Proteolytic cleavage of ricin A chain in endosomal vesicles. Evidence for the action of endosomal proteases at both neutral and acidic pH

A Novel Anti-CD22 scFv.Bim Fusion Protein Effectively Induces Apoptosis in Malignant B cells and Promotes Cytotoxicity

CD22 is a B-cell surface antigen which is highly expressed in cancerous B-cell lineages. Anti-CD22 antibodies are currently under focus as promising biologics against hematologic B-cell malignancies. Herein, we introduce a novel active recombinant anti-CD22 scFv.Bim fusion protein for targeting this cancerous antigen. An expression cassette encoding anti-CD22 scFv.Bim fusion protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris. The binding ability, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic activity of the purified recombinant protein against CD22⁺ Raji cell line were assessed by flow cytometry, microscopy, and MTT assay. Using bioinformatics, the 3D structure of the fusion protein and its interaction with CD22 were assessed. The in vitro binding analysis by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated the specific binding of scFv.Bim to CD22⁺ Raji cells but not to CD22^- Jurkat cells. MTT data and Annexin V/PI flow cytometry analysis confirmed the apoptotic activity of anti-CD22 scFv.Bim against Raji cells but not Jurkat cells. In silico analysis also revealed the satisfactory stereochemical quality of the 3D model and molecular interactions toward CD22. This novel recombinant anti-CD22 scFv.Bim fusion protein could successfully deliver the pro-apoptotic peptide, BIM, to the target cells and thus nominates it as a promising molecule in treating B-cell malignancies.

Targeted Toxins for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, new treatment options are urgently needed for advanced stages of the disease. Targeted toxins are chemical conjugates or fully recombinant proteins consisting of a binding domain directed against a target antigen on the surface of cancer cells and a toxin domain, which is transported into the cell for the induction of apoptosis. In the last decades, targeted toxins against prostate cancer have been developed. Several challenges, however, became apparent that prevented their direct clinical use. They comprise immunogenicity, low target antigen binding, endosomal entrapment, and lysosomal/proteasomal degradation of the targeted toxins. Moreover, their efficacy is impaired by prostate tumors, which are marked by a dense microenvironment, low target antigen expression, and apoptosis resistance. In this review, current findings in the development of targeted toxins against prostate cancer in view of effective targeting, reduction of immunogenicity, improvement of intracellular trafficking, and overcoming apoptosis resistance are discussed. There are promising approaches that should lead to the clinical use of targeted toxins as therapeutic alternatives for advanced prostate cancer in the future.

Differential Neuropeptidomes of Dense Core Secretory Vesicles (DCSV) Produced at Intravesicular and Extracellular pH Conditions by Proteolytic Processing

Neuropeptides mediate cell–cell signaling in the nervous and endocrine systems. The neuropeptidome is the spectrum of peptides generated from precursors by proteolysis within dense core secretory vesicles (DCSV). DCSV neuropeptides and contents are released to the extracellular environment where further processing for neuropeptide formation may occur. To assess the DCSV proteolytic capacity for production of neuropeptidomes at intravesicular pH 5.5 and extracellular pH 7.2, neuropeptidomics, proteomics, and protease assays were conducted using chromaffin granules (CG) purified from adrenal medulla. CG are an established model of DCSV. The CG neuropeptidome consisted of 1239 unique peptides derived from 15 proneuropeptides that were colocalized with 64 proteases. Distinct CG neuropeptidomes were generated at the internal DCSV pH of 5.5 compared to the extracellular pH of 7.2. Class-specific protease inhibitors differentially regulated neuropeptidome production involving aspartic, cysteine, serine, and metallo proteases. The substrate cleavage properties of CG proteases were assessed by multiplex substrate profiling by mass spectrometry (MSP-MS) that uses a synthetic peptide library containing diverse cleavage sites for endopeptidases and exopeptidases. Parallel inhibitor-sensitive cleavages for neuropeptidome production and peptide library proteolysis led to elucidation of six CG proteases involved in neuropeptidome production, represented by cathepsins A, B, C, D, and L and carboxypeptidase E (CPE). The MSP-MS profiles of these six enzymes represented the majority of CG proteolytic cleavages utilized for neuropeptidome production. These findings provide new insight into the DCSV proteolytic system for production of distinct neuropeptidomes at the internal CG pH of 5.5 and at the extracellular pH of 7.2.

Overexpression of Toll-like receptor 4 contributes to the internalization and elimination of Escherichia coli in sheep by enhancing caveolae-dependent endocytosis

BACKGROUND

Gram-negative bacterial infections have a major economic impact on both the livestock industry and public health. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a crucial role in host defence against Gram-negative bacteria. Exploring the defence mechanism regulated by TLR4 may provide new targets for treatment of inflammation and control of bacterial infections. In a previous study, we generated transgenic sheep overexpressing TLR4 by microinjection to improve disease resistance. The defence mechanism through which TLR4 overexpression protected these sheep against pathogens is still not fully understood.

RESULTS

In the present study, we used Escherichia coli to infect monocytes isolated from peripheral blood of the animal model. The overexpression of TLR4 strongly enhanced the percentage of endocytosis and capacity of elimination in monocytes during the early stages of infection. This phenomenon was mainly due to overexpression of TLR4 promoting caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Pretreatment of the transgenic sheep monocytes with inhibitors of TLR4, Src signalling, or the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway reduced the internalization of bacteria, weakened the ability of the monocytes to eliminate the bacteria, and increased the pH of the endosomes.

CONCLUSION

Together, our results reveal the effects of TLR4 on the control of E. coli infection in the innate immunity of sheep and provide crucial evidence of the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway required for host resistance to invading bacteria in a large animal model, providing theoretical support for breeding disease resistance in the future. Furthermore, Src and caveolin 1 (CAV1) could be potentially valuable targets for the control of infectious diseases.

Combination Therapy with Reovirus and ATM Inhibitor Enhances Cell Death and Virus Replication in Canine Melanoma

Oncolytic virotherapy using reovirus is a promising new anti-cancer treatment with potential for use in humans and dogs. Because reovirus monotherapy shows limited efficacy in human and canine cancer patients, the clinical development of a combination therapy is necessary. To identify candidate components of such a combination, we screened a 285-compound drug library for those that enhanced reovirus cytotoxicity in a canine melanoma cell line. Here, we show that exposure to an inhibitor of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM) enhances the oncolytic potential of reovirus in five of six tested canine melanoma cell lines. Specifically, the ATM inhibitor potentiated reovirus replication in cancer cells along with promoting the lysosomal activity, resulting in an increased proportion of caspase-dependent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M compared to those observed with reovirus alone. Overall, our study suggests that the combination of reovirus and the ATM inhibitor may be an attractive option in cancer therapy.

Intracellular Transport and Cytotoxicity of the Protein Toxin Ricin

Ricin can be isolated from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). It belongs to the ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) family of toxins classified as a bio-threat agent due to its high toxicity, stability and availability. Ricin is a typical A-B toxin consisting of a single enzymatic A subunit (RTA) and a binding B subunit (RTB) joined by a single disulfide bond. RTA possesses an RNA N-glycosidase activity; it cleaves ribosomal RNA leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis. However, the mechanism of ricin-mediated cell death is quite complex, as a growing number of studies demonstrate that the inhibition of protein synthesis is not always correlated with long term ricin toxicity. To exert its cytotoxic effect, ricin A-chain has to be transported to the cytosol of the host cell. This translocation is preceded by endocytic uptake of the toxin and retrograde traffic through the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this article, we describe intracellular trafficking of ricin with particular emphasis on host cell factors that facilitate this transport and contribute to ricin cytotoxicity in mammalian and yeast cells. The current understanding of the mechanisms of ricin-mediated cell death is discussed as well. We also comment on recent reports presenting medical applications for ricin and progress associated with the development of vaccines against this toxin.

The N-recognin UBR4 of the N-end rule pathway is targeted to and required for the biogenesis of the early endosome

The N-end rule pathway is a proteolytic system in which single N-terminal residues of proteins act as N-degrons. These degrons are recognized by N-recognins, facilitating substrate degradation via the ubiquitin (Ub) proteasome system (UPS) or autophagy. We have previously identified a set of N-recognins [UBR1, UBR2, UBR4 (also known as p600) and UBR5 (also known as EDD)] that bind N-degrons through their UBR boxes to promote proteolysis by the proteasome. Here, we show that the 570 kDa N-recognin UBR4 is associated with maturing endosomes through an interaction with Ca²⁺-bound calmodulin. The endosomal recruitment of UBR4 is essential for the biogenesis of early endosomes (EEs) and endosome-related processes, such as the trafficking of endocytosed protein cargos and degradation of extracellular cargos by endosomal hydrolases. In mouse embryos, UBR4 marks and plays a role in the endosome-lysosome pathway that mediates the heterophagic proteolysis of endocytosed maternal proteins into amino acids. By screening 9591 drugs through the DrugBank database, we identify picolinic acid as a putative ligand for UBR4 that inhibits the biogenesis of EEs. Our results suggest that UBR4 is an essential modulator in the endosome-lysosome system.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Inducing cell death in vitro in cancer cells by targeted delivery of cytochrome c via a transferrin conjugate

One of the major drawbacks of many of the currently used cancer drugs are off-target effects. Targeted delivery is one method to minimize such unwanted and detrimental events. To actively target lung cancer cells, we have developed a conjugate of the apoptosis inducing protein cytochrome c with transferrin because the transferrin receptor is overexpressed by many rapidly dividing cancer cells. Cytochrome c and transferrin were cross-linked with a redox sensitive disulfide bond for the intra-cellular release of the protein upon endocytosis by the transferrin receptor. Confocal results demonstrated the cellular uptake of the cytochrome c-transferrin conjugate by transferrin receptor overexpressing A549 lung cancer cells. Localization studies further validated that this conjugate escaped the endosome. Additionally, an in vitro assay showed that the conjugate could induce apoptosis by activating caspase-3. The neo-conjugate not only maintained an IC50 value similar to the well known drug cisplatin (50 μM) in A549 cancer cells but also was nontoxic to the normal lung (MRC5) cells. Our neo-conjugate holds promise for future development to target cancers with enhanced transferrin receptor expression.

Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator and Drugs: Insights from Cellular Trafficking

The eukaryotic cell is organized into membrane-delineated compartments that are characterized by specific cadres of proteins sustaining biochemically distinct cellular processes. The appropriate subcellular localization of proteins is key to proper organelle function and provides a physiological context for cellular processes. Disruption of normal trafficking pathways for proteins is seen in several genetic diseases, where a protein's absence for a specific subcellular compartment leads to organelle disruption, and in the context of an individual, a disruption of normal physiology. Importantly, several drug therapies can also alter protein trafficking, causing unwanted side effects. Thus, a deeper understanding of trafficking pathways needs to be appreciated as novel therapeutic modalities are proposed. Despite the promising efficacy of novel therapeutic agents, the intracellular bioavailability of these compounds has proved to be a potential barrier, leading to failures in treatments for various diseases and disorders. While endocytosis of drug moieties provides an efficient means of getting material into cells, the subsequent release and endosomal escape of materials into the cytosol where they need to act has been a barrier. An understanding of cellular protein/lipid trafficking pathways has opened up strategies for increasing drug bioavailability. Approaches to enhance endosomal exit have greatly increased the cytosolic bioavailability of drugs and will provide a means of investigating previous drugs that may have been shelved due to their low cytosolic concentration.

Protein Structure Facilitates High-Resolution Immunological Mapping

Select agents (SA) pose unique challenges for licensing vaccines and therapies. In the case of toxin-mediated diseases, HHS assigns guidelines for SA use, oversees vaccine and therapy development, and approves animal models and approaches to identify mechanisms for toxin neutralization. In this commentary, we discuss next-generation vaccines and therapies against ricin toxin and botulinum toxin, which are regulated SA toxins that utilize structure-based approaches for countermeasures to guide rapid response to future biothreats.

Enzyme-Cleavable Polymeric Micelles for the Intracellular Delivery of Proapoptotic Peptides

Peptides derived from the third Bcl-2 homology domain (BH3) renormalize apoptotic signaling by antagonizing prosurvival Bcl-2 family members. These potential peptide drugs exhibit therapeutic activities but are limited by barriers including short circulation half-lives and poor penetration into cells. A diblock polymeric micelle carrier for the BIM BH3 peptide was recently described that demonstrated antitumor activity in a B-cell lymphoma xenograft model [Berguig et al., Mol. Ther. 2015, 23, 907-917]. However, the disulfide linkage used to conjugate the BIM peptide was shown to have nonoptimal blood stability. Here we describe a peptide macromonomer composed of BIM capped with a four amino acid cathepsin B substrate (FKFL) that possesses high blood stability and is cleaved to release the drug inside of target cells. Employing RAFT polymerization, the peptide macromonomer was directly integrated into a multifunctional diblock copolymer tailored for peptide delivery. The first polymer block was made as a macro-chain transfer agent (CTA) and composed of a pH-responsive endosomolytic formulation of N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA). The second polymer block was a copolymer of the peptide and polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA). PEGMA monomers of two sizes were investigated (300 Da and 950 Da). Protein gel analysis, high performance liquid chromatography, and coupled mass spectrometry (MS) showed that incubation with cathepsin B specifically cleaved the FKFL linker and released active BIM peptide with PEGMA300 but not with PEGMA950. MALDI-TOF MS showed that incubation of the peptide monomers alone in human serum resulted in partial cleavage at the FKFL linker after 12 h. However, formulation of the peptides into polymers protected against serum-mediated peptide degradation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated pH-dependent micelle disassembly (25 nm polymer micelles at pH 7.4 versus 6 nm unimers at pH 6.6), and a red blood cell lysis assay showed a corresponding increase in membrane destabilizing activity (<1% lysis at pH 7.4 versus 95% lysis at pH 6.6). The full carrier-drug system successfully induced apoptosis in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, in comparison to a control polymer containing a scrambled BIM peptide sequence. Mechanistic analysis verified target-dependent activation of caspase 3/7 activity (8.1-fold increase), and positive annexin V staining (72% increase). The increased blood stability of this enzyme-cleavable peptide polymer design, together with the direct polymerization approach that eliminated postsynthetic conjugation steps, suggests that this new carrier design could provide important benefits for intracellular peptide drug delivery.

Stability of isolated antibody-antigen complexes as a predictive tool for selecting toxin neutralizing antibodies

Ricin is an A-B ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) toxin composed of an A-chain subunit (RTA) that contains a catalytic N-glycosidase and a B-chain (RTB) lectin domain that binds cell surface glycans. Ricin exploits retrograde transport to enter into the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum, and then dislocates into the cytoplasm where it can reach its substrate, the rRNA. A subset of isolated antibodies (Abs) raised against the RTA subunit protect against ricin intoxication, and RTA-based vaccine immunogens have been shown to provide long-lasting protective immunity against the holotoxin. Anti-RTA Abs are unlikely to cross a membrane and reach the cytoplasm to inhibit the enzymatic activity of the A-chain. Moreover, there is not a strict correlation between the apparent binding affinity (K_a) of anti-RTA Abs and their ability to successfully neutralize ricin toxicity. Some anti-RTA antibodies are toxin-neutralizing, whereas others are not. We hypothesize that neutralizing anti-RTA Abs may interfere selectively with conformational change(s) or partial unfolding required for toxin internalization. To test this hypothesis, we measured the melting temperatures (T_m) of neutralizing single-domain Ab (sdAb)-antigen (Ag) complexes relative to the T_m of the free antigen (T_m-shift = T_m^complex – T_m^Ag), and observed increases in the T_m^complex of 9–20 degrees. In contrast, non-neutralizing sdAb-Ag complexes shifted the T_m^Complex by only 6–7 degrees. A strong linear correlation (r² = 0.992) was observed between the magnitude of the T_m-shift and the viability of living cells treated with the sdAb and ricin holotoxin. The T_m-shift of the sdAb-Ag complex provided a quantitative biophysical parameter that could be used to predict and rank-order the toxin-neutralizing activities of Abs. We determined the first structure of an sdAb-RTA1-33/44-198 complex, and examined other sdAb-RTA complexes. We found that neutralizing sdAb bound to regions involved in the early stages of unfolding. These Abs likely interfere with steps preceding or following endocytosis that require conformational changes. This method may have utility for the characterization or rapid screening of other Ab that act to prevent conformational changes or unfolding as part of their mechanism of action.

Bifunctional Probes of Cathepsin Protease Activity and pH Reveal Alterations in Endolysosomal pH during Bacterial Infection

Cysteine cathepsins are lysosomal proteases involved in regulation of both normal cellular processes and disease. Biochemical studies with peptide substrates indicate that cathepsins have optimal activity at acidic pH and highly attenuated activity at neutral pH. In contrast, there is mounting evidence that cathepsins have biological roles in environments that have non-acidic pH. To further define the specific pH environments where cathepsins act, we designed bifunctional activity-based probes (ABPs) that allow simultaneous analysis of cathepsin protease activity and pH. We use these probes to analyze the steady-state environment of cathepsin activity in macrophages and to measure dynamic changes in activity and pH upon stimulation. We show that Salmonella typhimurium induces a change in lysosomal pH that ultimately impairs cathepsin activity in both infected cells and a fraction of bystander cells, highlighting a mechanism by which Salmonella can simultaneously flourish within host cells and alter the behavior of nearby uninfected cells.

Ricin trafficking in cells

The heterodimeric plant toxin ricin binds exposed galactosyls at the cell surface of target mammalian cells, and, following endocytosis, is transported in vesicular carriers to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Subsequently, the cell-binding B chain (RTB) and the catalytic A chain (RTA) are separated reductively, RTA embeds in the ER membrane and then retrotranslocates (or dislocates) across this membrane. The protein conducting channels used by RTA are usually regarded as part of the ER-associated protein degradation system (ERAD) that removes misfolded proteins from the ER for destruction by the cytosolic proteasomes. However, unlike ERAD substrates, cytosolic RTA avoids destruction and folds into a catalytic conformation that inactivates its target ribosomes. Protein synthesis ceases, and subsequently the cells die apoptotically. This raises questions about how this protein avoids the pathways that are normally sanctioned for ER-dislocating substrates. In this review we focus on the molecular events that occur with non-tagged ricin and its isolated subunits at the ER–cytosol interface. This focus reveals that intra-membrane interactions of RTA may control its fate, an area that warrants further investigation.

The proteasome cap RPT5/Rpt5p subunit prevents aggregation of unfolded ricin A chain

The plant cytotoxin ricin enters mammalian cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis, undergoing retrograde transport to the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) where its catalytic A chain (RTA) is reductively separated from the holotoxin to enter the cytosol and inactivate ribosomes. The currently accepted model is that the bulk of ER-dislocated RTA is degraded by proteasomes. We show in the present study that the proteasome has a more complex role in ricin intoxication than previously recognized, that the previously reported increase in sensitivity of mammalian cells to ricin in the presence of proteasome inhibitors simply reflects toxicity of the inhibitors themselves, and that RTA is a very poor substrate for proteasomal degradation. Denatured RTA and casein compete for a binding site on the regulatory particle of the 26S proteasome, but their fates differ. Casein is degraded, but the mammalian 26S proteasome AAA (ATPase associated with various cellular activities)-ATPase subunit RPT5 acts as a chaperone that prevents aggregation of denatured RTA and stimulates recovery of catalytic RTA activity in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo, the ATPase activity of Rpt5p is required for maximal toxicity of RTA dislocated from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ER. The results of the present study implicate RPT5/Rpt5p in the triage of substrates in which either activation (folding) or inactivation (degradation) pathways may be initiated.

Understanding magnetic nanoparticle osteoblast receptor-mediated endocytosis using experiments and modeling

Iron oxide nanoparticles are promising candidates for controlling drug delivery through an external magnetic force to treat a wide range of diseases, including osteoporosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that in the presence of hydroxyapatite coated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, osteoblast (or bone forming cell) proliferation and long-term functions (such as calcium deposition) were significantly enhanced. Hydroxyapatite is the major inorganic component of bone. As a further attempt to understand why, in the current study, the uptake of such nanoparticles into osteoblasts was experimentally investigated and mathematically modeled. Magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using a co-precipitation method and were coated with hydroxyapatite. A cellular uptake experiment at low temperatures indicated that receptor-mediated endocytosis contributed to the internalization of the magnetic nanoparticles into osteoblasts. A model was further developed to explain the uptake of magnetic nanoparticles into osteoblasts using receptor-mediated endocytosis. This model may explain the internalization of hydroxyapatite into osteoblasts to elevate intracellular calcium levels necessary to promote osteoblast functions to treat a wide range of orthopedic problems, including osteoporosis.

Milk inhibits the biological activity of ricin

Ricin is a highly toxic protein produced by the castor plant Ricinus communis. The toxin is relatively easy to isolate and can be used as a biological weapon. There is great interest in identifying effective inhibitors for ricin. In this study, we demonstrated by three independent assays that a component of reconstituted powdered milk has a high binding affinity to ricin. We discovered that milk can competitively bind to and reduce the amount of toxin available to asialofetuin type II, which is used as a model to study the binding of ricin to galactose cell-surface receptors. Milk also removes ricin bound to the microtiter plate. In parallel experiments, we demonstrated by activity assay and by immuno-PCR that milk can bind competitively to 1 ng/ml ricin, reducing the amount of toxin uptake by the cells, and thus inhibit the biological activity of ricin. The inhibitory effect of milk on ricin activity in Vero cells was at the same level as by anti-ricin antibodies. We also found that (a) milk did not inhibit ricin at concentrations of 10 or 100 ng/ml; (b) autoclaving 10 and 100 ng/ml ricin in DMEM at 121 °C for 30 min completely abolished activity; and (c) milk did not affect the activity of another ribosome inactivating protein, Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2), produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Unlike ricin, which is internalized into the cells via a galactose-binding site, Stx2 is internalized through the cell surface receptor glycolipid globotriasylceramides Gb3 and Gb4. These observations suggest that ricin toxicity may possibly be reduced at room temperature by a widely consumed natural liquid food.

Sensitive Bioassay for Detection of Biologically Active Ricin in Food

The potential use of ricin as an agent of biological warfare highlights the need to develop fast and effective methods to detect biologically active ricin. The current “gold standard” for ricin detection is an in vivo mouse bioassay; however, this method is not practical to test on a large number of samples and raises ethical concerns with regard to the use of experimental animals. In this work, we generated adenoviral vectors that express the green fluorescent protein gene and used the relative fluorescence units intensity inhibition by transduced cells for quantitative measurement of biologically active ricin. The detection limit of the assay was 200 pg/ml, which is over 500,000 times greater than the adult human lethal oral dose. The inhibition of fluorescence intensity between ricin treatment and control was higher in 72-h posttransduction Vero cells than 24-h human embryonic kidney cells. Therefore, to detect biologically active ricin in food matrices that might influence the assay, we used 72-h posttransduction Vero cells. This simple assay could be used for large-scale screening to detect biologically active ricin in food without added substrates or use of cell fixation methods.

The transduction of Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor-negative cells and protection against neutralizing antibodies by HPMA-co-oligolysine copolymer-coated adenovirus

Adenoviral (AdV) gene vectors offer efficient nucleic acid transfer into both dividing and non-dividing cells. However issues such as vector immunogenicity, toxicity and restricted transduction to receptor-expressing cells have prevented broad clinical translation of these constructs. To address this issue, engineered AdV have been prepared by both genetic and chemical manipulation. In this work, a polymer-coated Ad5 formulation is optimized by evaluating a series of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA)-co-oligolysine copolymers synthesized by living polymerization techniques. This synthesis approach was used to generate highly controlled and well-defined polymers with varying peptide length (K(5), K(10) and K(15)), polymer molecular weight, and degradability to coat the viral capsid. The optimal formulation was not affected by the presence of serum during transduction and significantly increased Ad5 transduction of several cell types that lack the Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) by up to 6-fold compared to unmodified AdV. Polymer-coated Ad5 also retained high transduction capability in the presence of Ad5 neutralizing antibodies. The critical role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in mediating cell binding and internalization of polymer-coated AdV was also demonstrated by evaluating transduction in HSPG-defective recombinant CHO cells. The formulations developed here are attractive vectors for ex vivo gene transfer in applications such as cell therapy. In addition, this platform for adenoviral modification allows for facile introduction of alternative targeting ligands.

Cathepsin B-sensitive polymers for compartment-specific degradation and nucleic acid release

Degradable cationic polymers are desirable for in vivo nucleic acid delivery because they offer significantly decreased toxicity over non-degradable counterparts. Peptide linkers provide chemical stability and high specificity for particular endopeptidases but have not been extensively studied for nucleic acid delivery applications. In this work, enzymatically degradable peptide-HPMA copolymers were synthesized by RAFT polymerization of HPMA with methacrylamido-terminated peptide macromonomers, resulting in polymers with low polydispersity and near quantitative incorporation of peptides. Three peptide-HPMA copolymers were evaluated: (i) pHCathK(10), containing peptides composed of the linker phe-lys-phe-leu (FKFL), a substrate of the endosomal/lysosomal endopeptidase cathepsin B, connected to oligo-(L)-lysine for nucleic acid binding, (ii) pHCath(D)K(10), containing the FKFL linker with oligo-(D)-lysine, and (iii) pH(D)Cath(D)K(10), containing all (D) amino acids. Cathepsin B degraded copolymers pHCathK(10) and pHCath(D)K(10) within 1 h while no degradation of pH(D)Cath(D)K(10) was observed. Polyplexes formed with pHCathK(10) copolymers show DNA release by 4 h of treatment with cathepsin B; comparatively, polyplexes formed with pHCath(D)K(10) and pH(D)Cath(D)K(10) show no DNA release within 8 h. Transfection efficiency in HeLa and NIH/3T3 cells were comparable between the copolymers but pHCathK(10) was less toxic. This work demonstrates the successful application of peptide linkers for degradable cationic polymers and DNA release.

Fluorescence properties of hydrophilic semiconductor nanoparticles with tridentate polyethylene oxide ligands

In this contribution a facile, one-step synthesis of tridentate thiol-functionalized PEO ligands and their ability to stabilize CdSe/CdS/ZnS core-shell-shell nanoparticles in aqueous media are described. The PEO-coated quantum dots show colloidal stability as well as preserved fluorescence even at very low concentrations of a few nM. For improved ligand attachment and enhanced fluorescence properties a method for ligand exchange was developed, which includes formation of a ligand zinc complex before the actual exchange reaction. The stability and fluorescence properties in various aqueous buffers and cell media and at pH values down to pH 3 were investigated. The firm binding of the tridentate ligands to the particle surface makes this ligand-particle system a promising tool for biological applications. In addition, activation of the ligands' terminal hydroxyl group for covalent biofunctionalization by esterification with succinic acid is reported.

A single point mutation in ricin A-chain increases toxin degradation and inhibits EDEM1-dependent ER retrotranslocation

Ricin is a potent plant cytotoxin composed of an A-chain [RTA (ricin A-chain)] connected by a disulfide bond to a cell binding lectin B-chain [RTB (ricin B-chain)]. After endocytic uptake, the toxin is transported retrogradely to the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) from where enzymatically active RTA is translocated to the cytosol. This transport is promoted by the EDEM1 (ER degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase I-like protein 1), which is also responsible for directing aberrant proteins for ERAD (ER-associated protein degradation). RTA contains a 12-residue hydrophobic C-terminal region that becomes exposed after reduction of ricin in the ER. This region, especially Pro250, plays a crucial role in ricin cytotoxicity. In the present study, we introduced a point mutation [P250A (substitution of Pro250 with alanine)] in the hydrophobic region of RTA to study the intracellular transport of the modified toxin. The introduced mutation alters the secondary structure of RTA into a more helical structure. Mutation P250A increases endosomal–lysosomal degradation of the toxin, as well as reducing its transport from the ER to the cytosol. Transport of modified RTA to the cytosol, in contrast to wild-type RTA, appears to be EDEM1-independent. Importantly, the interaction between EDEM1 and RTAP250A is reduced. This is the first reported evidence that EDEM1 protein recognition might be determined by the structure of the ERAD substrate.

Entamoeba histolytica uses ferritin as an iron source and internalises this protein by means of clathrin-coated vesicles

Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic protozoan that produces dysentery and often reaches the liver, leading to abscess formation. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein that is mainly found in liver and spleen in mammals. The liver contains a plentiful source of iron for amoebae multiplying in that organ, making it a prime target for infection since iron is essential for the growth of this parasite. The aim of this study was to determine whether trophozoites are able to take up ferritin and internalise this protein for their growth in axenic culture. Interaction between the amoebae and ferritin was studied by flow cytometry, confocal laser-scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Amoebae were viable in iron supplied by ferritin. Trophozoites quickly internalised ferritin via clathrin-coated vesicles, a process that was initiated within the first 2 min of incubation. In 30 min, ferritin was found colocalizing with the LAMP-2 protein at vesicles in the cytosol. The uptake of ferritin was time- temperature- and concentration-dependent, specific and saturated at 46 nM of ferritin. Haemoglobin and holo-transferrin did not compete with ferritin for binding to amoebae. Amoebae cleaved ferritin leading to the production of several different sized fragments. Cysteine proteases of 100, 75 and 50 kDa from amoeba extracts were observed in gels copolymerised with ferritin. For a pathogen such as E. histolytica, the capacity to utilise ferritin as an iron source may well explain its high pathogenic potential in the liver.

Endosomal proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor-I at its C-terminal D-domain by cathepsin B

IGF-I is degraded within the endosomal apparatus as a consequence of receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, the nature of the responsible protease and the position of the cleavage sites in the IGF-I molecule remain undefined. In vitro proteolysis of IGF-I using an endosomal lysate required an acidic pH and was sensitive to CA074, an inhibitor of the cathepsin B enzyme. By nondenaturing immunoprecipitation, the acidic IGF-I-degrading activity was attributed to the luminal species of endosomal cathepsin B with apparent molecular masses of 32- and 28-kDa. The cathepsin B precursor, procathepsin B, was processed in vitro within isolated endosomes at pH 5 or at 7 in the presence of ATP, the substrate of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase. The rate of IGF-I hydrolysis using an endosomal lysate or pure cathepsin B was found to be optimal at pH 5-6 and moderate at pH 4 and 7. Competition studies revealed that EGF and IGF-I share a common binding site on the cathepsin B enzyme, with native IGF-I displaying the lowest affinity for the protease (IC50 approximately 1.5 microM). Hydrolysates of IGF-I generated at low pH by endosomal IGF-I-degrading activity and analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry revealed cleavage sites at Lys68-Ser69, Ala67-Lys68, Pro66-Ala67 and Lys65-Pro66 within the C-terminal D-domain of IGF-I. Treatment of human HepG2 hepatoma cells with the cathepsin B proinhibitor CA074-Me reduced, in vivo, the intracellular degradation of internalized [125I]IGF-I and, in vitro, the degradation of exogenous [125I]IGF-I incubated with the cell-lysates at pH 5. Inhibitors of cathepsin B and pro-cathepsin B processing, which abolish endosomal proteolysis of IGF-I and alter tumor cell growth and IGF-I receptor signalling, merit investigation as antimetastatic drugs.

Gene expression profiling of cathepsin D, metallothioneins-1 and -2, osteopontin, and tenascin-C in a mouse spinal cord injury model by cDNA microarray analysis

The purpose of this study was to use a cDNA microarray to identify new genes involved in healing of spinal cord injury. C57BL/6 mice (7-8 weeks, male) were subjected to spinal cord compression injury (SCI) at the T7/8 level (20 g, 5 min; SCI group). For the control group, mice underwent only laminectomy. Mice were killed at 1, 3 and 7 days. cDNA transcribed from mRNA was hybridized to NIA mice 15K microarrays at each time point. We found 84 genes showing significant expressional changes, including higher and lower expression levels in the SCI groups than in the control [more than 1.0 or less than -1.0 using log ratio (base 2)]. Five genes were selected for further quantitative gene expression analysis by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. For histological examination, we applied in situ hybridization and fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Cathepsin D, metallothionein-1 (MT-1), metallothionein-2 (MT-2), osteopontin (OPN), and tenascin-C were selected for quantitative and histological analysis. Microarray analysis revealed that SCI led to the up-regulation of OPN and cathepsin D expression at 7 days and also of MT-1, MT-2, and tenascin-C expression at 1 day. Tenascin-C was re-up-regulated at 7 days. These values agreed with those of real-time RT-PCR analysis. By double labeling with in situ hybridization and fluorescence immunohistochemistry, MT-1, MT-2 and tenascin-C expression was observed in neurons and glial cells at 1 day, whereas at 7 days the main MT-2 and tenascin-C expression was found in fibronectin-positive fibroblasts. The main cathepsin D and OPN expression was observed in activated macrophages/microglia at 3 and 7 days. The five genes picked up by microarray gene expression profiling were shown to exhibit temporal and spatial changes of expression after SCI. This system is potentially useful for identifying genes that are involved in the response to SCI.

The E5 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 perturbs MHC class II antigen maturation in human foreskin keratinocytes treated with interferon-gamma

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens are expressed on human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) following exposure to interferon gamma. The expression of MHC class II proteins on the cell surface may allow keratinocytes to function as antigen-presenting cells and induce a subsequent immune response to virus infection. Invariant chain (Ii) is a chaperone protein which plays an important role in the maturation of MHC class II molecules. The sequential degradation of Ii within acidic endocytic compartments is a key process required for the successful loading of antigenic peptide onto MHC class II molecules. Since human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E5 can inhibit the acidification of late endosomes in HFKs, the E5 protein may be able to affect proper peptide loading onto the MHC class II molecule. To test this hypothesis, HFKs were infected with either control virus or a recombinant virus expressing HPV16 E5 and the infected cells were subsequently treated with interferon-gamma. ELISAs revealed a decrease of MHC class II expression on the surface of E5-expressing cells compared with control virus-infected cells after interferon treatment. Western blot analysis showed that, in cells treated with interferon gamma, E5 could prevent the breakdown of Ii and block the formation of peptide-loaded, SDS-stable mature MHC class II dimers, correlating with diminished surface MHC class II expression. These data suggest that HPV16 E5 may be able to decrease immune recognition of infected keratinocytes via disruption of MHC class II protein function.

Endosomal proteolysis of internalized insulin at the C-terminal region of the B chain by cathepsin D

The endosomal compartment of hepatic parenchymal cells contains an acidic endopeptidase, endosomal acidic insulinase, which hydrolyzes internalized insulin and generates the major primary end product A(1--21)-B(1--24) insulin resulting from a major cleavage at residues Phe(B24)-Phe(B25). This study addresses the nature of the relevant endopeptidase activity in rat liver that is responsible for most receptor-mediated insulin degradation in vivo. The endosomal activity was shown to be aspartic acid protease cathepsin D (CD), based on biochemical similarities to purified CD in 1) the rate and site of substrate cleavage, 2) pH optimum, 3) sensitivity to pepstatin A, and 4) binding to pepstatin A-agarose. The identity of the protease was immunologically confirmed by removal of greater than 90% of the insulin-degrading activity associated with an endosomal lysate using polyclonal antibodies to CD. Moreover, the elution profile of the endosomal acidic insulinase activity on a gel-filtration TSK-GEL G3000 SW(XL) high performance liquid chromatography column corresponded exactly with the elution profile of the immunoreactive 45-kDa mature form of endosomal CD. Using nondenaturating immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting procedures, other endosomal aspartic acid proteases such as cathepsin E and beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme (BACE) were ruled out as candidate enzymes for the endosomal degradation of internalized insulin. Immunofluorescence studies showed a largely vesicular staining pattern for internalized insulin in rat hepatocytes that colocalized partially with CD. In vivo pepstatin A treatment was without any observable effect on the insulin receptor content of endosomes but augmented the phosphotyrosine content of the endosomal insulin receptor after insulin injection. These results suggest that CD is the endosomal acidic insulinase activity which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the in vivo cleavage at the Phe(B24)-Phe(B25) bond, generating the inactive A(1--21)-B(1--24) insulin intermediate.

Toxoplasma gondii and MHC-restricted antigen presentation: on degradation, transport and modulation

Resistance against Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite surrounded by a parasitophorous vacuolar membrane, is mediated by the cellular arm of the immune system, namely CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Thus, priming and activation of these cells by presentation of antigenic peptides in the context of major histocompatibility complex class I and class II molecules have to take place. This is despite the fact that the vacuolar membrane avoids fusion with the endocytic compartment and acts like a molecular sieve, restricting passive diffusion of larger molecules. This raises several cell biological and immunological questions which will be discussed in this review in the context of our current knowledge about major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen presentation in other systems: (1) By which pathways are parasite-derived antigens presented to T cells? (2) Has the parasite evolved mechanisms to interfere with major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen presentation in order to avoid immune recognition? (3) To what extent and by which mechanism is antigenic material, originating from the parasite, able to pass through the vacuolar membrane into the cytosol of the infected cell and is it then accessible to the antigen presentation machinery of the infected cell? (4) What are the actual antigen-presenting cells which prime specific T cells in lymphoid organs? An understanding of these mechanisms will not only provide new insights into the pathogenesis of Toxoplasma gondii and possibly other intravacuolar parasites, but will also improve vaccination strategies.

Cytoplasmic processing is a prerequisite for presentation of an endogenous antigen by major histocompatibility complex class II proteins

Biochemical and functional studies have demonstrated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-restricted presentation of select epitopes derived from cytoplasmic antigens, with few insights into the processing reactions necessary for this alternate pathway. Efficient presentation of an immunodominant epitope derived from glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) was observed regardless of whether this antigen was delivered exogenously or via a cytoplasmic route into human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen class II-DR4(+) antigen-presenting cells. Presentation of exogenous as well as cytoplasmic GAD required the intersection of GAD peptides and newly synthesized class II proteins. By contrast, proteolytic processing of this antigen was highly dependent upon the route of antigen delivery. Exogenous GAD followed the classical pathway for antigen processing, with an absolute requirement for endosomal/lysosomal acidification as well as cysteine and aspartyl proteases resident within these organelles. Presentation of endogenous GAD was dependent upon the action of cytoplasmic proteases, including the proteasome and calpain. Thus, translocation of processed antigen from the cytoplasm into membrane organelles is necessary for class II-restricted presentation via this alternate pathway. Further trimming of these peptides after translocation was mediated by acidic proteases within endosomes/lysosomes, possibly after or before class II antigen binding. These studies suggest that processing of exogenous and cytoplasmic proteins occurs through divergent but overlapping pathways. Furthermore, two cytoplasmic proteases, the proteasome and calpain, appear to play important roles in MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation.

Sequence, purification, and cloning of an intracellular serine protease, quiescent cell proline dipeptidase

We recently observed that specific inhibitors of post-proline cleaving aminodipeptidases cause apoptosis in quiescent lymphocytes in a process independent of CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV. These results led to the isolation and cloning of a new protease that we have termed quiescent cell proline dipeptidase (QPP). QPP activity was purified from CD26(-) Jurkat T cells. The protein was identified by labeling with [(3)H]diisopropylfluorophosphate and subjected to tryptic digestion and partial amino acid sequencing. The peptide sequences were used to identify expressed sequence tag clones. The cDNA of QPP contains an open reading frame of 1476 base pairs, coding for a protein of 492 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of QPP reveals similarity with prolylcarboxypeptidase. The putative active site residues serine, aspartic acid, and histidine of QPP show an ordering of the catalytic triad similar to that seen in the post-proline cleaving exopeptidases prolylcarboxypeptidase and CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The post-proline cleaving activity of QPP has an unusually broad pH range in that it is able to cleave substrate molecules at acidic pH as well as at neutral pH. QPP has also been detected in nonlymphocytic cell lines, indicating that this enzyme activity may play an important role in other tissues as well.

Negative regulation of epidermal growth factor signaling by selective proteolytic mechanisms in the endosome mediated by cathepsin B

We have investigated the relevant protease activity in rat liver, which is responsible for most of the receptor-mediated epidermal growth factor (EGF) degradation in vivo. EGF was sequentially cleaved by endosomal proteases at a limited number of sites, which were identified by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. EGF proteolysis is initiated by hydrolysis at the C-terminal Glu(51)-Leu(52) bond. Three additional minor cleavage sites were identified at positions Arg(48)-Trp(49), Trp(49)-Trp(50), and Trp(50)-Glu(51) after prolonged incubation. Using nondenaturating immunoprecipitation and cross-linking procedures, the major proteolytic activity was identified as that of the cysteine protease cathepsin-B. The effect of injected EGF on subsequent endosomal EGF receptor (EGFR) proteolysis was further evaluated by immunoblotting. Using endosomal fractions prepared from EGF-injected rats and incubated in vitro, the EGFR was lost with a time course superimposable with the loss of phosphotyrosine content. The cathepsin-B proinhibitor CA074-Me inhibited both in vivo and in vitro the endosomal degradation of the EGFR and increased the tyrosine phosphorylation states of the EGFR protein and the molecule SHC within endosomes. The data, therefore, describe a unique pathway for the endosomal processing of internalized EGF receptor complexes, which involves the sequential function of cathepsin-B through selective degradation of both the ligand and receptor.

Direct delivery of procathepsin D to phagosomes: implications for phagosome biogenesis and parasitism by Mycobacterium

Phagosome maturation is characterized by the sequential acquisition and loss of proteins by the phagocytic vacuole during the formation of an acidic and hydrolytic compartment where degradation of the phagocytosed particle occurs. Transfer of proteins to the maturing phagosome occurs by fusion with a range of vesicles. Here we describe direct fusion of early phagosomes with vesicles that appear to be derived from the biosynthetic pathway. In mouse bone marrow macrophages, the 51 kDa proform of cathepsin D was found in vesicles of the ER/Golgi network that could be discriminated from endosomal vesicles which in turn contained the 46 and 30 kDa processed forms of the enzyme. Procathepsin D was acquired by phagosomes formed around inert particles such as IgG-coated beads and could be "protected" by blocking acidification with Bafilomycin A1. Mycobacterium avium-containing vacuoles from established infections possessed both pro- and processed cathepsin D similar to early bead-containing phagosomes. In contrast phagosomes harboring dead mycobacteria demonstrated markedly enhanced acquisition of the 46kDa form within 4 h post internalization and only low levels of procathepsin D.

Uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophages differs from that of acetyl LDL and leads to expansion of an acidic endolysosomal compartment

Accumulation of cholesterol by macrophage foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions is thought to involve the uptake of modified low density lipoproteins (LDLs). Previous studies have shown that there is impaired degradation of oxidized LDL in macrophages. The present study was done to determine whether the differences in intracellular metabolism of oxidized LDL and acetyl LDL were associated with delivery to different intracellular compartments. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were incubated with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3, 3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlo- rate-labeled oxidized LDL or 3,3'-dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine perchlorate-labeled acetyl LDL and examined by fluorescence microscopy. Deconvolution image analysis showed <10% colocalization of the 2 lipoproteins at incubation times ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Subcellular fractionation of macrophages after incubation with (99m)Tc-labeled oxidized LDL revealed accumulation of the tracer in a compartment with a d=1.042 g/mL, consistent with endosomes. Surprisingly, there was a concurrent dramatic shift of the density of lysosomal marker enzymes from d=1.1 g/mL to the same fractions that contained (99m)Tc, indicating that this compartment was formed after fusion with primary lysosomes. Parallel experiments in J774 cells, a murine macrophage-like cell line, did not show a similar density shift, perhaps because of the slower rate of accumulation of oxidized LDL by these cells. Fluorescence microscopy of macrophages labeled with a lysosomotropic dye revealed a marked expansion of the acidic compartment after exposure of cells to oxidized LDL. We conclude that oxidized LDL and acetyl LDL are internalized by morphologically distinct pathways. Furthermore, because of its impaired lysosomal degradation, oxidized LDL causes expansion of and a decrease in the density of the lysosomal compartment in macrophages.

Endocytosed ricin and asialoorosomucoid follow different intracellular pathways in hepatocytes

Earlier studies have suggested that fluid phase endocytosis in rat hepatocytes takes place via a clathrin-independent mechanism [1,2]. This observation suggests that a relatively large amount of plasma membrane outside coated pits may be involved in hepatic endocytosis. Ricin, which binds to galactose residues on glycoproteins and glycolipids, has, in this report, been used as a general marker for the plasma membrane of hepatocytes. The endocytosis of ricin was compared with that of asialoorosomucoid (AOM) which is taken up exclusively via clathrin-coated pits. Hypertonic medium has been shown to inhibit uptake via coated pits more effectively than clathrin-independent uptake [3-5]. It was found, in this study, that the addition of 100 mM sucrose to the incubation medium inhibited the uptake of 125I-tyramine-cellobiose-asialoorosomucoid (125I-TC-AOM) more extensively than that of 125I-tyramine-cellobiose-ricin (125I-TC-ricin), compatible with the notion that the two probes are internalised via different mechanisms. Subcellular fractionation experiments indicated that 125I-TC-ricin entered a denser endocytic organelle than that receiving 125I-TC-AOM. To determine whether the separation of the two probes was due to a different transport kinetics (i.e. that 125I-TC-ricin is transported more rapidly to a later, denser compartment than 125I-TC-AOM) the cells were incubated at 18 degreesC to allow a slower internalisation/transport of the labelled probes. The results obtained showed, again, that the early endosomes containing 125I-TC-ricin were significantly denser than those containing 125I-TC-AOM. We also employed the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-diaminobenzidine (DAB) density shift technique of Courtoy et al. [6] to determine whether 125I-TC-ricin and 125I-TC-AOM were in separate endosomes early after their uptake. The results showed that early endosomes containing 125I-TC-AOM were density shifted whereas those containing 125I-TC-ricin were unaffected by the density shift procedure. The use of probes labelled with 125I-TC allowed us to identify compartments involved in the degradation of 125I-TC-AOM and 125I-TC-ricin, by measuring acid soluble radioactivities in the gradient fractions. It was found that 125I-TC-ricin was degraded mainly in endosomes, whereas 125I-TC-AOM, as expected, was degraded mainly in lysosomes.

Size of IgG-opsonized particles determines macrophage response during internalization

It is generally assumed that particles > 1 micron elicit a phagocytic response. To determine whether this is the case, we examined the uptake and transport of IgG-opsonized polystyrene beads of defined size, ranging from 0.2 to 3 microns, by mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. The kinetics of opsonized bead internalization were comparable for each of the different beads examined. We used rhodamine phalloidin to examine particle-induced assembly of F-actin phagocytic cups by fluorescence microscopy. Phagocytic cup formation was size dependent in a nonlinear fashion. Less than 30% of 0.2- to 0.75-micron particles and greater than 80% of 2- and 3-micron particles were associated with F-actin. Cells treated with 0.25 micron cytochalasin D showed decreased phagocytic cup formation and a linear decrease in bead uptake as a function of particle surface area. In contrast, potassium depletion, which preferentially inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis, was more effective at inhibiting the uptake of smaller beads. Thus, with increasing particle size, IgG-opsonized particle uptake became less clathrin dependent and more actin dependent. The kinetics of ligand delivery to lysosomes was measured using an immunoprecipitation assay based on the intermixing of internalized anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) IgG with DNP-derivitized beta-glucuronidase (DNP-beta-glu) incorporated into lysosomes. Soluble mannosylated anti-DNP IgG was delivered to lysosomes after an 8-min lag period. The kinetics of anti-DNP IgG-opsonized beads showed a size-dependent response, where beads sized 0.2, 0.5, and 0.75 micron showed a lag period prior to delivery to lysosomes. In contrast, beads 1.0 micron or larger showed no lag in delivery to lysosomes. Since beads that had no lag in delivery to lysosomes also showed high levels of phagocytic cup formation, this suggests that phagocytic cups may be important in the rapid delivery of internalized particles to lysosomes.

Proteolytic processing of ricin A chain is not required for cytotoxicity

[125I]-labeled ricin A chain was endocytosed by macrophages and Vero cells either on its own or as part of the ricin holotoxin. Subsequently [125I]-ricin A chain was recovered from intoxicated cells by immunoprecipitation or acetone precipitation. The recovered protein was shown to have the same electrophoretic mobility as the material supplied to the cells. These data challenge an earlier suggestion that limited intracellular processing of ricin A chain by proteolytic enzymes is required for maximal toxicity.

The unusual stability of saporin, a candidate for the synthesis of immunotoxins

Saporin, a monomeric protein extracted from the seeds of Saponaria officinalis, is an enzyme capable of specific depurination of the eukaryotic ribosomes. Because of its toxicity, saporin proved useful for the synthesis of immunotoxins, chimeric conjugates of a toxin and an antibody specifically directed against cancer cells or other targets. In this paper we report a study of the structural properties of saporin in the presence of denaturing agents and/or proteolytic enzymes. We found that saporin is extremely resistant to denaturation by urea or guanidine (up to 4 M), even at relatively high temperature (up to 55 degrees C). Moreover a structural change detected as a reduction of the fluorescence emission of the single Trp residue is reversible and is not paralleled by changes of the far UV CD spectrum, suggesting that even under harsh experimental conditions unfolding is limited. In good agreement with these results, guanidine-treated saporin is not attacked by proteolytic enzymes. The remarkable resistance of saporin to denaturation and proteolysis suggests this protein as an ideal candidate for biotechnological applications.

Isolation and characterization of early endosomes, late endosomes and terminal lysosomes: their role in protein degradation

Although endosomal proteolysis has been reported (e.g. for peptide hormones and lysosomal enzymes), lysosomes are believed to be the main site of degradation in the endocytic pathway. We have studied the separate roles of lysosomes and prelysosomal endocytic organelles in the degradation of ovalbumin in J774 cells. The ovalbumin was labelled with 125I-tyramine cellobiose (125I-TC-ova). The labelled degradation products formed from this probe are trapped at the site of formation. To separate lysosomes efficiently from prelysosomal endocytic organelles we allowed the cells to endocytose a pulse of colloidal gold particles complexed with ovalbumin. By combining this density shift technique with subcellular fractionation of a postnuclear supernatant in Percoll gradients we could isolate three fractions that were sequentially involved in the endocytic pathway: a light Percoll fraction, a dense Percoll fraction and a gold fraction. The light Percoll fraction contained early endosomes since it was transferrin positive and received endocytic markers such as ovalbumin and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) early (&lt; 5 minutes) after internalization. The dense Percoll fraction was transferrin negative, rab7 positive and received endocytic markers after 10–15 minutes of internalization. The gold-filled fraction was negative for both transferrin and rab7 but highly enriched in the lysosomal enzyme beta-hexosaminidase and was therefore defined as a lysosome. To study the role of endosomes and lysosomes in the degradation of endocytosed material we allowed the cells to take up (via the mannose receptor) 125I-TC-ova. It was found that the main degradation of 125I-TC-ova (measured as acid soluble radioactivity trapped in the organelle) took place in the late endosomes (and not in the lysosomes containing the bulk of the lysosomal enzymes). Our data therefore suggest that the late endosomes operate as an early lysosomal compartment. The terminal lysosomes may serve as storage bodies for acid hydrolases that may be called upon when needed (for instance during phagocytosis).

Endosomal proteolysis of internalized proteins

Endosomal proteases have been implicated in the degradation of internalized regulatory peptides involved in the control of metabolic pathways and in the processing of intracellular antigens for cytolytic immune responses. Processing in the endocytic vesicles is regulated by changes in endosomal acidity due to the presence of an ATP-dependent proton pump which modulates protease activity, protein unfolding and receptor-ligand interactions. A limited number of proteases appear to reside in endosomes which do not contain the full complement of active proteases capable of completely degrading all internalized polypeptides. Retention of some acid hydrolases in endosomes is apparently related to their association with undefined endosomal membrane receptors. The limited number of proteases and the pH gradient from neutral to acidic (pH 7 to 5) within endosomes make possible a selective and controlled processing environment in comparison to lysosomes. The full set of endo- and exopeptidases that break down proteins to amino acids are active later in the pathway in lysosomes.

Mannose receptor dependent uptake of ricin A1 and A2 chains by macrophages

The ricin A chain, the toxic subunit of ricin, consists of two forms which differ in sugar content. The major component A1 contains one high mannose chain while the minor component A2 contains an additional high mannose chain. Endocytosis of this toxin occurs in macrophages via the mannose receptor. To study the role of the sugar residues in ricin A chain cytotoxicity, we have purified the two forms by ion-exchange chromatography. The uptake of A1 and A2 by a macrophage cell line was concentration and time dependent. The total amount of A2 internalized was approximately twice the amount of A1, indicating a higher affinity of A2 for the mannose receptor. Ricin A2 was four times more toxic to macrophages than A1, in agreement with the higher affinity of A2 compared to the A1. These experiments suggest that the high mannose chains on the A chain promote mannose-receptor-mediated endocytosis by providing the initial binding to the cell surface. Once the toxin is accumulated inside the cell however, the carbohydrates do not seem to influence intracellular transport and/or translocation of the ricin A chain into the cytoplasm.

Chloride channels of intracellular organelles

Chloride channels are present in a variety of intracellular organelles (Golgi, endosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and sarcoplasmic reticulum) where they serve largely to shunt the membrane potential created by other ion-translocating processes. Electrophysiological studies have shown that the Cl- channels of the endoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticula facilitate the efflux of Ca2+. In the Golgi and some endosomes, the open Cl- channels (probably the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) favor accumulation of H+.

Proteolysis of glucagon within hepatic endosomes by membrane-associated cathepsins B and D

The acidic glucagon-degrading activity of hepatic endosomes has been attributed to membrane-bound forms of cathepsins B and D. Endosomal lysates processed full-length nonradiolabeled glucagon to 32 different peptides that were identified by amino acid analysis and full-length sequencing. These indicated C-terminal carboxypeptidase, endopeptidase as well as N-terminal tripeptidyl-aminopeptidase activities in endosomes. Glucagon proteolysis was inhibited 95% by E-64 and pepstatin A, inhibitors of cathepsins B and D, respectively. This was confirmed by the pH 6-dependent chemical cross-linking of [125I]iodoglucagon to a polypeptide of 30 kDa, which was immunodepleted by polyclonal anti-cathepsin B antibody, and the removal of greater than 80% of glucagon-degrading activity by polyclonal antibodies to cathepsins B and D. By similar criteria, insulin-degrading enzyme was ruled out as a candidate enzyme for endosomal proteolysis of glucagon. Lysosomal contamination was unlikely since all forms of cathepsin B in endosomes, i.e. the major 45-kDa inactive precursor as well as the lesser amounts of the 32- and 28-kDa active forms, were tightly bound to endosomal membranes. Furthermore the mature 29-kDa single-chain and 22-kDa heavy-chain forms of cathepsin L were undetectable in endosomes, although high levels of the 37-kDa proform were observed. Membrane association of the cathepsins B and D was not to the mannose 6-phosphate receptor since association was unaffected by mannose 6-phosphate and/or EDTA, thereby indicating a distinct endosomal receptor. Hence, a pool of active cathepsins B and D as well as a poorly defined tripeptidyl aminopeptidase is maintained in endosomes by selective membrane retention. These hydrolases degrade glucagon internalized into liver parenchyma early in endocytosis.

Cytotoxic potency of CD22-ricin A depends on intracellular routing rather than on the number of internalized molecules

Cytotoxicity of immunotoxins (ITs) varies considerably depending on factors like the capability of the target antigen to internalize IT molecules, intracellular processing and routing of the IT. We studied factors that may influence cytotoxicity of CD22-ricin A IT to several B cell lines. The antigen density varied from 5.9 x 10(3) to 6.0 x 10(4) molecules/cell. The ID50, determined by protein synthesis inhibition, varied from 2.1 x 10(-12) to 3.8 x 10(-11) M IT in absence and from 2.8 x 10(-14) M to 5.2 x 10(-12) M IT in presence of the cytotoxicity enhancer NH4Cl (6 mM). In absence as well as in presence of NH4Cl no correlation could be found between antigen density and ID50. No relation was observed either with the rate of cytotoxicity. Even in cell lines with a low antigen density, such as KM3, protein synthesis was quickly inhibited. In order to investigate whether the cytotoxicity was dependent on the number of internalized molecules the kinetics of internalization and exocytosis of degraded 125I-labelled CD22 molecules were studied. After 24 h the number of internalized CD22 molecules was highest in Ramos (154,500), followed by Daudi (110,300) and KM3 (69,900). However, despite the higher internalization rate of Daudi the rate of cytotoxicity of 10(-8) M IT was comparable with KM3. NH4Cl did not influence the number of internalized molecules but postponed degradation of CD22. In conclusion, CD22-ricin A is a very potent and fast acting IT even for elimination of target cells that express low numbers of antigen. These results may have implication for treatment of different B cell malignancies with CD22-ricin A.

Cytotoxic effects of ricin without an interchain disulfide bond: genetic modification and chemical crosslinking studies

Ricin is a toxic glycoprotein made of two polypeptide chains (A and B) linked by a disulfide bond. Ricin binds to cells by the B chain and is then internalized. The interchain disulfide bond is believed to be reduced in endosomes, and the A chain is then subsequently translocated to cytoplasm where it inactivates ribosomes. To understand the role of the disulfide bond in ricin toxicity, we prepared two types of ricin molecules. First, cysteine 259 of the A chain was mutated to an alanine residue. The mutant A chain was then reassociated with the native B chain to determine whether ricin is biologically active in the absence of an interchain disulfide bond. Reassociated mutant ricin showed a 40-fold reduction in biological activity. Binding studies using a hydrophobic fluorescence probe indicated that the associated complex was stable only at neutral pH and became highly unstable at a lower pH characteristic of the endosomal milieu. In the second construct, the interchain disulfide bond was replaced with a non-reducible bond by chemical derivatization. Interestingly, the non-reducible ricin molecule was equally cytotoxic as native ricin. These results show: (i) that the interchain disulfide bond is necessary to hold the A chain and the B chain together at endosomal pH, and (ii) that intact ricin may be transported to the cytoplasm where proteolysis or hydrolysis may occur to release the biologically active moiety.

Drugs that show protective effects from ricin toxicity in in vitro protein synthesis assays

We used an in-vitro, inhibition of protein synthesis assay (PSI) to test a wide variety of drugs for possible therapeutic use against ricin, a toxic glycoprotein that causes death in animals by inhibiting protein synthesis. Selection of test drugs was based on possible interference with ricin activity at different stages of the toxic process. Most of the drugs tested had no effect on ricin-induced PSI, were toxic when tested alone, or enhanced the toxicity of ricin. The only ones showing protection were galactose, lactose, and several derivatives of these sugars, Brefeldin A (BFA), 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), and a purine derivative (BM33203). THe sugar derivatives provided 50% protection against a PSI ED99 of ricin (0.1 micrograms/ml). Concentrations of BFA greater than 0.5 micro M caused about 50% PSI by itself, but blocked any further inhibitory effects of ricin. AZT, at optimum concentrations, reached a maximum protection level of about 40% in the presence of an ED99 dose of ricin, while the nucleoside derivative, BM33203 and AZT appeared to have an additive effect, showing up to 80% protection from an ED99 dose of ricin. Drugs showing protection in the PSI cell assay showed no protection from ricin in a cell-free translation assay used to determine if they would block ricin at the protein synthesis site.

Antigen processing and class II MHC peptide-loading compartments in human B-lymphoblastoid cells

The peptide/class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) complexes recognized by CD4+ T cells have been characterized at the structural and biochemical levels and studies on the transport and maturation of class II MHC indicate that specialized sites may be involved in peptide acquisition. Here we report the characterization of the compartments involved in antigen processing and class II MHC loading relative to distinct functional domains of the endocytic pathway in antigen-specific human B lymphocytes. Peroxidase-mediated crosslinking analysis in intact cells demonstrates that peptide loading of class II MHC takes place in a compartment accessible to membrane immunoglobulin but not to transferrin receptors, although processing may be initiated within the latter domain. The density of membrane vesicles carrying newly assembled class II MHC complexes was distinct from early and late endosomes and dense lysosomes. Endocytosed antigen-gold complexes enter a class II MHC-rich compartment morphologically very similar to that described previously and within the time frame of biochemically detectable peptide loading.