordingly, has no significant complement regulatory activities. We have previously shown that CFHR4 binds C-reactive protein via its most N-terminal SCR, which leads to classical complement pathway activation. CFHR4 binds C3b via its C terminus, but the significance of this interaction is unclear. Therefore, we set out to clarify the functional relevance of C3b binding by CFHR4. Here, we report a novel role for CFHR4 in the complement system. CFHR4 serves as a platform for the assembly of an alternative pathway C3 convertase by binding C3b. This is based on the sustained ability of CFHR4-bound C3b to bind factor B and properdin, leading to an active convertase that generates C3a and C3b from C3. The CFHR4-C3bBb convertase is less sensitive to the factor H-mediated decay compared with the C3bBb convertase. CFHR4 mutants containing exchanges of conserved residues within the C-terminal C3b-binding site showed significantly reduced C3b binding and alternative pathway complement activation. In conclusion, our results suggest that, in contrast to the complement inhibitor factor H, CFHR4 acts as an enhancer of opsonization by promoting complement activation.     

Activation of complement via the alternative pathway

Activation of complement via the alternative pathway represents one means of natural resistance to infection because it is capable of neutralizing a wide variety of potential pathogens in the total absence of antibody. The pathway involves six serum proteins and possesses a unique amplification system capable of depositing large numbers of C3b molecules on the surfaces of activating particles. C3b deposition enhances phagocytosis and results in activation of the membrane attack pathway of complement. C3b attachment is covalent, arising from a reaction between an intramolecular thiolester bond in nascent C3b and nucleophiles such as hydroxyl groups on surface carbohydrates. The reactions that initiate C3b attachment are not specific interactions like those initiating other biological cascade systems, but involve slow, spontaneous hydrolysis of the thiolester bond in C3 and subsequent random deposition of C3b onto all nearby surfaces. Once bound, C3b is capable of discriminating between host-derived cells and activating particles. Recognition is evidenced by a lower affinity between activator-bound C3b and the complement control protein factor H. Measurements of the association constant between unbound, soluble C3b and factor H suggest that activator-bound C3b recognizes structures on activators that inhibit factor H binding.     

Identification of functional domains in kaposica, the complement control protein homolog of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 8)

Recently it has been shown that kaposica, an immune evasion protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, inactivates complement by acting on C3-convertases by accelerating their decay as well as by acting as a cofactor in factor I-mediated inactivation of their subunits C3b and C4b. Here, we have mapped the functional domains of kaposica. We show that SCRs 1 and 2 (SCRs 1-2) and 1-4 are essential for the classical and alternative pathway C3-convertase decay-accelerating activity (DAA), respectively, while the SCRs 2-3 are required for factor I cofactor activity (CFA) for C3b and C4b. SCR 3 and SCRs 1 and 4, however, contribute to optimal classical pathway DAA and C3b CFA, respectively. Binding data show that SCRs 1-4 and SCRs 1-2 are the smallest structural units required for measuring detectable binding to C3b and C4b, respectively. The heparin-binding site maps to SCR 1.     

The crystal structure of C2a, the catalytic fragment of classical pathway C3 and C5 convertase of human complement

The multi-domain serine protease C2 provides the catalytic activity for the C3 and C5- convertases of the classical and lectin pathways of complement activation. Formation of these convertases requires the Mg(2+)-dependent binding of C2 to C4b, and the subsequent cleavage of C2 by C1s or MASP2, respectively. The C-terminal fragment C2a consisting of a serine protease (SP) and a von Willebrand factor type A (vWFA) domain, remains attached to C4b, forming the C3 convertase, C4b2a. Here, we present the crystal structure of Mg(2+)-bound C2a to 1.9 A resolution in comparison to its homolog Bb, the catalytic subunit of the alternative pathway C3 convertase, C3bBb. Although the overall domain arrangement of C2a is similar to Bb, there are certain structural differences. Unexpectedly, the conformation of the metal ion-dependent adhesion site and the position of the alpha7 helix of the vWFA domain indicate a co-factor-bound or open conformation. The active site of the SP domain is in a zymogen-like inactive conformation. On the basis of these structural features, we suggest a model for the initial steps of C3 convertase assembly.     

Complement in urochordates: cloning and characterization of two C3-like genes in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

The recent identification of complement components in deuterostome invertebrates has indicated the presence of a complement system operating via an alternative pathway in echinoderms and tunicates and via a MBL-mediated pathway thus far identified only in tunicates. Here, we report the isolation of two C3-like genes, CiC3-1 and CiC3-2, from blood cell total RNA of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. The deduced amino acid sequences of both Ciona C3-like proteins exhibit a canonical processing site for alpha and beta chains, a thioester site with an associated catalytic histidine and a convertase cleavage site, thus showing an overall similarity to the other C3 molecules already characterized. Southern blotting analysis indicated that each gene is present as a single copy per haploid genome. In situ hybridization experiments showed that both CiC3-1 and CiC3-2 are expressed in one type of blood cell, the compartment cells. Two polyclonal antibodies, raised against two deduced peptide sequences in the alpha chain of CiC3-1 and CiC3-2, allowed the identification by Western blot of a single band in the blood serum, of about M(r)150,000. A phylogenetic tree, based on the alignment of CiC3-1 and CiC3-2 with molecules of the alpha(2)-macroglobulin superfamily, indicated that the Ciona C3s form a cluster with Halocynthia roretzi C3. The phylogenetic analysis also suggested that the duplication event from which the CiC3-1 and CiC3-2 genes originated occurred in the urochordate lineage after the separation of the Halocynthia and Ciona ancestor.     

Characterization of the complement inhibitory function of rhesus rhadinovirus complement control protein (RCP)

Rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV) is currently the closest known, fully sequenced homolog of human Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Both these viruses encode complement inhibitors as follows: Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-complement control protein (KCP) and RRV-complement control protein (RCP). Previously we characterized in detail the functional properties of KCP as a complement inhibitor. Here, we performed comparative analyses for two variants of RCP protein, encoded by RRV strains H26-95 and 17577. Both RCP variants and KCP inhibited human and rhesus complement when tested in hemolytic assays measuring all steps of activation via the classical and the alternative pathway. RCP variants from both RRV strains supported C3b and C4b degradation by factor I and decay acceleration of the classical C3 convertase, similar to KCP. Additionally, the 17577 RCP variant accelerated decay of the alternative C3 convertase, which was not seen for KCP. In contrast to KCP, RCP showed no affinity to heparin and is the first described complement inhibitor in which the binding site for C3b/C4b does not interact with heparin. Molecular modeling shows a structural disruption in the region of RCP that corresponds to the KCP-heparin-binding site. This makes RRV a superior model for future in vivo investigations of complement evasion, as RCP does not play a supportive role in viral attachment as KCP does.     

Critical role of the C-terminal domains of factor H in regulating complement activation at cell surfaces

The plasma protein factor H primarily controls the activation of the alternative pathway of complement. The C-terminal of factor H is known to be involved in protection of host cells from complement attack. In the present study, we show that domains 19-20 alone are capable of discriminating between host-like and complement-activating cells. Furthermore, although factor H possesses three binding sites for C3b, binding to cell-bound C3b can be almost completely inhibited by the single site located in domains 19-20. All of the regulatory activities of factor H are expressed by the N-terminal four domains, but these activities toward cell-bound C3b are inhibited by isolated recombinant domains 19-20 (rH 19-20). Direct competition with the N-terminal site is unlikely to explain this because regulation of fluid phase C3b is unaffected by domains 19-20. Finally, we show that addition of isolated rH 19-20 to normal human serum leads to aggressive complement-mediated lysis of normally nonactivating sheep erythrocytes and moderate lysis of human erythrocytes, which possess membrane-bound regulators of complement. Taken together, the results highlight the importance of the cell surface protective functions exhibited by factor H compared with other complement regulatory proteins. The results may also explain why atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome patients with mutations affecting domains 19-20 can maintain complement homeostasis in plasma while their complement system attacks erythrocytes, platelets, endothelial cells, and kidney tissue.     

Role of membrane cofactor protein (CD46) in regulation of C4b and C3b deposited on cells

C4b and C3b deposited on host cells undergo limited proteolytic cleavage by regulatory proteins. Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46), factor H, and C4b binding protein mediate this reaction, known as cofactor activity, that also requires the plasma serine protease factor I. To explore the roles of the fluid phase regulators vs those expressed on host cells, a model system was used examining complement fragments deposited on cells transfected with human MCP as assessed by FACS and Western blotting. Following incubation with Ab and complement on MCP(+) cells, C4b was progressively cleaved over the first hour to C4d and C4c. There was no detectable cleavage of C4b on MCP(-) cells, indicating that MCP (and not C4BP in the serum) primarily mediates this cofactor activity. C3b deposition was not blocked on MCP(+) cells because classical pathway activation occurred before substantial C4b cleavage. Cleavage, though, of deposited C3b was rapid (<5 min) and iC3b was the dominant fragment on MCP(-) and MCP(+) cells. Studies using a function-blocking mAb further established factor H as the responsible cofactor. If the level of Ab sensitization was reduced 8-fold or if Mg(2+)-EGTA was used to block the classical pathway, MCP efficiently inhibited C3b deposition mediated by the alternative pathway. Thus, for the classical pathway, MCP is the cofactor for C4b cleavage and factor H for C3b cleavage. However, if the alternative pathway mediates C3b deposition, then MCP's cofactor activity is sufficient to restrict complement activation.     

The structure of bovine complement component 3 reveals the basis for thioester function

The third component of complement (C3) is a 190 kDa glycoprotein essential for eliciting the complement response. The protein consists of two polypeptide chains (alpha and beta) held together with a single disulfide bridge. The beta-chain is composed of six MG domains, one of which is shared with the alpha-chain. The disulfide bridge connecting the chains is positioned in the shared MG domain. The alpha-chain consists of the anaphylatoxin domain, three MG domains, a CUB domain, an alpha(6)/alpha(6)-barrel domain and the C-terminal C345c domain. An internal thioester in the alpha-chain of C3 (present in C4 but not in C5) is cleaved during complement activation. This mediates covalent attachment of the activated C3b to immune complexes and invading microorganisms, thereby opsonizing the target. We present the structure of bovine C3 determined at 3 Angstroms resolution. The structure shows that the ester is buried deeply between the thioester domain and the properdin binding domain, in agreement with the human structure. This domain interface is broken upon activation, allowing nucleophile access. The structure of bovine C3 clearly demonstrates that the main chain around the thioester undergoes a helical transition upon activation. This rearrangement is proposed to be the basis for the high level of reactivity of the thioester group. A strictly conserved glutamate residue is suggested to function catalytically in thioester proteins. Structure-based design of inhibitors of C3 activation may target a conserved pocket between the alpha-chain and the beta-chain of C3, which appears essential for conformational changes in C3.     

Localization of the human complement component C3 binding site on the IgG heavy chain

The location of the covalent binding site of the third component of complement (C3) on the IgG heavy chain was determined by sequence analysis of peptides generated by cyanogen bromide digestion of C3-IgG adducts. Activation of the alternative pathway by incubation of heat-aggregated human IgG1 with fresh normal human plasma formed covalent adducts of C3b-IgG. CNBr peptides of these adducts were transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane, and amino-terminal sequences were determined. A 40-kDa dipeptide containing the covalent bond was identified by labeling the free thiol group (generated during activation of the internal thioester of C3b) with iodo[1-14C]acetamide and analyzed by amino acid sequencing. The resulting double sequence suggested an adduct with NH2 termini at residue 938 (pro-C3 numbering) of C3 (75 residues NH2-terminal to the thioester) and residue 84 in the variable region of the IgG heavy chain. These results combined with results from hydroxylamine treatment (splits ester linkage between C3b and IgG) imply that this adduct peptide consists of a 22-kDa C3 fragment and an 18-kDa IgG fragment. Therefore, C3 binds covalently within the region extending from the last 20 residues of the variable region through the first 20 residues of CH2.     

The complement components of the major histocompatibility locus

Polymorphism of complement components, recognized by differences in either their antigenic specificity or their electrophoretic mobility, together with studies of inherited deficiencies, has enabled many of their structural genes to be mapped. In humans, three genes (for C2, C4, and factor B) have been placed between HLA-D and HLA-B on chromosome 6 and in mice, C4 between H2-I and H2-D, chromosome 17. Structural studies show that these components have exceptional features. C2 and factor B which contain the proteolytic active site of the C3 and C5 convertases are of the classical and alternative pathway respectively and are similar in structure and function. Both are novel types of serine proteases. C4 (as C3) contains an intrachain thioester bond essential for hemolytic activity. Molecular genetic investigations are determining the relative positions of these genes, and their precise structure, and should clarify their relation to the inherited diseases which are associated with defects in this section of the human genome.     

Structural and functional characterization of complement C4 and C1s-like molecules in teleost fish: insights into the evolution of classical and alternative pathways

There is growing evidence that certain components of complement systems in lower vertebrates are promiscuous in their modes of activation through the classical or alternative pathways. To better understand the evolution of the classical pathway, we have evaluated the degree of functional diversification of key components of the classical and alternative pathways in rainbow trout, an evolutionarily relevant teleost species. Trout C4 was purified in two distinct forms (C4-1 and C4-2), both exhibiting the presence of a thioester bond at the cDNA and protein levels. C4-1 and C4-2 bound in a similar manner to trout IgM-sensitized sheep erythrocytes in the presence of Ca(2+)/Mg(2+), and both C4 molecules equally restored the classical pathway-mediated hemolytic activity of serum depleted of C3 and C4. Reconstitution of activity was dependent on the presence of both C3-1 and C4-1/C4-2 and on the presence of IgM bound to the sheep erythrocytes. A C1s-like molecule was shown to cleave specifically purified C4-1 and C4-2 into C4b, while failing to cleave trout C3 molecules. The C1s preparation was unable to cleave trout factor B/C2 when added in the presence of C3b or C4b molecules. Our results show a striking conservation of the mode of activation of the classical pathway. We also show that functional interchange between components of the classical and alternative pathway in teleosts is more restricted than was anticipated. These data suggest that functional diversification between the two pathways must have occurred shortly after the gene duplication that gave rise to the earliest classical pathway molecules.     

Comparison of binding characteristics of factors B and H to C3b on normal and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria erythrocytes

To determine if aberrant interactions of the endogenous control proteins with cell-bound C3b contribute to the greater fixation of C3b to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) erythrocytes when whole serum complement is activated, we compared the characteristics of binding of factors B and H to normal and PNH red cells bearing C3b (EC3b). Factor B binding is homogeneous, there is 1:1 stoichiometry, and the affinity constant at equilibrium for factor B binding is the same for normal and PNH EC3b. In contrast, analysis by Scatchard's method of factor H binding results in a curvilinear plot, the deviation from linearity being exaggerated for the PNH EC3b. The heterogeneity of binding of factor H appears to be a consequence of the nonrandom distribution of C3b about the alternative pathway convertase site. This nonrandom distribution does not induce negative cooperativity but rather effects a biophysical milieu which enhances factor H binding. The greater heterogeneity of binding of factor H to PNH E bearing nonrandomly distributed C3b appears to be due to the presence of a greater proportion of lower affinity binding sites on the PNH EC3b. However, it appears unlikely that this greater heterogeneity of factor H binding contributes to the enhanced fixation of C3b to PNH erythrocytes.     

The structure around the thioester bond in bovine alpha 2-macroglobulin. Possible implications for the conformational stability of the inhibitor on thioester cleavage

The residues contributing to the thioester bonds in bovine alpha 2-macroglobulin were differentially labelled by modification of the Glu moiety with [14C]methylamine and of the Cys moiety with iodo[3H]acetate. The labelled region was identified and analyzed in a tryptic peptide. Two amino acid replacements between human and bovine alpha 2-macroglobulin were found at positions +3 (Val/Ala) and +4 (Leu/Arg) from the Glu moiety of the thioester. Thus, marked differences exist between the human and bovine proteins in side chain size and charge close to the thioester bonds. These differences may explain the greater conformational stability of bovine alpha 2-macroglobulin, compared with that of the human inhibitor, after cleavage of the thioester bonds.