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Involvement of both the classical and alternate pathways of complement in an ex vivo model of xenograft rejection.

BACKGROUND: It is now generally accepted that complement activation is critical for the hyperacute rejection of xenografts. Activation of the classical pathway as the result of the interaction of xenoreactive IgM xenoantibodies with the vascular endothelium has been observed in all species combinations examined to date. A number of studies using a variety of species combinations have also implicated alternate pathway involvement; however, these studies do not enable a conclusion to be drawn as to whether the alternate pathway can be activated in the complete absence of classical pathway activation. METHODS: In this study, human plasma was depleted of both Clq and factor D and then reconstituted with purified Clq or factor D to restore the classical and alternate complement pathways, respectively. The ability of these modified plasmas to prosecute hyperacute rejection was then examined using an ex vivo isolated mouse heart perfusion model based on the Langendorff system. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In the mouse to human species combination, both the classical and alternate pathways of complement are independently capable of initiating complement activation and mediating xenograft rejection.

Animals↗

Complement inhibitory and anticoagulant activities of fractionated heparins.

Almost monodisperse heparin fractions (Mw/Mn less than 1.1) were obtained by gel filtration of a commercial heparin. These fractions were assayed for anticoagulant activity (thrombin times and APTT), chromogenic anti-factor Xa activity, inhibitory activity for the human classical complement pathway, carboxyl group content and total sulfate content. Linear relationships were observed between the molecular weight of the heparin fractions and the anti-coagulant activities as determined by thrombin time- and APTT-assay and the classical complement pathway inhibitory activity. On the other hand a hyperbolic-like relationship was observed between the molecular weight of the heparin fractions and the chromogenic anti-factor Xa activity. The heparin fractions did not show significant differences with respect to the carboxyl group and total sulfate content. Low- and high affinity heparin fractions were obtained by affinity chromatography using immobilized AT III. High- and low-affinity fractions greatly differed not only with respect to their APTT activity, but also where their complement-inhibitory activities were concerned. The latter in contrast to literature data available. These differences could not be explained by the observed differences in molecular weight of high and low affinity heparin respectively.

Animals↗

Inhibition of the classical activation pathway of complement-mediated lysis by monoclonal antibodies to complement components C3c and C3d.

Eight epitope-mapped monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to complement component C3d and five to complement component C3c were investigated to determine whether they could inhibit the classical activation pathway of complement-mediated lysis (CML) by using blood group AB red cells sensitized by A or B MoAbs. Three IgM C3d MoAbs and one IgG1 C3c MoAb were able to inhibit CML in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of excess complement, no inhibition was observed. The greatest inhibition was observed with two high-affinity IgM antibodies that were specific for epitope 1 on the C3d component. Some inhibition was observed with a high-affinity IgM antibody specific for epitope 3 of the C3d component and also with a lower-affinity IgG antibody specific for epitope 1 of the C3c component. The results indicate that some complement MoAbs have the capacity to distinguish between conformationally and/or functionally different forms of red cell-bound C3.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The role of complement in the host's defense against Haemophilus influenzae.

In vitro studies have shown that Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can activate both the classical and alternative pathways of complement and generate complement-dependent opsonic and bactericidal activities. In vivo studies and observations in complement-deficient patients have established the biologic significance of complement in the host's defense against H. influenzae. The complement system plays a significant role in the host's defense against Hib and against other encapsulated and unencapsulated H. influenzae, mainly by enhancing clearance from the bloodstream through its action as an opsonin in both nonimmune and immune hosts. Patients with genetically determined deficiencies of C3 or of the complement components involved in C3 activation have an increased susceptibility to H. influenzae. More recently, a relatively common deficiency of one isotype of C4 (C4B) has been shown to be associated with invasive Hib disease, suggesting that defects in complement-mediated host defense may be more common in systemic Hib infections than previously appreciated.

Animals↗

Serum immunoglobulin and complement alterations in interstitial cystitis.

Sera from 41 patients with interstitial cystitis were tested for immunoglobulins (IgA, G, M), complement components (C1q, C3, C4) and for C1-esterase inhibitor. There was a statistically highly significant depletion of the serum levels of complement component C4 (p less than 0.001) and immunoglobulin G was markedly elevated (p less than 0.001). Our results suggest the classical pathway activation of the complement system and support the possibility that a chronic local immunological process is involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Complement Activating Enzymes↗

Development of bactericidal antibody during Branhamella catarrhalis infection.

The recent observation that Branhamella catarrhalis may cause a variety of infections in humans has stimulated interest in human host defenses against this organism. We encountered 21 patients with B. catarrhalis infection: seven with pneumonia, 13 with a purulent exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and one with purulent sinusitis. Normal human serum (NHS) demonstrated no bactericidal activity against 20 of the 21 isolates. In contrast, 7 of 19 acute and 18 of 20 convalescent sera demonstrated significant bactericidal effects against the corresponding B. catarrhalis isolate. Heating convalescent sera to 56 C for 30 min abolished bactericidal activity. This activity was restored by NHS but not by complement-rich guinea pig serum. Selective blockage of the classic complement pathway eliminated bactericidal activity, whereas selective blockage of the alternative pathway did not. IgG isolated from convalescent serum plus NHS was bactericidal for the corresponding B. catarrhalis isolate. These results suggest that most patients with pulmonary infections due to B. catarrhalis develop a convalescent IgG antibody response that mediates serum bactericidal activity by the classic complement pathway.

Acute Disease↗

Enhanced neutralization of feline immunodeficiency virus by complement viral lysis.

The ability of complement to inactivate feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was examined. Treatment of virus with complement plus sub-neutralizing titers of antiserum resulted in a significant reduction in the virus titer compared with treatment of the virus with complement or antibody alone. One of the mechanisms by which cat complement inactivates FIV was shown to be by viral lysis as determined by a reverse transcriptase release assay. Kinetic studies revealed that viral lysis is initiated soon after the addition of complement to a mixture of virus and antiserum. Treatment of FIV with normal non-complement-inactivated human serum resulted in virus inactivation and release of viral RT in the absence of specific antiserum. It appears that FIV activates complement directly through the classical pathway and that integrity of the membrane attack components is a requirement for FIV lysis by human serum. The vulnerability of two distinct isolates of FIV to complement lysis was compared using complement from different species. Oradell isolate was more sensitive to complement lysis than the Petaluma isolate as assessed by reverse transcriptase release. It appears that factors intrinsic to the virus isolate may influence the amplitude of complement-dependent viral lysis.

Animals↗

Inhibition of C3 deposition on solid-phase bound immune complexes by lactoferrin.

In the study described here, the effect of human tears and purified lactoferrin was investigated on the deposition of complement components on solid-phase bound immune complexes. After incubating immune complexes with fresh normal human serum, the deposition of complement components (C3, C4 and C5) was measured with an ELISA technique. Rabbit antibodies were used as a constituent of the immune complexes, and so both alternative and classical complement pathway activation could be studied. The addition of human tears or purified lactoferrin to this system resulted in the inhibition of classical pathway deposition of C3 and C5, while C4 deposition was not affected. High concentrations of human tears also inhibited alternative pathway C3 deposition on immune complexes, whereas lactoferrin did not detectably affect this pathway. The inhibition of complement activation by tears was not due to a masking of the immune complexes or the already deposited C3. Experiments with purified lactoferrin furthermore showed that lactoferrin did not bind to the complexes, either before or during complement activation. These findings suggest that the complement inhibitory effect is probably taking place in the fluid phase. Saturation of lactoferrin with iron or copper ions resulted in a markedly diminished effect on the capacity of lactoferrin to inhibit complement activation. C4 deposition on immune complexes was not affected by lactoferrin, which suggested that the inhibition of the classical pathway was due to an effect on the classical C3 convertase. The fact that lactoferrin inhibits the classical, but not the alternative C3 convertase, suggests that the effect is probably not mediated through a competition for certain trace metal ions, but may be caused by protein-protein interactions. The findings reported here indicate that lactoferrin may play an important anti-inflammatory role by modulating activation of the complement system. This observation adds a new property to the already described functions of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Liposome-complement interactions in rat serum: implications for liposome survival studies.

Serum complement opsonizes particles such as bacteria for clearance by the reticuloendothelial system. Complement has been reported to interact with liposomes and therefore may mediate the reticuloendothelial system clearance of liposomes. This study has used a rat serum model to define some of the characteristics of liposomes which modulate their ability to activate complement. Using functional hemolytic assays and C3/C3b crossed immunoelectrophoresis, we have demonstrated that liposomes activated rat complement in a dose-dependent manner with higher concentrations of liposomes activating higher levels of complement. The detection of complement activation required the inclusion of phospholipids bearing a net charge. Complement activation occurred via the classical pathway; no alternative pathway activation was detected. The presence of cholesterol contributed to complement activation in a dose-dependent manner. Phospholipid fatty acyl chain length did not influence complement activation while the introduction of unsaturated acyl chains markedly decreased levels of complement activation. Liposome size also influenced complement activation with 400 nm unilamellar vesicles more effectively activating complement than 50 nm vesicles for equivalent amounts of exposed lipid. These studies demonstrate that the composition of the liposome greatly affects the in vitro activation of rat serum complement and suggest that the biological half-life of liposomes in the circulation of rats may be altered by changing the liposome composition to reduce complement activation.

Animals↗

Complement abnormalities in diffuse plane xanthomatosis with paraproteinaemia.

Paraproteinaemia may be associated with xanthomatous skin deposits and these can arise in the absence of elevated lipid levels. Two cases of benign monoclonal gammopathy with diffuse plane xanthomatosis are reported. Case 1 exhibited hypolipidaemia and a functional deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor. Case 2 showed a normal lipoprotein profile, abnormal platelet aggregation, and a cutaneous vasculitis with evidence of complement consumption via the classical pathway. The significance of these abnormalities is discussed.

Aged↗

Antibody-independent activation of the classical pathway of human serum complement by lipid A is restricted to re-chemotype lipopolysaccharide and purified lipid A.

Incubation of most bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with normal human sera at 37 degrees C activates the serum complement system, resulting in decreased levels of hemolytic complement. A panel of R-chemotype LPS preparations isolated from Salmonella minnesota rough mutant strains, as well as smooth wild-type LPS from S. minnesota, Escherichia coli O55-B5, Serratia marcescens, and Yersinia enterolitica, were used to examine the effect of LPS polysaccharide chain length on LPS lipid (lipid A)-dependent activation of the classical pathway of complement (CPC). To examine specific lipid A-dependent activation of the CPC, sera deficient in alternative pathway of complement activity were prepared by the removal of factor D. Absorption of normal human sera with formalinized rabbit erythrocytes was found to remove natural antibodies, factors capable of forming LPS complexes which activate the CPC, or both. By using such factor D-depleted formalinized rabbit erythrocyte-absorbed normal human sera, only isolated lipid A and Re-chemotype LPS (R595 LPS) were found to activate the CPC. Thus, the presence of the additional monosaccharide L-glycero-D-mannoheptose in the Rd2 LPS oligosaccharide chain compared with the L-glycero-D-mannoheptose-deficient Re-chemotype LPS structure is sufficient to block lipid A-dependent activation of the CPC by LPS.

Complement Activation↗

Complement activation by a B cell superantigen.

Staphylococcal protein A (SpA), acting as a B cell superantigen, binds to the Fab region of human VH3+ Igs. Using SpA abrogated of its IgG Fc binding activity (Mod SpA) as a model B cell superantigen, we determined whether such an interaction causes complement activation. Addition of Mod SpA to human serum led to complement consumption and the generation of C3a. To determine whether this complement activation 1) was due to an interaction between VH3+ Igs and the Fab binding site of SpA and 2) proceeded via the classical complement pathway, we tested a panel of monoclonal IgM proteins for the ability to hind C1q following interaction with SpA. C1q binding was restricted to SpA-reactive, VH3+ IgM proteins. To formally determine whether the binding of SpA to the reactive VH3+ IgM proteins led to complement activation, we reconstituted the serum from a hypogammaglobulinemic patient with monoclonal IgM proteins and measured complement consumption and C3a generation following the addition of Mod SpA. We observed complement consumption and C3a production only in Mod SpA-treated serum reconstituted with a VH3+, SpA-binding, IgM protein. Taken together, these results provide compelling evidence that the interaction of the Fab binding site of SpA and VH3+ Igs can lead to complement activation via the classical pathway. This novel interaction may have significant implications for the in vivo properties of a B cell superantigen.

Adult↗

Opsonization of yeast cells with equine iC3b, C3b, and IgG.

The main opsonins in serum are antibodies and complement factor C3. The opsonization mechanisms including complement activation and deposition are important in studies of phagocytosis and of mechanisms of microbial immune evasion. The objective of the present study was to monitor the deposition of complement C3 and IgG from equine serum on yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) using a flow cytometric immunoassay. Correlations were made between the opsonic coating and phagocytic capacity using equine blood neutrophils. In addition, the bound C3 fragments were characterized by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses. Opsonic coating of yeast with equine C3 and IgG occurred rapidly with detectable levels with as little as 0.75% serum. C3 deposition was a result of complement activation and no passive adsorption was observed. When complement was inactivated, the fluorescence indicating IgG deposition increased 3-6-fold, indicating spatial competition between C3 and IgG at binding. Opsonization with 1.5% serum led to suboptimal equine neutrophil phagocytosis of yeast cells which was dependent on complement activation by the classical pathway. With > or =6.25% serum, IgG contributed to opsonization and phagocytosis. With 50% serum and more, C3 was deposited also by the alternative pathway. Phagocytosis rates became optimal with 3% serum, and did not increase further with higher serum concentrations. The main form of C3 on the yeast cells was iC3b and the rest was C3b without any detectable breakdown products (C3c or C3dg). The equine complement components are similar in size to the human equivalents. It may be concluded that opsonization of yeast particles leading to phagocytosis, occurs at very low serum concentrations (1.5%) and that it is dependent on activation of the classical complement pathway at this low opsonic level. This is an important finding for efficient host defense, e.g. extravascular phagocytosis at infection sites.

Animals↗

[The effect of plasmin on complement in human blood serum].

Plasma exhibited the dose-dependent inactivating effect on human blood serum hemolytic complement both in classic and alternative pathways. Negative correlation (r = -0.8) was found between the rate of complement inactivation and content of C3 component. Plasmin appears to hydrolyze mainly the C3 component of complement as a result of which hemolytic activity of complement is decreased.

Blood↗

In vitro activation of feline complement by feline leukemia virus.

Incubation of normal feline serum with purified feline leukemia virus (FeLV) at 37 degrees C for 30 min resulted in the activation of the complement system via the classical pathway as demonstrated by consumption of the C1, C4, C2, C3, and, to a lesser extent, the later C components. A similar finding was observed when normal human serum was substituted for normal cat serum. In contrast, complement-dependent lysis of FeLV with normal feline serum as assayed by the release of ribonucleic acid-dependent deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase was one-third that of complement-dependent FeLV lysis with normal human serum. The levels of total hemolytic complement and neutralizing antibody in individual feline sera were also not proportional to the degree of virolytic activity. These observations indicate that the inefficient virolysis of FeLV by normal cat serum may be one of the factors contributing to the high incidence of leukemia observed in cats.

Animals↗

C142 complement activity and conglutinogen in bovine milk.

Bovine milk, derived from uninflamed glands in mid-lactation, is shown to contain the complement components of the classical pathway up to C3. Using functional tests, C142 activity and conglutinogenic activity can be demonstrated in undiluted whey. Conglutinin is rarely found in normal milk.

Animals↗

Mechanism of complement activation in the hyperacute rejection of porcine organs transplanted into primate recipients.

The authors investigated the importance of natural antibody and complement in the pathogenesis of hyperacute xenograft rejection using in vivo and in vitro pig to primate models. Studies were carried out in rhesus monkeys transplanted with a pig heart or kidney in which hyperacute rejection was observed within a few hours. The rejected organs showed deposits of IgM, C3, C4, C5, and C9 neoantigen along small blood vessels, but few deposits of factors B and P. Removal of anti-endothelial cell "natural" antibodies by plasmapheresis, immunoabsorption, and immunosuppression techniques resulted in marked prolongation of the survival of a subsequently transplanted heart, even when complement levels were within the normal range. Thus, complement, in the absence of natural antibodies, did not initiate hyperacute rejection in this species combination. The requirements for complement activation in human serum to cause cytotoxicity of porcine endothelial cells were then evaluated. Cytotoxicity was abrogated by depleting human serum of IgM, C2, or C5, but not of factor B. Restoration of the effect of serum on endothelial cells was achieved by reconstitution of the respective depleted sera with purified IgM or with the corresponding complement proteins, indicating that IgM and the classical, but not the alternative, pathway of complement, were involved. Identical conclusions were drawn from experiments to ascertain the requirements for complement activation in human serum to mediate binding of iC3b to porcine endothelial cells. The authors conclude that in a pig to primate xenograft complement does not directly initiate injury to the graft but rather requires activation by bound xenoreactive natural antibodies; IgM antibodies directed against endothelial cells activate the classical complement pathway, which then contributes to endothelial cell activation and subsequent events characteristic of hyperacute rejection.

Animals↗

Collectins: collagenous C-type lectins of the innate immune defense system.

Collectins are humoral lectins found in mammals and birds. They are oligomers whose subunits comprise three polypeptide chains each containing a collagenous section and a C-terminal lectin domain. They are related structurally and functionally to the first component of the classical complement pathway, C1q, and seem to serve important roles in innate immunity through opsonization and complement activation. The lectin domains bind carbohydrates on microorganisms, while the collagenous regions are ligands for the collectin receptor on phagocytes and also mediate C1q-independent activation of the classical complement pathway.

Animals↗