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J V Ravetch

Publications and source records attributed to J V Ravetch.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Fc gamma RIII (CD16) on human macrophages is a functional product of the Fc gamma RIII-2 gene.

The low-affinity Fc receptor for immune-complexed IgG (Fc gamma RIII; CD16) present on in vitro cultured human monocytes are encoded by an Fc gamma RIII-2 gene that, by cDNA sequence analysis, is identical to that expressed on tissue macrophages and on natural killer cells. In macrophages, Fc gamma RIII-2 encodes a glycoprotein of 52-62 kDa, with a peptide backbone of 33 kDa identical to that of the homologous receptor on natural killer cells. Like this and unlike in polymorphonuclear neutrophils, Fc gamma RIII (CD16) on cultured monocytes is insensitive to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, is not allelic for the neutrophil NA alloantigens NA-1/NA-2, is not recognized by a monoclonal antibody (1D3) detecting an epitope present only on neutrophil Fc gamma RIII (CD16) and functions to trigger cytotoxicity upon ligand binding.

Animals↗

Fc receptors.

Recent advances in the structural analysis of the genes and proteins for immunoglobulin Fc domain receptors have provided a molecular characterization of this complex family. The wide cellular distribution of these receptors and their functional heterogeneity are reflected in the diversity of molecules which bind antibody and immune complexes. The detailed analysis of the IgG and IgE Fc receptors has indicated that these molecules have evolved from a common precursor through gene duplication. Similarities among these receptors, in both structure and function have emerged. Thus, the Fc receptors provide an example of a class of molecules in which conserved domains are combined with divergent sequences to yield a diversity of function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Organization of the human and mouse low-affinity Fc gamma R genes: duplication and recombination.

Receptors for immunoglobulin G immune complexes (Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII) are expressed on most hematopoietic cells and show much structural and functional diversity. In order to determine the genetic basis for this diversity, a family of genes encoding the human and mouse receptors was isolated and characterized. Humans have five distinct genes for low-affinity Fc gamma Rs, in contrast to two in the mouse. With the use of yeast artificial chromosomes, the genes encoding the human receptors were oriented and linked, which established the structure of this complex locus. Comparison of the human and mouse genes generated a model for the evolutionary amplification of this locus.

Animals↗

A and T homopolymeric stretches mediate a DNA inversion in Plasmodium falciparum which results in loss of gene expression.

Ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen-negative isolates of Plasmodium falciparum demonstrate a complex DNA rearrangement with inversion of 5' coding sequences, deletion of upstream and flanking sequences, and healing of the truncated chromosome by telomere addition. An inversion intermediate that results in the telomeric gene structure for RESA has been identified in the pathway. This inversion creates a mitotically stable substrate for the sequence-specific addition of telomere repeats at the deletion breakpoint.

Animals↗

A single amino acid in the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol attachment domain determines the membrane topology of Fc gamma RIII.

Cell-surface proteins are associated with the lipid bilayer either as membrane-spanning molecules or as glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPtdIns)-linked proteins. Proteins destined for GPtdIns anchoring are synthesized as precursors with a hydrophobic C-terminal transmembrane domain, which is removed during the processing of these proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ref. 1). We have investigated the structural requirements for GPtdIns anchoring through the study of two closely related proteins which exhibit alternative membrane attachment. The IgG Fc receptor, Fc gamma RIII, is GPtdIns-linked on neurophils (III-1) whereas on natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages it is found as a transmembrane-anchored molecule (III-2), able to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. At the primary structural level, the III-1 gene differs from that encoding III-2 by only nine nucleotide substitutions, which result in six amino-acid differences, and the absence of 21 amino acids at the C terminus. We have analysed a series of III-1 and III-2 mutants in transient expression assays, and show that Ser 203 in the GPtdIns attachment domain is the dominant residue in determining whether the molecule can be GPtdIns-anchored. As in the case of its murine homologue, Fc gamma RII alpha, surface expression of the III-2 molecule is dependent on co-expression of a second subunit, the gamma chain of F epsilon RI. Our data also suggest that gamma chain can associate with the III-1 precursor, preventing GPtdIns attachment, favouring instead a transmembrane form.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure and expression of human IgG FcRII(CD32). Functional heterogeneity is encoded by the alternatively spliced products of multiple genes.

The structural heterogeneity of the human low affinity receptor for IgG, FcRII(CD32), has been elucidated through the isolation, characterization, and expression of cDNA clones derived from myeloid and lymphoid RNA. These clones predict amino acid sequences consistent with integral membrane glycoproteins with single membrane spanning domains. The extracellular domains display sequence homology to other Fc gamma Rs and members of the Ig supergene family. A minimum of three genes (Fc gamma RIIa, IIa', and Fc gamma RIIb) encode these transcripts, which demonstrate highly related extracellular and membrane spanning domains. IIa/IIa' differ substantially in the intracytoplasmic domain from IIb. Alternative splicing of the IIb gene generates further heterogeneity in both NH2- and COOH-terminal domains of the predicted proteins. Comparison to the murine homologues of these molecules reveals a high degree of conservation between the products of one of these genes, Fc gamma RIIb, and the murine beta gene in primary sequence, splicing pattern, and tissue distribution. In contrast, the sequence of IIa' indicates its relationship to the beta-like genes, with mutation giving rise to a novel cytoplasmic domain, while IIa is a chimera of both alpha- and beta-like genes. Expression of these cDNA molecules by transfection results in the appearance of IgG binding molecules that bear the epitopes defined by the FcRII(CD32) mAbs previously described.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alternative membrane forms of Fc gamma RIII(CD16) on human natural killer cells and neutrophils. Cell type-specific expression of two genes that differ in single nucleotide substitutions.

A low affinity receptor for IgG immune complexes, Fc gamma RIII(CD16), is expressed on human NK cells as an integral membrane glycoprotein anchored through a transmembrane peptide; on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) the receptor is anchored through a phosphatidylinositol (PI) linkage. The protein on NK cells has a molecular mass 6-10 kD larger than that on PMN, and, unlike the latter, is resistant to PI-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Fc gamma RIII(CD16) transcripts isolated from PMN and NK cells of single donors revealed multiple single nucleotide differences, one of which converts an in frame UGA termination codon to a CGA codon. The resulting open reading frame encodes a longer cytoplasmic domain for Fc gamma RIII(CD16) in NK cells, contributing to its transmembrane anchor. Two nearly identical, linked genes that encode these transcripts have been cloned for Fc gamma RIII(CD16), one of which (III-1) is allelic for NA-1 and NA-2. The allelic sites have been mapped to two single nucleotides in the extracellular domain. These genes are transcribed in a cell type-specific fashion to generate the alternatively anchored forms of this receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Murine natural killer cells express functional Fc gamma receptor II encoded by the Fc gamma R alpha gene.

We report evidence that murine NK cells express a functional Fc gamma RII encoded by the Fc gamma RII alpha gene. Several lines of indirect evidence indicate that freshly obtained NK cells from mice of several strains bear a functional Fc gamma RII: (a) anti-Fc gamma RII antibody 2.4G2 detects a small but significant proportion of sIg- cells and a small proportion of the 2.4G2+ cells are included in the Thy-1+ population; (b) sIg- lymphocytes contain 2.4G2+ and Fc gamma R-bearing cells in similar proportions; (c) binding of particulate immune complexes by sIg- lymphocytes is completely inhibited by 2.4G2; (d) 2.4G2+ cells mediate greater than 50% of the spontaneous cytotoxicity in sIg- splenic lymphocytes. Direct evidence for the presence of Fc gamma RII on murine NK cells is provided by the results of two-color immunofluorescence studies performed on splenic lymphocytes from C57BL/6 mice showing coexpression of NK-1.1 and 2.4G2. Studies of in vitro propagated homogeneous NK cell populations confirm that murine NK cells express only Fc gamma RII and that this Fc gamma R is functional, as shown in experiments of inhibition of ADCC by the anti-Fc gamma RII antibody 2.4G2. The results of studies at the molecular level show that an Fc gamma RII alpha transcript identical to that expressed in macrophages is the only molecule encoding Fc gamma RII in murine NK cells.

Animals↗

Large deletions result from breakage and healing of P. falciparum chromosomes.

The human malaria parasite P. falciparum exhibits extensive strain-dependent chromosomal polymorphisms that have been implicated in the generation of antigenic variability in this organism. These polymorphisms can result in large deletions in chromosomes as determined by pulsed-field gradient gel electrophoresis. We have investigated the molecular basis for extensive deletions in chromosomes 2 and 8 in multiple geographic isolates of this parasite that result in the loss of expression of well-characterized parasite antigens. The structure of these polymorphic chromosomes reveal that a mechanism of chromosome breakage and healing by the addition of telomeric repeats most plausibly accounts for these karyotypes. Furthermore, the orientation of these gene fragments on their truncated chromosomes reveal that the healed chromosome originally associated with centromeric elements is mitotically stable and maintained. A model for the possible role of this mechanism in the complex parasite life-cycle is discussed.

Animals↗

Molecular and biochemical characterization of a novel gamma-interferon-inducible protein.

A cDNA clone has been isolated from mRNA derived from the monocytic cell line U937, which detects an mRNA that is present and inducible by gamma-interferon (IFN gamma) in cells of the hematopoietic lineage and absent but inducible in non-hematopoietic cells. Following recombinant IFN gamma (rIFN gamma) treatment, mRNA accumulation can be detected within 30 min, plateaus at 24 h, and remains elevated for several days. This mRNA accumulation is due, at least in part, to increased transcription and is not inhibited by cycloheximide, although cycloheximide alone induces both mRNA accumulation and transcription of this gene. rIFN gamma is a more potent inducing agent than either rIFN alpha or rIFN beta. Polyclonal monospecific antiserum raised to the longest open reading frame expressed in Escherichia coli immunoprecipitates multiple polypeptides that are inducible by rIFN gamma in human monocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes. In pulse-chase experiments analyzed under reducing conditions, a 30-kDa polypeptide (referred to as IP-30) is either secreted or converted intracellularly into a 25-kDa protein; when analyzed under nonreducing conditions, the two intracellular forms have apparent molecular masses of 25 and 20 kDa, and the extracellular protein is found in two forms of apparent molecular mass 50 and 25 kDa. These data suggest that the intracellular form contains intrachain disulfide bonds, and the extracellular form is involved in both intrachain and interchain disulfide bonding. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy reveals a punctate fluorescence pattern in monocytes consistent with a vesicular subcellular location. These data are consistent with IP-30 being a novel IFN gamma-inducible protein which may be lysosomal in location.

Base Sequence↗

Function and regulation of a murine macrophage-specific IgG Fc receptor, Fc gamma R-alpha.

Ligand binding specificities of two cloned murine Fc gamma Rs (Fc gamma R-alpha, Fc gamma R-beta [9]) were determined by gene transfer into Fc gamma R negative cell lines. Both receptors were expressed as full-length molecules capable of IgG immune complex binding that was inhibitable by the mAb 2.4G2. The ligand binding profiles of these receptors were indistinguishable whereby both bound immune-complexed mouse IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b, but not IgG3. Neither receptor could bind monomeric IgG2a, indicating these receptors to be low-affinity IgG Fc receptors. Accumulation of the Fc gamma R-alpha mRNA can be induced with murine IFN-gamma at a concentration of 200 U/ml in the macrophage-like cell lines RAW 264.7 and J774a. The time course for induction indicates that the mRNA accumulation is transient but does not return to the uninduced level even after 50 h of treatment. Fc gamma R-beta mRNA was not induced by IFN-gamma, rather its expression was down modulated in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Both RAW and J774a cells lines exhibited increased receptor levels after IFN-gamma stimulation as measured by 125I-2.4G2 and ligand binding. In the absence of IFN-gamma, the RAW and J774a cell lines were minimally phagocytic, while P388D1 cells were actively phagocytic. In the presence of IFN-gamma, however, RAW 264.7 and J774a cells were induced to become actively phagocytic. Induction of Fc gamma R-alpha mRNA and protein by IFN-gamma may be part of the process by which macrophages become activated to engulf antibody-coated particles.

Animals↗

Biochemical characterization of a gamma interferon-inducible cytokine (IP-10).

An IFN-gamma-inducible protein, IP-10, has previously been described to belong to a gene family of chemotactic and mitogenic proteins, associated with inflammation and proliferation. Biochemical characterization of this predicted protein has been pursued through the development of polyclonal monospecific antisera to recombinant protein and synthetic peptides. These reagents establish that the IP-10 protein is secreted from a variety of cells (endothelial, monocyte, fibroblast, and keratinocyte) in response to IFN-gamma. Posttranslational processing occurs in the biosynthesis of this protein, resulting in a 6-7-kD species, which may reflect COOH-terminal cleavage. Pulse-chase studies indicate that this processing is a rapid event in the primary cell lines studied, completed in the 30-min labeling period. A model is presented for the processing and secondary structure of this protein. In an accompanying study, Kaplan, et al. using these antisera, demonstrate that the IP-10 protein is associated, in vivo, with a delayed-type hypersensitivity response.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Primary structure and subcellular localization of the knob-associated histidine-rich protein of Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes bind to venular endothelial cells by means of electron-dense deformations (knobs) on the parasitized erythrocyte surface. The primary structure of a parasite-derived histidine-rich protein associated with the knob structure was deduced from cDNA sequence analysis. The 634 amino acid sequence is rich in lysine and histidine and contains three distinct, tandemly repeated domains. Indirect immunofluorescence, using affinity-purified monospecific antibodies directed against recombinant protein synthesized in Escherichia coli, localized the knob-associated histidine-rich protein to the membrane of knobby infected erythrocytes. Immunoelectron microscopy established that the protein is clustered on the cytoplasmic side of the erythrocyte membrane and is associated with the electron-dense knobs. A role for this histidine-rich protein in knob structure and cytoadherence is suggested based upon these data.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interferon-inducible gene maps to a chromosomal band associated with a (4;11) translocation in acute leukemia cells.

An interferon-inducible cytokine, IP-10, containing homology to a family of proteins having chemotactic (platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin) and mitogenic (connective tissue-activating peptide III) activities has been mapped to chromosome 4 at band q21, a locus associated with an acute monocytic/B-lymphocyte lineage leukemia that exhibits the nonrandom translocation t(4;11)(q21;q23). In situ hybridization of t(4;11)(q21;q23)-carrying leukemic cells revealed that the IP-10 gene is proximal to the breakpoint of this translocation. No DNA rearrangement was evident when the IP-10 gene was hybridized to genomic DNA isolated from two patients' leukemic cells that contain t(4;11)(q21;q23). However, restriction fragment length polymorphism in the 5' region of the IP-10 gene was detected. The ETS1 protooncogene is located at 11q23 and is known to translocate to chromosome 4 in t(4;11) (q21;q23) and into the interferon gene cluster in (9;11) (p22;q23). Both translocations are associated with acute monocytic leukemia. These results suggest a model in which juxtaposition of genetic loci regulated by antiproliferative signals, such as interferon, next to an oncogene, like ETS1, could effectively short circuit homeostatic control circuits and contribute to the neoplastic state.

Blood Proteins↗

Genomic characterization of a gamma-interferon-inducible gene (IP-10) and identification of an interferon-inducible hypersensitive site.

The genomic organization of a gamma-interferon-inducible gene, IP-10, reveals three introns that interrupt the transcribed sequence into four functional domains. Comparison of the intron-exon structure of this gene to the gene for an homologous chemotactic platelet protein, platelet factor 4, establishes that both genes are interrupted in precisely the same positions within homologous codons; this demonstrates that they belong to a gene family that evolved from a common ancestor. IP-10 and PF4 are two members of a newly described gene family that is likely to include the homologous chemotactic and mitogenic platelet basic proteins (connective tissue-activating protein III and beta-thromboglobulin), the transformation-related protein 9E3, and 310c, a mitogen-stimulated leukocyte protein. A DNase I-hypersensitive site has been found in responsive cells in a region upstream of the RNA initiation site. This hypersensitive site is induced by gamma interferon and thus provides a structural basis for the transcriptional activation seen for this gene by gamma interferon.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural heterogeneity and functional domains of murine immunoglobulin G Fc receptors.

Binding of antibodies to effector cells by way of receptors to their constant regions (Fc receptors) is central to the pathway that leads to clearance of antigens by the immune system. The structure and function of this important class of receptors on immune cells is addressed through the molecular characterization of Fc receptors (FcR) specific for the murine immunoglobulin G isotype. Structural diversity is encoded by two genes that by alternative splicing result in expression of molecules with highly conserved extracellular domains and different transmembrane and intracytoplasmic domains. The proteins encoded by these genes are members of the immunoglobulin supergene family, most homologous to the major histocompatibility complex molecule E beta. Functional reconstitution of ligand binding by transfection of individual FcR genes demonstrates that the requirements for ligand binding are encoded in a single gene. These studies demonstrate the molecular basis for the functional heterogeneity of FcR's, accounting for the possible transduction of different signals in response to a single ligand.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and characterization of a mouse cysteine proteinase.

cDNA clones encoding a mouse cysteine proteinase were isolated from a cDNA library constructed from mRNA derived from the macrophage-like cell line J774. The DNA sequence predicts a protein that is closely related to, but distinct from, the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin H. Alignment of the predicted amino acid sequence with the known protein sequences for seven other cysteine proteinases suggests that the cloned DNA encodes a 334-residue protein containing both a 17-amino acid pre-region and a 96-amino acid pro-region. Consistent with this prediction, antiserum raised to a recombinant fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli immunoprecipitated multiple forms of the cysteine proteinase in mouse peritoneal macrophages and fibroblasts. In pulse-chase experiments, a 36-kDa precursor, presumedly the pro-form, was converted intracellularly into a 28-kDa protein and subsequently into a 21-kDa protein. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy results suggested that the cysteine proteinase was localized to lysosomes. Western blot analysis detected significantly more of the proteinase in thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages than in resident peritoneal macrophages. Northern blot analysis revealed that several cell lines failed to express mouse cysteine proteinase mRNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗