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M K Liszewski

Publications and source records attributed to M K Liszewski.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Membrane cofactor protein (CD46) of complement. Processing differences related to alternatively spliced cytoplasmic domains.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP, CD46), a widely distributed regulatory protein, inhibits complement activation on host cells and serves as a measles virus receptor. Most cells express four isoforms (with one of two cytoplasmic tails, CYT-1 or CYT-2). Previously, we noted that MCP precursors had variable intracellular processing. Therefore, we characterized the intracellular transport of individual MCP isoforms. Transfectants were used for pulse-chase analyses. MCP isoforms bearing CYT-1 chased into their mature, surface forms with a half-life (t1/2) of 10-13 min while those with CYT-2 required 35-40 min. The precursor of a tail-less mutant possessed a t1/2 of 160-165 min. Chimeras were constructed that added both tails in opposite orientation onto the isoform (i.e. CYT 1 + 2 or CYT 2 + 1). Chimera 1 + 2 precursor processed with a t1/2 of 35-37 min, similar to CYT-2. Chimera 2 + 1 had a t1/2 of 15-19 min, more closely resembling CYT-1. Thus, in both cases the carboxyl-terminal tail controlled the processing rate. Deletions were made in the beginning, middle, and carboxyl terminus of CYT-1. Deletion of the first or middle six amino acids had no effect on the processing rate. However, deletion of the terminal tetrapeptide (FTSL) slowed the rate to 30-32 min, suggesting that this sequence facilitates exit from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1994

Multiple isoforms of CD46 (membrane cofactor protein) serve as receptors for measles virus.

Measles virus (MV) causes a productive infection in humans and certain simian hosts. Rodent cells such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and murine cell lines normally resist MV infection. Human CD46, or membrane cofactor protein, a complement regulatory protein, recently has been reported as the cellular receptor for MV. Multiple isoforms of the CD46 protein exist; four of these isoforms are commonly expressed on human cells. Expression of each of the four isoforms in CHO cells followed by exposure to MV led to the appearance of viral proteins within the cells and on the cell surface as detected by immunofluorescence. Syncytium formation also was observed in the cultures. CHO cells expressing any of the four isoforms and exposed to MV formed infectious centers when plated on Vero cell monolayers, indicating that the cells can transmit virus to uninfected cells. The murine cell line MC57 expressing the BC1 isoform of CD46 also stained positively for MV antigens and was positive in the infectious center assay after exposure to MV. Treatment of CD46-expressing cells with antibody to human CD46 inhibited MV binding in a dose-dependent manner. These observations indicate that any of the four primary isoforms of CD46 are able to serve as a receptor for MV.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Binding of measles virus to membrane cofactor protein (CD46): importance of disulfide bonds and N-glycans for the receptor function.

Two cellular proteins, membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and moesin, were reported recently to be functionally associated with the initiation of a measles virus infection. We have analyzed the interaction of measles virus with cell surface proteins, using an overlay binding assay with cellular proteins immobilized on nitrocellulose. Among surface-biotinylated proteins from a human rectal tumor cell line (HRT), measles virus was able to bind only to a 67-kDa protein that was identified as MCP. The virus recognized different isoforms of MCP expressed from human (HRT and HeLa) and simian (Vero) cell lines. The binding of measles virus to MCP was abolished after cleavage of the disulfide bonds by reducing agents as well as after enzymatic release of N-linked oligosaccharides. By contrast, removal of sialic acid or O-linked oligosaccharides did not affect the recognition of MCP measles virus. These data indicate that the receptor determinant of MCP is dependent on a conformation of the protein that is maintained by disulfide bonds and N-glycans present in the complement binding domains. Our results are consistent with a role of MCP as primary attachment site for measles virus in the initial stage of an infection. The functional relationship between MCP and moesin in a measles virus infection is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Membrane cofactor protein (CD46) protects cells from complement-mediated attack by an intrinsic mechanism.

The cleavage of C3 is a critical step for complement (C) activation in the classical and alternative pathways. This reaction is controlled by the regulators of C activation protein family. Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) is a cofactor for the factor I-mediated inactivation of C3b and C4b. As a widely distributed membrane protein, MCP may protect host cells from inadvertent C activation. Human MCP has recently been shown to protect transfected rodent cells from human C-mediated lysis. In this report the relationship of MCP expression to C3b deposition and cytoprotection was examined using NIH/3T3 cells transfected with human MCP and exposed to human serum as a source of C and naturally occurring anti-mouse antibody. MCP inhibited C3b deposition in a dose-dependent fashion and inhibited lysis of the mouse cells expressing it. MCP did not inhibit lysis on bystander cells. These results demonstrate the protective role of MCP, at the cellular level, by an intrinsic mechanism.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1992

Membrane cofactor protein.

MCP serves to down-regulate the activation of complement on host tissue. It performs this function by serving as a cofactor for the factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b and C4b. MCP is most likely an intrinsic regulator, i.e., it primarily protects its home cell. The wide tissue distribution of MCP mirrors this critical function of host cell protection. With the exception of erythrocytes, every cell and tissue examined expresses this protein. MCP is represented as two broad heterogeneous bands on SDS-PAGE with M(r)s of 51,000-58,000 and 59,000-68,000. The quantity of each form expressed is inherited in an autosomal codominant fashion. In most cells and cell lines, four isoforms of MCP predominate and arise by alternative splicing of a single MCP gene. All forms possess four repeating modules of--60 aminoacids, an area enriched in serines, threonines, and prolines [(STP), probable site of O-linked glycosylation], a short area of unknown function, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. The isoforms differ, however, in the length and composition of the STP region and in the cytoplasmic tail. Alternative splicing of a single exon within the STP region determines the protein phenotype. Alternative splicing at the COOH_terminus gives rise to two distinct cytoplasmic tails. The biological significance of these structural variations in the STP and cytoplasmic tail regions is being investigated.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Expression of human decay accelerating factor or membrane cofactor protein genes on mouse cells inhibits lysis by human complement.

Mouse cells expressing the human complement regulatory proteins decay accelerating factor (DAF) or membrane cofactor protein (MCP) were produced both by hybridoma technology and by transfection with the appropriate cDNAs. The expression of either or both of these products protected the mouse cell from lysis by human (though not rabbit) complement in the presence of naturally occurring human anti-mouse antibody. This effect could be abrogated by the addition of monoclonal antibody against DAF or MCP. These data suggested that the production of animals transgenic for human complement regulatory proteins should in principle be similarly protected from hyperacute xenograft rejection.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Genetics of the complement system and rheumatic diseases.

The complement system, especially the early components of the classic pathway, are critically involved in immune complex processing. The deposition of clusters of complement component C3b on a target marks it for elimination, primarily through an interaction with complement receptors. Not surprisingly, total and partial deficiencies of certain complement components and C3b receptors are associated with rheumatic diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. This predisposition is explicable, based on the critical role complement plays in immune complex handling.

Complement Factor B↗
PubMed1991

Membrane cofactor protein of the complement system: alternative splicing of serine/threonine/proline-rich exons and cytoplasmic tails produces multiple isoforms that correlate with protein phenotype.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) is a complement regulatory protein that is expressed on human cells and cell lines as two relatively broad species with Mr of 58,000-68,000 and 48,000-56,000. The structure of a previously reported cDNA clone indicated that MCP was a type 1 membrane glycoprotein and a member of the regulators of complement activation gene/protein cluster. However, it did not provide an explanation for the unusual phenotypic pattern of MCP. Therefore, in parallel with an analysis of the gene, additional cDNAs were cloned and characterized. Six different MCP cDNA classes were identified. All encode the same 5' untranslated signal peptide, four SCRs, transmembrane domain, and basic amino acid anchor. However, they differ in the length and composition of an extracellular serine/threonine/proline (STP)-rich area, a site of heavy O-glycosylation, and cytoplasmic tail. Analysis of the MCP gene demonstrated that the variation in cDNA structure was a result of alternative splicing. Peripheral blood cells and cell lines predominantly expressed four of the six isoforms. These varied by the presence or absence of an STP-rich segment of 15 amino acids (STPB) and by the use of one of two cytoplasmic domains. Analysis by polymerase chain reaction, Northern blots, and transfection indicated that the predominance of MCP cDNA isoforms with STPB correlated with the high molecular weight protein phenotype, while the predominance of isoforms without STPB correlated with the lower molecular weight phenotype. The expression in a single cell of four distinct protein species with variable STP-rich regions and cytoplasmic tails represents an interesting example of the use of alternative splicing to provide variability in a mammalian protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP or CD46): newest member of the regulators of complement activation gene cluster.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) is a widely distributed C3b/C4b-binding cell surface glycoprotein which serves as an inhibitor of complement activation on host cells. The protein has been purified, multiple cDNAs cloned and sequenced, and the genomic organization determined. MCP belongs to a family known as the regulators of complement activation (RCA) gene cluster. The RCA members are related structurally [possess approximately 60 amino acid repeating motifs termed short consensus repeats (SCR)], functionally (bind C3b/C4b), and genetically (genes are tightly clustered on chromosome 1 at q3.2). Beginning at its amino-terminus, MCP is composed of four SCRs, a ser/thr/pro-enriched region, an area of undefined function, a transmembrane hydrophobic domain, a cytoplasmic anchor and cytoplasmic tail. On SDS-PAGE, MCP migrates as two broad forms with Mrs of 59,000-68,000 and 51,000-58,000. The quantity of each form expressed is inherited in an autosomal codominant fashion. This structural heterogeneity is partly explained by the expression of multiple cDNA/protein isoforms that arise by alternative splicing of ser/thr/pro-rich exons (sites of heavy O-glycosylation) and of cytoplasmic tails. This protein is of interest to immunologists and clinicians because of its role in regulation of the complement pathways and, therefore, inflammation in immune complex-mediated syndromes; to reproductive immunologists on account of its expression on sperm and at the maternal-fetal interface; and to tumor immunologists because of its high expression on malignant cells. The availability of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and molecular probes will be helpful in addressing questions about the biology of MCP in these and other areas.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Structure of the gene for human complement protein decay accelerating factor.

Decay accelerating factor (DAF) is a glycophospholipid-anchored membrane protein that is part of the regulators of complement activation (RCA) gene family located on human chromosome 1, band q32. These proteins, beginning at their amino terminus, consist largely of multiple copies of an approximately 60 amino acid short consensus repeat (SCR). A DAF cDNA clone was used to identify overlapping bacteriophage genomic clones. The human DAF gene spans approximately 40 kb and consists of 11 exons. The length of these exons and introns varies considerably, with the exons ranging from 21 to 956 bp and the introns ranging from approximately 0.5 to 19.8 kb. SCR I, II, and IV are all encoded by single exons; however, SCR III is encoded by two separate exons, with the splice junction occurring after the second nucleotide of the codon for the glycine residue at position 34 of the consensus sequence. This feature has also been found in CR1, CR2, membrane cofactor protein, and murine factor H. Following the SCR in DAF is a 76 amino acid serine/threonine-rich domain encoded on three separate exons. Exon 10 encodes the Alu family sequence that has been found as an insert in a minor class of DAF cDNA, thus indicating that this mRNA arises by standard alternative splicing. The last DAF exon, which comes after the largest intron of 19.8 kb, encodes the hydrophobic carboxy terminus and the 3'UT region. The nature of the signal that directs posttranslational attachment of a glycophospholipid anchor to DAF is not known, but that signal is apparently spread over three exons and greater than 20 kb. An analysis of the DAF gene provides additional evidence for the common evolutionary heritage of the RCA gene family. The exon/intron structure of this gene will facilitate experiments aimed at understanding the functions of the various domains of DAF.

CD55 Antigens↗
PubMed1988

Molecular cloning and chromosomal localization of human membrane cofactor protein (MCP). Evidence for inclusion in the multigene family of complement-regulatory proteins.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP), a regulatory molecular of the complement system with cofactor activity for the factor I-mediated inactivation of C3b and C4b, is widely distributed, being present on leukocytes, platelets, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. MCP was purified from a human T cell line (HSB2) and the NH2-terminal 24-amino acid sequence obtained by Edman degradation. An oligonucleotide probe based on this sequence was used to identify a clone from a human monocytic (U937) cDNA library. Nucleotide sequencing showed a 43-bp 5'-untranslated region, an open reading frame of 1,152 bp, and a 335-bp 3'-untranslated region followed by a 16-bp poly(A) track. The deduced full-length MCP protein consists of a 34-amino acid signal peptide and a 350-amino acid mature protein. The protein has, beginning at the NH2 terminus, four approximately 60-amino acid repeat units that match the consensus sequence found in a multigene family of complement regulatory proteins (C3b-receptor or CR1, C3d-receptor or CR2, decay-accelerating factor, C4-binding protein, and factor H), as well as several other complement and non-complement proteins. The remainder of the MCP protein consists of 25 amino acids that are rich in serine and threonine (probable site of heavy O-linked glycosylation of MCP), 17 amino acids of unknown significance, and a 23-amino acid transmembrane hydrophobic region followed by a 33-amino acid cytoplasmic tail. The MCP gene was localized to human chromosome 1, bands 1q31-41, by analysis of human x rodent somatic cell hybrid clones and by in situ hybridization. This same genetic region contains the multigene family of complement-regulatory proteins, which is thereby enlarged to include the functionally and structurally related MCP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

Distribution and specificity of nucleotide-reactive autoantibodies in human SLE.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to characterize nucleotide-reactive antibodies present in the sera of 67 human subjects: 27 active SLE, 20 inactive SLE, and 20 asymptomatic controls. This assay consisted of measuring the quantity of antibodies retained by a panel of immobilized 5'-nucleotide-BSA conjugates (AMP-, GMP-, CMP-, UMP-, and TMP-BSA) together with ssDNA and dsDNA antigens. Although the relative distribution of antibodies binding to nucleotide-BSA antigens (i.e., anti-GMP greater than anti-AMP greater than or equal to anti-TMP greater than anti-UMP greater than or equal to anti-CMP antibodies) was independent of clinical status, the sera of active SLE patients possessed three- and five-fold higher concentrations of these antibodies relative to those present in inactive SLE and control subjects, respectively. Affinity purification of the most dominant of these antibody populations with DNA- and GMP-agarose adsorbents suggested that the majority of anti-GMP antibodies were monospecific with respect to the guanine base moiety. For example, antibodies retained by GMP-agarose reacted with GMP-BSA and ssDNA but not with other nucleotide-BSA or dsDNA antigens. However, ELISA competition-inhibition studies with affinity-purified anti-GMP antibodies indicated that although the guanine base represents an important determinant, guanine-enriched oligo- and polynucleotides were preferred substrates (i.e., guanine-dependent, oligonucleotide specificity). This was exemplified by the finding that a 500- and 50-fold molar excess of dGMP and d(G)4 were required to achieve the same degree of inhibition as that observed with d(G)8. Finally, and as evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence with fixed HEp-2 cells, affinity-purified anti-GMP antibodies reacted with antigens restricted to nucleolar organelles.

Antibody Specificity↗
PubMed1986

Naturally occurring masked antibodies in murine sera recognize a component of the mitotic spindle apparatus.

Antibody activities previously masked in autoimmune MRL and normal Balb/c mice were expressed by briefly subjecting their sera to acidic (pH 2.0) or alkaline (pH 12.0) environments. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that these pH-expressable immunoglobulins reacted with specific nucleotide-BSA antigens (primarily 5'-AMP, -GMP, -TMP) but not with single (ss)- or double (ds)-stranded DNAs or with unconjugated BSA. ELISA analysis of pH-expressed antibodies purified via GMP-BSA/Sepharose indicated that they bound not only to the homologous hapten (GMP) but to AMP and TMP as well, i.e., anti-pAGT antibodies. Further, indirect immunofluorescent assays (IIF) with fixed HEp-2 cells demonstrated that purified anti-pAGT antibodies recognized an epitope within the mitotic spindle apparatus. These results document the existence of a previously undefined masked antibody population in murine sera with specificities directed toward certain nucleotides and a component of the mitotic spindle apparatus. Last, these anti-pAGT (or anti-mitotic spindle) antibodies are not restricted to murine systems inasmuch as they have been detected in every human serum (greater than 100 samples) examined thus far.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Detection of human autoantibodies specific for 5'-m7GMP and m7G(5')ppp(5')N.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized for the detection of spontaneously occurring antibodies with apparent specificities for m7G, 5'-m7GMP, and m7G(5')ppp(5')C. From the sera of 50 patients containing anti-nuclear antibodies, 48 (96%) possessed antibodies which bound to one or more immobilized nucleoside-BSA antigens (A-, G-, C-, U-, and T-BSA). Additionally, 8 (16%) of these sera contained immunoglobulins that reacted with m7G-BSA antigen. In these latter sera, soluble competitors such as m7G, 5'm7GMP, and m7G(5')ppp(5')C (but not 5'-AMP, -GMP, -CMP, -UMP, and -TMP or m1G and m22G) effectively inhibited antibody-binding to immobilized m7G-BSA. These results indicate the existence of spontaneously occurring anti-m7G antibodies in autoimmune diseases which are distinct from anti-G antibody populations.

Antibodies, Antinuclear↗