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Interaction of human monocytes, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes with zymosan in vitro. Role of type 3 complement receptors and macrophage-derived complement.

Macrophages take up zymosan in the absence of exogenous complement via receptors for iC3b (type 3 complement receptors) acting with or without lectin-like receptors for mannosyl-fucosyl-terminated glycoconjugates. We previously provided evidence that macrophages themselves secrete complement-alternative pathway components able to opsonize zymosan locally (Ezekowitz et al., J. Exp. Med. 1984. 159:244-260). We show here that covalently bound C3 cleavage products C3b and iC3b can be eluted from zymosan particles cultivated with 36-h adherent human monocytes in the absence of serum. The ligand binding site of type 3 complement receptors is involved in macrophage-zymosan interactions as shown by inhibition studies of zymosan binding and uptake with Fab fragments of anti-C3 antibodies and monoclonal antireceptor antibodies M01 and OKM10. In contrast, antibody IB4, which binds to a receptor epitope distinct from the binding site, does not inhibit zymosan uptake. Selective modulation of macrophage receptors onto anticomplement receptor antibody and mannose-rich yeast mannan, respectively, confirms that the complement and lectin-like receptors are distinct. Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which express receptors for complement, but are not known to secrete complement proteins, bind and ingest only exogenously opsonized zymosan. Unopsonized zymosan is a poor trigger of respiratory burst activity in neutrophils or 7-d adherent human macrophages, but induces cell aggregation and secretion of large amounts of superoxide anion when these cells are co-cultivated in serum-free medium and challenged with zymosan. Our studies indicate that complement and/or other products synthesized by macrophages at extravascular sites could play an important role in opsonization and lysis of pathogens able to activate the alternative pathway and mediate macrophage-neutrophil collaboration in first-line host defence.

Animals↗

Prevention of C3 deposition by capsular polysaccharide is a virulence mechanism of type III group B streptococci.

Strains of type III group B streptococci isolated from patients with neonatal sepsis are generally resistant to complement-mediated phagocytic killing in the absence of specific antibody. It has been suggested that the resistance of type III group B streptococci to phagocytosis results from inhibition of alternative-complement-pathway activation by sialic acid residues of the type III polysaccharide. To better define the relationship between structural features of the type III capsule and resistance of type III group B streptococci to complement-mediated phagocytic killing, we measured deposition of human C3 on group B streptococcal strains with altered capsule phenotypes. C3 binding was quantified by incubating bacteria with purified human 125I-C3 in 10% serum. Wild-type group B Streptococcus sp. strain COH1 bound eightfold fewer C3 molecules than did either of two isogenic mutant strains, one expressing a sialic acid-deficient capsule and the other lacking capsule completely. Similar results were obtained when the incubation with 125I-C3 was performed in serum chelated with Mg-ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'- tetraacetic acid (MgEGTA), suggesting that the majority of C3 deposition occurred via the alternative pathway. In contrast to the wild-type strain, which was relatively resistant, both mutant strains were killed by human leukocytes in 10% serum with or without MgEGTA. We also measured C3 binding to 14 wild-type strains of type III group B streptococci expressing various amounts of capsule. Comparison of degree of encapsulation with C3 binding revealed a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.72; P less than 0.01). C3 fragments released by methylamine treatment of wild-type strain COH1 were predominantly in the form of C3bi, while those released from the acapsular mutant were predominantly C3b and those from the asialo mutant represented approximately equal amounts of C3b and C3bi. We conclude from these studies that the sialylated type III capsular polysaccharide inhibits alternative-pathway activation, prevents C3 deposition on group B streptococci, and protects the organisms from phagocytic killing.

Animals↗

Immunomodulatory action of propolis. VI. Influence of a water soluble derivative on complement activity in vivo.

The water soluble derivative (WSD) of propolis in a dose of 150 mg/kg was administered intravenously (i.v.), intraperitoneally (i.p.) and orally (p.o.) to mice. The alteration of serum alternative pathway (AP) complement level was observed. The WSD also influenced the process of acute inflammation provoked by zymosan in mice. The effect was strongly dependent on the route of WSD administration.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

The role of properdin in the assembly of the alternative pathway C3 convertases of complement.

Complement is a powerful host defense system that contributes to both innate and acquired immunity. There are three pathways of complement activation, the classical pathway, lectin pathway, and alternative pathway. Each generates a C3 convertase, a serine protease that cleaves the central complement protein, C3. Nearly all the biological consequences of complement are dependent on the resulting cleavage products. Properdin is a positive regulator of complement activation that stabilizes the alternative pathway convertases (C3bBb). Properdin is composed of multiple identical protein subunits, with each subunit carrying a separate ligand-binding site. Previous reports suggest that properdin function depends on multiple interactions between its subunits with its ligands. In this study I used surface plasmon resonance assays to examine properdin interactions with C3b and factor B. I demonstrated that properdin promotes the association of C3b with factor B and provides a focal point for the assembly of C3bBb on a surface. I also found that properdin binds to preformed alternative pathway C3 convertases. These findings support a model in which properdin, bound to a target surface via C3b, iC3b, or other ligands, can use its unoccupied C3b-binding sites as receptors for nascent C3b, bystander C3b, or pre-formed C3bB and C3bBb complexes. New C3bP and C3bBP intermediates can lead to in situ assembly of C3bBbP. The full stabilizing effect of properdin on C3bBb would be attained as properdin binds more than one ligand at a time, forming a lattice of properdin: ligand interactions bound to a surface scaffold.

Binding Sites↗

Complement (C3)-receptor-mediated phagocytosis of agarose beads by mouse macrophages. II. Extracellular activation of macrophage-derived complement on agarose via the alternative pathway.

Phagocytosis of agarose beads by macrophages cultured under serum-free conditions was studied. 48 h was needed before a plateau in the uptake was reached. The ingested agarose beads were coated extracellularly with macrophage-derived protein before attachment and ingestion of the beads. Intracellularly, the agarose-linked protein was removed from the agarose. If the ingested agarose beads were extracted from the macrophages within 24 h after the plateau in the uptake was reached, a fraction of the beads could attach to new macrophages, demonstrating modification of the agarose beads by opsonin(s). Because of binding of anti-human C3c antibodies to beads extracted from the macrophages after 24 h of phagocytosis and the trypsin sensitivity of the protein on the agarose, we conclude that the main opsonin on the agarose beads is C3bi. Requirements for the stimulatory effect of agarose on macrophages are summarized.

Animals↗

Capsular K1 polysaccharide of Escherichia coli: relationship to virulence in newborn rats and resistance to phagocytosis.

The virulence of Escherichia coli strains for newborn rats was related to opsonic requirements of the strains, sensitivity to the bactericidal activity of serum, and K1 capsular polysaccharide content. K1 E. coli strains were more virulent than non-K1 strains after intraperitoneal injection in newborn rats (P less than 0.05) and were more resistant to phagocytosis than non-K1 strains when the classical complement pathway was blocked with Mg-ethyleneglycoltetraacetic acid (P less than 0.0005). Sensitivity to the bactericidal activity of serum was similar among K1 and non-K1 E. coli strains. Two groups of K1 E. coli strains were defined on the basis of opsonic requirements. Group I strains were efficiently opsonized by the alternative complement pathway, while group II strains required the classical complement pathway for opsonization. Group I strains had less detectable K1 polysaccharide in the washed whole cell fraction than group II strains (10.3 versus 18.9 microgram of K1 polysaccharide per 10(10) colony-forming units) and were less virulent than group II strains (mortality, 44 versus 77%, P less than 0.05). The K1 capsular polysaccharide appears to play an important role in determining virulence in newborn rats and opsonic requirements of these strains, but does not contribute to the sensitivity of strains to the bactericidal activity of serum.

Animals↗

Opsonic requirements for staphylococcal phagocytosis. Heterogeneity among strains.

Efficient phagocytosis of staphylococci by human neutrophilis is dependent on bacterial opsonization by serum factors. These factors include specific antibodies as well as components of the classical and alternative complement systems. In this study the opsonic requirements of three strains of S. aureus and three strains of S. epidermidis were investigated by incubating [3H]thymidine-labelled bacteria in sera with different opsonic activities and measuring rates of phagocytosis by human neutrophils. Opsonization of S. aureus Cowan I and 502 A depended primarily on activation of the classical complement pathway. Effective opsonization occurred in the absence of immunoglobulin but not in the absence of complement. A protein A deficient mutant of S. aureus Cowan I was poorly opsonized in the absence of IgG, however. S. aureus Wood 46 and two strains of S. epidermidis were opsonized primarily through the alternative complement pathway and depended on the presence of serum IgG. A third S. epidermidis strain was efficiently opsonized in heat-inactivated serum without complement activity. Thus, a heterogeneity of opsonic requirements was found among staphylococcal strains. It is proposed that cell wall protein A may be an important determinant of this heterogeneity.

Complement C2↗

Complement factors in adult peripheral nerve: a potential role in energy metabolism.

Complement cascade factors are known to play a critical role in myelin clearance after peripheral nerve injury. Here we show that components of both the classical (C1qa, C1qb, C1qc, C2 and C4) and alternative (C3, B and adipsin) pathways are expressed by uninjured peripheral nerve as well. mRNAs of components of the alternative pathway were predominantly found in the peri/epineurium, although factor C3 and factor B were also detected in the endoneurial compartment of adult nerve. Interestingly, adipsin mRNA was detected only in peri/epineurium, while adipsin protein was present in both peri/epineurium and endoneurium. This suggests that adipsin is transported to the endoneurium via the circulation from the peri/epineurium or outside of the nerve. Factor 5 and factor 9, necessary for the formation of the membrane-attack complex, were not detected in any part of the healthy peripheral nerve, which together with the observed presence of negative regulators of complement activation, is likely to prevent damage to the healthy nerve caused by complement activation. By analogy with the known role of complement factors in fat, we propose that local expression of these factors plays a role in the regulation of fatty acid homeostasis in the nerve and, thereby, in energy metabolism cross-talk between different compartments of the peripheral nerve.

Adult↗

Amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi escape destruction by the terminal complement components.

We studied the effect of complement on two life cycle stages of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi: epimastigotes, found in the insect vector, and amastigotes, found in the mammalian host. We found that while both stages activate vigorously the alternative pathway, only epimastigotes are destroyed. The amounts of C3 and C5b-7 deposited on the amastigotes were similar to those bound to the much larger epimastigotes. Binding of C9 to amastigotes was four to six times less than binding to epimastigotes, resulting in a lower C9/C5b-7 ratio. Although a fairly large amount of C9 bound stably to amastigotes, no functional channels were formed as measured by release of incorporated 86Rb. The bound C9 had the characteristic properties of poly-C9, that is, it expressed a neo-antigen unique to poly-C9, and migrated in SDS-PAGE with an apparent Mr greater than 10(5). The poly-C9 was removed from the surface of amastigotes by treatment with trypsin, indicating that it was not inserted in the lipid bilayer. Modification of amastigote surface by pronase treatment rendered the parasites susceptible to complement attack. These results suggest that amastigotes have a surface protein that binds to the C5b-9 complex and inhibits membrane insertion, thus protecting the parasites from complement-mediated lysis.

Animals↗

Role of L-ficolin/mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease complexes in the opsonophagocytosis of type III group B streptococci.

Serotype III group B streptococci (GBS) are a common cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Although deficiency in maternal capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-specific IgG correlates with susceptibility of neonates to the GBS infection, serum deficient in CPS-specific IgG mediates significant opsonophagocytosis. This IgG-independent opsonophagocytosis requires activation of the complement pathway, a process requiring the presence of both Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), and is significantly reduced by chelating Ca(2+) with EGTA. In these studies, we defined a role of L-ficolin/mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease (MASP) complexes in Ca(2+)-dependent, Ab-independent opsonophagocytosis of serotype III GBS. Incubation of GBS with affinity-purified L-ficolin/MASP complexes and C1q-depleted serum deficient in CPS-specific Ab supported opsonophagocytic killing, and this killing was inhibited by fluid-phase N-acetylglucosamine, the ligand for L-ficolin. Binding of L-ficolin was proportional to the CPS content of individual strains, and opsonophagocytic killing and C4 activation were inhibited by fluid-phase CPS, suggesting that L-ficolin binds to CPS. Sialic acid is known to inhibit alternative complement pathway activation, and, as expected, the bactericidal index (percentage of bacteria killed) for individual strains was inversely proportional to the sialic acid content of the CPS, and L-ficolin-initiated opsonophagocytic killing was significantly increased by addition of CPS-specific IgG2, which increased activation of the alternative pathway. We conclude that binding of L-ficolin/MASP complexes to the CPS generates C3 convertase C4b2a, which deposits C3b on GBS. C3b deposited by this lectin pathway forms alternative pathway C3 convertase C3bBb whose activity is enhanced by CPS-specific IgG2, leading to increased opsonophagocytic killing by further deposition of C3b on the GBS.

Animals↗

Antibody-dependent enhancement of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection.

Two components of human serum enhance human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and mask HIV-1 neutralising antibody activity. The first is heat-stable, unique to HIV-1 seropositive sera, and is removed by protein-A chromatography. The second is heat-labile and ubiquitous; it is found in normal serum and is removed by heating at 60 degrees C for 1 h or by treatment with cobra venom anticomplementary protein. Additionally, complement component C3 deficient serum lacks the labile activity although Clq deficient serum contains the labile factor. The data suggest that the two components are antibody and the alternative pathway of complement fixation. The mechanism of action does not involve an increase in either complement-mediated cytolysis or syncytium formation. The activity has been identified in 11 of 16 patients tested to date.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Deficiency of serum bactericidal activity against Salmonella typhimurium in sickle cell anaemia.

Systemic salmonellosis is a recognized complication of sickle cell anemia (SCA). In our initial study of SCA host defences against salmonella, we evaluated the bactericidal activity of serum against Salmonella typhimurium. When compared to controls, sera from eight out of nineteen SCA patients were deficient in bactericidal function. Levels of factor B, haemolytic complement and agglutinating antibody were similar in SCA and control sera. However, abnormalities that might theoretically account for the decreased antibacterial activity were observed in many SCA sera. These abnormal findings included: (a) defective function of the alternative complement pathway (decreased bacterial killing in the presence of Mg EGTA); (b) low serum C3 concentration; and (c) decreased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), with a resultant increase in per cent saturation of iron-binding capacity. Of these deficiencies only the abnormal alternative pathway function was significantly associated with decreased serum bactericidal activity. A suggested function of serum bactericidal activity is prevention of bacteraemia by susceptible organisms. Thus diminished serum bactericidal capacity may increase the risk of Salmonella bacteraemia in some individuals with sickle cell disease.

Adolescent↗

Receptors and recognition mechanisms of Leishmania species.

This paper examines briefly receptors and recognition mechanisms involved in binding Leishmania parasites to the lumen of the sandfly gut and to cells of the vertebrate host's mononuclear phagocyte system. In particular, work carried out in our laboratory on the relative roles of the macrophage plasma membrane receptor (CR3) for the cleaved third complement component (iC3b) and the mannosyl/fucosyl receptor (MFR) in binding, ingestion and respiratory burst (RB) response elicited by promastigotes versus amastigotes of L. donovani, is discussed. In the absence of serum, soluble inhibitors (e.g. mannan) of the MFR cause a dose-dependent reduction in promastigote binding to murine resident peritoneal macrophages and in the proportion of bound parasites eliciting a RB response. For amastigotes, no consistent reduction in binding in the presence of mannan is observed but the proportion of parasites eliciting a RB is reduced. Serum-independent binding of promastigotes, which are good activators of the alternative complement pathway, is also inhibited by the anti-CR3 monoclonal antibody M1/70, by Fab anti-C3, and by an inhibitor of C3 fixation, sodium salicyl hydroxamate. With amastigotes, which are poor activators of the alternative pathway, a lesser effect is observed. These results provide strong evidence that cleaved macrophage-derived C3 (iC3b) mediates promastigote binding to CR3. Modulation experiments in which either CR3 or MFR are rendered inaccessible demonstrate that both receptors must be present on the segment of macrophage membrane with which the promastigote makes contact to mediate binding and ingestion. These receptor interactions may be important determinants of the infectivity and survival of Leishmania parasites in the vertebrate host.

Animals↗

Effects of systemic complement activation on renal circulation of rats.

In a variety of immunopathological diseases activation of the complement cascade occurs either systemically or localized in the kidney. To elucidate the functional impact of complement activation upon the renal microcirculation, we administered cobra venom factor of Naja naja kaouthia (CVF) i.v. into thiobarbital anaesthetized female rats. CVF is a potent activator of the alternative pathway of complement by forming the C3-convertase CVF, Bb which cannot be downregulated by the natural inhibitor factors H and I and thereby leads to generation of the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a and formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). We utilized creatinine clearance and flowmeter measurements in the normal kidney and intravital microscopy of the split hydronephrotic rat kidney model to observe the microvascular changes. Bolus injection of CVF (100 U kg-1) resulted in an immediate reduction of RBF (-68% after 10 min), which remained decreased during the entire experiment (90 min). Systemic blood pressure was significantly reduced only in the early period (-23% of control: 126 mmHg after 10 min). After an initial anuric phase of 30 min duration, the glomerular filtration rate was significantly diminished by 47%. White cell count was decreased by about 50% after the experiments. Application of the competitive thromboxane A2-antagonist, BM 13505, reversed all renal and systemic CVF-effects. Continuous infusion of the competitive leukotriene D4-antagonist, ICI 198615, attenuated the late renal CVF-effects (i.e. 30 min after injection of CVF). Depletion of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) attenuated the CVF-effects similar to BM 13505. Intravenous administration of CVF in the hydronephrotic kidney model resulted in a massive constriction of the interlobar and arcuate artery, with a fall in glomerular blood flow comparable to the reduction of RBF in the normal kidney. Diameters of the afferent arterioles--most sensitive to many vasoconstricting agents--were not significantly altered. Our results suggest that injection of CVF and the liberation of high amounts of the anaphylatoxins, C3a and C5a, induces the release of TXA2, which contributes to the early renal effects and the formation of cysteinyl-leukotrienes which play an important role in the late phase of systemic complement activation. Utilizing the split hydronephrotic kidney model we demonstrated the predominant action of complement activation on the large preglomerular vessels for the first time. PMN are seemingly involved in the liberation of secondary mediators which appear to reduce renal blood flow and glomerular filtration.

Animals↗

Role of macrophage complement and lectin-like receptors in binding Leishmania parasites to host macrophages.

This paper reviews briefly work carried out in our laboratory on the relative roles of the macrophage plasma membrane receptor (CR3) for the cleaved third complement component (iC3b) and the mannosyl/fucosyl receptor (MFR) in binding, ingestion and respiratory burst (RB) response elicited by promastigotes versus amastigotes of Leishmania donovani. In the absence of serum soluble inhibitors (mannan, ribonuclease B) of the MFR cause a dose-dependent reduction in the numbers of promastigotes binding to murine resident peritoneal macrophages and in the proportion of bound parasites eliciting a RB response. For amastigotes no consistent reduction in binding in the presence of mannan is observed but the proportion of parasites eliciting a RB is reduced. Serum-independent binding and ingestion of promastigotes, which are good activators of the alternative complement pathway, is also inhibited by the anti-CR3 monoclonal antibody M1/70, by Fab anti-C3, and by an inhibitor of C3 fixation, sodium salicyl hydroxamate. For amastigotes, which are poor activators of the alternative pathway, a lesser effect is observed with all three inhibitors of CR3-mediated binding. The results obtained with these three independent inhibitors provide strong evidence that cleaved macrophage-derived C3 (iC3b), which can be visualised on the parasite surface in electron microscope sections following addition of anti-C3 antibody and a protein A-gold conjugate, mediates binding to CR3. Modulation experiments in which either CR3 or MFR are rendered inaccessible demonstrate that both receptors must be present on the segment of the macrophage membrane with which the parasite makes contact to mediate binding and ingestion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Nephritogenic lambda light chain dimer: a unique human miniautoantibody against complement factor H.

A unique monoclonal Ig lambda light chain dimer (protein LOI) was isolated from the serum and urine of a patient with hypocomplementemic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. In vitro the lambda light chain dimer efficiently activated the alternative pathway of complement (AP). When added to normal human serum, LOI temporarily enhanced AP hemolytic activity, but during a prolonged incubation the hemolytic activity was depleted. Protein LOI was found to bind to factor H, the main regulator molecule of AP. By binding to the short consensus repeat domain 3 of factor H, the dimer LOI blocked one of three interaction sites between H and C3b and thus inhibited the activity of H and induced an uncontrolled activation of the AP. Structural analysis showed that LOI belonged to the Vlambda3a subgroup of lambda light chains. The variable (V) region of LOI was most closely related to the predicted product of the Vlambda3 germline gene Iglv3s2, although it contained several unique residues that in a tertiary homology model structure form an unusual ring of charged residues around a hydrophobic groove in the putative Ag binding site. This site fitted considerably well with a putative binding site in the molecular model of domain 3 of factor H containing a reciprocal ring of charged amino acids around a hydrophobic area. Apparently, functional blocking of factor H by the Ab fragment-like lambda light chain dimer had initiated the development of a severe form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Thus, the lambda light chain dimer LOI represents the first described pathogenic miniautoantibody in human disease.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Participation of complement in nasal polyposis.

No changes in immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) and complement components C3 and C4 levels could be observed in patients suffering from both recurrent and acute nasal polyposis. However, in both groups of patients a significant decrease of the alternative pathway of complement activation (up to 80%) was found. In addition, patients suffering from the acute disease showed even decreased classical complement pathway (up to 20%). Examination of complement activation pathways was shown to be advantageous for the follow-up of the course of this disease.

Acute Disease↗

Activation and inhibition of Hageman factor-dependent pathways and the complement system in uncomplicated bacteremia or bacterial shock.

Levels of components of the contact activation, coagulation, and complement systems and their main inhibitors were measured in 45 critically ill patients during 61 episodes of uncomplicated bacteremia or bacterial shock. Levels of Hageman factor (factor XII), prekallikrein, high-molecular-weight kininogen, factor XI, factor VII, total hemolytic complement, alternative pathway activity, and C3 were within the normal range during uncomplicated bacteremia (n = 29), but during fatal bacterial shock (n = 13) a significant decrease by 40%-50% was observed in all measurements. During nonfatal bacterial shock (n = 19) a moderate decrease was observed in most of these measurements. The capacity of plasma to inactivate kallikrein was significantly higher during bacteremia than during bacterial shock because of a significant increase in the level of C1 esterase inhibitor. Levels of antithrombin III and alpha 2-macroglobulin were below normal in all groups. Thus increased inhibition of the contact activation and complement systems is beneficial during bacteremia.

Angiotensin III↗