Selenium distribution in egg white proteins

The present studies were undertaken to characterize selenium distribution in egg white. Ion-exchange chromatography fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and flow injection atomic (absorption) spectrometry (FIAS) were used to separate egg white proteins and to determine the selenium content of different fractions. After purification, nine different proteins were identified with sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 56% of the total selenium content was found to be associated with ovalbumin-1 and -2 (+/- 500 ng/g), which is the main protein in egg white. Flavoprotein was determined to be the richest selenium-containing protein (1800 ng/g). The selenium content of the other proteins (lysozyme, conalbumin, globulins and ovomucoid) ranged from 359 to 1094 ng/g.

Immunization with lentivirus-like particles elicits a potent SIV-specific recall cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response in rhesus monkeys

An effective acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) vaccine should be capable of eliciting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses. We have explored the use of lentivirus-like particles produced in mammalian cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus to immunize for the induction of CTL in the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/rhesus monkey model for AIDS. SIV-like particles in a threonyl-MDP-based adjuvant did not elicit a high frequency of SIV gag-specific effector cells in naive rhesus monkeys. However, immunization with these particles elicited a potent recall CTL response in monkeys previously vaccinated with a recombinant vaccinia-SIV virus. These observations suggest that poxvirus-produced virus-like particles may represent a safe immunogen for use in periodic boosting to maintain viable cell-mediated immunity to the AIDS virus.

Role of oxygen intermediates in cytotoxicity: studies in chronic granulomatous disease

The ability of human neutrophils to lyse various target cells was investigated using cells from normal individuals and from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) whose cells lack the ability to form reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Cytolysis was stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), rabbit antiserum, and a heteroantibody that binds to both the FcRII receptor of neutrophils and to the target. The PMA-activated CGD neutrophils were deficient compared to controls in killing both tumor and chicken erythrocyte (CRBC) targets at all effector-target ratios in 18-h assays. When CRBC were sensitized with rabbit antiserum, the normal cells still killed slightly more. When killing of CRBC was mediated by the heteroantibody, however, cytotoxicity of CGD neutrophils exceeded that of normal cells. CGD mononuclear cells (MNC) killed tumor cell targets as well as or better than normal MNC. Thus, PMA-mediated cytolysis appears to depend primarily upon the ability of the cell to generate ROI whereas antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and MNC-mediated lysis of tumor cells do not require ROI formation.

Verapamil regulation of a defective SR release channel in the cardiomyopathic Syrian hamster

The Bio 14.6 Cardiomyopathic Syrian Hamster (CMH) has an autosomal recessive disease characterized by intracellular calcium overload, cardiac and skeletal myopathies and premature death from congestive heart failure. Early treatment of these animals with the calcium antagonist, verapamil (V), prevents the development of the disease. We have previously provided evidence supporting a specific defect in the ryanodine-sensitive SR calcium release channel (SRCRC) in CMH. We now provide physiologic and biochemical evidence that V modulates SRCRC. Papillary muscles prepared from F1B control hamsters (F1B) revealed an enhanced inotropic responsiveness to V and ryanodine (R) with age, not seen with CMH. CMH papillary muscles demonstrated paradoxical positive inotropic effects of V and R not shared with F1B. The positive inotropic effects of V and R were not additive. V enhanced the affinity (decreased KD) of [3H]ryanodine binding to cardiac membranes. Thus, V may prevent the overt manifestations of genetic disease in CMH by modulating a defective ryanodine-sensitive SR release channel.

Positive inotropic effect of acetylcysteine in cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters

Several laboratories have provided indirect evidence that the myocardium of the cardiomyopathic Syrian hamster (CMH) is chronically ischemic on the basis of microvascular spasm. We previously reported evidence supporting a defect in the ryanodine-sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel (SRCRC) in CMH. A relation between alterations in SRCRC and chronic ischemia has not yet been explored. A potential mechanism could be the effects of changes in redox state on thiol groups. Thiol reagents have previously been shown to regulate calcium release from SRCRC. Accordingly, we studied the inotropic effects of the sulfhydryl donors, acetylcysteine (AC), cysteine, and cystine in CMH. AC was a positive inotrope in isolated papillary muscles prepared from CMH, but not F1B controls (F1B) (p < 0.01). No significant differences were noted in inotropic responses to cysteine or cystine. AC blunted the response of CMH > F1B control papillary muscle preparations to stimulation frequency (p < 0.01). The actual tension generated (in mg/mm2) by CMH was no longer different than F1B with addition of AC (10(-3) M), ryanodine (10(-8) M), or verapamil (5 x 10(-7) M). These findings are consistent with a defect in SRCRC in CMH. This defect may be primary or may provide a novel mechanism for hibernating myocardium owing to chronic ischemia.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes do not appear to select for mutations in an immunodominant epitope of simian immunodeficiency virus gag

Studies to date assessing HIV escape from CTL in vivo have yielded conflicting results. Previous studies have demonstrated that simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac)-infected rhesus monkeys expressing the MHC class I allele Mamu-A*01 reproducibly develop a gag-specific CTL response limited to a 9-amino acid epitope of the SIVmac gag protein (residues 182-190 within peptide 11C). To determine whether CTL have a role in selecting for AIDS virus mutants, we examined mutations in SIVmac proviral DNA encoding this gag CTL epitope in PBL of infected rhesus monkeys. Three Mamu-A*01+ rhesus monkeys were infected with SIVmac and assessed for gag- and peptide 11C-specific CTL responses. This specific CTL response was maintained in two monkeys, but lost in the third animal 2 yr after infection. The generation of proviral gag mutations was then determined by sequencing 500-bp proviral fragments amplified from fresh PBL obtained from the monkeys more than 2.5 yr after infection. Although numerous point mutations were characterized in 131 polymerase chain reaction-generated clones of SIVmac gag, only four mutations within the gag CTL epitope-coding region of the genome were identified. Comparison of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions in the regions encoding peptide 11C (p11C) and the flanking gag protein indicated a lack of selective pressure for viral mutations in the CTL epitope coding region. Interestingly, a predominant gag mutant encoding a single amino acid change in p11C was found in a monkey which lost its CTL activity. However, even in this setting there was no evidence for selection of mutations in the CTL epitope coding region when compared with the flanking region. Furthermore, synthetic peptides corresponding to all naturally occurring variants in the gag epitope-coding region were recognized by cloned and bulk cultured effector cells of the infected monkeys with persistent CTL. These results indicate that SIVmac gag- and p11C-specific CTL do not select for mutations in the immunodominant epitope-coding region and that the naturally occurring mutants do not appear to escape CTL recognition.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes do not appear to select for mutations in an immunodominant epitope of simian immunodeficiency virus gag

Studies to date assessing HIV escape from CTL in vivo have yielded conflicting results. Previous studies have demonstrated that simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac)-infected rhesus monkeys expressing the MHC class I allele Mamu-A*01 reproducibly develop a gag-specific CTL response limited to a 9-amino acid epitope of the SIVmac gag protein (residues 182-190 within peptide 11C). To determine whether CTL have a role in selecting for AIDS virus mutants, we examined mutations in SIVmac proviral DNA encoding this gag CTL epitope in PBL of infected rhesus monkeys. Three Mamu-A*01+ rhesus monkeys were infected with SIVmac and assessed for gag- and peptide 11C-specific CTL responses. This specific CTL response was maintained in two monkeys, but lost in the third animal 2 yr after infection. The generation of proviral gag mutations was then determined by sequencing 500-bp proviral fragments amplified from fresh PBL obtained from the monkeys more than 2.5 yr after infection. Although numerous point mutations were characterized in 131 polymerase chain reaction-generated clones of SIVmac gag, only four mutations within the gag CTL epitope-coding region of the genome were identified. Comparison of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions in the regions encoding peptide 11C (p11C) and the flanking gag protein indicated a lack of selective pressure for viral mutations in the CTL epitope coding region. Interestingly, a predominant gag mutant encoding a single amino acid change in p11C was found in a monkey which lost its CTL activity. However, even in this setting there was no evidence for selection of mutations in the CTL epitope coding region when compared with the flanking region. Furthermore, synthetic peptides corresponding to all naturally occurring variants in the gag epitope-coding region were recognized by cloned and bulk cultured effector cells of the infected monkeys with persistent CTL. These results indicate that SIVmac gag- and p11C-specific CTL do not select for mutations in the immunodominant epitope-coding region and that the naturally occurring mutants do not appear to escape CTL recognition.

Vaccination of rhesus monkeys with synthetic peptide in a fusogenic proteoliposome elicits simian immunodeficiency virus-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes

An effective vaccine against the human immunodeficiency virus should be capable of eliciting both an antibody and a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. However, when viral proteins and peptides are formulated with traditional immunological adjuvants and inoculated via a route acceptable for use in humans, they have not been successful at eliciting virus-specific, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted CTL. We have designed a novel viral subunit vaccine by encapsulating a previously defined synthetic peptide CTL epitope of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) gag protein within a proteoliposome capable of attaching to and fusing with plasma membranes. Upon fusing, the encapsulated contents of this proteoliposome can enter the MHC class I processing pathway through the cytoplasm. In this report, we show that after a single intramuscular vaccination, rhesus monkeys develop a CD8+ cell-mediated, MHC class I-restricted CTL response that recognizes the synthetic peptide immunogen. The induced CTL also demonstrate antiviral immunity by recognizing SIV gag protein endogenously processed by target cells infected with SIV/vaccinia recombinant virus. These results demonstrate that virus-specific, MHC class I-restricted, CD8+ CTL can be elicited by a safe, nonreplicating viral subunit vaccine in a primate model for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Moreover, the proteoliposome vaccine formation described can include multiple synthetic peptide epitopes, and, thus, offers a simple means of generating antiviral cell-mediated immunity in a genetically heterogeneous population.

Receptors for IgA on phagocytic cells

IgA receptors have been detected on monocytes, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and eosinophils, and on phagocytic cells at mucosal sites. These receptors bind both secretory and serum forms of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and require the Ca2 region of the IgA molecule for ligand recognition. Monocytes and PMNs modulate their expression of the IgA receptor upon treatment with cytokines, such as granulocyto-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and lipopolysaccharide. Purified IgA receptors appear as heavily glycosylated molecules with an average molecular weight of 60 kD, dropping to 32 and 36 kD upon treatment with N-glycanase. The cDNA sequence encoding the IgA receptor has been determined by expression cloning, and predicts that the receptor consists of two Ig-like extracellular domaines, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic tail of 41 residues. Ligation of IgA receptors on phagocytic cells by multivalent IgA complexes induces a variety of responses, including superoxide generation, release of inflammatory mediators, phagocytosis, and killing of various pathogenic microorganisms. Thus the apparent role of these receptors is to amplify the protective effects of the IgA antibody, a function of potential importance to mucosal defense.

[Effects of fertilization on yield of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr]

The experiment revealed that the use of various kinds of fertilizers has apparent effect on the yield of Asparagus cochinchinensis during its growth period. Nitrogen fertilizer and compound fertilizer are suitable for the seeding period, while compound fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are suitable for the period of root forming. The quantity of fertilizer to be used depends on the growing and soil conditions.

Selenium content of goat milk and its distribution in protein fractions

This study reports on selenium distribution in goat milk. Skim milk was found to contain the major part (94%) of total milk selenium. The selenium distribution over casein and whey protein fractions depends on the separation method used, but irrespective of these methods, skim milk selenium is mainly associated with the casein fraction (greater than 69%). Approximately 9%, 7% and 24% of selenium is removed by dialysis (molecular cutoff 10-12 kDa) from skim milk, casein and whey respectively, indicating a major association of selenium with milk proteins. This observation is confirmed by selenium analysis of individual caseins and whey proteins isolated through ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Selenium concentrations of the different isolated milk proteins show considerable variation (caseins: 294-550 ng Se/g; whey proteins: 217-457 ng Se/g).

Radioligand binding and inotropic effects of ryanodine in the cardiomyopathic Syrian hamster

We compared the radioligand-binding and inotropic effects of ryanodine [known specific regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium release channel] on BIO 14.6 cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters with those on age-matched F1B controls. Scatchard analyses of [3H]ryanodine binding to cardiac membranes prepared from 1-2-month-old BIO 14.6 and F1B Syrian hamsters revealed the presence of a significant increase in binding capacity (Bmax = 942 +/- 49 vs. 567 +/- 33 fmol/mg protein) with no difference in affinity (KD = 3.9 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.5 nM, p less than 0.01). Ryanodine is a significantly less potent negative inotrope in isolated papillary muscles prepared from 1-2-month-old BIO 14.6 hamsters than in muscles from F1B controls (IC50 = 4.3 +/- 1 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.4 microM, p less than 0.05). Ryanodine was 200-fold less potent in the 4-6-month-old myopathic muscles than in controls (IC50 = 20 +/- 5 vs. 0.1 +/- 0.01 microM, p less than 0.01). A paradoxic positive inotropic effect of ryanodine observed in 4-6-month-old myopathic muscles at low concentrations was not seen in controls (ECmax = 126 +/- 5% at 1 +/- 0.1 x 10(-8) M). These data support the presence of a defect both biochemical and physiologic in the ryanodine-sensitive SR calcium release channel in the BIO 14.6 cardiomyopathic Syrian hamster. Purification, cloning, sequencing, and expression studies will be required to distinguish among primary, secondary, intrinsic, and regulatory defects in the ryanodine-sensitive SR calcium release channel in the cardiomyopathic Syrian hamster.

A monoclonal antibody specific for immunoglobulin A receptor triggers polymorphonuclear neutrophil superoxide release

An immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal antibody, My43, specific for IgA Fc receptor (Fc alpha R) on human monocytes, bound to human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and inhibited their ability to bind IgA but not IgG. It was observed that the PMN oxidative burst was induced by both polymeric IgA and aggregated IgG, whereas IgM was without effect. The IgG-mediated oxidative burst was inhibited by anti-Fc gamma RII Fab and anti-Fc gamma RIII F(ab')2 but not by My43. Conversely, the IgA-mediated oxidative burst was inhibited by My43 but not by anti-Fc gamma RII or anti-Fc gamma RIII. When anti-Fc receptor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were used directly as ligands, it was observed that both anti-Fc gamma RII Fab and anti-Fc gamma RII F(ab')2 promoted the oxidative burst when cross-linked. Moreover, My43, when cross-linked with F(ab')2 antimouse IgM, also triggered the oxidative burst, whereas an IgM anti-CD15 mAb, PM81, did not stimulate function. This demonstrates that IgA receptors on PMNs are function-triggering molecules and that an anti-IgA receptor mAb may be substituted as a ligand.

[Biological characteristics of Cryptoporus volvatus (peck) Hubb., a medicinal fungus]

Through ecological investigations and experimental studies, it has been shown that C. volvatus is a fungus growing on decaying matter; the carbon source of culture medium comes from glucose, honey, fructose, mannitol, etc; and its nitrogen source from peptone, yeast powder, etc. The best ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) is 20-25: 1, optimum pH 5.5-6.5 and optimal temperature 25-30 degrees C.

Channel reconstitution in liposomes and planar bilayers with HPLC-purified MIP26 of bovine lens

The major intrinsic protein (MIP26) of bovine lens membranes, purified by HPLC, was incorporated into liposomes and planar bilayers. Permeability of MIP26 channels was studied in liposomes by a spectrophotometric osmotic-swelling assay, and channel electrical properties were monitored in planar bilayers following liposome fusion. Particle formation in liposomes was determined by freeze fracture. MIP26 channels were permeable to KCl and sucrose. In planar bilayers, channel-conductance transitions were observed only after addition of liposomes to both chambers and with voltages greater than +/- 20 mV. Channel open probability decreased progressively as voltage increased, and an open probability of 50% was at 60-80 mV, indicating that the channels are voltage dependent. Histograms of single-channel current amplitudes at 80 mV showed a Gaussian distribution that peaked at 10 pA (approximately 120 pS), after subtraction of 1 pA baseline current. Frequency distributions of open and closed times at 80 mV were single exponential functions with time constants of 0.13 and 1.9 sec, respectively. Open time constants ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 sec, and closed time constants ranged from 1 to 7 sec. Cs+ did not decrease conductance, but reduced mean open time from 0.2 to 0.038 sec and mean closed time from 1.5 to 0.38 sec. The increase in channel flickering with Cs+ occurred in bursts. TEA affected neither conductance nor kinetics. Channel events were also observed in Na+ solutions (zero K+). These data indicate that MIP26 channels are not K(+)-selective channels. Channel characteristics such as: permeability to molecules larger than small ions, conductance greater than 100 pS, long open and closed time constants, etc., are similar to those of gap junction channels.

[Identification of Yi nationality's secret recipe for treating snakebite]

The authors have investigated and found an effective secret recipe for the treatment of snakebite in Mabian, an autonomous county of the Yi nationality in Sichuan Province. Morphologic identification has shown that the recipe is composed of the herb of Pedicularis muscicola and the rhizome of Polygonum viviparum in the ratio of one to one. To facilitate further application, popularization and improvement of the recipe, its histological characteristics have also been studied microscopically.

Immunization of simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus monkeys with soluble human CD4 elicits an antiviral response

Since the CD4 molecule is a high-affinity cell-surface receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it has been suggested that a soluble truncated form of CD4 may compete with cell-surface CD4 for HIV binding and thus be of use in the therapy of AIDS. We have utilized the simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac)-infected rhesus monkeys to explore another possible therapeutic application of CD4 in AIDS--the use of recombinant soluble CD4 (rsCD4) as an immunogen. SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys immunized with human rsCD4 developed not only an anti-human CD4 but also an anti-rhesus monkey CD4 antibody response. Coincident with the generation of this antibody response, SIVmac could not be isolated easily from peripheral blood lymphocytes and bone marrow macrophages of these animals. Furthermore, the decreased number of both granulocyte/macrophage and erythrocyte colonies grown from the bone marrow of these immunized monkeys rose to normal levels. These findings suggest that a modified human CD4 molecule serving as an immunogen might elicit an antibody response in man that could induce a beneficial therapeutic response in HIV-infected individuals.

Recombinant virus vaccine-induced SIV-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Evidence indicates that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) may be important in containing the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the infected host. Although the use of recombinant viruses has been proposed as an approach to elicit protective immunity against HIV, the ability of recombinant viral constructs to elicit CD8+ CTL responses in higher primates has never been demonstrated. A live recombinant virus, vaccinia-simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac), was used to determine whether such a genetically restricted, T lymphocyte-mediated antiviral response could be generated in a primate. Vaccinia-SIVmac vaccination elicited an SIVmac Gag-specific, CD8+ CTL response in rhesus monkeys. These CTLs recognized a peptide fragment that spans residues 171 to 195 of the Gag protein. The rhesus monkey major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene product restricting this CTL response was defined. Both the vaccinated and SIVmac-infected monkeys that shared this MHC class I gene product developed CTLs with the same Gag epitope specificity. These findings support the use of recombinant virus vaccines for the prevention of HIV infections in humans.

[Pharmacognostical study on the Chinese drug nanshashen]

The Chinese drug nanshashen is taken from a variety of plants. In this paper, 11 kinds of nanshashen derived from 11 plants of Adenophora have been studied in their pharmacognostical characters and microproperties. A key has been compiled based on the experimental results.

Expression cloning of a human Fc receptor for IgA

IgA, the predominant isotype in secretions, mediates the neutralization and removal of environmental antigens from mucosal sites. Although cell surface receptors for the Fc region of IgA (Fc alpha R) have been implicated in a variety of immune effector mechanisms, the molecular features of Fc alpha R remain only marginally characterized. In this report, we describe the isolation of a clone from a myeloid cell line cDNA library that directs the expression of a cell surface molecule with IgA binding specificity. The cDNA encodes a peptide of Mr 30,000 including a putative transmembrane region with features atypical of conventional membrane-anchored proteins. Databank searches indicate that the human myeloid cell Fc alpha R sequence is unique, is a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, and is related to Fc receptors for IgG (Fc gamma RI, II, and III) and IgE (Fc epsilon RI).

Evaluation of the antibody-dependent cytotoxic capabilities of individual human monocytes. Role of Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII and the effects of cytokines at the single cell level

In this report we present evidence that not all human peripheral blood monocytes mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and that this function may be determined on an individual cell by both the type and level of expression of FcR, and by the state of cellular activation and/or differentiation. Although the diverse range of effector and regulatory functions performed by human monocytes suggests the possibility of distinct subsets, it is not clear whether observed functional heterogeneity reflects the presence of true monocyte subpopulations, or whether this diversity represents a continuum of maturational states present in the peripheral circulation. In an attempt to address this question, we investigated the ability of human monocytes to carry out ADCC at the single cell level, with emphasis on the role of the three FcR for IgG (Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII) in mediating cytotoxicity. Using a modified plaque assay, 58.3% +/- 4.9 of freshly isolated monocytes mediated ADCC, as evidenced by the formation of lytic plaques in monolayers of ox erythrocyte (oxE) target cells. Significant increases in the number of plaque-forming cells were observed after positive selection by flow microfluorimetry for those monocytes expressing high levels of Fc gamma RI and Rc gamma RII, but not Fc gamma RIII. Bispecific antibodies composed of Fab fragments of anti-oxE antibody covalently coupled to Fab fragments of anti-Fc gamma R antibodies were used to independently evaluate the ability of Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII to mediate single cell cytotoxicity. Significant increases in the number of plaque-forming cells were observed in the presence of anti-Fc gamma RI x anti-oxE and anti-Fc gamma RII x anti-oxE bispecific antibodies, confirming the efficiency of Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII as cytotoxic trigger molecules on human monocytes. Incubation of monocytes with purified rIFN-gamma and granulocyte macrophage-CSF, but not IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, or TNF-alpha, also resulted in significant increases in the number of monocytes mediating cytotoxicity, suggesting that cytotoxic ability at the single cell level may be influenced by factors which effect monocyte activation and differentiation, respectively. Overall, these studies demonstrate that freshly isolated human monocytes are heterogeneous in their ability to mediate ADCC, and suggest that this functional diversity arises not from discrete subpopulations of cells, but from a continuum of maturational/activational states present within the peripheral circulation.

Evaluation of the antibody-dependent cytotoxic capabilities of individual human monocytes. Role of Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII and the effects of cytokines at the single cell level

In this report we present evidence that not all human peripheral blood monocytes mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and that this function may be determined on an individual cell by both the type and level of expression of FcR, and by the state of cellular activation and/or differentiation. Although the diverse range of effector and regulatory functions performed by human monocytes suggests the possibility of distinct subsets, it is not clear whether observed functional heterogeneity reflects the presence of true monocyte subpopulations, or whether this diversity represents a continuum of maturational states present in the peripheral circulation. In an attempt to address this question, we investigated the ability of human monocytes to carry out ADCC at the single cell level, with emphasis on the role of the three FcR for IgG (Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII) in mediating cytotoxicity. Using a modified plaque assay, 58.3% +/- 4.9 of freshly isolated monocytes mediated ADCC, as evidenced by the formation of lytic plaques in monolayers of ox erythrocyte (oxE) target cells. Significant increases in the number of plaque-forming cells were observed after positive selection by flow microfluorimetry for those monocytes expressing high levels of Fc gamma RI and Rc gamma RII, but not Fc gamma RIII. Bispecific antibodies composed of Fab fragments of anti-oxE antibody covalently coupled to Fab fragments of anti-Fc gamma R antibodies were used to independently evaluate the ability of Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII to mediate single cell cytotoxicity. Significant increases in the number of plaque-forming cells were observed in the presence of anti-Fc gamma RI x anti-oxE and anti-Fc gamma RII x anti-oxE bispecific antibodies, confirming the efficiency of Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII as cytotoxic trigger molecules on human monocytes. Incubation of monocytes with purified rIFN-gamma and granulocyte macrophage-CSF, but not IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, or TNF-alpha, also resulted in significant increases in the number of monocytes mediating cytotoxicity, suggesting that cytotoxic ability at the single cell level may be influenced by factors which effect monocyte activation and differentiation, respectively. Overall, these studies demonstrate that freshly isolated human monocytes are heterogeneous in their ability to mediate ADCC, and suggest that this functional diversity arises not from discrete subpopulations of cells, but from a continuum of maturational/activational states present within the peripheral circulation.

Exclusion mapping of 12 X-linked disease loci and 10 DNA probes from the long arm of the X-chromosome

Specific chromosome rearrangements associated with disease entities are invaluable resources for physical mapping. A deletion on the X chromosome of a male leads to the nullisomy for X-linked genes, resulting in the onset of genetic diseases and/or the absence of the DNA probe detectable sequences. This permits the localization of these loci within the deleted area. On the other hand, the region for some other X-linked loci can be excluded from the deleted area according to the absence of the characteristic symptoms of the disease and/or the presence of the hybridization signals. An interstitial deletion on the long arm of the X chromosome of a male has been characterized by high resolution banding. The karyotype of the proband is 46,Y,del(X)(pter----q21.1::q21.33----qter). The regions for 12 X-linked disease loci as well as 10 DNA probes are excluded from the deleted area, and localized either proximally or distally to the deletion. The results also reveal a controversy in the present linkage data concerning the assignment of these loci.

A deletion panel of the long arm of the X chromosome: subregional localization of 22 DNA probes

Two males and two females with different but overlapping deletions on the proximal long arm of the X chromosomes have been investigated. Their karyotypes, which have been well characterized by high resolution banding techniques, are 46,Y,del(X)(pter----q21.1::q21.33----qter); 46,Y,del(X)(pter----q21.2::q21.31----qter); 46,X,del(X)(pter----q21.31::q24.3----qter) and 46,X,del(X)(pter----q21.1:). A deletion panel, which makes it possible to subdivide the long arm of the X chromosome into seven subregions, has been established using the genomic DNA from the four families, and applied to the fine subregional localization of the loci for 22 DNA probes. Based on the results obtained, the possible location of the loci in question has been narrowed down considerably, in some cases to an area of only 5% of the previously assigned region; hybridization to Southern blots of a panel with well-characterized chromosome deletions is thus a powerful means of localizing DNA probes, especially with respect to the X probes.

[Relation of tongue color changes and red-cell immune adherence activity in patients with malignant bone tumor]

This article presents that preliminary study on the changes of the tongue colour and the red-cell immune adherence (RCIA) activity in 40 patients with malignant bone tumor, as compared with 40 healthy persons. The results showed that the rate of erythrocyte C3b receptor yeast rosette were no statistically significant different between the pink and the crimson tongues in the bone tumor group and control group (P greater than 0.05). It appeared RCIA activity was no depression in the patients with malignant bone tumor during pink and crimson tongue. In the bone tumor group with the pale and the cyanotic tongues, the rate of erythrocyte C3b receptor yeast rosette and erythrocyte immune complex rosette was significantly lower than that of the control group (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.01). It appeared that RCIA activity in these patients was markedly impaired. The authors suggested that the tongue colour changes in the patients with malignant bone tumors could roughly reflect the level of RCIA activity. This phenomenon is beneficially to predict the body capacity against the malignant tumor.

Human alveolar macrophage FcR-mediated cytotoxicity. Heteroantibody- versus conventional antibody-mediated target cell lysis

Human alveolar macrophage have three distinct receptors for IgG: FcRI, FcRII, and FcRIII. In order to compare the ability of these receptors to mediate target cell lysis, three different assay systems were examined. First, we studied lysis of chicken E (CE) opsonized with heteroantibodies, which are synthetic antibodies composed of Fab fragments with anti-FcR activity covalently linked to Fab fragments with anti-CE activity. We found alveolar macrophage readily lysed heteroantibody-opsonized CE via each of the three FcR classes (FcRI, 20 +/- 5%; FcRII, 27 +/- 7%; and FcRIII, 13 +/- 13%, p less than 0.05). Non-FcR-dependent lysis of anti-beta 2-microglobulin x anti-CE heteroantibody-opsonized CE was not detected. Second, lysis of hybridoma cell lines bearing anti-FcR antibodies on their cell surface was examined to assess killing of "tumor-like" target cells. Whereas peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes were able to lyse hybridoma cell lines bearing surface anti-FcR mAb, alveolar macrophages were not. Third, activity of alveolar macrophage FcR was examined in a conventional antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay by using O+ (R1,R2) human RBC opsonized with human anti-D and anti-CD serum as target cells. We found lysis of anti-D and anti-CD opsonized human RBC was mediated exclusively via FcRI. No activity of FcRII or FcRIII was detected in these latter assays even if performed under conditions that impair FcRI activity. Thus, all three FcR present on alveolar macrophage mediate lysis of heteroantibody-opsonized CE; in contrast, with the use of a conventional antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay, only FcRI activity was detected. We were unable to demonstrate lysis of anti-FcR-bearing hybridoma cell lines by alveolar macrophages.

Human alveolar macrophage FcR-mediated cytotoxicity. Heteroantibody- versus conventional antibody-mediated target cell lysis

Human alveolar macrophage have three distinct receptors for IgG: FcRI, FcRII, and FcRIII. In order to compare the ability of these receptors to mediate target cell lysis, three different assay systems were examined. First, we studied lysis of chicken E (CE) opsonized with heteroantibodies, which are synthetic antibodies composed of Fab fragments with anti-FcR activity covalently linked to Fab fragments with anti-CE activity. We found alveolar macrophage readily lysed heteroantibody-opsonized CE via each of the three FcR classes (FcRI, 20 +/- 5%; FcRII, 27 +/- 7%; and FcRIII, 13 +/- 13%, p less than 0.05). Non-FcR-dependent lysis of anti-beta 2-microglobulin x anti-CE heteroantibody-opsonized CE was not detected. Second, lysis of hybridoma cell lines bearing anti-FcR antibodies on their cell surface was examined to assess killing of "tumor-like" target cells. Whereas peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes were able to lyse hybridoma cell lines bearing surface anti-FcR mAb, alveolar macrophages were not. Third, activity of alveolar macrophage FcR was examined in a conventional antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay by using O+ (R1,R2) human RBC opsonized with human anti-D and anti-CD serum as target cells. We found lysis of anti-D and anti-CD opsonized human RBC was mediated exclusively via FcRI. No activity of FcRII or FcRIII was detected in these latter assays even if performed under conditions that impair FcRI activity. Thus, all three FcR present on alveolar macrophage mediate lysis of heteroantibody-opsonized CE; in contrast, with the use of a conventional antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay, only FcRI activity was detected. We were unable to demonstrate lysis of anti-FcR-bearing hybridoma cell lines by alveolar macrophages.

Phagocytosis mediated by three distinct Fc gamma receptor classes on human leukocytes

We have evaluated the capacity of the three major classes of human Fc gamma R to mediate phagocytosis by measuring the ability of adherent phagocytes to internalize erythrocytes coated with anti-Fc gamma R mAb. Five different cell types were studied, freshly purified monocytes, cultured monocytes, alveolar macrophages, freshly purified polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes, and PMNs cultured in IFN-gamma. Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII on whichever cells they were expressed were capable of phagocytosing anti-Fc gamma R mAb-coated erythrocytes. Furthermore, Fc gamma RIII on mononuclear phagocytes, which appears to be a conventional integral membrane protein that spans the lipid bilayer, was capable of phagocytosing anti-Fc gamma RIII-coated erythrocytes. However, Fc gamma RIII on neutrophils, a molecule linked to the membrane by a phosphatidylinositol-glycan moiety, although binding anti-Fc gamma RIII-coated erythrocytes vigorously was incapable of mounting a phagocytic response. This deficiency correlates with the limited capacity of Fc gamma RIII on neutrophils to mediate superoxide generation and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and it may be related to the unique structural features of Fc gamma RIII.

The effect of cytokines on the expression and function of Fc receptors for IgG on human myeloid cells

We examined expression and cytotoxic triggering capability of the three Fc receptors for IgG (Fc gamma R) on human monocytes, PMNs and myeloid cell lines after in vitro culture with various cytokines. Fc gamma R expression was evaluated using specific anti-Fc gamma R monoclonal antibodies (mAb). The cytotoxic capability of each Fc gamma R was examined after the effector cells were treated with the recombinant cytokines IFN-gamma. TNF alpha, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, or IL-6. Hybridoma cell lines (HC) bearing antibody directed to Fc gamma RI (HC 32), Fc gamma RII (HC IV.3) or Fc gamma RIII (HC 3G8) were used as targets, as were chicken erythrocytes (CE) sensitized with heteroantibodies composed of anti-Fc gamma R mAbs (32, IV.3, 3G8) linked to anti-CE antibody. Only IFN-gamma treatment significantly increased Fc gamma R expression and then only Fc gamma RI. IFN-gamma dramatically up-regulated Fc gamma RI expression on all cells tested. However, ADCC was enhanced by treatment with a number of cytokines other than IFN-gamma. GM-CSF, TNF, and IFN-gamma treatment enhanced killing of HC 32 and HC IV.3 by in vitro cultured monocytes. G-CSF treatment enabled PMNs to kill HC through Fc gamma RII, whereas PMN killing of HC through Fc gamma RIII could not be induced by any of the cytokines studied. Although only IFN-gamma treatment increased ADCC of CE by monocytes, GM-CSF treatment as well as IFN-gamma treatment augmented ADCC of CE by PMNs. In addition to IFN-gamma treatment, IL-6 treatment enabled U937 cells to lyse CE. Whereas IFN-gamma-treated U937 cells killed CE through both Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII, IL-6-treated U937 cells killed CE only through Fc gamma RI. In addition to IFN-gamma treatment, G-CSF treatment enabled HL-60 cells to lyse CE through both Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII. These results demonstrate that although IFN-gamma appears unique in regulating Fc gamma R expression on myeloid cells, cytokines other than IFN-gamma affect ADCC by these cells in a receptor-specific manner.

My 43, a monoclonal antibody that reacts with human myeloid cells inhibits monocyte IgA binding and triggers function

A mAb My 43 of the IgM isotype was obtained from a fusion of spleen cells immunized against human monocytes. This mAb inhibited monocyte binding of both soluble FITC-labeled IgA and IgA-coated E, whereas it did not inhibit IgG binding. The Ag recognized by My 43 was induced on HL-60 cells in parallel with IgA binding ability by 1-25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 treatment. Phagocytosis of IgA-coated E by monocytes and 1-25 dihydroxyvitamin D3-treated HL-60 cells was inhibited by My 43. Furthermore, a heteroantibody of My 43 x F(ab)'2 anti-E promoted phagocytic uptake of E by monocytes. Production of superoxide anion by IFN-gamma treated U-937 cells was stimulated by My 43 but not by other IgM mAb recognizing myeloid cells. By these criteria My 43 recognized a molecule capable of triggering function. Moreover, its binding reactivity, ability to block binding of IgA and IgA-complexes, and its ability to induce activation of IgA receptor bearing myeloid cells, are consistent with the possibility that My 43 reacts with the IgA receptor on these cells.

My 43, a monoclonal antibody that reacts with human myeloid cells inhibits monocyte IgA binding and triggers function

A mAb My 43 of the IgM isotype was obtained from a fusion of spleen cells immunized against human monocytes. This mAb inhibited monocyte binding of both soluble FITC-labeled IgA and IgA-coated E, whereas it did not inhibit IgG binding. The Ag recognized by My 43 was induced on HL-60 cells in parallel with IgA binding ability by 1-25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 treatment. Phagocytosis of IgA-coated E by monocytes and 1-25 dihydroxyvitamin D3-treated HL-60 cells was inhibited by My 43. Furthermore, a heteroantibody of My 43 x F(ab)'2 anti-E promoted phagocytic uptake of E by monocytes. Production of superoxide anion by IFN-gamma treated U-937 cells was stimulated by My 43 but not by other IgM mAb recognizing myeloid cells. By these criteria My 43 recognized a molecule capable of triggering function. Moreover, its binding reactivity, ability to block binding of IgA and IgA-complexes, and its ability to induce activation of IgA receptor bearing myeloid cells, are consistent with the possibility that My 43 reacts with the IgA receptor on these cells.

Monocyte superoxide secretion triggered by human IgA

While there is much evidence for a key role of IgA in mucosal defence, its mode of action is incompletely understood. The finding of Fc receptors for IgA on various phagocytic cells has led to examination of the ability of IgA to mediate the protective functions of these cells. We studied the ability of human peripheral monocytes to secrete superoxide upon interaction with human IgA, IgG or IgM bound to a solid phase. Both secretory and serum IgA triggered the superoxide response, producing superoxide levels comparable to those induced by IgG, whereas IgM and mouse IgA were inactive. A combination of monomeric IgG and a monoclonal anti-IgG Fc receptor antibody inhibited superoxide secretion mediated through IgG but failed to block the IgA-triggered response, demonstrating that IgA was recognized through specific receptors. In addition IgA was capable of mediating phagocytosis when attached to erythrocytes.

The functional properties of Fc gamma RI, II and III on myeloid cells: a comparative study of killing of erythrocytes and tumor cells mediated through the different Fc receptors

Three distinct Fc receptors for IgG, Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII are known to be associated with human myeloid cells. Using mAb specific for these receptors, and the hydridoma cells lines that produce these mAb, we have examined the ability of each of these receptors on different myeloid cells and cell lines to mediate killing of tumor and red cell targets. Hybridoma cells (HC) expressing anti-Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII or Fc gamma RIII upon their surface were used as model self-directed tumor targets. Chicken erythrocytes (CE) were used as another type of target cell and in this case effector cell cytotoxicity was mediated by heteroantibodies (HA) composed of Fab fragments of anti-Fc gamma R mAb covalently linked to Fab fragments of rabbit anti-CE antibodies. Monocytes, lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and the myeloid cell lines U937, HL-60 and THP-1 were used as effector cells either in their native state or after activation with rIFN-gamma. Direct comparison of cytotoxicity by the same effector cell population against both tumor and erythroid targets has permitted definitive evaluation of the ability of the different Fc gamma R to promote cytolysis under two different conditions. Monocytes were able to utilize Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII in killing both CE and HC targets, and incubation with rIFN-gamma augmented their ability to kill CE, particularly through Fc gamma RI. Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII mediated killing of CE by untreated neutrophils. rIFN-gamma induced PMNs to express Fc gamma RI and to mediate killing of CE through this receptor. Moreover, HC targets were not lyzed by untreated neutrophils, but rIFN-gamma activated neutrophils killed HC bearing surface anti-Fc gamma RI and anti-Fc gamma RII, but not anti-Fc gamma RIII. Myeloid cell lines HL-60 and U937 were unable to perform cytotoxicity without prior culture with rIFN-gamma, following which they killed CE through Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII, but were still incapable of HC lysis. THP-1, another myeloid cell line, was cytotoxic to CE through Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII without activation. Following rIFN-gamma treatment, cytotoxicity through these two Fc gamma R increased and was also mediated by Fc gamma RIII but these cells were still unable to kill HC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aromatic dienoyl tetramic acids. Novel antibacterial agents with activity against anaerobes and staphylococci

Streptolydigin (1) and tirandamycin A (2) are typical members of the naturally occurring class of 3-dienoyl tetramic acids. These compounds, which possess potent antibacterial activity particularly against anaerobes, have been shown to inhibit bacterial RNA polymerase. In contrast, tenuazonic acid (5), which lacks a complex dioxabicyclononane moiety and diene chromophore present in 1 and 2, exhibits essentially no antimicrobial activity and has no effect on bacterial RNA polymerase, suggesting that one or both of these structural features may be critical for antibacterial activity. In this paper, we report on a novel series of synthetic dienoyl tetramic acids that lack a complex dioxabicyclononane unit. Several of these compounds, particularly 8T-W, exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes as well as staphylococci. We will discuss the structure-activity relationship for this series of compounds which, in contrast to their natural counterparts, do not inhibit significantly RNA polymerase. We will also discuss preliminary results on the biochemical and microbiological properties of this series of compounds, several of which moderately inhibit supercoiling by DNA gyrase isolated from E. coli H560, although this enzyme has not been established as their target in whole cells. Compound 8W, which is not cross-resistant with DNA gyrase subunit A or B inhibitors or tirandamycin, has also been demonstrated to be rapidly bactericidal.

Characteristics of HBsAg subtypes distribution in Beijing area

This paper reports that 300 HBsAg positives were distributed in 262 families. 14 of the 262 families had two or more HBsAg positives. In the 14 families, 7 showed the same subtype HBsAg, probably due to HBV infection from family source. Another 7 families showed HBsAg of different subtypes, definitely due to infections from the community.

Cytotoxicity mediated by human Fc receptors for IgG

The Fc receptors for IgG(Fc gamma R) play a major role in the removal of antibody-coated infectious agents and may be important molecules for triggering cytotoxicity of tumor cells; they may also serve as an entry for infection of Fc gamma R-bearing cells by viral (including HIV and Dengue), and perhaps other infectious agents. Although central to immune defense, an understanding of the role of these Fc gamma R in cytotoxicity has been complicated in part by the presence of several biochemically distinct types of receptor that have different distributions, specificities, affinities and modes of activation for killing. The development of monoclonal antibodies specific for Fc gamma R on human leukocytes has established the existence of three distinct Fc gamma R and furthermore has helped clarify the function of each of these receptors. In this review, Michael Fanger and colleagues discuss the use of Fc gamma R-specific mAb and the hybridoma cell lines that produce them in examining the ability of each of these unique receptors to mediate killing of tumor and red cell targets. In particular, the use of self-directed hybridoma cells as a model of tumor-cell killing and of bi-specific antibodies to link target cells to effector cells through the different Fc gamma R is discussed. The results of these studies suggest that the ability of a given Fc gamma R to trigger killing is sometimes dependent on the type of Fc gamma R, but is also markedly influenced by the type of target cell and by the nature and state of activation of the effector cell.

Fc gamma R-mediated killing by eosinophils

In this report we present data on the ability of the different Fc gamma R present on eosinophils to mediate killing of erythroid and tumor targets, and on a comparison of eosinophil and neutrophil Fc gamma R-mediated killing. Erythroid target killing was assessed using chicken erythrocytes (CE) and heteroantibodies composed of Fab fragments of anti-CE antibodies covalently coupled to Fab fragments of anti-Fc gamma R antibodies. Such anti-CE x anti-Fc gamma R reagents permit linkage of CE target cells with the FcR molecules on the eosinophil or neutrophil effector cells. Tumor target killing was assessed using hybridoma cell lines (HC) bearing anti-Fc gamma R antibodies on their cell surface. Freshly isolated eosinophils and neutrophils constitutively express similar amounts of the low affinity Fc gamma R, Fc gamma RII on their cell surface, but neither cell type expresses the high affinity Fc gamma R, Fc gamma RI. In contrast, eosinophils have only about 5% as much of the low affinity Fc gamma R found on human granulocytes and large granular lymphocytes (Fc gamma RIII) as neutrophils. Untreated, freshly prepared eosinophils or neutrophils did not lyse any of the anti-Fc gamma R bearing HC nor did they lyse CE in the presence of anti-Fc gamma R containing heteroantibodies. Upon treatment with granulocyte monocyte-CSF (GM-CSF), both cell types lysed HC-bearing antibody to Fc gamma RII (HC IV.3A) and CE in the presence of anti-CE x anti-Fc gamma RII heteroantibodies. However, neither cell type lysed HC-bearing antibody to Fc gamma RI or Fc gamma RIII, or CE in the presence of anti-CE x anti-Fc gamma RI HA. Treatment with GM-CSF did not significantly alter the number of Fc gamma R on either cell type. Treatment of neutrophils with IFN-gamma for 18 h induced the expression of Fc gamma RI on these cells and their ability to lyse anti-Fc gamma RI- or Fc gamma RII-bearing HC and CE through Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII. In contrast, 6-h treatment of eosinophils or neutrophils with IFN-gamma induced neither Fc gamma RI expression on either cell type nor killing of HC or CE through Fc gamma R. In summary, incubation with GM-CSF, induced eosinophils and neutrophils to kill anti-Fc gamma RII-bearing HC and to lyse CE through Fc gamma RII. This augmented killing was not associated with enhanced expression of Fc gamma RII.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Fc gamma R-mediated killing by eosinophils

In this report we present data on the ability of the different Fc gamma R present on eosinophils to mediate killing of erythroid and tumor targets, and on a comparison of eosinophil and neutrophil Fc gamma R-mediated killing. Erythroid target killing was assessed using chicken erythrocytes (CE) and heteroantibodies composed of Fab fragments of anti-CE antibodies covalently coupled to Fab fragments of anti-Fc gamma R antibodies. Such anti-CE x anti-Fc gamma R reagents permit linkage of CE target cells with the FcR molecules on the eosinophil or neutrophil effector cells. Tumor target killing was assessed using hybridoma cell lines (HC) bearing anti-Fc gamma R antibodies on their cell surface. Freshly isolated eosinophils and neutrophils constitutively express similar amounts of the low affinity Fc gamma R, Fc gamma RII on their cell surface, but neither cell type expresses the high affinity Fc gamma R, Fc gamma RI. In contrast, eosinophils have only about 5% as much of the low affinity Fc gamma R found on human granulocytes and large granular lymphocytes (Fc gamma RIII) as neutrophils. Untreated, freshly prepared eosinophils or neutrophils did not lyse any of the anti-Fc gamma R bearing HC nor did they lyse CE in the presence of anti-Fc gamma R containing heteroantibodies. Upon treatment with granulocyte monocyte-CSF (GM-CSF), both cell types lysed HC-bearing antibody to Fc gamma RII (HC IV.3A) and CE in the presence of anti-CE x anti-Fc gamma RII heteroantibodies. However, neither cell type lysed HC-bearing antibody to Fc gamma RI or Fc gamma RIII, or CE in the presence of anti-CE x anti-Fc gamma RI HA. Treatment with GM-CSF did not significantly alter the number of Fc gamma R on either cell type. Treatment of neutrophils with IFN-gamma for 18 h induced the expression of Fc gamma RI on these cells and their ability to lyse anti-Fc gamma RI- or Fc gamma RII-bearing HC and CE through Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII. In contrast, 6-h treatment of eosinophils or neutrophils with IFN-gamma induced neither Fc gamma RI expression on either cell type nor killing of HC or CE through Fc gamma R. In summary, incubation with GM-CSF, induced eosinophils and neutrophils to kill anti-Fc gamma RII-bearing HC and to lyse CE through Fc gamma RII. This augmented killing was not associated with enhanced expression of Fc gamma RII.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Design, synthesis, and properties of (4S)-7-(4-amino-2-substituted-pyrrolidin-1-yl)quinolone-3-carboxylic acids

The quinolonecarboxylic acids constitute a class of extremely potent and orally active broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. These compounds have been shown to inhibit DNA gyrase, a key enzyme in bacterial DNA replication. The 7-(3-aminopyrrolidinyl)quinolone A-60969 (1) is a particularly potent member of this class and is currently undergoing clinical evaluation. We have studied a series of enantiomerically homogeneous (4S)-7-(4-amino-2-substituted-pyrrolidinyl)quinolones in an effort to utilize the 2-position of the pyrrolidine moiety to improve upon the solubility and pharmacokinetic properties of this class of compounds while still maintaining potent antibacterial activity. We have found that the absolute stereochemistry at the 2-position of the pyrrolidine ring is critical to the maintenance of such activity. In this paper, we report the full details of the asymmetric synthesis and the in vitro and in vivo structure-activity relationships of this series of compounds as well as the physiochemical properties, such as water solubility and log P, associated with the structural modifications. We also discuss the pharmacokinetic properties of several of these compounds in mice and the pharmacokinetics of 59, which has the best overall properties of agents in this study, in dog.

Asymmetric synthesis and properties of the enantiomers of the antibacterial agent 7-(3-aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)-1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6- fluoro-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid hydrochloride

Compound 1 [7-(3-aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)-1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-f luoro-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid hydrochloride] is a potent member of the quinolonecarboxylic acid class of antibacterial agents and is currently undergoing clinical evaluation. We have developed efficient asymmetric syntheses of the enantiomers of this agent. The S-(+) enantiomer 1a is 1-2 log2 dilutions more active than the R-(-) enantiomer 1b against aerobic bacteria and 1-2 or more log2 dilutions more active against anaerobic bacteria in vitro. The enantiomer 1a shows significantly better in vivo activity in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa mouse protection model compared to racemic 1. Coupled with the improved solubility profile of 1a relative to racemic material, these features may be of practical significance from a clinical standpoint.

Modulation of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte IgG Fc receptors and Fc receptor-mediated functions by IFN-gamma and glucocorticoids

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) normally express two distinct types of IgG Fc gamma R, the 40-kDa Fc gamma R referred to as Fc gamma RII and the low affinity 50- to 70-kDa Fc gamma R designated Fc gamma RIII. A third type of Fc gamma R, the 72-kDa high affinity receptor known as Fc gamma RI, is also detectable on PMN that have been activated by IFN-gamma. Using mAb that discriminate among the three known types of Fc gamma R, we examined the effects of IFN-gamma and glucocorticoids on human PMN Fc gamma R expression. We also studied effects of IFN-gamma and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) of chicken erythrocytes and phagocytosis of IgG-coated ox RBC by human PMN. In 20 donors studied, we found that treatment of PMN with 400 U/ml IFN-gamma induced a 9- to 20-fold increase in the number of Fc gamma RI sites per cell, and DEX inhibited this induction of Fc gamma RI by 39 to 73%. Similarly, DEX significantly reduced the IFN-gamma stimulation of ADCC and phagocytosis. IFN-gamma had no effect on expression of Fc gamma RII or Fc gamma RIII. Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII expression was unaltered by 24 h of treatment with DEX alone, but Fc gamma RIII expression was sometimes increased by about 20% on PMN cultured with DEX. Nevertheless, we found a small but significant inhibition of ADCC and phagocytosis by 200 nM DEX. Our results indicate that Fc gamma RI plays a major but not exclusive role in the regulation of ADCC and phagocytosis by IFN-gamma and DEX.

Modulation of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte IgG Fc receptors and Fc receptor-mediated functions by IFN-gamma and glucocorticoids

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) normally express two distinct types of IgG Fc gamma R, the 40-kDa Fc gamma R referred to as Fc gamma RII and the low affinity 50- to 70-kDa Fc gamma R designated Fc gamma RIII. A third type of Fc gamma R, the 72-kDa high affinity receptor known as Fc gamma RI, is also detectable on PMN that have been activated by IFN-gamma. Using mAb that discriminate among the three known types of Fc gamma R, we examined the effects of IFN-gamma and glucocorticoids on human PMN Fc gamma R expression. We also studied effects of IFN-gamma and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) of chicken erythrocytes and phagocytosis of IgG-coated ox RBC by human PMN. In 20 donors studied, we found that treatment of PMN with 400 U/ml IFN-gamma induced a 9- to 20-fold increase in the number of Fc gamma RI sites per cell, and DEX inhibited this induction of Fc gamma RI by 39 to 73%. Similarly, DEX significantly reduced the IFN-gamma stimulation of ADCC and phagocytosis. IFN-gamma had no effect on expression of Fc gamma RII or Fc gamma RIII. Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII expression was unaltered by 24 h of treatment with DEX alone, but Fc gamma RIII expression was sometimes increased by about 20% on PMN cultured with DEX. Nevertheless, we found a small but significant inhibition of ADCC and phagocytosis by 200 nM DEX. Our results indicate that Fc gamma RI plays a major but not exclusive role in the regulation of ADCC and phagocytosis by IFN-gamma and DEX.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function triggered through the high affinity Fc receptor for monomeric IgG

While it is extensively documented that gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) is a potent stimulator of cells of the monocyte lineage, relatively little is known about its effects on granulocytes. We and others have found that immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) by polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) is significantly enhanced in a dose-dependent fashion by 16 hours incubation with recombinant IFN-gamma, resulting in 2- to 16-fold increases in ADCC. Incubation of PMN with lipopolysaccharide for 16 hours did not augment ADCC. Since IFN-gamma enhancement of ADCC is accompanied by increased expression of Fc receptors, we used monoclonal antibodies to compare control and IFN-gamma treated PMN for expression of the high affinity Fc receptor for monomeric IgG1 (FcgRI) and the PMN receptor for polymeric IgG (FcgR1o). Freshly isolated PMN or PMN cultured without IFN-gamma expressed FcgR1o but not detectable quantities of FcgRI. However, while FcgR1o were not increased on IFN-gamma-treated PMN, these cells expressed moderate amounts of FcgRI. To determine whether FcgRI contributed to PMN function, heteroantibodies consisting of Fab 3G8 or Fab 32 linked to Fab anti-target antibody were produced. ADCC of untreated PMN was promoted only by Fab 3G8 heteroantibody, whereas IFN-gamma-treated PMN killed through both FAB 3G8 and Fab 32 heteroantibodies. Thus, FcgRI can be induced on PMN by IFN-gamma, can mediate cytotoxicity by these cells, and probably accounts for the IFN-gamma stimulation of ADCC.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function triggered through the high affinity Fc receptor for monomeric IgG

While it is extensively documented that gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) is a potent stimulator of cells of the monocyte lineage, relatively little is known about its effects on granulocytes. We and others have found that immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) by polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) is significantly enhanced in a dose-dependent fashion by 16 hours incubation with recombinant IFN-gamma, resulting in 2- to 16-fold increases in ADCC. Incubation of PMN with lipopolysaccharide for 16 hours did not augment ADCC. Since IFN-gamma enhancement of ADCC is accompanied by increased expression of Fc receptors, we used monoclonal antibodies to compare control and IFN-gamma treated PMN for expression of the high affinity Fc receptor for monomeric IgG1 (FcgRI) and the PMN receptor for polymeric IgG (FcgR1o). Freshly isolated PMN or PMN cultured without IFN-gamma expressed FcgR1o but not detectable quantities of FcgRI. However, while FcgR1o were not increased on IFN-gamma-treated PMN, these cells expressed moderate amounts of FcgRI. To determine whether FcgRI contributed to PMN function, heteroantibodies consisting of Fab 3G8 or Fab 32 linked to Fab anti-target antibody were produced. ADCC of untreated PMN was promoted only by Fab 3G8 heteroantibody, whereas IFN-gamma-treated PMN killed through both FAB 3G8 and Fab 32 heteroantibodies. Thus, FcgRI can be induced on PMN by IFN-gamma, can mediate cytotoxicity by these cells, and probably accounts for the IFN-gamma stimulation of ADCC.

Heteroantibody-mediated cytotoxicity: antibody to the high affinity Fc receptor for IgG mediates cytotoxicity by human monocytes that is enhanced by interferon-gamma and is not blocked by human IgG

An IgG1 monoclonal antibody, 32.2, raised against the 72,000 dalton monocyte high affinity Fc receptor, was used to examine the role of this receptor in ADCC. This antibody did not inhibit the binding of human IgG1 to monocytes or to the U937 cell line, nor did it block or stimulate their killing of IgG-coated chicken erythrocytes (CE). Whole 32.2 or its Fab fragments were cross-linked to Fab fragments of rabbit anti-CE by using the agent SPDP. The resulting heteroantibodies (32.2 X Fab anti-CE) mediated monocyte and U937 cytotoxicity against CE, whereas an anti-HLA X anti-CE reagent did not. Both FcR expression and heteroantibody-mediated cytotoxicity were increased by culturing monocytes or U937 with IFN-gamma. Although IgG-mediated ADCC was significantly inhibited by 40 micrograms/ml human IgG1, cytotoxicity mediated by 32.2 X Fab anti-CE was not blocked by 2 mg/ml human IgG1, suggesting that such cytotoxicity might not be blocked by IgG in vivo. These data indicate the potential of 32.2 heteroantibodies in analysis of FcR function and in therapy.

Gamma interferon and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 cooperate in the induction of monocytoid differentiation but not in the functional activation of the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line

The physiological agents gamma interferon and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) are both potent inducers of monocytoid differentiation in the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line. However, the populations resulting from treatment with either inducer have differing properties, suggesting that these agents do not have identical modes of action. In this study we have compared the effects of gamma interferon (IFN gamma) and calcitriol and examined the effect of exposing HL-60 cells to both compounds simultaneously. In addition, we have examined the effects of inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis on induction of cell surface antigens in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of action of these compounds. We found that combining IFN gamma and calcitriol resulted in greater monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells than did either compound alone. In addition, a monocyte-associated cell surface antigen, My23, and class-I HLA antigen were induced by both agents in at least an additive manner. In contrast, combined treatment with both compounds did not augment antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) any better than did IFN gamma alone, but it did cause a decrease in the density of receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin. In studies examining the effects of IFN gamma and calcitriol on the cloning potential of HL-60 cells, we found that incubation of cells with either compound alone significantly reduced the number of HL-60 colonies, and both compounds added together caused an almost total elimination of colony-forming cells. Inhibition of RNA synthesis with alpha amanitin had no effect on the action of IFN gamma on cell surface HLA, but did block the induction of My23 antigen, suggesting that the mechanism of HLA induction may involve posttranscriptional phenomena. RNA-synthesis blockade inhibited the ability of calcitriol to induce My23. These studies demonstrate that multiple and separable events accompany the monocytoid differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by different chemical mediators and that different intracellular pathways may be involved.