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Killing of meningococci by neutrophils: effect of vaccination on patients with complement deficiency.

To evaluate the in vitro effect of meningococcal vaccination, 3 C7-deficient (C7-D) siblings and 2 normal controls were studied before and 6 weeks after vaccination with treatment meningococcal vaccine (serogroups A, C, Y, and W). Serobactericidal activity was not detected in the C7-D subjects and was low in the controls. Neither group was affected by vaccination. However, opsonized phagocytic killing increased significantly following vaccination in C7-D subjects and normal controls, despite only a modest increase in antimeningococcal titers. Heat inactivation of sera added to neutrophils resulted in low killing activity, which did not increase after vaccination. Thus, tetravalent meningococcal vaccine appears to enhance the phagocytic killing of meningococci in both normal and C7-deficient persons and should be given to all persons with C7 deficiencies.

Adult↗

Complement components, but not complement inhibitors, are upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques.

Complement activation occurs in atherosclerotic plaques. The capacity of arterial tissue to inhibit this activation through generation of the complement regulators C1 inhibitor, decay accelerating factor, membrane cofactor protein (CD46), C4 binding protein (C4BP), and protectin (CD59) was evaluated in pairs of aortic atherosclerotic plaques and nearby normal artery from 11 human postmortem specimens. All 22 samples produced mRNAs for each of these proteins. The ratios of plaque versus normal artery pairs was not significantly different from unity for any of these inhibitors. However, in plaques, the mRNAs for C1r and C1s, the substrates for the C1 inhibitor, were increased 2.35- and 4.96-fold, respectively, compared with normal artery; mRNA for C4, the target for C4BP, was elevated l.34-fold; and mRNAs for C7 and C8, the targets for CD59, were elevated 2.61- and 3.25-fold, respectively. By Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, fraction Bb of factor B, a marker of alternative pathway activation, was barely detectable in plaque and normal arterial tissue. These data indicate that it is primarily the classical, not the alternative pathway, that is activated in plaques and that key inhibitors are not upregulated to defend against this activation.

Antigens, CD↗

Bullous pemphigoid autoantibodies reactive with intracellular basal keratinocyte antigens: studies of subclass distribution and complement activation.

Using immunofluorescence (IF) and monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to IgG subclasses, terminal complement components, and S-protein/vitronectin, we have extended recent observations concerning reactivity of bullous pemphigoid autoantibodies with intracellular antigens located on the polar tips of basal human keratinocytes (HuK). Using three purified bullous pemphigoid IgG fractions, autoantibody reactivity with these intracellular antigens was present in all four IgG subclasses. When skin sections were used as substrate, an identical IgG subclass distribution of autoantibodies for each bullous pemphigoid IgG fraction was observed, but reactive with the basement membrane zone. All three bullous pemphigoid IgG preparations contained IgG subclass autoantibodies capable of complement fixation. Each IgG fraction resulted in fixation of all of the terminal complement components (C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9) and assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC) on the polar tips of basal HuK. S-protein/vitronectin was not bound in a similar fashion. Normal IgG fractions yielded consistently negative reactions. Thus, bullous pemphigoid autoantibodies, fixed to polar tips of basal HuK, are found in all four IgG subclasses and will activate complement resulting in generation of MAC.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

In vitro and in vivo responses of murine granulocytes to human complement-derived, haemolytically inactive C5b67 (iC5b67).

Haemolytically inactive C5b67 (iC5b67), which was made from purified human components and decayed to a haemolytically inactive form, was evaluated as an agonist for murine leucocytes both in vitro and in vivo. In an in vitro assay, iC5b67 stimulated chemotaxis for both neutrophils purified from mouse bone marrow and splenic eosinophils of IL-5 transgenic mice. The stimulation was dose-dependent, with high dose inhibition. As with human neutrophils, iC5b67 also failed to up-regulate CR3 (CD11b/CD18) expression and to stimulate superoxide generation in murine bone marrow neutrophils, in vitro. In vivo, iC5b67 elicited an inflammatory response in a mouse model of pleuritis. A marked infiltration of neutrophils, which peaked at 4 h, was followed by an infiltration of eosinophils and mononuclear leucocytes. This inflammatory response was dose- and time-dependent. However, the protein concentration in the pleural wash fluid did not increase, indicating that iC5b67 did not induce a capillary leak. Although the infiltration of neutrophils could not be reproduced by pure C7 or human serum albumin (HSA), C5b6 did induce an influx of neutrophils. We were able to document the existence of C7, both antigenically and functionally, in pleural washes of normal mice, making it likely that the activity of C5b6 resulted from the in situ formation of C5b67 and iC5b67. The mouse model of pleuritis promises to be a useful in vivo system in which to evaluate the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of iC5b67 that have been noted in vitro.

Animals↗

Enhancement of C56-initiated lysis by cell-bound C3 fragments: evidence for a mechanism independent of the prior binding of C56 to C3b.

Cell-bound C3b can reversibly bind C56, the activated complex of the fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) components of complement, and in this way potentiate C56-initiated lysis by favoring the formation of C567 at the cell surface. We report here another way in which cell-bound C3 fragments can enhance C56-initiated lysis, which involves C567 generated in the fluid phase rather than at the cell surface. Evidence for the involvement of fluid phase C567 was obtained by use of dextran sulfate, which is known to inhibit the hemolysis of E mediated by fluid phase C567. Dextran sulfate strongly inhibited the formation of C567 sites on cells bearing C4b and C3b (EAC4b3b) as well as on unmodified E when C56 and C7 were added simultaneously to the cells. By contrast, dextran sulfate had virtually no effect on the reaction sequence involving the prior binding of C56 to C3b and subsequent formation of C567 at the cell surface. Treatment of EAC4b3b with either anti-C3 Fab' fragments or the C3b inactivator reduced but did not eliminate the enhancement of hemolysis, raising the possibilities that a C3 fragment(s) other than C3b also can enhance C56-initiated lysis and/or that the enhancement is indirect without a requirement for an interaction between C567 and the cell-bound C3 fragment itself.

Complement C3↗

Complement-induced ultrastructural membrane lesions: requirement for terminal components.

The step in the complement (C) sequence at which 8- to 11-nm ring-shaped lesions are formed on antibody-coated erythrocytes (EA) has remained controversial. Some workers have concluded that these lesions appear at the C5 step and are not ultrastructural correlates of lysis; others hold that these lesions are formed only after the action of C8 and C9 in association with lysis. We have re-examined this problem by using sheep EA and human sera genetically lacking C5, C6, C7, or C8. Electron micrographs of negatively stained membranes (x 220,000) were read in blind fashion and the results correlated with 125I-C5 binding. Rare structures resemblind C-induced ring lesions were found on EA exposed to C5-deficient (C5D), C6D, C7D and C8D sera or to heated normal serum, with no significant differences among these sera (lesion density 0 to 0.26/mum2). Fresh normal serum (NHS) produced 140 to 220 ring lesions/mum2. C5 binding to EA in C8D serum was 60% of that observed in an NHS control; in C6D and C7D sera C5 binding was 4 to 11% of the normal value. Iodine treatment of sera (to enhance C5 uptake by C2 oxidation) increased C5 binding in C6D serum to 40 to 65% of that seen in native NHS; in iodine-treated C7D and C8D sera C5 binding was 250 and 440%, respectively, of the native NHS value. No increase in ring lesions was observed, however, except in the iodine-treated NHS. Thus, in whole serum, C5 binding is not sufficient to produce ultrastructural membrane rings in the absence of later-acting C components, at least through C8. The formation of ring lesions appears to have C requirements similar to those necessary for lysis.

Binding Sites↗

Studies on the mechanism of bacterial resistance to complement-mediated killing. II. C8 and C9 release C5b67 from the surface of Salmonella minnesota S218 because the terminal complex does not insert into the bacterial outer membrane.

The mechanism for consumption of terminal complement components and release of bound components from the surface of serum-resistant salmonella minnesota S218 was studied. Consumption of C8 and C9 by S218 occurred through interaction with C5b67 on the bacterial surface because C8 and C9 were consumed when added to S218 organisms previously incubated in C8-deficient serum and washed to remove all C5b67 on the bacterial surface because C8 and C9 were consumed when added to S218 organisms previously incubated in C8- deficient serum and washed to remove al but cell bound C5b67. Rapid release of (125)I C5 and (125)I C7 from the membrane of S218 was dependent on binding of C8 because (125)I C5 and (125)I C7 deposition in C8D serum was stable and was twofold higher in C8D than in PNHA, and addition of purified C8 or C8 and C9 to S218 previously incubated in C8D serum caused rapid release of (125)I C5 and (125)I C7 from the organism. Analysis by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation of the fluid phase from the reaction of S218 and 10 percent PNHS revealed a peak consistent with SC5b-9, in which the C9:C7 ratio was 3.3:1, but the NaDOC extracted bound C5b-9 complex sedimented as a broad peak with C9:C7 of less than 1.2:1. Progressive elution of C5b67 and C5b-9 from S218 but not serum-sensitive S. minnesota Re595 was observed with incubation in buffers of increasing ionic strength. Greater than 90 percent of the bound counts of (125)I C5 or (125)I C9 were released from S218 by incubation in 0.1 percent trypsin, but only 57 percent of (125)I C9 were released by treatment of Re595 with trypsin. These results are consistent with the concept that C5b-9 forms on the surface of the serum-sensitive S. minnesota S218 in normal human serum, but the formed complex is released and is not bactericidal for S218 because it fails to insert into hydrophobic outer membrane domains.

Blood Bactericidal Activity↗

The membrane attack complex of complement. Assembly, structure and cytotoxic activity.

The membrane attack complex of complement is formed by the molecular fusion of the five terminal complement proteins, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9. While the assembly process on a target membrane and its modulation by restriction factors present on host cells is now quite well understood the molecular details of the architecture of the complex still need much further clarification. This is especially true for the interaction of the last acting protein C9, which provides the cytotoxic action of the complex, with the precursor C5b-8 complex. Because of this lack of structural details the molecular mechanisms that lead to complement-mediated cell death remain cryptic, however, it is hoped that recent advances in controlling the assembly process and in site-specific modification of the terminal complement proteins by recombinant DNA techniques should change this predicament quickly.

Bacteria↗

Gene duplication of the seventh component of complement in rainbow trout.

The seventh component of complement is a single-chain plasma glycoprotein that is involved in the cytolytic phase of complement activation through a sequence of polymerization reactions with other terminal components. We have previously isolated and characterized a C7 gene in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Here, we report the cloning of a second trout C7 gene (C7-2). The deduced amino acid sequence of the C7-2 gene exhibits 43 and 50% identity with human C7 and trout C7-1, respectively. The structural motifs of trout C7-2 resemble those of mammalian C7 more than trout C7-1, and the cysteine backbone shows a high degree of conservation. C7-2 presents a different tissue expression profile from trout C7-1, which correlates with that of mammalian counterparts. Although duplication of complement genes is a common observation in teleost fish, this is the first report of two gene isotypes of a terminal membrane attack complex/perforin complement component in any organism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Role of the human C8 subunits in complement-mediated bacterial killing: evidence that C8 gamma is not essential.

Human C8 is one of five complement components (C5b, C6, C7, C8 and C9) that interact to form the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC) on bacterial cell membranes. It is an oligomeric protein composed of a disulfide-linked C8 alpha-gamma heterodimer and a non-covalently associated C8 beta chain. Previous studies revealed that C8 alpha and C8 beta have distinct roles in the formation of the MAC on simple cells such as erythrocytes and that both subunits are essential for cell lysis. These studies also determined that C8 gamma is not required for expression of MAC hemolytic activity. To determine if these conclusions are applicable to more biologically relevant systems, the C8 subunits were examined for their ability to support complement-mediated killing of Gram-negative bacteria. Results indicate: (1) C8 alpha-gamma, C8 alpha, C8 beta and C8 gamma have no independent bactericidal activity; (2) bacterial killing requires C8 beta and either C8 alpha-gamma or C8 alpha; (3) C8 alpha is an effective substitute for C8 alpha-gamma in bacterial killing; and (4) C8 gamma enhances, but is not required for C8 bactericidal activity. Together, these data suggest that C8 alpha and C8 beta have correspondingly similar roles in MAC-mediated lysis of erythrocytes and bacterial killing. Furthermore, they provide the first direct evidence that C8 gamma is not required for complement-mediated killing of Gram-negative bacteria.

Blood Bactericidal Activity↗

Fatal pyoderma gangrenosum in association with C7 deficiency.

Although pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is often associated with systemic diseases, it has not been reported in association with congenital complement deficiencies. We describe an aggressive and ultimately fatal case of PG in a patient with a congenital C7 deficiency. Deficiencies of C7 can be associated with decreased neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and opsonization, similar to the immunologic abnormalities described in patients with PG. Our patient's decreased complement level, if not directly related to the development of PG, may have contributed to the aggressive nature of her disease.

Adult↗

Formation and structure of the C5b-7 complex of the lytic pathway of complement.

The formation and structure of the complement cytolytic intermediary complex, C5b-7, were studied with the aim of determining the interactive regions of C5, C6, and C7. The structure of human complement component C5 was elucidated by the application of limited proteolysis which generated well characterized major polypeptide fragments of this molecule. Plasmin, thrombin, and kallikrein cleave C5b with greater facility than C5. The most useful cleavage of C5b was effected by plasmin because the fragmentation pattern was similar to the processing of C3b by factors H, I, and kallikrein. Plasmin hydrolyzes peptide bonds within the alpha'-chain of C5b, resulting in a four-chain fragment, C5c (M(r) = 142,000), and a single chain fragment, C5d (M(r) = 43,000). Circular dichroism spectroscopic analyses indicated that C5d is substantially richer in alpha-helical content than is C5c (27 versus 9%). Polyclonal antibodies directed against C5c blocked the interaction of C5b-6 with C7, whereas antibodies directed against C5d inhibited the binding of C5 with C3b. Chemical cross-linking using a cleavable radioiodinated photoreactive reagent revealed that both C6 and C7 associate preferentially with the alpha'-chain of C5b. The reversible interactions of C5 with C6, C7, and major polypeptide fragments derived from these were investigated with solid phase binding assays. The results indicate that the carboxyl-terminal domains of C6 and C7, which have cysteine-rich modules homologous to those found in factors H and I, have the capacity to link specifically with C5.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An indel within the C8 alpha subunit of human complement C8 mediates intracellular binding of C8 gamma and formation of C8 alpha-gamma.

Human C8 is one of five complement components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9) that interact to form the cytolytic membrane attack complex, or MAC. It is an oligomeric protein composed of three subunits (C8alpha, C8beta, C8gamma) that are products of different genes. In C8 from serum, these are arranged as a disulfide-linked C8alpha-gamma dimer that is noncovalently associated with C8beta. In this study, the site on C8alpha that mediates intracellular binding of C8gamma to form C8alpha-gamma was identified. From a comparative analysis of indels (insertions/deletions) in C8alpha and its structural homologues C8beta, C6, C7, and C9, it was determined that C8alpha contains a unique insertion (residues 159-175), which includes Cys(164) that forms the disulfide bond to C8gamma. Incorporation of this sequence into C8beta and coexpression of the resulting construct (iC8beta) with C8gamma produced iC8beta-gamma, an atypical disulfide-linked dimer. In related experiments, C8gamma was shown to bind noncovalently to mutant forms of C8alpha and iC8beta in which Cys(164)-->Gly(164) substitutions were made. In addition, C8gamma bound specifically to an immobilized synthetic peptide containing the mutant indel sequence. Together, these results indicate (a) intracellular binding of C8gamma to C8alpha is mediated principally by residues contained within the C8alpha indel, (b) binding is not strictly dependent on Cys(164), and (c) C8gamma must contain a complementary binding site for the C8alpha indel.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Membrane attack complex of complement: distribution of subunits between the hydrocarbon phase of target membranes and water.

Membrane destruction by complement is effected by the membrane attack complex (MAC) which is the dimer of a fusion product of the complement proteins C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9. Phospholipid bilayer vesicles were used as target membranes for the MAC and its intermediate complexes. The subunits of these membrane-bound complexes were explored as to their relative exposure to the hydrocarbon phase of the lipid bilayer and to water surrounding the lipid vesicles. Protein exposed to the aqueous phase was labeled with 125I; protein exposed to the hydrocarbon phase was labeled by using tritiated azido phospholipids and irradiation. Analysis of the membrane-bound MAC showed that subunits C5b, C8 beta, and C9 were exposed to the aqueous phase. The subunits C8 alpha-gamma and C9 were primarily in contact with the hydrocarbon phase. C6 and C7 were little exposed to either phase, suggesting that these proteins are inaccessible within the MAC. Analysis of the intermediate complexes showed that C5b was the subunit most exposed to water in membrane-bound C5b-7, and C5b and C8 beta were the water-exposed subunits in C5b-8. Subunit exposure to the hydrocarbon phase of the lipid bilayer changed during MAC assembly. Whereas all three subunits of C5b-7 carried the phospholipid photolabel; most of the label was bound to the C8 subunit in C5b-8 and to C9 in the MAC. It is proposed that contact with the hydrocarbon core of membranes is established by C5b-7 through each of its subunits, by C5b-8 through C8, and by the MAC through C8 and, particularly, C9.

Affinity Labels↗

Interaction of human beta-endorphin with nonopiate binding sites on the terminal SC5b-9 complex of human complement. Significance of COOH-terminal beta H-endorphin fragments.

We have characterized the binding of 125I-labeled human beta-endorphin (125I-beta H-endorphin) to sites present on the terminal fluid-phase complex of human complement, consisting of complement components C5b, C6, C7, C8, C9, and the S-protein (SC5b-9 complex). Specific binding exhibited saturability, reversibility, structural specificity, temperature dependence, and absence of negative cooperative effects. Binding was maximal at 4 degrees C and pH 7.0; it was diminished by monovalent and divalent cations as well as by increasing concentrations of urea and Triton X-100 and apparently required intact disulfide groups. Binding was not inhibited by a number of opioid peptides sharing common sequences with the NH2 terminus of beta H-endorphin. In contrast, binding was inhibited by beta H-endorphin, N-acetyl-beta H-endorphin, and a series of COOH-terminal beta H-endorphin fragments, where of the COOH-terminal dipeptide Gly-Glu represented the minimal effective structure. Stepwise extension towards the NH2 terminus led to an increased binding affinity of the respective fragment. Computer resolution of competition curves yielded one binding component for several shorter COOH-terminal beta H-endorphin fragments and for beta H-endorphin (1-5) + (16-31), whereas two distinct binding components were obtained when beta H-endorphin (27-31), beta H-endorphin (6-31), N-acetyl-beta H-endorphin or beta H-endorphin were used as inhibitors. This study presents detailed data on the binding of COOH-terminal beta H-endorphin fragments to specific nonopiate binding sites present on the terminal SC5b-9 complex of human complement. We suggest that through this interaction, beta H-endorphin may modulate certain functions within the immune system.

Binding Sites↗

Emission of membrane vesicles: roles in complement resistance, immunity and cancer.

Complement-mediated cell death is caused by C5b-9, the membrane attack complex (MAC) composed of the five complement proteins C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9. Assembly of the C5b-9 complex initiates oligomerization of C9 and production of a transmembrane protein channel that inflicts damage to target cells. For protection, cells eliminate the MAC from their surface either by ectocytosis (direct emission of membrane vesicles) or by endocytosis (internalization). The process of ectosome release is rapid and involves cytosolic Ca(2+) and activation of protein kinases, such as protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK). Recently, the involvement of mortalin (also known as GRP75 and mitochondrial hsp70) in MAC elimination has been suggested. Extracellular application of antibodies directed to mortalin increases cell sensitivity to MAC-mediated lysis. Release of membrane vesicles is ubiquitous and enhanced in apoptotic or tumor cells and upon cell activation. Composition of the ectosomes (also often referred to as microparticles) membrane proteins and lipids appears to be different from those of the original plasma membrane, indicating involvement of a selective sorting process during ectosome formation. Exosomes (unlike ectosomes) are membrane vesicles generated by endocytosis, endosome sorting into perinuclear multivesicular bodies (MVB) and exocytosis of MVBs. Exosomes appear to be different in size and composition from ectosomes. Exosome-associated MAC has also been described. Although research on ectosomes and exosomes is still limited, physiological roles in coagulation, vascular functions, angiogenesis, wound healing and development have been attributed to these shed membrane vesicles. On the other hand, there are indications that elevated levels of ectosomes and exosomes may predispose to morbidity. Membrane vesicles released by cells exposed to complement MAC may play roles in health and disease beyond protection from cell death.

Animals↗

Two types of dysfunctional eighth component of complement (C8) molecules in C8 deficiency in man. Reconstitution of normal C8 from the mixture of two abnormal C8 molecules.

Restoration of hemolytic activity was examined in sera from seven unrelated eighth component of complement (C8)-deficient subjects. The sera fell into two groups, depending on whether hemolytic activity was restored by the addition of the beta-chain (group 1) or the alpha-gamma-subunit (group 2) purified from normal human C8. Antigenic analysis of these sera by double-immunodiffusion using anti-human C8 confirmed previous findings of a dysfunctional C8 in the four sera of group 1 and established the presence of a different dysfunctional C8 in one of the sera of group 2 when tested at a high concentration. Further characterization of the dysfunctional C8 molecules in the two sera by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that group 1 sera were missing the beta-subunit and group 2 sera were missing the alpha-gamma-subunit of the C8 molecule. Sera from either of these two groups alone did not produce hemolysis in hemolytic plates containing sheep erythrocytes coated with antibody and complement components up to C7 (EAC1-7) and C9. When sera from the two groups were added to adjacent wells in the hemolytic plates, a zone of hemolysis developed between the wells. The contribution of C8 alpha-gamma from the sera of group 1 and of C8 beta from those of group 2 to the lysis of EAC1-7 in the presence of C9 was confirmed by the inhibitory effect of specific antibodies against the two C8 subunits. In experiments in which hemolytic activity was reconstituted by mixing sera from group 1 with sera from group 2, the serum source of C8 beta (group 2) was the limiting reagent. The dysfunctional C8 molecule in this serum was able to bind to EAC1-7. Chromatographic analysis demonstrated that the generation of hemolytic activity in the mixture of the two sera resulted from the reconstitution of the C8 molecule rather than the sequential action of the two C8 subunits.

Antibody Formation↗

Interaction between the C8 alpha-gamma and C8 beta subunits of human complement C8: role of the C8 beta N-terminal thrombospondin type 1 module and membrane attack complex/perforin domain.

Human C8 is one of five complement components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9) that interact to form the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC). It is an oligomeric protein composed of a disulfide-linked C8alpha-gamma heterodimer and a noncovalently associated C8beta chain. C8alpha and C8beta are homologous; both contain an N-terminal thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) module, a low-density lipoprotein receptor class A (LDLRA) module, an extended central segment referred to as the membrane attack/perforin (MACPF) domain, an epidermal growth factor (EGF) module, and a second TSP1 module at the C-terminus. In this study, the segment of C8beta that confers binding specificity toward C8alpha-gamma was identified using recombinant C8beta constructs in which the N- and/or C-terminal modules were deleted or exchanged with those from C8alpha. Constructs were tested for their ability to bind C8alpha-gamma in solution and express C8 hemolytic activity. Binding to C8alpha-gamma was found to be dependent on the TSP1 + LDLRA + MACPF segment of C8beta. Within this segment, the TSP1 module and MACPF domain are principally involved and act cooperatively to mediate binding. Results from activity assays suggest that residues within this segment also mediate binding and incorporation of C8 into the MAC.

Amino Acid Motifs↗