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- CD21 (4)
- Arthritis (3)
- shedding (3)
- B cell activation (2)
- Complement receptor (2)
- Complement receptor 2/CD21 (2)
- K/BxN (2)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (2)
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Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important in tissue remodelling. Here we investigate the role of collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in antibody-induced arthritis.
Methods: For this study we employed the K/BxN serum-induced arthritis model. Arthritis was induced in C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and MMP-13-deficient (MMP-13–/–) mice by intraperitoneal injection of 200 μl of K/BxN serum. Arthritis was assessed by measuring the ankle swelling. During the course of the experiments, mice were sacrificed every second day for histological examination of the ankle joints. Ankle sections were evaluated histologically for infiltration of inflammatory cells, pannus tissue formation and bone/cartilage destruction. Semi-quantitative PCR was used to determine MMP-13 expression levels in ankle joints of untreated and K/BxN serum-injected mice.
Results: This study shows that MMP-13 is a regulator of inflammation. We observed increased expression of MMP-13 in ankle joints of WT mice during K/BxN serum-induced arthritis and both K/BxN serum-treated WT and MMP-13–/– mice developed progressive arthritis with a similar onset. However, MMP-13–/– mice showed significantly reduced disease over the whole arthritic period. Ankle joints of WT mice showed severe joint destruction with extensive inflammation and erosion of cartilage and bone. In contrast, MMP-13–/– mice displayed significantly decreased severity of arthritis (50% to 60%) as analyzed by clinical and histological scoring methods.
Conclusions: MMP-13 deficiency acts to suppress the local inflammatory responses. Therefore, MMP-13 has a role in the pathogenesis of arthritis, suggesting MMP-13 is a potential therapeutic target.
Objective: Induction of arthritis with autoantibodies against glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) is entirely independent of T cells and B cells but is strictly dependent on the presence of mast cells. Here, we used this disease model to analyze whether exclusive intraarticular mast cell reconstitution is sufficient for disease induction and whether targeted mast cell silencing can prevent neoangiogenesis and joint destruction, 2 hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Ankle swelling and clinical index scores were determined after injection of either K/BxN mouse-derived serum or control serum in wild-type Kit(+)/Kit(+) mice, congenic mast cell-deficient Kit(W)/Kit(W-v) mice, or mast cell-deficient Kit(W)/Kit(W-n) mice reconstituted with mast cells, either by intraperitoneal or selective intraarticular injection. Angiogenesis was quantified in vivo by measuring activated alpha v beta 3 integrin using F-18-galacto-RGD and positron emission tomography. In addition, staining of joint tissue with hematoxylin and eosin, Giemsa, beta 3, and alpha-actin was performed. The effect of mast cell stabilization by treatment with cromolyn or salbutamol was investigated in C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice. Results: Comparing wild-type mice, mast cell-deficient Kit(W)/Kit(W-v) mice, and mast cell-reconstituted Kit(W)/Kit(W-v) mice, we first showed that intraarticular and intraperitoneal mast cell engraftment fully restores susceptibility to antibody-induced arthritis, angiogenesis, and alpha v beta 3 integrin activation. Importantly, selective mast cell silencing with either salbutamol or cromolyn prevented alpha v beta 3 integrin activation, angiogenesis, and joint destruction. Conclusion: Mast cell engraftment fully restores susceptibility to alpha v beta 3 integrin activation, angiogenesis, and joint destruction in GPI antibody-induced arthritis. Importantly, selective mast cell stabilization prevents alpha v beta 3 integrin activation, angiogenesis, and joint destruction.
Complement receptor type II/CD21 is the functional receptor for complement fragments such as C3d, iC3b and the Epstein Barr Virus. A soluble form of CD21 (sCD21) is shed from lymphocytes surface and is able to bind to its ligands found in the plasma. The amount of sCD21 in serum may modulate immunity as the plasma levels are correlated with autoimmune conditions, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjoegren’s Syndrome. Because of the fact that pregnancy may lead to remission of autoimmune diseases we determined the serum levels of sCD21 during pregnancy and postpartum. The serum sCD21 levels during pregnancy are significantly lower as compared to that of the healthy controls. There were no significant differences in sCD21 levels between the mother and the cord blood also immediately after parturition. Restoration of sCD21 levels to normal values takes between 6 weeks and 1 year after childbirth. Our study indicates that CD21-shedding is affected during pregnancy comparable to that of autoimmunity.
Ectodomain shedding is a mechanism that regulates numerous functions of cell surface proteins. The extracellular domain of the human complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) is released by proteolytic cleavage as a soluble protein through a variety of stimuli including the thiol antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH), and the oxidant pervanadate (PV). In addition, PV mimics B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. Here, we show that murine CD21 is shed upon those stimuli and that the cytoplasmic domain is an important modulator for CD21-shedding. B cells expressing a mutant CD21 cytoplasmic domain with only three amino acids (KHR) showed increased CD21-shedding and required lower stimuli concentrations. At lower PV concentrations, wildtype CD21 was up-regulated on the cell surface, whereas at higher PV concentrations the ectodomain was shed. These findings further indicate that GSH and NAC utilize different pathways than PV to activate CD21-shedding. Altogether, as pre-activated B cells express higher CD21 levels than resting mature B cells or fully activated and antigen-experienced B cells, we suggest CD21-shedding to be a mechanism to fine-tune B cell activation.
A soluble form of the complement receptor CD21 (sCD21) is shed from the lymphocyte surface. The sCD21 is able to bind all known ligands such as CD23, sCD23, Epstein–Barr virus and C3d in immune complexes. Here, we show the serum levels of sCD21 in sera the of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients. Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which autoantibodies cause heart attack, stroke and miscarriage. Antiphospholipid syndrome may appear as primary or in association with systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. Here, we ask whether APS patients have different sCD21 titers compared to healthy persons and whether sCD21 levels correlate with the presence of anti-β2-GPI autoantibodies. We show that autoimmune APS patients have significantly reduced amounts of sCD21 in their sera, irrespective of the presence of anti-β2-GPI autoantibodies. In our APS patients cohort additional SLE, vasculities, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), fetal loss or thrombosis did not correlate to the reduced level of sCD21.
Identification of proteins from apheresis samples was performed by both SDS-PAGE and 2-D gel separation of eluted proteins from staphylococcal protein A-based immunoadsorption columns (Prosorba®) followed by MS peptide mass fingerprinting and MS/MS peptide sequencing on a MALDI QIT TOF mass spectrometer. MS/MS peptide sequencing was performed in conjunction with a micro reversed phase HPLC configured with an online MALDI plate-spotting device. Apheresis treatment had been performed in three patients with longstanding therapy refractory rheumatoid arthritis. 2-D gels displayed ca. 500 spots representing proteins that were eluted from the Prosorba® columns. From 54 gels, a total of 1256 protein spots had been picked and yielded in the identification of 56 non-redundant proteins without counting isoforms. Proteins from the eluates belong to five major groups comprising (i) immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM heavy and light chains; about 40% of the spots), (ii) proteins involved in coagulation, (iii) HDL/LDL-associated proteins, (iv) proteins from the complement system, and (v) acute phase proteins. MS analysis showed that the full-length C3 complement protein had been cleaved upon complement activation, presumably on the column, such that the anaphylatoxin C3a was produced and released during therapy. Our results are consistent with clinical observations on both patient responses to therapy and reported adverse events. For the first time, direct molecular information has become available to support mechanistic reasoning for the principle of function of staphylococcal protein A-based immunoadsorption therapy and for the explanation of adverse events. According to our results, removal and/or modulation of immune complexes together with complement activation can be regarded as the major events that are taking place during Prosorba® therapy. In order to avoid complement activation and induction of an inflammatory cascade, we suggest the prevention of C3a anaphylatoxin-related reactions during immunoadsorption therapy.
Complement receptor II (CR2) also known as CD21 is the receptor for C3d on immune complexes. In humans it serves as a receptor for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). CR2 is expressed on B cells and in low density in the T cell lineage. EBV can infect T cells and EBV-positive T lymphomas have been described. Although CR2 mRNA is readily detectable in T cells, the function of CR2 in human T lymphocytes remains elusive. Here we have analyzed the expression of CR2 in normal and activated T cells. PCR analyses and immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy of peripheral blood T cells and of activated T cells shows considerable reduction in CR2 mRNA and protein expression upon activation. The downregulation of CR2 expression may modulate life span or immunological reactivity of T cells and the susceptibility of cells to infection by lymphotropic viruses.
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.
Reggie-1/flotillin-2 is a plasma membrane-associated cytoplasmic protein, which defines non-caveolar raft microdomains. Reggie-1/flotillin-2 is enriched in detergent insoluble (TX100) membrane fractions (DIG), co-localizes with activated GPI-linked proteins and the fyn-kinase in neurons and T cells, and thus apparently participates in the assembly of protein complexes essential for signal transduction. In T cells activated by crosslinking the GPI-linked protein Thy-1 or by crosslinking the ganglioside GM1, reggie-1/flotillin-2 co-localizes with the T cell receptor. To determine whether reggie-1/flotillin-2 is also expressed in B cells, primary B cells from human blood and cell lines representing the developmental stages of pro, pre, mature and plasma B cells were analyzed by Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Here, we show that reggie-1/flotillin-2 is expressed throughout B cell development, as well as in primary B cells, purified by cell sorting. On non-activated mature B cell Raji cell line we found reggie-1/flotillin-2 are exclusively in the detergent (TX100) insoluble membrane fractions that are staining positive for the raft marker GM1. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that reggie-1/flotillin-2 is localized at the plasma membrane and marks intracellular spots in PBMCs. Confocal co-localization studies showed that reggie-1/flotillin-2 is associated with the plasma membrane, and the centrosomes (microtubule organizing centers) in these PBMCs. Comparison of reggie-1/flotillin-2 cDNA sequences with the genomic sequence database allowed us to determine the exon/intron structures in mouse and human. The gene organizations are highly conserved suggesting an important function of reggie-1/flotillin-2. Since reggie/flotillin proteins co-cluster with the T cell receptor and fyn kinases upon T cell stimulation, our findings of reggie-1/flotillin-2 in B cells suggest a similar role in B cell function.
Caenorhabditis elegans UNC-40, Drosophila Frazzled, and vertebrate Neogenin and DCC constitute a subgroup of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF). They possess four immunoglobulin-like domains and six fibronectin-type III repeats at the extracellular region, a single transmembrane region, and a approximately 300 amino-acid intracellular region. UNC-40, Frazzled and DCC can function in axon guidance as the receptor of Netrin (Cell Mol. Life Sci. 56 (1999) 62; Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 10 (1998) 609). Neogenin binds to Netrin-1 with the same affinity as DCC in vitro (Cell 87 (1996) 175), and is expressed by neurons as they project axons (J. Cell Biol. 127 (1994) 2009), suggesting that it is also a DCC-like Netrin receptor. A zebrafish homologue of DCC (zDCC) is reported recently (Mech. Dev. 109 (2001) 105), but so far there is no report of zebrafish Neogenin. To elucidate a possible neural function of vertebrate Neogenin, we cloned and characterized a zebrafish homologue of neogenin, zneo1, and identified four alternative splice sites within it. In the adult, despite broad tissue distribution, our reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern analyses demonstrated the dominant expression of zneo1 mRNA in brain. We detected zneo1 mRNA in the embryos from 10 hpf onward and revealed its spatiotemporally regulated expression pattern in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues by in situ hybridization. Our data showed that during early brain development, zneo1 mRNA was not only present in the proliferative ventricular zones but also in the domains of several first postmitotic neuron clusters when they extended axons. Alternative splicing generates several isoforms of zneo1. Most of them are developmentally regulated, showing distinct distribution in brain and other tissues.
Complement receptor II (CD21) is the receptor for C3d fragments on immune complexes. It also serves as a receptor for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and on B-lymphocytes CD21 amplifies signalling through the B cell receptor. CD21 is shed from the surface of the cell and is found circulating in plasma. There, soluble CD21 (sCD21) binds to CD23 and complement fragments, thereby modulating the immune response. sCD21 activates monocytes through binding to membrane CD23. The clinical significance of sCD21 is shown by the increased levels found in the sera of patients with B lymphomas, EBV infections and other lymphoblastoid tumors. In this paper, we report the isolation of soluble CD21 from human plasma using affinity chromatography and density gradient centrifugation. sCD21 was found to be a single 126 kDa molecular species. By determining the sedimentation coefficient, we have calculated the partial specific volume, diffusion coefficient and frictional coefficient of the protein. These values show that the sCD21 isolated from human plasma is an elongated rod-shaped molecule.
BACKGROUND
Complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) is part of the B-cell coreceptor and expressed by mature B cells and follicular dendritic cells. CD21 is a receptor for C3d-opsonized immune complexes and enhances antigen-specific B-cell responses.
OBJECTIVE
Genetic inactivation of the murine CR2 locus results in impaired humoral immune responses. Here we report the first case of a genetic CD21 deficiency in human subjects.
METHODS
CD21 protein expression was analyzed by means of flow cytometry and Western blotting. CD21 transcripts were quantified by using real-time PCR. The CD21 gene was sequenced. Wild-type and mutant CD21 cDNA expression was studied after transfection of 293T cells. Binding of EBV-gp350 or C3d-containing immune complexes and induction of calcium flux in CD21-deficient B cells were analyzed by means of flow cytometry. Antibody responses to protein and polysaccharide vaccines were measured.
RESULTS
A 28-year-old man presented with recurrent infections, reduced class-switched memory B cells, and hypogammaglobulinemia. CD21 receptor expression was undetectable. Binding of C3d-containing immune complexes and EBV-gp350 to B cells was severely reduced. Sequence analysis revealed a compound heterozygous deleterious mutation in the CD21 gene. Functional studies with anti-immunoglobulin- and C3d-containing immune complexes showed a complete loss of costimulatory activity of C3d in enhancing suboptimal B-cell receptor stimulation. Vaccination responses to protein antigens were normal, but the response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination was moderately impaired.
CONCLUSIONS
Genetic CD21 deficiency adds to the molecular defects observed in human subjects with hypogammaglobulinemia.
Background: CD21 is a 145 kDa membrane glycoprotein expressed mainly on B-cells and follicular dendritic cells. It is involved in activation, survival and proliferation of B-cells. CD21 can be cleaved to give soluble CD21 (sCD21), which is constantly shed in healthy people whereas the level of sCD21 is low in patients suffering from various autoimmune diseases.
Methods: Blood was collected from 12 healthy donors into Heparin, EDTA and gel-separation tubes. Furthermore, plasma from 6 healthy donors was combined and EDTA or EGTA was subsequently added to analyze its influence on sCD21 levels measured by ELISA.
Results: Differences in sCD21 levels were observed dependent on blood collection tubes used. sCD21 levels measured by ELISA were significantly higher if heparin/gel containing tubes were used compared to EDTA blood collection tubes. Upon addition of EDTA/EGTA to plasma drawn using Heparin blood collection tubes, sCD21 levels decrease to amounts found in EDTA-containing blood collection tubes suggesting calcium as the responsible factor rather than magnesium.
Conclusions: EDTA influences sCD21 levels determined by ELISA and therefore sCD21 measurements should be carried out using one type of blood collection tube throughout the experiment/medical examination.
Soluble CD21 (sCD21) is the ectodomain of the CD21 glycoprotein released by shedding from the cellular membrane. The ectodomain of CD21 is capable of binding complement fragments, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and CD23. Functionally sCD21 can activate monocytes and abrogate B-cell/follicular dendritic cell interaction, thereby inhibiting antibody production by antigen primed B cells. Levels of sCD21 vary in several clinical conditions. Here we analyzed sCD21 in synovial fluids and sera in arthritic patients. sCD21 concentrations were consistently lower in synovial fluids compared to paired sera samples from the same patients. In contrast to healthy donors, sCD21 levels are significantly reduced in rheumatoid arthritis patient's sera. Potential causes and consequences of the data are discussed.
JNK1, but Not JNK2, Is Required in Two Mechanistically Distinct Models of Inflammatory Arthritis
(2011)
The roles of the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) in inflammatory arthritis have been investigated; however, the roles of each isotype (ie, JNK1 and JNK2) in rheumatoid arthritis and conclusions about whether inhibition of one or both is necessary for amelioration of disease are unclear. By using JNK1- or JNK2-deficient mice in the collagen-induced arthritis and the KRN T-cell receptor transgenic mouse on C57BL/6 nonobese diabetic (K/BxN) serum transfer arthritis models, we demonstrate that JNK1 deficiency results in protection from arthritis, as judged by clinical score and histological evaluation in both models of inflammatory arthritis. In contrast, abrogation of JNK2 exacerbates disease. In collagen-induced arthritis, the distinct roles of the JNK isotypes can, at least in part, be explained by altered regulation of CD86 expression in JNK1- or JNK2-deficient macrophages in response to microbial products, thereby affecting T-cell-mediated immunity. The protection from K/BxN serum-induced arthritis in Jnk1(-/-) mice can also be explained by inept macrophage function because adoptive transfer of wild-type macrophages to Jnk1(-/-) mice restored disease susceptibility. Thus, our results provide a possible explanation for the modest therapeutic effects of broad JNK inhibitors and suggest that future therapies should selectively target the JNK1 isoform.
Impaired up-regulation of CD86 in B cells of "type A" common variable immunodeficiency patients
(2000)
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by defective B cell maturation and antibody formation resulting in low serum antibody levels of most or all Ig isotypes. A specific subgroup of patients ("type A") has normal numbers of mature surface (s)IgM / sIgD- positive circulating B cells. However, since these lymphocytes do not respond to in vitro stimulation by differentiation and Ig synthesis, they seem to suffer from so far unknown intrinsic defects. Analyzing the expression pattern of a large set of B cell activation-specific surface markers, we found that type A CVID patients show a highly reduced expression of the CD28 / CTLA-4 ligand CD86 (B7-2) and of the lymphocyte activation marker CDw137 when compared to B cells of healthy donors and non-type-A CVID patients. The lowered CD86 expression levels were found to correlate with reduced levels of CD86 mRNA. Since combined stimulation via B cell antigen receptor and CD40 cross-linking did not rescue the defects in CD86 and CDw137 expression, B cells of CVID type A patients resemble functionally unresponsive lymphocytes incapable of cooperating with T cells. The fact that these cells accumulate in type A CVID patients suggests a causal relationship with the pathogenesis of this disease.
During regeneration, retinal ganglion cell axons in fish upregulate a cell surface protein that is recognized by the monoclonal antibody (mAB) M802. M802 antigen appeared to be linked to the intracellular, membrane-associated lipid raft/microdomain proteins reggie-1 and reggie-2 that were previously shown to be reexpressed in axon-regenerating neurons [Development 124 (1997), 577]. Here, we report the isolation of the M802 antigen and its identification as the teleost homolog of mammalian Thy-1. Fish Thy-1 is detected in the same detergent-insoluble lipid raft fractions from a fibroblast cell line and from axon regenerating retinae as reggie-1 and 2. Importantly, mAB M802 coimmunoprecipitates reggie-1 and 2 from this lipid raft fraction, implying that fish Thy-1 and reggies interact. This correlates with their colocalization in growing cell processes after M802 antigen/Thy-1 activation with mAB M802. These findings suggest a role of clustered M802 antigen/Thy-1 in reggie raft microdomains for cell growth and axon regeneration.
The complement receptor II (CD21) serves as a receptor for the complement component C3d of immune complexes on B lymphocytes. Expression of the CD21 gene is tightly regulated during B lymphocyte differentiation. Only mature B lymphocytes, but not pro-, pre- or plasma B lymphocytes, express CD21. There is evidence that cell type-specific expression is mediated by a silencer element located in the first intron. The CD21 promoter region contains a CpG island adjacent to the ATG start codon. We have analyzed the methylation status of this CpG island in B lymphoid cell lines representing the various differentiation stages of B lymphocyte development and primary lymphocytes. We found that the pro-, pre- and intermediate B lymphocytes contain a methylated CpG island and do not express CD21, whereas CD21-expressing mature B lymphocytes, plasma B lymphocytes and non-lymphoid cells carry a demethylated CD21 CpG island. To analyze whether the lack of CD21 expression in early B lymphocytes is due to inhibition by CpG methylation we have used 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine to inhibit DNA methyltransferase activity. Treatment of pro-B lymphocytes with the drug resulted in expression of CD21. We have also applied Trichostatin A (TSA), an inhibitor of histone deacetylation, to determine whether the state of histone deacetylation affects the expression of CD21. We found that TSA induces expression of CD21 in early B lymphocytes. Thus CD21 expression is controlled by both methylation of the CD21 CpG island and chromatin modification through histone deacetylation in early B lymphocyte development.
The CDS glycoprotein serves as a coreceptor for T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated recognition of peptides associated to MHC class IIn CD Sa deficiency, MHC class-I restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are absent and lineage commitment to CDS cells is impairedWe described a pharmacological approach to reduce the amount of CDS surface glycoproteins on human peripheral blood T cellsUsing calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases, we were able to down regulate both CD Sa protein and mRNAReduction of CDα surface expression was dose- and time-dependentThe effect was specific to CDSa in that CD4 expression was not affected and specific for calyculin AOkadaic acid, another phosphatase inhibitor did not show any influence on the expression of CD4 or CDS.
The complement receptor II (CD21) recognises the complement component C3d of immune complexes. Expression of the CD21 gene is tightly regulated during B lymphocyte differentiation. Only mature B lymphocytes express CD21 but not pro-, pre-, or plasma B lymphocytes. Previously we found that pro-, pre-, and intermediate B lymphocytes contain a methylated CpG island and do not express CD21. CD21-expressing mature B lymphocytes, plasma B lymphocytes, and nonlymphoid cells carried a demethylated CD21 CpG island. Furthermore, we found that synovial lymphocytes from patients with rheumatic disease show reduced expression of CD21. This observation tempted us to analyse the methylation status of the CD21 CpG island in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and synovial fluid mononuclear cells derived from these patients. While methylation is involved in silencing CD21 in early types of B lymphocytes, we found the CD21-CpG island to be demethylated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and synovial fluid mononuclear cells of patient DNA.
Immunoglobulins undergoing cold-dependent precipitation are known as cryoglobulins. A type I cryoglobulin after Brouet et al. from serum of a patient with severe cutaneous vasculitis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was purified by reversible temperature-dependent precipitation and analyzed using FPLC, Western blotting and peptide sequencing. The isolated cryoglobulin consisted of a single complex of a molecular weight of above 210kDa observed under non-reducing conditions in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Under reducing conditions, this complex resolved into three bands, two of which were reminiscent of Ig heavy (HC) chains and one of Ig-light chains (LC). The FPLC-purified type I cryoglobulin showed reversible precipitation analyzed by spectrophotometry. Delineation of the peptides involved in complex formation by immunoblot analysis and peptide sequencing revealed IgG3-V(H)4/Igkappa-VkappaIII/JkappaII and IgG1/V(H)3 molecules with evidence of somatic mutation. Coomassie blue-staining suggested that molar amounts of the IgG3-heavy chain were much higher than that of the IgG1-heavy chain. Treatment with SDS and boiling did not disrupt the unusually high molecular weight Ig complex. Pre-treatment of the cryoglobulin in 6M guadinium hydrochloride followed by gel filtration chromatography suggested covalent association of the IgG3, IgG1 and Igkappa molecules. Therefore, it might be that the cryoglobulin was produced by a single plasma B cell clone which passed immunological check-points in terms of B cell selection in the bone marrow in the absence of allelic exclusion, class switching and affinity maturation by somatic mutation.
Hematopoietic cells have long been defined as round, nonpolar cells that show uniform distribution of cell surface-associated molecules. However, recent analyses of the immunological synapse and the importance of lipid microdomains in signaling have shed new light on the aspect of lymphocyte polarization during the activation processes, but none of the molecules implicated so far in either the activation process or the microdomain residency are known to have a preferential localization in nonactivated cells. Chemical crosslinking and fluorescence resonance energy transfer methods have allowed the visualization of certain glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in lipid rafts but so far no microdomain resident protein has been shown to exist as visible stable platforms in the membrane. We report here that two lipid microdomain resident proteins, flotillins/reggies, form preassembled platforms in hematopoietic cells. These platforms recruit signaling molecules upon activation through lipid rafts. The preassembled platforms significantly differ from the canonical cholesterol-dependent "lipid rafts," as they are resistant to cholesterol-disrupting agents. Most evidence for the functional relevance of microdomains in living cells remains indirect. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we show that these proteins exist as stable, microscopically patent domains localizing asymmetrically to one pole of the cell. We present evidence that the asymmetric concentration of these microdomain resident proteins is built up during cytokinesis.
The existence of a soluble splice variant for a gene encoding a transmembrane protein suggests that this gene plays a role in intercellular signalling, particularly in immunological processes. Also, the absence of a splice variant of a reported soluble variant suggests exclusive control of the solubilisation by proteolytic cleavage. Soluble splice variants of membrane proteins may also be interesting targets for crystallisation as their structure may be expected to preserve, at least partially, their function as integral membrane proteins, whose structures are most difficult to determine. This paper presents a dataset derived from the literature in an attempt to collect all reported soluble variants of membrane proteins, be they splice variants or shedded. A list of soluble variants is derived in silico from Ensembl. These are checked on their presence in multiple organisms and their number of membranespanning regions is inspected. The findings then are confirmed by a comparison with identified proteins of a recent global proteomics study of human blood plasma. Finally, a tool to determine novel soluble variants by proteomics is provided.
Complement receptor type II (CR2/CD21) is the major receptor for C3d fragments on immune complexes. CD21 also serves as the receptor for Epstein-Barr virus in humans. On mature B cells, CD21 reduces the threshold of BCR signaling together with CD81, Leu13 and CD19, but it also occurs on other cells of the immune system where it performs unknown functions. A soluble form of CD21 (sCD21) is shed from the cell surface and is found in human blood plasma. An as-yet-unknown protease is thought to be responsible for this shedding. Altered levels of sCD21 occur in plasma in certain clinical conditions. We show here by mass spectrometry that sCD21 in human plasma of healthy donors is predominantly a short form of CD21 without the exon-11-encoded sequences. Whereas the N terminus of sCD21 was found unmodified, the C terminus is truncated, implying that only the extracellular portion of CD21 is shed. Peripheral blood B cells, but not T cells, contribute to the plasma CD21-pool. CD21 shedding is induced by stimulation with PMA plus Ca(2+) ionophore, or by stimulation of the BCR with anti-IgM+anti-CD40.
