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Properdin, the positive regulator of complement, is highly C-mannosylated.

Properdin is the positive regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation. The 53-kDa protein is essentially composed of six thrombospondin type 1 repeats, all of which contain the WXXW motif, the recognition sequence for C-mannosylation. C-Mannosylation is a post-translational modification of tryptophan residues in which, in contrast to the well known N- and O-glycosylation, the carbohydrate is attached via a C-C bond to C-2 of the indole moiety of tryptophan. C-Mannosylation was first found in human RNase 2 and interleukin-12. The terminal complement proteins C6-C9 also carry this modification as part of their thrombospondin type 1 repeats. We studied the C-mannosylation pattern of human properdin by mass spectrometry and Edman degradation. Properdin contains 20 tryptophans of which 17 are part of a WXXW motif. Fourteen tryptophans were found to be modified 100%. This is the first example of a protein in which the majority of tryptophan residues occurs in the C-mannosylated form. These results show that C-mannosylated proteins occur at several steps along the complement activation cascade. Therefore, this system would be ideal to investigate the function of C-mannosylation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure of the human C7 gene and comparison with the C6, C8A, C8B, and C9 genes.

The seventh component of complement is a single chain plasma glycoprotein that is involved in the cytolytic phase of complement activation. We have determined the structure of the C7 gene, which is encoded by 18 exons whose sizes vary from 56 to 244 bp. For the most part, the exons do not correspond to the protein homology units. However, two intron/exon boundaries occur at junctions between different functional parts of the protein. The first is at a site between the end of the C9 homology unit and the carboxyl-terminal extension which is also a feature of C6. The second of these boundaries occurs between the regions encoding two pairs of cysteine-rich modules (the short consensus repeats and the factor I modules) located in the carboxyl-terminal part of C7. In contrast to the exons, the introns range considerably in size from 0.5 to 8.5 kbp. The complete analysis indicates that the gene encoding C7 is approximately 80 kbp in length. We show here that the C7 gene is highly homologous to that for C6, and also to C8A, C8B, and C9, confirming and extending the published data. With the exception of exon 1, all intron/exon boundaries are preserved with respect to phase when compared with C6.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Formation of the membrane attack complex of complement (MAC) on erythrocytes from monocyte-produced terminal complement components.

By using antibodies against C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9, we found that terminal complement components were deposited on IgM-coated sheep erythrocytes (EIgM) kept in serum-free endotoxin-stimulated monocyte cultures for 24 or 48 h. Monoclonal antibodies revealed C9 neoantigens on the EIgM. There was no specific binding of an anti-S protein antibody, which reacts with the SC5b-9 complex, to the EIgM. Controls were native sheep erythrocytes (E) treated similarly which, in contrast to EIgM, do not activate the classical pathway of complement. Cycloheximide (1.0 microgram/ml) in the cell cultures resulted in no specific binding of the anti-C9 antibodies to EIgM. A fraction of the EIgM was lysed during incubation with the monocytes. We conclude that the monocytes secrete C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9, which form the membrane attack complex of complement (C5b-9) on the EIgM.

Animals↗

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↗

Release of arachidonic acid and formation of oxygenated derivatives after complement attack on macrophages: role of channel formation.

Treatment of [3H]arachidonic acid ([3H]C20:4)-labeled, antibody-sensitized mouse resident peritoneal macrophages with rabbit serum complement, or C6-deficient rabbit serum + C6, caused hydrolytic release of incorporated [3H]C20:4 from phospholipids, followed by conversion to oxygenated derivatives. The C6 dose-response curve for release of C20:4 plus its metabolites was monotonic, which indicates dependence on channel formation, whereas the dose-response curve for lysis displayed multi-hit behavior. High-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated that the major radiolabeled products in the aqueous phase co-eluted with C20:4, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), and prostaglandin E2. Kinetic studies of the release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the major metabolite, displayed biphasic characteristics; a moderate amount of this prostaglandin was released before the onset of cell lysis. Experimental evidence obtained by freeze-thaw or by incubation of these cells with melittin or A23187 indicated that cell lysis does not necessarily result in the production of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, when macrophages were treated with serum complement, it was apparent that the major part of the release was due to C5b-9 and not to the action of C5a. We conclude that release of C20:4 and its derivatives from complement-treated macrophages does not depend on cytolysis, but is a consequence of insertion and channel formation.

Animals↗

Role of the complement membrane attack complex (C5b-9) in mediating experimental mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis.

Previous studies have demonstrated that most pathologic changes in the antithymocyte serum (ATS) model of mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis are complement-dependent. These include mesangiolysis, glomerular platelet infiltration, mesangial cell proliferation, mesangial cell production of growth factors and phenotypic change to express alpha-actin, glomerular macrophage infiltrate, mesangial matrix expansion, and proteinuria. The mechanism by which complement mediates these effects has not been defined. Because neutrophils do not participate in the ATS model, we hypothesized that the complement effects observed are consequent to glomerular cell insertion of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex of complement. This hypothesis was tested utilizing PVG rats which exhibit an absence of C6 inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. C6 deficient (C-) PVG rat serum activated by zymosan produced normal amounts of C5a compared to normocomplementemic (C+) PVG rat controls but no C5b-9. When ATS was induced, C- PVG rats had a significant and marked reduction in mesangiolysis, platelet infiltration, mesangial cell proliferation, alpha-actin expression, macrophage infiltration, collagen IV deposition, and proteinuria compared to C+ controls. The reduction in each of these parameters was comparable to that achieved by systemic complement depletion of C+ PVG rats with cobra venom factor. These findings establish the role of C5b-9 in mediating each of the complement-dependent features of the ATS model and indicate that C5b-9 accounts for all of the complement-mediated effects observed. This study provides the first documentation of a functional role for C5b-9 in mediating a non-membranous inflammatory type of glomerular injury in vivo.

Animals↗

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↗

Genomic organization of human complement protein C8 alpha and further examination of its linkage to C8 beta.

Human C8 is one of five complement components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, C9) that interact to form the cytolytic C5b-9 complex on target membranes. It is composed of three nonidentical subunits (C8 alpha, C8 beta, C8 gamma) encoded by separate genes. C8 alpha and C8 beta are linked on chromosome 1p32, whereas C8 gamma is located on 9q22.3-q32. In this study, overlapping genomic clones were isolated and used to decipher the organization of the human C8 alpha gene. The gene contains at least 11 exons spanning approximately 70 kb of DNA. When compared to C6, C8 beta and C9, there is a remarkable similarity in genomic organization, consistent with amino acid sequence comparisons that suggest these proteins are ancestrally related. Regions of each protein that are structurally similar are encoded in exons of correspondingly similar lengths with highly conserved boundaries and phases. Availability of genomic sequence also facilitated a more detailed analysis of C8 alpha and C8 beta linkage. Based on analysis of genomic digests with cDNA probes, the loci were previously reported to be physically linked (< 2.5 kb) and in a 5' alpha-beta 3' orientation. In the present study, results obtained using exon-specific probes indicate the loci are not as closely linked as initially believed. Furthermore, they suggest that cDNA probes used earlier yielded misleading information because they encode exons that are distributed across large segments of genomic DNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

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↗

Human monocyte spreading induced by activated factor B of the complement alternative pathway: differential effects of Fab' and F(ab')2 antibody fragments directed to C5, C6, and C7.

Human peripheral blood mononuclear phagocytes are induced by activated Factor B (Bb) of the complement alternative pathway to undergo morphological shape changes in vitro which have been described as "spreading." The spreading reaction induced by Bb has previously been shown to depend upon the enzymatic activity of Bb and to be inhibited by Fab' antibody fragments directed to C5 (but not anti-C3 Fab'). The possibility that Bb may exert its effect on monocytes by initiating assembly of terminal complement complexes comprised of C5b, 6, 7, C5b-8, or C5b-9 was addressed in the present study. The effects were tested of Fab' and F(ab')2 antibody fragments directed to C5, C6, C7, and C8 and to neoantigens expressed in the assembling terminal complement complexes on the monocyte spreading reaction induced by Bb. Differential effects of monovalent Fab' and divalent F(ab')2 antibody fragments were observed. Anti-C5, C6, and C7 Fab' were found to inhibit the spreading reaction induced by Bb in an immunologically specific manner. Divalent F(ab')2 fragments directed to these same proteins (but not to C3, C4, C8, or C9) induced monocyte spreading in the complete absence of Bb or other recognized inducing agents. Monocyte spreading induced by hybridoma immunoglobulin (Ig) directed to C5 and C7 was found to be correlated with the binding of 10(6) molecules Ig per cell. These findings support the notion that C5, C6, and C7 (or an analogous system of cellular proteins) are associated with the surface of human peripheral blood monocytes and that these proteins may play a role in certain reactions by which mononuclear phagocytes are induced to altered states of cellular physiology.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗

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↗

Incorporation of human complement C8 into the membrane attack complex is mediated by a binding site located within the C8beta MACPF domain.

Human C8 is one of five complement components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, C9) that interact to form the membrane attack complex (MAC). C8 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 N- and C-terminal modules and an intervening approximately 40 kDa segment referred to as the membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain. C8beta participates in at least two binding interactions. It has a high affinity binding site for C8alpha, which facilitates its interaction with C8alpha-gamma. C8beta also mediates incorporation of C8 into the MAC by binding to C5b-7, an intermediate in the MAC assembly pathway. Little is known about the location or properties of the respective binding sites on C8beta. In this study, the MACPF domain of C8beta (betaMACPF) was expressed in Escherichia coli and its role in binding C8alpha and C5b-7 examined. Recombinant betaMACPF was shown to bind C8alpha-gamma in solution and form a noncovalent complex (betaMACPF*C8alpha-gamma) that exhibited C8 hemolytic activity. betaMACPF was also capable of binding independently to erythrocytes carrying C5b-7. Subsequent addition of C8alpha-gamma and C9 to these cells produced a hemolytically active MAC. The ability to produce a soluble, recombinant betaMACPF that retains the binding functions of C8beta suggests this segment of C8beta is an independently folded domain. Furthermore, results indicate the principal binding sites for C8alpha and C5b-7 are located within this domain, and that C8beta binding specificity is not determined by the N- and C-terminal modules.

Binding Sites↗

Inherited deficiencies of the late-acting complement components other than C9 found among healthy blood donors.

Among sera from 145,640 healthy blood donors in Osaka, 16 were found to have abnormalities in late-acting complement components other than C9. It was found that of these 16 sera, 2 were deficient in C5, 4 in C6, 6 in C7 and 4 in C8 alpha-gamma-subunit. The incidence of deficiency of each component among the Osaka blood donors was calculated as follows: C5 deficiency, 0.0014%; C6 deficiency, 0.0027%; C7 deficiency, 0.0041%; C8 alpha-gamma-subunit deficiency, 0.0027%. We confirmed that 13 donors were healthy and 12 had no past history related to a complement component deficiency. From these results, not only C9 deficiency but also deficiencies of the other late-acting complement components were found among the healthy blood donors, but no early-acting component deficiencies were noted.

Blood Donors↗

Membrane attack by complement.

Membrane attack by complement involves the self-assembly on membranes of five hydrophilic proteins (C5b, C6, C7, C8 and C9) to an amphiphilic tubular complex comprising approximately 20 subunits. The hydrophilic-amphiphilic transition of the precursor proteins is achieved by restricted unfolding and exposure of previously hidden hydrophobic domains. Restricted unfolding, in turn, is driven by high-affinity protein-protein interactions resulting in the formation of amphilic complexes. Circular polymerization of C9 to a tubular complex (poly C9) constitutes the molecular mechanism for transmembrane channel assembly and formation of ultrastructural membrane lesions.

Animals↗

Biochemical markers in rats: linkage relationships of aconitase (Acon-1), aldehyde dehydrogenases (Ahd-2 and Ahd-c), alkaline phosphatase (Akp-1), and hydroxyacid oxidase (Hao-1).

We have examined the linkage relationships between five biochemical markers, Acon-1, Ahd-2, Ahd-c, Akp-1, and Hao-1, and 19 other genetic loci in five breeding combinations. The genetic locus that codes for a recently described aldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver (Ahd-c) has been assigned to linkage group X (LG X). Hydroxyacid oxidase is coded for by a locus (Hao-1) that is linked to genes that encode agouti coat color and seminal vesicle proteins in linkage group IV. Alkaline phosphatase (Akp-1) was linked to the locus that encodes the C6 component of complement and this association provisionally defines a new linkage group (LG XI) in the rat. The locus Acon-1 could not be positively assigned to a specific linkage group but the results from one breeding combination suggest that this locus may be included in linkage group II. No linkage relationship could be detected for the aldehyde dehydrogenase coded for by Ahd-2.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Phosphorylcholine acts as a Ca2+-dependent receptor molecule for lymphocyte perforin.

Large granular lymphocytes and cytolytic T-lymphocytes (CTL) contain numerous cytoplasmic granules thought to be responsible, at least in part, for the cytolytic activity of these effector cells. Isolated granules are lytic for a variety of target cells and the granule proteins are specifically released upon target-cell interaction. Major proteins in mouse CTL granules are a family of seven serine proteases designated granzymes A to G, and a pore-forming protein called perforin (cytolysin). Purified perforin is cytolytic in the presence of Ca2+ and shows ultrastructural, immunological and amino-acid sequence similarities to complement component C9. Despite these similarities, perforin and C9 are clearly distinct in their mode of target-cell recognition. Whereas C9 insertion is absolutely dependent on a receptor moiety assembled from the complement proteins C5b, C6, C7, and C8 on the target-cell membrane, no requirement for a receptor molecule has been reported for perforin. Here, we demonstrate that phosphorylcholine acts as a specific, Ca2+-dependent receptor molecule for perforin.

Animals↗