Binding of L-selectin to the vascular sialomucin CD34

Expression of the adhesion molecules CD49d and CD49e on G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ cells of patients with solid tumors or non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphoma and of healthy donors is inversely correlated with the amount of mobilized CD34+ cells

The yield of CD34+ PBPC and colony-forming units-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) in leukapheresis products and the expression of the adhesion molecules CD11a, CD31, CD49d, CD49e, CD54, CD58, CD62L, c-kit (CD117), Thy-1 (CD90), CD33, CD38, and HLA-DR on CD34+ PBPC were analyzed in patients with cancer of the testis (n = 10), breast cancer (n = 10), Hodgkin's disease (n = 20), high-grade (n = 20) and low-grade (n = 20) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and healthy donors (n = 20) undergoing G-CSF (filgrastim)-stimulated PBPC mobilization. For each disease entity, G-CSF was administered in two different doses, 10 microg G-CSF/kg body weight (BW)/day s.c. vs. 24 microg G-CSF/kg BW s.c./day in steady-state condition. Data were compared for each dose group separately. Patients with cancer of the testis and breast cancer mobilized significantly more CD34+ cells than patients with high-grade and low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease (p<0.05). Correspondingly, expression of CD49d on CD34+ PBPC was significantly lower in the same patients with cancer of the testis compared with high-grade and low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkins' disease and in patients with breast cancer compared with high-grade and low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkins's disease, and healthy donors. Similar results were obtained for CD49e. These data suggest that the expression of the adhesion molecules CD49d and CD49e on G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ cells of patients with solid tumors, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and healthy donors is inversely correlated with the amount of mobilized CD34+ cells.

Endothelial L-selectin ligands are likely to recruit lymphocytes into rejecting human heart transplants

L-selectin-dependent lymphocyte extravasation is a hallmark of acute heart allograft rejection in rats. On screening over 600 endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs), taken at different time points after heart transplantation in man, we identified 91 samples with histological signs of acute rejection. Rejection and nonrejection EMBs were analyzed for the presence of properly glycosylated, ie, sulfated sialyl Lewis-x (sLex) decorated L-selectin ligands. Two anti-sLex (2F3 and HECA-452) and one anti-6- or 6'-sulfated and/or 6, 6'-bisulfation (MECA-79) monoclonal antibodies were used. Nonrejecting heart endothelium did not express, or expressed only weakly, sulfated and or sLex decorations of L-selectin ligands. On the contrary, these epitopes were readily detectable on endothelium of capillaries and venules at the onset and during acute rejection episodes. The more intense the sulfated sLex expression was, the more severe the rejection episode was in histological grading. The endothelial expression of L-selectin ligands decreased to background levels as the rejection resolved. Our data demonstrate a complete correlation between the level of expression of the sulfated sLex-decorated ligands on the one hand and the histological severity of acute heart allograft rejection on the other hand. These data suggest that functionally active endothelial L-selectin ligands are instrumental in lymphocyte extravasation into the human heart allografts at the onset and during acute rejection episodes.

CD34 expression as a novel marker of transformed mesangial cells in biopsied glomerular diseases

CD34 is a marker of haematopoietic progenitor cells, stromal precursors, vascular endothelial cells, and a variety of stromal tumour cells. This immunohistochemical study examined the CD34 expression of glomerular mesangial cells in normal and diseased glomeruli and compared it with the staining patterns of alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), as a transformed mesangial cell marker, and CD31, as an endothelial cell marker. In addition, the CD34 and ASMA expression of mesangial cells in various glomerulonephritis and the relationship of the immunostaining intensity to the severity of IgA nephropathy were semiquantitatively evaluated. In normal glomeruli, all cell types were negative for CD34, but in glomeruli in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, CD34 was expressed exclusively in mesangial cells, corresponding to ASMA expression. The dendritic and scattered staining pattern, the mesangial location of positive signals, and the enhanced expression were clearly different from CD31 expression in diseased glomeruli. In comparison with normal controls, the grade of immunostaining for CD34 (CD34 INDEX) in mesangial proliferative glomerular diseases was higher than that of ASMA (ASMA INDEX). With the severity of glomerulonephritis, the CD34 INDEX gradually increased. These studies indicate that CD34 is a useful marker of mesangial transformation and that immunohistochemical examination with the anti-CD34 antibody is useful for the diagnosis and stage determination of glomerular diseases.

Peripheral lymph node addressins are expressed on skin endothelial cells

The term "peripheral node addressins" describes a set of several endothelial adhesion molecules, which collectively bind to L-selectin and react with monoclonal antibody MECA-79. They regulate lymphocyte recirculation through peripheral nodes. Their expression is thought to be restricted to a specialized vascular segment within the node, called the high endothelial venule. In certain chronic skin diseases, however, postcapillary venules of the skin may also acquire a high endothelial venule-like morphology. Employing immunohistochemistry on cryostat sections, we found these skin endothelial cells - like peripheral node high endothelial venules - to be reactive with monoclonal antibody MECA-79. Tissue lysates from the same specimens were then analyzed by immunoprecipitation using recombinant human L-selectin Fc-chimeras followed by immunoblotting using monoclonal antibody MECA-79. In contrast to peripheral node endothelium, which mainly expressed peripheral node addressin moieties of molecular sizes 90-110 kDa and 160 kDa, endothelial cells in cutaneous T cell lymphoma skin lesions expressed an additional and not yet defined 220 kDa peripheral node addressin-like molecule. Most surprisingly, even in normal skin specimens, we found a distinct subset of endothelial cells located around hair follicles constitutively expressing 90-110 kDa peripheral node addressin-like moieties. It is intriguing to speculate that - in analogy to the role of peripheral node addressins in peripheral nodes - the induced expression of peripheral node addressins in chronic T cell mediated skin diseases is responsible for a sustained lymphocyte recruitment. The constitutive expression of peripheral node addressins on perifollicular endothelium may serve for a continuous lymphocyte recirculation through normal skin.

Lymphocyte Adhesion to Epithelia and Endothelia Mediated by the Lymphocyte Endothelial-Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Glycoprotein

Upon encountering the relevant vascular bed, lymphocytes attach to endothelial adhesion molecules, transmigrate out of circulation, and localize within tissues. Lymphocytes may then be retained at microanatomic sites, as in tissues, or they may continue to migrate to the lymphatics and recirculate in the blood. Lymphocytes also interact transiently, but with high avidity, with target cells or APC that are infected with microbes or have taken up exogenous foreign Ags. This array of adhesive capabilities is mediated by the selective expression of lymphocyte adhesion molecules. Here, we developed the 6F10 mAb, which recognizes a cell surface glycoprotein designated lymphocyte endothelial-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (LEEP-CAM), that is distinct in biochemical characteristics and distribution of expression from other molecules known to play a role in lymphocyte adhesion. LEEP-CAM is expressed on particular epithelia, including the suprabasal region of the epidermis, the basal layer of bronchial and breast epithelia, and throughout the tonsillar and vaginal epithelia. Yet, it is absent from intestinal and renal epithelia. Interestingly, it is expressed also on vascular endothelium, especially high endothelial venules (HEV) in lymphoid organs, such as tonsil and appendix. The anti-LEEP-CAM mAb specifically blocked T and B lymphocyte adhesion to monolayers of epithelial cells and to vascular endothelial cells in static cell-to-cell binding assays by ∼40–60% when compared with control mAbs. These data suggest a role for this newly identified molecule in lymphocyte binding to endothelium, as well as adhesive interactions within selected epithelia.

A novel, high endothelial venule-specific sulfotransferase expresses 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis(x), an L-selectin ligand displayed by CD34

L-selectin mediates lymphocyte homing by facilitating lymphocyte adhesion to unique carbohydrate ligands, sulfated sialyl Lewis(x), which are expressed on high endothelial venules (HEV) in secondary lymphoid organs. The nature of the sulfotransferase(s) that contribute to sulfation of such L-selectin counterreceptors has been uncertain. We herein describe a novel L-selectin ligand sulfotransferase, termed LSST, that directs the synthesis of the 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis(x) on L-selectin counterreceptors CD34, GlyCAM-1, and MAdCAM-1. LSST is predominantly expressed in HEV and exhibits striking catalytic preference for core 2-branched mucin-type O-glycans as found in natural L-selectin counterreceptors. LSST enhances L-selectin-mediated adhesion under shear compared to nonsulfated controls. LSST therefore corresponds to an HEV-specific sulfotransferase that contributes to the biosynthesis of L-selectin ligands required for lymphocyte homing.

Isolation and characterization from porcine serum of a soluble sulfotransferase responsible for 6-O-sulfation of the galactose residue in 2'-fucosyllactose: implications in the synthesis of the ligand for L-selectin

A soluble sulfotransferase from porcine serum which catalyzes the transfer of sulfate from adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) to 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) was purified 36,333-fold using a combination of conventional and affinity chromatographic steps. The purified enzyme preparation after non-denaturing discontinuous-PAGE exhibited a molecular mass of about 80 kDa by reducing SDS-PAGE. However, when a partially purified enzyme preparation was subjected to gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300, the enzyme activity eluted in the void volume, which indicated that the native enzyme existed as an oligomer. The purified enzyme showed Km values of 9.15 microM for PAPS and 15.38 mM for 2'-FL at the optimum pH value of 7.4. The substrate specificity of the purified enzyme was evaluated with various sugars that are structurally similar to sialyl LewisX (sLeX). Results indicated that 3'-sialyllactose and lactose were efficient acceptors of sulfation, whereas 6'-sialyllactose and 6'-sialyllactosamine were poor substrates for this sulfotransferase. Further, the reaction product analysis revealed that the sulfate substitution, when using 2'-FL as the substrate, was at the C-6 position of the galactose residue. Coincidentally, a similar enzyme activity was also found in porcine lymphoid tissues such as, lymph nodes (peripheral and mesenteric) and spleen. Collectively, these findings suggest that this enzyme might be involved in the synthesis of the ligand for L-selectin.

A Common Signaling Pathway Via Syk and Lyn Tyrosine Kinases Generated From Capping of the Sialomucins CD34 and CD43 in Immature Hematopoietic Cells

The sialomucin CD34 is a useful marker for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. However, the role of CD34 remains poorly understood. Here we investigate the functions of CD34 and another sialomucin CD43 coexpressed on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Stimulation of undifferentiated hematopoietic KG1a cells with anti-CD34 or anti-CD43 induced homotypic cytoadhesion, accompanied by formation of a long-lived cap of CD34 and CD43 respectively, which colocalized with F-actin. Stimulation with either antibody specifically increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the identical set of proteins of Lyn, Syk, pp60, pp69, and pp77 at the capping site. These events were similar to those observed in monocytic U937 cells ectopically expressing CD34. After stimulation of KG1a cells, coimmunoprecipitation of Lyn with pp69 and pp77 and of Syk with pp37 was detected in the membrane fraction. Blockade of antibody-induced cap formation by treatment with cytochalasin D leads to inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk and pp77 and homotypic cytoadhesion. Moreover, normal human CD34+ bone marrow cells showed cap formation of CD34 or CD43 after stimulation. These results suggest that crosslinking of either CD34 or CD43 activates the same signaling pathway for cytoadhesion through Lyn, Syk, and the novel tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins within hematopoiesis.

A Common Signaling Pathway Via Syk and Lyn Tyrosine Kinases Generated From Capping of the Sialomucins CD34 and CD43 in Immature Hematopoietic Cells

The sialomucin CD34 is a useful marker for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. However, the role of CD34 remains poorly understood. Here we investigate the functions of CD34 and another sialomucin CD43 coexpressed on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Stimulation of undifferentiated hematopoietic KG1a cells with anti-CD34 or anti-CD43 induced homotypic cytoadhesion, accompanied by formation of a long-lived cap of CD34 and CD43 respectively, which colocalized with F-actin. Stimulation with either antibody specifically increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the identical set of proteins of Lyn, Syk, pp60, pp69, and pp77 at the capping site. These events were similar to those observed in monocytic U937 cells ectopically expressing CD34. After stimulation of KG1a cells, coimmunoprecipitation of Lyn with pp69 and pp77 and of Syk with pp37 was detected in the membrane fraction. Blockade of antibody-induced cap formation by treatment with cytochalasin D leads to inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk and pp77 and homotypic cytoadhesion. Moreover, normal human CD34+ bone marrow cells showed cap formation of CD34 or CD43 after stimulation. These results suggest that crosslinking of either CD34 or CD43 activates the same signaling pathway for cytoadhesion through Lyn, Syk, and the novel tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins within hematopoiesis.

Sulfotransferases of two specificities function in the reconstitution of high endothelial cell ligands for L-selectin

L-selectin, a lectin-like receptor, mediates rolling of lymphocytes on high endothelial venules (HEVs) in secondary lymphoid organs by interacting with HEV ligands. These ligands consist of a complex of sialomucins, candidates for which are glycosylation- dependent cell adhesion molecule 1 (GlyCAM-1), CD34, and podocalyxin. The ligands must be sialylated, fucosylated, and sulfated for optimal recognition by L-selectin. Our previous structural characterization of GlyCAM-1 has demonstrated two sulfation modifications, Gal-6-sulfate and GlcNAc-6-sulfate in the context of sialyl Lewis x. We now report the cloning of a Gal-6-sulfotransferase and a GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferase, which can modify GlyCAM-1 and CD34. The Gal-6-sulfotransferase shows a wide tissue distribution. In contrast, the GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferase is highly restricted to HEVs, as revealed by Northern analysis and in situ hybridization. Expression of either enzyme in Chinese hamster ovary cells, along with CD34 and fucosyltransferase VII, results in ligand activity, as detected by binding of an L-selectin/IgM chimera. When coexpressed, the two sulfotransferases synergize to produce strongly enhanced chimera binding.

The proteoglycan lectin domain binds sulfated cell surface glycolipids and promotes cell adhesion

The lecticans are a group of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans characterized by the presence of C-type lectin domains. Despite the suggestion that their lectin domains interact with carbohydrate ligands, the identity of such ligands has not been elucidated. We previously showed that brevican, a nervous system-specific lectican, binds the surface of B28 glial cells (Yamada, H., Fredette, B., Shitara, K., Hagihara, K., Miura, R., Ranscht, B., Stallcup, W. B., and Yamaguchi, Y. (1997) J. Neurosci. 17, 7784-7795). In this paper, we demonstrate that two classes of sulfated glycolipids, sulfatides and HNK-1-reactive sulfoglucuronylglycolipids (SGGLs), act as cell surface receptors for brevican. The lectin domain of brevican binds sulfatides and SGGLs in a calcium-dependent manner as expected of a C-type lectin domain. Intact, full-length brevican also binds both sulfatides and SGGLs. The lectin domain immobilized as a substrate supports adhesion of cells expressing SGGLs or sulfatides, which was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies against these glycolipids or by treatment of the substrate with SGGLs or sulfatides. Our findings demonstrate that the interaction between the lectin domains of lecticans and sulfated glycolipids comprises a novel cell substrate recognition system, and suggest that lecticans in extracellular matrices serve as substrate for adhesion and migration of cells expressing these glycolipids in vivo.

Reconstitution of functional L-selectin ligands on a cultured human endothelial cell line by cotransfection of alpha1-->3 fucosyltransferase VII and newly cloned GlcNAcbeta:6-sulfotransferase cDNA

Recently, we proposed sialyl 6-sulfo Lewis X as a major carbohydrate-capping group of the L-selectin ligands on high endothelial venules in human lymph nodes. In this study we succeeded in reconstituting functional L-selectin ligands on a cultured human endothelial cell line, ECV304, by transfecting the alpha1-->3fucosyltranseferase VII (Fuc-T VII) and newly cloned GlcNAcbeta:6-sulfotransferase (6-Sul-T) cDNAs. The ECV304 cells transfected with Fuc-T VII cDNA expressed conventional sialyl Lewis X detected with specific antibodies including 2H5, whereas the cells transfected with 6-Sul-T cDNA expressed sialyl 6-sulfo lactosamine as well as MECA-79-defined carbohydrate determinants, but these singly transfected cells failed to express sialyl 6-sulfo Lewis X, as detected with the antisialyl 6-sulfo Lewis X mAb G152. Sialyl 6-sulfo Lewis X appeared only on the cells that were cotransfected with both 6-Sul-T and Fuc-T VII cDNAs. Significant adhesion of L-selectin-expressing cells was seen only to the doubly transfected ECV304 cells and was inhibited by G152. No adhesion was observed to the cells transfected either with 6-Sul-T or with Fuc-T VII cDNA alone. The mRNAs of the two enzymes were expressed or were inducible upon interleukin 1 stimulation in human endothelial cells. These results indicate that a set of carbohydrate determinants synthesized by the concerted action of the two enzymes, as typically represented by the sialyl 6-sulfo Lewis X-capping group, serves as an essential component of the ligand for L-selectin and that the reagents 2H5 and MECA-79, utilized in earlier studies to detect L-selectin ligand on high endothelial venules, recognize two different aspects of the same set of synthetic products.

Selective induction of endothelial L-selectin ligand in human lung inflammation

During inflammation, leukocyte emigration from the circulation can be directed by the endothelium, in part by the inducible endothelial adhesion ligand for L-selectin. In this study, endothelial L-selectin ligand expression was localized by immunohistochemistry in human lung in several different types of lung inflammation and in systemic inflammation. Endothelial L-selectin ligand was not seen in normal lung or in acute pneumonia involving neutrophil accumulation. However, the endothelial ligand was seen in most cases of chronic interstitial pneumonia with mononuclear cell accumulation (a mean of 5.9% of microvessels positive). Regarding granulomatous conditions, in sarcoidosis the endothelial ligand was not identified, but in tuberculous infection some expression was seen in a minority of cases (mean 3.3% of microvessels positive). In contrast, consistent, typically extensive ligand induction (mean 33.4% of microvessels positive) was present in bronchiectatic lung showing prominent lymphocytic accumulation and venules with thickened (high) endothelium, the latter being normally characteristic of lymphoid tissue in which L-selectin ligand is known to be constitutively expressed. Lung from subjects with systemic infection was negative for endothelial expression of the ligand. These studies show how in a defined extralymphoid tissue induction of endothelial L-selectin ligand depended not only on the presence or absence of an inflammatory state, but also on the nature of the inflammation.

Enzymatic synthesis of alpha3'sialylated and multiply alpha3fucosylated biantennary polylactosamines. A bivalent [sialyl diLex]-saccharide inhibited lymphocyte-endothelium adhesion organ-selectively

Multifucosylated sialo-polylactosamines are known to be high affinity ligands for E-selectin. PSGL-1, the physiological ligand of P-selectin, is decorated in HL-60 cells by a sialylated and triply fucosylated polylactosamine that is believed to be of functional importance. Mimicking some of these saccharide structures, we have synthesized enzymatically a bivalent [sialyl diLex]-glycan, Neu5Acalpha2-3'Lexbeta1-3'Lexbeta1-3'(Neu5Acalpha2-3'Lexbeta1-3Lexbe ta1-6')LN [where Neu5Ac is N-acetylneuraminic acid, Lex is the trisaccharide Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc and LN is the disaccharide Galbeta1-4GlcNAc]. Several structurally related, novel polylactosamine glycans were also constructed. The inhibitory effects of these glycans on two L-selectin-dependent, lymphocyte-to-endothelium adhesion processes of rats were analysed in ex-vivo Stamper-Woodruff binding assays. The IC50 value of the bivalent [sialyl diLex]-glycan at lymph node high endothelium was 50 nm, but at the capillaries of rejecting cardiac allografts it was only 5 nm. At both adhesion sites, the inhibition was completely dependent on the presence of fucose units on the sialylated LN units of the inhibitor saccharide. These data show that the bivalent [sialyl diLex]-glycan is a high affinity ligand for L-selectin, and may reduce extravasation of lymphocytes at sites of inflammation in vivo without severely endangering the normal recirculation of lymphocytes via lymph nodes.

P- and L-selectin mediate binding of T cells to chronically inflamed human airway endothelium

The inflammatory process that underlies allergic diseases such as asthma is characterized by tissue infiltration of eosinophils and T cells. We have used the Stamper-Woodruff frozen-section assay to characterize the receptors involved in adhesion of human peripheral blood T cells to nasal polyp endothelium (NPE) as a model of T cell migration in allergic disease. T cells bound specifically to NPE in a temperature-, cell concentration- and shear stress-dependent fashion. Adhesion was inhibited by approximately 70% by antibodies against P-selectin and its counter-receptor P-selectin glycoprotein-1 (PSGL-1). In addition, a blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) against L-selectin caused significant although lesser inhibition. Cells adhering to NPE were primarily of the CD45RO+ memory subset. Although only a minority subset of peripheral blood T cells expressed functional PSGL-1, as determined by binding of a P-selectin Fc chimera, the majority of the P-selectin chimera-binding cells were found to be CD45RO+. This is consistent with the observation that memory T cells bind to NPE via P-selectin. Using blocking mAb we also investigated which integrins and their counter-structures were involved in T cell binding. A combination of anti-beta1 and beta2 mAb was able to inhibit adhesion by almost 50%. An antibody against intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-2 gave an inhibition similar to that by anti-CD18 mAb, suggesting ICAM-2 was the major counter-receptor involved for the beta2 integrin component. This study suggests that P-selectin, and to a lesser extent L-selectin, may be acting as specific homing receptors for the airway mucosa in the context of chronic allergic disease.

Identification and characterization of ligands for L-selectin in the kidney. I. Versican, a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, is a ligand for L-selectin

Ligands for a leukocyte adhesion molecule, L-selectin, are expressed not only in the specific vascular endothelium in lymph nodes and Peyer's patches but also in the extravascular tissues such as the brain white matter, choroid plexus and the kidney distal straight tubuli. However, the biological significance of these extravascular ligands is currently unknown. We now report the purification and characterization of a novel extravascular ligand for L-selectin in the kidney using a tubule-derived cell line, ACHN. Binding of L-selectin-IgG chimera (LEC-IgG) to the isolated ligand was specifically blocked with either (i) anti-L-selectin mAb, (ii) EDTA, (iii) fucoidan, (iv) chondroitin sulfate (CS) B or CS E, or (v) treatment with chondroitinases. Partial amino acid sequencing, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation analyses showed that a major ligand for L-selectin in ACHN cells is versican of 1600 kDa. Histochemical as well as biochemical analyses verified that a versican subspecies in the kidney was indeed reactive with L-selectin. Studies with cell lines including those derived from the kidney indicated that a certain glycoform and/or splice form of versican is reactive with L-selectin. Under pathological conditions such as those induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction, versican was shed from the distal straight tubuli and became localized in the adjacent vascular bundles around which a substantial leukocyte infiltration was concomitantly observed. Possible involvement of versican in leukocyte trafficking into the kidney under diseased conditions is discussed.

Inhibition of L-selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling by synthetic glycoprotein mimics

Synthetic carbohydrate and glycoprotein mimics displaying sulfated saccharide residues have been assayed for their L-selectin inhibitory properties under static and flow conditions. Polymers displaying the L-selectin recognition epitopes 3',6-disulfo Lewis x(Glc) (3-O-SO3-Galbeta1alpha4(Fucalpha1alpha3)-6-O-SO3-Glcbeta+ ++-OR) and 3',6'-disulfo Lewis x(Glc) (3, 6-di-O-SO3-Galbeta1alpha4(Fucalpha1alpha3)Glcbeta-OR) both inhibit L-selectin binding to heparin under static, cell-free binding conditions with similar efficacies. Under conditions of shear flow, however, only the polymer displaying 3',6-disulfo Lewis x(Glc) inhibits the rolling of L-selectin-transfected cells on the glycoprotein ligand GlyCAM-1. Although it has been shown to more effective than sialyl Lewis x at blocking the L-selectin-GlyCAM-1 interaction in static binding studies, the corresponding monomer had no effect in the dynamic assay. These data indicate that multivalent ligands are far more effective inhibitors of L-selectin-mediated rolling than their monovalent counterparts and that the inhibitory activities are dependent on the specific sulfation pattern of the recognition epitope. Importantly, our results indicate the L-selectin specificity for one ligand over another found in static, cell-free binding assays is not necessarily retained under the conditions of shear flow. The results suggest that monovalent or polyvalent carbohydrate or glycoprotein mimetics that inhibit selectin binding in static assays may not block the more physiologically relevant process of selectin-mediated rolling.

JunB is essential for mammalian placentation

Lack of JunB, an immediate early gene product and member of the AP-1 transcription factor family causes embryonic lethality between E8.5 and E10.0. Although mutant embryos are severely retarded in growth and development, cellular proliferation is apparently not impaired. Retardation and embryonic death are caused by the inability of JunB-deficient embryos to establish proper vascular interactions with the maternal circulation due to multiple defects in extra-embryonic tissues. The onset of the phenotypic defects correlates well with high expression of junB in wild-type extra-embryonic tissues. In trophoblasts, the lack of JunB causes a deregulation of proliferin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) gene expression, resulting in a defective neovascularization of the decidua. As a result of downregulation of the VEGF-receptor 1 (flt-1), blood vessels in the yolk sac mesoderm appeared dilated. Mutant embryos which escape these initial defects finally die from a non-vascularized placental labyrinth. Injection of junB-/- embryonic stem (ES) cells into tetraploid wild-type blastocysts resulted in a partial rescue, in which the ES cell-derived fetuses were no longer growth retarded and displayed a normal placental labyrinth. Therefore, JunB appears to be involved in multiple signaling pathways regulating genes involved in the establishment of a proper feto-maternal circulatory system.

Identification and characterization of ligands for L-selectin in the kidney. II. Expression of chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans reactive with L-selectin

Ligands for the leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selectin are expressed not only in lymph node high endothelial venules (HEV) but also in the renal distal tubuli. Here we report that L-selectin-reactive molecules in the kidney are chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans of 500-1000 kDa, unlike those in HEV bearing sialyl Lewis X-like carbohydrates. Binding of L-selectin to these molecules was mediated by the lectin domain of L-selectin and required divalent cations. Binding was inhibited by chondroitinase and/or heparitinase but not sialidase. Thus, L-selectin can recognize chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans structurally distinct from sialyl Lewis X-like carbohydrates.

Expression of murine CD34 by fetal liver NK cell progenitors

Although 14.5-day murine fetal liver (FL) has few, if any, mature natural killer (NK) cells, culture of FL with recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2) and stroma from irradiated NK longterm bone marrow cultures (NK-LTBMC) allows proliferation and differentiation of NK cell progenitors. Using this system, NK cell progenitors were found in both CD34+ and CD34- sorted subpopulations of FL. The CD34 antigen was expressed by 14+/-1.3% of whole FL cells, while mature NK cells cultured from NK cell precursors in FL did not express the CD34 antigen. Anti-TER-119 mAb reacted with 84%+/-10.3% of the FL cells, and NK cell progenitors were enriched in the TER-119- subpopulation. After coculture with rhIL-2 and stroma, neither TER-119- nor TER-119+ cells expressed antigens associated with T cells (CD3, CD4, and CD8) or myeloid cells (Gr-1 and Mac-1). Only the TER-119 subpopulation generated NK1.1+ (77%) and B220+ (87%) cells. Within the TER-119 subpopulation, both CD34+ and CD34- cells generated cytolytic and NK1.1+ cells after culture. By a limiting dilution assay (LDA) of the Lin (i.e., negative for NK1.1, CD3, CD4, CD8, B220, Gr-1, and TER-119) CD34 positive or negative subpopulations, the calculated mean frequency of NK cell progenitors was about 1/100 for the CD34+Lin- subpopulation and about 1/(200-300) for the CD34-Lin- subpopulation. In kinetic studies, we found that NK1.1 antigen expression continued to increase with time in culture for both the CD34+Lin- and CD34-Lin- fractions. In contrast, the percentage of CD34+ cells decreased rapidly and produced CD34- cells, and the CD34- population remained CD34-. These data suggest that both CD34+ and CD34- subpopulations of FL can differentiate into NK cells when cocultured for 13 days with irradiated NK-LTBMC stroma and rhIL-2, and that CD34+ progenitors differentiate to CD34- precursors, which in turn differentiate to CD34- mature NK cells.

Novel chondroitin sulfate-modified ligands for L-selectin on lymph node high endothelial venules

The migration of lymphocytes into lymph nodes via high endothelial venules (HEV) is dependent on the expression of L-selectin on the lymphocyte cell surface. HEV express several L-selectin ligands including CD34, GlyCAM-1, MAdCAM-1 and two sulfated glycoproteins (Sgp) of 200 kDa and 170 kDa which remain to be identified. In this investigation, labeling with sodium [35S]sulfate, which is incorporated into and forms part of the functional carbohydrate ligand, has been used to isolate and characterize macromolecular L-selectin ligands. High endothelial cells (HEC) cultured from rat lymph node HEV were shown to express ligands for L-selectin. HEC synthesized two groups of sulfated glycoproteins of 150 kDa and > 200 kDa, which were present in conditioned medium. These coeluted on anion exchange chromatography at 1.0-1.2 M NaCl and supported calcium-dependent L-selectin-mediated cell adhesion. In common with known L-selectin ligands, Sgp 150/> 200 were shown to be O-sialoglycoproteins; however, in contrast to other ligands, Sgp 150/> 200 contained chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan modifications which were required for L-selectin recognition. Chondroitin sulfate-modified ligands for L-selectin were expressed at the HEC surface and by HEV in lymph nodes, suggesting that they may participate in lymphocyte interactions with HEV in vivo.

The cutaneous lymphocyte antigen is an essential component of the L-selectin ligand induced on human vascular endothelial cells

L-selectin mediates leukocyte rolling on vascular endothelium during inflammation. Although vascular endothelium can be activated with inflammatory cytokines to express functional L-selectin ligands, these ligands have not been well characterized. In this study, fucosyltransferase VII cDNA (Fuc-TVII) transfection of the EA.hy926 human vascular endothelial cell line (926-FtVII) induced functional L-selectin ligand expression and expression of sialyl Lewisx (sLex), as defined by HECA-452 (cutaneous lymphocyte antigen; CLA) and CSLEX-1 mAbs. Cytokine activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) also induced functional L-selectin ligand expression, with increased CLA expression and Fuc-TVII transcription. The majority of L-selectin-dependent lymphocyte attachment to activated HUVEC and 926-FtVII cells was blocked specifically by treating the endothelial cells with the HECA-452 mAb, but not the CSLEX-1 mAb. CLA-bearing ligands on vascular endothelium also required sulfation and appropriate molecular scaffolds for functional activity, but were distinct from the L-selectin ligands previously identified by the MECA-79 mAb. These findings demonstrate that the HECA-452- defined antigen, CLA, is an essential carbohydrate component of vascular L-selectin ligands.

Biochemical Characterization and Molecular Cloning of a Novel Endothelial-Specific Sialomucin

We have generated rat monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against cell surface antigens of the mouse endothelioma cell line bEND.3. Three antibodies (V.1A7, V.5C7, and V.7C7) were selected, all of which recognize a 75-kD antigen on bEND.3 cells and bind selectively to endothelial cells in cryostat sections of mouse tissues. A cDNA for the antigen was isolated from a bEND.3 pCDM8 expression library by using transient expression in COS-7 cells and immunoselection with the three MoAbs. This cDNA coded for a novel, type I membrane protein of 248 amino acids with an extracellular domain rich in threonine and serine residues (35%). The protein is sensitive to O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, indicating that it belongs to the class of sialomucin-like proteins. Therefore, we suggest the name endomucin. Treatment of isolated endomucin by sialidase and O-glycosidase reduced the apparent molecular weight to 45 kD and abolished binding of all three antibodies, indicating that carbohydrates are directly or indirectly involved in the formation of the antibody epitopes. Immunohistological analysis of all examined mouse tissues showed that endomucin is an endothelial antigen found in venous endothelium as well as in capillaries, but not on arterial endothelium. Interestingly, high endothelial venules of peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes as well as of Peyers’s patches were negative for staining with the three MoAbs.

Biochemical Characterization and Molecular Cloning of a Novel Endothelial-Specific Sialomucin

We have generated rat monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against cell surface antigens of the mouse endothelioma cell line bEND.3. Three antibodies (V.1A7, V.5C7, and V.7C7) were selected, all of which recognize a 75-kD antigen on bEND.3 cells and bind selectively to endothelial cells in cryostat sections of mouse tissues. A cDNA for the antigen was isolated from a bEND.3 pCDM8 expression library by using transient expression in COS-7 cells and immunoselection with the three MoAbs. This cDNA coded for a novel, type I membrane protein of 248 amino acids with an extracellular domain rich in threonine and serine residues (35%). The protein is sensitive to O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, indicating that it belongs to the class of sialomucin-like proteins. Therefore, we suggest the name endomucin. Treatment of isolated endomucin by sialidase and O-glycosidase reduced the apparent molecular weight to 45 kD and abolished binding of all three antibodies, indicating that carbohydrates are directly or indirectly involved in the formation of the antibody epitopes. Immunohistological analysis of all examined mouse tissues showed that endomucin is an endothelial antigen found in venous endothelium as well as in capillaries, but not on arterial endothelium. Interestingly, high endothelial venules of peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes as well as of Peyers’s patches were negative for staining with the three MoAbs.

Mechanisms that regulate the function of the selectins and their ligands

Selectins are a family of three cell adhesion molecules (L-, E-, and P-selectin) specialized in capturing leukocytes from the bloodstream to the blood vessel wall. This initial cell contact is followed by the selectin-mediated rolling of leukocytes on the endothelial cell surface. This represents the first step in a cascade of molecular interactions that lead to leukocyte extravasation, enabling the processes of lymphocyte recirculation and leukocyte migration into inflamed tissue. The central importance of the selectins in these processes has been well documented in vivo by the use of adhesion-blocking antibodies as well as by studies on selectin gene-deficient mice. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate expression and function(s) of the selectins and their ligands. Cell-surface expression of the selectins is regulated by a variety of different mechanisms. The selectins bind to carbohydrate structures on glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. Glycoproteins are the most likely candidates for physiologically relevant ligands. Only a few glycoproteins are appropriately glycosylated to allow strong binding to the selectins. Recently, more knowledge about the structure and the regulated expression of some of the carbohydrates on these ligands necessary for selectin binding has been accumulated. For at least one of these ligands, the physiological function is now well established. A novel and exciting aspect is the signaling function of the selectins and their ligands. Especially in the last two years, convincing data have been published supporting the idea that selectins and glycoprotein ligands of the selectins participate in the activation of leukocyte integrins.

Mechanisms for induction of L-selectin loss from T lymphocytes by a cryptococcal polysaccharide, glucuronoxylomannan

Disseminated cryptococcosis is accompanied by cryptococcal polysaccharides in the serum and the lack of cellular infiltrates in infected tissues. Cryptococcal polysaccharides given intravenously to mice inhibit the influx of T lymphocytes into the sites of cell-mediated immune response. The focus here was to determine whether cryptococcal polysaccharides modulate the expression of molecules, such as L-selectin, that are important in extravasation of T cells. Cryptococcal glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), but not galactoxylomannan or mannoprotein, was found to cause loss of L-selectin from freshly isolated human T cells of both CD4 and CD8 subsets and from Jurkat cells. With the signaling-pathway inhibitors staurosporine (which inhibits protein kinase C) and herbimycin A (which inhibits protein tyrosine kinases), we showed that GXM or the cryptococcal culture filtrate antigen CneF directly induces L-selectin loss from CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells via a herbimycin A-sensitive pathway(s) presumably involving one or more protein tyrosine kinases but not via a pathway involving protein kinase C. Loss of L-selectin from the T cells before the T cells have a chance to bind to L-selectin ligands on endothelial cells would be expected to prevent T-cell migration into inflamed tissues and/or lymph organs.

L-selectin-mediated lymphocyte aggregation: role of carbohydrates, activation and effects on cellular interactions

L-selectin on lymphocytes reacts with glycosylated ligands on high endothelial venule walls in lymphoid organs. Through this carbohydrate-dependent interaction, rolling and initial attachment of lymphocytes to endothelium is mediated. Here we have studied an earlier described L-selectin-induced homotypic aggregation, to further elucidate the events that occur after engagement of L-selectin. It was found that the interaction of L-selectin with fucoidan, but not with other carbohydrates, or with monoclonal antibodies directed against the carbohydrate recognition domain of L-selectin, resulted in homotypic aggregation among both B- or T lymphocytes. Importantly, this aggregation was shown to be both lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and calcium-independent. Furthermore, for aggregation metabolic energy was required, and signalling via protein tyrosine kinase appeared to be involved. Neither de novo protein synthesis, protein kinase C mediated signalling, Gi-protein mediated signal transduction, nor calcium mobilization were required for aggregation. During aggregation, L-selectin was not shed from the lymphocyte's cell surface. Finally, it was found that the lymphocyte binding capacity to high endothelial venules on cryostat sections was not altered upon triggering these lymphocytes via L-selectin. Interestingly, L-selectin-triggered cells showed increased binding to paracortical areas in peripheral lymph nodes. Our data suggest that signals via L-selectin, might lead to altered expression of cell surface molecules, important in interactions other than the first stage of lymphocyte rolling.

Synthesis of poly-N-acetyllactosamine in core 2 branched O-glycans. The requirement of novel beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase IV and beta-1,3-n-acetylglucosaminyltransferase

Poly-N-acetyllactosamine is a unique carbohydrate composed of N-acetyllactosamine repeats and provides the backbone structure for additional modifications such as sialyl Lex. Poly-N-acetyllactosamines in mucin-type O-glycans can be formed in core 2 branched oligosaccharides, which are synthesized by core 2 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase. Using a beta-1, 4-galactosyltransferase (beta4Gal-TI) present in milk and the recently cloned beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, the formation of poly-N-acetyllactosamine was found to be extremely inefficient starting from a core 2 branched oligosaccharide, GlcNAcbeta1-->6(Galbeta1-->3)GalNAcalpha-->R. Since the majority of synthesized oligosaccharides contained N-acetylglucosamine at the nonreducing ends, galactosylation was judged to be inefficient, prompting us to test novel members of the beta4Gal-T gene family for this synthesis. Using various synthetic acceptors and recombinant beta4Gal-Ts, beta4Gal-TIV was found to be most efficient in the addition of a single galactose residue to GlcNAcbeta1-->6(Galbeta1-->3)GalNAcalpha-->R. Moreover, beta4Gal-TIV, together with beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, was capable of synthesizing poly-N-acetyllactosamine in core 2 branched oligosaccharides. On the other hand, beta4Gal-TI was found to be most efficient for poly-N-acetyllactosamine synthesis in N-glycans. In contrast to beta4Gal-TI, the efficiency of beta4Gal-TIV decreased dramatically as the acceptors contained more N-acetyllactosamine repeats, consistent with the fact that core 2 branched O-glycans contain fewer and shorter poly-N-acetyllactosamines than N-glycans in many cells. These results, as a whole, indicate that beta4Gal-TIV is responsible for poly-N-acetyllactosamine synthesis in core 2 branched O-glycans.

Core 2 oligosaccharide biosynthesis distinguishes between selectin ligands essential for leukocyte homing and inflammation

Mammalian serine/threonine-linked oligosaccharides (O-glycans) are commonly synthesized with the Golgi enzyme core 2 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2 GlcNAcT). Core 2 O-glycans have been hypothesized to be essential for mucin production and selectin ligand biosynthesis. We report that mice lacking C2 GlcNAcT exhibit a restricted phenotype with neutrophilia and a partial deficiency of selectin ligands. Loss of core 2 oligosaccharides reduces neutrophil rolling on substrata bearing E-, L-, and P-selectins and neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation. However, the diminished presence of L-selectin ligands on lymph node high endothelial venules does not affect lymphocyte homing. These studies indicate that core 2 oligosaccharide biosynthesis segregates the physiologic roles of selectins and reveal a function for the C2 GlcNAcT in myeloid homeostasis and inflammation.

Integration of endothelial cells in multicellular spheroids prevents apoptosis and induces differentiation

Single endothelial cells (EC) seeded in suspension culture rapidly undergo apoptosis. Addition of survival factors, such as VEGF and FGF-2, does not prevent apoptosis of suspended EC. However, when cells are allowed to establish cell-cell contacts, they become responsive to the activities of survival factors. These observations have led to the development of a three-dimensional spheroid model of EC differentiation. EC spheroids remodel over time to establish a differentiated surface layer of EC and a center of unorganized EC that subsequently undergo apoptosis. Surface EC become quiescent, establish firm cell-cell contacts, and can be induced to express differentiation antigens (e.g., induction of CD34 expression by VEGF). In contrast, the unorganized center spheroid cells undergo apoptosis if they are not rescued by survival factors. The responsiveness to the survival factor activities of VEGF and FGF-2 was not dependent on cell shape changes since it was retained after cytochalasin D treatment. Taken together, these findings characterize survival factor requirements of unorganized EC and indicate that polarized surface EC differentiate to become independent of exogenous survival factors. Furthermore, they demonstrate that spheroid cell culture systems are useful not just for the study of tumor cells and embryonic stem cells but also for the analysis of differentiated functions of nontransformed cells.

Vascular and non-vascular ligands for L-selectin

Ligands for L-selectin are expressed not only on vascular endothelial cells but also in the extravascular tissues. In this article, we summarize the current understanding of the "vascular" ligands for L-selectin. We also describe identification of "non-vascular" ligands for L-selectin and discuss their possible biological significance.

Regulation of T Lymphocyte Trafficking into Lymph Nodes During an Immune Response by the Chemokines Macrophage Inflammatory Protein (MIP)-1α and MIP-1β

By virtue of their target cell specificity, chemokines have the potential to selectively recruit leukocyte subpopulations into sites of inflammation. Their role in regulation of T lymphocyte traffic into lymph nodes during the development of an immune response has not previously been explored. The sensitization phase of contact hypersensitivity induced by the hapten, dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in the mouse was used as a model of T lymphocyte trafficking in response to antigenic stimulation. Rapid accumulation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the draining lymph nodes was closely associated with strongly enhanced expression of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α and MIP-1β mRNAs and proteins. Mast cells accumulating in the nodes during DNFB sensitization were the predominant source of MIP-1β, whereas MIP-1α was expressed by multiple cell types. Neutralization of these chemokines profoundly inhibited T lymphocyte trafficking into lymph nodes and altered the outcome of a subsequent challenge to DNFB. Thus, β-chemokines regulate T lymphocyte emigration from the circulation into lymph nodes during an immune response and contribute significantly to the immunologic outcome.

Relationship Between Cleaved L-Selectin Levels and the Outcome of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

High plasma levels of the shed form of L-selectin (sL-selectin) are frequently detectable in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). sL-selectin can inhibit blast cell adhesion to vascular endothelium and may thereby influence the phenotype of AML. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between sL-selectin levels and clinical presentation or disease outcome in 100 patients with AML. Fifty-eight patients were found to have sL-selectin levels ≥3.12 μg/mL (≥3 SD above the mean of healthy controls: “increased”). Patients with extramedullary disease such as lymphadenopathies, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and/or muco-cutaneous infiltration had significantly increased sL-selectin levels (P &lt; .001). sL-selectin levels were significantly heterogeneous in the French-American-British subtypes (P = .0003). Patients with “normal” sL-selectin levels had higher probability of achieving complete remission (CR) than with “increased” levels: 81% versus 64%, respectively (P = .06). When adjusting for clinically relevant covariates predictive for CR (sex, age, Auer rods), “normal” sL-selectin levels were significantly associated with CR (odds ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 8.58;P = .03). Moreover, patients with “increased” sL-selectin levels (≥3.12 μg/mL) had shorter event-free survival (EFS) (median 7.3 v 12 months, P = .008) and overall survival (median 1 v 2.05 years, P = .03) than patients with sL-selectin &lt;3.12 μg/mL. Multivariate statistical analysis (adjusted for age and presence of Auer rods) indicated that sL-selectin was an independent prognostic factor for EFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.21 to 3.17, P = .006) and overall survival (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.98; P = .02). Thus, plasma sL-selectin may be a useful prognostic marker in the evaluation of AML at diagnosis.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Selective differences in the expression of the homing receptors of helper lymphocyte subsets

Effector functions are acquired by mature CD4 T lymphocytes in an exquisitely antigen-specific and antigen-dependent fashion. T cell receptor recognition of the processed antigen presented on the major histocompatibility complex molecule by antigen-presenting cells dictates the specificity of the T cell clones that will be expanded. A complex array of further coreceptor and lymphokine-mediated interactions determines whether activation or inhibition will follow and which effector phenotype will be acquired by the lymphocytes. On the basis of a first antigen encounter, CD4 T cells are functionally defined as naive or memory/effector cells. In memory/effector T cells, the pattern of cytokine production permits further classification as Th1 or Th2 cells. Th1 cells mainly produce IFN-gamma, whereas Th2 cells mainly produce IL-4. The functional properties of these cell subsets derive from the biological activities of these (and the related) lymphokines they produce. An established body of data supports the view that the migration of T lymphocytes is distinctively different in naive and memory/effector T cells. Both CD4 and CD8 memory/effector T cells selectively migrate into nonlymphoid organs, such as the skin, the gut, and the lung through the peripheral extravascular route, whereas naive T cells migrate through the high endothelial venules and enter lymphoid tissues, such as lymph nodes, Peyers' patches, and tonsils. Furthermore, the acquisition of a Th1 or Th2 profile further implies the coordinated expression of a relatively selective array of receptors capable of rerouting them differentially. These events have a dramatic effect on the outcome of an immune response and determine whether it will be protective or not. New therapeutic strategies can be envisaged that interfere with the key molecular processes taking place during these coordinated differentiation events.

Antagonism of selectin-dependent adhesion of human eosinophils and neutrophils by glycomimetics and oligosaccharide compounds

Early in inflammation, adhesion occurs between leukocytes and endothelium when selectins bind to sialyl Lewis X (sLex) and related oligosaccharides. We tested novel compounds that mimic sLex for their ability to inhibit selectin-mediated adhesion of human eosinophils and neutrophils in vitro. Neutrophils and eosinophils were isolated by density gradient centrifugation, and eosinophils were further purified by immunomagnetic negative selection. Adhesion to unstimulated or interleukin-1beta-stimulated (5 ng/ml, 4-6 h) umbilical vein endothelial monolayers was tested under static or rotating conditions, where adhesion is primarily E- or L-selectin dependent, respectively. P-selectin-dependent adhesion was tested on immobilized platelets treated with or without phorbol myristate acetate (10(-7) M, 10 min). Stimulus-induced adhesion was always at least 4-fold higher than without stimulus, and selectin dependence was confirmed with specific blocking monoclonal antibodies. E-selectin-dependent adhesion of eosinophils and neutrophils was inhibited by compound GM2296 (the concentration producing 50% inhibition of adhesion [IC50] approximately 0.5-1 mM). E-selectin-dependent adhesion of neutrophils, but not eosinophils, was also inhibited by another compound, sLex with a lipid tail (30 +/- 6% inhibition at 3 mM), whereas compound GM1292 slightly inhibited adhesion of both (23 +/- 5 and 20 +/- 6% inhibition, respectively, at 1 mM). L-selectin-dependent adhesion was more effectively inhibited by GM2296 (IC50 approximately 0.2-0.5 mM), although P-selectin-dependent adhesion was also inhibited (IC50 approximately 1 mM). Inhibition was reversible without affecting viability, and no effect was seen with these compounds in assays testing neutrophil adhesion to immobilized intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Thus, compound GM2296, a carbon-fucosylated derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid, inhibits E-, L-, and P-selectin-dependent eosinophil and neutrophil adhesion. The ability of these and perhaps other related glycomimetic compounds to interfere with the function of more than one type of selectin makes them desirable candidates as anti-inflammatory agents.

Relationship Between Cleaved L-Selectin Levels and the Outcome of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

High plasma levels of the shed form of L-selectin (sL-selectin) are frequently detectable in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). sL-selectin can inhibit blast cell adhesion to vascular endothelium and may thereby influence the phenotype of AML. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between sL-selectin levels and clinical presentation or disease outcome in 100 patients with AML. Fifty-eight patients were found to have sL-selectin levels ≥3.12 μg/mL (≥3 SD above the mean of healthy controls: “increased”). Patients with extramedullary disease such as lymphadenopathies, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and/or muco-cutaneous infiltration had significantly increased sL-selectin levels (P < .001). sL-selectin levels were significantly heterogeneous in the French-American-British subtypes (P = .0003). Patients with “normal” sL-selectin levels had higher probability of achieving complete remission (CR) than with “increased” levels: 81% versus 64%, respectively (P = .06). When adjusting for clinically relevant covariates predictive for CR (sex, age, Auer rods), “normal” sL-selectin levels were significantly associated with CR (odds ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 8.58;P = .03). Moreover, patients with “increased” sL-selectin levels (≥3.12 μg/mL) had shorter event-free survival (EFS) (median 7.3 v 12 months, P = .008) and overall survival (median 1 v 2.05 years, P = .03) than patients with sL-selectin <3.12 μg/mL. Multivariate statistical analysis (adjusted for age and presence of Auer rods) indicated that sL-selectin was an independent prognostic factor for EFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.21 to 3.17, P = .006) and overall survival (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.98; P = .02). Thus, plasma sL-selectin may be a useful prognostic marker in the evaluation of AML at diagnosis.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

The Sialomucin CD164 (MGC-24v) Is an Adhesive Glycoprotein Expressed by Human Hematopoietic Progenitors and Bone Marrow Stromal Cells That Serves as a Potent Negative Regulator of Hematopoiesis

Mucin-like molecules represent an emerging family of cell surface glycoproteins expressed by cells of the hematopoietic system. We report the isolation of a cDNA clone that encodes a novel transmembrane isoform of the mucin-like glycoprotein MGC-24, expressed by both hematopoietic progenitor cells and elements of the bone marrow (BM) stroma. This molecule was clustered as CD164 at the recent workshop on human leukocyte differentiation antigens. CD164 was identified using a retroviral expression cloning strategy and two novel monoclonal antibody (MoAb) reagents, 103B2/9E10 and 105.A5. Both antibodies detected CD164/MGC-24v protein expression by BM stroma and subpopulations of the CD34+ cells, which include the majority of clonogenic myeloid (colony-forming unit–granulocyte-macrophage [CFU-GM]) and erythroid (blast-forming unit-erythroid [BFU-E]) progenitors and the hierarchically more primitive precursors (pre-CFU). Biochemical and functional characterization of CD164 showed that this protein represents a homodimeric molecule of approximately 160 kD. Functional studies demonstrate a role for CD164 in the adhesion of hematopoietic progenitor cells to BM stromal cells in vitro. Moreover, antibody ligation of CD164 on primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells characterized by the cell surface phenotype CD34BRIGHTCD38− results in the decreased recruitment of these cells into cell cycle, suggesting that CD164 represents a potent signaling molecule with the capacity to suppress hematopoietic cell proliferation.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

The Sialomucin CD164 (MGC-24v) Is an Adhesive Glycoprotein Expressed by Human Hematopoietic Progenitors and Bone Marrow Stromal Cells That Serves as a Potent Negative Regulator of Hematopoiesis

Mucin-like molecules represent an emerging family of cell surface glycoproteins expressed by cells of the hematopoietic system. We report the isolation of a cDNA clone that encodes a novel transmembrane isoform of the mucin-like glycoprotein MGC-24, expressed by both hematopoietic progenitor cells and elements of the bone marrow (BM) stroma. This molecule was clustered as CD164 at the recent workshop on human leukocyte differentiation antigens. CD164 was identified using a retroviral expression cloning strategy and two novel monoclonal antibody (MoAb) reagents, 103B2/9E10 and 105.A5. Both antibodies detected CD164/MGC-24v protein expression by BM stroma and subpopulations of the CD34+ cells, which include the majority of clonogenic myeloid (colony-forming unit–granulocyte-macrophage [CFU-GM]) and erythroid (blast-forming unit-erythroid [BFU-E]) progenitors and the hierarchically more primitive precursors (pre-CFU). Biochemical and functional characterization of CD164 showed that this protein represents a homodimeric molecule of approximately 160 kD. Functional studies demonstrate a role for CD164 in the adhesion of hematopoietic progenitor cells to BM stromal cells in vitro. Moreover, antibody ligation of CD164 on primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells characterized by the cell surface phenotype CD34BRIGHTCD38− results in the decreased recruitment of these cells into cell cycle, suggesting that CD164 represents a potent signaling molecule with the capacity to suppress hematopoietic cell proliferation.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Regulation of fucosyltransferase-VII expression in peripheral lymph node high endothelial venules

Binding of L-selectin to the highly glycosylated peripheral lymph node addressins (PNAd) plays a central role in the normal recirculation of lymphocytes between the bloodstream and the lymph node. This interaction requires correct fucosylation of the PNAd, mediated by the recently identified fucosyltransferase-VII (Fuc-TVII). Here we show that during ontogeny Fuc-TVII is absent at the day of birth, barely detectable on day 1, and clearly present from day 2 onwards. PNAd expression as detected by the MECA-79 antibody precedes the expression of Fuc-TVII. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in adult mice antigenic stimulation of peripheral lymph nodes leads to a temporary disappearance of Fuc-TVII at days 2 and 3 after stimulation, followed by a complete reappearance by day 4, while expression of MECA-79 is never completely absent during this period. Finally, occlusion of afferent lymphatics to peripheral lymph nodes resulted in a decreased expression of Fuc-TVII in the high endothelial venules by day 5, and complete disappearance within 8 days. We conclude that the activity of Fuc-TVII in cells of high endothelial venules is directly affected by afferent lymph and activation processes that occur in the lymph node after antigenic stimulation. The expression of Fuc-TVII is therefore yet another level at which the function of high endothelial venules, and thus lymphocyte trafficking, can be regulated.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by reinfusion of selected CD34+ peripheral blood cells in patients with poor-prognosis breast cancer: a randomized multicentre study

Seventy-one patients with poor-prognosis breast cancer were enrolled after informed consent in a multicentre randomized study to evaluate the use of selected peripheral blood CD34+ cells to support haematopoietic recovery following high-dose chemotherapy. Patients who responded to conventional chemotherapy were mobilized with chemotherapy (mainly high-dose cyclophosphamide) and/or recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). Patients who reached the threshold of 20 CD34+ cells per microl of peripheral blood underwent apheresis and were randomized at that time to receive either unmanipulated mobilized blood cells or selected CD34+ cells. For patients in the study arm, CD34+ cells were selected from aphereses using the Isolex300 device. Fifteen patients failed to mobilize peripheral blood progenitors and nine other patients were excluded for various reasons. Forty-seven eligible patients were randomized into two comparable groups. CD34+ cells were selected from aphereses in the study group. Haematopoietic recovery occurred at similar times in both groups. No side-effect related to the infusion of selected cells was observed. The frequency of epithelial tumour cells in aphereses was low (8 out of 42 evaluated patients), as determined by immunocytochemistry. We conclude that selected CD34+ cells safely support haematopoietic recovery following high-dose chemotherapy in patients with poor-prognosis breast cancer.

The CD34 molecule and hematopoietic progenitor cell studies--a challenge in clinical medicine

The CD34 molecule, which is expressed at various levels on virtually all human hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), is a heavy glycosylated molecule with many different epitopes. A large series of CD34-specific monoclonal antibodies specific for different epitopes has been generated. Some of these antibodies do not react with particular HPC subpopulations. Thus, the antibodies used for HPC enumeration and isolation have to be carefully chosen with respect to what is aimed at.

CD164, a Novel Sialomucin on CD34+ and Erythroid Subsets, Is Located on Human Chromosome 6q21

CD164 is a novel 80- to 90-kD mucin-like molecule expressed by human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. Our previous results suggest that this receptor may play a key role in hematopoiesis by facilitating the adhesion of CD34+ cells to bone marrow stroma and by negatively regulating CD34+hematopoietic progenitor cell growth. These functional effects are mediated by at least two spatially distinct epitopes, defined by the monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), 103B2/9E10 and 105A5. In this report, we show that these MoAbs, together with two other CD164 MoAbs, N6B6 and 67D2, show distinct patterns of reactivity when analyzed on hematopoietic cells from normal human bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that, on average, 63% to 82% of human bone marrow and 55% to 93% of cord blood CD34+ cells are CD164+, with expression of the 105A5 epitope being more variable than that of the other identified epitopes. Extensive multiparameter flow cytometric analyses were performed on cells expressing the 103B2/9E10 functional epitope. These analyses showed that the majority (&gt;90%) of CD34+ human bone marrow and cord blood cells that were CD38lo/− or that coexpressed AC133, CD90(Thy-1), CD117(c-kit), or CD135(FLT-3) were CD164(103B2/9E10)+. This CD164 epitope was generally detected on a significant proportion of CD34+CD71lo/− or CD34+CD33lo/− cells. In accord with our previous in vitro progenitor assay data, these phenotypes suggest that the CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope is expressed by a very primitive hematopoietic progenitor cell subset. It is of particular interest to note that the CD34+CD164(103B2/9E10)lo/−cells in bone marrow are mainly CD19+ B-cell precursors, with the CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope subsequently appearing on CD34lo/−CD19+ and CD34lo/−CD20+ B cells in bone marrow, but being virtually absent from B cells in the peripheral blood. Further analyses of the CD34lo/−CD164(103B2/9E10)+ subsets indicated that one of the most prominent populations consists of maturing erythroid cells. The expression of the CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope precedes the appearance of the glycophorin C, glycophorin A, and band III erythroid lineage markers but is lost on terminal differentiation of the erythroid cells. Expression of this CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope is also found on developing myelomonocytic cells in bone marrow, being downregulated on mature neutrophils but maintained on monocytes in the peripheral blood. We have extended these studies further by identifying Pl artificial chromosome (PAC) clones containing the CD164 gene and have used these to localize the CD164 gene specifically to human chromosome 6q21.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

CD164, a Novel Sialomucin on CD34+ and Erythroid Subsets, Is Located on Human Chromosome 6q21

CD164 is a novel 80- to 90-kD mucin-like molecule expressed by human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. Our previous results suggest that this receptor may play a key role in hematopoiesis by facilitating the adhesion of CD34+ cells to bone marrow stroma and by negatively regulating CD34+hematopoietic progenitor cell growth. These functional effects are mediated by at least two spatially distinct epitopes, defined by the monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), 103B2/9E10 and 105A5. In this report, we show that these MoAbs, together with two other CD164 MoAbs, N6B6 and 67D2, show distinct patterns of reactivity when analyzed on hematopoietic cells from normal human bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that, on average, 63% to 82% of human bone marrow and 55% to 93% of cord blood CD34+ cells are CD164+, with expression of the 105A5 epitope being more variable than that of the other identified epitopes. Extensive multiparameter flow cytometric analyses were performed on cells expressing the 103B2/9E10 functional epitope. These analyses showed that the majority (>90%) of CD34+ human bone marrow and cord blood cells that were CD38lo/− or that coexpressed AC133, CD90(Thy-1), CD117(c-kit), or CD135(FLT-3) were CD164(103B2/9E10)+. This CD164 epitope was generally detected on a significant proportion of CD34+CD71lo/− or CD34+CD33lo/− cells. In accord with our previous in vitro progenitor assay data, these phenotypes suggest that the CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope is expressed by a very primitive hematopoietic progenitor cell subset. It is of particular interest to note that the CD34+CD164(103B2/9E10)lo/−cells in bone marrow are mainly CD19+ B-cell precursors, with the CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope subsequently appearing on CD34lo/−CD19+ and CD34lo/−CD20+ B cells in bone marrow, but being virtually absent from B cells in the peripheral blood. Further analyses of the CD34lo/−CD164(103B2/9E10)+ subsets indicated that one of the most prominent populations consists of maturing erythroid cells. The expression of the CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope precedes the appearance of the glycophorin C, glycophorin A, and band III erythroid lineage markers but is lost on terminal differentiation of the erythroid cells. Expression of this CD164(103B2/9E10) epitope is also found on developing myelomonocytic cells in bone marrow, being downregulated on mature neutrophils but maintained on monocytes in the peripheral blood. We have extended these studies further by identifying Pl artificial chromosome (PAC) clones containing the CD164 gene and have used these to localize the CD164 gene specifically to human chromosome 6q21.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Identification of an N-acetylglucosamine-6-0-sulfotransferase activity specific to lymphoid tissue: an enzyme with a possible role in lymphocyte homing

BACKGROUND

The leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selection participates in the initial attachment of blood-borne lymphocytes to high endothelial venules (HEVs) during lymphocyte homing to secondary lymphoid organs, and contributes to leukocyte adhesion and extravasation in HEV-like vessels at sites of chronic inflammation. The L-selection ligands on lymph mode HEVs are mucin-like glycoproteins adorned with the unusual sulfated carbohydrate epitope, 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x. Sulfation of this epitope on the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue confers high-avidity L-selection binding, and is thought to be restricted in the vasculature to sites of sustained lymphocyte recruitment. The GlcNAc-6-0 sulfotransferase that installs the sulfate ester may be a key modulator of lymphocyte recruitment to secondary lymphoid organs and sites of chronic inflammation and is therefore a potential target for anti-inflammatory therapy.

RESULTS

A GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase activity was identified within porcine lymph nodes and characterized using a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative assay. We synthesized two unnatural oligosaccharide substrates, GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R and Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R, that incorporate structural motifs from the native L-selection ligands into an unnatural C-glycosyl hydrocarbon scaffold. The sulfotransferase incorporated greater than tenfold more sulfate into the disaccharide than the trisaccharide, indicating a requirement for a terminal GlcNAc. Activity across tissues was highly restricted to the HEVs within peripheral lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

The restricted expression of the GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase activity to lymph node HEVs strongly suggestions a role in the biosynthesis of L-selection ligands. In addition, similar sulfated epitopes are known to be expressed on HEV-like vessels of chronically inflamed tissues; indicating that this sulfotransferase may also contribute to inflammatory lymphocyte recruitment. We identified a concise disaccharide motif, GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R, that preserved both recognition and specificity determinants for the GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase. The absence of activity on the trisaccharide Gal beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R indicates a requirement for a substrate with a terminal GlcNAc residue, suggesting that sulfation precedes further biosynthetic assembly of L-selection ligands.

Inhibition of L- and P-selectin by a rationally synthesized novel core 2-like branched structure containing GalNAc-Lewisx and Neu5Acalpha2-3Galbeta1-3GalNAc sequences

The selectins interact in important normal and pathological situations with certain sialylated, fucosylated glycoconjugate ligands containing sialyl Lewisx(Neu5Acalpha2-3Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcN Ac). Much effort has gone into the synthesis of sialylated and sulfated Lewisxanalogs as competitive ligands for the selectins. Since the natural selectin ligands GlyCAM-1 and PSGL-1 carry sialyl Lewisxas part of a branched Core 2 O-linked structure, we recently synthesized Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAcbeta1-6(SE-3Galbeta1++ +-3)GalNAc1alphaOMe and found it to be a moderately superior ligand for L and P-selectin (Koenig et al. , Glycobiology 7, 79-93, 1997). Other studies have shown that sulfate esters can replace sialic acid in some selectin ligands (Yeun et al. , Biochemistry, 31, 9126-9131, 1992; Imai et al. , Nature, 361, 555, 1993). Based upon these observations, we hypothesized that Neu5Acalpha2-3Galbeta1-3GalNAc might have the capability of interacting with L- and P-selectin. To examine this hypothesis, we synthesized Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAcbeta1-6(Neu5Acalpha2++ +-3Galbeta1-3)-GalNAc alpha1-OB, which was found to be 2- to 3-fold better than sialyl Lexfor P and L selectin, respectively. We also report the synthesis of an unusual structure GalNAcbeta1-4(Fucalpha1- 3)GlcNAcbeta1-OMe (GalNAc-Lewisx-O-methyl glycoside), which also proved to be a better inhibitor of L- and P-selectin than sialyl Lewisx-OMe. Combining this with our knowledge of Core 2 branched structures, we have synthesized a molecule that is 5- to 6-fold better at inhibiting L- and P-selectin than sialyl Lewisx-OMe, By contrast to unbranched structures, substitution of a sulfate ester group for a sialic acid residue in such a molecule resulted in a considerable loss of inhibition ability. Thus, the combination of a sialic acid residue on the primary (beta1-3) arm, and a modified Lexunit on the branched (beta1-6) arm on an O-linked Core 2 structure generated a monovalent synthetic oliogosaccharide inhibitor superior to SLexfor both L- and P-selectin.