Biomedical subjects

M Patarroyo

Publications and source records attributed to M Patarroyo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Laminin-8 (alpha4beta1gamma1) is synthesized by lymphoid cells, promotes lymphocyte migration and costimulates T cell proliferation.

Laminins are a growing family of large heterotrimeric proteins with cell adhesive and signalling functions. They are major components of basement membranes and are found in many organs, including the vasculature and other compartments of bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes and spleen. However, expression, recognition and use of laminin isoforms by lymphoid cells are poorly understood. In the present study, lymphoid T cells (Jurkat) were found to synthesize laminin alpha4, beta1 and gamma1 mRNAs and polypeptides and to assemble the chains into laminin-8. Lymphoblastoid B (NAD-20) cells, lymphoid NK (NKL) cells and blood lymphocytes also contained laminin-8 and, after cell permeabilization, practically all blood lymphocytes reacted with mAbs to laminin beta1 and gamma1 chains. Following stimulation, blood lymphocytes secreted laminin-8, and this laminin isoform, but not laminin-10/11(alpha5beta1gamma1/alpha5beta2gamma1), promoted chemokine-induced migration of the cells. In an activation-dependent manner, purified blood CD4 T cells adhered to immobilized laminin-8 and laminin-10/11 by using alpha6beta1 integrin, but minimally to laminin-1 (alpha1beta1gamma1). Accordingly, laminin-8 and laminin-10/11, but not laminin-1, strongly costimulated proliferation of the T cells via the same integrin. Thus, lymphoid cells are able to synthesize and secrete complete laminin molecules. In addition, synthesis of laminin-8 and recognition of laminin-8 and -10/11 by lymphocytes indicate relevance of these laminin isoforms in lymphocyte physiology.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2000

Monocytic cells synthesize, adhere to, and migrate on laminin-8 (alpha 4 beta 1 gamma 1).

Laminins, a growing family of large heterotrimeric proteins with cell adhesive and signaling properties, are major components of vascular and other basement membranes. Expression, recognition, and use of laminin isoforms by leukocytes are poorly understood. In monoblastic THP-1 cells, transcripts for laminin gamma(1)-, beta(1)-, and alpha(4)-chains were detected by RT-PCR. Following immunoaffinity purification on a laminin beta(1) Ab-Sepharose column, laminin beta(1)- (220 kDa), gamma(1)- (200 kDa), and alpha(4)- (180/200 kDa) chains were detected by Western blotting in THP-1 cells and in two other monoblastic cell lines, U-937 and Mono Mac 6. After cell permeabilization, a mAb to laminin gamma(1)-chain reacted with practically all blood monocytes by immunofluorescence flow cytometry, and laminin-8 (alpha(4)beta(1)gamma(1)) could be isolated also from these cells. Monoblastic JOSK-I cells adhered constitutively to immobilized recombinant laminin-8, less than to laminin-10/11 (alpha(5)beta(1)gamma(1)/alpha(5)beta(2)gamma(1)) but to a higher level than to laminin-1 (alpha(1)beta(1)gamma(1)). Compared with the other laminin isoforms, adhesion to laminin-8 was preferentially mediated by alpha(6)beta(1) and beta(2) integrins. Laminin-8 and, to a lower extent, laminin-1 promoted spontaneous and chemokine-induced migration of blood monocytes, whereas laminin-10/11 was inhibitory. Altogether, the results indicate that leukocytes, as other cell types, are able to synthesize complete laminin molecules. Expression, recognition, and use of laminin-8 by leukocytes suggest a major role of this laminin isoform in leukocyte physiology.

CD18 Antigens↗

PubMed2000

Erythromegakaryocytic cells synthesize laminin-8 (alpha4beta1gamma1).

Blood platelets contain laminin-8 (alpha4beta1gamma1), a recently described laminin isoform, but the origin of platelet laminin is at present unknown. Laminin of platelets could be synthesized by megakaryocytes or, alternatively, endocytosed from plasma or other sources. In the present study, the synthesis and presence of laminin-8 in erythromegakaryocytic HEL and DAMI cells were explored. In HEL cells, transcripts for alpha4, beta1, and gamma1 laminin chains were readily detected by RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence flow cytometry demonstrated reactivity of mAbs to laminin beta1 and gamma1 chains with permeabilized cells. Metabolic labeling of HEL cells using [(35)S]methionine and [(35)S]cysteine followed by immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies to beta1 and gamma1 chains revealed bands of approximately 220 and 200 kDa. In the HEL cell lysate, polypeptides of 220 and 200 kDa were recognized by monoclonal antibodies to laminin beta1 and gamma1 chains, respectively, whereas immunoaffinity-purified rabbit antibodies to laminin alpha4 chain gave inconclusive results. However, following immunoaffinity purification on a laminin beta1 antibody-Sepharose column, a 200-kDa band was readily detected by the antibodies to laminin alpha4 chain. Similar results were obtained with DAMI cells. The size of laminin chains of HEL/DAMI cells was similar, though not identical, to the one of platelets, and the alpha4 chain was noncovalently associated to disulfide-bonded beta1gamma1 heterodimer, as in platelets. We conclude that erythromegakaryocytic cells synthesize laminin-8.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Decreased expression of interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta, and cell adhesion molecules in muscle tissue following corticosteroid treatment in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of immunosuppressive therapy, in particular, corticosteroids, on morphologic signs of inflammation and expression of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen in muscle tissue from patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) and to correlate the molecular changes with changes in muscle function. METHODS: Seven patients with PM and 4 patients with DM underwent muscle biopsy before and after 3-6 months of therapy. Ten of the 11 patients were initially treated with prednisolone 30-60 mg/day. The phenotypes of infiltrating inflammatory cells and the expression of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and IL-1beta, adhesion molecules, and class I MHC antigen were studied by immunochemistry. Computerized image analysis was used for quantitation of staining. Muscle function was assessed with a muscle function index score. RESULTS: Pronounced improvement of muscle function during the treatment period was noted in 8 of the 11 patients. The changes in muscle function coincided with an almost complete disappearance of inflammatory cells, including CD3+ T cells, in the patients with clinical improvement. These patients also exhibited decreased expression of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), leukocyte function-associated antigen 1alpha, and very late activation antigen 4alpha. Of note, there was persistent expression of IL-1alpha, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in capillaries and of class I MHC antigens on muscle fibers in several of the patients who, after corticosteroid treatment, still had muscle weakness despite the disappearance of inflammatory infiltrates. CONCLUSION: Changes in the muscle expression of key molecules in the inflammatory process, such as IL-1alpha and IL-1beta, ICAM-1 and class I MHC antigens, showed a consistent but not complete concordance with changes in and status of muscle function in patients with myositis who received the current standard treatment for the disease. These data indicate that it is possible to further evaluate various therapies for myositis using molecular analysis of muscle biopsy specimens obtained on repeated occasions. In addition, the data demonstrate a dissociation between muscle function and degree of inflammatory infiltration in the affected muscles and suggest that the functional defects are more related to the expression of molecules such as IL-1alpha in muscle capillaries than to the mere presence of inflammatory cells in the affected muscles.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2000

Chain specificity assignment of monoclonal antibodies to human laminins by using recombinant laminin beta1 and gamma1 chains.

In the present study, the chain specificity of 16 commonly used monoclonal antibodies to human laminin(s) was analysed by using recombinant laminin beta1 and gamma1 chains. By ELISA, all antibodies reacted with purified placenta laminin, and most antibodies recognised either recombinant beta1 or gamma1 chains. Reactivity and chain specificity was confirmed against the recombinant chains in Western blotting under non-reducing conditions, and only a few antibodies were reactive under reducing conditions. Most antibodies were able to immunoprecipitate associated laminin beta1/gamma1 chains from platelet lysates. Based on these results and data from the literature, a tentative epitope map is presented.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1999

Blood platelets contain and secrete laminin-8 (alpha4beta1gamma1) and adhere to laminin-8 via alpha6beta1 integrin.

Laminins, a family of heterotrimeric proteins with cell adhesive/signaling properties, are characteristic components of basement membranes of vasculature and tissues. In the present study, permeabilized platelets were found to react with a monoclonal antibody to laminin gamma1 chain by immunofluorescence. In Western blot analysis of platelet lysates, several monoclonal antibodies to gamma1 and beta1 laminin chains recognized 220- to 230-kDa polypeptides, under reducing conditions, and a structure with much slower electrophoretic mobility under nonreducing conditions. Immunoaffinity purification on a laminin beta1 antibody-Sepharose column yielded polypeptides of 230, 220, 200, and 180 kDa from platelet lysates. In the purified material, mAbs to beta1 and gamma1 reacted with the two larger polypeptides, while affinity-purified rabbit antibodies to laminin alpha4 chain recognized the smallest polypeptide. Identity of the polypeptides was confirmed by microsequencing. One million platelets contained on average 1 ng of laminin (approximately 700 molecules per cell), of which 20-35% was secreted within minutes after stimulation with either thrombin or phorbol ester. Platelets adhered to plastic surfaces coated with the purified platelet laminin, and this process was largely inhibited by antibodies to beta1 and alpha6 integrin chains. We conclude that platelets contain and, following activation, secrete laminin-8 (alpha4beta1gamma1) and that the cells adhere to the protein by using alpha6beta1 integrin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Sequence and diversity of T-cell receptor beta-chain V and J genes of the owl monkey Aotus nancymaae.

The New World primate Aotus nancymaae is susceptible to infection with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and has therefore been recommended by the World Health Organization as a model for the evaluation of malaria vaccine candidates. Recently, we have shown that Aotus TCRVA genes and TCRJA segments exhibit a high degree of similarity to human counterparts. In the present report we used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to analyze the sequences of A. nancymaae TCR beta-chain gene rearrangements. Alignment with human sequences and phylogenetic comparison identified 18 distinct Aotus TCRBV genes homologous to the human TCRBV gene families 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15, 24, and 28. Multiple Aotus genes were found in the TCRBV4, 5, 6, and 7 families. Some of these TCRBV genes aligned best to the same human gene and thus do not seem to have separate human homologues. Amino acid sequences of the Aotus TCRBV genes were 77 to 90% identical to their closest human counterparts. Ten distinct Aotus TCRBJ segments homologous to the human segments J1-1, J1-2, J1-4, J1-5, J1-6, J2-1, J2-2, J2-3, J2-4, J2-5 were found. In some cases the amino acid sequences of Aotus and human TCRBJ segments were completely identical. A comparison of the proportion of synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions in Aotus vs human beta-chain-encoding genes revealed a dominance of synonymous substitutions in TCRBJ segments and of nonsynonymous substitutions in TCRBV segments. Dominance of nonsynonymous substitutions was more pronounced in TCRBV CDR1 and CDR2 regions than in the framework regions. No evidence for the emergence of new TCRBJ segments or TCRBV families was found. These results confirm that the TCR repertoire in primates is remarkably stable and support the concept of using Aotus monkeys as an infection model for the evaluation of future subunit vaccine candidates.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Signal transduction-mediated adherence and entry of Helicobacter pylori into cultured cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: An ability to invade host cells could be a means for Helicobacter pylori to achieve resistance to antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in adherence and entry of H. pylori into cultured cells. METHODS: Coinfection with Yersinia expressing mutant or wild-type YopH tyrosine phosphatase was used. Genistein and cytochalasin D were used as inhibitors of adherence and entry; entry was monitored by a gentamicin-protection assay. Target cells were AGS cells and a beta1-integrin-deficient cell line with its corresponding beta1-integrin-expressing transfectant. RESULTS: H. pylori induced phosphorylation of 125-130-kilodalton proteins, similar in size to the target proteins of Yersinia YopH. Adherence of H. pylori was inhibited by Yersinia organisms expressing enzymatically active YopH but not by inactive YopH. Adherence and entry of H. pylori was considerably higher with beta1-integrin-transfected cells than with beta1-integrin-deficient cells. Antibodies directed against alpha5- and beta1-integrin chains reduced adherence to the alpha5beta1-integrin-expressing gastric cell line AGS. Entry was inhibited by both cytochalasin D and genistein. Entry, but not adherence, was higher for 2 type I strains than for a type II isolate. CONCLUSIONS: Invasion of gastric epithelium via an integrin-mediated pathway could contribute to the ability of H. pylori to establish persistent infection.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

PubMed1998

Sequence and diversity of T-cell receptor alpha V, J, and C genes of the owl monkey Aotus nancymaae.

We cloned and sequenced TcR alpha chain cDNA of three healthy Aotus nancymaae monkeys. Fifteen different TRAJ segments and 9 different TRAV genes were identified in the 29 rearrangements analyzed. As expected from the greater phylogenetic distance, A. nancymaae TRA gene sequences diverged more from the human sequences than those of the chimpanzee or the rhesus macaque. However, no Aotus TRAJ segment or TRAV gene was found which lacked a human counterpart. These counterparts were AJ02, AJ05, AJ09, AJ15, AJ22, AJ23, AJ28, AJ30, AJ32, AJ34, AJ37, AJ40, AJ42, AJ45, AJ52 and AV2S1, AV2S3, AV3S1, AV8S1, AV12S1, AV15S1, ADV21S1/DV5, AV22S1S and AV23S1, respectively. In most cases the identity of amino acid sequences between corresponding Aotus and human genes was greater than 80%. This marked conservation of TRA gene sequences indicates a close structural relationship of Aotus and human TcR and demonstrates that the TcR repertoire in primates is remarkably stable. The results support the concept of using Aotus monkeys, which are susceptible to infection with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, as an animal model for the evaluation of molecularly defined malaria vaccine candidates.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Endogenous fibronectin of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes: immunochemical characterization and subcellular localization.

Fibronectin, a large dimeric glycoprotein synthesized and secreted by several cell types, mediates cell adherence to surfaces. In infections and inflammatory responses, blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) adhere to cells and matrix proteins during extravasation and accumulation at inflammatory sites. The presence of fibronectin in blood PMNs has been poorly studied, and the characteristics and subcellular localization of this endogenous adhesive molecule are practically unknown. By immunofluorescence flow cytometry, purified rabbit antibodies and a monoclonal antibody to plasma fibronectin reacted with isolated blood PMNs, only after permeabilization of the cells. By Western blot analysis, the antibodies recognized, under reducing conditions, a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 230 kDa in the cell lysate. Eleven monoclonal antibodies to common frame fibronectin epitopes, including the RGD-containing cell-binding domain, also reacted with PMN fibronectin by Western blotting. In contrast, two antibodies to ED-A, the alternatively spliced region characteristic of "cellular" fibronectin, were unreactive, but recognized platelet fibronectin. On average, 1 million PMNs contained 6.8 ng +/- 1.4 (SD) of fibronectin, as measured by sandwich ELISA. Immunogold labeling and electron microscopy studies indicated localization of most fibronectin in PMN granules. Moreover, double-immunofluorescence and digital image analysis demonstrated colocalization of fibronectin with lactoferrin, a marker of specific (secondary) granules. The results indicate that blood PMNs contain approximately 8000 molecules per cell of intact ED-A-negative fibronectin localized mainly in their specific granules.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1997

Endogenous fibronectin of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes: stimulus-induced secretion and proteolysis by cell surface-bound elastase.

In an accompanying study, we described the presence of intact fibronectin, a large adhesive molecule, in the specific granules of blood PMNs. Secretion of fibronectin by blood PMNs is poorly understood, and the fate of this fibronectin is practically unknown. In the present study we demonstrate that nanomolar concentrations of phorbol ester or the chemoattractants fMLP, PAF, and LTB4 induce fibronectin secretion from blood PMNs. Phorbol ester induced secretion of approximately 85% of the total fibronectin content, as well as expression of small amounts on the cell surface of the activated PMNs. Secreted fibronectin was proteolytically cleaved and, after 20 min, four major fragments of 150, 120, 90, and 80 kDa containing a midchain epitope were identified by Western blot analysis. Kinetic studies indicated that fibronectin was rapidly secreted as an intact molecule and that proteolysis started within minutes and proceeded for at least 1 h. If cells were removed after 5 min TPA treatment, no further proteolysis of the secreted fibronectin was observed, indicating participation of cell-bound proteinases. From a cocktail of proteinase inhibitors, PMSF was the most active in suppressing fibronectin proteolysis. Studies with specific peptidyl inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G, major serine proteinases of PMNs, demonstrated some inhibition with the cathepsin G inhibitor, while the human leukocyte elastase inhibitor almost completely abolished fibronectin proteolysis. A monoclonal antibody to the elastase had a similar effect. The results indicate that intact fibronectin is a secretory product of blood PMNs and that this endogenous adhesive molecule is within minutes extracellularly processed by cell surface-bound elastase.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1997

Tumor cell arrest in the microcirculation: lack of evidence for a leukocyte-like rolling adhesive interaction with vascular endothelium in vivo.

Hematogenous spread of tumor cells and metastasis formation in secondary organs are insidious aspects of cancer. In the present intravital microscopic study in the rabbit mesentery, we examined the in vivo flow behavior of six human tumor cell lines of different histological origin. The tumor cells and human neutrophils were injected locally into a side branch of the superior mesenteric artery upstream of the observed microvascular area in the mesentery. None of the tumor cells behaved similar to the leukocytes of which a substantial fraction rolled along the endothelium of small venules. Thus, the tumor cells passed the same venular segments without interacting with the endothelial lining. Yet, three of the tumor cell lines (HT-29, DLD-1, and HCT-8) were strongly positive for the oligosaccharides Lewis(x), sialyl-Lewis(x), and sialyl-Lewis(a) which are recognized by the endothelial selectins that mediate leukocyte rolling. On the other hand, some tumor cells were trapped in the smallest vessels and remained so throughout the experimental period, apparently due to a discrepancy in size between tumor cells and microvessel lumen. Taken together, our in vivo findings suggest that initial microvascular arrest of metastasizing tumor cells is dependent primarily on mechanical factors rather than on receptor-mediated leukocyte-like adhesive interactions.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Adhesion molecule CD11a/CD18-deficient Burkitt's lymphoma cells lack the transcript for the beta, but not the alpha, integrin subunit.

Adhesion to cells and matrices participates in the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation, maturation and tissue localization. Consequently, abnormal patterns of adhesion molecule expression may contribute to the pathophysiology of lymphoproliferative disorders. Integrins are major cell-surface adhesive proteins composed by alpha and beta subunits. In contrast to normal lymphocytes, Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells lack the beta2 integrin CD11a/CD18. To study the molecular mechanism underlying this deficiency, presence of the transcript for each subunit was analysed by Northern blotting in group I BL lines (BL biopsy-like) and, for comparison, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). While transcripts for both CD11a (alpha subunit) and CD18 (beta subunit) were readily detected in LCLs, BL lines contained the transcript for the alpha subunit only. Treatment of BL cells with phorbol ester for 72 h induced expression of the beta subunit mRNA and the CD11a and CD18 antigens on the cell surface. The results indicate that the CD11a/CD18 deficiency of BL is due to absence of the beta subunit transcript and that this defect is restored by stimulation of the cells.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1997

Myeloperoxidase mediates cell adhesion via the alpha M beta 2 integrin (Mac-1, CD11b/CD18).

Myeloperoxidase is a leukocyte component able to generate potent microbicidal substances. A homologous invertebrate blood cell protein, peroxinectin, is not only a peroxidase but also a cell adhesion ligand. We demonstrate in this study that human myeloperoxidase also mediates cell adhesion. Both the human myeloid cell line HL-60, when differentiated by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or retinoic acid, and human blood leukocytes, adhered to myeloperoxidase; however, undifferentiated HL-60 cells showed only minimal adhesion. No cells adhered to horseradish peroxidase, and cell adhesion to myeloperoxidase was not decreased by catalase, thus showing that peroxidase activity, per se, was neither sufficient nor necessary for the adhesion activity. Mannan, which has been reported to inhibit the binding of peroxidases to cells, did not affect adhesion to myeloperoxidase. However, adhesion to myeloperoxidase was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies to alpha M (CD11b) or to beta2 (CD18) integrin subunits, but not by antibodies to alpha L (CD11a), alpha M (CD11c), or to other integrins. Native myeloperoxidase mediated dose-dependent cell adhesion down to relatively low concentrations, and denaturation abolished the adhesion activity. It is evident that myeloperoxidase supports cell adhesion, a function which may be of considerable importance for leukocyte migration and infiltration in inflammatory reactions, that alpha M beta2 integrin (Mac-1 or CD11b/CD18) mediates this adhesion, and that the alphaM beta2 integrin-mediated adhesion to myeloperoxidase is distinct from the previously reported ability of this integrin to bind to certain denatured proteins at high concentrations.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1996

Increased expression and secretion of ICAM-1 during experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.

In the present study we demonstrate that spleens and hearts from BALB/c mice infected with the virulent Tulahuén or the low virulent CA-I strains of Trypanosoma cruzi, contain substantially higher ICAM-1 transcripts than uninfected controls. ICAM-1 expression in heart cells was also increased in the protein level, as measured by flow cytometry, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. The adhesive receptor was observed not only on inflammatory cells but also on sarcolemma of cardiac myocytes from T. cruzi infected mice. ICAM-1 expression was higher during the acute phase than in the chronic phase of infection, and paralleled the density of inflammatory leukocytes. Elevated titres of soluble ICAM-1 (s-ICAM-1) were detected in sera from mice during the acute phase of infection with CA-I or Tulahuén parasites. Cytokines, including IFN-gamma, IL-1 alpha, IL-6 and TNF-alpha have been shown to modulate expression of ICAM-1. Spleens and hearts from mice infected with CA-I or Tulahuen strains showed increased accumulation of mRNAs specific for these cytokines, which peaked during the acute phase of infection. However, IFN-gamma activity was not necessary for ICAM-1 induction, as its levels were also increased during infection in IFN-gamma receptor knock-out (IFN-gamma R- ) mice. Upregulation of ICAM-1 expression might be a direct consequence of parasite infection, since its density on cell lines of different lineages was enhanced after 24 or 48 h of infection with T. cruzi.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Expression of adhesion molecules in endemic and epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.

Spindle cells and vascular endothelium in nodular lesions of AIDS associated (epidemic) and endemic Kaposi's sarcoma showed similar immunohistochemical patterns of expression for cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix proteins. Spindle cells as well as endothelium also expressed both alpha 5 and alpha V integrin subunits and ICAM-1 suggesting a possible role for inflammatory cytokines in spindle cell formation. The spindle cell compartment was rich in collagen, laminin, fibronectin and tenascin suggesting an important reactive component in the evolution of Kaposi's sarcoma. The lack of thrombospondin expression in the spindle cells favours the contention that they could be transitional, proliferating cells of endothelial origin. Specific expression of tat protein was not seen suggesting minimal if any HIV replication in these lesions. Our findings suggest similar histopathogenetic mechanisms for endemic and epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. The clinically more malignant features of most AIDS related cases may reflect an important effect of systemic and focal cytokines in HIV patients and possibly other cofactor(s), i.e. tat protein in the induction and growth of the lesions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1995

Creation of first malaria vaccine raises troubling questions about "intellectual racism". Interview by Kirsteen MacLeod.

Some of the problems caused by malaria, which places a huge roadblock in front of economic progress in the Third World, may be solved by a new vaccine created by Dr. Manuel Patarroyo, a Columbian physician and researcher. "Imagine how things would be if Canadians had malaria," he says. "Episodes last 10 days, then there are 10 days of recovering. This leaves only 10 days each month in which to do some productive work. Then imagine killing the population of Toronto each year, and you can see the huge toll in terms of the number of yearly deaths globally from malaria." His discovery also raises the issue of "intellectual racism" because of criticism of Patarroyo's methods by Western scientists. Patarroyo, meanwhile, turned down a $60-million offer for his vaccine, and instead donated the patent to the World Health Organization.

Allergy and Immunology↗

PubMed1995

Constitutive alpha V beta 3 integrin-mediated adhesion of human lymphoid B cells to vitronectin substrate.

Adherence to cells and matrices participates in lymphocyte migration and tissue localization and contributes to the regulation of growth and differentiation of the lymphoid cells. The adherence is mainly mediated by three families of cell-surface proteins: integrins, immunoglobulin (Ig)-related molecules, and selectins. Integrins recognize Ig-related molecules such as ICAMs as well as fibronectin (FN), vitronectin (VN), and other matrix proteins. In this study, the in vitro adhesive properties of two Epstein-Barr virus-carrying B lymphoblastoid cell lines, IB-4 and NAD-20, were compared. IB-4 cells grow as a monolayer in contrast to NAD-20 cells, which grow as cell clusters. IB-4 cells were found to adhere to the tissue culture vessel through a component of the fetal bovine serum. By using blocking monoclonal antibodies to cell-surface molecules and serum proteins, IB-4 cells were found to use alpha V beta 3 integrin (CD51/CD61) and serum VN as the adhesive molecules. alpha V beta 3 integrin also mediated adhesion of IB-4 cells to human serum VN and to purified VN and FN. This constitutive adherence was not enhanced by phorbol ester treatment and was inhibited by RGD-containing peptides, in contrast to the homotypic adhesion of NAD-20 cells, which was mediated by beta 2 integrin CD11a/CD18 and its ligand ICAM-1 (CD54). Since VN is a component of both lymphoid tissue matrix and plasma, adhesion to this protein may affect functions and activities of B lymphocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗