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PubMed1980

Factor D of the alternative pathway of human complement. Purification, alignment and N-terminal amino acid sequences of the major cyanogen bromide fragments, and localization of the serine residue at the active site.

The serine esterase factor D of the complement system was purified from outdated human plasma with a yield of 20% of the initial haemolytic activity found in serum. This represented an approx. 60 000-fold purification. The final product was homogeneous as judged by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis (with an apparent mol.wt. of 24 000), its migration as a single component in a variety of fractionation procedures based on size and charge, and its N-terminal amino-acid-sequence analysis. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the first 36 residues of the intact molecule was found to be homologous with the N-terminal amino acid sequences of the catalytic chains of other serine esterases. Factor D showed an especially strong homology (greater than 60% identity) with rat 'group-specific protease' [Woodbury, Katunuma, Kobayashi, Titani, & Neurath (1978) Biochemistry 17, 811-819] over the first 16 amino acid residues. This similarity is of interest since it is considered that both enzymes may be synthesized in their active, rather than zymogen, forms. The three major CNBr fragments of factor D, which had apparent mol.wts. of 15 800, 6600 and 1700, were purified and then aligned by N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis and amino acid analysis. By using factor D labelled with di-[1,3-14C]isopropylphosphofluoridate it was shown that the CNBr fragment of apparent mol.wt. 6600, which is located in the C-terminal region of factor D, contained the active serine residue. The amino acid sequence around this residue was determined.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Pathogenesis of intraabdominal abscess formation: abscess-potentiating agents and inhibition of complement-dependent opsonization of abscess-inducing bacteria.

Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli are synergistic in the production of intraabdominal abscesses. However, these bacteria initiate abscess formation only when inoculated with an agent such as autoclaved colonic contents (ACC) or bran (a fiber analogue). The mechanism of action of the abscess-potentiating agent was studied. Opsonins in normal mouse serum were determined for phagocytic killing by murine neutrophils of B. fragilis and E. coli. Opsonization required fixation of complement by the alternative pathway. ACC (0.2 mg/ml) and bran (1.0 mg/ml) inhibited phagocytic killing of Proteus mirabilis in the presence of normal but not immune serum. Assay of the alternative pathway of complement activation indicated that both bacterial components and abscess-potentiating agents in an abscess-inducing mixture activated complement. These findings suggest that abscess-potentiating agents inhibit opsonization and therefore the subsequent phagocytic killing of bacteria in the nonimmune host.

Abscess↗
PubMed2004

Heterozygous and homozygous factor h deficiencies associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: report and genetic analysis of 16 cases.

Factor H (FH) is the major regulatory protein of the complement alternative pathway, with a structure consisting of a tandem array of 20 homologous units, called short consensus repeats (SCR). Reported are 16 FH-deficient patients. Among six patients with homozygous deficiency, four presented with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and two with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The ten other patients had heterozygous FH deficiency and developed atypical HUS. HUS onset occurred from birth to midadulthood, and disease progression was variable. Four children with homozygous or heterozygous FH deficiency and HUS underwent renal transplantation, which was successful in three but failed as a result of recurrence of HUS in one patient. All but one patient exhibited alternative pathway-mediated complement consumption, with no detectable FH antigenic levels or with 50% immunochemical or functional FH levels in the case of complete or partial deficiency, respectively. The molecular mechanisms of the deficiency were documented in all cases by exon-specific sequencing analysis. These mechanisms included nucleotide substitutions, insertion, or deletion located in SCR 2, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 20, leading to an amino acid substitution or to a stop codon. This report emphasizes the variability in the clinical progression of kidney diseases associated with FH deficiencies. Genetic analysis reveals the molecular abnormalities associated with FH deficiencies to be polymorphous.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Activation of classical complement pathway by naturally occurring heteroantibodies in normal rabbit serum. Effect on subpopulations of human lymphoid cells.

Heteroantibodies present in normal rabbit serum (NRS) are toxic to human B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and monocytes. Even NRS, which exhibits little back ground cytotoxicity for human lymphoid cells in conventional HLA or B-cell lymphocytotoxic assays, can be shown to contain considerable activity by making two modifications in usual procedures: by washing cells in saline or balanced salt solutions devoid of protein or sugar substances, and by increasing incubation time for 1 h to 3--4 h. Using such modifications, the cytotoxic activity of NRS towards human lymphoid cells was investigated and was found to involve activation of the classical complement pathway rather than activation of the alternate complement pathway. Residual unwanted background cytotoxicity of NRS toward human lymphoid cells can be decreased without loss of desired complement activity either by heating NRS for 15 min at 50 degrees C or by mixing NRS with small amounts of normal human serum.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Alternative pathway fof bovine complement Immunochemical studies on factor B-like serum protein and its conversion product B gamma 2.

Rabbits produced antibodies to a factor B-like serum protein (factor Bbov), its conversion product B gamma 2 and some other bovine serum proteins after repeated immunization with zymosan which previously had been incubated with fresh bovine serum. Such antisera were used to monitor purification of B gamma 2 from fresh bovine sera incubated with zxymosan. Subsequently, antisera specific for factor Bbov and B gamma 2 were produced. Antiserum produced against B gamma 2 cross-reacted with factor Bbov. Functional assays for factor Bbov were carried out in a hemolytic system with guinea pig erythrocytes in EGTA buffer. Heat inactivation (56 degrees C/5 min) of bovine serum destroyed the antigenicity of factor Bbov but not that of B gamma 2. Factor Bbov had an apparent molecular weight of 95,000 and B gamma 2 a molecular weight of 40,000 daltons. Conversion of factor Bbov to B gamma 2 was determined qualitatively by immunoelectrophoresis and quantitatively by radial immunodiffusion. Conversion of factor Bbov to B gamma 2 in bovine serum, in the presence of zymosan or cobra venom factor (CoVF) required Mg++ but not Ca++, did not occur in heat inactivated (56 degrees C/5 min) serum and was maximal, but not complete, when fresh bovine serum was incubated with zymosan (20 mg/mL) at 37 for two hours.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Secretion of complement components of the alternative pathway (C3 and factor B) by the human alveolar type II epithelial cell line A549.

The complement system participates in the local immune system of the lung. In this study, we investigated the secretion of complement components of the alternative pathway (C3 and factor B) in the alveolar type II epithelial cell line A549. The levels of C3 and factor B protein in the culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The C3 and factor B mRNA expression was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The addition of interleukin (IL)-1beta or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in C3 and factor B secretion. The addition of IL-6 or interferon (IFN)-gamma also induced a weak but significant increase in C3 and factor B secretion. These responses at the protein level were also observed at the mRNA level. Furthermore, the combination of IL-1beta plus TNF-alpha induced a marked increase in C3 and factor B secretion. Similarly, IL-6 and IFN-gamma potently enhanced IL-1beta- or TNF-alpha-induced C3 and factor B secretion, respectively. In this study, we demonstrated C3 and factor B secretion in A549 cells, and showed that the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, acted as potent inducers of C3 and factor B secretion. It is likely that alveolar type II epithelial cells are the local sites of complement biosynthesis, and that various cytokines act as regulators of this local immune protection system.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2002

Transmission of antibody-induced arthritis is independent of complement component 4 (C4) and the complement receptors 1 and 2 (CD21/35).

The K/BxN murine model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is dependent on the specificity of the KRN alpha beta-TCR, to recognize glucose-6-phosphate-isomerase (GPI) on the NOD MHC class II A(g7) allele and production of GPI-specific autoantibodies. Transfer of K/BxN serum into MHC-unrelated and lymphocyte-deficient mice induces RA. To investigate whether K/BxN serum-induced RA involves complement activation and/or the complement receptors (CR) 1 and 2, we analyzed the role of complement C4 and of CR1 and CR2. For this purpose we used C4(-/-) mice impaired in the classical and the lectin complement pathways; Cr2(-/-) mice lacking CR1 and CR2 and, as control strains, BALB/c, C57BL/6, KRN and NOD. RA was assessed by caliper measurement of ankle thickness, clinical index and joint histology. We found that all mouse strains except NOD developed RA. The lack of protection in C4(-/-) mice suggests that antibody-mediated RA is independent of the classical as well as the lectin complement pathways and the split complement product C4b. The lack of protection in Cr2(-/-) mice suggests that absence of CR1 had no significant affect, considering its role in immune complex clearance, inhibition of C3 and C5 convertase and as receptor for C3b/C4b. Also, CR2 lacks a role in disease as analyzed here, in its possible functions as receptor for C3dg, germinal center reaction and activation of alternative pathway on binding iC3. Hence we conclude that the transmission of K/BxN serum-induced RA is independent of the classical and the lectin complement pathways and CR1 and CR2. The crucial role of complement C5, while neither classical nor lectin pathway is necessary, indicates that the alternative complement pathway may have a role in the K/BxN serum-induced RA model.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Identification of human complement factor H as a chemotactic protein for monocytes.

We used chromatographic separation to purify to homogeneity a monomeric monocyte chemotactic protein of 150 kDa contained in mesothelioma pleural effusions. It was identified by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and immunoblotting as complement factor H, an inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway. Specific antibodies against factor H inhibited the monocyte chemotactic activity of the purified protein, which was most active at 10 nM. Factor H is a restrictive factor of alternative complement pathway activation. The new chemotactic function assigned to factor H in recruiting monocytes to the mesothelioma site might contribute to malignant cell phagocytosis via the iC3b/complement receptor type 3 pathway. These functions link the humoral and cellular immune systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1984

Complement activation by synthetic vascular prostheses.

Morphologic evaluation of synthetic grafts (both seeded and unseeded) harvested within 2 weeks of implantation has revealed heavy infiltration with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Since complement-activated PMNs are known to damage endothelial cells, we hypothesized that complement activation might prove a barrier to optimal endothelial cell seeding of prosthetic grafts. To determine whether synthetic vascular prostheses activate complement and whether the type of graft material influences the degree of activation, we assayed the plasma of 10 healthy donors for complement activity following incubation with short segments of knitted Dacron and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft material. C5a generation was measured by radioimmunoassay and granulocyte aggregometry. Standard hemolytic assays were used to determine depletion of functional classical pathway (CH50 and C4) alternative pathway (APH50) activity. Results indicated substantial complement activation by Dacron and virtually none by PTFE. Activation by Dacron appeared to occur via both complement pathways. Such complement "reactivity" may have important implications for the performance of prosthetic materials as small-caliber vascular grafts, whether seeded with endothelial cells or not.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis↗
PubMed1993

The effect of bursectomy on natural xenoreactive antibodies and vascularized rat cardiac xenograft rejection in the chicken.

The clinical application of xenotransplantation between distantly related species is currently prevented by the occurrence of hyperacute rejection (HAR). Controversy exists over the importance of natural xenoreactive antibody (NAb)-mediated activation of the classical complement pathway vs. direct activation of the alternative C pathway in this process. In order to evaluate HAR of xenografts (Xgs) in the absence of NAb, this study utilized K strain leghorn chickens that were bursectomized (Bx) on day 17 in ovo (n = 18) to prevent B cell development and production of NAb. Aged-matched untreated siblings served as controls (n = 13). Based on pretransplant antibody levels, the Bx chickens were divided into two groups: totally Bx (Total Bx, n = 9) and partially Bx (Part Bx, n = 9). Chickens then underwent heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation using PVG rats as donors, where the Xg was connected to the circulation of the chicken recipient utilizing cannulae. For the control group, Xg survival was 28 +/- 3 min (mean +/- SEM), while Part Bx prolonged survival to 80 +/- 15 min. Total Bx extended rat Xg survival to 102 +/- 11 min, with 5 of 9 Xgs functioning well at the time of termination of the study (90-120 min). Three chickens in the Total Bx group with rat cardiac Xgs that were functioning at 120 min were given a 1 ml i.v. injection of heat inactivated control chicken serum. This led to loss of Xg function within 10 min, confirming the important role for NAb in HAR in this species combination. Histologic examination of the Xgs following perfusion revealed significant arterial endothelial injury in the control and Part Bx groups but not in the Total Bx group. Conversely, Xgs from the Total Bx group showed marked venous congestion, which was not seen in the other two groups. This study demonstrates that: (1) Bx effectively eliminates NAb; (2) Xg survival is significantly prolonged in the absence of NAb in this rat-to-chicken xenogeneic combination; (3) the presence of NAb is associated with arterial endothelial injury; and (4) in the absence of NAb, marked venous congestion and injury occurs, which is possibly mediated by alternative C pathway activation or other humoral mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Host defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae: the role of the spleen.

The asplenic patient has an increased susceptibility to bacterial septicemia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for approximately 50% of the episodes. Although the incidence of septicemia varies among patients of different ages and with different underlying diseases, half of the patients with overwhelming post-splenectomy infection die. Increased susceptibility to overwhelming infection with blood-borne bacteria is due primarily to the absence of a major phagocytic mass with a large blood flow. In the nonimmune host the spleen plays an important role in the phagocytosis and clearance of blood-borne antigens. Asplenic infants younger than two years old or splenectomized patients with an underlying disease that impairs their ability to form specific antibody to S. pneumoniae are at maximal risk for septicemia. In addition, studies of asplenic animals and humans suggest that the spleen has a specific role in the production of antibody. Activation of the alternative complement pathway may be abnormal in patients with anatomical or functional asplenia. Defective clearance of blood-borne bacteria in the nonimmune host, a decrease in antibody formation, and abnormal activation of the alternative complement pathway may be additive defects that place the asplenic host at risk for overwhelming post-splenectomy infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Immune reactants in cryoproteins. Relationship to complement activation.

Cryoproteins were isolated from the serum of 5 patients with essential cryoglobulinaemia 5 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 2 patients with Sjøgren's syndrome. These cryoprecipitates contained IgG, IgM, and IgA as well as complement proteins C1q, C4, C3, and factor B. The cryoprecipitates were analysed further for content of antibody and antigen, and were tested for their ability to activate complement. In the cryoprecipitates of 2 patients with Sjøgren's syndrome, nuclear antigen and antinuclear antibody characteristic of an immunological specificity found in Sjøgren's syndrome were shown. The cryoprecipitates of 6 other patients contained rheumatoid factor and antibody to a lymphocyte nuclear antigen. The solubilized cryoprecipitates were tested by in vitro assays for their ability to activate complement by the classical or alternative pathways. All 12 cryoprecipitates activated the classical pathway. 9 of the 12 cryoprecipitates also activated the alternative complement pathway under conditions which did not involve activation of C1 and C4. These studies show that a high percentage of cryoprecipitates consist at least in part of immune reactants. We discuss the relationship of these findings to pathogenetic mechanisms in disease.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Circumventing complement C3 interference in the analysis of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in fresh serum.

A method for preventing interference by the glycoprotein complement C3 and its beta-globulin split products in the capillary electrophoretic analysis of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin was developed. Inulin was used to activate the alternate complement pathway and convert native C3 into various degradation products whose electrophoretic mobility no longer coincides with the transferrin glycoforms. Capillary electrophoresis and zone electrophoresis on agarose gel were used to monitor reaction conditions for alternate complement pathway activation. Incubation of 50 microL of fresh serum with 180 microL of a 50 mg/mL inulin slurry for 12 h removed the native C3 peak from the beta region. Inulin treatment did not affect electrophoretic behavior of other beta-globulins, including transferrin. Altering the electrophoretic behavior of complement C3, by treating fresh serum with inulin, permits rapid capillary electrophoresis evaluation of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin glycoforms.

Artifacts↗
PubMed2003

Central role of complement in passive protection by human IgG1 and IgG2 anti-pneumococcal antibodies in mice.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbitity and mortality worldwide. Capsule-specific IgG1 and IgG2 Abs are induced upon vaccination with polysaccharide-based vaccines that mediate host protection. We compared the protective capacity of human recombinant serogroup 6-specific IgG1 and IgG2 Abs in mice deficient for either leukocyte FcR or complement factors. Human IgG1 was found to interact with mouse leukocyte FcR in vitro, whereas human IgG2 did not. Both subclasses induced complement activation, resulting in C3c deposition on pneumococcal surfaces. Passive immunization of C57BL/6 mice with either subclass before intranasal challenge with serotype 6A induced similar degrees of protection. FcgammaRI- and III-deficient mice, as well as the combined FcgammaRI, II, and III knockout mice, were protected by passive immunization, indicating FcR not to be essential for protection. C1q or C2/factor B knockout mice, however, were not protected by passive immunization. Passively immunized C2/factor B(-/-) mice displayed higher bacteremic load than C1q(-/-) mice, supporting an important protective role of the alternative complement pathway. Spleens from wild-type and C1q(-/-) mice showed hyperemia and thrombotic vessel occlusion, as a result of septicemic shock. Notably, thrombus formation was absent in spleens of C2/factor B(-/-) mice, suggesting that the alternative complement pathway contributes to shock-induced intravascular coagulation. These studies demonstrate complement to play a central role in Ab-mediated protection against pneumococcal infection in vivo, as well as in bacteremia-associated thrombotic complications.

Animals↗