Molecular mechanisms of transmembrane signaling in B lymphocytes

Association between B-lymphocyte membrane immunoglobulin and multiple members of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases

Treatment of B lymphocytes with antibodies to membrane immunoglobulin (Ig) stimulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation. We have examined the phosphorylation in vitro of proteins associated with membrane Ig. The Src family protein tyrosine kinases p53/56lyn, p59fyn, and p56lck are associated with membrane Ig in spleen B cells and B-cell lines and undergo phosphorylation in vitro. The pattern of expression of Src family protein tyrosine kinases in B cells varied. Our studies suggest that multiple kinases can potentially interact with membrane Ig and that within any one B-cell type, all of the Src family kinases expressed can be found in association with membrane Ig. We also observed that the Ig-associated Ig alpha protein, multiple forms of Ig beta, and proteins of 100 and 25 kDa were tyrosine phosphorylated in vitro. The 100- and 25-kDa proteins remain unidentified.

Cross-linking of surface IgM or IgD causes differential biological effects in spite of overlap in tyrosine (de)phosphorylation profile

Although displaying similar amounts of surface IgM and IgD, ECH 408-1 cells only succumb to apoptosis after cross-linking of IgM (not IgD), suggesting that different signaling pathways couple to both receptors. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed the presence of several proteins selectively associated with IgM and IgD, thus ruling out that the lack of inhibitory signaling mediated by IgD might be due to membrane expression in the absence of associated proteins belonging to the B cell receptor complex. 32P metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that IgM and IgD are associated with phosphoproteins of 32-33 kDa in an isotype-specific fashion. Kinetic analyses of tyrosine kinase activity showed that cross-linking of surface IgM or IgD resulted in the rapid (1-3 min) phosphorylation of several protein substrates on tyrosine residues, followed by a dephosphorylation step. Isotype-specific changes of the phosphorylation status specifically affected molecules in the 32-33 kDa range, i.e. IgM (not IgD) cross-linking affected a approximately 32-kDa protein, whereas IgD (not IgM) cross-linking induced phosphorylation of a protein exhibiting a slightly lower mobility (33 kDa). These results suggest that isotype-specific immunoglobulin-associated molecules could be involved in the second messenger cascade leading to different biological effects upon IgM and IgD cross-linking.

Biochemical evidence for the rapid assembly and disassembly of processed antigen-major histocompatibility complex class II complexes in acidic vesicles of B cells

Helper T cell recognition of antigen requires that it be processed within antigen-presenting cells (APC) to peptide fragments that subsequently bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and are displayed on the APC surface. Heretofore, processed antigen-MHC class II complexes have been detected by functional assays, measuring the activation of specific T cells. We now report direct, biochemical evidence for the assembly of processed antigen-MHC class II complexes within splenic B cells as APC. The I-Ek MHC class II molecules were immunoprecipitated from B cells that had processed the model protein antigen cytochrome c radiolabeled across its entire length by reductive methylation of lysine residues and covalently coupled to Ig-specific antibodies, allowing internalization after binding to surface Ig. Our previous studies showed that I-Ek immunoaffinity purified from B cells that had processed cytochrome c contains functional processed antigen--MHC class II complexes and that approximately 0.2% of the I-Ek molecules are specifically associated with one of two predominant processed antigenic fragments. Here we show that these complexes are rapidly assembled, within 30-60 min after antigen binding to surface Ig on splenic B cells. Maximal numbers of complexes are assembled by 2 h in a process that is sensitive to acidic vesicle inhibitors but not to inhibitors of protein synthesis. The processed antigen-I-Ek complexes have a relatively short half-life of 2-4 h and are disassembled or degraded within 8 h after antigen is first internalized. The disassembly or degradation of the processed antigen-I-Ek complexes requires acidic vesicle function, and in the presence of an acidic vesicle inhibitor the complexes are long lived. Thus, using a biochemical assay to monitor processed antigen-I-Ek complexes, we find that, in B cells, processed antigen is relatively rapidly associated in acidic vesicles with preexisting MHC class II molecules, and the complexes are disassembled 4-6 h later in processes that also require acid vesicle function.

Regulation of immunoglobulin gene expression in normal lymphocytes. II. Mechanisms of down-regulation of immunoglobulin secretion after engagement of the B cell antigen receptor

When B cells are stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) they start to proliferate and mature into immunoglobulin (Ig)-secreting cells. Co-stimulation with F(ab')2 fragments of antibodies directed against the B cell antigen receptor leads to an inhibition of Ig secretion but not of proliferation. This effect can be mimicked by phorbol esters alone or by a combination of phorbol esters and the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, which activate protein kinase C. Here we report that co-stimulation with phorbol esters and ionomycin differentially affects a group of genes normally up-regulated during the course of LPS-dependent B cell activation. Thus, the mRNA coding for the membrane-bound form of IgM and the interleukin 2 receptor (55-kDa protein) continue to be expressed at the levels typical of LPS-stimulated cells, while the mRNA coding for the secreted form of IgM (mu S) and for the J chain are reduced. The loss of mu S mRNA is attributable to an altered processing behavior with respect to the mu precursor and/or a decreased stability of the mRNA itself.

Regulation of transcription of immunoglobulin germ-line gamma 1 RNA: analysis of the promoter/enhancer

Antibody class switching is achieved by recombinations between switch (S) regions which consist of tandemly repeated sequences located 5' to Ig heavy chain constant (CH) region genes. RNA transcripts from specific unrearranged or germ-line Ig CH genes are induced in IgM+ B cells prior to their undergoing class switch recombination to the same CH genes. Thus, the antibody class switch appears to be directed by induction of accessibility, as assayed by transcription of germ line CH genes. For example, IL-4 induces transcripts from the mouse germ-line C gamma 1 and C epsilon genes to which it also directs switch recombination. We report here that the 150 bp region upstream of the first initiation site of RNA transcribed from the murine germ-line C gamma 1 gene, contains promoter and enhancer elements responsible for basal level transcription and inducibility by anti-Ig phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and for synergy of these inducers with IL-4 in a surface IgM+ B cell line, L10A6.2 and a surface IgG2a+ B cell line, A20.3. Linker-scanning mutations demonstrated that multiple interdependent elements are required for inducibility by PMA and also for synergy with IL-4. Within the 150 bp region are several consensus sequences that bind known or putative transcription factors, including a C/EBP binding site--IL-4 responsive element, four CACCC boxes, a PU box, a TGF beta inhibitory element (TIE), an alpha beta-interferon response element (alpha beta-IRE) and an AP-3 site. The relationship between transcription regulated by these elements and the regulation of endogenous germ-line gamma 1 transcripts and switching to IgG1 is discussed.

Regulation of antibody production mediated by Fc gamma receptors, IgG binding factors, and IgG Fc-binding autoantibodies

Fc receptors (FcRs) are immunoglobulin-binding structures that enable antibodies to perform a variety of functions by forming connections between specific recognition and effector cells. Besides eliciting cytotoxicity, inducing secretion of mediators and endocytosis of opsonized particles, FcRs are involved in the regulation of antibody production, both as integral membrane proteins and as soluble molecules released from the cell surface. Most FcRs belong to the same family of proteins as their ligands (immunoglobulin superfamily). This review contains recent data obtained by use of monoclonal antibodies and cloning studies on FcRs and FcR-like molecules. The importance of fine specificity of receptor binding site(s)--that of the conformation of FcRs and their ligands in triggering signaling mechanisms--is analyzed. The regulatory function of membrane-bound and -released FcRs; the correlation between cell cycle, FcR expression, and release; as well as the possible mechanisms of these phenomena are discussed.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of B lymphocyte tolerance

A paradox of immunology is that the immune system is distributed so widely in the body, as a large number of cells that discharge most of their effector functions as single cells; but, at the same time, the elements of the system are so very interdependent, not only via specialized cell clusters and microenvironments, but also by mobile feedback loops, cellular and molecular. The end result is that one cannot really understand one element of the system without understanding every other, at least to a degree. Certainly, tolerance cannot be isolated from immune activation, nor B cell from T cell tolerance, rendering the task of the reviewer somewhat thankless. This being said, the last few years have seen wonderful progress in our grasp of B cell tolerance, to which the transgenic revolution has contributed a great deal. The fact that B cell tolerance exists as an important component of self-tolerance has been firmly established, as have the limits of the process in terms of both the survival of low-affinity antiself clonotypes and the question of location and concentration of antigen required for tolerance induction. Two processes have been identified as key alternatives: clonal abortion/maturation arrest/deletion and induction of clonal anergy. The latter requires a less strong Ig receptor crosslinking signal, may be partial, and is reversible. Recognition of these facts has prompted both experimentation and speculation on possible functions of the anergic cell. One unsatisfactory area, which we have not addressed because nothing like a consensus has been reached, is T cell-mediated suppression and its possible effects on tolerant states, including anergy induction in B cells. The phenomenology of suppression is too striking to sweep under the carpet, and suppressor T cell memory in particular (Adelstein et al., 1990) requires much more investigation; however, suppression has not been shown to play a major role in any of the best-studied transgenic models. These can readily be explained on the basis of direct interactions between the B cell target for abortion or anergy and the self antigen in question. The biochemical basis of discrimination between immunity and tolerance has also progressed, but not as fast. This is understandable, as so many signaling pathways have to come together for full immune induction, and as immaturity of the signal transduction pathway plays a profound role that must be studied in normal cells, with all the attendant difficulties of cell separation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Immunomodulation of C3H/HeJ cells by endotoxin associated protein and lipopolysaccharide endotoxin

Protein kinase C plays a vital role in the activation of C3H/HeJ B lymphocytes by endotoxin associated protein; however, it is unlikely that G proteins are involved in the early signals stimulated by EP. On the other hand, LPS suppresses C3H/HeJ B cell DNA synthesis induced by EP which may be the result of PKC down regulation. LPS inhibits C3H/HeJ B cells from progressing through the G1 phase of the cell cycle blocking RNA synthesis within the first 12 hr after the cells are stimulated. Finally, this inhibition extends to activation of the arachidonic acid metabolism in C3H/HeJ macrophages and T cell proliferation to a limited extent.

Flow cytometric analysis of opposite effects of a monokine on proliferation and differentiation of murine B lymphocytes

A 35,000 mw factor able to replace macrophages (FRM) in the induction of the in vitro antibody response to sheep erythrocytes has been isolated from the supernatant of murine resident peritoneal macrophage cultures. Purified FRM, when added at the outset of cultures, induced B cells to generate an antigen-specific antibody response. The signals provided by FRM in the process of B cell activation were analyzed using a polyclonal model. Cell cycle analysis by multiparameter flow cytometry after acridine orange staining showed that FRM, on its own, did not trigger the transition of B cells from the G0 to the G1 stage of the cell cycle. In addition, FRM affected neither the basal intracellular free calcium level ([Ca2+]i) nor the rapid increase in [Ca2+]i induced by crosslinking of membrane immunoglobulin (mIgM) with anti-mu antibodies. In parallel with its positive effect on B cell differentiation, FRM markedly reduced both proliferation and cell cycle progression of B cells stimulated with anti-mu plus interleukin 4 (IL-4). Indeed, the addition of FRM to such cultures led to a preferential accumulation of cells in the early G1 compartment of the cell cycle and to a decreased frequency of cells in all other phases including G1B, S and G2/M.

Roles of protein kinase C and G proteins in activation of murine resting B lymphocytes by endotoxin-associated protein

Endotoxin-associated protein (EP) from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria is a potent immunomodulator. To examine the mechanism of EP stimulation, the protein kinase C inhibitors H7 and staurosporine were used. Both DNA and RNA synthesis of EP-stimulated murine resting B cells were completely inhibited when inhibitors were added at 0 h, whereas 55 to 76% inhibition of DNA synthesis was observed when H7 was added after 12 h of stimulation. In contrast, HA 1004, which blocks protein kinase A and protein kinase G activity, was relatively ineffective even at high concentrations, suggesting that the activity of protein kinase C is a primary mechanism of EP-induced murine B-cell proliferation. To examine the role of G proteins in EP-induced DNA synthesis in B cells, the effects of pertussis toxin (PT), which inactivates certain G proteins, and the B oligomer of PT (PTB), which does not, were also examined. PT was found to inhibit EP-induced DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. However, PTB also caused equivalent inhibition, suggesting that PTB may be responsible for most of the inhibitory effect seen with the holotoxin. These results serve to question whether G proteins are involved in the signal transduction that occurs during EP-induced DNA synthesis in murine B cells.

A polyclonal model for B-cell tolerance. II. Linkage between signaling of B-cell egress from G0, class II upregulation and unresponsiveness

Overnight exposure of adult splenic B cells to anti-Ig, a surrogate for antigen/tolerogen, can result in a hyporesponsive state in terms of antibody synthesis. Since B cells treated with either intact of F(ab')2 fragments of anti-Ig will exit the G0 phase of the cell cycle and enter G1 or S, respectively, we examined which steps in B-cell activation were required for this form of hyporesponsiveness. We found that B-cell hyporesponsiveness could be induced under conditions leading to either abortive or productive B-cell cycle progression, depending on the immunogenic challenge employed. Thus, PMA + ionomycin, concanavalin A, PMA alone, or ionomycin alone induced hyporesponsiveness. Each of these reagents is able to drive B-cell exit from G0 into G1 and cause class II hyperexpression. We next examined the effect of cyclosporin A (CSA), a reagent that blocks anti-Ig but not by PMA-induced class II hyperexpression. Interestingly, CSA only interfered with the induction of B-cell hyporesponsiveness with anti-Ig. These results suggest that upregulation of MHC class II may be coincident with a CSA-sensitive tolerance pathway in B cells stimulated by anti-Ig. Finally, IL-4 pretreatment was found to ablate hyporesponsiveness induced by either intact anti-Ig or PMA. These results parallel the Fc-dependent induction of hyporesponsiveness reported earlier (G. Warner and D. W. Scott, J. Immunol. 146, 2185, 1991). We propose that crosslinking of surface Ig, leading to cell cycle progression out of G0 as well as class II hyperexpression, in the absence of a cognate T cell signal, leads to B-cell hyporesponsiveness.

Cross-linking of surface IgM activates NF-kappa B in B lymphocyte

In B lymphocytes, cross-linking of surface IgM activates changes in both the cell cycle and differentiation. In normal B cells and B cell tumors, many stimuli induce the activation of NF-kappa B and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In this study we sought to determine if cross-linking of surface IgM led to the activation of NF-kappa B. Our results show that activation of B cells by cross-linking anti-IgM antibodies activated NF-kappa B in the murine B lymphoid cell lines 70Z/3 and M12, and in the dense fraction of splenic cells. The activation of NF-kappa B required optimal doses of anti-IgM antibodies and took 5 to 10 min to reach maximal levels. Cross-linking of IgM has also been shown to activate protein kinases including protein kinase C (PKC). To test whether PKC activation was required for NF-kappa B translocation, we treated 70Z/3 cells for 18 h with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a procedure which depletes these cells of functional PKC. This treatment did not abrogate the nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B following anti-IgM cross-linking. These results indicate that the nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B is rapidly induced by surface IgM cross-linking and that this activation appears to use a pathway which does not require PKC.

COOH terminus of membrane IgM is essential for an antigen-specific induction of some but not all early activation events in mature B cells

Transfectants of mature B cell lines that bind phosphorylcholine were made in order to understand the role of the COOH terminus of the mu chain of membrane IgM (mIgM) in generation of antigen-specific signals. A chimeric receptor (I-A alpha tail) was constructed by replacing 40 amino acids from the mu COOH terminus with that of major histocompatibility complex class II I-A alpha chain. The effect of wild-type and chimeric tails were studied on representative immediate-early antigen-specific signals. The I-A alpha tail hybrid, but not the wild-type receptor, was defective in antigen-driven Ca2+ mobilization, although it could effectively endocytose ligand-receptor complexes. Signal(s) transduced through the wild-type receptor led to transient induction of selected immediate-early gene messages (Egr-1, c-fos, Jun) above basal levels. However, the signal(s) generated after crosslinking of the I-A alpha tail receptor either showed no effect (c-fos) or actually repressed basal level expression of Egr-1 and Jun. Thus, we have established that receptor-mediated endocytosis can be distinguished from other early events associated with B cell activation, based on their differential dependence upon the structural fidelity of the COOH-terminal sequence of mIgM.

Elimination from peripheral lymphoid tissues of self-reactive B lymphocytes recognizing membrane-bound antigens

The long-standing hypothesis that tolerance to self antigens is mediated by either elimination or functional inactivation (anergy) or self-reactive lymphocytes is now accepted, but little is known about the factors responsible for initiating one process rather than the other. In the B-cell lineage, tolerant self-reactive cells persist in the peripheral lymphoid organs of transgenic mice expressing lysozyme and anti-lysozyme immunoglobulin genes, but are eliminated in similar transgenic mice expressing anti-major histocompatibility complex immunoglobulin genes. By modifying the structure of the lysozyme transgene and the isotype of the anti-lysozyme immunoglobulin genes, we demonstrate here that induction of anergy or deletion is not due to differences in antibody affinity or isotype, but to recognition of monomeric or oligomeric soluble antigen versus highly multivalent membrane-bound antigen. Our findings indicate that the degree of receptor crosslinking can have qualitatively distinct signalling consequences for lymphocyte development.

The B cell antigen receptor of class IgD can be expressed on the cell surface in two different forms

Membrane-bound immunoglobulins of the IgM and IgD class are expressed on the B cell surface in association with a disulfide-linked heterodimer consisting of alpha and beta subunits. While the alpha component of the IgM antigen receptor (IgM-alpha, 34 kDa) is encoded by the B cell-specific gene mb-1, the gene coding for IgD-alpha (35 kDa) has not yet been identified. We show here that the alpha component of the IgD antigen receptor is also encoded by the mb-1 gene. The difference in molecular weight between IgM-alpha and IgD-alpha thus seems to be due to post-translational modifications of the mb-1 gene product. We also demonstrate that the previously described myeloma variant J558L delta m2.6 expresses an alternative form of the IgD antigen receptor, which does not contain an alpha/beta heterodimer.

Alterations of B lymphocyte Fc gamma R II expression and ligand binding capacity induced by various activators

Murine B lymphocytes cultured with F(ab')2 anti-mouse mu or delta lost (85%) the capacity to bind antigen-IgG antibody complexes as assessed by flow microfluorometry. Anti-mu-induced loss of binding of complexes was concentration, time, and temperature dependent, reversible, and not due to decreased expression of the receptor because binding of monoclonal anti-Fc gamma R II to B lymphocytes cultured with anti-mu was unaffected. Activation of PKC and elevation of [Ca2+]i obtained by culturing B lymphocytes with the combination of PMA and Ca2+ ionophore induced a similar loss of binding of Cx. Since stimulation of B lymphocytes with anti-mu also activates PKC and elevates [Ca2+]i, these changes may be involved in the anti-mu-induced alterations in the binding of complexes to Fc gamma R II. In contrast to the effects of other activators, LPS caused increased expression (threefold) of B lymphocyte Fc gamma R II as measured by the binding of both complexes and monoclonal anti-Fc gamma R II. Thus, different B lymphocyte activators have distinct effects on Fc gamma R II expression or ligand binding capacity and can thereby affect Fc gamma R II-generated regulatory signals.

Differential inhibition of interleukin 2- and interleukin 4-mediated human B cell proliferation by ionomycin: a possible regulatory role for apoptosis

Surface immunoglobulin (Ig) cross-linking by anti-IgM (mu) antibodies leads to B cell activation resulting in numerous early biochemical events including an increase in intracellular [Ca2+]. Furthermore, anti-mu-activated B cells become able to proliferate in response to interleukin (IL)2 and IL4. These studies examined the effect of the calcium ionophore ionomycin, an enhancer of cytoplasmic [Ca2+] levels, on IL2 and IL4-mediated proliferation of anti-mu-stimulated normal human B cells. Ionomycin inhibited the proliferative response of anti-mu-activated B cells to IL4. In contrast, IL2 and phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PBu2)-mediated B cell proliferation was refractory to the growth inhibitory effects of ionomycin. In an attempt to delineate a possible mechanism(s) for this differential growth effect of ionomycin, we first studied direct effects of ionomycin on activated B cells. Our data suggested that ionomycin induced DNA fragmentation in anti-mu-costimulated B cells. Interestingly, in contrast to PBu2, IL4 did not prevent ionomycin-dependent DNA fragmentation. Importantly, H7, an inhibitor of protein kinase C activation, down-regulated only the IL2 and PBu2-driven B cell proliferation but not B cell proliferative response to IL4. These results suggest that putative protein kinase C activation, either by direct treatment with phorbol ester or during IL2 signaling, counteracts the inhibitory effects of ionomycin. In contrast, IL4 signaling does not exhibit the same protective properties.

The complete amino-acid sequence of the heavy chain of the human myeloma protein WIE, an immunoglobulin D

The human myeloma protein WIE is a lambda-type immunoglobulin D; the amino-acid sequence of its Fc part and aminoethylated heavy chain was completely determined. The VH-part (subgroup III) begins N-terminally with 5-oxoproline, and it contains a long, unique CDR3 region. Since the constant part differs from known delta chains by one amino-acid substitution in the hinge region, IgD WIE probably represents an allotypic variant. As in other protein delta chains, O-glycosylations are confined to the hinge region. Furthermore, the ratios of N-glycosylations at the three positions are identical in IgD WAH [Takahashi, N. et al. (1984) J. Chromatogr. 317, 11-26.] and IgD WIE (100%, 50%, 100%). From the most conserved constant domain, C delta 3, a three-dimensional model was constructed to clarify the role of its delta-specific substitutions and glycosylation.

Role of ion channels in lymphocytes

Ion channels, and ion fluxes in general, appear to regulate a wide variety of processes important to lymphocyte function in normal and disease states. These include resting ionic homeostasis and the more complex signaling events involved in activation, proliferation, cytotoxic function, and volume regulation. The wider application of patch-clamp and microfluorimetry techniques to lymphocytes has helped to clarify some issues and raised many more. It seems likely that rapid progress will be made in our understanding of these areas through a combination of immunological, biochemical, and electrophysiological approaches.

Suppression by staurosporine of Ca(2+)-mobilization triggered by ligation of antigen-specific receptors on t and B lymphocytes. An essential role of protein tyrosine kinase in the signal transduction

It is known that the receptor for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) activates phospholipase C (PLC) by phosphorylating the gamma 1 isoform of PLC with the receptor protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK), whereas a guanine nucleotide-binding protein participates as a transducer in the PLC activation through the receptors for vasopressin, bombesin and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). We have shown in a rat fibroblast line that staurosporine is a potent PTK inhibitor capable of clearly discriminating the two types of receptor-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization and, by inference, PLC activations the response triggered by PDGF was completely inhibited, whereas the responses triggered by vasopressin, bombesin and PGF2 alpha were not affected at all. The Ca2+ mobilization in human T and B cell lines induced by anti-CD3 and anti-immunoglobulins (Ig) was completely suppressed by staurosporine. The results indicate that the PTK activity plays an essential role in the PLC activation through the T cell receptor/CD3 complex and through membrane Ig.

Anti-immunoglobulin stimulation of B lymphocytes activates src-related protein-tyrosine kinases

Stimulation of resting B lymphocytes with antibodies to surface immunoglobulin (sIgD or sIgM) induces protein tyrosine phosphorylation, implicating one or more B-cell protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) in sIg signal transduction. We have evaluated whether members of the src family of PTKs are involved in this process. Our results show that addition of antibodies to IgD or to IgM can stimulate the PTK activity of the blk, fyn, and lyn gene products. Additionally, all three PTKs were found to coimmunoprecipitate with sIg in digitonin lysates from resting B cells. In all stimulatory conditions, whether initiated through sIgD or sIgM, the blk gene product p56blk displayed the strongest activation index. The kinetics of activation of these kinases, particularly that of p56blk, paralleled the early appearance of newly tyrosine-phosphorylated B-cell proteins, suggesting that this group of kinases may account for some portion of the tyrosine kinase activity in sIg-activated B cells. These observations demonstrate a functional and possible physical association between the members of the src family of PTKs and the B-cell antigen receptors.

Intracellular localization of tyrosine kinase substrates beneath crosslinked surface immunoglobulins in B cells

Crosslinking of surface immunoglobulins (sIg) in B cells led to the accumulation of submembranal phosphotyrosine, which was followed morphologically with the PY20 antiphosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody. Phosphotyrosine was not detected before sIg crosslinking. After sIg crosslinking, phosphotyrosine-containing proteins were redistributed from scattered small clusters near the plasma membrane to a juxtanuclear region, where immunofluorescent staining decreased with time. Double immunofluorescent staining of individual cells showed accumulation of phosphotyrosine beneath crosslinked sIg molecules at the cell surface. The sIg molecules were subsequently internalized more rapidly than the phosphotyrosine-containing molecules were redistributed. Genistein, a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor, blocked intracellular tyrosine phosphorylations but not cell surface patching of crosslinked sIg. When polyacrylamide beads coated with anti-Ig antibodies were added to the cells, intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation occurred beneath the regions of contact with the beads. This study provides an independent line of evidence confirming recent biochemical experiments that show that crosslinking of the antigen receptor induces PTK activity in B cells, and that components of the newly described sIg complex are among the PTK substrates. The surprising finding that the bulk of the induced phosphotyrosine remains associated with crosslinked sIg for many minutes suggests a role for complex local protein interactions in phosphotyrosine-mediated signal transduction through the antigen receptor of B cells.

Antigen receptor-mediated calcium signals in B cells as revealed by confocal fluorescence microscopy

A confocal fluorescence microscope was used to study the antigen receptor-mediated calcium signals in B cells. Anti-IgD binding to B lymphoma cells (BAL17) increased the intracellular calcium concentration with short lag times. Confocal fluorescence images of the fluo-3-loaded BAL17 cells showed that the intracellular calcium ion concentrations increased non-homogeneously, suggesting that the calcium signals transferred not only to the cytoplasm but also to the nucleus.

Modulation of human lymphoblastoid B cell line by phorbol ester and sphingosine. A 31P-NMR study

Changes in phospholipid and energy metabolism in Epstein-Barr Virus transformed B lymphocytes (EBV-B), induced by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PD) and sphingosine (an inhibitor of protein kinase C), have been evaluated by 31P-NMR spectroscopy. The effects of PD and sphingosine on [3H]thymidine incorporation have also been studied. An increase in phosphorylcholine (PCho) levels has been observed in sphingosine and sphingosine + PD treated cells after 30 min of incubation, whereas no change was observed in lymphocytes incubated with PD during the same period. Extracellular choline levels increased in sphingosine treated cells but decreased in PD treated cells. Hence, a sphingosine-dependent hydrolysis of choline-linked phospholipids is suggested. A time-dependent reduction of PCho observed after 120 min PD incubation is consistent with an increase of the synthesis of choline-linked phospholipids.

Inhibition of B cell proliferation with anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies: anti-CD19 antibodies do not interfere with early signaling events triggered by anti-IgM or interleukin 4

The 95-kDa antigen recognized by the anti-CD19 panel of monoclonal antibodies is found on the surface of most cells of the B cell lineage. Anti-CD19 antibodies inhibit B cell proliferation in response to anti-Ig plus interleukin 4 (IL4), but enhance the response to mitogenic concentrations of either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or Epstein-Barr virus. This dichotomy in the effect of anti-CD19 antibodies suggested that the inhibitory action may be directed at the transmembrane signaling pathways utilized by anti-IgM and IL4. To investigate this hypothesis, an attempt was made to determine the mechanism of signal transduction utilized by the CD19 antigen, and elucidate its effect on transmembrane signaling invoked by anti-immunoglobulin and IL4. Binding of anti-CD19 antibody to B cells did not promote activation of either the phosphoinositide or cAMP signaling pathways. In addition, anti-CD19 antibody did not inhibit phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis induced by anti-IgM or IL4, nor did it interfere with cAMP induction by IL4. We also found that anti-CD19 antibody inhibited PMA plus calcium ionophore-induced B cell proliferation. This evidence indicates that anti-CD19 mAb interrupts the signaling cascade at a point distal to receptor-mediated breakdown of PIP2 and/or activation of adenyl cyclase. This conclusion was fully consistent with experiments in which anti-CD19 antibody was shown to inhibit DNA but not RNA synthesis, and the observation that anti-CD19 antibody must be present between 6 h and 20 h after the initiation of the culture suggesting that anti-CD19 mAb exerts its inhibitory effect in late G0 or G1, after the initial signaling events.

Regulation of IL-4 responsiveness in lymphoma B cells

The responsiveness to IL-4 with and without costimulation with anti-IgM antibodies or phorbolester was studied in 35 cases of low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma by analyzing enhancement of CD23 and HLA class II expression. The predominant phenotype responds directly to IL-4. Separate differentiation states can be distinguished according to coordinate or differential upregulation of CD23 and HLA class II molecules by IL-4 alone, and differences in responsiveness to anti-IgM antibodies. A particular subgroup of B-lymphoma cells defines a separate stage of B-cell differentiation. They fail to express high affinity binding sites for IL-4 and accordingly do not respond to IL-4-mediated signals. Cross-linking membrane IgM receptors or direct activation of protein kinase C via phorbolester induces IL-4 receptor expression and subsequent IL-4 reactivity.

B cell-associated LFA-1 and T cell-associated ICAM-1 transiently cluster in the area of contact between interacting cells

TNP-specific B cells interact with carrier-specific T hybridoma cells in an antigen-specific, MHC-restricted manner. The formation of T cell/B cell conjugates is time and temperature dependent and results in the formation of a broad area of close contact between the interacting cells. In order to determine which surface molecules on the two cells cluster at the interaction site. T cell/B cell conjugates were formalin-fixed at different times following conjugation and were stained with antibodies directed against cell surface molecules. Results of these studies indicate that the alpha- and beta-subunits of LFA-1 on B cells transiently cluster in the area of cell contact. Maximum clustering of LFA-1 occurs at 45 min, after which time LFA-1 redistributes on the surface of the B cells. Several other B cell-associated molecules (MHC Class II, ICAM-1, Ig, B220, J11D, or CD23) do not cluster at the interaction site at any time point. T cell-associated LFA-1 does not cluster with any specific pattern, but ICAM-1 does. Maximum clustering of ICAM-1 occurs 60 to 90 min after intercellular contact. After this time, ICAM-1 redistributes on the surface of the T cells. Although both the alpha- and beta-subunits of LFA-1 cluster at the interaction site on B cells, antibodies recognizing these subunits differ in their ability to affect conjugation. One antibody recognizing the alpha chain of LFA-1 (M17/4.2) inhibits T-cell/B cell conjugation, whereas another antibody that also recognizes the alpha chain-(G-48) enhances conjugation. In contrast, an antibody that recognizes LFA-1 beta (M18/2.a.8) has no effect. An antibody that recognizes ICAM-1 (YN/1.7), the ligand for LFA-1, inhibits conjugation. These data show that, during T cell/B cell interaction. LFA-1 on B cells and ICAM-1 on T cells transiently cluster with similar, albeit not identical, kinetics to the site of cell-cell contact.

Membrane depolarization was required to induce DNA synthesis in murine macrophage cell line PU5-1.8

The role of membrane potential (Em) on the initiation of DNA synthesis in murine macrophage cell line PU5-1.8 was investigated with fluorescent probes bis-oxonol and diS-C3-(5). Incubation of PU5-1.8 cells in high K(+)-HEPES buffer or with gramicidin at 37 degrees C for 1h that depolarized the membrane induced [3H]-thymidine incorporation and expression of early response gene such as c-myc and c-fos. When PU5-1.8 cells were treated with a number of agents including fetal calf serum (FCS), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), epidermal growth factor (EGF), N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and bradykinin (BK), only FCS caused DNA synthesis and membrane depolarization. Other agents had no effect on these events. The FCS-mediated DNA synthesis in PU5-1.8 cells was inhibited by clamping the membrane potential with valinomycin. Moreover, intracellular alkalinization induced by nigericin at pH 7.9, which is believed to be a permissive signal for mitogenesis, caused membrane depolarization. On the other hand, challenge of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA) suppressed the K(+)-mediated DNA synthesis. However, the treatment of cells with PMA did not change the membrane potential but suppressed the gramicidin-mediated membrane depolarization. These observations suggest that there is a correlation between membrane depolarization and initiation of DNA synthesis in PU5-1.8 cells. PKC may be acting as a modulator in this transducing pathway.

Ion channels and B cell mitogenesis

Given the presence of ionic channels at the membrane of lymphocytes, we have analyzed the effect of various channels blockers on B lymphocytes activation. TEA and 4-AP, two K+ channels blockers, quinine, a blocker of Ca2(+)-activated K+ channels, nickel and verapamil, two Ca2+ channels blockers, all inhibited LPS-induced B cell proliferation. However, these drugs neither inhibited the induction of Ia and Fc gamma RII expression nor cell enlargement and early RNA synthesis, indicating that the entry of B lymphocytes into G1 phase was not affected. In contrast, both late RNA synthesis and the induction of the TfR, which occur while the cell progress through G1, were inhibited by these blockers. These data show that TEA, quinine and verapamil block B lymphocyte activation during the G1 phase, probably between G1A and G1B. To question whether these effects were due to the block of voltage-activated K+ channels, we compared the ability of TEA, quinine, verapamil, 4-AP and nickel to block proliferation and K+ channels. A striking correlation was found for all the drugs but less for 4-AP. Moreover, TMA, a TEA analog unable to block K+ currents, did not affect B cell proliferation. Taken together, our data suggests that functional voltage-gated K+ channels are required at a precise stage of the G1 phase of the B cell cycle.

Identification of two distinct phosphoproteins as components of the human B cell antigen receptor complex

In human B cells, the molecules that, upon receptor occupancy, couple membrane immunoglobulin to intracellular signal transduction pathways have never been identified. We here describe two phosphoproteins as integral parts of the B cell antigen receptor complex. Membrane IgM is non-covalently associated with a disulfide-linked heterodimer of glycoproteins. These molecules can be demonstrated on B cell lines and freshly isolated polyclonal B cell populations and are subject to phosphorylation at serine residues. Identification of these constituents of the B cell receptor complex opens up the opportunity to study coupling of the B cell antigen receptor to the intracellular signal transduction machinery at the molecular level.

Extracellular matrix molecules and cell adhesion molecules induce neurites through different mechanisms

It has recently become clear that both extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins and various cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) can promote neurite outgrowth from primary neurons, though little is known of the intracellular mechanisms through which these signals are transduced. We have previously obtained evidence that protein kinase C function is an important part of the neuronal response to laminin (Bixby, J.L. 1989. Neuron. 3:287-297). Because such CAMs as L1 (Lagenauer, C., and V. Lemmon. 1987. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 84:7753-7757) and N-cadherin (Bixby, J.L. and R. Zhang. 1990. J. Cell Biol. 110:1253-1260) can be purified and used as substrates to promote neurite growth, we have now tested whether the response to CAMs is similarly dependent on protein kinase C. We find that inhibition of protein kinase C inhibits growth on fibronectin or collagen as well as on laminin. In contrast, C kinase inhibition actually potentiates the initial growth response to L1 or N-cadherin. The later "phase" of outgrowth on both of these CAMs is inhibited, however. Additionally, phorbol esters, which have no effect on neurite growth when optimal laminin concentrations are used, potentiate growth even on optimal concentrations of L1 or N-cadherin. The results indicate that different intracellular mechanisms operate during initial process outgrowth on ECM substrates as compared to CAM substrates, and suggest that protein kinase C function is required for continued neurite growth on each of these glycoproteins.

Gene segments encoding membrane domains of the human immunoglobulin gamma 3 and alpha chains

The carboxyterminal region of the heavy chains, according to its hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties, determines whether the immunoglobulin will be secreted or membrane-bound. We have determined the nucleotide sequences of the human IGHG3, IGHA1, and IGHA2 membrane exons isolated from genomic DNA libraries. The IGHG3 M1 and M2 exons are separated by a long intron of 2.1 kilobases (kb) containing an highly repeated motif of 34 base pairs (bp). The IGHA1 and IGHA2 genes, like the mouse Igh-A gene, have a single exon encoding the extracellular, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic regions. For each class of immunoglobulins, the sequences of membrane exons are highly conserved between human and mouse, but no alignment is possible for the flanking regions. In contrast, for a same species, the sequences of the heavy chain membrane exons differ from one class to another. While the hydrophobic profile of the membrane core is well conserved, the cytoplasmic region differs in length and in composition. None of the intracellular domains presents the sequence implied in signal transduction, implying that membrane immunoglobulins need other proteins, which probably interact with the constant or membrane domain, to transmit signals leading to B-cell activation.

Pertussis toxin inhibition of anti-immunoglobulin-stimulated proliferation and inositol phosphate formation

A variety of receptor agonists activate cells by stimulating polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis. Increasing evidence supports the concept that receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis is mediated by a guanosine triphosphate binding protein, which in some cell systems is inhibited by pertussis toxin through ADP-ribosylation. The cross-linking of membrane immunoglobulin by antigen or anti-Ig stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis resulting in the formation of inositol phosphate and diacylglycerol which act as second messengers in initiating B lymphocyte activation. In this report, we demonstrate that anti-Ig-stimulated inositol phosphate formation is enhanced by the nonhydrolyzable guanosine triphosphate analogue, GppNHp, in permeabilized B lymphocytes and also inhibited by pretreatment of intact cells with pertussis toxin. This latter effect is associated with the pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 41-kDa membrane protein which is of the same molecular weight as the guanosine triphosphate binding protein reported to mediate receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in other cellular receptor systems. B lymphocyte proliferation induced by agents such as lipopolysaccharide and PMA plus calcium ionophore, which activate cellular proliferation without stimulating phosphoinositide breakdown, is not inhibited by pertussis toxin. We conclude that anti-Ig activation of B lymphocytes contains pertussis toxin- and guanosine triphosphate-sensitive components which are involved in regulating phosphoinositide breakdown and initiating cellular activation.

Ligation of membrane immunoglobulin leads to inactivation of the signal-transducing ability of membrane immunoglobulin, CD19, CD21, and B-cell gp95

We have examined the ability of membrane immunoglobulin-binding ligands to desensitize several human B-cell surface molecules that normally transduce signals leading to Ca2+ mobilization. Ligation of membrane IgM or IgD leads to heterologous desensitization of the reciprocal receptor in Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell lines and peripheral blood B cells, as evidenced by a failure of cells to mobilize in response to receptor ligation. Under these conditions CD19, CD21, and B-cell gp95 ligation also did not lead to normal Ca2+ mobilization, indicating that these transducers are also desensitized. The desensitization does not reflect receptor modulation from the cell surface or reduced accessibility to ligand and is long lived, lasting greater than 16 hr. Finally, data that indicate that desensitized cells remain responsive to the G protein activating agent AIF4-, as measured by Ca2+ mobilization, suggest that desensitization reflects uncoupling of these receptors from G proteins that are intermediaries in their transduction of signals. We hypothesize that the molecular target of desensitization may be a recently described membrane immunoglobulin-associated and inducibly tyrosine-phosphorylated protein complex that may function as a master transducer in B cells, analogous to CD3 in T cells.

Enhancement of cyclic AMP metabolism in a B cell line by protein kinase C

In a human B cell line in which we previously demonstrated an inverse relationship between cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content and immunoglobulin secretion, the phorbol ester, phorbol myristate acetate, (PMA), was shown to augment the cAMP elevating ability of cholera toxin (CT), suggesting a regulatory linkage between the two transmembrane signaling pathways, cAMP and phospholipid (J. Immunol. 141, 1678-1686, 1988). We now extend these studies and provide additional evidence that activated protein kinase C, a principal product of the activation of the hydrolytic phospholipid pathway, plays a direct role in the augmentation of cAMP levels in cells stimulated by diverse cAMP-elevating ligands. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), forskolin (FSK) and CT, all of which demonstrated a concentration and time-dependent elevation of intracellular cAMP, produced even greater (up to twofold) elevations of cAMP in the presence of PMA or the diacylglycerol analogs, 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8), and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG). In the absence of CT, PGE1, or FSK, these protein kinase C activators produced only small increases in cAMP content of the cells. Several tests of protein kinase C specificity in these PMA-, DiC8-, and OAG-induced augmentations were made: (i) only phorbol esters known to activate protein kinase C worked, (ii) PMA augmentation was abolished by down-regulation of protein kinase C, (iii) Staurosporine (a known inhibitor of protein kinase C) selectively inhibited the effects of PMA on cAMP generation and on immunoglobulin secretion in the LA350 cell line.

Cross-talk between B cell surface immunoglobulin and interleukin 4 receptors: the role of protein kinase C and Ca2(+)-mediated signals

A well-known property of IL4 is its capacity to synergize with low concentrations of anti-immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies to induce B cells to synthesize DNA. Cross-linking of surface Ig receptors stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis, with consequent production of two signals: the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Little is known about the second messengers utilized by interleukin (IL)4 receptors. In this study we have investigated the relative contributions of the two signals emanating from the ligation of surface Ig receptors to the synergistic activation of B cells by IL4. We show that IL4 plus carefully titrated concentrations of PKC-activating phorbol esters [such as phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PBu2)] induce cell cycle entry of virtually all murine B cells and substantial levels of DNA synthesis. Ca2+ ionophores, in contrast do not act as co-mitogens with IL4. However, a critical concentration of ionomycin further enhanced DNA synthesis induced by PBu2 plus IL4. Taken together, these results suggest that PKC activation alone is sufficient to synergize with IL4 in inducing B cells to enter cell cycle. However, the co-mitogenic effects of anti-Ig and IL4 are evidently also dependent on Ca2+ signals. This interpretation is supported by the findings that cyclosporin, which abrogates the activation of lymphocytes by Ca2(+)-dependent stimuli, inhibits B cell proliferation induced by anti-Ig plus IL4, but not the response to PBu2 plus IL4.

Inhibition of lymphocyte activation in splenic and gut-associated lymphoid tissues following oral exposure of mice to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

The hypothesis that 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) suppresses immune function in mice via an inhibition of lymphocyte activation was examined in these studies. Daily exposure of B6C3F1 mice to DMBA (cumulative doses of 1.4 to 140 mg/kg) via the oral route for 14 days was found to inhibit phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide mitogen responses in lymphoid cells obtained from the spleen. Peyer's Patches, and mesenteric lymph nodes. The 14 mg/kg cumulative dose of DMBA produced no significant decrease in the number of recovered viable cells, yet mitogen responses were suppressed by approximately 50% in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes, and by greater than 70% in the Peyer's Patches. DMBA inhibited PHA-induced Ca+2 mobilization measured by flow cytometry in each of these three lymphoid tissues. There was no change in the percentage of T cells recovered from the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, or Peyer's Patches. Peyer's Patch lymphocytes obtained from the GI tract appeared to be slightly more sensitive to inhibition of mitogen responsiveness and perhaps Ca+2 mobilization, potentially due to the oral route of exposure to DMBA. These studies provide evidence that DMBA inhibits early events associated with lymphocyte activation in mice.

Increased expression of alkaline phosphatase activity in stimulated B lymphocytes by muramyl dipeptide

We have recently shown that the synthetic immunomodulator muramyl dipeptide (MDP) acts on murine B lymphocytes. It synergizes with interleukin 2 and interleukin 4 to stimulate, respectively, the differentiation and the proliferation of B cells. In the present study, MDP was shown to increase the proliferation of B cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, the expression of alkaline phosphatase activity induced by LPS was markedly enhanced by MDP. These effects were time- and dose-dependent. The present report suggests that the biochemical mechanism by which MDP exerts its effects may involve protein phosphorylation-dephosphorylation pathways.

Oncogenic potential of the B-cell antigen receptor and its relevance to heavy chain diseases and other B-cell neoplasias: a new model

Some growth factor receptor genes can be activated to become oncogenic as a result of various mutations. The receptors that are encoded by these genes may deliver constitutive signals independent of ligand binding. The model which is presented here assumes that alterations in the B-cell antigen receptor could have similar effects. Evidence that membrane immunoglobulin alterations contribute to oncogenesis in vivo comes from studies of heavy chain diseases. Moreover, this model could have also implications for other B-cell neoplasias.