Ligand-loaded but not free complement receptors for C3b/C4b and C3d co-cap with cross-linked B cell surface IgM and IgD

We have performed experiments to investigate possible physical interactions between C receptors (CR) and surface Ig (sIg) on the B cell plasma membrane. These molecules were found to be independent, non-linked, B cell surface structures, because capping CR1, CR2, sIgM, or sIgD with a specific antibody did not affect the distribution of the remainder of these molecules. Both CR1 and CR2, if bound by antibodies that did not independently cap CR, however, became associated with cross-linked sIg because CR that have been bound by intact anti-CR antibodies or their Fab fragments co-capped with sIgM or sIgD that had been bound by divalent anti-IgM or anti-IgD antibody. CR1 that had bound C3b similarly co-capped with sIg when sIg was cross-linked. Ligand-bound or even cross-linked CR did not associate with non-cross-linked sIg because sIgD, bound by a univalent Fab fragment of anti-IgD antibody, did not co-cap with CR that had been cross-linked by a sandwich of mouse anti-CR antibody and goat anti-mouse Ig. Other surface molecules, such as B1 and HLA-DR Ag, when bound by specific antibodies, did not cap with cross-linked sIg, and sIgD, when bound by a univalent Fab fragment of anti-IgD antibody, did not co-cap with cross-linked sIgM. Interactions between CR and sIg were not mediated by an association with IgG FcR because co-capping of CR and sIg was observed when F(ab')2 fragments of both anti-CR and anti-Ig antibodies were used. These results demonstrate that B cell surface CR can become associated with sIg, but only if sIg is cross-linked and CR is bound by anti-CR antibody or has bound its natural ligand.     

Interactions between lymphocyte membrane molecules. II. Characterization of an interaction between B lymphocyte surface IgD and Fc IgG receptors that differs from the surface IgM-Fc IgG receptor interaction

The B lymphocyte surface membrane receptors IgD (sigD) and Fc IgG receptors (Fc gamma R) were evaluated for interactions by means of immunofluorescence. Ligand-(F(ab')2 anti-delta) induced capping of sIgD resulted in co-capping of Fc gamma R if the latter were occupied during the capping process by soluble antigen-antibody complexes (which themselves provided insufficient cross-linking to result in capping), but not if the Fc gamma R were occupied by monomeric IgG or unoccupied. Capping of Fc gamma R by highly cross-linked complexes did not cause co-capping of sIgD occupied by monomeric F(ab') anti-delta. The interaction between sIgD and Fc gamma R was specific in that cross-reactions between ligands were excluded and ligand-induced capping of sIgD did not cause co-capping of ligand-occupied sIgM or I-A antigens. The sIgD-Fc gamma R interaction occurred on only approximately 60% of B lymphocytes, and this B cell subpopulation did not correlate with other B cell subpopulations (CBA/N strain B cells and B cells bearing either large or small amounts of sIgD). The sIgD-Fc gamma R interaction differed from the sIgM-Fc gamma R interaction in that co-redistribution of the Fc gamma R was occupied by monomeric IgG and involved nearly all B lymphocytes. The qualitative and quantitative differences between the sIgD-Fc gamma R and sIgM-Fc gamma R interactions suggest a mechanism whereby the two antigen receptors could provide different signals to the B lymphocyte.     

Cross-linking of Fc gamma receptors and surface antibodies. Theory and application

B lymphocyte responses to the cross-linking of surface Ig (sIg) are known to be inhibited, when IgG is the cross-linking agent, by the concurrent binding of the Fc portion of the IgG to Fc gamma R. We present a mathematical framework for designing and analyzing experiments aimed at uncovering the inhibition mechanism(s). From our model, we calculate concentrations of receptors and ligands in the different cell surface states, at equilibrium or as a function of time. IgG can cross-link surface receptors in three ways, i.e., by bridging two sIg molecules without Fc binding, by bridging two sIg while binding as well to an Fc gamma R, and by binding to an Fc gamma R and only one sIg. We show how the concentrations or fractions of these distinct cross-linked states depend on experimentally manipulable variables, including the concentrations of intact IgG, bivalent and monovalent IgG fragments, and agents that block Fc binding. Then, using simple signal/response relationships, reflecting active and passive mechanisms of Fc-mediated inhibition, we simulate the results of a variety of experiments. In cases where published experimental results are available, we find that the qualitative predictions of our general model are consistent with the data and that comparisons of simulations with available data provide some quantitative information about the parameters governing the cell surface signaling events. In particular, comparison of model predictions with published experiments on the kinetics of IgG-induced inositol trisphosphate production indicate that sIg cross-links form more rapidly than sIg-Fc gamma R "co-cross-links." Further, IgG-sIg bonds stabilize Fc attachments, i.e., the dissociation of IgG from Fc gamma R is slowed significantly when the IgG is also cross-linked to sIg. Predictions of the model suggest other experiments and ways of presenting the data that will help to identify relationships between the molecular signaling events occurring on the cell surface and the various cellular responses.     

The murine lymphocyte receptor for IgE. III. Use of chemical cross-linking reagents to further characterize the B lymphocyte Fc epsilon receptor

Cross-linking reagents were used to further characterize the murine B cell receptor for the Fc portion of IgE (Fc epsilon R) and compare this receptor to the well-characterized high-affinity Fc epsilon R on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. The disulfide cleavable and noncleavable reagents 3,3'-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl) propionate (DTSSP) and bis(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate (BS3) were used. With these reagents, efficient cross-linking of the alpha component of the high-affinity RBL Fc epsilon R to the membrane-buried beta and gamma components occurred only if the membrane was solubilized before the cross-linking reaction. In studies with purified murine B cells, IgE could be cross-linked to the Fc epsilon R on intact cells with either DTSSP or BS3. Under the same conditions, up to 10% of the B cell surface immunoglobulin (sIg) (both IgM and IgD) was also found to cross-link to a portion of the IgE/Fc epsilon R complex, suggesting that on the intact murine B cell the Fc epsilon R is frequently in close association with sIg. The B cell Fc epsilon R was also examined for the presence of receptor-associated proteins. Under conditions where the high-affinity RBL Fc epsilon R was substantially cross-linked to the alpha, beta, gamma complex, no evidence was seen for similar cross-linking of the B cell Fc epsilon R. Cross-linking experiments on affinity-purified Fc epsilon R preparations also gave no evidence for receptor-associated proteins with the B cell Fc epsilon R, although evidence for receptor-receptor association was seen. Thus, these data further support the concept that there may be little relationship between the high-affinity mast cell/basophil Fc epsilon R and the low-affinity lymphocyte Fc epsilon R.     

Modulation of the humoral immune response by antibody-mediated antigen targeting to complement receptors and Fc receptors

During an ongoing immune response, immune complexes, composed of Ag, complement factors, and Igs, are formed that can interact with complement receptors (CRs) and IgG Fc receptors (Fc gamma R). The role of CR1/2 and Fc gamma R in the regulation of the immune response was investigated using OVA that was chemically conjugated to whole IgG of the rat anti-mouse CR1/2 mAb 7G6. FACS analysis using the murine B cell lymphoma IIA1.6 confirmed that the 7G6-OVA conjugate recognized CR1/2. Incubating IIA1.6 cells with 7G6-OVA triggered tyrosine phosphorylation and Ag presentation to OVA-specific T cells in vitro. Immunizing mice with 7G6-OVA at a minimal dose of 1 microgram i.p. per mouse markedly enhanced the anti-OVA Ig response, which was primarily of the IgG1 isotype subclass. The 7G6-OVA did not enhance the anti-OVA response in CR1/2-deficient mice. OVA coupled to an isotype control Ab induced a considerably lower anti-OVA response compared with that induced by OVA alone, suggesting inhibition by interaction between the Fc part of the Ab and the inhibitory Fc gamma RIIb on B cells. This findings was supported by the observation that IIA1.6 cells which were incubated with 7G6-OVA lost the ability to present Ag upon transfection with Fc gamma RIIb. In sum, 7G6-conjugated OVA, resembling a natural immune complex, induces an enhanced anti-OVA immune response that involves at least CR1/2-mediated stimulation and that may be partially suppressed by Fc gamma RIIb.     

Murine recombinant Fc gamma RIII, but not Fc gamma RII, trigger serotonin release in rat basophilic leukemia cells.

Murine Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII have highly homologous extracellular domains, but unrelated transmembrane and intracytoplasmic (IC) domains. Murine Fc gamma RIIb1 and b2 are two isoforms of single-chain receptors which differ only by 47 aa in their IC domain. Murine Fc gamma RIII are composed of an IgG-binding alpha-chain, the intracellular portion of which is unrelated to that of Fc gamma RII, and of a homodimeric gamma-chain which also associates with Fc epsilon RI. Murine mast cells express Fc gamma RII, Fc gamma RIII, and Fc epsilon RI. They can be induced to degranulate by murine IgG immune complexes or by F(ab')2 fragments of the rat anti-murine Fc gamma RII/III mAb 2.4G2, complexed to mouse anti-rat (MAR) F(ab')2. In order to determine which murine Fc gamma R can activate mast cells, cDNA encoding murine Fc gamma RIIb1, Fc gamma RIIb2 or Fc gamma RIII alpha were stably transfected into RBL-2H3 cells. Murine Fc gamma RIII but not Fc gamma RIIb1 or Fc gamma RIIb2 induced serotonin release when aggregated by (2.4G2-MAR) F(ab')2 complexes. The respective roles of the IC domains of murine Fc gamma RIII subunits in signal transduction were investigated by stably transfecting cDNA encoding IC-deleted or chimeric murine Fc gamma R into RBL-2H3 cells. The substitution of the IC domain of murine Fc gamma RII for that of murine Fc gamma RIII gamma, but not that of murine Fc gamma RIII alpha, conferred the ability to trigger serotonin release. The deletion of IC sequences of the alpha subunit did not alter the ability of murine Fc gamma RIII to trigger serotonin release. It follows that 1) murine Fc gamma RIII, but not Fc gamma RII, can induce RBL cells to release serotonin, 2) the aggregation of the IC domain of the murine Fc gamma RIII gamma subunit is sufficient, but 3) the IC domain of the murine Fc gamma RIII alpha subunit is neither sufficient nor necessary for triggering serotonin release.     

Transient activation of the NADPH oxidase through Fc gamma RI. Oxidase deactivation precedes internalization of cross-linked receptors

It is well known that Fc gamma R mediate the rapid release of agents of inflammation and, in addition, play an important role in the uptake of stimulatory antibody complexes. Activation of the FcR for human IgG1 (Fc gamma RI) on human monocytic cells triggers a transient activation of the NADPH oxidase. In this study, we tested the possibility that transience of the NADPH oxidase activation might have been the result of rapid internalization of cross-linked Fc gamma RI. Stimulatory receptor moieties were formed by cross-linking Fc gamma RI with receptor-specific mAb that are known to trigger superoxide anion release. The formation of the stimulatory receptor units was determined by quantitating the rate of superoxide anion production through its reduction of cytochrome c. This rate has been found to correlate with the rate of binding of cross-linking antibody and, therefore, the rate of formation of the stimulatory moieties (receptor aggregates). Internalization of cross-linked Fc gamma RI was measured by quantitation of cell-associated FITC-labeled Fc gamma RI-specific mAb resistant to acid elution. We found that cross-linking antibody bound to Fc gamma RI continued to be taken up by the cells well after cessation of oxidase activity. The constant rate of uptake and the differential effect of temperature on these two functions suggested that they are separately regulated. Quantitation of cross-linked receptors that were inactive, i.e., no longer stimulating superoxide anion production, indicated that 50% of internalizable, and therefore cross-linked, Fc gamma RI remained on the surface after oxidase activity had ceased. This evidence of cessation of oxidase activity before the endocytic uptake of mAb/R stimulatory units indicates that the activated state of surface cross-linked Fc gamma RI is of brief duration and that occupation of the receptors by cross-linking-ligand does not sustain the activated state of the receptor. Thus, Fc gamma RI-mediated oxidase activation is temporally limited to the formation of the stimulatory receptor moiety.     

Enhanced antigen presentation using human Fc gamma receptor (monocyte/macrophage)-specific immunogens.

A major new challenge for vaccine development is to target APC such as monocytes and macrophages for efficient Ag processing and presentation. It has been shown that Fc gamma R-mediated uptake of Ag-antibody complexes can enhance Ag presentation by myeloid cells at least 100-fold, and directing Ag to Fc gamma R in mice brings about a substantial increase in the effectiveness of immunization while eliminating the requirement for adjuvant. It has not been determined which of the three subclasses of human Fc gamma R on myeloid cells (Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, or Fc gamma RIII) function to enhance Ag presentation. We have targeted our Ag (TT) to each of the three subclasses of human Fc gamma R on monocytes using Fc gamma R subclass-specific mAb-TT conjugates, and have measured TT presentation by monitoring T cell proliferation in response to TT. In addition, we have examined enhanced Ag presentation mediated by a human IgG1 (HIgG1) anti-TT mAb. All anti-Fc gamma R-TT conjugates enhanced Ag presentation. HIgG1 anti-TT, in monomeric form, enhanced Ag presentation through Fc gamma RI only. Anti-Fc gamma RI-Ag conjugates appear to be optimal for application as vaccines. They are monocyte/macrophage-specific, are very efficiently processed and presented, and enhance Ag presentation despite occupation of Fc gamma RI with HIgG.     

Antigen-induced Fc receptor-dependent and -independent B cell desensitization. An elevation in [Ca2+]i is not sufficient and protein kinase C activation is not required for these pathways of surface IgM-mediated desensitization

The interaction of an Ag ligand with its B cell surface Ig (sIg) receptor can occur via an FcR-dependent or -independent pathway. We previously found that transfected TNP-specific B cells undergo both Ca2+ signaling and desensitization upon interaction with the thymus-dependent Ag TNP-OVA. Similarly, we showed that these B cells can also be desensitized by cross-linking sIg to the Fc gamma R via the formation of an Ag-antibody bridge. Thus, Ag-specific B cells can be desensitized by two different Ag-dependent events, one mediated by Ag-sIg interaction and the other by sIg-Fc gamma R cross-linking. Inasmuch as Ag-sIg and sIg-Fc gamma R interactions lead to positive and negative signaling, it was of interest to determine whether B cell desensitization mediated by these interactions occurs by one of the well known signaling pathways in B cells. We found that Ag-induced changes in [Ca2+]i could be readily dissociated from Ag-induced desensitization, indicating that a Ca(2+)-independent pathway is likely responsible for this pathway of desensitization. To determine if PKC plays a role in B cell desensitization mediated by either Ag or sIg-Fc gamma R interaction, PKC was downregulated by long term exposure to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate or inhibited by exposure of cells to staurosporine. The PKC down-regulated and inhibited cells underwent similar Ag- and Fc gamma R-dependent desensitization compared to cells containing active PKC. Taken together, these data indicate that Ag-induced desensitization of B cell signaling likely involves an event(s) that occurs either upstream or independent of Ag-induced elevations in [Ca2+]i and PKC activation.     

Properties of a second epitope of the murine Fc receptor for aggregated IgG

The murine macrophage and lymphocyte Fc receptor for aggregated IgG (Fc gamma R) has previously been characterized by using the anti-Fc gamma R monoclonal antibody (mAb), 2.4G2. In the studies presented here, we describe a new mAb, 6B7C, that defines a second epitope of the Fc gamma R. The tissue distribution of the 6B7C epitope is coincident with the 2.4G2 epitope. However, only the 2.4G2 epitope is accessible to mAb binding on intact primary macrophages or lymphocytes. The 6B7C epitope is not detectable on primary macrophages or lymphocytes but is exposed on a portion of B lymphocyte Fc gamma R after activation by lipopolysaccharide and on some tumor cell lines. The expression of the 6B7C epitope on the surface of B lymphoblasts and tumor cell lines seems to correlate with their ability to release soluble Fc gamma R. The 6B7C mAb has the advantage that it reacts with native as well as denatured receptor and therefore can be used for techniques such as immunoblotting.     

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation induced via the IgG receptors Fc gamma Ri and Fc gamma RII in the human monocytic cell line THP-1.

We have investigated the role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in transmembrane signaling via the IgG receptors Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII in the human monocytic cell line THP-1. Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII were selectively engaged using the anti-Fc gamma RI mAb 197 (IgG2a) and the anti-Fc gamma RII mAb IV.3 (IgG2b). Addition to cells of mAb 197, but not addition of IgG2a mAb of irrelevant specificity, resulted in the rapid induction of cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphorylation as assessed by antiphosphotyrosine immunoblotting. A similar pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation was induced by mAb IV.3, but not by control IgG2b mAb. The induction of tyrosine phosphorylation by anti-Fc gamma R mAb was not dependent on antibody Fc region-FcR interactions, because tyrosine phosphorylation was also induced by cross-linked anti-Fc gamma RI F(ab')2 fragments and by cross-linked anti-Fc gamma RII Fab fragments. To investigate the relationship of Fc gamma R-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C, which is known to follow Fc gamma R engagement, we assessed the effect of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A on Fc gamma R-induced Ca2+ flux. Herbimycin A strongly inhibited cellular Ca2+ flux induced by mAb 197, but did not inhibit Ca2+ flux induced by aluminum fluoride, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation may be important in regulating Fc gamma R-mediated activation of phospholipase C. Consistent with this, mAb 197 induced rapid phosphorylation of the gamma-1 isoform of phospholipase C. Finally, herbimycin A strongly inhibited the induction of TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation by Fc gamma R cross-linking. These results suggest that protein tyrosine phosphorylation may play an important role in the activation of phospholipase C and in the induction of monokine gene expression that follows engagement of Fc gamma R in human monocytes.     

Cross-linking of the high affinity Fc receptor for human immunoglobulin G1 triggers transient activation of NADPH oxidase activity. Continuous oxidase activation requires continuous de novo receptor cross-linking

Cross-linking of the high affinity Fc receptor for human immunoglobulin G1 (Fc gamma RI) on U937 cells triggered superoxide anion (O-2) release. This was accomplished by the binding of an Fc gamma RI-specific monoclonal antibody, mAb 32, followed by cross-linking of the mAb on the cell with anti-mouse IgG F(ab')2 by Fc gamma RI-specific mAbs 32 and 22 used as an equimolar mixture or by Fc gamma RI-specific mAb 197 (a murine IgG2a and thus a multivalent ligand for Fc gamma RI) alone. At subsaturating concentrations of the Fc gamma RI-cross-linking ligands, O2- generation was continuous over relatively long intervals. However, saturating concentrations triggered an often substantial but always transient O2- burst. This transient burst of oxidase activity ceased with maximal ligand accumulation on the cell. Cells in which oxidase activity had ceased could be restimulated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or aggregated human IgG1, indicating that cessation of O2- generation was not due to a generalized exhaustion or inhibition of the NADPH oxidase pathway. Cells incubated in subsaturating concentrations of cross-linking antibodies continued to release O2- until binding of the ligand ceased. In addition, the rates of O2- production and ligand accumulation were the same. Thus, continuous O2- production appeared to be dependent upon continuous de novo formation of cross-linked and activated Fc gamma RI. Furthermore, the mol of O2- released in response to Fc gamma RI cross-linking by the multivalent ligand mAb 197 were directly proportional to the mol of mAb bound over a range of saturating and subsaturating concentrations. This evidence suggests a quantal relationship between each Fc gamma RI activated (cross-linked) and the resultant oxidase activity and supports a "rate" model for the activation of this response. Thus, each Fc gamma RI entering the pool of activated receptors probably makes a unitary contribution to the signal. An additional finding showed that cross-linked Fc gamma RI became associated with the cell cytoskeleton and that this association was also transient. Dissociation of Fc gamma RI from its cytoskeletal attachment occurred well after cessation of O2- production.     

Human T lymphocytes expressing the C3b/C4b complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) belong to Fc gamma receptor-positive CD4-positive T cells

The phenotypic characteristics of human T lymphocytes expressing the C3b/C4b complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) were investigated using dual-color surface immunofluorescence and cytofluorometric analysis of stained peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal individuals. Two to ten percent of PBMC coexpressed CR1 and the CD5, CD2, or CD3 antigen. CR1 was detected on a subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes but not on CD8+ or on Leu-7+ lymphocytes. Costaining for CR1 and for the CD4 subpopulation markers anti-Leu-8, TQ1, OKT17, 2H4, and 4B4 indicated that CR1 on lymphocytes may be coexpressed with any of these phenotypic determinants. All CR1+ lymphocytes expressed Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma Rs) as assessed by their ability to bind biotinylated dimeric human IgG. The expression of CR1 was increased in mixed lymphocyte reaction with kinetics similar to those of HLA-DR antigen expression. Coexpression of CR1 and Fc gamma R+ may provide a subset of CD4+ lymphocytes with an enhanced ability to bind and respond to C3-bearing complexes of IgG and antigen.     

Cross-linking of both Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII induces secretion of tumor necrosis factor by human monocytes, requiring high affinity Fc-Fc gamma R interactions. Functional activation of Fc gamma RII by treatment with proteases or neuraminidase

Cross-linking of Fc gamma R on human monocytes with human IgG has been shown to induce secretion of the inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokine TNF. In the present study we examined the role of both constitutively expressed monocyte Fc gamma R, the 72-kDa high affinity Fc gamma R (Fc gamma RI), and the 40-kDa low affinity receptor (Fc gamma RII), in the induction of TNF secretion. On the basis of preferential binding of the Fc moiety of murine mAb of different isotype, Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII were selectively cross-linked by using either solid-phase murine (m)IgG2a, or solid-phase mIgG1, respectively. On freshly isolated, untreated monocytes only cross-linking of Fc gamma RI with solid-phase mIgG2a induced TNF secretion. The interaction between Fc gamma RII and mIgG1 could be enhanced by treatment of monocytes with proteases or with the desialylating enzyme neuraminidase. After treatment of monocytes with these enzymes, TNF secretion was effectively induced by solid-phase mIgG1, apparently through cross-linking of Fc gamma RII. However, mIgG1-induced TNF secretion differed between protease-treated monocytes from high responder individuals and monocytes from low responder individuals, TNF secretion being considerably less in the latter population. Protease-treated monocytes and mononuclear cells from individuals with an inherited defect in cell membrane expression of Fc gamma RI were induced to secrete TNF by solid-phase human IgG, confirming the capacity of Fc gamma RII to induce TNF secretion. It was not possible to induce TNF secretion by cross-linking Fc gamma RI or Fc gamma RII with anti-Fc gamma R mAb and soluble or solid-phase anti-mIgG, indicating that high affinity Fc-Fc gamma R interactions are necessary to induce release of this cytokine.     

Expression, distribution and specificity of Fc receptors for IgM on murine B cells

Subpopulations of normal adult murine splenic B cells and a panel of murine B cell tumors were examined for their ability to bind murine IgM specifically. By using two-color flow cytometric analyses, we have demonstrated that 90 to 95% of surface (s)IgD+ B cells express surface membrane receptors for IgM (Fc mu R). The binding of pentameric murine IgM to splenocyte Fc mu R was IgM-specific since it was totally inhibited by other polymeric IgM proteins, but not by Ig of other H chain classes or by mAb specific for the murine IgG or IgE FcR. Binding of IgM to splenic cells was saturable. Fc mu R were co-expressed with the Fc gamma R as well as the Fc epsilon R on the majority of splenic B cells. Minor populations of splenic mononuclear cells expressed only an Fc mu R, Fc gamma R or Fc epsilon R. In a survey of B tumor cell lines representing different stages of B cell development, we observed that the Fc mu R was expressed on pre-B cell lines and that Fc mu R detection was maximal on immature B cell lines that expressed sIgM and low amounts of sIgD and Ia. Fc mu R were not detected on cell lines that had switched from sIgM to the expression of another sIg, or on plasmacytomas and hybridomas. The studies with normal splenocytes establish that the majority of sIgD+ B lymphocytes in adult BALB/c mice express surface membrane receptors that specifically bind IgM. The studies with B lineage tumor cells suggest that the expression of Fc mu R on B cells is developmentally regulated and that the pattern of expression exhibited by Fc mu R during B cell ontogeny differs from the patterns that have been previously found for IgG and IgE FcR. These observations raise the possibility that Fc mu R might have a functional significance in some aspect of B cell maturation and activation. By using a family of IgM H chain constant region domain deletional mutants, we have further demonstrated that, like the T cell Fc mu R, the B cell Fc mu R also requires a C mu 3 domain for binding to occur, raising the possibility that the T and B cell Fc mu R in mice may be structurally related molecules.     

Inhibition of anti-IgM and growth factor-induced proliferation of guinea pig B cells by one of two distinct Fc gamma receptors on the cells

Guinea pig B cells were found to proliferate when co-stimulated with F(ab')2 of rabbit anti-guinea pig IgM and human 12-kDa B cell growth factor (BCGF), though the proliferation did not occur with the replacement of the F(ab')2 by its parent IgG antibody. In addition, the intact antibody inhibited the proliferation induced by F(ab')2 of anti-IgM and BCGF. Because both two distinct types of FcR for IgG on the B cells, one specific for IgG2 (Fc gamma 2R) and the other for both IgG2 and IgG1 (Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R), can bind rabbit IgG, we determined whether they participate in the inhibition of the B cell proliferation by intact anti-guinea pig IgM antibody. Blocking Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R by F(ab')2 of anti-Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R mAb significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of intact anti-IgM antibody. F(ab')2 of anti-Fc gamma 2R mAb, however, was not effective. Furthermore, guinea pig IgG1 and IgG2 anti-rabbit IgG antibodies suppressed similarly the B cell proliferation induced by F(ab')2 of rabbit anti-IgM and BCGF. These results show that between these two types of Fc gamma R on B cells, Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R alone is involved in the regulation of anti-IgM and BCGF-induced B cell proliferation, and inhibits the response when cross-linked to the surface IgM.     

Prostaglandin E2-dependent induction of B cell unresponsiveness. Role of surface Ig and Fc receptors

Previously, we demonstrated that two signals were required for accessory cells to induce B cell unresponsiveness: tolerogenic Ig and PG. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PGE2, in an accessory cellfree system, promoted fluorescein-specific B cell unresponsiveness in conjunction with ligands which bound to surface Ig (sIg) and/or FcR. Several conditions were found whereby PGE2 was obligatory for unresponsiveness. In the presence of aggregated, but not monomeric non-Ig fluorescein-Ag, direct plaque-forming cell responses were reduced by 60%. In contrast, engagement of the B cell FcR by aggregated IgG2b or by the 2.4G2 anti-FcR mAb failed to induce unresponsiveness, even when PGE2 was present. These data suggested that PGE2 could promote sIg-mediated negative signaling. A second condition where PGE2 promoted unresponsiveness occurred when sIg and FcR were simultaneously engaged by monomeric ligands. However, when sIg and FcR were cross-linked, PGE2-independent B cell unresponsiveness occurred. Interestingly, when subinhibitory doses of cross-linking agents were used, PGE2 dependent negative signaling resulted. PGE2 can thereby promote B cell unresponsiveness in three different situations. First, when sIg is extensively cross-linked by aggregated antigens or those with repeating determinants. Second, when sIg is engaged by monomeric antigen and when the B cell FcR is also occupied. Third, under conditions where B cell sIg and FcR are inadequately cross-linked. These situations can occur in vivo when macrophages in the B cell microenvironment (i.e., follicles) secrete PGE2 and when Ag with repeating epitopes, or immune complexes capable of binding B cell sIg and FcR are present. Thus, PGE2 can serve as an important regulatory element in limiting antibody formation.     

The low affinity 40,000 Fc gamma receptor and the transferrin receptor can be alternative or simultaneous target structures on cells sensitive for natural killing

The role of the low avidity 40,000 dalton receptor for IgG (Fc gamma R) present on K562 and U937 cells in sensitivity to natural killing (NK) was studied by using a murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for the 40,000 dalton Fc gamma R (alpha Fc gamma R mAb). Pretreatment of K562 target cells with intact alpha Fc gamma R mAb or its Fab fragment or anti-transferrin receptor (alpha TFR) mAb partially blocked in a dose-dependent manner, NK activity to K562 cells. However, combined pretreatment with alpha Fc gamma R and alpha TFR mAb completely blocked NK activity against K562 targets. As compared with K562 cells, lower levels of NK were elicited against Molt-4, U937, HL-60, and Daudi targets. Although NK activity to Molt-4 targets was not affected by alpha Fc gamma R mAb, it was fully prevented by pretreatment with alpha TFR mAb. In contrast, NK to U937 cells was not influenced by alpha TFR mAb, but it was strongly inhibited by alpha Fc gamma R mAb. The resistance of 3H-TdR-prelabeled adherent HEp-2 cells to natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity was not affected by either mAb. Lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (LDCC) against HEp-2 cells due to the presence of concanavalin A, and was completely abrogated by pretreatment of the targets with alpha TFR mAb, but was unaffected by alpha Fc gamma R mAb. By use of the flow cytometer, a significant correlation was detected between the relative expression of 40,000 dalton Fc gamma R and the susceptibility to NK, whereas the expression of TFR was discordant from NK sensitivity. As determined in the single cell cytotoxicity assay alpha Fc gamma R mAb reduced the frequency of target binding effector cells without affecting the number of dead bound targets. This pattern of inhibition was found against both K562 and U937 targets. Alternatively, alpha TFR mAb inhibited both binding and killing of K562 and Molt-4 targets. Because pretreatment of HEp-2 cells with alpha TFR mAb did not influence conjugate formation, the blocking of LDCC to HEp-2 cells by alpha TFR mAb can be related to post-binding events. These data show that although both the 40,000 dalton Fc gamma R and the TFR can be target structures for NK cell recognition, the TFR may also play an important role in the post-binding events.     

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity effector cells lack Ia antigens.

Surface immunoglobulin (sIg)-positive and sIg-negative subpopulations of macrophage-depleted murine splenic lymphocytes were obtained by Sephadex anti-Fab immunoabsorbent fractionation. These lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed for the presence of Thy 1 and Ia alloantigens and also for Fc receptors by fluorescence microscopy. Concurrently, these lymphocyte subpopulations were studied for effector cell activity in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Effector cells mediating ADCC were contained in the sIg-negative lymphocyte subpopulation and sIg-positive lymphocytes did not mediate cytotoxicity. The majority of sIg-positive lymphocytes were found to bear Ia antigens and Fc receptors, and these cell surface structures were associated in that treatment of these cells with anti-Ia sera inhibited binding of complexed immunoglobulin to Fc receptors. In contrast, most sIg-negative, Thy 1-negative lymphocytes lacked Ia Antigens, and the Fc receptors detected on such cells were not blocked by anti-Ia sera. In addition, a small subpopulation of sIg-negative, Ia antigen-positive, Fc receptor-positive lymphocytes was found. Elimination of this subpopulation of Ia antigen-positive cells from sIg-negative lymphocytes, by treatment with anti-Ia serum and complement, did not diminish ADCC effector cell activity in the resultant cell population when compared with untreated sIg-negative lymphocytes. Thus, in murine spleen, nonphagocytic mononuclear cells that lack both sIg and Ia antigens were shown to mediate ADCC.     

Evidence for cross-regulation of Fc gamma RIIIB (CD16) receptor-mediated signaling by Fc gamma RII (CD32) expressed on polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) express the low affinity receptors for the Fc domain of IgG (Fc gamma R), Fc gamma RII (CD32), and the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-linked isoform of Fc gamma RIII (Fc gamma RIIIB, CD16) on their cell surface. Both of these receptors have been shown to be signal-transducing molecules. However, the mechanisms involved in such signaling are not clearly understood. In this report, we investigated intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signals triggered in PMN by both the receptors using aggregated human IgG (AggIgG) and specific mAb to Fc gamma RII (KuFc79) and Fc gamma RIII (3G8) as ligands. Addition of AggIgG as well as cross-linking of mAb KuFc79 and 3G8 bound to PMN induced [Ca2+]i flux. However, preincubation of PMN with mAb KuFc79 (whole Ig or Fab fragments) in the absence of cross-linking abrogated the [Ca2+]i flux induced by AggIgG and mAb 3G8, indicating that Fc gamma RII receptor occupancy by mAb KuFc79 can block signals mediated by Fc gamma RIIIB. KuFc79-isotype-matched control mAb (MOPC 195) did not abolish the signals generated by AggIgG and mAb 3G8. In addition, mAb KuFc79 did not abrogate [Ca2+]i responses elicited by the receptor for the chemotactic peptide FMLP indicating that modulation of signal transduction by Fc gamma RII-bound KuFc79 is selective for certain receptors. Immunofluorescence analysis of PMN initially treated with mAb KuFc79 followed by AggIgG showed that KuFc79 did not block the binding of AggIgG to PMN. Similarly, competitive binding studies revealed no stearic hindrance between mAb KuFc79 bound to Fc gamma RII and mAb 3G8 bound to Fc gamma RIIIB. Thus, the ability of mAb KuFc79 to modulate signals induced by AggIgG and 3G8 strongly suggests that Fc gamma RII may regulate Fc gamma RIIIB signaling. While previous studies on Fc gamma RII revealed a requirement for cross-linking of the receptor to induce its effector functions, the present study shows that binding of mAb KuFc79 to Fc gamma RII itself, even in a univalent form, results in cross-regulation of Fc gamma RIIIB-triggered signals. Treatment of PMN with protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein and herbimycin A, abrogated the [Ca2+]i signals elicited by both mAb KuFc79 and 3G8. These results suggest that tyrosine kinase enzyme(s) associated with these receptors may be crucial for positive/negative signals triggered by Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIIIB.