Further evidence for heterogeneity of Fc gamma-receptors on guinea pig splenic B and T lymphocytes: analysis using monoclonal antibodies to two distinct types of Fc gamma-receptor

In our previous paper, we reported that guinea pig splenic lymphocytes expressed two distinct Fc-receptors for homologous IgG (Fc gamma Rs), one monospecific for IgG2 (Fc gamma 2R) and the other bispecific for IgG1 and IgG2 (Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R), when analyzed by EA-rosette assay. These Fc gamma Rs on the cells were further studied by using two monoclonal antibodies toward the Fc gamma Rs on guinea pig peritoneal macrophages (anti-Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R and anti-Fc gamma 2R antibody). The anti-Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R antibody completely inhibited the rosette formation of splenic lymphocytes with IgG1-sensitized sheep erythrocytes [EA(IgG1)]. On the other hand, EA(IgG2)-rosette formation was inhibited partially by anti-Fc gamma 2R but not by anti-Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R antibody. Complete inhibition of the EA (IgG2)-rosette formation was achieved by simultaneous additions of both anti-Fc gamma 2R and anti-Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R antibodies. The binding of IgG2 antibody complexed with ovalbumin to the cells was partially inhibited by either anti-Fc gamma R antibody, and complete inhibition occurred in the presence of both the antibodies, indicating that two types of Fc gamma R, Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R, and Fc gamma 2R, are expressed on the cells. The determination of these Fc gamma Rs on B and T lymphocytes by two-color flow cytometry showed that about 52% of B lymphocytes expressed Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R alone and 32% of the cells expressed both the Fc gamma Rs. On the other hand, about 12% of T lymphocytes was found to express Fc gamma 2R alone and the cells expressing Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R were in the minority (3.8%). T lymphocytes expressing both the Fc gamma Rs were not detected. These results show that guinea pig B lymphocytes bear two types of Fc gamma Rs and are heterogeneous with regard to their Fc gamma Rs and that T lymphocytes express Fc gamma 2R mainly.     

Characterization of the Fc receptor for IgG2 on guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes by the use of a monoclonal antibody

Guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) possess two distinct types of Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma R): Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R for both IgG1 and IgG2, and Fc gamma 2R for IgG2 alone. The Fc gamma 2R was previously shown to differ antigenically from homologous macrophage (M phi) Fc gamma 2R by the use of a monoclonal antibody to M phi Fc gamma 2R (VIIAI IgG1), though the Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R cross-reacts with a monoclonal antibody to homologous M phi Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R (VIA2 IgG1). Recently, we obtained a monoclonal antibody (MP-2) secreted by a hybridoma prepared by fusion of the splenic cells of mice immunized with guinea pig PMNs with a myeloma cell line. This antibody completely inhibited both the Fc gamma 2R-mediated rosette formation of PMNs with IgG2 antibody-sensitized sheep erythrocytes and the Fc gamma 2R-mediated binding of ovalbumin (OA)-complexed IgG2 antibody to PMNs. When the antigen of MP-2 was isolated by affinity chromatography with the antibody-Sepharose, it gave a single band with a molecular weight of 120,000 on SDS-PAGE. The number of antigen molecules per PMN was estimated to be 9 X 10(4) by measuring the binding of 125I-MP-2 Fab. This value was essentially the same as that obtained by measuring the binding of OA-complexed IgG2 antibody to the PMNs treated with the Fab' of VIA2 IgG1. These results strongly suggest that MP-2 is a monoclonal antibody to PMN Fc gamma 2R.     

Analysis of Fc receptors for IgG on guinea pig peritoneal macrophages by the use of a monoclonal antibody to one of the Fc receptors

The variety and properties of Fc receptors (FcR's) for homologous IgG on guinea pig peritoneal macrophages were investigated with the use of a mouse monoclonal antibody, VIA2 IgG1, prepared by fusion of splenic cells of a mouse immunized with guinea pig macrophages with a mouse myeloma cell line. VIA2 IgG1 completely inhibited the formation of macrophage rosettes with IgG1 antibody-sensitized erythrocytes, but not that with IgG2 antibody-sensitized erythrocytes. The Fab' of VIA2 IgG1 also completely inhibited the bindings of both monomeric and ovalbumin-bound IgG1 antibodies to macrophages. On the other hand, the Fab' did not affect the binding of monomeric IgG2 antibody to macrophages, although it partially inhibited that of ovalbumin-bound IgG2 antibody. These results show that at least two distinct types of FcR are present on guinea pig macrophages; one (FcR1,2) binds monomeric IgG1 antibody and also antigen-bound IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies, and the other (FcR2) binds monomeric and antigen-bound IgG2 antibodies alone, and also that VIA2 IgG1 binds specifically to FcR1,2. When FcR1,2 was isolated by affinity chromatography on F(ab')2 of VIA2 IgG1 coupled to Sepharose, it gave a main band with a molecular weight of 55,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which was indistinguishable from the main band isolated with the IgG1 immune complex. The number of FcR1,2 per macrophage cell was estimated to be 2 X 10(5) by measuring the binding of 125I-Fab' of VIA2 IgG1.     

Different abilities of two distinct Fc gamma receptors on guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes to trigger the arachidonic acid metabolic cascade

The nature of signals transmitted by two Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma 2R for IgG2 and Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R for both IgG2 and IgG1) on guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes was investigated. The specific binding of hen ovalbumin (OA)-complexed IgG1 antibody to Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R did not seem to trigger the release of [3H]arachidonic acid from the cells prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid. In contrast, marked release occurred on the binding of OA-complexed IgG2 antibody to the cells. This reaction was not inhibited, but rather enhanced, by the Fab' of a monoclonal antibody to Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R. Therefore, a signal for the activation of the arachidonic acid metabolic cascade was found to be transmitted by Fc gamma 2R, but scarcely by Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R.     

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.     

Fc receptors on cultured myeloma and hybridoma cells

The specificity of the Fc gamma receptors on the X63.Ag8.653 nonproducing myeloma cell line has been examined for binding to IgG1-, IgG2a-, and IgG2b-containing antigen-antibody complexes. Complexes containing each of these subclasses bind, and the binding of each is inhibited by the others. Trypsin treatment did not inhibit the binding of any of these subclasses. Furthermore, the monoclonal anti-Fc receptor antibody 2.4G2 inhibits the binding of all three subclasses. These results, together with those of other investigators, suggest that there is a single FcR for IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b on mouse B cells which differs in its specificity from the macrophage Fc gamma R. This is confirmed by the fact that a mutant IgG2b myeloma protein which binds to the macrophage Fc gamma 1/gamma 2b receptor does not bind to the Fc gamma R on X63.Ag8.653.     

Murine IgA binding factors produced by Fc alpha R(+) T cells: role of Fc gamma R(+) cells for the induction of Fc alpha R and formation of IgA-binding factor in Con A-activated cells

The relationship between the production of a T cell factor having affinity for IgA (IgA-binding factor(s); IgA BF) and the expression of Fc receptors specific for IgA (Fc alpha R) was studied by using murine spleen cells activated with concanavalin A (Con A blasts). Fc alpha R was detected by the cytophilic binding of anti-TNP murine IgA myeloma protein (MOPC 315 IgA) to Con A blasts as determined by an indirect rosette method with trinitrophenylated sheep red blood cells (TNP-SRBC). After 18 hr preculture with IgA, Fc alpha R was expressed on 15 to 20% of Con A blasts, which released IgA BF suppressing the in vitro IgA synthesis of the spleen cells stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Without preculture with IgA, there was neither induction of Fc alpha R nor the production of IgA BF from Con A blasts. Fc alpha R was not induced on Con A blasts by IgA if Fc gamma R(+) cells were depleted from the blasts by rosetting with SRBC sensitized with rabbit IgG antibody (EA gamma). Even after preculture with IgA, the suppressive IgA BF was undetectable in the culture supernatant of Con A blasts depleted of the Fc gamma R(+) cell population. By using a double rosette method with EA gamma and trinitrophenylated quail red blood cells, Fc alpha R proved to be co-expressed on Fc gamma R(+) precursor T cells in the Con A blasts. The results suggested that both Fc gamma R and Fc alpha R could be co-expressed on Con A blasts, as is the case with T2D4 Fc gamma R(+), Fc alpha R(+) T hybridoma cells, which are known to produce IgG-binding factor(s) (IgG BF) and IgA BF. The relationship between Fc gamma R and Fc alpha R on a single cell was studied by using monoclonal anti-Fc gamma R antibody (2. 4G2 ). The reactivity of 2. 4G2 antibody with T cell Fc gamma R was proved by the inhibition of EA gamma rosette formation by Con A blasts or T2D4 cells. The addition of 2. 4G2 monoclonal antibody, however, did not affect the induction of Fc alpha R on Con A blasts by IgA. Furthermore, the binding of IgA to Fc alpha R already expressed on L5178Y T lymphoma cell line cells was not inhibited by the monoclonal antibody. The results confirmed that Fc alpha R are distinct from Fc gamma R co-expressed on the same Con A blasts, and that the expression of Fc alpha R on Fc gamma R(+) T cells and their production of suppressive IgA BF may be induced by the binding of IgA to Fc alpha R.     

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.     

Modulation of Fc gamma receptors on the human macrophage cell line U-937

Macrophage receptors for the Fc portion of IgG play an important role in host defense, inflammation, and the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders. We studied one important function of Fc gamma receptors--the ability to bind IgG ligand. Direct binding experiments analyzed by nonlinear regression were consistent with monomeric and trimeric IgG binding to a single class of receptors. Indirect binding experiments were also consistent with this interpretation and revealed that both IgG ligands completely inhibited the binding of the other. In addition, we used an anti-Fc gamma RII monoclonal antibody known to compete for the Fc gamma RII ligand binding site and known to inhibit IgG trimer binding to other cells. At concentrations of antibody which saturated all Fc gamma RII sites, no inhibition of IgG trimer binding to U-937 was observed. This was evident despite the observation that the numbers of Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII, determined by equilibrium binding of monomeric IgG and anti-Fc gamma RII antibody, respectively, were similar on U-937. Monoclonal antibodies were used to compare the expression and modulation of Fc gamma receptor proteins with their ability to bind monomeric and trimeric IgG ligands. Dexamethasone and gamma-interferon regulated U-937 Fc gamma RI protein expression and IgG ligand binding to a similar degree. In contrast, the expression of Fc gamma RII was not altered by dexamethasone. Interferon-gamma primarily stimulated Fc gamma RI, as determined both by reactivity with monoclonal antibody (227 +/- 26%) and by monomeric IgG ligand binding (350 +/- 151%). In addition, dexamethasone inhibited by 33% the gamma-interferon effect on Fc gamma RI protein and by 56% the effect on Fc gamma RI binding of monomeric IgG. Preincubation of U-937 with anti-Fc gamma RII antibody did not alter the effect of dexamethasone or gamma-interferon on IgG trimer binding. These data indicate that on U-937 cells Fc gamma RII does not function in the recognition of small molecular weight immune complexes and that Fc gamma RI is the Fc gamma receptor responsible for the binding of both monomeric and trimeric human IgG. Furthermore, Fc gamma RI is the major Fc gamma receptor on U-937 that is modulated by both gamma-interferon and glucocorticoids.     

Aglycosylation of human IgG1 and IgG3 monoclonal antibodies can eliminate recognition by human cells expressing Fc gamma RI and/or Fc gamma RII receptors.

Aglycosylated human IgG1 and IgG3 monoclonal anti-D (Rh) and human IgG1 and IgG3 chimaeric anti-5-iodo-4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenacetyl (anti-NIP) monoclonal antibodies produced in the presence of tunicamycin have been compared with the native glycosylated proteins with respect to recognition by human Fc gamma RI and/or Fc gamma RII receptors on U937, Daudi or K562 cells. Human red cells sensitized with glycosylated IgG3 form rosettes via Fc gamma RI with 60% of U937 cells. Inhibition of rosette formation required greater than 35-fold concentrated more aglycosylated than glycosylated human monoclonal anti-D (Rh) antibody. Unlabelled polyclonal human IgG and glycosylated monoclonal IgG1 and anti-D (Rh) antibody inhibited the binding of 125I-labelled monomeric human IgG binding by U937 Fc gamma RI at concentrations greater than 50-fold lower than the aglycosylated monoclonal IgG1 anti-D (Rh) (K50 approximately 3 x 10(-9) M and approximately 6 x 10(-7) M respectively). Similar results were obtained using glycosylated and aglycosylated monoclonal human IgG1 or IgG3 chimaeric anti-NIP antibody-sensitized red cells rosetting with Fc gamma RI-/Fc gamma RII+ Daudi and K562 cells. Rosette formation could be inhibited by the glycosylated form (at greater than 10(-6) M) but not by the aglycosylated form. Haemagglutination analysis using a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies specific for epitopes located on C gamma 2, C gamma 3 or C gamma 2/C gamma 3 interface regions did not demonstrate differences in Fc conformation between the glycosylated or aglycosylated human monoclonal antibodies. These data suggest that the Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII sites on human IgG are highly conformation-dependent and that the carbohydrate moiety serves to stabilize the Fc structure rather than interacting directly with Fc receptors.     

Characterization of the Fc gamma receptor on human platelets

IgG-containing immune complexes may play a role in the immune destruction of human platelets by interacting with an Fc gamma receptor on the platelet surface. We studied the platelet Fc gamma receptor and characterized its interaction with IgG ligand and anti-Fc gamma receptor monoclonal antibodies. Oligomers of IgG, but not monomeric IgG, bound to platelets and the number of binding sites was significantly increased at low ionic strength. Ligand-binding studies indicated that normal human platelets express a single Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma RII) with 8559 +/- 852 sites per cell, Kd = 12.5 +/- 1.7 X 10(-8) M using trimeric IgG. Results of studies with bivalent and Fab monoclonal anti-Fc gamma RII were consistent with each Fc gamma receptor expressing two epitopes recognized by the antibody. The number of Fc gamma binding sites and affinity of binding were unchanged by the presence of 2.0 mM Mg2+ or 10 micrograms/ml cytochalasin B. Platelet stimulation with thrombin or ADP in the presence of fibrinogen also did not alter the number of Fc gamma binding sites or the affinity of binding. However, platelets preincubated with 5 microM dexamethasone expressed a decreased number of Fc gamma binding sites as well as decreased IgG-dependent platelet aggregation. Platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia and from patients with the Bernard Soulier syndrome expressed a normal number and affinity of Fc gamma binding sites. The data suggest that platelet Fc gamma RII binding of trimeric IgG occurs independent of actin filament interaction, Mg2+, ADP, or thrombin and does not require GPIIb/IIIa or GPIIb/IIIa-fibrinogen interaction. Furthermore, this receptor appears to be normally expressed on GPIb-deficient platelets and susceptible to modulation by glucocorticoids. Finally, the Fc gamma-binding protein was isolated from whole platelets as a 220-kDa protein which upon reduction dissociates into 50,000 Mr subunits.     

Characterization of murine lymphocyte IgE receptors by flow microfluorometry

A flow microfluorometric technique has been developed to analyze IgE receptors on splenic and mesenteric lymph node mononuclear cells from BALB/c mice. Our data show that 1) the binding of DIBADL cross-linked IgE dimers to IgE receptors is specific in that it is inhibited by monomeric rat and mouse IgE but not by mouse or rabbit IgG or by the monoclonal anti-Fc gamma R antibody 2.4G2, and conversely, the binding of DIBADL cross-linked IgG dimers is inhibited by monomeric IgG or 2.4G2 but not by rat or mouse IgE; 2) the binding of IgE dimers is saturable on cells from uninfected and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb)-infected mice; 3) IgE dimer binding is detectable on most splenic B lymphocytes from uninfected and Nb-infected mice, but not on T lymphocytes from uninfected mice, and on few, if any, T lymphocytes from Nb-infected mice; 4) Nb infection causes a parallel increase in the percentages of B lymphocytes and cells expressing IgE receptors and Fc gamma R; 5) Nb infection leads to a marked increase in B lymphocyte IgE receptor expression, has little if any effect on IgE receptor affinity, and causes only minor changes in Fc gamma R expression; and 6) in vivo activation of B lymphocytes by a goat antibody to mouse IgD decreases IgE receptor expression considerably, but has a minimal effect on Fc gamma R expression. Thus, there are separate receptors for IgE and IgG on murine B lymphocytes, and the effect of Nb infection or anti-IgD treatment on their expression is different.     

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.     

Monoclonal antibody to human IgG Fc receptors. Cross-linking of receptors induces lysosomal enzyme release and superoxide generation by neutrophils

The monoclonal antibody KuFc79 binds to a determinant on the Fc receptors (Fc gamma R) of human leukocytes. We examined the biologic effects of the interaction of this antibody with Fc gamma R on human neutrophils (PMNL). The univalent Fab fragment of KuFc79 inhibits the formation of rosettes with IgG-sensitized sheep erythrocytes by as much as 91.7%. In other experiments in which PMNL were washed after exposure to Fab of KuFc79, phagocytosis of IgG-sensitized sheep erythrocytes was inhibited by 36%. Fab fragments of other mouse IgG2b monoclonal proteins did not have these effects. When PMNL are exposed to coverslips coated with univalent Fab fragments of this antibody, the Fc gamma R are removed from the surface of the PMNL. Under these conditions, rosetting could be inhibited by 85.4%. We examined cross-linking of receptor bound monoclonal antibody or its Fab fragment by either Protein A or F(ab')2 of an anti-mouse Ig. As much as 31.7% of beta-glucuronidase, a marker for lysosomal enzymes, is specifically released by cross-linking the Fc gamma R on PMNL. The generation of O2- is also induced by specifically cross-linking Fc gamma R with Fab and anti-Fab. The data constitute the first formal demonstration that cross-linking of Fc gamma R on PMNL leads to enzyme release and superoxide generation.     

Triggering of the superoxide generation of macrophages by crosslinking of Fc gamma receptor

Crosslinking of monomeric IgG2 molecules bound to the Fc gamma receptors on the cell surface of guinea pig macrophages generated the triggering signal for the superoxide-generating system. A binding experiment indicated that macrophages have saturable binding sites for monomeric IgG2. Scatchard analysis of the binding data showed that macrophages have an average of 4 X 10(5) binding sites per cell and the association constant for the binding was 4.2 X 10(6) M-1. Binding of monomeric IgG2 to macrophages could be detected by subsequent reaction with the 125I-labeled F(ab')2 fragment of rabbit antibody specific for guinea pig Fab. Although binding of IgG2 monomer to Fc receptor did not stimulate superoxide release, further addition of the F(ab')2 fragment of anti-guinea pig Fab antibody did induce generation and release of superoxide, and the amount released was dependent on the dose of cell-bound IgG2. When macrophages were bound with a constant dose of IgG2 monomer in the first step, the superoxide release triggered by the addition of the F(ab')2 of anti-guinea pig Fab was dependent on the dose of the F(ab')2 fragment added. These results show that crosslinking of Fc receptors triggers the superoxide generation.     

Phagocytosis of concanavalin A-treated erythrocytes is mediated by the Fc gamma receptor

Impaired Fc gamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis has been reported in monocytes from HLA-DR2- and -DR3-positive disease-free individuals compared to normals without these B cell alloantigens. We have noted, however, a decrease in the ingestion of concanavalin A (Con A)-treated rabbit erythrocytes (E-Con A) in the same immunogenetically defined groups (DR2 vs Other: 2.94 +/- 0.84 erythrocytes/monocyte vs 4.16 +/- 1.37, p less than 0.003; DR3 vs Other: 3.35 +/- 1.51 vs 4.16 +/- 1.37, p less than 0.04). These data raised the possibility that carbohydrate-lectin interactions might trigger ingestion mediated by the Fc gamma receptor. To test this hypothesis, we performed receptor modulation and monosaccharide blocking experiments. Modulation of the Fc gamma receptor off the apical cell surface of monocytes by adherence to solid-phase IgG aggregates specifically reduced internalization of E-Con A and IgG-sensitized erythrocytes (EA) to 9.1% and 10.6% of control, respectively (p less than 0.001). Internalization of wheat germ agglutinin-treated erythrocytes, tannic acid-treated erythrocytes, and zymosan was not inhibited. In reciprocal modulation experiments using solid-phase Con A, no effects on phagocytosis of any particle was observed. alpha-Methyl mannoside, 0.1 M in PBS, did not inhibit the internalization of EA but blocked ingestion of E-Con A by 97% (p less than 0.001). Other monosaccharides had little or no effect on the ingestion of any of the phagocytic probes. These data demonstrate that a mechanism integrally involving the Fc gamma receptor mediates the ingestion of E-Con A by human monocytes. This Fc receptor has an oligosaccharide(s) with an exposed mannose which may be functionally significant. Whereas the mannose moiety does not play a crucial role in the interaction of the Fc gamma receptor with the Fc portion of IgG, engagement of the receptor via mannose can initiate internalization. Our findings raise the possibility that nonimmune functions may utilize classical immune system receptors through carbohydrate interactions. Furthermore, the ability of the Fc gamma receptor to trigger internalization is defective in HLA-DR2 and -DR3 normals, whether the receptor is ligated at its classical ligand-binding site or by way of its carbohydrate moieties.     

Antigen-antibody complexes bound to B-lymphocyte Fc gamma receptors regulate B-lymphocyte differentiation

We studied the effect of soluble antigen-antibody complexes on the responses of polyclonally activated murine B lymphocytes. For this, normal B lymphocytes were stimulated with rabbit F(ab')2 anti-mu and lymphokines. IgG complexes, particularly in antigen excess, inhibited the plaque-forming cell response (55-70%), while proliferation was unaffected. Maximal inhibition was obtained with small amounts (0.2-1.0 microgram/ml) of complexes. Neither antigen or antibody alone was inhibitory. Inhibition was mediated via binding of the IgG complexes to Fc gamma receptors of B lymphocytes: (1) neither T lymphocytes or adherent accessory cells were required; (2) IgM complexes did not inhibit; and (3) inhibition was not seen when monoclonal anti-Fc gamma receptor antibodies prevented binding of the IgG complexes to these receptors. Kinetic experiments showed that B lymphocytes are susceptible to this inhibitory signal for only a short time after stimulation. We conclude that IgG complexes bound to the Fc gamma receptors of B lymphocytes regulate B-lymphocyte differentiation.     

Characterization of a monoclonal antibody directed against the murine B lymphocyte receptor for IgE

A rat hybridoma producing a high-affinity IgG2a monoclonal antibody (B3B4) directed against against the murine lymphocyte IgE receptor (Fc epsilon R) was established by using purified Fc epsilon R from Fc epsilon R+ murine hybridoma B cells as immunogen. The monoclonal and polyclonal anti-Fc epsilon R inhibited the binding of IgE to the murine lymphocyte Fc epsilon R and were also used to isolate the Fc epsilon R. B3B4 specifically recognized only the 49-Kd Fc epsilon R on murine B lymphocyte as determined by immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE analysis. In addition to its reaction with intact Fc epsilon R, B3B4 also recognized Fc epsilon R fragments that were present in the culture media of Fc epsilon R+ hybridoma cells. The predominant fragments isolated were 38 Kd and 28 Kd by SDS-PAGE analysis. When tested for reactivity with other cell types, B3B4 was highly specific for murine B lineage cells in that it did not significantly react with Fc epsilon R on macrophages and T cells and, in addition, did not react with the high affinity mast cell Fc epsilon R. B3B4 completely blocked IgE rosetting, and a reciprocal inhibition of binding was seen in a dose-dependent fashion between IgE and B3B4, indicating a close proximity of the IgE and B3B4 binding sites. Saturation binding analysis indicated that the Fab' fragment of B3B4 bound to twice as many sites/cell as IgE, suggesting that there are two identical B3B4 determinants per 49-Kd Fc epsilon R or that the IgE binding site is formed by the association of at least two 49-Kd Fc epsilon R. However, unlike IgE, neither B3B4 nor F(ab')2-B3B4 nor Fab'-B3B4 were very effective in causing Fc epsilon R upregulation on murine hybridoma B cells; in fact, B3B4 prevented this upregulation when added in combination with IgE. These results suggest that a site-specific interaction provided only by IgE may be essential for ligand-specific upregulation. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies will be useful in further studies concerning the functional relationship between the membrane Fc epsilon R and the soluble Fc epsilon R fragments.     

Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII on monocytes and granulocytes are cytotoxic trigger molecules for tumor cells

As part of an effort to define the cytotoxic trigger molecules on human myeloid cells, the ability of the different Fc receptors for IgG (Fc gamma R) to mediate killing of tumor cell lines by monocytes and granulocytes was examined. This was accomplished by studying cytolysis of hybridoma cell (HC) targets bearing surface antibody directed toward the different Fc gamma R. The HC line, HC IV.3A, which bears Ig directed to the low affinity Fc gamma R (Fc gamma RII) on monocytes and neutrophils was lysed by human monocytes. The extent of lysis of HC IV.3A was approximately equal to that of anti-Fc gamma RI (the high affinity Fc gamma R on human monocytes) bearing HC lines (HC 32.2A and HC 62A) and was not augmented by treatment of the monocytes with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In contrast, neutrophils lysed HC IV.3A and HC 32.2A only after activation with IFN-gamma. Since Fc gamma RI is not detectable on untreated neutrophils and is induced by IFN-gamma on these cells, lysis of HC 32.2A by IFN-gamma-activated neutrophils correlated with receptor induction. On the other hand, Fc gamma RII was present at equal levels on untreated and IFN-gamma-treated neutrophils, but only IFN-gamma-treated neutrophils mediated cytotoxicity via Fc gamma RII. In this case, enhanced killing appeared to be due to events other than an increase in Fc gamma RII number. Neither untreated nor IFN-gamma-treated neutrophils mediated the lysis of the anti-Fc gamma RIII bearing HC 3G8A. Thus, binding to the tumor target via this Fc receptor does not lead to lysis and may initiate signals distinct from those triggered through Fc gamma RI or Fc gamma RII. Surprisingly, HC bearing high amounts of mouse IgG1 antibody of irrelevant specificity were also lysed by monocytes. This lysis was blocked by soluble IV.3 antibody and thus appeared to be due to binding of the Fc portion of the surface Ig to Fc gamma RII on monocytes. Furthermore, monocytes from donors with a form of Fc gamma RII incapable of binding aggregated mouse IgG1 did not lyse these HC, but displayed normal lysis of HC IV.3, demonstrating that this structurally different Fc gamma RII remained a functional trigger molecule. Overall, these studies have demonstrated the specificity of Fc receptors in triggering monocyte- and granulocyte-mediated antibody-dependent tumor cell killing and have begun to dissect functional similarities and differences among the three defined Fc gamma R on human myeloid cells.     

Characterization of a monoclonal antibody to guinea pig peritoneal macrophages that inhibits phagocytosis of unopsonized zymosan: structural and functional similarities of the antigen to human and mouse CR3

A monoclonal antibody, anti-Z-1, was established by fusion of spleen cells from mice immunized with guinea pig thioglycollate-induced peritoneal macrophages (TGC-M phi s) with mouse myeloma cells, P3-X63-Ag8-6.5.3. The Fab' fragments of anti-Z-1 bound to almost all of the TGC-M phi s with a high association constant (6.0 +/- 0.8) X 10(8) M-1, and effectively inhibited phagocytic activities of the cells for unopsonized zymosan and serum-treated zymosan. On the contrary, neither the phagocytic activity for rabbit IgG antibody-sensitized sheep erythrocytes nor that for periodate-treated sheep erythrocytes was inhibited by anti-Z-1. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that the antigen recognized by anti-Z-1, which was named Z-1 antigen, consists of a polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 140,000 (alpha chain) noncovalently associated with a polypeptide chain of 95,000 (beta chain). The epitope with which anti-Z-1 reacts was found to be on the alpha chain by Western blotting. Furthermore, it was found that Z-1 antigen solubilized from the cells with nonionic detergent was capable of binding to unopsonized zymosan, suggesting that Z-1 antigen may function as a receptor for zymosan. These findings show the structural and functional similarities of Z-1 molecules on guinea pig peritoneal macrophages to the third complement receptor on human and mouse leukocytes.