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Biomedical subjects

A J Tenner

Publications and source records attributed to A J Tenner.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Human pulmonary surfactant protein (SP-A), a protein structurally homologous to C1q, can enhance FcR- and CR1-mediated phagocytosis.

C1q, a subunit of the first component (C1) of the classical complement pathway, and the pulmonary surfactant protein SP-A are structurally homologous molecules, each having an extended collagen-like domain contiguous with a non-collagenous domain. It is the collagen-like region of C1q that binds to mononuclear phagocytes and mediates the enhancement of phagocytosis of opsonized particles by these cells. Because SP-A enhances the endocytosis of phospholipids by alveolar type II cells and alveolar macrophages, we examined whether these two molecules were functionally interchangeable. The phagocytosis of sheep erythrocytes opsonized with IgG or with IgM and complement was enhanced by the adherence of monocytes or macrophages, respectively, to SP-A. The enhanced response was dependent on the concentration of SP-A used for coating the surfaces, similar to that seen when monocytes were adhered to C1q-coated surfaces. Both the percentage of cells ingesting the opsonized targets and the number of targets ingested per cell increased with increasing concentrations of SP-A. No such enhancement was seen with cells adhered to albumin, iron-saturated transferrin, or uncoated surfaces. However, SP-A did not substitute for C1q in the formation of hemolytically active C1. C1q did not stimulate lipid uptake by alveolar type II cells or alveolar macrophages and had only a slight inhibitory effect on the binding of SP-A to alveolar type II cells. Thus, these results suggested that a function which requires interactions of both the collagenous and the non-collagenous regions (i.e. initiation of the classic complement cascade) could not be mimicked by a protein sharing structural macromolecular similarity but lacking sequence homology in the non-collagen-like region. However, SP-A could substitute for C1q in stimulating a function previously shown to be mediated by the collagen-like domains of the C1q molecule.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1989

Interaction of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with classical complement components, C1-inhibitor, and a monoclonal antibody directed against the Neisserial H.8 antigen.

Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were used to evaluate bactericidal and opsonic properties of McAb 10 directed against the Neisserial outer membrane antigen, H.8. Gonococci were either serum resistant in the absence but serum sensitive in the presence, of McAb 10, or serum sensitive or serum resistant regardless of the presence of McAb 10. Strain JS3, which fell in the former category, was used in subsequent studies. C1 zymogen formed by reassociation of isolated C1 subunits was not directly activated by JS3 in the presence or absence of C1-inhibitor. JS3 thus was unable to directly activate the classical pathway independently of antibody. When purified classical pathway components were used to deposit C3 on JS3 in the absence of serum regulatory proteins or antibodies, added C1-inhibitor reduced C3 binding to background levels. When McAb 10 was present, C3 binding was unaffected by C1-inhibitor. Covalently bound, large molecular weight C3 alpha-chain-gonococcal complexes were disbanded by methylamine release of ester linkages. Released 125I-C3 migrated as C3b without degradation by gonococcal proteases. Purified classical components alone or McAb 10 alone facilitated JS3 killing by neutrophils; when combined, the two provided maximal killing. Levels of McAb 10 that only slightly increase C3 deposition on JS3 are bactericidal in serum and maximally opsonic in combination with purified classical pathway components.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1989

Human mannose-binding protein activates the alternative complement pathway and enhances serum bactericidal activity on a mannose-rich isolate of Salmonella.

The human mannose-binding protein (MBP) is a multimeric serum protein that is divided into three domains, a cysteine-rich NH2-terminal domain that stabilizes the collagen alpha helix of the second domain and a third COOH-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain. Previous studies have shown that both native and recombinant human MBP bind to wild-type virulent Salmonella montevideo that expresses a mannose-rich lipopolysaccharide. Interaction with MBP results in opsonization and killing by phagocytes. In this report we show that low concentration of MBP (less than 10 micrograms/ml) markedly enhance complement deposition via the alternative complement pathway on S. montevideo. Despite structural similarities between MBP and the C1q subcomponent of the first complement component, MBP did not restore classical pathway activity to C1q-deficient serum, nor did it activate C1s when added to a mixture of C1r and C1s. In the presence of MBP the C3 bound to S. montevideo during incubation in serum was in the form of C3b and iC3b at a ratio of 1:2. Presensitization of S. montevideo with MBP rendered this normally serum resistant organism susceptible to complement-mediated killing. These results emphasize that MBP and complement cooperate in first line defense of the nonimmune host.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Complement component C1q enhances invasion of human mononuclear phagocytes and fibroblasts by Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes.

Internalization and infectivity of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes by macrophages is enhanced by prior treatment of parasites with normal human serum. Heating serum or removing C1q from serum abrogates the enhancement, but augmentation of attachment and infectivity is restored by addition of purified C1q to either serum source. Although both noninfective epimastigotes (Epi) and vertebrate-stage tissue culture trypomastigotes (TCT) bind C1q in saturable fashion at 4 degrees C, internalization by monocytes and macrophages of TCT but not Epi-bearing C1q is enhanced in comparison to untreated parasites. Adherence of human monocytes and macrophages to surfaces coated with C1q also induces a marked enhancement of the internalization of native TCT. C1q enhances attachment of both Epi and TCT to human foreskin fibroblasts, but only when C1q is on the parasite and not when the fibroblasts are plated on C1q-coated surfaces. Only TCT coated with C1q show enhanced invasion into fibroblasts. Although trypomastigotes produce an inhibitor of the complement cascade which limits C3 deposition during incubation in normal human serum, C1q binds to the parasite and enhances entry of trypomastigotes into target cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

C1q interactions with cell surface receptors.

The defense mechanisms initiated by the human body against foreign entities such as invading pathogenic bacteria and viruses involve intricate sequences of interactions between cells and macromolecules of the immune system. The complement system is a multienzymatic cascade which upon activation by either of two distinct mechanisms leads to the assembly of a common membranolytic complex of proteins, as well as the generation of protein fragments which mediate inflammation and enhance phagocytosis. It has now been clearly established that C1q, the initial component of the classical complement pathway, interacts in a specific manner with several immunologically important cell types, including B cells, monocytes, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Thus it has an uncommon potential for participating in a cellular-humoral immune network. Furthermore, since it binds both antibody-antigen complexes and other non-antibody containing activators of the classical complement pathway, C1q could provide a very efficient, direct means of modulating the immune response especially during early stages of disease when little or no antibody is present. In vitro, C1q has been shown to be capable of stimulating a number of potentially useful immune cell functions including the enhancement of phagocytosis, stimulation of oxygen radical generation and stimulation of immunoglobulin secretion. In addition, individuals which are genetically C1q-deficient develop immune-complex related disease (primarily lupus-like) and/or have severe bouts with infection. Thus, while the structure and mode of action of the cell surface C1q receptor(s) are currently unclear, it is clear that C1q has multiple significant effects on cellular immune function.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1988

C1q acts synergistically with phorbol dibutyrate to activate CR1-mediated phagocytosis by human mononuclear phagocytes.

The adherence of human monocytes and culture-derived macrophages to surfaces coated with complement subcomponent C1q has been previously shown to enhance Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis by these cells. We examined the effects of C1q on C3b/C4b receptor (CR1)-mediated phagocytosis by mononuclear phagocytes. A small percentage of human monocytes cultured in the presence of serum became competent to ingest sheep erythrocytes bearing IgM and C4b (EAC4b). This phagocytic activity was enhanced when these cultured-derived macrophages were adhered to C1q-coated surfaces. However, when cultured in a defined serum-free medium, these cells did not ingest EAC4b, even in the presence of C1q. To investigate this differential responsiveness, we studied the effects of C1q in conjunction with cell-activating agents on CR1 activation. Treatment of serum-free cultured monocytes with phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), prior to addition of the targets, induced these cells to ingest EAC4b. In addition, when exposed to C1q, both the percentage of these PDBu mononuclear phagocytes ingesting EAC4b and the number of targets ingested increased threefold over the level achieved by macrophages treated with PDBu alone. The chemoattractant N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine did not activate CR1-mediated phagocytosis and did not substitute for PDBu in causing synergy with C1q. Freshly isolated monocytes adhered to human serum albumin-coated glass slides in the absence or presence of PDBu did not phagocytose EAC4b. Also C1q did not stimulate monocyte CR1-mediated phagocytosis. However, addition of PDBu to cells adherent to the C1q surface triggered phagocytosis of EAC4b. The concentration of PDBu and the time of addition of PDBu relative to addition of the EAC4b targets were found to be important parameters for the achievement of maximal synergy in both the freshly isolated and cultured cell systems. This enhanced phagocytic activity was also seen with cells adhered to the purified collagen-like, pepsin-resistant, fragment of C1q. Since this region was previously shown to interact with C1q surface receptors, it appears that occupancy of this receptor is triggering events contributing to the enhanced cellular function. These experiments suggest that C1q and PDBu promote ingestion via CR1 by different but synergistic mechanisms. These data also demonstrate that the CR1-mediated enhancement of phagocytosis is not specific for FcR-mediated ingestion, but also applies to phagocytosis via CR1.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed1987

Modulation of FcR function by complement: subcomponent C1q enhances the phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized targets by human monocytes and culture-derived macrophages.

We have investigated the interaction of C1q, a subunit of the first component of complement, with human monocytes and culture-derived macrophages. Adherence of these mononuclear phagocytes to surfaces coated with C1q induced a marked enhancement of the phagocytosis of sheep erythrocytes opsonized with IgG anti-Forssman antibody (EA-IgG). This C1q-mediated enhancement of phagocytosis was dose dependent, and was specifically blocked by pretreatment of the C1q-coated surfaces with F(ab')2 anti-C1q. The augmentation of FcR-mediated phagocytosis by C1q was determined to be a result of the interaction between the C1q and the phagocytic effector cell, and was not due to interaction between the surface-bound C1q and the EA-IgG. Neither resting nor N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes were induced by C1q to increase FcR-mediated phagocytosis. Experiments conducted with purified fragments of C1q suggest that the C1q phagocytosis enhancement signal resides in the collagen-like tail domain of the molecule. This region is the same portion of the molecule previously shown to interact with the cell surface C1q receptor. Native type I collagen was unable to enhance FcR-mediated phagocytosis by mononuclear phagocytes. It has been demonstrated that C1q can be localized to areas of inflammation, and additionally C1q can be secreted by macrophages in culture. In view of these findings and the results of our present study, we hypothesize that C1q could provide local, direct, and non-opsonic enhancement of phagocytosis by mononuclear phagocytes in areas of infection and inflammation.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1987

A sensitive specific hemolytic assay for proenzyme C1.

The traditional hemolytic assay of the functional activity of C1, the first component of the classical complement pathway, was modified to permit differentiation between proenzyme (unactivated) C1 and the activated state of the enzyme (C1). A two-step assay was developed to quantitate proenzyme C1. The C1 sample to be assayed was first preincubated with C1 inhibitor, a process that specifically inhibits the enzymatic activity of C1 without affecting the subsequent activation of proenzyme C1 by EAC4, a model immune complex. Since the rate of reaction between C1 inhibitor, a serum regulatory protein, and C1 is concentration-dependent, this step is performed at high C1 and C1 inhibitor concentrations. Subsequent dilutions of the sample prevents C1 inhibitor-mediated inactivation of the C1 that is activated during the C1 hemolytic assay. Thus, in the presence of C1 inhibitor, the level of C1 hemolytic activity specifically reflects the activity of proenzyme C1, while in the absence of C1 inhibitor, the hemolytic activity reflects the total activity of C1. Both the absolute and the relative amounts of the proenzyme (unactivated) and activated C1 can thereby be quantitated in most samples. Furthermore, a partially purified C1 inhibitor reagent, easily prepared from serum, was shown to function identically to the purified C1 inhibitor, obviating the need for a multistep isolation procedure for this protein. Using this simple yet sensitive assay to investigate the efficiency of reconstitution of C1 activity from the purified components C1q, C1r, and C1s, we also find evidence for temperature- and concentration-dependent reaction steps in the formation of functional C1.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Activator-bound C1 is less susceptible to inactivation by C1 inhibition than is fluid-phase C1.

Parameters that influence the effective interaction of C1 with the serum regulatory glycoprotein C1 Inhibitor were investigated. C1 that bound to activator particles EAC4 or EA was strikingly less susceptible to inactivation by C1 Inhibitor than was fluid-phase C1. By using the conventional hemolytic assay, the concentrations of C1 Inhibitor required for inhibition of C1 bound to EAC4 were 1000-fold higher than those required for fluid-phase C1. With EA as the activator (and indicator) particle, 17- to 75-fold higher concentrations of C1 Inhibitor were required to inhibit bound vs free C1. These findings suggest that, on binding to these particulate immune complexes, the domain of the C1 molecule capable of interacting with C1 Inhibitor is less available for binding than when C1 is in fluid phase. Alternatively, the conformation of C1 may be altered when bound to EA or EAC4, resulting in a lower association constant of C1 Inhibitor for C1. As assessed by inhibition of classical complement pathway hemolysis, the inhibition of the enzymatic activity of C1 by C1 Inhibitor (both in the fluid phase and particle-bound) was markedly dependent on the concentration of the reactants. Incubation of C1 and C1 Inhibitor at serum concentrations resulted in the inhibition of more than 10 times the amount of C1 hemolytic activity than that which occurred when the same ratio of components was incubated at the more dilute concentrations used in the conventional hemolytic assays. These findings have allowed for the development of a more sensitive and rapid assay for C1 Inhibitor function.

Complement Activating Enzymes↗
PubMed1986

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

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

Binding Sites, Antibody↗
PubMed1986

Complement subcomponent C1q secreted by cultured human monocytes has subunit structure identical with that of serum C1q.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (e.l.i.s.a.) that is capable of quantifying C1q concentrations as low as 2 ng/ml and a sensitive haemolytic assay were used to study the appearance of material that cross-reacts with human serum C1q as well as C1q haemolytic activity in human monocyte culture media. This material was detected in the medium after 10-14 days and continued to be secreted through to day 28 of culture, at which time the cultures were terminated. Material specifically immunoabsorbed with Sepharose-anti-C1q antibody from a culture medium of cells that was metabolically labelled with [3H] proline or [35S] methionine demonstrated a polypeptide pattern identical with that of serum C1q on SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Under non-reducing conditions two protein bands were detected migrating with the same Rf values as the serum C1q A-B and C-C dimers. On reduction three bands were evident, which migrated identically with the A, B and C chains of serum C1q. The amount of radioactivity in these bands increased with time in culture, consistent with the e.l.i.s.a. and haemolytic C1q assays. These bands were reactive with monospecific anti-C1q antibody after transfer to nitrocellulose.

Ascorbic Acid↗
PubMed1985

The C1q subunit of the first component of complement binds to laminin: a mechanism for the deposition and retention of immune complexes in basement membrane.

The C1q subunit of complement component C1 is known to bind to immune complexes, which often are deposited in basement membrane. We investigated the possibility that this deposition is a result of binding to laminin, a large basement membrane glycoprotein. C1q showed saturable binding to immobilized laminin; this binding was increased at reduced ionic strength. Intact C1 did not bind laminin. A ternary complex was formed by laminin, C1q, and aggregated IgG. This complex formation was dependent on and proportional to the amount of C1q bound to the aggregated IgG. Binding of laminin to C1q occurred with a Kd of 2 nM and was stronger than the binding of C1q to fibronectin. Preliminary data, including electron micrographs of rotary-shadowed preparations, suggest that laminin binds to the collagen-like tail of C1q. Electron microscopy localized the site of interaction with C1q to a short arm of laminin. Since laminin is found only in basement membranes, the interaction between laminin and C1q could be involved in the deposition and retention of immune complexes in these structures.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed1984

Lipoproteins containing apoprotein B are a major regulator of neutrophil responses to monosodium urate crystals.

The inflammatory response to intraarticular urate crystals is known to be variable in gouty arthritis. One source of variability may be the modulation of cellular responses by crystal-bound proteins. We have identified three apolipoproteins among the polypeptides bound to urate crystals exposed to plasma. Identification was first based on their coelectrophoresis with polypeptides from isolated lipoproteins and diminution in the protein coat of crystals exposed to lipoprotein-depleted plasma. The apoproteins were immunochemically identified by the Western blotting technique as apoprotein A-I, apoprotein B (apo B), and apoprotein E. Because neutrophils play a central role in acute gout, we investigated the potential effects of lipoproteins on neutrophil-urate crystal interactions. Plasma profoundly inhibited urate crystal-induced neutrophil luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL). Lipoprotein depletion by KBr density gradient centrifugation completely abrogated the inhibitory effect of plasma on urate-induced CL. The inhibitory activity of lipoprotein-depleted plasma was restored by adding back the d less than or equal to 1.25 g/cm3 lipoprotein fraction. Plasma also inhibited urate crystal-induced neutrophil superoxide generation and cytolysis (lactic dehydrogenase loss). This inhibition was significantly diminished by lipoprotein depletion, indicating that the lipoprotein effect was not limited to CL. Lipoprotein-depleted plasma reconstituted with very low, intermediate, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) inhibited crystal-induced CL. High density lipoprotein reconstitution was without effect. Immunodepletion from plasma of all apo B lipoproteins by agarose-bound apo B-specific antibody also removed all inhibitory activity for urate-induced CL. Thus, apo B lipoproteins were shown to be the inhibitory species in plasma. Binding of apo B lipoproteins to urate crystals and inhibition of CL was also seen in the absence of other plasma proteins. In addition, the binding of whole lipoprotein particles to the crystals was verified by detection of crystal-associated cholesterol in addition to the apoprotein. The effects of LDL on urate crystal-induced CL were stimulus specific. Coincubation of urate crystals and neutrophils in the presence of 10 micrograms/ml LDL resulted in 83% inhibition. In contrast, CL responses to a chemotactic hexapeptide, opsonized zymosan, and Staphylococcus aureus were not inhibited by LDL. The effects of depletion of apo B lipoproteins on plasma suppression of urate crystal-induced CL appeared to be unique. Plasma or sera depleted of other urate crystal-binding proteins including fibrinogen, fibronectin, C1q, and IgG retained virtually all their CL inhibitory activity. Lipoproteins containing apo B are thus a major regulator of neutrophil responses to urate crystals. These lipoproteins are present in variable concentration in synovial fluid and may exert an important influence on the course of gout.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1984

Antibody-independent C1 activation by E. coli.

Antibody-independent interactions of C1 with several E. coli strains were examined. Purified C1 was directly activated by the semi-rough mutant E. coli J-5, its parental wild-type strain, E. coli 0111:B4, and two clinical isolates, E. coli (P) and E. coli (A), in the absence of C1 inhibitor. E. coli J-5 activated C1 about 10-fold more rapidly and bound approximately threefold more C1 than the other strains. E. coli J-5, but not the other strains, also bound C1s2, provided that the subcomponent was offered to the bacteria in the presence of C1q and calcium; such binding was thus independent of the presence or absence of C1r2. After C1 activation in the absence of C1 inhibitor, activated C1s spontaneously dissociated from E. coli 0111:B4, (P), and (A), but remained associated with E. coli J-5. The regulatory protein C1 inhibitor prevented C1 activation by the weaker activators, E. coli strains 0111:B4, (P), and (A), but had no effect on C1 activation by E. coli J-5. Although C1 inhibitor thus failed to modulate C1 activation by E. coli J-5, it did block the enzymatic activity of activated C1 bound to this strain. Analyses of the molecular processes involved revealed differences with other systems. In the presence of C1 inhibitor, the C1s subunit of C1 activated by E. coli J-5 underwent further cleavage with the release into the supernatant of C1s fragments and complexes of C1 inhibitor with light chain fragments. Such fragments were not disulfide-linked to the remainder of the C1s molecule. The bulk of the heavy chain remained adherent to the surface of E. coli J-5. This finding documents the presence of a binding site for activated C1s on the surface of E. coli J-5 and localizes this site to the heavy chain. These studies thus indicate that several E. coli strains are direct C1 activators. Furthermore, E. coli J-5 provides another example of a direct C1 activator having binding sites not only for C1q but also for dimeric C1s. The studies also show that there are multiple properties of particles which determine the ability to activate C1, the rate of activation, the possibility of regulation of the activation process by C1 inhibitor, and the fate of activated C1.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1983

Plasma protein binding by monosodium urate crystals. Analysis by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Using 2-dimensional O'Farrell gel electrophoresis, we have mapped the proteins from undiluted plasma and serum which bind to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. More than 30 crystal-associated polypeptides were visualized, including anionic and cationic species. Proteins increased on the crystals relative to plasma included C1q, C1-r, C1-s, fibronectin, fibrinogen, and kininogen. Crystal-bound polypeptides derived from IgG, albumin, and transferrin were recovered in decreased amounts relative to plasma. Direct evidence for activation of the complement and coagulation systems in plasma was provided by the identification of crystal-associated activation fragments of C1 and kininogen. Plasmas deficient in selected proteins (e.g., C1q and IgG) were used to define the role of these proteins in such activation events and confirmed activation of C1 in immunoglobulin-deficient plasma by MSU crystals. In summary, we have described a high resolution, semiquantitative approach to analyze protein binding to crystals, have documented the complexity of crystal-plasma protein interaction, and have provided direct evidence for the binding of coagulation system proteins and binding and activation of complement by MSU crystals, in whole plasma and IgG-deficient plasma.

Blood Coagulation↗
PubMed1981

Identification of types of cells in human peripheral blood that bind C1q.

Earlier studies showed that approximately 26% of the cells present in human mononuclear cell preparations had the ability to bind purified monomeric C1q. The present studies were initiated to identify the cell types comprising the C1q binding population. Double marker fluorescence, rosetting, and morphologic studies on cell preparations depleted of or enriched in various cell types were simultaneously employed to identify those subpopulations that bound C1q. C1q binding was detected by fluorescent techniques (with FI-F(ab')2 anti-C1q). Monocytes in mononuclear cell preparations were detected by the ability to phagocytose carbonyl iron. B cells were identified by reactivity with rhodamine-conjugated F(ab')2 anti-human F(ab')2 and by rosetting with erythrocytes bearing C3b. These studies showed that monocytes and B lymphocytes comprised the majority of C1q-binding cells in mononuclear cell preparations, whereas T lymphocytes lacked this property. In addition, a minor population of nonphagocytic cells in such preparations that lacked B and T cell markers also bound C1q. Finally, a high but variable proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes bound C1q. Binding of C1q to PMN was concentration-dependent, saturable and specific and exhibited an equilibrium constant of 0.76 X 10(7) M-1. Thus, PMN also possess a specific receptor for C1q.

Animals↗