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Molecular analysis of complement component C8beta and C9 cDNAs of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus.

The amino acid sequences of the human terminal complement components show extensive structural similarity to each other. In this study the C8beta and C9 cDNAs of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, were cloned and analyzed. The derived deduced amino acid sequences of the two terminal components were homologous to those of humans, in that the sequences of both species contained LDL receptor, EGF precursor, and two thrombospondin domains. Japanese flounder C9 was found to have a second thrombospondin region in the C-terminus, similar to that reported for rainbow trout and pufferfish. Moreover, these two complement component cDNAs of Japanese flounder had partial similarity to human perforin. These findings show that Japanese flounder C8beta and C9 have similar structures, which supports the hypothesis that the terminal complement genes originated from the same ancestral gene. Collectively, these features emphasize the strong similarity among the members of the terminal complement family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Quantitation of the membrane attack complex of complement in an air-driven ultracentrifuge.

A sensitive assay of complement (C) activation via either the classical or alternative pathway was developed by evaluating assembly of the terminal complexes (C5b-9)2 or SC5b-9. Activation of serum containing [125I]C7 resulted in the formation of a stable, radiolabeled complex which was separable from its precursors by sedimentation in an air-driven ultracentrifuge. The radioactivity in the sediment was directly proportional to the amount of complex formed and assembly of the complex could be detected after C activation by aggregated IgG in concentrations as low as 10 micrograms/ml. Mild detergents such as Triton X-100 could be included in the reaction mixture, because they affected neither the assembly nor the integrity of the complexes. The assay, which detects both assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC or (C5b-9)2) on target membranes and formation of SC5b-9 in fluid phase, measures the potential of certain substances to trigger the cytolytic phase of C regardless of whether the classical or alternative pathway was activated. However, by using serum depleted of either factor B or C1q, activation of either pathway can be assessed individually.

Cell Membrane↗

Immunological evaluation of late complement component-deficient individuals.

The possible contribution of additional immunologic variables to the susceptibility of late complement component-deficient individuals to meningococcal disease has not been systematically examined in previous studies. Thus, we studied three groups of patients: (1) 24 healthy individuals, (2) 8 complement-sufficient individuals with a history of recurrent bacterial meningitis, and (3) 19 complement-deficient individuals with prior meningococcal infection. No statistical differences were noted among the three groups for the following parameters: the absolute number and the percentage of lymphocytes; CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, and CD16+ cells; and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. The concentration of C4 and circulating immune complexes was also similar among the groups. The concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were slightly, but significantly, decreased in the complement-deficient individuals. Of interest, the coefficient of spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated activation of neutrophils was significantly depressed in the deficient individuals. We hypothesize that the terminal complement components may participate in maximal neutrophil activation.

Adolescent↗

Effect of osmotic protection on nucleated cell killing by C5b-9: cell death is not affected by the prevention of cell swelling.

Formation of C5b-9 channels in the plasma membrane can lead to erythrocyte lysis or nucleated cell death. Lysis of erythrocytes by complement occurs as a result of colloid osmotic swelling and rupture of the plasma membrane, due to the unregulated flux of ions and water through C5b-9 channels. This colloid osmotic mechanism of lysis is largely based on the evidence that the extent of hemolysis is reduced, when macromolecules are placed in the medium to balance the osmotic gradient created by intracellular macromolecules, which are too large to diffuse through complement channels. The role of colloid osmotic deregulation, as a cause of nucleated cell killing by C5b-9, however, has been recently questioned [Kim S., Carney D. F. and Shin M. L. J. Immun. 138, 1530 (1987)]. In the present study, we investigated the effect of osmotic protection, with an 81,000 mol. wt dextran or bovine serum albumin, on Ehrlich cell killing by complement channels. The results indicated that prevention of cell swelling by dextran did not reduce the extent or rate of nucleated cell killing by either small (C5b-9l), or large (C5b-9m), complement channels when assessed by vital dye stain. The release of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase as an alternative measure of cell death, however, was retarded and/or reduced, in the presence of dextran or albumin, at concns that prevented cell swelling. These results indicate that C5b-9 can kill nucleated cells effectively, in the absence of colloidal osmotic cell swelling, and that release of cytoplasmic macromolecules may not be a reliable indicator of cell death, when osmotic protectants are employed.

Animals↗

Terminal stages of complement hemolysis: technical comment.

In studying terminal lytic events of sensitized erythrocytes which have reacted with all 9 components of complement, we agree in general with the conclusions of Boyle and Borsos [1] that the cellular intermediate passes through the stages E*bound, E*inserted, and E*doomed. However, we differ with these workers on the influence of 3 variables on the terminal reactions. These variables are: time of hemolysis; temperature of E* preparation; and the use of EDTA to manipulate E*.

Animals↗

The control of homologous lysis.

Complement activation unleashes powerful effector mechanisms against which host cells are protected by homologous restriction factors. These factors are glycolipid-anchored membrane proteins that either induce C3 convertase dissociation (for example decay-accelerating factor) or prevent the full development of the membrane attack complex (for example homologous restriction factor and CD59). In this article Peter Lachmann explores the biology and biochemistry of these important and intriguing molecules.

Animals↗

Complement-fixing adrenal autoantibodies as a marker for predicting onset of idiopathic Addison's disease.

In a prospective investigation of the role of adrenal autoantibodies (AA) in predicting the onset of idiopathic Addison's disease, 9 initially non-addisonian AA-positive autoimmune subjects were followed for 42 months. In 4 of these subjects Addison's disease developed within 1-31 months. A fifth had reduced adrenocortical reserve at the start and at the end of the investigation. An AA capable of fixing the membrane attack complex of complement [(C5-C9) F-AA] was detected before onset of the disease in the sera of the 4 patients in whom Addison's disease developed. (C5-C9) F-AA may be involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic Addison's disease and may be regarded as a marker for individuals in whom idiopathic adrenal insufficiency is likely to develop.

Addison Disease↗

Functional active complement components secreted by guinea pig peritoneal macrophages.

In our studies on complement secretion functional C1, C4, C2, C3, P, D and B were clearly identified in the same cultures. Functional assays did not allow the detection of C5 to C9. Spontaneous C3 activation occurred at a very low level in culture supernatants. The responsible enzyme was identified as a metallo-enzyme. Upon addition of antibody-coated sheep erythrocytes (EA) to culture supernatant it was possible to induce C3 activation as indicated by the apparent formation of EAC1423. Zymosan was also able to activate C3 in culture supernatant after addition of purified functional factor B indicating efficient cooperation of factors of the alternative pathway. Thus in this in vitro system macrophages not only provide C3 but also all factors for spontaneous and induced C3 activation. If these secretory functions reflect in vivo properties of macrophages, our results may indicate that C3 and its activating systems are most relevant for local cooperation between macrophages and the complement system in inflammation and antimicrobial defense. Therefore availability of these essential factors at any time is secured by local production.

Animals↗

Comparison between complement and melittin hemolysis: anti-melittin antibodies inhibit complement lysis.

A comparison is made between the hemolytic actions of melittin and the ninth component of complement (C9). Melittin and C9 produce "pores" of similar effective radius in erythrocytes under standardized conditions, and their hemolytic action is suppressed by metal ions at similar concentrations, suggesting a common mechanism. Polyclonal anti-melittin immunoglobulin G (IgG) produced in rabbits retards hemolysis mediated by human C9 in a specific manner. Such antibodies react in several immunoassays with human and monkey C9 but not with C9 from lower animals, and no inhibition of lysis mediated by C9 molecules from these animals is observed. Thus, it is unlikely that anti-melittin IgG reacts with a structural element, such as an amphipathic helix, on human C9 since such structures are also predicted to exist in other C9 molecules. Human C9 and melittin block cross-reactivity in a dose-dependent manner, and anti-melittin IgG recognizes an epitope located between amino acid residues 245 and 390 of human C9 on "Western" blots. Comparison of the melittin and human C9 sequences indicates two regions of complete homology, a tetrapeptide at positions 292-295, and a pentapeptide at positions 527-531 in human C9, corresponding to residues 8-16 in melittin. Inhibition of hemolysis is not caused by blocking of C9 binding to the C5b-8 complex; rather the antibody must dissociate from the bound C9 before lysis ensues, indicating that it interferes with a postbinding event. It is proposed that anti-melittin binds to a conformational epitope on native, folded human C9 and thereby retards unfolding of the molecule, which is required for membrane insertion and hemolysis.

Antibodies↗

Difficulties in the ascertainment of C9 deficiency: lessons to be drawn from a compound heterozygote C9-deficient subject.

A group of patients with long-surviving mismatched kidney allografts were investigated for complement function using haemolytic assays in agarose gels. One patient was found to have no alternative pathway activity but a low normal classical pathway. Surprisingly, investigation revealed that the patient's complement was normal for all components except C9, which was functionally absent. The patient was shown to be heterozygous for DNA markers in the C6, C7 and C9 region of chromosome 5 and therefore appears to be a compound heterozygote for two uncharacterized C9 deficiency genes. Serological analysis by ELISA revealed that he has trace concentrations of a non-functional C9 molecule. Western blot analysis was not sufficiently sensitive to permit detection of this molecule. We hypothesize that the patient is heterozygous for a complete deficiency of C9 and for a gene directing hyposynthesis of a defective C9. We also suggest that C9 deficiency may be more common among Caucasians than has been reported.

Complement C8↗

Streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) inhibits the membrane attack complex by preventing uptake of C567 onto cell membranes.

Streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) was first described in 1996 as a putative inhibitor of the membrane attack complex of complement (MAC). SIC is a 31 000 MW protein secreted in large quantities by the virulent Streptococcus pyogenes strains M1 and M57, and is encoded by a gene which is extremely variable. In order to study further the interactions of SIC with the MAC, we have made a recombinant form of SIC (rSIC) in Escherichia coli and purified native M1 SIC which was used to raise a polyclonal antibody. SIC prevented reactive lysis of guinea pig erythrocytes by the MAC at a stage prior to C5b67 complexes binding to cell membranes, presumably by blocking the transiently expressed membrane insertion site on C7. The ability of SIC and clusterin (another putative fluid phase complement inhibitor) to inhibit complement lysis was compared, and found to be equally efficient. In parallel, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay both SIC and rSIC bound strongly to C5b67 and C5b678 complexes and to a lesser extent C5b-9, but only weakly to individual complement components. The implications of these data for virulence of SIC-positive streptococci are discussed, in light of the fact that Gram-positive organisms are already protected against complement lysis by the presence of their peptidoglycan cell walls. We speculate that MAC inhibition may not be the sole function of SIC.

Bacterial Proteins↗

CD59 protects rat kidney from complement mediated injury in collaboration with crry.

BACKGROUND: As previously reported, the membrane-bound complement regulator at the C3 level (Crry/p65) is important in maintaining normal integrity of the kidney in rats. However, the role of a complement regulator at the C8/9 level (CD59) is not clear, especially when activation of complement occurs at the C3 level. The aim of this work was to elucidate the in vivo role of CD59 under C3 activating conditions. METHODS: Two monoclonal antibodies, 5I2 and 6D1, were used to suppress the function of Crry and CD59, respectively. In order to activate alternative the pathway of complement, the left kidney was perfused with 5I2 and/or 6D1 and was recirculated. RESULTS: In the kidneys perfused with 5I2 alone, deposition of C3 and membrane attack complex (MAC) was observed in the peritubular capillaries, vasa recta, and tubular basement membranes. Cast formation, tubular dilation and degeneration, and cellular infiltration were observed at days 1 and 4, and they recovered by day 7. Further suppression of CD59 by 6D1 significantly enhanced the deposition of MAC and worsened the already exacerbated tubulointerstitial injury. These effects of 6D1 were dose dependent. Perfusion with 6D1 alone did not induce histologic damage or MAC deposition in the tubulointerstitium. CONCLUSIONS: In rats, CD59 maintains normal integrity of the kidney in collaboration with Crry in rats against complement-mediated damage in vivo.

Animals↗