Type V collagen selectively inhibits human endothelial cell proliferation

Type V collagen from human placenta remarkably inhibited human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation in a dose-dependent manner when coated on the culture dishes. Other types of collagen (I, III, IV) and fibronectin enhanced HUVEC proliferation under the same conditions. The inhibitory activity of type V collagen was seen not only when it was coated on the dishes, but also when it was directly added into cell culture. The attachment effect of type V collagen did not differ from that of type I collagen. The inhibitory activity is a phenomenon selective for endothelial cells, since type V collagen did not affect the proliferation of human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells, aortic smooth muscle cells, or nasal mucosa fibroblasts.     

CD19 monoclonal antibody HD37 inhibits anti-immunoglobulin-induced B cell activation and proliferation

The 95 Kd CD19 antigen is the broadest lineage specific surface marker for B cells: it is present on the surface of virtually all B lymphocytes, including early B progenitor cells. In this study we have evaluated the function of the CD19 antigen by using the CD19 mAb HD37. Binding of HD37 mAb to B cells at low doses (0.5 microgram/ml) induced a strong inhibition of the proliferative response to anti-Ig. This inhibition was not mediated by the Fc portion of the antibody, since F(ab')2 fragments were as effective as the whole antibody. Both dose-response curve analysis and experiments in which a cross-linking second step anti-mouse antibody was added suggested that cross-linking of CD19 antigens was necessary for optimal inhibition. Early phases in B cell activation were affected by the HD37 mAb: it significantly reduced the number of cells that left G0 and entered the G1 phase of the cell cycle upon triggering with anti-mu. The increase in free intracellular ionized calcium [Ca2+]i that is induced by anti-mu was also consistently reduced by CD19 mAb. Cross-linking was also crucial for this effect, suggesting that a causal relationship may exist between the inhibition of anti-Ig-mediated [Ca2+]i fluxes and inhibition of proliferation. A variable but clear increase in [Ca2+]i levels followed cross-linking of CD19 antigens by specific mAb. This evidence suggests that CD19 molecules may function in the downregulation of B cell growth and proliferation.     

Transforming growth factor-beta inhibits endothelial cell proliferation

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is an inhibitor of the proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial cells in culture. Basal cell growth in serum-containing medium and cell proliferation stimulated by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) are inhibited by TGF-beta in a dose-dependent manner. Half-maximal inhibition occurs at an inhibitor concentration of 0.5-1.0 ng/ml. TGF-beta does not appear to be cytotoxic and cells treated with the inhibitor grow normally after removal of TGF-beta. High concentrations of FGF are ineffective in overcoming TGF-beta-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, suggesting that antagonism of growth factor-induced cell proliferation by TGF-beta is of a noncompetitive nature.     

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 inhibits bFGF-induced human microvascular endothelial cell proliferation

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), a protease inhibitor that binds to the latent and active forms of 72 kDa type IV collagenase (gelatinase A), was found to inhibit the in vitro proliferation of human microvascular endothelial (HME) cells stimulated with bFGF and 5% serum. The maximal inhibitory effect of TIMP-2 on incorporation of ³H-thymidine was evident 24 hours after bFGF stimulation of these cells and ranged between 45 and 60%. The half-maximal effective concentration of TIMP-2 was 107 ± 12 nM (S.D.). In contrast, TIMP-1 was not found to slow the growth of HME cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation observed with TIMP-2 was not mimicked by addition to the culture medium of BB94, a general matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, nor antibodies to the 72 kDa type IV collagenase. In addition to growth, two other cell functions associated with the angiogenic process were tested for sensitivity to TIMP-2. Cell adhesion to tissue culture platic was slightly stimulated by TIMP-2, and cell migration was inhibited with short-term exposure to TIMP-2, but neither process was affected by longer-term exposure. The ability of TIMP-2 to inhibit cultured endothelial cell proliferation independent of protease inhibitory activity suggests that TIMP-2 may have additional actions which may limit neovascularization associated with solid tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

CD40/CD40L interaction induces E-selectin dependent leukocyte adhesion to human endothelial cells and inhibits endothelial cell migration

Background

CD40 is a receptor expressed on a wide range of cells such as leukocytes and endothelial cells (EC). As a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily the activation of CD40 by CD40-ligand (CD40L) plays a crucial role for the development and progression of a variety of inflammatory processes including atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CD40/CD40L interaction on leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and on endothelial cell migration.

Methods and results

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with either stable transfectants of mouse myeloma cells expressing the CD40L or wild type cells (4 h). Subsequently adhesion of leukocytes expressing Sialyl Lewis X, the counterpart for E-selectin (HL60 cells), was measured under shear stress (2–2.6 dyne/cm²) using a flow chamber adhesion assay. Stimulation of CD40 led to a significant increase of E-selectin dependent adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium. Incubation of cells with either the CD40L blocking antibody TRAP-1 or the E-selectin blocking antibody BBA2 during CD40 stimulation completely abolished adhesion of leukocytes to HUVEC. Similar results were found in human cardiac microvasculature endothelial cells (HCMEC). In contrast stimulation of CD40 had no effect on adhesion of l-selectin expressing NALM6-L cells. Furthermore, CD40/CD40L interaction abrogated VEGF-induced migration of HUVEC compared to non-stimulated controls. In comparison experiments, stimulation of endothelial cells with VEGF led to a significant phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and eNOS. Stimulation of endothelial CD40 had no effect on VEGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. However, VEGF-induced activation of Akt and eNOS was reduced to baseline levels when endothelial CD40 was stimulated.

Conclusion

CD40/CD40L interaction induces E-selectin dependent adhesion of leukocytes to human endothelial cells and reduces endothelial cell migration by inhibiting the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.     

Wnt-1 signaling inhibits human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation and alters cell morphology

Cell to cell interaction is one of the key processes effecting angiogenesis and endothelial cell function. There are many factors which can mediate this interaction including Wnt-signaling-related molecules. Wnt signaling is involved in many developmental processes and cellular functions. There is increasing evidence suggesting that Wnt signaling has a role in regulating endothelial cell growth although the precise mechanism is unclear. In this study, we established a coculture system to examine how Wnt-1 signaling regulates human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) growth and behavior. We found that Wnt-1 signals inhibited BrdU incorporation in HUVECs and the number of labeled cells also decreased in proportion to the number of Wnt-1-expressing cells present (P < 0.05). Moreover, HUVECs cocultured with Wnt-1-expressing C57MG cells clumped together rather than remaining scattered throughout the culture. These effects were dependent on cell contact. Treatment of HUVEC with LiCl, which inhibits the activity of GSK-3β and mimicked Wnt-1 signaling, also inhibited the BrdU incorporation in endothelial cells. Our results suggest that Wnt signaling has a role in endothelial cell growth control and this is mediated through cell–cell contact. They also suggest that Wnt signaling might participate in angiogenesis by regulating endothelial cell growth and function.     

Induction of human T cell proliferation by a monoclonal antibody to CD5.

A mouse mAb, TS 43, which recognized the human CD5 molecule, was found to induce the proliferation of human peripheral blood T cells. TS 43 mAb precipitated from 125I-radiolabeled T cells a 67-kDa band, which comigrated with the 67-kDa band precipitated by the anti-CD5 mAb OKT1. Preclearing of cell lysates with OKT1 mAb abolished the capacity of TS 43 mAb to precipitate radiolabeled material from T cell lysates. Furthermore, a mouse T cell hybridoma transfected with human CD5 was stained by TS 43 mAb. T cell proliferation mediated by TS 43 mAb was monocyte dependent, and was accompanied by IL-2R expression and by IL-2 synthesis. T cell activation by TS 43 mAb involved a rise in intracellular calcium level (CA2+)i and was dependent on the expression of the TCR/CD3 complex because no rise in (Ca2+)i was observed in a TCR-beta-deficient Jurkat T cell mutant. This study indicates that CD5 should be added to the list of surface molecules that can signal T cells to proliferate.     

Adenoviral-mediated overexpression of catalase inhibits endothelial cell proliferation

Although hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) induces proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, its role in endothelial cell proliferation is unclear. Our aim was to study the role of hydrogen peroxide in endothelial cell proliferation by overexpressing catalase. Human aortic endothelial cells were transduced with adenoviral vectors encoding beta-galactosidase (Adbetagal) or catalase (AdCat) or were exposed to diluent alone (control). Transgene expression was demonstrated by beta-galactosidase staining, Western analysis, and significantly increased enzyme activity in AdCat-transduced cells. Overexpression of catalase decreased DNA synthesis in AdCat compared with control and Adbetagal-transduced cells (536.8 +/- 31 vs. 1,875.1 +/- 132.9 vs. 1,347.5 +/- 93.7 dpm/well, respectively; P < 0.05 vs. control and Adbetagal). Six days after transduction with AdCat (multiplicity of infection = 50), cell numbers were significantly reduced (AdCat: 38 +/- 1.8% of cell counts in control, P < 0.05; and 45 +/- 2% of cell count in Adbetagal, P < 0.05). Incubation with aminotriazole 10 mmol/l, an inhibitor of catalase, prevented this effect. The number of apoptotic cells was increased one- and threefold 2 and 4 days, respectively, after transduction with AdCat. Exogenous administration of low concentrations of H(2)O(2) (50 microM) significantly increased cell proliferation, whereas it was inhibited by higher concentrations. These results suggest that H(2)O(2) is an important modulator of endothelial cell proliferation.     

Aspirin inhibits human coronary artery endothelial cell proliferation by upregulation of p53

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of vascular events. This effect is mediated in large part by platelet inhibition; however, non-platelet-mediated effects may also be relevant in the overall efficacy of ASA. We determined the effect of ASA on the synthesis of DNA and total proteins in cultured human coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs). Fourth generation HCAECs were cultured and treated with ASA and rate of synthesis of DNA and total proteins was determined by incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]proline, respectively. ASA inhibited DNA synthesis by 50% at a concentration of 1mM and protein synthesis by 50% at a concentration of 2mM. The inhibitory effect of ASA was observed as early as 2h after treatment of HCAECs. The inhibition of DNA and protein synthesis could be reversed within 24h after removal of the drug from the culture medium. Indomethacin also inhibited DNA and protein synthesis. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of p53 protein was increased after treatment of the cells with ASA. These observations indicate that ASA decreases endothelial cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest mediated by enhanced p53 expression. Arrest of endothelial proliferation and activation may be an important mechanism of the beneficial effect of ASA in acute coronary syndromes.     

Hyaluronic acid influence on platelet-induced airway smooth muscle cell proliferation

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is expressed throughout the body including the lung and mostly in areas surrounding proliferating and migrating cells. Furthermore, platelets have been implicated as important players in the airway remodelling process, e.g. due to their ability to induce airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HA, the HA-binding surface receptor CD44 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in platelet-induced ASMC proliferation. Proliferation of ASMC was measured using the MTS-assay, and we found that the CD44 blocking antibody and the HA synthase inhibitor 4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU) significantly inhibited platelet-induced ASMC proliferation. The interaction between ASMC and platelets was studied by fluorescent staining of F-actin. In addition, the ability of ASMC to synthesise HA was investigated by fluorescent staining using biotinylated HA-binding protein and a streptavidin conjugate. We observed that ASMC produced HA and that a CD44 blocking antibody and 4-MU significantly inhibited platelet binding to the area surrounding the ASMC. Furthermore, the FAK-inhibitor PF 573228 inhibited platelet-induced ASMC proliferation. Co-culture of ASMC and platelets also resulted in increased phosphorylation of FAK as detected by Western blot analysis. In addition, 4-MU significantly inhibited the increased FAK-phosphorylation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that ECM has the ability to influence platelet-induced ASMC proliferation. Specifically, we propose that HA produced by ASMC is recognised by platelet CD44. The platelet/HA interaction is followed by FAK activation and increased proliferation of co-cultured ASMC. We also suggest that the mitogenic effect of platelets represents a potential important and novel mechanism that may contribute to airway remodelling.     

Monoclonal antibody against the human peripheral lymph node homing receptor homologue (Leu 8) inhibits B cell differentiation but not B cell proliferation.

Previous studies have shown that a subpopulation of circulating human B cells expresses the Leu 8 peripheral lymph node homing receptor homologue and that these B cells are capable of producing Ig in response to staphylococcus A Cowan I (SAC). In the present study the effect of a signal delivered via the Leu 8 molecule (using anti-Leu 8 mAb) on B cells was examined. Initially, it was shown that immobilized anti-Leu 8 suppressed IgM and IgG secretion of B cells activated by SAC + IL-2 but not that by PWM-prestimulated B cells or B cells stimulated with PWM in the presence of CD4+, Leu 8- T cells (a source of helper cells). It was also shown that anti-Leu 8 did not suppress SAC + IL-2-stimulated B cell proliferation or expression of IL-2R alpha-chain or c-myc mRNA in B cells. The addition of T cells, monocytes, purified IL-2, rIL-1, rIL-6, or human B cell growth factor did not overcome the inhibitory effect of anti-Leu 8 on SAC-stimulated B cell Ig production, and the inhibitory effect of anti-Leu 8 was not blocked by anti-TGF-beta. Finally, inhibition of B cell differentiation occurred even when anti-Leu 8 was added up to 72 hrs after initiation of cell culture. Thus, anti-Leu 8 is unique among inhibitors of B cell function in that it can down-regulate immunoglobulin synthesis without affecting B cell proliferation. These findings suggest that a natural ligand for Leu 8 could affect not only homing of B cells, but also B cell differentiation.     

Single chain Fv antibody against angiopoietin-2 inhibits VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) promotes tumor growth and metastasis by specifically priming endothelial cells for angiogenesis. Multiple angiogenic factors up-regulate expression of Ang2, suggesting that Ang2 may be the common pathway in growth factor initiated-angiogenesis. Using phage display technology, we generated single chain Fv molecule against human Ang2 (scFv-Ang2) with high affinity (K(d)=0.01 microM) from a mouse phage antibody library. Compared with control scFv, the mouse scFv-Ang2 completely inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 10 ng/ml), but not that of the cells treated with either basic fibroblast growth factor, or angiotensin II, or Ang2. Chemotaxis assay showed that scFv-Ang2 could block completely Ang2-induced (100%) and partially VEGF-induced (49%) migration of HUVECs. The results indicate that Ang2 takes part in the VEGF-induced angiogenesis and scFv-Ang2 might be a promising compound in blocking both VEGF and Ang2 induced angiogenesis.     

CD151蛋白促内皮细胞增殖和eNOS蛋白表达

目的研究CD151及其突变体CD151-ARSA245-248对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)增殖及eNOS表达的影响,探讨CD151促血管生成的机制。方法构建pAAV-CD151及其突变体CD151-ARSA245-248(囊泡运输缺陷突变体),并转染HU-VEC。CCK-8法测定HUVEC增殖的能力,Western Blot检测CD151及eNOS蛋白的表达。结果 pAAV-CD151组及pAAV-CD151-ARSA245-248组CD151蛋白表达均增加,显著高于正常对照组和pAAV-GFP组(P<0.05),但pAAV-CD151组及pAAV-CD151-ARSA245-248组之间CD151蛋白表达没有统计学意义(P>0.05)。CCK-8法测定HUVEC增殖能力亦无统计学意义(P>0.05)。正常对照组,pAAV-GFP组,pAAV-CD151组及pAAV-CD151-ARSA245-248突变体组的OD值分别为1.393?.685、1.498?.746、2.346?.52和1.71?.863,pAAV-CD151组较pAAV-GFP组和正常对照组细胞增殖能力明显增强(P<0.01),pAAV-CD151-ARSA245-248组较pAAV-CD151组细胞增殖能力减弱(P<0.05)。此外,pAAV-CD151组eNOS蛋白表达较pAAV-GFP组和正常对照组明显增加(P<0.01),pAAV-CD151-ARSA245-248组较pAAV-CD151组eNOS蛋白表达降低(P<0.05)。结论 CD151是促细胞增殖的重要蛋白质,CD151影响eNOS信号通路的激活。上述机制可能为CD151促血管生成的重要机制之一。     

Monoclonal antibody to fibronectin which inhibits extracellular matrix assembly

A monoclonal antibody L8 specific to fibronectin was shown to inhibit fibronectin incorporation into the fibroblast extracellular matrix. Antibody L8 could not interact with fibronectin complexed with gelatin. The results suggest the existence of a specific site on the fibronectin molecule playing a critical role in the assembly of the fibronectin extracellular matrix. This site is located near the collagen-binding domain.     

Monoclonal antibody to human plasma gelsolin.

Human plasma gelsolin was purified by column chromatography. The method yielded a protein of high purity and activity. Using this protein, we produced monoclonal antibody (Mab H6B11) against human plasma gelsolin by somatic cell fusion. This monoclonal antibody reacted in a dose-dependent manner with gelsolin derived from human plasma and platelets and neutralized depolymerizing activity to F-actin. It differed from the commercially available substance (Mab G4896; Sigma) in that the time required for the reaction between the antigen and antibody in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay could be shortened by one-third. The antibody was judged to be useful in assays for elucidating the physiological role of plasma gelsolin.     

Monoclonal antibody to human lung angiotensin-converting enzyme

The hybridoma producing monoclonal antibody (IgG1) to human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been prepared by fusion of murine myeloma P3O1 with spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with a purified human lung ACE preparation. A high specificity of monoclonal antibody (MAb) binding to immobilized ACE has been demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and that of soluble ACE by an immunoadsorption test. The latter technique permits the use of impure ACE preparations for the screening procedure. This MAb did not affect ACE activity. We believe this antibody will be useful not only for immunoassay and immunopurification of ACE, but also as a tool for the investigation of the tissue distribution of the enzyme as well as for the study of the structure and mechanism of action of ACE.     

Thrombospondin 2 inhibits microvascular endothelial cell proliferation by a caspase-independent mechanism

The matricellular protein thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) regulates a variety of cell-matrix interactions. A prominent feature of TSP2-null mice is increased microvascular density, particularly in connective tissues synthesized after injury. We investigated the cellular basis for the regulation of angiogenesis by TSP2 in cultures of murine and human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Fibroblasts isolated from murine and human dermis synthesize TSP2 mRNA and secrete significant amounts of immunoreactive TSP2, whereas endothelial cells from mouse lung and human dermis did not synthesize TSP2 mRNA or protein. Recombinant mouse TSP2 inhibited growth of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) mediated by basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, epidermal growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). HMVECs exposed to TSP2 in the presence of these growth factors had a decreased proportion of cells in S and G2/M phases. HMVECs cultured with a combination of basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and epidermal growth factor displayed an increased proportion of nonviable cells in the presence of TSP2, but the addition of VEGF blocked this TSP2-mediated impairment of cell viability. TSP2-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis by HMVECs in the presence of VEGF was not affected by the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk. Similar findings were obtained with TSP1. Taken together, these observations indicate that either TSP2 or TSP1 can inhibit HMVEC proliferation by inhibition of cell cycle progression and induction of cell death, but the mechanisms responsible for TSP2-mediated inhibition of cell cycle progression are independent from those leading to cell death.