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Biomedical subjects

V M Holers

Publications and source records attributed to V M Holers.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Regulation of nuclear antigen expression on the cell surface of human monocytes.

The expression of cell surface nuclear Ag was studied by examining the binding of anti-histone mAb to viable human peripheral blood cells. Freshly isolated cells showed no binding of these mAb. However, in vitro culture in the presence of LPS induced a dose-dependent expression of cell surface nuclear Ag on monocytes (M3+ cells). The addition of IL-1 beta to cultures also induced expression of cell surface nuclear Ag, whereas IFN-gamma was without effect. Release of nuclear material into the supernatants over time was demonstrated by using a chromatin-specific sandwich ELISA. Analysis of the DNA in the released nuclear material demonstrated banding at multiples of 190 bp, suggesting the release of polynucleosomes. Although LPS was required for cell surface nuclear Ag expression, it did not affect the release of nuclear material into the supernatants. The ability of monocytes to bind exogenous chromatin was studied by adding biotinylated-chromatin to PBL and detection with FITC-avidin. Freshly isolated PBL bound no chromatin, but when PBL were cultured in the presence of LPS, monocytes bound chromatin in a saturable manner. The LPS induction of the capacity to bind exogenous chromatin was blocked by cycloheximide. These data suggest that monocyte activation is associated with the expression of a chromatin (?nucleosome)-binding receptor and that this receptor is capable of binding nuclear material released into the cellular milieu. Monocytes may thus provide an important mechanism for the removal of extracellular nuclear material at sites of cell death and/or inflammation. The binding of nuclear Ag to cell surfaces and potential abnormalities of this binding may play a role in the induction of antinuclear antibodies and/or tissue damage in diseases such as SLE.

Antigens, Nuclear

Distinct receptor and regulatory properties of recombinant mouse complement receptor 1 (CR1) and Crry, the two genetic homologues of human CR1.

The relationship between the characterized mouse regulators of complement activation (RCA) genes and the 190-kD mouse complement receptor 1 (MCR1), 155-kD mouse complement receptor 2 (MCR2), and mouse p65 is unclear. One mouse RCA gene, designated MCR2 (or Cr2), encodes alternatively spliced 21 and 15 short consensus repeat (SCR)-containing transcripts that crosshybridize with cDNAs of both human CR2 and CR1, or CR2 alone, respectively. A five SCR-containing transcript derived from a second unique gene, designated Crry, also crosshybridizes with human CR1. We have previously shown that the 155-kD MCR2 is encoded by the 15 SCR-containing transcript. To analyze the protein products of the other transcripts, which are considered the genetic homologues of human CR1, we have expressed the 21 and the 5 SCR-containing cDNAs in the human K562 erythroleukemia cell line. We demonstrate that cells expressing the 21 SCR transcript express the 190-kD MCR1 protein. These cells react with five unique rat anti-MCR1 monoclonal antibodies, including the 8C12 antibody considered to be monospecific for MCR1. In addition, these cells efficiently form rosettes with mouse C3b-bearing sheep erythrocytes. In contrast, cells expressing the five SCR-containing Crry transcript are strongly recognized by an anti-human CR1 antibody that also defines the mouse p65 protein. Using a functional assay that measures the surface deposition of C3 activated via the classical complement pathway, we show that Crry/p65-expressing cells have a markedly decreased amount of C3 deposited on them as compared with control cells expressing the antisense construct or cells expressing MCR1 or MCR2. This suggests that Crry has intrinsic complement regulatory activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

The evolution of mouse and human complement C3-binding proteins: divergence of form but conservation of function.

Despite the fact that the early components of the mouse and human complement cascades are very similar, there are marked differences between the two species in the structure of C3 receptors and the molecules that control homologous lysis. Here, Michael Holers, Taroh Kinoshita and Hector Molina compare and contrast the mouse and human RCA region products and conclude that the receptor and regulatory roles are conserved despite the structural variation.

Animals

Analysis of the human regulators of complement activation (RCA) gene cluster with yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs).

The human regulators of complement activation gene cluster (RCA cluster) have been partially characterized with yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). While the data confirm many points previously elucidated, the finer resolution of YAC mapping has allowed the discovery and/or localization of partial gene duplications, the determination of gene orientations, and the measurement of gaps between known genes. Here nine overlapping YACs that encompass a genomic region of 800 kb, encoding four RCA genes and three gene-like elements, are described. The encoded genes and two of the gene-like elements share the same orientation and are ordered (5' to 3') DAF, CR2, CR1, MCP-like, CR1-like, and MCP. A C4bp-like region lies upstream from DAF and is likely to correspond to one recently observed by F. Pardo-Manuel, J. Rey-Campos, A. Hillarp, B. Dahlback, and S. Rodriguez de Cordoba (1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87: 4529-4533). MCP-like, a new genetic element, was discovered and found to be homologous to the 5' portion of the MCP gene. Two large gaps of 85 kb (between CR2 and DAF) and 110 kb (between DAF and the C4bp-like element) could carry additional RCA genes. The arrangement of CR1, MCP-like, CR1-like, and MCP, in that order, strongly suggests that this region was generated by a single duplication of neighboring CR1/CR1-like and MCP/MCP-like forerunners. The RCA YACs will now serve as convenient DNA sources for the subcloning and further characterization of this region.

Amino Acid Sequence

Complement receptors.

Recently, a number of exciting developments have increased our understanding of complement receptors. These advances include determination of the spatial organization of the short consensus repeat unit, analysis of active sites within short consensus repeats, downregulation in vivo of the complement system by a recombinant receptor, elucidation of the structure of mouse receptors and their relationship to human molecules, and the cloning of the human C5a receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence

T lymphocyte expression of complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21): a role in adhesive cell-cell interactions and dysregulation in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21), the receptor for both the C3d,g portion of human complement component C3 and the Epstein-Barr virus, has been recently described on peripheral T cells. By using dual stain flow cytometric analysis, we have also observed that a peripheral T lymphocyte subpopulation of normal healthy donors bears CR2 in a range varying from 1.1 to 23.2% (mean 12.6%) of total CD3+ cells. T lymphocytes from nine patients with inactive SLE expressed CR2 in a similar range. Three patients with active SLE were also studied. One of them, having neuropathy and glomerulonephritis, displayed an expansion of the CR2 T cell subpopulation which reached as much as 89% of total CD3+ cells. To examine potential functional roles of T cell CR2, cells from a Jurkat-derived CR2 expressing T cell line were found to bind in vitro to human CR2-, complement-coated K562 cell targets in a CR2- and complement-dependent fashion. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that CR2 might act to increase adherence of T cells to nucleated target cells bearing C3d,g, a function which may be relevant to cytotoxicity or other T cell activities requiring cell-cell interaction.

B-Lymphocytes

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

Analysis of Epstein-Barr virus-binding sites on complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) using human-mouse chimeras and peptides. At least two distinct sites are necessary for ligand-receptor interaction.

The predicted amino acid sequence of human complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21, C3d,g/Epstein-Barr virus receptor) and its genetic murine homologue are approximately 70% identical. The sequence of each consists of a linear array of 60-70 amino acid repeats designated short consensus repeats (SCRs). Although they share significant sequence identity, a major difference in the activities of these two proteins has been believed to be the ability of human, but not mouse, CR2 to mediate Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of B lymphocytes. In order to formally address this question and to directly compare the activities of the CR2 protein of each species, we have expressed recombinant mouse CR2 (rMCR2) in a human K562 erythroleukemia cell line background. We have found that rMCR2 reacts with two previously described rat anti-MCR2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 7G6 and 7E9, but not mAb 8C12, which recognizes only mouse complement receptor 1. rMCR2 rosettes with erythrocytes bearing mouse and human C3d,g and binds glutaraldehyde cross-linked human C3d,g with a similar Kd as human CR2 (HCR2). rMCR2 does not bind EBV. By using this observation and constructing chimeras bearing portions of MCR2 on a HCR2 background, we have been able to define unique sequences in HCR2 SCRs 1 and 2 important in the interaction with both mAb OKB7, which blocks EBV binding and infection, and with EBV. In addition, by using blocking peptides derived from HCR2 sequence, we have identified a second distinct region in SCR2 important in EBV binding. Therefore, within the first two SCRs of HCR2 are multiple distinct sites of interaction with EBV and with mAb OKB7.

Amino Acid Sequence

Characterization of the human complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21) promoter reveals sequences shared with regulatory regions of other developmentally restricted B cell proteins.

Expression of human complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21, C3d,g/EBV receptor) is developmentally restricted on human B lymphocytes to cells of the late-pre and mature stages. CR2 is also a member of the genetically linked regulators of complement activation family found on human chromosome 1q32. Regulators of complement activation proteins are variably expressed in plasma, on cell membranes, and in nonvascular extracellular fluid sites. To begin to understand the mechanisms that control both tissue specific and B cell developmental restriction of CR2 expression, we have cloned and characterized the CR2 promoter upstream of a single apparent transcriptional initiation site. Within this region are sequences with significant similarity to previously characterized TATA, SP1, AP-2, AP-1-like, and Ig enhancer E motif DNA protein binding sites, in addition to direct and inverted repeats. Significant regions of identity are also found between CR2 promoter sequences and those of the CD23 promoter, another protein whose expression is developmentally restricted on B cells. The CR2 promoter will direct transcription of the reporter gene chloramphenicol acyltransferase when transiently transfected into the human Raji B cell line. Therefore, we have identified the promoter for a human B cell protein whose expression is developmentally restricted. Further analysis of this region and the transcriptional regulation of CR2 gene expression should lead to significant insights into the molecular mechanisms by which B cells mature and are activated.

Antigens, CD

Expression of the fibronectin receptor VLA-5 is regulated during human B cell differentiation and activation.

We examined the expression of VLA-5, a fibronectin receptor, during human B cell development and activation. VLA-5 is a member of the integrin supergene family; VLAs are heterodimers of at least six unique alpha chains sharing a common beta chain; most are involved in cell attachment to extracellular matrix (ECM). A hypothesis of haematopoietic development is that maturing cells leave the bone marrow because of the loss of VLA-5 during differentiation. However, mature B cells are not primarily circulating cells, and the role of ECM receptors in homing to peripheral lymphoid tissue and inflammatory sites is unknown. To examine the expression of VLA-5 during B cell development, cell lines blocked at specific stages of differentiation were evaluated for their synthesis and surface expression of VLA-5 using VLA-5-specific antibody and cDNA probes. VLA-5 mRNA and surface expression were found in the pre-B cell lines, REH and Nall 1, but not in more differentiated Raji cells or in several EBV-transformed peripheral B cell lines. Circulating peripheral B lymphocytes and resting tonsillar and splenic B lymphocytes expressed no VLA-5 by FACS analysis. Interestingly, mRNA and surface expression of VLA-5 were found in SKW, a highly differentiated, IgM-secreting line. In addition, low levels of staining for VLA-5 expression could be demonstrated when tonsillar or peripheral blood B lymphocytes were stimulated by Staphylococcus aureus Cowan (SAC). All cell lines expressed VLA-3 and VLA-4, two other receptors reported to mediate fibronectin binding in some cell types. Thus, our studies provided no evidence for developmental or inflammatory regulation of these receptors. Binding studies, however, demonstrated that adherence of both pre-B REH cells and SKW cells to fibronectin was almost completely inhibited by a monoclonal antibody to VLA-5 alpha. In addition, Raji cells, which lack VLA-5 but express VLA-3 and VLA-4, showed very low level binding to fibronectin. This demonstrates that for some B lymphocytes VLA-5, rather than other possible fibronectin receptors, primarily mediates attachment to fibronectin. These data also suggest that human VLA-5 expression is regulated during B cell development, with expression at a very early stage and then again after activation. This pattern of loss and reacquisition of an ECM receptor may be relevant to normal B cell maturation and to function during immunologic injury.

B-Lymphocytes

Expression of functional human Epstein-Barr virus/C3d receptor ([CR2] CD21) on insulinoma cell line. Induction of tumor rejection but not diabetes in syngeneic rats.

We stably expressed human complement receptor 2 ([CR2] CD21 C3d/Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] receptor) on the rat insulinoma cell line RINm5F with a recombinant retroviral vector. CR2-expressing RINm5F cells secreted 78-33% less insulin than parental cells or cells transduced with an antisense vector and could be infected with high-titer EBV. We tested whether human CR2 expression on RINm5F cells would affect tumorigenesis after transplantation to syngeneic New England Deaconess Hospital rats. Non-CR2-expressing antisense-transduced RINm5F cells rapidly grew tumors and caused hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and the death of the animals after 15.7 +/- 0.7 days. CR2-expressing RINm5F cells were infiltrated by mononuclear cells at an early stage and eventually caused noninfiltrated tumors and the death of the animals after 33.0 +/- 0.4 days. These tumors were CR2- and are believed to have arisen from a minor CR2- population of tumor cells. The pancreatic islets were histologically normal at all time points. We conclude that expression of a xenoantigen on a rat insulinoma cell line induces an immune response in syngeneic rats but does not result in breakage of tolerance to parental or revertant cells.

Animals

A molecular and immunochemical characterization of mouse CR2. Evidence for a single gene model of mouse complement receptors 1 and 2.

The relationships between functional, biochemical, and genetic homologues of human and mouse C receptors 1 (CR1) and 2 (CR2) are incompletely understood. We have isolated and characterized a partial mouse CR2 cDNA clone and determined the exon-intron organization of the gene encoding it. Together they predict a form of mouse CR2 highly identical to the 15 short consensus repeat form of human CR2. Strong similarities in genomic organization and exon-intron junctions indicate that this mouse gene and human CR2 are evolutionary homologues. A polyclonal rabbit anti-mouse CR2 fusion protein, BRN-1, was prepared. BRN-1 immunoprecipitates bands of 155 to 160 kDa under nonreducing conditions in mouse CR2 expressing B cell lines. In mouse spleen a doublet of 155 kDa and 190 kDa under nonreducing and 165 and 205 kDa under reducing conditions is recognized by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease maps of these two proteins show many shared bands. Crossed immunoprecipitation using BRN-1 and 7E9, a previously described mAb reported to identify the 190-kDa mouse CR1 and a smaller 150-kDa protein, indicates that both antibodies react with the same proteins. Therefore, by using BRN-1 we have now linked the genetic mouse CR2 to its functional, biochemically characterized gene product. The observation that BRN-1 also recognizes a second 190-kDa mouse protein defined functionally as a homologue of human CR1, and that these proteins have very similar peptide maps, provides strong evidence that these two proteins are expressed by a single mouse CR2/CR1 transcription unit.

Amino Acid Sequence

Structural requirements for C3d,g/Epstein-Barr virus receptor (CR2/CD21) ligand binding, internalization, and viral infection.

The structure of CR2, the human C3d,g/EBV receptor (CR2/CD21) consists of 15 or 16 60-70 amino acid repeats called short consensus repeats (SCRs) followed by a transmembrane and a 34-amino acid intracytoplasmic domain. Functions of CR2 include binding the human complement component C3d,g when it is covalently attached to targets or cross-linked in the fluid phase. In addition, CR2 binds the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and mediates internalization of EBV and subsequent infection of cells. In order to explore functional roles of the repetitive extracytoplasmic SCR structure and the intracytoplasmic domain of CR2, we have created truncated CR2 (rCR2) mutants bearing serial deletions of extracytoplasmic SCRs and also the intracytoplasmic tail. We then stably transfected these rCR2 mutants into two cell lines, murine fibroblast L cells and human erythroleukemic K562 cells. Phenotypic analysis of these expressed mutants revealed that 1) The C3d,g- and EBV-binding sites are found in the two amino-terminal SCRs of CR2, 2) expression of SCRs 3 and 4 is further required for high affinity binding to soluble cross-linked C3d,g, 3) the intracytoplasmic domain of CR2 is not required for binding C3d,g or EBV but is necessary for internalization of cross-linked C3d,g as well as for EBV infection of cells, 4) monoclonal anti-CR2 antibodies with similar activities react with single widely separated epitopes, and 5) no functional roles can yet be clearly assigned to SCRs 5-15, as rCR2 mutants not containing these SCRs show no major differences from wild-type rCR2 in binding or internalizing cross-linked C3d,g or mediating EBV binding and infection.

Animals

Polymorphisms of the regulators of complement activation gene cluster.

The regulators of complement activation (RCA) constitute a tightly linked gene family that controls the activity of the complement system. Genetic polymorphisms have been reported for all of RCA genes at the DNA, RNA and/or protein levels. In addition, multiple RNA and/or protein products have been observed for most of these genes. These polymorphisms and variants are instrumental in the study of the structure, evolution and function of the RCA family.

Amino Acid Sequence

Induction of IL-4 and IL-6 synthesis in vitro: variation in signaling requirements and kinetics are dependent on the anatomic source of the responding mononuclear cells.

We have shown differences in regulation of cytokine mRNA expression in human tonsil, spleen, and peripheral blood. After PHA stimulation of peripheral blood, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 mRNA were expressed with similar kinetics: peak expression occurred after four hours and subsequently declined over 48 hr. In PHA-stimulated splenic and tonsillar MNC, IL-2 and IL-6 mRNA were expressed later, with peak expression occurring after eight hours of stimulation and no mRNA detectable after 40 hr of stimulation. The intensity of the IL-6 mRNA signal and the amount of IL-6 secreted was much greater in MNC from peripheral blood than in spleen and tonsil and correlated with the percentage of monocytes in MNC from each tissue. IL-4 mRNA expression differed in all three tissues: PHA-stimulated tonsillar MNC expressed IL-4 mRNA with a major peak at eight hours and a minor peak at 24 hr after stimulation. The kinetics of mRNA were not due to effects of mixed cell populations. The same bimodal peak was observed in purified tonsillar T lymphocytes, and the minor 24-hr peak was dependent on IL-4 mRNA synthesis by cells expressing high amounts of VLA-beta 1 antigen (CDw29) on their surface and which lacked the CD45 epitope recognized by the mAb 2H4. Splenic MNC did not express IL-4 mRNA when stimulated with a number of mitogens and only exhibited IL-4 mRNA expression when stimulated with the combination of PHA and PMA or anti-CD3. Thus, IL-4 mRNA has markedly different kinetics and intensity of expression in spleen, peripheral blood, and tonsil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Humans