PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

L Shen

Publications and source records attributed to L Shen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

T cell receptor V beta repertoire in an acute infection of rhesus monkeys with simian immunodeficiency viruses and a chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency virus.

Changes in T cell receptor (TCR) V beta repertoire and their correlation with virologic events were investigated in rhesus monkeys after acute infection with the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). 11 genetically defined rhesus monkeys were experimentally infected with SIVmac or a chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV), and their peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and lymph nodes were prospectively assessed for TCR V beta gene expression. PBL and lymph nodes of the acutely infected monkeys demonstrated an expansion of selected V beta-expressing T lymphocyte subpopulations as early as 3 d after infection. These expanded V beta-expressing lymphocyte subpopulations were comprised predominantly of CD8+ cells. Six of seven infected monkeys sharing a single electrophoretically defined major histocompatibility complex class I allele exhibited a similar expansion of V beta 14-expressing PBL. Sequence analyses of V-D-J segments of TCR-beta cDNA indicated that the V beta-expressing T cell subpopulation expansion can be oligoclonal. SIVmac-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes were demonstrated in both PBL and lymph nodes of the infected monkeys at the time expansion of the selected V beta-expressing cell subpopulations was seen. Finally, the expansion of the selected V beta-expressing lymphocytes in PBL coincided with the emergence and clearance of SIV p27 from the plasma of the infected monkeys. These results demonstrate that acute infection of rhesus monkeys with SIVmac or SHIV results in an expansion of CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations expressing selected V beta gene families. The selectively expanded T lymphocytes may contribute to early viral clearance after acute SIVmac or SHIV infection.

Acute Disease

Human helicase gene SKI2W in the HLA class III region exhibits striking structural similarities to the yeast antiviral gene SKI2 and to the human gene KIAA0052: emergence of a new gene family.

Helicases are essential enzymes for life because DNA replication, DNA repair, recombination, transcription, RNA splicing and translation all involve more than one helicase to unwind DNA or RNA. We have discovered, cloned and partially characterized a novel human helicase gene, SKI2W. The human SKI2W is located between the RD and RP1 genes in the class III region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6, a genomic region associated with many malignant, genetic and autoimmune diseases. Derived amino acid sequence of human SKI2W showed an open reading frame for 1246 residues. It contains consensus sequences for structural motifs of an RNA helicase with a DEVH box. It has a leucine zipper motif that may be important for protein dimerization, and an RGD motif close to the N-terminus that might serve as a ligand for integrin or cell adhesion molecules. SKI2W shares a striking and extensive similarity to the yeast Ski2p that is involved in the inhibition of translation of poly(A) negative [poly(A)-] RNA, and plays an important role in antiviral activities. Human SKI2W fusion protein expressed in insect cells using a baculovirus vector has ATPase activity. The human SKI2W protein and the yeast Ski2p share extensive sequence similarities to another putative human protein KIAA0052, suggesting the presence of a new gene family that may be involved in translational regulation of cellular and viral RNA.

Adenosine Triphosphatases

High prevalence of serum IgA HIV-1 infection-enhancing antibodies in HIV-infected persons. Masking by IgG.

IgA and IgG purified from sera of 20 HIV-infected persons were separately examined for ability to mediate Ab-dependent enhancement (ADE) of HIV-1 infection of U937 cells. Both isotypes were capable of enhancing infection of these cells. However, IgA from twice as many persons (14/20) displayed infection enhancement when compared with IgG. This activity was predominantly observed with IgA from asymptomatic HIV-seropositive subjects (9/9). Enhanced HIV infection by IgA was observed most often at concentrations equivalent to serum dilutions in the range 10(-3) to 10(-5) and could be inhibited by preincubation of U937 cells with a mAb specific for the Fc alpha receptor. Concentrations of IgG mediating ADE were generally present in sera at dilutions from 10(-4) to 10(-6). When IgG was adjusted to physiologic concentration and combined with an enhancing concentration of IgA, enhancement was not observed unless IgG was also present at a concentration which exhibited this activity. These results suggest that, in comparison with IgG, HIV-infected individuals more often produce IgA Abs reacting with enhancing determinants of HIV. IgA-mediated ADE of HIV infection may not play a significant role in facilitating systemic dissemination of HIV because of the presence of higher concentrations of IgG. However, the production of IgA HIV-enhancing Abs at mucosal sites, where fewer IgG plasma cells are present, could contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV infection and interfere with development of vaccines designed to induce HIV IgA Abs at mucosal surfaces.

Cell Line

Differential ability of isolated H-2 Kb subsets to serve as TCR ligands for allo-specific CTL clones: potential role for N-linked glycosylation.

It is not known whether all forms of cell surface peptide-class I complexes, when bound with relevant peptide antigen, are recognized by T cells. We demonstrate herein that two distinct subsets of the murine H-2 Kb molecule can be separately isolated from H-2b-expressing cell lines using Y3 mAb immunoaffinity chromatography. Although both isolated Kb subsets were found to be strongly reactive with Y3 mAb by ELISA, one Kb subset is S19.8 mAb reactive (Ly-m11+Kb subset) and exhibits low reactivity with the M1/42 antibody, while the other subset is negative for the Ly-m11 epitope and highly reactive with the M1/42 antibody (M1/42high Kb subset). More importantly, whereas the M1/42high Kb subset is a very effective ligand for both TCR and CD8, the Ly-m11+ Kb subset could only function as a CD8 ligand, as determined in allo-specific CD8+ CTL clone adhesion and degranulation assays. Peptides acid-eluted from both Kb subsets sensitized Kb-transfected T2 cells expressing "peptide empty" Kb for lysis to a similar extent by allo-CTL clones, indicating that relevant endogenous peptide antigens are not limiting in the Ly-m11+ Kb subset. The major distinction identified between the two Kb subsets is that they differ substantially in their degree of N-linked glycosylation, with the Ly-m11+ subset containing Kb molecules with larger and more complex carbohydrate modifications than the M1/42high subset. The differences in glycosylation may explain the functional differences observed between the two Kb subsets. It is therefore possible that some forms of glycosylation on class I molecules interfere with TCR recognition and may limit CD8+ T cell responses, perhaps under circumstances where peptide antigen is limiting.

Animals

Location of the catalytic site for phosphoenolpyruvate formation within the primary structure of Clostridium symbiosum pyruvate phosphate dikinase. 1. Identification of an essential cysteine by chemical modification with [1-14C]bromopyruvate and site-directed mutagenesis.

Pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) catalyzes the interconversion of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), orthophosphate (Pi), and pyruvate with adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), pyrophosphate (PPi), and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). The reaction takes place according to the following steps: (1) E+ATP+P(i)<-->E-PP.AMP.P(i), (2) E-PP.AMP.P(i)<-->E-P+AMP+PP(i), and (3) E-P+pyruvate<-->E+PEP, where E represents free enzyme; E-PP, pyrophosphorylenzyme; and E-P, phosphorylenzyme. Steps 1 and 2 comprise the nucleotide partial reaction, and step 3 comprises the pyruvate partial reaction. The present studies were carried out to locate amino acid residues within the primary structure of Clostridium symbiosum PPDK participating in the catalysis of the pyruvate partial reaction. The enzyme was treated with the affinity label [1-14C]bromopyruvate, reduced with NaBH4, proteolyzed with trypsin, and chromatographed on an HPLC column. The radiolabeled tryptic peptide isolate was sequenced to reveal Cys 831 as the site of alkylation. Using PCR techniques Cys 831 was replaced by Ala, and the C831A PPDK mutant formed was then subjected to kinetic analysis. Rapid quench studies of single turnover reactions on the enzyme showed that the mutant is as efficient as wild-type PPDK in catalyzing the nucleotide partial reaction while it is unable to catalyze the pyruvate partial reaction. These results were interpreted as evidence for a role of Cys 831 in pyruvate/PEP binding and/or catalysis.

Affinity Labels

Expression and functional characterization of chimeras between human and bovine vitamin-K-dependent protein-S-defining modules important for the species specificity of the activated protein C cofactor activity.

Vitamin-K-dependent protein S is an anticoagulant plasma protein functioning as a cofactor to activated protein C (APC) in the degradation of factors Va and VIIIa. The APC-cofactor function of protein S is species specific, as human protein S potentiates the anticoagulant activity of human but not that of bovine APC, whereas bovine protein S is a cofactor to APC from both species. To elucidate which modules in protein S determine the species specificity, in vitro mutagenesis was used to construct six recombinant chimeric molecules between human and bovine protein S. Wild-type human and bovine protein S and the chimeras were expressed in 293 cells and the recombinant proteins purified by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography. The recombinant proteins were found to be post-translationally modified, they bound C4b-binding protein and were functionally active as cofactors to APC. Chimeras having both the thrombin-sensitive region (TSR) and the first epidermal-growth-factor-(EGF)-like module of bovine origin expressed APC-cofactor activity similar to that of bovine protein S. Those chimeras, in which TSR or EGF1 derived from different species, manifested APC-cofactor activity similar to that of human protein S, i.e. they did not express cofactor activity to bovine APC. These data indicate that sequence differences in the TSR and EGF1 of human and bovine protein S cause the species specificity of the APC-cofactor activity. The data support the concept that these two modules of protein S interact with APC on the surface of negatively charged phospholipids.

Amino Acid Sequence

The gene encoding vitamin K-dependent anticoagulant protein S is expressed in multiple rabbit organs as demonstrated by northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry.

Vitamin K-dependent protein S is an anticoagulant plasma protein that functions as a co-factor to activated protein C in the degradation of coagulation factors Va and VIIIa. We investigated the tissue/cellular distribution of protein S synthesis by Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Northern blotting together with in situ hybridization, using specific oligodeoxynucleotide probes, demonstrated protein S mRNA in liver, lung, testis, epididymis, ovary, uterus, and brain. In the reproductive system, protein S mRNA was present in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells, interstitial cells of the ovary, epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the endometrium, including endometrial mucous glandular membrane in the myometrium. Bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages were positive in the respiratory system. In the central nervous system, pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex and in the hippocampal region, and dentate fascia neurons gave strongly positive signals. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies yielded a staining pattern that correlated well with results of in situ hybridization. In conclusion, results from Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry suggested that rabbit protein S is expressed in several extrahepatic tissues. The presence of protein S transcripts in these fully differentiated cells suggests a cell type-specific gene expression which may be related to local anticoagulation or to other as yet unknown protein S functions.

Animals

The gene encoding vitamin K-dependent anticoagulant protein C is expressed in human male reproductive tissues.

Protein C is a vitamin K-dependent protein circulating in plasma as a zymogen to an anticoagulant serine protease. After its activation, protein C cleaves and inactivates coagulation factors Va and VIIIa. Human protein C is synthesized in liver and undergoes extensive post-translational modification during its synthesis. Recently, the protein C inhibitor was demonstrated to be synthesized in several organs of the human male reproductive tract. Moreover, vitamin K-dependent protein S, which functions as a co-factor to activated protein C, was found to be synthesized in the Leydig cells of human testis. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the protein C gene is also expressed in the male reproductive system. Specific immunostaining of protein C was found in Leydig cells of human testis, in the excretory epithelium of epididymis, and in some epithelial glands of the prostate, whereas no immunostaining was detected in seminal vesicles. Northern blotting and non-radioactive in situ hybridization demonstrated protein C mRNA in Leydig cells, in the excretory epithelium of epididymis, and in some of the epithelial glands of the prostate. The mRNA was distributed perinuclearly and the localization was in accordance with the specific immunostaining for protein C. The epithelium of epididymis was also found to contain both protein S mRNA and immunoreactivity. The demonstration of both protein C and protein S immunoreactivities, as well as their mRNAs, in male reproductive tissues suggests as yet unknown local functions for these proteins.

Aged

Postmenopausal squamous atypia: a spectrum including "pseudo-koilocytosis".

In addition to typical atrophy, the postmenopausal cervix may exhibit a spectrum of epithelial and cellular alterations, including prominent perinuclear halos, nuclear hyperchromasia, variation in nuclear size, and multinucleation. It has not been determined whether such changes, termed postmenopausal squamous atypia (PSA), represent age-related epithelial disturbances or human papillomavirus (HPV)-related low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (condyloma). We surveyed 30 cervical biopsies from 26 women over the age of 50 that contained cytoplasmic halos and a spectrum of nuclear alterations, either alone or in association with atrophy. Twenty-three exhibited epithelium with 2- to 3-fold nuclear enlargement, and 18 had moderate or marked nuclear staining intensity. Eleven had a maximum of one or more multinucleated cells in a high-power field. Despite the nuclear alterations, none of the biopsies were positive for HPV by PCR analysis. This is in contrast to 104 of 141 low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions from a wide age range of women analyzed in the same manner (P = .000006). Features distinguishing PSA from HPV-associated low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (condyloma) included less variation in nuclear size and staining intensity, more finely and evenly distributed nuclear chromatin, and greater uniformity of perinuclear halos in PSA. In menopausal or postmenopausal women, PSA should be excluded when considering the diagnosis of a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, specifically if the diagnosis rests on the interpretation of koilocytotic atypia.

Aged

Mastoparan increases the intracellular free calcium concentration in two insulin-secreting cell lines by inhibition of ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

The mechanisms underlying mastoparan-induced elevation of the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in the insulin-secreting cell lines RINm5F and HIT. In both cell types, micromolar concentrations of mastoparan induced a prompt increase of [Ca2+]i, measured as an increase in fura-2 fluorescence. This response was dependent on extracellular calcium entry and was suppressed by organic calcium channel blockers; the increase of [Ca2+]i caused by high glucose concentrations or tolbutamide was not enhanced by mastoparan. These data indicate the involvement of voltage-dependent calcium channels and suggest that depolarization, rather than a direct effect on the channels, mediates the response to mastoparan. This proposition was supported by the observation that whole-cell calcium currents measured using the nystatin-permeabilized patch technique were not affected by mastoparan. Mastoparan-induced depolarization was observed using the potentiometric indicator bis-oxonol, and it was shown not to be additive with the depolarization induced by high glucose concentrations or tolbutamide. The mechanism underlying mastoparan-induced depolarization was identified in single-channel patch-clamp experiments, where it was shown that mastoparan caused closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels [K(ATP) channels] in cell-attached and excised membrane patches. Responsiveness to mastoparan in excised patches demonstrated the membrane-delimited character of K(ATP) channel inhibition. The observation that the response persisted in the absence of exogenous GTP and in the presence of 250 microM GDP or guanosine-5'-O-(2-thio)diphosphate suggested that this effect is not mediated via enhancement of G protein activity. Partial suppression of channel activity by mastoparan did not prevent the action of tolbutamide, which fully suppressed the remaining activity in excised patches. In summary, the increase of [Ca2+]i in the insulin-secreting tumor cell lines RINm5F and HIT in response to mastoparan is mediated via G protein-independent suppression of K(ATP) channel activity, cell depolarization, and activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate

[Detecting human papillomavirus DNA of condylomata and pseudo-condylomata by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction in paraffin-embedded specimens].

One hundred and thirty seven cases of paraffin-embedded tissue specimens biopsied each from condylomata and pseudo-condylomata of vulva and vagina were examined. Type 6b 11 human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was detected in condylomata by in situ hybridization using digoxigeninlabelled probes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The positive rate was 82.5%, 83.9% respectively. It was negative in the 137 cases of pseudo-condylomata by in situ hybridization, but positive in 3 cases by PCR. For a correct diagnosis, the necessity of combining the data of clinical finding, microscopic examination and in situ hybridization or PCR is emphasized. Our results showed that pseudo-condylomata represent dysplastic appearances of vulval and vaginal mucosa, which become more marked during pregnancy and fungal or trichomonal infections, and could rather easily be misdiagnosed as condylomata.

Condylomata Acuminata

The repertoire of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the recognition of mutant simian immunodeficiency virus variants.

The importance of the repertoire of a primed, AIDS virus-specific population of CTL in the recognition of emerging mutant viruses was assessed in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus monkeys. These studies were done by using the well-characterized CTL recognition of the SIVmac Gag peptide 11C (p11C) epitope in rhesus monkeys expressing the MHC class I molecule Mamu-A*01. Lysis of peptide-pulsed targets by bulk PBL effector cells from SIVmac-infected, Mamu-A*01+ monkeys was significantly decreased by mutations at residues 2, 3, and 5 of the nine-amino-acid Gag p11C epitope. However, effector cell lysis of targets pulsed with p11C containing substitutions at residues 3 or 5 was substantially increased by in vitro incubation of the monkeys' PBL with these mutant peptides. This suggested that expandable populations of cells exist in the primed CTL of infected monkeys capable of recognizing mutant peptide sequences. In fact, without in vitro exposure of PBL to mutant peptides, SIVmac Gag-specific CTL could be cloned from PBL of infected monkeys that lysed targets pulsed with mutant peptides. These observations suggest that clones of effector cells capable of recognizing many viral mutants may be able to expand in vivo to control the spread of emerging variant AIDS viruses.

Amino Acid Sequence

Vitamin K-dependent protein S in Leydig cells of human testis.

Protein S is an anticoagulant plasma protein, functioning as a cofactor to activated protein C in the regulation of blood coagulation. In addition, protein S forms a complex with the complement regulatory protein, C4b-binding protein. Protein S is unique among the vitamin K-dependent proteins in being structurally similar to androgen binding proteins. Protein S immunoreactivity was demonstrated in Leydig cells of human testis. In Northern blotting experiments, the presence of protein S mRNA in human testis tissue could be shown. In situ hybridization experiments localized protein S mRNA to the Leydig cells, demonstrating transcription of the protein S gene in these cells. Five protein S clones were isolated from a human testis cDNA library, partially sequenced and characterized by restriction enzyme mapping. Three unique clones contained information for the entire coding sequence and approximately two-thirds of the 5' and 3' non-coding sequences. The results indicate the nucleotide sequences of testis and liver protein S mRNA to be identical. No binding of androgens to protein S could be demonstrated. In conclusion, we demonstrate the presence of protein S immunoreactivity as well as protein S mRNA in the Leydig cells of human testis. These results suggest local synthesis of protein S in Leydig cells of human testis which may be functionally important for local anticoagulation.

Base Sequence

An acutely lethal simian immunodeficiency virus stimulates expansion of V beta 7- and V beta 14-expressing T lymphocytes.

SIVsmmPBj14, a variant simian immunodeficiency virus isolated from a pig-tailed macaque, stimulates the proliferation of macaque T lymphocytes in vitro and induces an acutely lethal disease in macaques characterized, in part, by lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. To determine whether SIVsmmPBj14 exhibits superantigen-like activity, in vitro and in vivo studies of T-cell receptor V beta repertoire were undertaken using PCR-based quantitative methods. Whereas in vitro phytohemagglutinin stimulation of macaque peripheral blood lymphocytes did not cause a perturbation of T-cell receptor V beta repertoire, SIVsmmPBj14 stimulated the expansion of both CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte subpopulations expressing the V beta 7 and V beta 14 gene families. Such V beta 7 and V beta 14 expansions could be confirmed by a multiple RNase protection assay. Furthermore, the expansion of the same lymphocyte subpopulations was also detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes and lymph node cells of virus-infected macaques. These observations suggest that SIVsmmPBj14-mediated V beta expansion may contribute to the induction of an acutely lethal disease in macaques.

Acute Disease

Factor V and protein S as synergistic cofactors to activated protein C in degradation of factor VIIIa.

Inherited resistance to activated protein C (APC) is a recently identified major cause of thrombosis. It is associated with a mutation in the factor V gene affecting one of the cleavage sites for APC. APC resistance was recently found to be corrected by factor V, suggesting that factor V may have anticoagulant properties as a cofactor to APC. To elucidate this further, we have studied the effect of factor V and protein S, which is a known cofactor to APC, on APC-mediated degradation of factor VIIIa in a purified system. The APC-mediated degradation of factor VIIIa was monitored by a factor X activation reaction using purified factor IXa, phospholipid, and calcium. In the presence of both factor V and protein S, APC was found to inhibit factor VIIIa activity efficiently. APC alone or together with factor V was ineffective, whereas APC in combination with protein S was less efficient than when factor V was also included in the reaction. Two monoclonal antibodies, one against protein S and the other directed toward factor V, were found to inhibit the APC cofactor activity of the factor V-protein S mixture. Factor Va did not express APC cofactor activity, and addition of excess factor Va over factor V did not inhibit the APC cofactor function of a factor V-protein S mixture. In conclusion, the results suggest that factor V and protein S work in synergy as phospholipid-bound cofactors to APC.

Enzyme Activation

Molecular cloning and expression of early T cell costimulatory molecule-1 and its characterization as B7-2 molecule.

The interaction of T cell CD28/CTLA-4 receptors with B7-1 activation Ag on APC represents an important costimulatory pathway in T cell activation. However, it is now evident that this costimulatory pathway is neither unique nor universal for the activation of T cells. Our previous study indicated that a 60-kDa membrane protein, recognized by mAb 2D10, was expressed before B7 by activated murine B cells. This molecule was critically involved in activation of T cells in response to auto- and alloantigens. In the present study, we report on the isolation of a cDNA for this early T cell costimulatory molecule (ETC-1). ETC-1, like B7-1, is a member of the Ig supergene family and is composed of 303 amino acids. Nucleic acid sequence comparison indicated that ETC-1 is identical to the B7-2 molecule. When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, ETC-1 showed profound T cell costimulatory activity as demonstrated by its ability to enhance CD4 T cell proliferation in response to Con A or anti-CD3 stimulation. Furthermore, ETC-1 also bound to both CD28-Ig and CTLA4-Ig fusion proteins. These results strongly support the notion that the interaction of ETC-1/B7-2 with CD28 or CTLA-4 receptors represents an alternative T cell costimulatory pathway.

Abatacept

Lipopolysaccharide and cytokine augmentation of human monocyte IgA receptor expression and function.

Receptors for IgA (Fc alpha R) are found on phagocytic cells in the peripheral blood and tissues associated with mucosal areas where IgA Abs constitute a major line of defense. Because Fc alpha R are capable of triggering protective functions of monocytes and neutrophils, such as phagocytosis and the oxidative burst, they may be important in amplifying the antimicrobial effects of IgA. Various cytokines play a role in regulating function and FcR expression of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. The present studies examine the modulation of monocyte Fc alpha R by LPS and cytokines. LPS strongly up-regulated monocyte Fc alpha R expression. TNF and IL-1, produced in response to LPS, promoted Fc alpha R increase, as did GM-CSF; whereas IFN-gamma down-regulated Fc alpha R. Increased receptor expression was accompanied by augmented IgA-mediated phagocytosis. An increase in Fc alpha R-specific mRNA was detected in monocytes treated with TNF, IL-1, GM-CSF, and LPS; whereas message was reduced in cells treated with IFN-gamma. Monocyte-derived macrophages and cells of the Monomac 6 monocyte-like line expressed greater numbers of Fc alpha R than monocytes but were less responsive to LPS and TNF. Cell lines THP-1 and U937, which expressed similar or lower levels of Fc alpha R than monocytes, displayed an increase in Fc alpha R in response to LPS and, to various degrees, to TNF, IL-1, and GM-CSF. These results indicate that Fc alpha R on monocytes are modulated by endotoxin and an array of cytokines distinct from those that regulate expression of FcR for IgG.

Cell Line