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Biomedical subjects

H D Perez

Publications and source records attributed to H D Perez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

TNF-alpha and IL-1beta cross-desensitization of astrocytes and astrocytoma cell lines.

Exposure of human astrocytes and astrocytoma cell lines to TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and gammaIFN induce expression of a specific member of the intercrine/chemokine family of cytokines, RANTES. Pre-incubation with non-stimulatory concentrations of TNF-alpha inhibit IL-1beta-stimulated RANTES expression and similarly, non-stimulatory concentrations of IL-1beta inhibits TNF-alpha induced RANTES expression. The lowered responsiveness of these cells is stably maintained for at least 24 h. The inhibitory effect of TNF-alpha on IL-1beta-induced responses was mediated by TNF receptor-1 since low concentrations of a specific anti-TNF receptor-1 antiserum mimicked the inhibitory effect. These results indicate that TNF and IL-1 receptors mediate pro- and antiinflammatory responses in a concentration dependent manner, suggesting that at low receptor occupancy, TNF and IL-1 receptors may share a common signaling pathway and behave as endogenous antiinflammatory cytokines.

Astrocytes

Identification and characterization of small molecule functional antagonists of the CCR1 chemokine receptor.

The CC chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) and RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed) have been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Since their effects are mediated through the CCR1 chemokine receptor, we set up a small molecule CCR1 antagonist program to search for inhibitors. Through high capacity screening we discovered a number of 4-hydroxypiperidine compounds with CCR1 antagonist activity and report their synthesis and in vitro pharmacology here. Scatchard analysis of the competition binding data revealed that the compounds had Ki values ranging from 40 to 4000 nM. The pharmacological profile of the most potent member of this series, compound 1 (2-2-diphenyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)piperidin-lyl)valeronitri te), was further evaluated. Compound 1 showed concentration-dependent inhibition of MIP-1alpha-induced extracellular acidification and Ca2+ mobilization demonstrating functional antagonism. When given alone, the compound did not elicit any responses, indicating the absence of intrinsic agonist activity. Compound 1 inhibited MIP-1alpha- and RANTES-induced migration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a dose-responsive manner. Selectivity testing against a panel of seven transmembrane domain receptors indicated that compound 1 is inactive on a number of receptors at concentrations up to 10 microM. This is the first description of CCR1 receptor antagonists that may be useful in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases involving MIP-1alpha, RANTES, and CCR1.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Polyclonal antibody directed against human RANTES ameliorates disease in the Lewis rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.

Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) is one of many animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, a disease characterized by a T-lymphocyte and macrophage cellular infiltrate. We have characterized the development of this disease model with respect to chemokine expression. Increased levels of two chemokines, RANTES, a T-lymphocyte and monocyte chemo-attractant, and KC a chemoattractant for neutrophils, were found in whole blood and in the joint. Surprisingly, levels of MIP-1alpha, another T-lymphocyte and monocyte chemoattractant, were unchanged throughout the course of the disease in whole blood and only slightly elevated in the joint. RANTES expression plays an important role in the disease since a polyclonal antibody to RANTES greatly ameliorated symptoms in animals induced for AIA and was found to be as efficacious as treatment with indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory. Polyclonal antibodies to either MIP-1alpha or KC were ineffective. This is the first report to show the importance of RANTES in the development of AIA.

Animals

Expression of chemokine receptors by subsets of neurons in the central nervous system.

IL-8 is expressed by activated and neoplastic astrocytes and enhances the survival of hippocampal neurons in vitro. Since mRNA encoding chemokine receptors have been demonstrated in brain, the expression of chemokine receptors by specific cell types in anatomic regions of the central nervous system (CNS) was investigated. Archival tissues from various regions of the CNS were stained with specific mAbs to the Duffy Ag/receptor for chemokines, a promiscuous receptor that binds selected chemokines; the specific receptor for IL-8 (CXCR1); and the receptor (CXCR2) shared by IL-8 and melanoma growth stimulatory activity. The Duffy Ag/receptor for chemokines was expressed exclusively by Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Chemokine binding and radioligand cross-linking confirmed the presence of a high affinity, promiscuous chemokine receptor in the cerebellum. Although CXCR1 was not expressed in the CNS, CXCR2 was expressed at high levels by subsets of projection neurons in diverse regions of the brain and spinal cord, including the hippocampus, dentate nucleus, pontine nuclei, locus coeruleus, and paraventricular nucleus, and in the anterior horn, interomediolateral cell column, and Clarke's column of the spinal cord. Fibers that express CXCR2 included those in the superior cerebellar peduncle and the substantia gelatinosa. Immunohistochemical analysis of the involved brain tissues from patients with Alzheimer's disease revealed expression of CXCR2 in the neuritic portion of plaques surrounding deposits of amyloid. These data suggest that chemokines may play a role in reactive processes in normal neuronal function and neurodegenerative disorders.

Antigens, CD

Phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitors in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease with inflammatory lesions localized to the white matter of the central nervous system. Early on, the disease is characterized by episodes of exacerbations and remissions. During exacerbations there is an acute inflammatory infiltrate characterized by the presence of mononuclear cells, monocytes, and T lymphocytes. These cells produce proinflammatory cytokines that have been implicated in the amplification of the inflammatory response as well as in the damage of oligodendrocytes. The inflammation ultimately results in loss of myelin and oligodendrocyte cell death (demyelination). Thus therapies aimed at preventing the inflammatory response may have a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. One such therapy is treatment with inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type IV. These drugs have proven to be extremely effective in the prevention and treatment of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, the animal model for multiple sclerosis. These experiments, as well as other data discussed here, provide a rationale for the treatment of multiple sclerosis with inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type IV.

Animals

The human type I interferon receptor. Identification of the interferon beta-specific receptor-associated phosphoprotein.

We used specific antibodies recognizing the receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and the recently cloned receptor 2.2 (IFNAR2.2) chains of the human type I interferon receptor complex to demonstrate that the interferon beta (IFN-beta)-specific receptor-associated phosphoprotein is IFNAR2.2 and not an unknown or additional receptor component. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that IFNAR2.2 is present in Daudi cells as a cell surface protein of approximately 90-100 kDa, which is tyrosine-phosphorylated and associated with IFNAR1, upon stimulation of cells with IFN-beta. IFNAR2.2 was not detected associated with IFNAR1 in cells stimulated with IFN-alpha, suggesting differences in receptor interaction between the two type I interferons. Both IFNAR1 and IFNAR2.2 undergo tyrosine phosphorylation upon induction by either IFN-alpha or IFN-beta. Therefore, it is unclear as to why IFNAR2.2 is not detectable in IFNAR1 immunoprecipitates in IFN-beta-treated cells. These data suggest that, although IFN-alpha and IFN-beta may utilize similar receptor chains, they interact with IFNAR1 and IFNAR2.2 in different ways.

Baculoviridae

Induction of RANTES expression by astrocytes and astrocytoma cell lines.

The cellular infiltrate found during the acute phase of multiple sclerosis (MS) consists of monocytes and activated T cells, suggesting the presence of cell-specific chemotactic signals during the inflammatory response. We examined the ability of human astrocytoma cell lines, as well as primary human and rat astrocytes, to generate a specific member of the intercrine/chemokine family of cytokines, RANTES, when exposed to TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IFN-gamma. Astrocytoma cells as well as primary astrocytes produced RANTES upon incubation with TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta. IFN-gamma alone did not induce RANTES production by astrocytes, but it potentiated the effects of either TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta. Induction of RANTES by TNF-alpha was mediated by the p55 receptor since a specific anti-p55 antiserum mimicked the effect of TNF-alpha. These results indicate that human astrocytes are capable of generating a cell-specific chemokine that can account for the inflammatory cellular infiltrate observed during the acute phase of MS, in a process that is regulated by cytokines.

Animals

Signal transduction by the formyl peptide receptor. Studies using chimeric receptors and site-directed mutagenesis define a novel domain for interaction with G-proteins.

The binding of small peptide ligands to high affinity chemoattractant receptors on the surface of neutrophils and monocytes leads to activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins, stimulation of phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (PI-PLC), and subsequently to the inflammatory response. It was recently shown (Amatruda, T. T., Gerard, N. P., Gerard, C., and Simon, M. I. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 10139-10144) that the receptor for the chemoattractant peptide C5a specifically interacts with G alpha 16, a G-protein alpha subunit of the Gq class, to trigger ligand-dependent stimulation of PI-PLC in transfected cells. In order to further characterize this chemoattractant peptide signal transduction pathway, we transfected cDNAs encoding the formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine receptor (fMLPR) into COS cells and measured the production of inositol phosphates. Ligand-dependent activation of PI-PLC was seen in COS cells transfected with the fMLPR and G alpha 16 and stimulated with fMLP but not in cells transfected with receptor alone or with receptor plus G alpha q. Chimeric receptors in which the N-terminal extracellular domain, the second intracellular domain, or the intracellular C-terminal tail of the fMLP receptor was replaced with C5a receptor domains (Perez, H. D., Holmes, R., Vilander, L. R., Adams, R. R., Manzana, W., Jolley, D., and Andrews, W. H. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 2292-2295) were capable of ligand-dependent activation of PI-PLC when co-transfected with G alpha 16. A chimeric receptor exchanging the first intracellular domain of the fMLPR was constitutively activated, stimulating PI-PLC in the absence of ligand. Constitutive activation of PI-PLC, to a level 233% of that seen in cells transfected with wild-type fMLP receptors, was dependent on G alpha 16. Site-directed mutagenesis of the first intracellular domain of the fMLPR (amino acids 54-62) reveals this to be a domain necessary for ligand-dependent activation of G alpha 16. These results suggest that different receptors which mediate similar biochemical responses may utilize distinct mechanisms to activate G-proteins. Differences among the signaling pathways triggered by chemoattractant factor receptors suggest an opportunity for pharmacologic modifications of the inflammatory response.

Antineoplastic Agents

Reconstitution of a high affinity binding site for type I interferons.

The type I interferon (IFN) receptor complex is assumed to be composed of multiple protein subunits. Recently, two proteins have been identified as potential receptor components, both of which share a high degree of structural homology with the immunoglobulin superfamily. One of these proteins, referred to as the human interferon alpha receptor (IFNAR), has been shown to be involved in interferon signal transduction, but it does not bind IFN with high affinity. A second putative receptor protein, named FLP40, has been cloned from human Daudi cells. Transfection of FLP40 into murine NIH 3T3 cells does not result in high affinity IFN binding. In this study, we demonstrate that when expressed in murine L929 cells neither IFNAR nor FLP40 by themselves are capable of binding human IFN-alpha 8. Co-expression of IFNAR and FLP40 results in cells capable of binding IFN-alpha 8 and IFN-alpha 2. Scatchard analysis of binding demonstrated the presence of high (KD 350 pM) and low (KD 4.0 nM) affinity binding sites. Binding of radiolabeled IFN-alpha 8 can be competed with either unlabeled IFN-alpha 8 or a recombinant form of human interferon beta, IFN-beta 1b, but not with IFN-gamma. Ligand binding of IFN-alpha 8 can be inhibited by antibodies directed against IFNAR providing further support for a role for this protein in the formation of a ligand binding site. This is the first demonstration indicating that two previously identified IFN receptor proteins, which individually do not bind type I IFN with high affinity, cooperate in the formation of a type I IFN receptor ligand binding complex.

3T3 Cells

Human formyl peptide receptor ligand binding domain(s). Studies using an improved mutagenesis/expression vector reveal a novel mechanism for the regulation of receptor occupancy.

Recently, we reported the domain requirements for the binding of formyl peptide to its specific receptor. Based on experiments using receptor chimeras, we also postulated an importance for the amino-terminal domain of the receptor in ligand binding (Perez, H. D., Holmes, R., Vilander, L., Adams, R., Manzana, W., Jolley, D., and Andrews, W. H. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 2292-2295). We have begun to perform a detailed analysis of the regions within the formyl peptide receptor involved in ligand binding. To address the importance of the receptor amino-terminal domain, we substituted (or inserted) hydrophilic sequences within the amino-terminal domain, expressed the receptors, and determined their ability to bind ligand. A stretch of nine amino acids next to the initial methionine was identified as crucial for receptor occupancy. A peptide containing such a sequence specifically completed binding of the ligand to the receptor. Alanine screen mutagenesis of the second extracellular domain also identified amino acids involved in ligand binding as well as a disulfide bond (Cys98 to Cys176) crucial for maintaining the binding pocket. These studies provide evidence for a novel mechanism involved in regulation of receptor occupancy. Binding of the ligand induces conformational changes in the receptor that result in the apposition of the amino-terminal domain over the ligand, providing a lid to the binding pocket.

Amino Acid Sequence

Identification of a human cDNA encoding a functional high affinity lipoxin A4 receptor.

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) triggers selective responses with human neutrophils that are pertussis toxin sensitive and binds to high affinity receptors (Kd = 0.5 +/- 0.3 nM) that are modulated by stable analogues of guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP). Here, we characterized [11,12-(3)]LXA4 specific binding with neutrophil granule and plasma membranes, which each display high affinity binding sites (Kd = 0.7 +/- 0.1 nM) that were regulated by GTP gamma S. Since functional LXA4 receptors are inducible in HL-60 cells, we tested orphan cDNAs encoding 7-transmembrane region receptors cloned from these cells for their ability to bind and signal with LXA4. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the orphan receptor cDNA (pINF114) displayed specific 3H-LXA4 high affinity binding (1.7 nM). When displacement of LXA4 binding with pINF114-transfected CHO cells was tested with other eicosanoids, including LXB4, leukotriene D4 (LTD4), LTB4, or prostaglandin E2, only LTD4 competed with LXA4, giving a Ki of 80 nM. In transfected CHO cells, LXA4 also stimulated GTPase activity and provoked the release of esterified arachidonate, which proved to be pertussis toxin sensitive. These results indicate that pINF114 cDNA encodes a 7-transmembrane region-containing protein that displays high affinity for 3H-LXA4 and transmits LXA4-induced signals. Together, they suggest that the encoded protein is a candidate for a LXA4 receptor in myeloid cells.

Amino Acid Sequence

Gc globulin (vitamin D-binding protein) increases binding of low concentrations of C5a des Arg to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: an explanation for its cochemotaxin activity.

The chemotactic activity of native human C5a des Arg is enhanced significantly by the normal serum and plasma protein Gc globulin (vitamin D-binding protein). Gc globulin attaches to sialic acid residues within the oligosaccharide chain of C5a des Arg to form a complex with potent chemotactic activity for human PMN. We investigated the mechanism whereby this phenomenon may occur and found that Gc globulin enhanced the binding of low concentrations of [125I]C5a des Arg to PMN, but had no effect on C5a-induced displacement of bound [125]C5a des Arg. Gc globulin bound to PMN, and probably acted as a C5a des Arg chaperon. Thus, it appears that Gc globulin, by complexing to C5a des Arg, increases the number of C5a des Arg molecules per unit of PMN membrane without affecting its affinity of binding. This phenomenon provides a plausible explanation for the enhancing effect of Gc globulin on the chemotactic activity of low concentrations of native human C5a des Arg.

Chemotaxis, Leukocyte

Chemoattractant receptors.

One of the first responses in the inflammatory process is the migration of cells along gradients of specific chemical signals, the chemotactic factors. Chemotactic factors are referred to as ligands that bind to structurally specific cell surface receptors. Binding of the ligand to its receptor initiates a series of coordinated events leading to cell migration, adhesion, and activation. This review describes recent advances in structure-function relationships of chemotactic factor receptors on human leukocytes as well as potential areas for pharmacological intervention.

Adenylyl Cyclases

Formyl peptide receptor chimeras define domains involved in ligand binding.

We have begun to study the structural requirements for the binding of formyl peptides to their specific receptors. As an initial approach, we constructed C5a-formyl peptide receptor chimeras. Unique (and identical) restriction sites were introduced within the transmembrane domains of these receptors that allowed for the exchange of specific areas. Four types of chimeric receptors were generated. 1) The C5a receptor was progressively substituted by the formyl peptide receptor. 2) The formyl peptide receptor was progressively substituted by the C5a receptor. 3) Specific domains of the C5a receptor were substituted by the corresponding domain of the formyl peptide receptor. 4) Specific domains of the formyl peptide receptor were replaced by the same corresponding domain of the C5a receptor. Wild type and chimeric receptors were transfected into COS 7 cells and their ability to bind formyl peptide determined, taking into account efficiency of transfection and expression of chimeric protein. Based on these results, a ligand binding model is presented in which the second, third, and fourth extracellular (and/or their transmembrane) domains together with the first transmembrane domain form a ligand binding pocket for formyl peptides. It is proposed that the amino-terminal domain plays a role by presumably providing a "lid" to the pocket. The carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic tail appears to modulate ligand binding by regulating receptor affinity.

Base Sequence

Cloning of the gene coding for a human receptor for formyl peptides. Characterization of a promoter region and evidence for polymorphic expression.

Recently we reported that, in HL-60 cells, transcription of the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) gene can be up- and downregulated by agents that induce differentiation of HL-60 cells into neutrophils. To begin studying the mechanisms involved in regulation of FPR gene expression, we cloned two human cDNAs and the gene coding for FPR. The genomic clone (pINF14) contained a 14.5-kb insert. A 2.7-kb EcoRI fragment was obtained from pINF14 that hybridized with an FPR open reading frame probe. The EcoRI fragment was sequenced and found to contain an intronless FPR open reading frame. Sequence alignment of the EcoRI genomic fragment with the FPR cDNA revealed that the first 31 bases of 5' untranslated FPR cDNA were not represented in the genomic fragment. Furthermore, a splicing consensus sequence was present in the genomic fragment at the site of divergence with the cDNA sequence. Restriction mapping and Southern blot analysis identified a 121-bp fragment that contained the sequence corresponding to the first 31 bases of 5' untranslated FPR cDNA. An additional (previously undescribed) 15-bp cDNA sequence in the 5' end of FPR were identified using an anchored polymerase chain reaction. This sequence was also contained in the genomic 121-bp fragment. This 121-bp fragment was located 5.2 kb (intron) upstream of the FPR open reading frame. It contained an unusual TATA box and displayed transcriptional activity in vitro and in vivo. Potential binding sites for AP-1 and glucocorticoid receptor were identified upstream of the putative TATA box.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Base Sequence