Complement receptors CD21/35 link innate and protective immunity during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by regulating IgG3 antibody responses

CR1/2 is an important suppressor of Adenovirus-induced innate immune responses and is required for induction of neutralizing antibodies

Human complement receptors 1 and 2 are well described as important regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses, having pivotal roles in regulating complement activation (CR1) and B cell maturation/survival. In contrast, the role of the murine homologues of CR1 and CR2 (mCR1/2) have been primarily defined as modulating activation of the adaptive immune system, with very little evidence available about the role of mCR1/2 in regulating the innate immune responses to pathogens. In this manuscript, we confirm that mCR1/2 plays an important role in regulating both the innate and adaptive immune responses noted after Adenovirus (Ad) mediated gene transfer. Our results uncovered a novel role of mCR1/2 in down-regulating several, complement dependent innate immune responses. We also unveiled the mechanism underlying the complement dependent induction of neutralizing antibodies to Ad capsids as a CR1/2 dependent phenomenon that correlates with B-cell activation. These results confirm that Ad interactions with the complement system are pivotal in understanding how to maximize the safety or potency of Ad mediated gene transfer for both gene therapy and vaccine applications.

The development and function of regulatory B cells expressing IL-10 (B10 cells) requires antigen receptor diversity and TLR signals

Autoimmunity and inflammation are controlled in part by regulatory B cells, including a recently identified IL-10-competent CD1d(high)CD5(+) B cell subset termed B10 cells that represents 1-3% of adult mouse spleen B cells. In this study, pathways that influence B10 cell generation and IL-10 production were identified and compared with previously described regulatory B cells. IL-10-competent B cells were predominantly CD1d(high)CD5(+) in adult spleen and were the prevalent source of IL-10, but not other cytokines. B10 cell development and/or maturation in vivo required Ag receptor diversity and intact signaling pathways, but not T cells, gut-associated flora, or environmental pathogens. Spleen B10 cell frequencies were significantly expanded in aged mice and mice predisposed to autoimmunity, but were significantly decreased in mouse strains that are susceptible to exogenous autoantigen-induced autoimmunity. LPS, PMA, plus ionomycin stimulation in vitro for 5 h induced B10 cells to express cytoplasmic IL-10. However, prolonged LPS or CD40 stimulation (48 h) induced additional adult spleen CD1d(high)CD5(+) B cells to express IL-10 following PMA plus ionomycin stimulation. Prolonged LPS or CD40 stimulation of newborn spleen and adult blood or lymph node CD1d(low) and/or CD5(-) B cells also induced cytoplasmic IL-10 competence in rare B cells, with CD40 ligation uniformly inducing CD5 expression. IL-10 secretion was induced by LPS signaling through MyD88-dependent pathways, but not following CD40 ligation. LPS stimulation also induced rapid B10 cell clonal expansion when compared with other spleen B cells. Thereby, both adaptive and innate signals regulate B10 cell development, maturation, CD5 expression, and competence for IL-10 production.

Complement and humoral immunity

The complement system was discovered almost a century ago as an important effector in antibody-dependent killing of microorganisms. Since this early period much was learned aboutthe biochemistry and structure of complement proteins and their function in mediating inflammation. More recently, a prominent role for complement was identified in linkage of innate and adaptive immunity. In this review, I will discuss our current understanding of the importance of complement in enhancing the humoral immune response to both model antigens and pathogens. As discussed below, it is evident that the complement system participates in marking of "foreign" pathogens and "presenting" them to B cells in a manner that enhances both antibody production and long-term memory. In this special issue of Vaccine, we see examples of how complement is critical in the immune response to bacterial and viral pathogens. Moreover, the finding that most organisms have co-evolved proteins to evade complement detection underscores its importance in host protection.

Defective B cell ontogeny and humoral immune response in mice prematurely expressing human complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21) is similar to that seen in aging wild type mice

Mice prematurely expressing human CR2 (hCR2) in the B cell lineage have a defective B cell ontogeny and humoral immune response. We have previously determined altered tyrosine phosphorylation patterns within hCR2 transgenic mice, suggesting that irreversible changes in B cell signaling pathways had occurred, which could explain the B cell unresponsiveness associated with hCR2 transgene expression. In support of that assertion, we found that increasing antigen dose or addition of adjuvant had a minimal impact on the ability of B cells to respond to antigen. However, analysis of aged hCR2^high mice (1 year plus) revealed that both B cell numbers, B cell sub-population distribution including expansion of a newly described B regulatory cell subset, and immune responses were comparable with age-matched hCR2 negative mice. Finally, we established that B cell unresponsiveness to antigen in aging wild type mice (1 year plus) was equivalent to that noted in 3-month-old hCR2^high mice. This data provides evidence that 3-month-old hCR2^high mice have a humoral immune system resembling aged mice and suggests that further examination of the precise molecular and cellular parallells between aged wild type mice and 3-month-old hCR2^high mice could provide an important insight into the mechanisms which lead to B cell unresponsiveness in the aging immune system.

CD21 signaling via C3 regulates Purkinje cell protein 4 expression

Complement receptor proteins CR2 (CD21) and CR1 (CD35) have been identified as components of the murine B cell co-receptor complex. Gene expression profiles between naïve WT, C3-/-, and CD21/35-/- B cells demonstrate enhanced expression of a Ca(2+)-modulating gene, Pcp4, in WT mice compared to the complement-deficient animals. Increased expression of Pcp4 is also coincident with B cell maturation into end stage phenotypes. Prolonged activation of B cells via cross-linking of the BCR (but not CR1/CR2 alone) leads to increased expression of Pcp4 and suppressed Ca(2+) release. In total these data demonstrate that the expression of Pcp4 in naïve resting mature B cells is dependent upon tonic stimulation from the CR1/CR2 proteins via a C3 ligand, and that antigen specific B cell activation can also elevate Pcp4 expression that is coincident with suppression of calcium-dependent responses.

Increased B cell deletion and significantly reduced auto-antibody titre due to premature expression of human complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21)

The involvement of complement receptor 2 (CR2) in B cell tolerance and autoimmune disease has been revealed over the past decade or so. Our previous studies have established that mice prematurely expressing human CR2 under the control of a lambda light chain promoter (in particular the hCR2^high line) have a marked deficit in their immune response to various antigens and fail to develop collagen-induced arthritis. This phenotype appears to be the result of irreversible changes in B cell signalling pathways and suggested that hCR2 expressing mice are protected from developing autoimmune disease. To test this hypothesis, we examined the ability of the hCR2 to block the development of spontaneous autoimmune disease on the C57BL/6j-Fas^lpr/Fas^lpr (B6^lpr) background. We found that expression of hCR2 on the B6^lpr background resulted in a significant reduction in levels of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) generated as mice aged but the levels of ANA were still higher than those found in age matched C57BL/6j (B6) mice. B cells from hCR2^high mice were found to display a higher baseline level of apoptosis, whether analysed ex vivo or after in vitro culture, than their B6 counterparts and this was apparently linked to both surface IgM expression by the B cells and C3 levels in the mice. Our data also provides evidence that B cell survival in the presence of hCR2 is heavily modified by the background strain of the mouse. Overall, we have demonstrated that mice expressing hCR2 on their B cells during bone marrow development display a higher degree of apoptosis which may lead to a deletion of autoreactive B cells and be protective against the development of autoimmune disease.

Impaired opsonization with C3b and phagocytosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae in sera from subjects with defects in the classical complement pathway

Results from studies using mice deficient in specific complement factors and clinical data on patients with an inherited deficiency of the classical complement pathway component C2 suggest that the classical pathway is vital for immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, the consequences of defects in classical pathway activity for opsonization with C3b and the phagocytosis of different S. pneumoniae serotypes in human serum are not known, and there has not been a systematic analysis of the abilities of sera from subjects with a C2 deficiency to opsonize S. pneumoniae. Hence, to investigate the role of the classical pathway in immunity to S. pneumoniae in more detail, flow cytometry assays of opsonization with C3b and the phagocytosis of three capsular serotypes of S. pneumoniae were performed using human sera depleted of the complement factor C1q or B or sera obtained from C2-deficient subjects. The results demonstrate that, in human serum, the classical pathway is vital for C3b-iC3b deposition onto cells of all three serotypes of S. pneumoniae and seems to be more important than the alternative pathway for phagocytosis. Compared to the results for sera from normal subjects, C3b-iC3b deposition and total anti-S. pneumoniae antibody activity levels in sera obtained from C2(-/-) subjects were reduced and the efficiency of phagocytosis of all three S. pneumoniae strains was impaired. Anticapsular antibody levels did not correlate with phagocytosis or C3b-iC3b deposition. These data confirm that the classical pathway is vital for complement-mediated phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae and demonstrate why subjects with a C2 deficiency have a marked increase in susceptibility to S. pneumoniae infections.

Complement receptors 1 and 2 influence the immune environment in a B cell receptor-independent manner

The CD21/35 proteins are complement receptors implicated in controlling and interpreting activation states of the innate and acquired immune responses. One defect of CD21/35(-/-) animals is depressed production of Ag-specific IgG3 which we show is evident in vivo but not in vitro. Gene expression profiles obtained from naive wild-type and CD21/35(-/-) splenocytes demonstrated enhanced expression of inflammatory mediators from CD11b(+) splenocytes in the CD21/35(-/-) animals. Splenocyte populations between wild-type and CD21/35(-/-) mice were similar except for a moderate increase in GR1(low)CD31(+) immature myeloid cells. Furthermore, depletion of neutrophils and other GR1-expressing cells alleviates elevated inflammatory gene expression in the CD21/35(-/-) spleen. Complement activation also plays a key role in the differential gene expression observed in the CD21/35-deficient mouse as depletion of C3 or inhibition of C3a receptor signaling within the animal returned inflammatory gene expression within the spleen to wild-type levels. Finally, C3 depletion before immunization allowed for the enhanced production of Ag-specific IgG3 production in the CD21/35(-/-) mouse compared with mock-depleted animals. These data suggest that the overall environment of the CD21/35(-/-) spleen is quite different from that of the wild-type animal perhaps due to altered complement convertase activity. This difference may be responsible for a number of the phenotypes ascribed to the deficiency of CD21/35 proteins on B cells and follicular dendritic cells.

Novel roles for murine complement receptors type 1 and 2 I. Regulation of B cell survival and proliferation by CR1/2

Innate components of the immune system, such as complement are known to have a modulatory effect on adaptive immune responses. Complement receptors are expressed by both B and T lymphocytes and play part in antigen presentation and cellular activation and adhesion events. On murine B cells type 1 and 2 complement receptors (CR1/2) are expressed and form a co-receptor complex together with CD19 and CD81. We used CR1/2 specific antibodies to assess the role these receptors might play in regulating cell cycling events of B cells. We show that a CR1/2 specific antibody fragment, 7G6 scFv can induce the proliferation of mature B cells. This effect is countermodulated by FcR crosslinkage and enhanced by BCR engagement. The proliferative effect is severely impaired in Cr2-/- animals, strengthening the involvement of CR1/2. Transitional B cells are prone to apoptotic death by selection events, yet they are rescued from apoptosis by CR1/2 crosslinkage. CR1/2 ligation by 7G6 scFv alone can induce nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, supporting the above observations. We conclude that engagement of complement receptor 2 of B cells promotes the survival of both mature and transitional B cells. This activity supplements the previously described adjuvant effects of complement.

Complement receptors CD21 and CD35 in humoral immunity

The complement system is a family of proteins that is involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. Complement receptors CD21 and CD35, which recognize activated products of C3 and C4, are predominantly expressed on B cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in the mouse. In this review, we focus on the role of FDC-expressed CD21 and CD35 in humoral immunity. They are the principle receptors for uptake and retention of immune complexes. In their absence, memory B-cell survival is markedly impaired. This is likely because of the lack of antigen but could also reflect a role for complement C3d ligand. How antigen is transported to FDCs remains an open question. In recent unpublished work using multiphoton intravital imaging, we found that small protein antigens presented in the lymph drain rapidly into B-cell follicles and are taken up by FDCs in a complement-dependent manner.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 is a critical regulator of B cell homeostasis in secondary lymphoid organs

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is an adaptor protein that directly binds to a number of receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily. Despite in vitro evidence that TRAF3 plays diverse roles in different cell types, little is known about the in vivo functions of TRAF3. To address this gap in knowledge and to circumvent the early lethal effect of TRAF3 null mutations, we generated conditional TRAF3-deficient mice. B-cell-specific Traf3(-/-) mice displayed severe peripheral B cell hyperplasia, which culminated in hyperimmunoglobulinemia and increased T-independent antibody responses, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Resting splenic B cells from these mice exhibited remarkably prolonged survival ex vivo independent of B cell activating factor and showed increased amounts of active nuclear factor-kappaB2 but decreased amounts of nuclear protein kinase Cdelta. Furthermore, these mice developed autoimmune manifestations as they aged. These findings indicate that TRAF3 is a critical regulator of peripheral B cell homeostasis and may be implicated in the regulation of peripheral self-tolerance induction.

Complement C3d conjugation to anthrax protective antigen promotes a rapid, sustained, and protective antibody response

B. anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax. Pathogenesis is primarily mediated through the exotoxins lethal factor and edema factor, which bind protective antigen (PA) to gain entry into the host cell. The current anthrax vaccine (AVA, Biothrax™) consists of aluminum-adsorbed cell-free filtrates of unencapsulated B. anthracis, wherein PA is thought to be the principle target of neutralization. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the natural adjuvant, C3d, versus alum in eliciting an anti-PA humoral response and found that C3d conjugation to PA and emulsion in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) imparted superior protection from anthrax challenge relative to PA in IFA or PA adsorbed to alum. Relative to alum-PA, immunization of mice with C3d-PA/IFA augmented both the onset and sustained production of PA-specific antibodies, including neutralizing antibodies to the receptor-binding portion (domain 4) of PA. C3d-PA/IFA was efficacious when administered either i.p. or s.c., and in adolescent mice lacking a fully mature B cell compartment. Induction of PA-specific antibodies by C3d-PA/IFA correlated with increased efficiency of germinal center formation and plasma cell generation. Importantly, C3d-PA immunization effectively protected mice from intranasal challenge with B. anthracis spores, and was approximately 10-fold more effective than alum-PA immunization or PA/IFA based on dose challenge. These data suggest that incorporation of C3d as an adjuvant may overcome shortcomings of the currently licensed aluminum-based vaccine, and may confer protection in the early days following acute anthrax exposure.

Defective B cell ontogeny and immune response in human complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21) transgenic mice is partially recovered in the absence of C3

Mice prematurely expressing human CR2 (hCR2) in the B cell lineage have a defective B cell ontogeny and immune response. Our recent analysis of this phenotype suggested that signaling through hCR2 and presumably mouse CD19 on the B cell surface, during bone marrow development, could result in the observed changes in B cell function in these mice. To test this hypothesis, we back crossed hCR2(high) transgenic mice onto the CD19(-/-) background. CD19(-/-)hCR2(high) mice were found to possess even fewer mature B cells than their CD19(+/+)hCR2(high) littermates, demonstrating that loss of CD19 exacerbated the effects elicited through hCR2. This data suggests that CD19 provides a survival signal during B cell development in this model. Next, we examined if the removal of the main ligand for CR2, namely C3d, through back-crossing onto the C3(-/-) background could restore normal B cell development. However, we found only minor recovery in peripheral B cell numbers and no obvious change in function. This was despite a three-fold increase in the level of hCR2 expression on B cells isolated from the spleen or bone marrow of C3(-/-)hCR2(high) mice when compared with C3 sufficient littermates. These data demonstrate that hCR2 is integrated in mouse B cell signaling and that the downstream effects of hCR2 expression during early B cell development are partially but not completely due to interaction with C3 fragments and signaling through CD19 in the bone marrow environment.

Mice lacking CD21 and CD35 proteins mount effective immune responses against Borrelia burgdorferi infection

CD21/35(-/-) mice, deficient in CD21 and CD35 (complement receptors 2 and 1, respectively), were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi to assess the role of these receptors in a chronic bacterial infection. Although CD21/35(-/-) mice on both C57BL/6 and BALB/c backgrounds produced less B. burgdorferi-specific antibodies than did wild-type mice, spirochete levels and arthritis severity were similar.

Low doses of antigen coupled to anti-CR2 mAbs induce rapid and enduring IgG immune responses in mice and in cynomolgus monkeys

The complement system and B cell complement receptor 2 (CR2), specific for C component C3dg, play important roles in both the innate and adaptive immune response. We used hapten and protein conjugates of anti-CR2 mAbs as models for C3dg-opsonized antigens and immune complexes to examine the handling of and immune response to these reagents in mice and in non-human primates (NHP). Mice immunized and boosted i.v. with only 100 ng of Alexa 488 rat anti-mouse CR1/2 mAb 7G6 had strong IgG immune responses to the Alexa 488 hapten and to rat IgG, compared to very weak immune responses in mice treated with a comparable isotype control; larger doses of Alexa 488 mAb 7G6 did not increase the immune response. A vaccine constructed by cross-linking anthrax protective antigen to mAb 7G6 proved to be effective at low doses in generating sufficiently high titer serum IgG antibodies to neutralize anthrax lethal toxin in vitro and to protect mice from i.v. challenge with anthrax lethal toxin. When biotinylated HB135, a mouse mAb specific for human CR2, was injected i.v. into NHP, the probe manifested the same initial marginal zone B cell binding and subsequent localization to follicular dendritic cells as we have previously reported for comparable experiments in mice. Moreover, i.v. immunization of NHP with 1 microg/kg of Alexa 488 mAb HB135 promoted an IgG immune response to the Alexa 488 hapten and to mouse IgG. Taken together, these results demonstrate the efficacy of using anti-CR2 mAbs as antigen carriers for i.v. immunization with small amounts of antigens without adjuvant.

Kinase MEKK1 is required for CD40-dependent activation of the kinases Jnk and p38, germinal center formation, B cell proliferation and antibody production

Mice lacking activity of the kinase MEKK1 ('Map3k1(deltaKD)' mice) have defective activation of the kinase Jnk and increased production of T helper type 2 cytokines after T cell receptor ligation. Here we show that Map3k1(deltaKD) mice had defective germinal center formation and diminished production of antibodies recognizing thymus-dependent antigens. Those defects were B cell intrinsic, as MEKK1 was necessary for CD40-mediated activation of the kinases Jnk and p38 and transcription factor c-Jun, as well as for expression of cyclin D2 and activation-induced deaminase. MEKK1 was recruited to CD40 and adaptor molecule TRAF2 after CD40 ligation, and Map3k1(deltaKD) B cells were hypoproliferative after CD40 stimulation. Our data emphasize that MEKK1 is an essential component of signaling cascades needed for thymus-dependent antigen-induced B cell proliferation and antibody production.

Antibody-independent B cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic roles for CD21/35

Mice lacking C3, C4 or complement receptor 1/2 (Cr) have defective germinal centers (GC). The requirement for C4 implicates complement fixation by immune complexes (IC) via the classical pathway. Yet, transgenic (Tg) mice that lack circulating antibody but still express membrane IgM (mIgM) have normal GC responses. We showed previously that cross-linking mIgM leads to the deposition of C3 on the B cell surface and that disruption of this pathway diminishes GC responses. Here, we investigate the role of Cr in this process by generating mIgM-Tg mice that lack Cr and serum Ig. These mIgM/Cr-/- mice have smaller, transient GC, with incomplete B cell receptor down-regulation and peanut agglutinin up-regulation, compared to mIgM/Crwt counterparts. BM chimera experiments showed that Cr on B cells is required for normal GC responses. These results establish that Cr ligands generated at the B cell surface are sufficient for normal GC responses and function by signaling Cr on B cells. Unexpectedly, chimera experiments also showed a critical role for Cr on follicular dendritic cells (FDC), even in the absence of IC, indicating novel functions for FDC-expressed Cr beyond the capture of C3-coated IC.

Alternative and classical NF-kappa B signaling retain autoreactive B cells in the splenic marginal zone and result in lupus-like disease

Expression of B cell-activating factor (BAFF), a critical B cell survival factor, is elevated in autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders. Mice overproducing BAFF develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like disease and exhibit B cell activation of classical and alternative NF-kappaB-signaling pathways. We used a genetic approach and found that both NF-kappaB-signaling pathways contributed to disease development but act through distinct mechanisms. Whereas BAFF enhanced long-term B cell survival primarily through the alternative, but not the classical, NF-kappaB pathway, it promoted immunoglobulin class switching and generation of pathogenic antibodies through the classical pathway. Activation of the alternative NF-kappaB pathway resulted in integrin upregulation, thereby retaining autoreactive B cells in the splenic marginal zone, a compartment that contributes to their survival. Thus, both classical and alternative NF-kappaB signaling are important for development of lupus-like disease associated with BAFF overproduction. The same mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of human SLE.

The level of IgE produced by a B cell is regulated by norepinephrine in a p38 MAPK- and CD23-dependent manner

Although the causes of asthma vary, the severity of the disease correlates with the level of IgE produced. In this study we show that mice produced less IgE when they were depleted of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) before the administration of Ag. The suppression was prevented when a beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR)-selective agonist was administered, suggesting that NE stimulated the beta2AR to regulate the level of an IgE response in vivo. Although the cell targeted by NE to produce this effect in vivo is unknown, we show in vitro that the level of IgE increased on a per cell basis without an effect on class switch recombination when NE stimulated the beta2AR on a B cell directly. The beta2AR-induced increase in IgE depended on p38 MAPK but not protein kinase A activation, was due to an increased rate of mature IgE mRNA transcription, and was lost when beta2AR-deficient B cells were used. Also, CD23 transcription was increased in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner and resulted in an increased level of soluble CD23 (sCD23). The beta2AR-induced increase in sCD23 was associated with IgE up-regulation and possibly interacted with CD21/CD19. Using B cells from respective knockout mice, data showed that the beta2AR-induced increase in IgE depended on B cell expression of CD23, CD21, and CD19. These findings suggest that at least one mechanism by which endogenous B cell activity in vivo is regulated by NE involves stimulation of the beta2AR on the B cell alone to increase the level of IgE produced in a p38 MAPK- and sCD23-dependent manner.

B-cell extrinsic CR1/CR2 promotes natural antibody production and tolerance induction of anti-alphaGAL-producing B-1 cells

B-1b cells produce IgM natural antibodies against alpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc (alphaGal). These can be tolerized by nonmyeloablative induction of mixed chimerism using alphaGal-positive (alphaGal+) donor marrow. We assessed the role of CR1/2 in this model for induction of tolerance of B-1b cells. Mixed hematopoietic chimerism was induced in alpha1-3galactosyltransferase (GalT-/-) and GalT-/-Cr2-/- mice with alphaGal+ BALB/c marrow donors. Anti-alphaGal Ab and anti-alphaGal Ab-producing B cells became undetectable in GalT-/- chimeras, whereas they persisted in chimeric GalT-/-Cr2-/- mice. To determine whether CR1/2 expression on stromal cells and/or hematopoietic cells was critical for B-1-cell tolerance, we generated GalT-/- radiation chimeras in which CR1/CR2 was expressed on either stromal cells, hematopoietic cells, neither, or both. After induction of mixed chimerism from alphaGal+ allogeneic bone marrow (BM) donors, anti-alphaGal-producing B cells were rendered tolerant in reconstituted recipients expressing only stromal CR1/CR2. Our results suggest a possible role for follicular dendritic cells that pick up immune complexes via CR1/CR2 receptors in the tolerization of B-1b cells.

In vivo murine CD23 destabilization enhances CD23 shedding and IgE synthesis

To investigate the effects of in vivo CD23 destabilization on CD23 shedding and IgE production, an anti-CD23 stalk monoclonal (19G5), previously shown to enhance proteolysis of CD23 in vitro, was utilized. Compared to isotype control-treated mice, BALB/cJ mice injected with 19G5 displayed significantly enhanced serum soluble CD23 and IgE. Soluble CD23 and IgE levels were also increased in 19G5-treated C57BL/6J mice (intermediate IgE responders); however, the kinetics of the responses differed between the high (BALB/cJ) and intermediate responder mice, suggesting a potential role for CD23 in regulating IgE responder status. The 19G5-induced IgE response was dependent on IL-4 and independent of CD21 as demonstrated through use of IL-4Ralpha and CD21/35-deficient mice, respectively. Overall, the data provide a direct demonstration for CD23's role in regulating IgE production in vivo and suggest that therapies aimed at stabilizing cell surface CD23 would be beneficial in controlling allergic disease.

Changes in peripheral blood leukocyte populations in pigs with naturally occurring exudative epidermitis

The objective of the study was to analyze changes in peripheral blood leukocyte subsets in cases of naturally occurring exudative epidermitis (EE) in pigs. Five of ten piglets developed the chronic clinical form of EE 2-5 days after weaning (PW). Blood samples were obtained at 7, 14 and 21 days from both normal and clinically affected piglets for routine haematology and for the determination of CD45, CD21, CD4, CD8 and gammadeltaTCR cell markers by flow cytometry. When compared with clinically normal piglets EE affected pigs showed significantly decreased values of monocytes at 14 and 21 days PW, and increased numbers of neutrophils and leukocytes at 21 days PW. The EE affected pigs also had an early significant CD4(+) and CD8(high+) T lymphocyte proliferative response at 7 days PW. However affected pigs had a significantly reduced number of B (CD21(+)) and gammadeltaTCR(+) T lymphocytes in blood at 21 days PW. Although all values remained within the normal range, the significant differences in some peripheral blood leukocyte subsets between the two groups of piglets suggest that the generalised cutaneous infection with Staphylococcus hyicus is severe enough to induce a systemic inflammatory and immune responses.

Complement receptor 2, natural antibodies and innate immunity: Inter-relationships in B cell selection and activation

Complement receptor type 2 (CR2) is a receptor that serves as an important interface between the complement system and adaptive immunity. Recent studies have shown that CR2 is also centrally involved in innate immunity, and one key area is the development of potentially pathogenic natural antibodies that target neo-epitopes revealed in ischemic tissue undergoing reperfusion. Mice lacking either total immunoglobulins or CR2 alone are protected from the development of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and this effect can be reversed by introducing CR2-sufficient B-1 cells or by transferring polyclonal natural IgM antibody from wild type mice as well as monoclonal antibodies that recognize phospholipids, DNA or non-muscle myosin. We will report at the XXI ICW an additional membrane-associated protein to which pathogenic IgM antibodies are directed. Whether B cells producing these natural antibodies are differentially selected in CR2-deficient mice is as yet not well understood, and the complement-related mechanism(s) whereby this differential repertoire selection process could occur have yet to be explored in any detail. In addition to this important role in innate immunity, CR2 can also act as a receptor for other components or activators of innate immunity. One such component is interferon-alpha, an anti-viral cytokine that binds CR2 and induces a component of its mRNA signature in B cells through this receptor. Other potential CR2 ligands are DNA and DNA-containing complexes such as chromatin. The biologic role of these CR2 interactions with interferon-alpha and DNA-containing complexes is not well understood, but may be important in the development of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus that is characterized by enhanced interferon-alpha levels and loss of self tolerance to DNA-containing self antigens.

Characterization of human complement receptor type 2 (CR2/CD21) as a receptor for IFN-alpha: a potential role in systemic lupus erythematosus

Human complement receptor type 2 (CR2/CD21) is a B lymphocyte membrane glycoprotein that plays a central role in the immune responses to foreign Ags as well as the development of autoimmunity to nuclear Ags in systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to these three well-characterized ligands, C3d/iC3b, EBV-gp350, and CD23, a previous study has identified CR2 as a potential receptor for IFN-alpha. IFN-alpha, a multifunctional cytokine important in the innate immune system, has recently been proposed to play a major pathogenic role in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus in humans and mice. In this study, we have shown using surface plasmon resonance and ELISA approaches that CR2 will bind IFN-alpha in the same affinity range as the other three well-characterized ligands studied in parallel. In addition, we show that IFN-alpha interacts with short consensus repeat domains 1 and 2 in a region that serves as the ligand binding site for C3d/iC3b, EBV-gp350, and CD23. Finally, we show that treatment of purified human peripheral blood B cells with the inhibitory anti-CR2 mAb 171 diminishes the induction of IFN-alpha-responsive genes. Thus, IFN-alpha represents a fourth class of extracellular ligands for CR2 and interacts with the same domain as the other three ligands. Defining the role of CR2 as compared with the well-characterized type 1 IFN-alpha receptor 1 and 2 in mediating innate immune and autoimmune roles of this cytokine should provide additional insights into the biologic roles of this interaction.

Cell surface recycling of internalized antigen permits dendritic cell priming of B cells

Dendritic cells process internalized antigens to present degradative products on MHC for TCR recognition. Because antigen-exposed DCs also induce humoral immunity, DCs must also retain antigen in its native state for the engagement of BCR on B cells. Here, we demonstrate that antigen endocytosed by the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcgammaRIIB, accesses a non-degradative intracellular vesicular compartment that recycles to the cell surface, enabling interaction of native antigen with BCR on B cells. Immunization with IgG-opsonized, T independent antigens leads to enhanced humoral responses in a FcgammaRIIB and complement dependent manner. IC-loaded DCs trafficking to the splenic marginal zone can prime a T independent response in an FcgammaRIIB-dependent manner. Thus dendritic cells are equipped with both non-degradative and degradative antigen uptake pathways to facilitate antigen presentation to both B and T cells.

A critical role for complement C3d and the B cell coreceptor (CD19/CD21) complex in the initiation of inflammatory arthritis

Complement C3 cleavage products mediate the recognition and clearance of toxic or infectious agents. In addition, binding of the C3d fragment to Ag promotes B lymphocyte activation through coengagment of the BCR and complement receptor 2 (CD21). Signal augmentation is thought to be achieved through enhanced recruitment and activation of CD21-associated CD19. In this study we show, using the DBA/1 collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, that conjugation of C3d to heterologous type II collagen is sufficient to cause disease in the absence of the mycobacterial components of CFA. Transient depletion of C3 during the inductive phase of CIA delays and lessens the severity of disease, and DBA/1 mice deficient for coreceptor components CD19 or CD21 are not susceptible to CIA. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that CD21 expression on either B cells or follicular dendritic cells is sufficient to acquire disease susceptibility. Although CD19(-/-) and CD21(-/-) mice produce primary Ab responses to heterologous and autologous type II collagen, they are impaired in the ability to activate T cells, form germinal centers, and produce secondary autoantibody responses. These findings indicate that binding of C3d to self-Ags can promote autoimmunity through enhanced Ag retention and presentation by follicular dendritic cells and B cells, respectively.

Complement Component C3d-Antigen Complexes Can Either Augment or Inhibit B Lymphocyte Activation and Humoral Immunity in Mice Depending on the Degree of CD21/CD19 Complex Engagement

C3d can function as a molecular adjuvant by binding CD21 and thereby enhancing B cell activation and humoral immune responses. However, recent studies suggest both positive and negative roles for C3d and the CD19/CD21 signaling complex in regulating humoral immunity. To address whether signaling through the CD19/CD21 complex can negatively regulate B cell function when engaged by physiological ligands, diphtheria toxin (DT)-C3d fusion protein and C3dg-streptavidin (SA) complexes were used to assess the role of CD21 during BCR-induced activation and in vivo immune responses. Immunization of mice with DT-C3d3 significantly reduced DT-specific Ab responses independently of CD21 expression or signaling. By contrast, SA-C3dg tetramers dramatically enhanced anti-SA responses when used at low doses, whereas 10-fold higher doses did not augment immune responses, except in CD21/35-deficient mice. Likewise, SA-C3dg (1 microg/ml) dramatically enhanced BCR-induced intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) responses in vitro, but had no effect or inhibited [Ca2+]i responses when used at 10- to 50-fold higher concentrations. SA-C3dg enhancement of BCR-induced [Ca2+]i responses required CD21 and CD19 expression and resulted in significantly enhanced CD19 and Lyn phosphorylation, with enhanced Lyn/CD19 associations. BCR-induced CD22 phosphorylation and Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1/CD22 associations were also reduced, suggesting abrogation of negative regulatory signaling. By contrast, CD19/CD21 ligation using higher concentrations of SA-C3dg significantly inhibited BCR-induced [Ca2+]i responses and inhibited CD19, Lyn, CD22, and Syk phosphorylation. Therefore, C3d may enhance or inhibit Ag-specific humoral immune responses through both CD21-dependent and -independent mechanisms depending on the concentration and nature of the Ag-C3d complexes.

Role of complement receptor type 2 and endogenous complement in the humoral immune response to conjugates of complement C3d and pneumococcal serotype 14 capsular polysaccharide

Conjugation of the complement fragment C3d to both T-cell-dependent (TD) protein and T-cell-independent type 2 (TI-2) polysaccharide antigens enhances the humoral immune response in mice immunized with either type of antigen. However, the ability of C3d-protein conjugates to enhance the antibody response in mice deficient in complement receptor types 1 and 2 (CR1 and CR2) has raised questions about the role of C3d-CR2 interactions in the adjuvant effect of C3d. In this study, we examined the role of CR2 binding and endogenous complement activation in the antibody response to conjugates of C3d and serotype 14 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PPS14). To block binding of PPS14-C3d conjugates to CR2, mice were immunized with a mixture of vaccine and (CR2)2-immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1). Mice receiving (CR2)2-IgG1 at the time of primary immunization had a marked reduction in the primary anti-PPS14 antibody response but an enhanced secondary anti-PPS14 response, suggesting that C3d-CR2 interactions are required for the primary response but can have negative effects on the memory response. Further, compared with mice receiving PPS14-C3d having a high C3d/PPS14 ratio, mice immunized with PPS14-C3d with low C3d/PPS14 ratios had an enhanced secondary antibody response. Treatment of mice with cobra venom factor to deplete complement had insignificant effects on the antibody response to PPS14-C3d. Experiments with CBA/N xid mice confirmed that PPS14-C3d conjugates retain the characteristics of TI-2 rather than TD antigens. Thus, the adjuvant effect of C3d conjugated to PPS14 requires C3d-CR2 interactions, does not require activation of endogenous complement, and is not mediated by TD carrier effects.

Regulation of B lymphocyte activation by complement C3 and the B cell coreceptor complex

Complement is an essential innate immune mechanism that recognizes and eradicates microbes and associated toxins. In addition, complement receptors (CD21 and CD35) on B cells cooperate with the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) to efficiently recognize and respond to antigens bearing complement C3d(g). Fixation of C3d(g) to antigen confers adjuvant properties and therefore its deposition may need to be carefully regulated to avoid autoreactivity. CD21 and/or CD35 engagement is nonmitogenic, and B-cell activation via BCR-CD21 coligation is enhanced through the recruitment of CD19. Recent efforts have sought a better understanding of the topological and biochemical properties of BCR and coreceptor (CD19-CD21-CD81) signaling, as well as the context for complement activation in the response to foreign and self antigens.

B-1a and B-1b Cells Exhibit Distinct Developmental Requirements and Have Unique Functional Roles in Innate and Adaptive Immunity to S. pneumoniae

B-1a and B-1b lymphocytes were found to exhibit specialized roles in providing immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae and differ dramatically in their developmental requirements. Transgenic mice overexpressing CD19 (hCD19Tg) generated B-1a cells and natural antibodies that provided protection during infection, while CD19-deficient (CD19(-/-)) mice lacked B-1a cells, lacked natural antibodies, and were more susceptible to infection. By contrast, pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) immunization protected CD19(-/-) mice during lethal challenge, whereas hCD19Tg mice remained unprotected. This resulted from differences in the B-1b subset: the key population found to produce protective PPS-specific antibody in both wild-type and CD19(-/-) mice. Thus, CD19(-/-) mice generated B-1b cells and protective adaptive PPS-specific antibody responses, whereas hCD19Tg mice lacked B-1b cells and adaptive PPS-specific antibody responses. This reciprocal contribution of B-1a and B-1b subsets to innate and acquired immunity reveals an unexpected division of labor within the B-1 compartment that is normally balanced by their coordinated development.

Complement receptors regulate differentiation of bone marrow plasma cell precursors expressing transcription factors Blimp-1 and XBP-1

Humoral immune responses are thought to be enhanced by complement-mediated recruitment of the CD21-CD19-CD81 coreceptor complex into the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex, which lowers the threshold of B cell activation and increases the survival and proliferative capacity of responding B cells. To investigate the role of the CD21-CD35 complement receptors in the generation of B cell memory, we analyzed the response against viral particles derived from the bacteriophage Qbeta in mice deficient in CD21-CD35 (Cr2(-/-)). Despite highly efficient induction of early antibody responses and germinal center (GC) reactions to immunization with Qbeta, Cr2(-/-) mice exhibited impaired antibody persistence paralleled by a strongly reduced development of bone marrow plasma cells. Surprisingly, antigen-specific memory B cells were essentially normal in these mice. In the absence of CD21-mediated costimulation, Qbeta-specific post-GC B cells failed to induce the transcriptional regulators Blimp-1 and XBP-1 driving plasma cell differentiation, and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, which resulted in failure to generate the precursor population of long-lived plasma cells residing in the bone marrow. These results suggest that complement receptors maintain antibody responses by delivery of differentiation and survival signals to precursors of bone marrow plasma cells.

Coligation of the B Cell Receptor with Complement Receptor Type 2 (CR2/CD21) Using Its Natural Ligand C3dg: Activation without Engagement of an Inhibitory Signaling Pathway

C3dg is a cleavage product of the C3 component of complement that can facilitate the coligation of the complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) with the BCR via C3dg/Ag complexes. This interaction can greatly amplify BCR-mediated signaling events and acts to lower the threshold for B cell activation. Although previous studies have used anti-CR2 Abs or used chimeric Ags in the context of BCR transgenic mice as surrogate C3d-containing ligands, we have used a physiological form of C3d to study signaling in B cells from wild-type C57BL/6 mice. We find that while CR2-enhanced BCR signaling causes intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and total pTyr phosphorylation of an intensity comparable to optimal BCR ligation using anti-IgM Abs, it does so with limited activation of inhibitory effectors (such as CD22, Src homology region 2 domain containing phosphatase 1, and SHIP-1) and without substantial receptor cross-linking. In summary, we demonstrate that CR2-enhanced BCR signaling may proceed not only through the previously described amplification of positive signaling pathways, but is potentially augmented by a lack of normal inhibitory/feedback signaling.

CD8+ T-cell priming regulated by cytokines of the innate immune system

Host protection against a variety of pathogens and tumours requires the efficient induction of CD8(+) T-cell responses. Yet, it has proven difficult to develop vaccines that effectively stimulate this type of cellular immunity. One well-defined obstacle is antigen accessibility to the MHC class I processing pathway. However, cytokines that are produced by cells of the innate immune system also have a key role in CD8(+) T-cell responses, by enhancing 'cross-presentation' and/or inducing CD8(+) T-cell priming and differentiation. Here, we discuss how innate cytokine responses regulate CD8(+) T-cell immunity, and argue that a greater understanding of these processes will be essential for effective tailoring of vaccine-induced cellular immune responses.

The virulence function of Streptococcus pneumoniae surface protein A involves inhibition of complement activation and impairment of complement receptor-mediated protection

Complement is important for elimination of invasive microbes from the host, an action achieved largely through interaction of complement-decorated pathogens with various complement receptors (CR) on phagocytes. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) has been shown to interfere with complement deposition onto pneumococci, but to date the impact of PspA on CR-mediated host defense is unknown. To gauge the contribution of CRs to host defense against pneumococci and to decipher the impact of PspA on CR-dependent host defense, wild-type C57BL/6J mice and mutant mice lacking CR types 1 and 2 (CR1/2(-/-)), CR3 (CR3(-/-)), or CR4 (CR4(-/-)) were challenged with WU2, a PspA(+) capsular serotype 3 pneumococcus, and its PspA(-) mutant JY1119. Pneumococci also were used to challenge factor D-deficient (FD(-/-)), LFA-1-deficient (LFA-1(-/-)), and CD18-deficient (CD18(-/-)) mice. We found that FD(-/-), CR3(-/-), and CR4(-/-) mice had significantly decreased longevity and survival rate upon infection with WU2. In comparison, PspA(-) pneumococci were virulent only in FD(-/-) and CR1/2(-/-) mice. Normal mouse serum supported more C3 deposition on pneumococci than FD(-/-) serum, and more iC3b was deposited onto the PspA(-) than the PspA(+) strain. The combined results confirm earlier conclusions that the alternative pathway of complement activation is indispensable for innate immunity against pneumococcal infection and that PspA interferes with the protective role of the alternative pathway. Our new results suggest that complement receptors CR1/2, CR3, and CR4 all play important roles in host defense against pneumococcal infection.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies restore mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in complement receptor 2/complement receptor 1-deficient mice

Complement receptor 2-deficient (Cr2(-/-)) mice are resistant to mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury because they lack a component of the natural Ab repertoire. Neither the nature of the Abs that are involved in I/R injury nor the composition of the target Ag, to which recognition is lacking in Cr2(-/-) mice, is known. Because anti-phospholipid Abs have been shown to mediate fetal growth retardation and loss when injected into pregnant mice, we performed experiments to determine whether anti-phospholipid Abs can also reconstitute I/R injury and, therefore, represent members of the injury-inducing repertoire that is missing in Cr2(-/-) mice. We demonstrate that both murine and human monoclonal and polyclonal Abs against negatively charged phospholipids can reconstitute mesenteric I/R-induced intestinal and lung tissue damage in Cr2(-/-) mice. In addition, Abs against beta2 glycoprotein I restore local and remote tissue damage in the Cr2(-/-) mice. Unlike Cr2(-/-) mice, reconstitution of I/R tissue damage in the injury-resistant Rag-1(-/-) mouse required the infusion of both anti-beta2-glycoprotein I and anti-phospholipid Ab. We conclude that anti-phospholipid Abs can bind to tissues subjected to I/R insult and mediate tissue damage.

CD22: A Multifunctional Receptor That Regulates B Lymphocyte Survival and Signal Transduction

Recent advances in the study of CD22 indicate a complex role for this transmembrane glycoprotein member of the immunoglobulin superfamily in the regulation of B lymphocyte survival and proliferation. CD22 has been previously recognized as a potential lectin-like adhesion molecule that binds alpha2,6-linked sialic acid-bearing ligands and as an important regulator of B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. However, genetic studies in mice reveal that some CD22 functions are regulated by ligand binding, whereas other functions are ligand-independent and may only require expression of an intact CD22 cytoplasmic domain at the B-cell surface. Until recently, most of the functional activity of CD22 has been widely attributed to CD22's ability to recruit potent intracellular phosphatases and limit the intensity of BCR-generated signals. However, a more complex role for CD22 has recently emerged, including a central role in a novel regulatory loop controlling the CD19/CD21-Src-family protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) amplification pathway that regulates basal signaling thresholds and intensifies Src-family kinase activation after BCR ligation. CD22 is also central to the regulation of peripheral B-cell homeostasis and survival, the promotion of BCR-induced cell cycle progression, and is a potent regulator of CD40 signaling. Herein we discuss our current understanding of how CD22 governs these complex and overlapping processes, how alterations in these tightly controlled regulatory activities may influence autoimmune disease, and the current and future applications of CD22-directed therapies in oncology and autoimmunity.

CR1/CR2 deficiency alters IgG3 autoantibody production and IgA glomerular deposition in the MRL/lpr model of SLE

CR1 and CR2 expression is decreased by approximately 50% on B cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Expression is also decreased in the MRL/lpr murine model of SLE prior to the development of clinical disease, suggesting that this alteration may play a role in pathogenesis. To determine whether the decrease in receptor levels affects the development of SLE, we analyzed MRL/lpr mice in which CR1/CR2 expression was altered by gene targeting. Mice from each cohort (Cr2+/+, Cr2+/-, and Cr2-/-) were analyzed biweekly for the development of proteinuria and autoantibodies. Kidneys were examined at 12 and 16 weeks for evidence of immune complex deposition and renal disease. Deficiency of CR1/CR2 did not affect survival or development of renal disease as measured by proteinuria. Mice deficient in CR1/CR2 had significantly lower levels of IgG3 rheumatoid factor (RF) and total serum IgG3, suggesting a specific defect in production of IgG3 in response to endogenous autoantigens. Since IgG3 RF has been associated with the development of vasculitis in this model, we examined the mice for alterations in development of this clinical manifestation. Although there was no difference in the development of ear necrosis among the three groups, renal arteritis was not identified in any of the Cr2+/- mice, whereas it was present in 20% of the Cr2+/- and 40% of the Cr2+/+ mice. Finally, significantly higher levels of IgA were seen in the glomeruli of Cr2+/- mice compared to Cr2+/- or Cr2+/+ mice, suggesting that CR1/CR2 are involved in either the regulation of IgA production or the clearance of IgA immune complexes. Together these data support the concept that alterations in CR1/CR2 expression or function affect the regulation of autoantibody production and/or clearance and may have clinical consequences.

Complement receptors and the shaping of the natural antibody repertoire

Complement and complement receptors have been known for several decades to play important roles in immune effector mechanisms related to pathogen elimination and tissue inflammation. In addition, studies over the last 10 years have clearly demonstrated a key role for the complement C3d activation fragment receptor designated CR2 (complement receptor type 2) in the switched-isotype, high-affinity and memory humoral immune responses to T-dependent foreign antigens. More recent studies have extended those observations to include a key role for CR2 and C3d in the humoral immune response to T-independent foreign antigens. Conversely, as these studies have proceeded, a parallel series of analyses have linked defects in expression or function of complement C4 and other classical pathway activation pathway proteins, as well as CR2 and the closely related CR1, to the loss of self tolerance to nuclear antigens such as double-stranded DNA and chromatin in systemic lupus erythematosus. With regard to the topic of this issue, it is now becoming increasingly clear that CR2 also plays a major role in the development of the natural antibody repertoire. Specifically, in the absence of this receptor natural IgM and IgG develop in the naïve animal that demonstrate clearly altered recognition patterns for specific natural antibody targets. This repertoire change is important physiologically in at least one setting because these CR2-dependent natural antibodies are necessary for the recognition of ischemic self tissues. In addition, it is possible that certain of the phenotypes manifest by CR2-deficient mice may be strongly influenced not only by effects on later stages of B cell activation and maturation, as commonly thought, but also by alterations in the pre-existing pool of natural antibodies that are influenced by this receptor. This review will examine the evidence that has accumulated over the last few years supporting these hypotheses.

Unique V3 loop sequence derived from the R2 strain of HIV-type 1 elicits broad neutralizing antibodies

DNA vaccines expressing the envelope (Env) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have been relatively ineffective at generating high-titer, long-lasting, neutralizing antibodies. In this study, DNA vaccines were constructed to express the gp120 subunit of Env from the isolate HIV-1(R2) using both wild-type and codon-optimized gene sequences. Three copies of the murine C3d were added to the carboxyl terminus to enhance the immunogenicity of the expressed fusion protein. Mice (BALB/c) vaccinated with DNA plasmid expressing the gp120(R2) using codon-optimized Env sequences elicited high-titer anti-Env antibodies regardless of conjugation to C3d. In contrast, only mice vaccinated with DNA using wild-type gp120(R2) sequences fused to mC3d(3), had detectable anti-Env antibodies. Interestingly, mice vaccinated with DNA expressing gp120(R2) from codon-optimized sequences elicited antibodies that neutralized both homologous and heterologous HIV-1 isolates. To determine if the unique sequence found in the crown of the V3 loop of the Env(R2) was responsible for the elicitation of the cross-clade neutralizing antibodies, the codons encoding for the Pro-Met (amino acids 313-314) were introduced into the sequences encoding the gp120(ADA) (R5) or gp120(89.6) (R5X4). Mice vaccinated with gp120(ADA)-mC3d(3)-DNA with the Pro-Met mutation had antibodies that neutralized HIV-1 infection, but not the gp120(89.6)-mC3d(3)-DNA. Therefore, the use of the unique sequences in the Env(R2) introduced into an R5 tropic envelope, in conjunction with C3d fusion, was effective at broadening the number of viruses that could be neutralized. However, the introduction of this same sequence into an R5X4-tropic envelope was ineffective in eliciting improved cross-clade neutralizing antibodies.

Accelerated ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in autoimmunity-prone mice

Natural Abs have been implicated in initiating mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced tissue injury. Autoantibodies have affinity and self-Ag recognition patterns similar to natural Abs. We considered that autoimmunity-prone mice that express high titers of autoantibodies should have enhanced I/R-induced injury. Five-month-old B6.MRL/lpr mice displayed accelerated and enhanced intestinal I/R-induced damage compared with 2-mo-old B6.MRL/lpr and age-matched C57BL/6 mice. Similarly, older autoimmune mice had accelerated remote organ (lung) damage. Infusion of serum IgG derived from 5-mo-old but not 2-mo-old B6.MRL/lpr into I/R resistant Rag-1-/- mice rendered them susceptible to local and remote organ injury. Injection of monoclonal IgG anti-DNA and anti-histone Abs into Rag-1-/- mice effectively reconstituted tissue injury. These data show that like natural Abs, autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA and anti-histone Abs, can instigate I/R injury and suggest that they are involved in the development of tissue damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family acts through separate receptors to support B cell survival and T cell-independent antibody formation

The TNF-related ligand, B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF), is necessary for normal B cell development and survival, and specifically binds the receptors transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), B cell maturation Ag (BCMA), and BAFF-R. Similarities between mice completely lacking BAFF and A/WySnJ strain mice that express a naturally occurring mutant form of BAFF-R suggest that BAFF acts primarily through BAFF-R. However, the nearly full-length BAFF-R protein expressed by A/WySnJ mice makes unambiguous interpretation of receptor function in these animals impossible. Using homologous recombination we created mice completely lacking BAFF-R and compared them directly to A/WySnJ mice and to mice lacking BAFF. BAFF-R-null mice exhibit loss of mature B cells similar to that observed in BAFF(-/-) and A/WySnJ mice. Also, mice lacking both TACI and BCMA simultaneously exhibit no B cell loss, thus confirming that BAFF-R is the primary receptor for transmitting the BAFF-dependent B cell survival signal. However, while BAFF-R-null mice cannot carry out T cell-dependent Ab formation, they differ from BAFF-deficient mice in generating normal levels of Ab to at least some T cell-independent Ags. These studies clearly demonstrate that BAFF regulates Ab responses in vivo through receptors in addition to BAFF-R.

Analyses of the In Vivo Trafficking of Stoichiometric Doses of an Anti-Complement Receptor 1/2 Monoclonal Antibody Infused Intravenously in Mice

Complement plays a critical role in the immune response by opsonizing immune complexes (IC) and thymus-independent type 2 Ags with C3 breakdown product C3dg, a CR2-specific ligand. We used a C3dg-opsonized IC model, anti-CR1/2 mAb 7G6, to investigate how such substrates are processed. We used RIA, whole body imaging, flow cytometry, and fluorescence immunohistochemistry to examine the disposition of 0.1- to 2-microg quantities of mAb 7G6 infused i.v. into BALB/c mice. The mAb is rapidly taken up by the spleen and binds preferentially to marginal zone (MZ) B cells; within 24 h, the MZ B cells relocate and transfer mAb 7G6 to follicular dendritic cells (FDC). Transfer occurs coincident with loss of the extracellular portion of MZ B cell CR2, suggesting that the process may be mediated by proteolysis of CR2. Intravenous infusion of an FDC-specific mAb does not induce comparable splenic localization or cellular reorganization, emphasizing the importance of MZ B cells in intrasplenic trafficking of bound substrates. We propose the following mechanism: binding of C3dg-opsonized IC to noncognate MZ B cells promotes migration of these cells to the white pulp, followed by CR2 proteolysis, which allows transfer of the opsonized IC to FDC, thus facilitating presentation of intact Ags to cognate B cells.