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Abstract
Ficolins are serum complement lectins, with a structure similar to mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and lung surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D. Ficolins activate the lectin complement system and play important roles in host innate immunity. Ficolins are members of the collectin family of proteins, which act as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). They are soluble oligomeric defense proteins with lectin-like activity, and are able to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are carbohydrate molecules on the surface of pathogens, and of apoptotic, necrotic, and malignant cells. Upon binding to their specific PAMPs, ficolins may trigger activation of the immune system either (1) by initiating activation of complement via the lectin pathway, (2) by a primitive type of opsonophagocytosis, or (3) by stimulating secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-Γ, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and production of nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages, thus limiting the infection and concurrently orchestrating the subsequent adaptive immune response. Recently, a number of reports have shown that dysfunction or abnormal expression of ficolins may play crucial roles in viral and bacterial diseases and in inflammation. This review summarizes the reports on the roles of ficolins in the infectious diseases, and provides insight into ficolins as novel innate immune therapeutic options to treat these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Quanquan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Xiaolian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071 China
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52
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Mukhopadhyay D, Dalton JE, Kaye PM, Chatterjee M. Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: an unresolved mystery. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:65-74. [PMID: 24388776 PMCID: PMC3919212 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sodium antimony gluconate contributes towards the pathogenesis of PKDL. UV light plays a pivotal role in the development of PKDL. Development of PKDL can be viewed as a reinfection or activation of latent Leishmania parasites. PKDL can be resolved by mounting an effective tissue-specific memory T cell response. Host genetic factors play a contributory role.
Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a cutaneous sequela of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), develops in some patients alongside but more commonly after apparent cure from VL. In view of the pivotal role of PKDL patients in the transmission of VL, here we review clinical, epidemiological, parasitological, and immunological perspectives of this disease, focusing on five hypotheses to explain the development of PKDL: (i) the role of antimonial drugs; (ii) UV-induced skin damage; (iii) reinfection; (iv) organ specific failure of memory T cell responses; and (v) genetic susceptibility of the host. This review will enable researchers and clinicians to explore the unresolved mystery of PKDL and provide a framework for future application of ‘omic’ approaches for the control and eventual elimination of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, 244 B, Acharya JC Bose Road, Kolkata 700 020, India
| | - Jane E Dalton
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Hull York Medical School and Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Paul M Kaye
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Hull York Medical School and Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, 244 B, Acharya JC Bose Road, Kolkata 700 020, India.
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53
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Beltrame MH, Catarino SJ, Goeldner I, Boldt ABW, de Messias-Reason IJ. The lectin pathway of complement and rheumatic heart disease. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:148. [PMID: 25654073 PMCID: PMC4300866 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is the first line of host defense against infection and is comprised of humoral and cellular mechanisms that recognize potential pathogens within minutes or hours of entry. The effector components of innate immunity include epithelial barriers, phagocytes, and natural killer cells, as well as cytokines and the complement system. Complement plays an important role in the immediate response against microorganisms, including Streptococcus sp. The lectin pathway is one of three pathways by which the complement system can be activated. This pathway is initiated by the binding of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), collectin 11 (CL-K1), and ficolins (Ficolin-1, Ficolin-2, and Ficolin-3) to microbial surface oligosaccharides and acetylated residues, respectively. Upon binding to target molecules, MBL, CL-K1, and ficolins form complexes with MBL-associated serine proteases 1 and 2 (MASP-1 and MASP-2), which cleave C4 and C2 forming the C3 convertase (C4b2a). Subsequent activation of complement cascade leads to opsonization, phagocytosis, and lysis of target microorganisms through the formation of the membrane-attack complex. In addition, activation of complement may induce several inflammatory effects, such as expression of adhesion molecules, chemotaxis and activation of leukocytes, release of reactive oxygen species, and secretion of cytokines and chemokines. In this chapter, we review the general aspects of the structure, function, and genetic polymorphism of lectin-pathway components and discuss most recent understanding on the role of the lectin pathway in the predisposition and clinical progression of Rheumatic Fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Holsbach Beltrame
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná , Curitiba , Brazil
| | - Sandra Jeremias Catarino
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná , Curitiba , Brazil
| | - Isabela Goeldner
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná , Curitiba , Brazil
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Hein E, Bay JT, Munthe-Fog L, Garred P. Ficolin-2 reveals different analytical and biological properties dependent on different sample handling procedures. Mol Immunol 2013; 56:406-12. [PMID: 23911396 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2013.05.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ficolin-2 (L-ficolin) is a germ line encoded pattern recognition molecule circulating in the blood, and functions as a recognition molecule in the lectin complement pathway. However, consistent and reliable measurements of Ficolin-2 concentration and activity have been difficult to achieve. After recurrent observations of deviations in Ficolin-2 properties between different blood sample procedures, we decided to investigate this closer. Blood samples from ten healthy donors were collected in various serum and plasma tubes and Ficolin-2 properties were evaluated by different ELISA setups. We found that serum prepared from tubes containing the clot activator silica used as a standard technique in many routine laboratories held a significantly lower concentration of Ficolin-2 as compared to the other sample types. Furthermore, Ficolin-2 binding and complement activation potential in this type of serum was impaired when using an acetylated compound as matrix. On the other hand, Ficolin-2 in serum made without clot activator and in plasma irrespective of additive used, had the same concentration and was capable of initiating the lectin pathway measured as C4 and C3 deposition on the ligand. No Ficolin-2 mediated formation of the terminal complement complex was observed under the applied assay conditions. In conclusion, our results show that Ficolin-2 is a promiscuous molecule and that care should be taken during sampling, handling and matrix chosen for measurement of Ficolin-2 levels and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrid Hein
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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55
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Bronkhorst MWGA, Lomax MAZ, Vossen RHAM, Bakker J, Patka P, van Lieshout EMM. Risk of infection and sepsis in severely injured patients related to single nucleotide polymorphisms in the lectin pathway. Br J Surg 2013; 100:1818-26. [PMID: 24227370 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.9319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious complications remain a serious threat to patients with multiple trauma. Susceptibility and response to infection is, in part, heritable. The lectin pathway plays a major role in innate immunity. The aim of this study was to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three key genes within the lectin pathway affect susceptibility to infectious complications in severely injured patients. METHODS A prospective cohort of severely injured patients admitted to a level I trauma centre between January 2008 and April 2011 were genotyped for SNPs in MBL2 (mannose-binding lectin 2), MASP2 (MBL-associated serine protease 2) and FCN2 (ficolin 2). Association of genotype with prevalence of positive culture findings and infection was tested by χ(2) and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 219 patients were included, of whom 112 (51·1 per cent) developed a positive culture from sputum, wounds, blood or urine. A systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) developed in 139 patients (63·5 per cent), sepsis in 79 (36·1 per cent) and septic shock in 37 (16·9 per cent). Patients with a MBL2 exon 1 variant allele were more prone to positive wound cultures (odds ratio (OR) 2·51, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·12 to 5·62; P = 0·025). A MASP2 Y371D DD genotype predisposed to SIRS (OR 4·78, 1·06 to 21·59; P = 0·042) and septic shock (OR 2·53, 1·12 to 4·33; P = 0·003). A FCN2 A258S AS genotype predisposed to positive wound cultures (OR 3·37, 1·45 to 7·85; P = 0·005) and septic shock (OR 2·18, 1·30 to 4·78; P = 0·011). CONCLUSION Severely injured patients with SNPs in MBL2, MASP2 Y371D and FCN2 A258S of the lectin pathway of complement activation are significantly more susceptible to positive culture findings, and to infectious complications, SIRS and septic shock than patients with a wildtype genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W G A Bronkhorst
- Trauma Research Unit, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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56
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Luo F, Sun X, Wang Y, Wang Q, Wu Y, Pan Q, Fang C, Zhang XL. Ficolin-2 defends against virulent Mycobacteria tuberculosis infection in vivo, and its insufficiency is associated with infection in humans. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73859. [PMID: 24040095 PMCID: PMC3767610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ficolin-2 (ficolin-2/P35) is a lectin complement pathway activator that is present in normal human plasma and is associated with infectious diseases; however, little is known regarding the roles and mechanisms of ficolin-2 during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Here, we describe our novel findings that the ficolin-2 serum levels of 107 pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients were much lower compared with 107 healthy controls. In vitro analysis showed that ficolin-2 bound to the virulent Mtb H37Rv strain much more strongly than to the non-virulent M. bovis BCG and M. smegmatis. Ficolin-2 bound to the surface glycolipid portion of H37Rv and blocked H37Rv infection in human lung A549 cells. Opsonophagocytosis was also promoted by ficolin-2. Importantly, we found that administration of exogenous ficolin-2 had a remarkable protective effect against virulent Mtb H37Rv infection in both C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice. Ficolin-A (a ficolin-2-like molecule in mouse) knockout mice exhibited increased susceptibility to H37Rv infection. We further demonstrated that ficolin-2 could defend against virulent Mtb H37Rv infection at least partially by activating JNK phosphorylation and stimulating the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. Our data provide a new immunotherapeutic strategy against TB based on the innate immune molecule ficolin-2 and indicate that ficolin-2 insufficiency is associated with higher susceptibility to infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yubin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Qilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yanhong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Qin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
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57
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Matsushita M. Ficolins in complement activation. Mol Immunol 2013; 55:22-6. [PMID: 22959617 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ficolins are a group of multimeric lectins made up of single subunits each of which is composed of a collagen-like domain and a fibrinogen-like domain. Most of the ficolins identified to date bind to acetylated compounds such as N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). Ficolins in serum are complexed with MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) and their truncated proteins. These lectins play an important role in innate immunity. Binding of the ficolin-MASP complex to carbohydrates present on the surface of microbes initiates complement activation via the lectin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misao Matsushita
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan.
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58
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Szala A, Sawicki S, Swierzko AS, Szemraj J, Sniadecki M, Michalski M, Kaluzynski A, Lukasiewicz J, Maciejewska A, Wydra D, Kilpatrick DC, Matsushita M, Cedzynski M. Ficolin-2 and ficolin-3 in women with malignant and benign ovarian tumours. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:1411-9. [PMID: 23744477 PMCID: PMC3717161 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ficolins are serum pattern recognition molecules. They have opsonic properties and are able to activate complement via the lectin pathway. This paper reports investigations concerning ficolin-2 and ficolin-3 in ovarian cancer (OC). Their serum levels, single nucleotide polymorphisms of the corresponding FCN2 and FCN3 genes and specific mRNA expression in ovarian sections were investigated in 128 patients suffering from primary OC and 197 controls operated on for reasons other than malignancies. The latter consisted of two reference groups: those with benign tumours (n = 123) and those with normal ovaries (NO) (n = 74). Serum ficolin-2 and ficolin-3 concentrations were higher among patients with malignant disease when compared with either of the reference groups. A significant correlation between ficolin-2 and ficolin-3 concentrations was found, while no correlations with CA125 antigen or CRP were observed. No differences in the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms at sites -64, -4 (promoter), +6359, or +6424 (exon 8) (FCN2 gene) nor in the frame-shift mutation 1637delC (FCN3 gene) were found between investigated groups. In contrast to serum concentrations, the expression of FCN2 gene (reported for the first time in ovarian sections) was significantly lower in women with OC in comparison with patients with NO but not with benign ovarian tumours. In case of FCN3 gene, its expression levels in OC group inversely correlated with serum ficolin-3 and were lower in comparison with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Szala
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Sambor Sawicki
- Chair and Department of Gynaecology, Oncologic Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Kliniczna 1a, 80-402 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna St. Swierzko
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Sniadecki
- Chair and Department of Gynaecology, Oncologic Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Kliniczna 1a, 80-402 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Michalski
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
- Institute of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kaluzynski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Polish Mother`s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jolanta Lukasiewicz
- Department of Immunochemistry, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Maciejewska
- Department of Immunochemistry, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wydra
- Chair and Department of Gynaecology, Oncologic Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Kliniczna 1a, 80-402 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - David C. Kilpatrick
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, National Science Laboratory, Ellen’s Glen Road, Edinburgh, EH17 7QT Scotland UK
| | - Misao Matsushita
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan
| | - Maciej Cedzynski
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
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Matsushita M, Endo Y, Fujita T. Structural and functional overview of the lectin complement pathway: its molecular basis and physiological implication. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2013; 61:273-83. [PMID: 23563865 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-013-0229-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is an effector mechanism in immunity. It is activated in three ways, the classical, alternative and lectin pathways. The lectin pathway is initiated by the binding of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) or ficolins to carbohydrates on the surfaces of pathogens. In humans, MBL and three types of ficolins (L-ficolin, H-ficolin, and M-ficolin) are present in plasma. Of these lectins, at least, MBL, L-ficolin, and H-ficolin are complexed with three types of MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs), MASP-1, MASP-2, and MASP-3 and their truncated proteins (MAp44 and sMAP). In the lectin pathway, the lectin-MASP complex (i.e., a complex of lectin, MASPs and their truncated proteins) binds to pathogens, resulting in the activation of C4 and C2 to generate a C3 convertase capable of activating C3. MASP-2 is involved in the activation of C4 and C2. MASP-1 activates C2 and MASP-2. The functions of MASP-3, sMAP, and MAp44 in the lectin pathway remain unknown. MASP-1 and MASP-3 also have a role in the alternative pathway. MBL and ficolins are able to bind to a variety of pathogens depending on their carbohydrate binding specificity, resulting in the activation of the lectin pathway. Deficiencies of the components of the lectin pathway are associated to susceptibility to infection, indicating an important role of the lectin pathway in innate immunity. The lectin-MASP complex is also involved in innate immunity by activating the coagulation system. Recent findings suggest a crucial role of MASP-3 in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misao Matsushita
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
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60
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Kilpatrick DC, St Swierzko A, Matsushita M, Domzalska-Popadiuk I, Borkowska-Klos M, Szczapa J, Cedzynski M. The relationship between FCN2 genotypes and serum ficolin-2 (L-ficolin) protein concentrations from a large cohort of neonates. Hum Immunol 2013; 74:867-71. [PMID: 23619474 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The human FCN2 gene codes for ficolin-2 (L-ficolin), a major pattern recognition molecule and activator of the lectin pathway of complement. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms of this gene were investigated in a large series of cord blood DNA samples. Mutations from the majority to the minority alleles at -602, -4 and +6359 were associated with an increase, while mutations at -986, -557, -64 and +6424 were associated with a decrease, in protein concentration. Full (7 loci) genotypes were obtained for 1229 unrelated neonates, 12 sets of twin siblings and one set of triplets. Forty-four separate genotypes were detected. Four genotypes accounted for more than half the unrelated neonates, and >90% had one of the 12 commonest genotypes. Genotypes were associated with significant differences in mean serum ficolin-2, but the intra-genotype concentration ranges were large and greater than the inter-genotype differences. Consequently, there were no associations between genotypes and low birthweight babies or perinatal infections, and only a weak relationship with preterm deliveries, despite all three adverse pregnancy features being significantly associated with serum ficolin-2 protein. FCN2 genotyping may be of value in clinical studies, but not as a substitute for total serum ficolin-2 protein measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Kilpatrick
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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61
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Szala A, St. Swierzko A, Cedzynski M. Cost-effective procedures for genotyping of human FCN2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms. Immunogenetics 2013; 65:439-46. [PMID: 23525825 PMCID: PMC3651822 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-013-0696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
L-ficolin (ficolin-2) is a complement-activating pattern-recognition lectin taking part in the innate immune response. Both its serum concentration and sugar binding capacity are influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the corresponding FCN2 gene. Cost-effective and simple procedures, based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism for an investigation of four FCN2 SNPs are proposed: -64 A > C (rs7865453), -4 A > G (rs17514136; both located in the promoter region), +6359 C > T (rs17549193), +6424 G > T (rs7851696; both in exon 8). Variant alleles of -64 and +6424 (in strong linkage disequlibrium) are known to be associated with low L-ficolin level or activity. In contrast, variant alleles at positions -4 and +6359 (also in strong linkage disequlibrium) correspond to higher values. Since several L-ficolin clinical associations have been reported, FCN2 genotyping seems to be a valuable tool for disease association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Szala
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna St. Swierzko
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Maciej Cedzynski
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
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62
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Bidula S, Kenawy H, Ali YM, Sexton D, Schwaeble WJ, Schelenz S. Role of ficolin-A and lectin complement pathway in the innate defense against pathogenic Aspergillus species. Infect Immun 2013; 81:1730-40. [PMID: 23478320 PMCID: PMC3647983 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00032-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species are saprophytic molds causing life-threatening invasive fungal infections in the immunocompromised host. Innate immune recognition, in particular, the mechanisms of opsonization and complement activation, has been reported to be an integral part of the defense against fungi. We have shown that the complement component ficolin-A significantly binds to Aspergillus conidia and hyphae in a concentration-dependent manner and was inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine. Calcium-independent binding to Aspergillus fumigatus and A. terreus was observed, but binding to A. flavus and A. niger was calcium dependent. Ficolin-A binding to conidia was increased under low-pH conditions, and opsonization led to enhanced binding of conidia to A549 airway epithelial cells. In investigations of the lectin pathway of complement activation, ficolin-A-opsonized conidia did not lead to lectin pathway-specific C4 deposition. In contrast, the collectin mannose binding lectin C (MBL-C) but not MBL-A led to efficient lectin pathway activation on A. fumigatus in the absence of ficolin-A. In addition, ficolin-A opsonization led to a modulation of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8. We conclude that ficolin-A may play an important role in the innate defense against Aspergillus by opsonizing conidia, immobilizing this fungus through enhanced adherence to epithelial cells and modulation of inflammation. However, it appears that other immune pattern recognition molecules, i.e., those of the collectin MBL-C, are involved in the Aspergillus-lectin complement pathway activation rather than ficolin-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bidula
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Hany Kenawy
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Darren Sexton
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm J. Schwaeble
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Silke Schelenz
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Antony JS, Ojurongbe O, van Tong H, Ouf EA, Engleitner T, Akindele AA, Sina-Agbaje OR, Adeyeba AO, Kremsner PG, Velavan TP. Mannose-binding lectin and susceptibility to schistosomiasis. J Infect Dis 2013; 207:1675-83. [PMID: 23448728 PMCID: PMC7107301 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human ficolin 2 (encoded by FCN2) and mannose-binding lectin (encoded by MBL2) bind to specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns, activate the complement lectin cascade in a similar manner, and are associated with several infectious diseases. Our recently published study established certain FCN2 promoter variants and ficolin-2 serum levels as protective factors against schistosomiasis. METHODS We used the Nigerian cohort from our recently published study, which included 163 Schistosoma haematobium-infected individuals and 183 matched healthy subjects, and investigated whether MBL deficiency and MBL2 polymorphisms are associated with schistosomiasis. RESULTS MBL serum levels were significantly higher in controls and were associated with protection (P < .0001). The -550H minor allele was significantly associated with protection (P = .03), and the heterozygous genotypes -550HL were observed to confer protection (P = .03). The MBL2*HYPA haplotype was significantly associated with protection (P = .03), with significantly higher serum MBL levels in controls (P = .00073). The heterozygous 6-bp deletion in the promoter was observed to be a susceptibility factor in schistosomiasis (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS In agreement with findings from our recently published study, the findings reported here support the observation that MBL is also associated with protection in schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Antony
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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64
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Doolittle RF, McNamara K, Lin K. Correlating structure and function during the evolution of fibrinogen-related domains. Protein Sci 2012; 21:1808-23. [PMID: 23076991 PMCID: PMC3575912 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fibrinogen-related domains (FReDs) are found in a variety of animal proteins with widely different functions, ranging from non-self recognition to clot formation. All appear to have a common surface where binding of one sort or other occurs. An examination of 19 completed animal genomes--including a sponge and sea anemone, six protostomes, and 11 deuterostomes--has allowed phylogenies to be constructed that show where various types of FReP (proteins containing FReDs) first made their appearance. Comparisons of sequences and structures also reveal particular features that correlate with function, including the influence of neighbor-domains. A particular set of insertions in the carboxyl-terminal subdomain was involved in the transition from structures known to bind sugars to those known to bind amino-terminal peptides. Perhaps not unexpectedly, FReDs with different functions have changed at different rates, with ficolins by far the fastest changing group. Significantly, the greatest amount of change in ficolin FReDs occurs in the third subdomain ("P domain"), the very opposite of the situation in most other vertebrate FReDs. The unbalanced style of change was also observed in FReDs from non-chordates, many of which have been implicated in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell F Doolittle
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0314, USA.
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65
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Characterization of fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2): monomeric FGL2 has enhanced immunosuppressive activity in comparison to oligomeric FGL2. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 45:408-18. [PMID: 23127799 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2), a novel effector molecule of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg), mediates its suppressive activity through binding to low affinity Fcγ receptors expressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs). FGL2 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis, xeno- and allotransplant rejection, and rheumatoid arthritis. Here we fully analyzed the structure-function relationships of recombinant murine FGL2 generated in COS-7 cells and identified the receptor binding domains. Native FGL2 exists as an oligomer with a molecular weight of approximately 260 kDa, while under reducing conditions, FGL2 has a molecular weight of 65 kDa suggesting that native FGL2 is composed of four monomers. By site-directed mutation, cysteines at positions 94, 97, 184 and 187, found in the coiled-coil domain were shown to be crucial for FGL2 oligomerization. Monomeric FGL2 had a lower affinity binding to APCs, but increased immunosuppressive activity compared to oligomeric FGL2. Deglycosylation demonstrated that sugar moieties are critical for maintaining solubility of FGL2. SWISS-MODEL analysis suggested that FGL2 has a similar tertiary structure with other members of the fibrinogen family such as fibrinogen and tachylectin. Mutational analysis of cysteine residues and Western blots suggested an asymmetric bouquet-shaped quaternary structure for oligomeric FGL2, resembling many pattern-recognition molecules in the lectin pathway of innate immunity. The functional motifs of FGL2 were mapped to the C terminal globular domain, using a peptide blockade assay. These results collectively define the biochemical and immunological determinants of FGL2, an important immunosuppressive molecule of Treg providing important insights for designing FGL2-related therapeutics.
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66
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Kilpatrick DC. Birds, babies and blood. Mol Immunol 2012; 55:35-47. [PMID: 22998851 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This is an autobiographical review describing the author's career in immunology research and summarizing his current understanding of the areas involved. Contributions to autoimmunity, immune deficiency, transfusion immunology, HLA-disease associations, reproductive immunology, cellular therapies, and innate immunity are included; also discussion of medical research ethics and various research-related activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Kilpatrick
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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