T cell signalling through CD73

Anti-CD73 antibody activates human B cells, enhances humoral responses and induces redistribution of B cells in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

CD73 is widely expressed on immune cells playing a critical role in immunomodulatory functions including cell adhesion and migration, as a costimulatory molecule for T cells and in production of adenosine. The function of CD73 expressed on B cells has not been fully characterized. Mupadolimab is an anti-human CD73 antibody that activates B cells. We evaluated the characteristics of this antibody and its effects on immune cells in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Mupadolimab binding to CD73, inhibition of CD73 enzymatic activity, and effects on lymphocyte activation were evaluated in vitro by measuring changes in immunophenotype by flow cytometry. Cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy was used to determine epitope binding. Effects on human B cells in vivo were evaluated in immunodeficient NSG-SGM3 mice immunized with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viral antigens. Safety and immune effects were evaluated in the completed dose escalation portion of a phase 1 trial conducted in patients with cancer.

RESULTS

Mupadolimab binds to a unique epitope on CD73^POS B cells resulting in their activation and differentiation through B cell receptor signaling pathways. Mupadolimab induces expression of CD69, CD83, CD86 and MHC class II on B cells along with morphological transformation into plasmablasts and expression of CD27, CD38 and CD138. These effects are independent of adenosine. Mupadolimab binds to the N-terminal of CD73 in the closed position and competitively inhibits substrate binding. Mupadolimab enhanced antigen specific antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and influenza hemagglutinin in humanized mouse models. Mupadolimab was evaluated as a monotherapy in a phase 1 trial (NCT03454451) in 34 patients with advanced cancer and demonstrated binding to CD73^POS circulating cells and transient reduction in the number of B cells, with return of CD73^NEG B cells with memory phenotype. No dose-limiting toxicities or changes in serum immunoglobulins were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Mupadolimab activates B cells and stimulates the production of antigen specific antibodies. The effects in patients with cancer suggest that activated, CD69^POS B cells redistribute to lymphoid tissues. Minor tumor regression was observed in several patients. These results support further investigation of mupadolimab as an immunotherapy for cancer and its potential use as a vaccine adjuvant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03454451.

Development of Ag-ZnO/AgO Nanocomposites Effectives for Leishmania braziliensis Treatment

Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. Leishmania braziliensis (L.b) is one of the most clinically relevant pathogens that affects the skin and mucosa, causing single or multiple disfiguring and life-threatening injuries. Even so, the few treatment options for patients have significant toxicity, high dropout rates, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains, which implies the need for studies to promote new and better treatments to combat the disease. Zinc oxide nanocrystals are microbicidal and immunomodulatory agents. Here, we develop new Ag-ZnO/xAgO nanocomposites (NCPs) with three different percentages of silver oxide (AgO) nanocrystals (x = 49%, 65%, and 68%) that could act as an option for tegumentary leishmaniasis treatment. Our findings showed that 65% and 68% of AgO inhibit the extra and intracellular replication of L.b. and present a high selectivity index. Ag-ZnO/65%AgO NCPs modulate activation, expression of surface receptors, and cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells toward a proinflammatory phenotype. These results point to new Ag-ZnO/AgO nanocomposites as a promising option for L. braziliensis treatment.

Targeting two distinct epitopes on human CD73 with a bispecific antibody improves anticancer activity

Background

Immunosuppressive extracellular adenosine is generated by the enzymatic activity of CD73. In preclinical models, antibodies (Abs) targeting different epitopes on CD73 exert anticancer activity through distinct mechanisms such as inhibition of enzymatic activity, engagement of Fc receptors, and spatial redistribution of CD73.

Methods

Using controlled Fab arm exchange, we generated biparatopic bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) from parental anti-CD73 Abs with distinct anticancer activities. The resulting anticancer activity was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models.

Results

We demonstrate that different anticancer activities can be combined in a biparatopic bsAb. Remarkably, the bsAb significantly improved the enzyme inhibitory activity compared with the parental Abs, which led to neutralization of adenosine-mediated T-cell suppression as demonstrated by proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Additionally, the bsAb caused more efficient internalization of cell surface CD73 and stimulated potent Fc-mediated engagement of human immune effector cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Our data collectively demonstrate that complementary anticancer mechanisms of action of distinct anti-CD73 Abs can be combined and enhanced in a biparatopic bsAb. The multiple mechanisms of action and superior activity compared with the monospecific parental Abs make the bsAb a promising candidate for therapeutic targeting of CD73 in cancer. This concept may greatly improve future Ab design.

The Multifaceted Actions of CD73 During Development and Suppressive Actions of Regulatory T Cells

Adenosine (Ado) has been shown to have immunosuppressive effects in a variety of diseases. It can either be released directly into the extracellular environment by cells, or it can be produced by degradation of ATP within the extracellular spaces. This extracellular pathway is facilitated by the concerted actions of the ectoenzymes CD39 and CD73. In a first step CD39 dephosphorylates ATP to ADP and AMP, respectively, and in a second step CD73 converts AMP to Ado. Thus, activity of CD73 on the cell surface of cells is the rate limiting step in the generation of extracellular Ado. Among T cells, CD73 is most abundantly expressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and is even upregulated after their activation. Functionally, the generation of Ado by CD73+ Tregs has been shown to play a role in immune suppression of dendritic cells, monocytes and T cells, and the defined expression of CD73 by Tregs in immunosuppressive environments, such as tumors, made CD73 a novel checkpoint inhibitor. Therefore, therapeutical intervention by anti-CD73 antibodies or by chemical inhibitors of the enzymatic function is currently under investigation in some preclinical animal models. In the following we summarize the expression pattern and the possible functions of CD73 in T cells and Tregs, and exemplify novel ways to manipulate CD73 functions in Tregs to stimulate anti-tumor immunity.

Tumor-Selective Altered Glycosylation and Functional Attenuation of CD73 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

CD73, a cell-surface N-linked glycoprotein that produces extracellular adenosine, is a novel target for cancer immunotherapy. Although anti-CD73 antibodies have entered clinical development, CD73 has both protumor and antitumor functions, depending on the target cell and tumor type. The aim of this study was to characterize CD73 regulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined CD73 expression, localization, and activity using molecular, biochemical, and cellular analyses on primary HCC surgical specimens, coupled with mechanistic studies in HCC cells. We analyzed CD73 glycan signatures and global alterations in transcripts encoding other N-linked glycoproteins by using mass spectrometry glycomics and RNA sequencing (RNAseq), respectively. CD73 was expressed on tumor hepatocytes where it exhibited abnormal N-linked glycosylation, independent of HCC etiology, tumor stage, or fibrosis presence. Aberrant glycosylation of tumor-associated CD73 resulted in a 3-fold decrease in 5'-nucleotidase activity (P < 0.0001). Biochemically, tumor-associated CD73 was deficient in hybrid and complex glycans specifically on residues N311 and N333 located in the C-terminal catalytic domain. Blocking N311/N333 glycosylation by site-directed mutagenesis produced CD73 with significantly decreased 5'-nucleotidase activity in vitro, similar to the primary tumors. Glycosylation-deficient CD73 partially colocalized with the Golgi structural protein GM130, which was strongly induced in HCC tumors. RNAseq analysis further revealed that N-linked glycoprotein-encoding genes represented the largest category of differentially expressed genes between HCC tumor and adjacent tissue. Conclusion: We provide the first detailed characterization of CD73 glycosylation in normal and tumor tissue, revealing a novel mechanism that leads to the functional suppression of CD73 in human HCC tumor cells. The present findings have translational implications for therapeutic candidate antibodies targeting cell-surface CD73 in solid tumors and small-molecule adenosine receptor agonists that are in clinical development for HCC.

Cell type- and tissue-specific functions of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73)

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase [cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73)] is a ubiquitously expressed glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein that converts extracellular adenosine 5'-monophosphate to adenosine. Anti-CD73 inhibitory antibodies are currently undergoing clinical testing for cancer immunotherapy. However, many protective physiological functions of CD73 need to be taken into account for new targeted therapies. This review examines CD73 functions in multiple organ systems and cell types, with a particular focus on novel findings from the last 5 years. Missense loss-of-function mutations in the CD73-encoding gene NT5E cause the rare disease "arterial calcifications due to deficiency of CD73." Aside from direct human disease involvement, cellular and animal model studies have revealed key functions of CD73 in tissue homeostasis and pathology across multiple organ systems. In the context of the central nervous system, CD73 is antinociceptive and protects against inflammatory damage, while also contributing to age-dependent decline in cortical plasticity. CD73 preserves barrier function in multiple tissues, a role that is most evident in the respiratory system, where it inhibits endothelial permeability in an adenosine-dependent manner. CD73 has important cardioprotective functions during myocardial infarction and heart failure. Under ischemia-reperfusion injury conditions, rapid and sustained induction of CD73 confers protection in the liver and kidney. In some cases, the mechanism by which CD73 mediates tissue injury is less clear. For example, CD73 has a promoting role in liver fibrosis but is protective in lung fibrosis. Future studies that integrate CD73 regulation and function at the cellular level with physiological responses will improve its utility as a disease target.

Generation and Function of Non-cell-bound CD73 in Inflammation

Extracellular adenine nucleotides participate in cell-to-cell communication and modulate the immune response. The concerted action of ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 plays a major role in the local production of anti-inflammatory adenosine, but both ectonucleotidases are rarely co-expressed by human T cells. The expression of CD39 on T cells increases upon T cell activation and is high at sites of inflammation. CD73, in contrast, disappears from the cellular membrane after activation. The possibility that CD73 could act in trans would resolve the conundrum of both enzymes being co-expressed for the degradation of ATP and the generation of adenosine. An enzymatically active soluble form of CD73 has been reported, and AMPase activity has been detected in body fluids of patients with inflammation and cancer. It is not yet clear how CD73, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein, is released from the cell membrane, but plausible mechanisms include cleavage by metalloproteinases and shedding mediated by cell-associated phospholipases. Importantly, like many other GPI-anchored proteins, CD73 at the cell membrane is preferentially localized in detergent-resistant domains or lipid rafts, which often contribute to extracellular vesicles (EVs). Indeed, CD73-containing vesicles of different size and origin and with immunomodulatory function have been found in the tumor microenvironment. The occurrence of CD73 as non-cell-bound molecule widens the range of action of this enzyme at sites of inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the generation of non-cell-bound CD73 and its physiological role in inflammation.

Engineering Platforms for T Cell Modulation

T cells are crucial contributors to mounting an effective immune response and increasingly the focus of therapeutic interventions in cancer, infectious disease, and autoimmunity. Translation of current T cell immunotherapies has been hindered by off-target toxicities, limited efficacy, biological variability, and high costs. As T cell therapeutics continue to develop, the application of engineering concepts to control their delivery and presentation will be critical for their success. Here, we outline the engineer's toolbox and contextualize it with the biology of T cells. We focus on the design principles of T cell modulation platforms regarding size, shape, material, and ligand choice. Furthermore, we review how application of these design principles has already impacted T cell immunotherapies and our understanding of T cell biology. Recent, salient examples from protein engineering, synthetic particles, cellular and genetic engineering, and scaffolds and surfaces are provided to reinforce the importance of design considerations. Our aim is to provide a guide for immunologists, engineers, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical sector for the design of T cell-targeting platforms.

IL-27 regulates HIF-1α-mediated VEGFA response in macrophages of diabetic retinopathy patients and healthy individuals

Human macrophages produce vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) for angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy (DR). The regulatory function of IL-27 on human macrophages is not well understood. In particular, the effect of IL-27 on VEGFA response in human macrophages has not been investigated. We find that IL-27 suppresses VEGFA mRNA expression as well as protein secretion by human macrophages. The synergistic action of purinergic signaling and activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) induces VEGFA production in a positive feedback loop. IL-27 signaling in human macrophages disrupts this positive feedback loop thus suppresses VEGFA production. Blockade of IL-27 signaling with a JAK2 antagonist reverses this downregulatory effect on HIF-1α and partially blocks the inhibitory effect on VEGFA production. Lastly, DR patient macrophages have a higher propensity to produce VEGFA and this is amplified by an in vitro challenge with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. IL-27 suppresses VEGFA production by DR patient macrophages even in the presence of IL-1β challenge indicating a potential therapeutic use of IL-27 in the clinic.

Separating T Cell Targeting Components onto Magnetically Clustered Nanoparticles Boosts Activation

T cell activation requires the coordination of a variety of signaling molecules including T cell receptor-specific signals and costimulatory signals. Altering the composition and distribution of costimulatory molecules during stimulation greatly affects T cell functionality for applications such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT), but the large diversity in these molecules complicates these studies. Here, we develop and validate a reductionist T cell activation platform that enables streamlined customization of stimulatory conditions. This platform is useful for the optimization of ACT protocols as well as the more general study of immune T cell activation. Rather than decorating particles with both signal 1 antigen and signal 2 costimulus, we use distinct, monospecific, paramagnetic nanoparticles, which are then clustered on the cell surface by a magnetic field. This allows for rapid synthesis and characterization of a small number of single-signal nanoparticles which can be systematically combined to explore and optimize T cell activation. By increasing cognate T cell enrichment and incorporating additional costimulatory molecules using this platform, we find significantly higher frequencies and numbers of cognate T cells stimulated from an endogenous population. The magnetic field-induced association of separate particles thus provides a tool for optimizing T cell activation for adoptive immunotherapy and other immunological studies.

Targeting CD73 in the tumor microenvironment with MEDI9447

MEDI9447 is a human monoclonal antibody that is specific for the ectoenzyme CD73 and currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials. Here we show that MEDI9447 is a potent inhibitor of CD73 ectonucleotidase activity, with wide ranging immune regulatory consequences. MEDI9447 results in relief from adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-mediated lymphocyte suppression in vitro and inhibition of mouse syngeneic tumor growth in vivo. In contrast with other cancer immunotherapy agents such as checkpoint inhibitors or T-cell agonists, MEDI9447 drives changes in both myeloid and lymphoid infiltrating leukocyte populations within the tumor microenvironment of mouse models. Changes include significant alterations in a number of tumor micro-environmental subpopulations including increases in CD8⁺ effector cells and activated macrophages. Furthermore, these changes correlate directly with responder and non-responder subpopulations within animal studies using syngeneic tumors. Combination data showing additive activity between MEDI9447 and anti-PD-1 antibodies using human cells in vitro and mouse tumor models further demonstrate the potential value of relieving adenosine-mediated immunosuppression. Based on these data, a Phase I study to test the safety, tolerability, and clinical activity of MEDI9447 in cancer patients was initiated (NCT02503774).

A new, sensitive ecto-5'-nucleotidase assay for compound screening

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN) is a membrane-bound enzyme that hydrolyzes extracellular nucleoside-5'-monophosphates yielding the respective nucleoside and phosphate. Increased levels of eN expression have been observed in many cancer cells. By increasing extracellular adenosine concentrations, they contribute to their proliferative, angiogenic, metastatic, and immunosuppressive effects. Therefore, eN is of considerable interest as a novel drug target for the treatment of cancer as well as of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we developed, optimized, and applied a highly sensitive radiometric assay using [³H]adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) as a substrate. The reaction product [³H]adenosine was separated from [³H]AMP by precipitation of the latter with lanthanum chloride and subsequent filtration through glass fiber filters. Conditions were optimized to reproducibly collect the [³H]adenosine-containing filtrate used for quantitative determination. Validation of the assay yielded a mean Z' factor of 0.73, which demonstrates its suitability for high-throughput screening. The new assay shows a limit of detection that is at least 30-fold lower than those of common colorimetric methods (e.g., optimized malachite green assay and capillary electrophoresis-based assay procedures), and it is also superior to a recently developed luciferase-based assay.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) promotes tumor angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth, progression and metastasis. Studies indicate that expression and activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) are elevated in metastatic carcinomas. Our previous studies found that angiogenesis of tumor xenografts was decreased when the activity of CD73 in cancer cells was inhibited, implying that this enzyme is involved in tumor angiogenesis. To elucidate the mechanism, we investigated CD73 influence on tumor angiogenesis in both in vitro assays and in tumor bearing mice. We found that capillary-like structures were formed more in CD73(+/+) pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMECs) than CD73(-/-) PMECs, and this was more pronounced when the cells were cultured in cancer-conditioned medium. Meanwhile, CD73 decreased endothelial cells adhesion to collagen IV and promoted migration. Additionally, the extent of tumor angiogenesis and the size of tumors were greater in CD73(+/+) mice than in CD73(-/-) mice. Thus, we concluded that CD73 can promote endothelial cells forming new vessels in cancer condition, facilitating tumor growth and hematogenous metastasis.

Cellular function and molecular structure of ecto-nucleotidases

Ecto-nucleotidases play a pivotal role in purinergic signal transmission. They hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides and thus can control their availability at purinergic P2 receptors. They generate extracellular nucleosides for cellular reuptake and salvage via nucleoside transporters of the plasma membrane. The extracellular adenosine formed acts as an agonist of purinergic P1 receptors. They also can produce and hydrolyze extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate that is of major relevance in the control of bone mineralization. This review discusses and compares four major groups of ecto-nucleotidases: the ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases, ecto-5'-nucleotidase, ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases, and alkaline phosphatases. Only recently and based on crystal structures, detailed information regarding the spatial structures and catalytic mechanisms has become available for members of these four ecto-nucleotidase families. This permits detailed predictions of their catalytic mechanisms and a comparison between the individual enzyme groups. The review focuses on the principal biochemical, cell biological, catalytic, and structural properties of the enzymes and provides brief reference to tissue distribution, and physiological and pathophysiological functions.

Nicotine alters the ectonucleotidases activities in lymphocytes: In vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects in vivo and in vitro of nicotine, an important immunosuppressive agent, on NTPDase and ADA activities in lymphocytes of adult rats. The following nicotine doses in vivo study were evaluated: 0.0, 0.25 and 1.0mg/kg/day injected subcutaneously in rats for 10days. The activity of the enzymes were significantly decreased with nicotine 0.25 and 1mg/kg which inhibited ATP (22%, 54%), ADP (44%, 30%) hydrolysis and adenosine (43%, 34%) deamination, respectively. The expression of the protein NTPDase in rat lymphocytes was decreased to nicotine 1mg/kg and the lymphocytes count was decreased in both nicotine doses studied. The purine levels measured in serum of the rats treated with nicotine 0.25mg/kg significantly increased to ATP (39%), ADP (39%) and adenosine (303%). The nicotine exposure marker was determinate by level of cotinine level which significantly increased in rats treated with nicotine 0.25 (39%) and 1mg/kg (131%) when compared to rats that received only saline. The second set of study was in vitro assay which the ATP-ADP-adenosine hydrolysis were decreased by nicotine concentrations 1mM (0% - 0% - 16%, respectively), 5mM (42% - 32% - 74%, respectively), 10mM (80% - 27% - 80%, respectively) and 50mM (96% - 49% - 98%, respectively) when compared with the control group. We suggest that alterations in the activities of these enzymes may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the suppression of immune response caused by nicotine.

Markers of stemness in equine mesenchymal stem cells: a plea for uniformity

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are a very promising subpopulation of adult stem cells for cell-based regenerative therapies in veterinary medicine. Despite major progress in the knowledge on adult stem cells during recent years, a proper identification of MSC remains a challenge. In human medicine, the Mesenchymal and Tissue Stem Cell Committee of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) recently proposed three criteria to define MSC. Firstly, cells must be plastic-adherent when maintained under standard culture conditions. Secondly, MSC must express CD73, CD90 and CD105, and lack expression of CD34, CD45, CD14 or CD11b, CD79α or CD19 and MHC class II antigens. Thirdly, MSC must be able to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondroblasts in vitro. Successful isolation and differentiation of equine MSC from different sources such as bone marrow, fat tissue, umbilical cord blood, Wharton's Jelly or peripheral blood has been widely reported. However, their unequivocal immunophenotyping is hampered by the lack of a single specific marker and the limited availability of monoclonal anti-horse antibodies, which are two major factors complicating successful research on equine MSC. Detection of gene expression on mRNA level is hereby a valuable alternative, although the need still exists to test several antibody clones in search for cross-reactivity. To date, commercial antibodies recognizing equine epitopes are only available for CD13, CD44 and MHC-II. Moreover, as the expression of certain adult stem cell markers may differ between species, it is mandatory to define a set of CD markers which can be uniformly applied for the identification of equine MSC.

CD73 on tumor cells impairs antitumor T-cell responses: a novel mechanism of tumor-induced immune suppression

CD73, originally defined as a lymphocyte differentiation antigen, is thought to function as a cosignaling molecule on T lymphocytes and an adhesion molecule that is required for lymphocyte binding to endothelium. We show here that CD73 is widely expressed on many tumor cell lines and is upregulated in cancerous tissues. Because the ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity of CD73 catalyzes AMP breakdown to immunosuppressive adenosine, we hypothesized that CD73-generated adenosine prevents tumor destruction by inhibiting antitumor immunity. We confirmed this hypothesis by showing that combining tumor CD73 knockdown and tumor-specific T-cell transfer cured all tumor-bearing mice. In striking contrast, there was no therapeutic benefit of adoptive T-cell immunotherapy in mice bearing tumors without CD73 knockdown. Moreover, blockade of the A2A adenosine receptor with a selective antagonist also augmented the efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapy. These findings identify a potential mechanism for CD73-mediated tumor immune evasion and point to a novel cancer immunotherapy strategy by targeting the enzymatic activity of tumor CD73.

Receptors and ligands implicated in human T cell costimulatory processes

It is well established that full activation of T cells that recognize antigens requires additional signals. These second signals are generated by the interaction of costimulatory ligands expressed on antigen presenting cells with their receptors on T cells. In addition, T cell activation processes are negatively regulated by inhibitory costimulatory pathways. Interaction of members of the B7 and the TNF superfamilies with members of the CD28 and TNF-R-superfamilies plays major roles in costimulatory processes. However, a large number of molecules that do not belong to these families have been reported to be involved in the generation of T cell costimulatory signals. In addition to well-defined costimulatory pathways, where both receptors and ligands are known, there are many T cell surface molecules that have been described to generate a second signal under certain experimental conditions, f.i. when ligated with antibodies. Furthermore there are several ligands that have been shown to positively or negatively modulate T cell activation by interacting with as of yet unknown T cell receptors. Here we give a comprehensive overview of molecules that have been implicated in human T cell activation processes and propose criteria that define genuine T cell costimulatory pathways.

Multidrug resistance protein 4 mediates cAMP efflux from rat preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells

1. Previous studies have shown that stimulation of adenylyl cyclase in preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells (PGVSMC) increases extracellular cAMP; however, the mechanism by which PGVSMC transport intracellular cAMP into the extracellular milieu is unknown. 2. We hypothesize that multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 4 is the primary transporter mediating efflux of intracellular cAMP from PGVSMC. 3. Both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction detected MRP4 mRNA in PGVSMC in culture. Moreover, western blotting using an antibody specific for MRP4 gave rise to a 150 kDa signal, consistent with the presence of MRP4 protein in PGVSMC. 4. Specifically designed short interference (si) RNA reduced MRP4 mRNA expression by 71% (P = 0.0075) and MRP4 protein by 80% (P = 0.0004). 5. Isoproterenol (1 micromol/L) increased intracellular cAMP, which resulted in efflux of cAMP into the medium. The siRNA knockdown of MRP4 significantly reduced basal extracellular cAMP and nearly abolished isoproterenol-induced increases in extracellular cAMP (P = 0.0143, interaction between isoproterenol and MRP4 siRNA in two-factor analysis of variance). In isoproterenol-treated cells, MRP4 siRNA decreased the ratio of extracellular cAMP to intracellular cAMP by 72% (P = 0.0019). 6. We conclude that MRP4 is the dominant cAMP transporter in PGVSMC.

Time-course changes in ectonucleotidase activities during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

The aim of the present study was to analyze the activities of extracellular purine metabolizing enzymes, CD39 (apyrase, EC 3.6.1.5) and CD73 (ecto-5' nucleotidase, EC 3.1.3.5) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The levels of ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis were analyzed in the blood serum and in the rat spinal cord plasma membrane preparation 8, 15 and 25 days after induction of EAE. The animals were divided in three groups: control (saline), CFA (adjuvant-only) and EAE (CFA and homogenate of spinal cords). Eight days after immunization, ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis in the blood serum and spinal cord membrane preparations were unaffected in EAE compared to both, control and CFA group. In the peak of disease, ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis in EAE group showed significant decrease in the blood serum and prominent increase in the spinal cord membrane preparation compared to CFA and control group. At the end of illness, as judged by disappearance of clinical manifestation of EAE, ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis, although closer to CFA levels, were still significantly different in respect to the CFA group. Modulation of ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis suggests that they operate during EAE and might represent the basis of novel therapeutic strategies in immune-mediated diseases, such as MS.

The role of ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 in glioma cell line proliferation

Malignant gliomas are the most common and devastating primary tumors in the brain and, despite treatment, patients with these tumors have a poor prognosis. The participation of ecto-5'-NT/CD73 per se as a proliferative factor, being involved in the control of cell growth, differentiation, invasion, migration and metastasis processes has been previously proposed. In the present study, we evaluated the activity and functions of ecto-5'-NT/CD73 during the proliferation process of rat C6 and human U138MG glioma cell lines. Increasing confluences and culture times led to an increase in ecto-5'-NT/CD73 activity in both C6 and U138MG glioma cells. RT-PCR analysis and flow cytometry analysis showed a significant increase in ecto-5'-NT/CD73 mRNA and protein levels, respectively, comparing confluent with sub-confluent cultures in human U138MG glioma cells. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 may regulate the extracellular adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine levels. Treatment with 1 microM APCP, a competitive ecto-5'-NT/CD73 inhibitor, caused a significant reduction of 30% in glioma cell proliferation. In addition, 100 microM adenosine increases cell proliferation by 36%, and the treatment with adenosine plus NBTI and dipyridamole, produced an additional and significant increase of on cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect on cell proliferation caused by APCP was reverted by co-treatment with NBTI and dipyridamole. AMP (1 mM and 3 mM) decreased U138MG glioma cell proliferation by 29% and 42%, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest the participation of ecto-5'-NT/CD73 in cell proliferation and that this process is dependent upon the enzyme's production of adenosine, a proliferative factor, and removal of AMP, a toxic molecule for gliomas.

RNA interference of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) inhibits human breast cancer cell growth and invasion

Metastasis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in breast cancer. Recently, dramatic overexpression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface protein has been found in estrogen receptor-negative [ER (-)] breast cancer cell lines and in clinical samples. In this study, CD73 small interfering RNA (siRNA) plasmid was constructed and stably transfected into breast cancer cell MB-MDA-231 to determine the role of CD73 in breast cancer metastasis and the possible mechanism. Our study demonstrates that CD73 siRNA effectively inhibits CD73 gene expression at mRNA and protein level in MB-MDA-231 cells, leading to in vivo and in vitro growth suppression, prevention of adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM), and inhibition of invasion and migration. These properties correlate with inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression and activity as well as reduction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Demonstration of the role of CD73 in breast cancer may lead to new targeted therapies for breast cancer.

NMDA receptor-mediated extracellular adenosine accumulation is blocked by phosphatase 1/2A inhibitors

We have previously demonstrated that NMDA receptor-mediated extracellular adenosine accumulation in neuronal cultures is receptor-mediated and requires calcium influx. Because protein kinase C (PKC) is a calcium-dependent enzyme, we hypothesized that activation of PKC might be involved in NMDA-mediated adenosine accumulation. PKC inhibitors, however, did not block NMDA-evoked adenosine accumulation, but rather, stimulated basal adenosine accumulation. These data suggested the possibility that NMDA receptor-mediated adenosine accumulation involves net dephosphorylation rather than phosphorylation of one or more substrates. Thus, inhibition of kinases would be expected to increase adenosine accumulation and inhibition of phosphatases would be expected to block adenosine accumulation. To test this hypothesis, we used the phosphatase 1/2A inhibitors calyculin A and okadaic acid. Both inhibitors significantly reduced NMDA-evoked adenosine accumulation. In contrast phosphatase 2B inhibitors did not block NMDA-evoked adenosine accumulation. These data suggest that NMDA-evoked adenosine accumulation is mediated by activation of phosphatase 1/2A. We have established previously that NMDA-mediated adenosine accumulation is associated with adenosine kinase inhibition. However, adenosine kinase is not a direct substrate for phosphatase 1/2A because inhibition of phosphatase 1/2A did not abolish NMDA-evoked adenosine kinase inhibition. Okadaic acid also had no effect on NO donor-evoked adenosine accumulation, which previously has been shown to be associated with adenosine kinase inhibition. Dephosphorylation of one or more proteins other than adenosine kinase as a consequence of NMDA receptor activation might play an important role in extracellular adenosine regulation, with important consequences for the regulation of excitatory synaptic transmission, plasticity, epileptogenesis, and excitotoxicity.

Mediators of tubuloglomerular feedback regulation of glomerular filtration: ATP and adenosine

In the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidney the loop of Henle gets into close contact to its parent glomerulus. This anatomical link between the tubular system and the vasculature of the afferent and efferent arteriole enables specialized tubular cells, the macula densa (MD) cells, to establish an intra-nephron feedback loop designed to control preglomerular resistance and thereby single nephron glomerular filtration rate. This review focuses on the signalling mechanisms which link salt-sensing MD cells and the regulation of preglomerular resistance, a feedback loop known as tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). Two purinergic molecules, ATP and adenosine, have emerged over the years as most likely candidates to serve as mediators of TGF. Data will be reviewed supporting a role of either ATP or adenosine as mediators of TGF. In addition, a concept will be discussed that integrates both ATP and adenosine into one signalling cascade that includes (i) release of ATP from MD cells upon increases in tubular salt concentration, (ii) extracellular degradation of ATP to form adenosine, and (iii) adenosine-mediated vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole.

HIV infection is associated with increased NTPDase activity that correlates with CD39-positive lymphocytes

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results in alterations in immune cells such as an increase or decrease of cytokine secretion and immunodeficiency. HIV causes a state of chronic cellular activation that can induce apoptosis in lymphocyte T-helpers, making the patient susceptive to opportunistic infections. The biochemical mechanisms involved in this immune response to HIV have been researched. Here, we have shown for the first time that ATP and ADP hydrolysis are essential for the immune response to HIV. Our results clearly indicate an increase of NTPDase-1 (EC 3.6.1.5) activity in lymphocytes of HIV-positive patients, confirmed by an enhanced CD39 expression on its surface. These results suggest that NTPDase-1 may be important to keep an adequate balance between the generation and consumption of ATP and to preserve cellular integrity and immune response to the HIV infection.

Impairment of tubuloglomerular feedback regulation of GFR in ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73-deficient mice

Adenosine coordinates organ metabolism and blood supply, and it modulates immune responses. In the kidney it mediates the vascular response elicited by changes in NaCl concentration in the macula densa region of the nephron, thereby serving as an important regulator of GFR. To determine whether adenosine formation depends on extracellular nucleotide hydrolysis, we studied NaCl-dependent GFR regulation (tubuloglomerular feedback) in mice with targeted deletion of ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 (e-5'NT/CD73), the enzyme responsible for adenosine formation from AMP. e-5'NT/CD73(-/-) mice were viable and showed no gross anatomical abnormalities. Blood pressure, blood and urine chemistry, and renal blood flow were not different between e-5'NT/CD73(+/+) and e-5'NT/CD73(-/-) mice. e-5'NT/CD73(-/-) mice had a significantly reduced fall in stop flow pressure and superficial nephron glomerular filtration rate in response to a saturating increase of tubular perfusion flow. Furthermore, whereas tubuloglomerular feedback responses did not change significantly during prolonged loop of Henle perfusion in e-5'NT/CD73(+/+) mice, a complete disappearance of the residual feedback response was noted in e-5'NT/CD73(-/-) mice over 10 minutes of perfusion. The contractile response of isolated afferent arterioles to adenosine was normal in e-5'NT/CD73(-/-) mice. We conclude that the generation of adenosine at the glomerular pole depends to a major extent on e-5'NT/CD73-mediated dephosphorylation of 5'-AMP, presumably generated from released ATP.

Thyroid hormone upregulates ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 in C6 rat glioma cells

Thyroid hormones have profound effects on the central nervous system, such as proliferation, secretion of growth factors and gene expression regulation. Ecto-NTPDases and ecto-5'-nucleotidase can control the extracellular ATP/adenosine levels, which have been described as proliferation factors. Here, we investigated the influence of T(3) on the enzyme cascade which catalyzes interconversion of purine nucleotides in rat C6 glioma cells. Exposure of C6 cells to T(3) caused a dose dependent increase of 30% in the AMP hydrolysis up to 0.25 nM, which was suppressed by actinomycin. No significant alteration was observed on ATP/ADP hydrolysis and T(4) at higher concentrations (10-1000 nM) promoted an increase in AMP hydrolysis that was not dose dependent. T(3) treatment also increased the expression of CD73 mRNA. Besides the importance of the ecto-5'-NT in the cell proliferation and differentiation, its overexpression can enhance extracellular adenosine levels, which could also be an important proliferation signal.

Paracrine factors in tubuloglomerular feedback: adenosine, ATP, and nitric oxide

The tubuloglomerular feedback response, the change in afferent arteriolar tone caused by a change in NaCl concentration at the macula densa, is likely initiated by the generation of a vasoactive mediator within the confines of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Substantial progress has been made in identifying the nature of this mediator and the factors that modulate its effect on vascular tone. In support of earlier studies using P1 purinergic antagonists, the application of the knockout technique has shown that adenosine 1 receptors are absolutely required for eliciting TGF responses. The background level of angiotensin II appears to be an important cofactor determining the efficiency of A1AR-induced vasoconstriction, probably through a synergistic interaction at the level of the G protein-dependent transduction mechanism. The source of the adenosine is still unclear, but it is conceivable that adenosine is generated extracellularly from released ATP through a cascade of ecto-nucleotidases. There is also evidence that ATP may activate P2 receptors in preglomerular vessels, which may contribute to autoregulation of renal vascular resistance. Nitric oxide (NO), generated by the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase in macula densa cells, reduces the constrictor effect of adenosine, but the regulation of NO release and its exact role in states of TGF-induced hyperfiltration are still unclear.

The mechanism of docosahexaenoic acid-induced phospholipase D activation in human lymphocytes involves exclusion of the enzyme from lipid rafts

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that inhibits T lymphocyte activation, has been shown to stimulate phospholipase D (PLD) activity in stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the DHA-induced PLD activation, we first characterized the PLD expression pattern of PBMC. We show that these cells express PLD1 and PLD2 at the protein and mRNA level and are devoid of oleate-dependent PLD activity. DHA enrichment of PBMC increased the DHA content of cell phospholipids, which was directly correlated with the extent of PLD activation. The DHA-induced PLD activation was independent of conventional protein kinase C but inhibited by brefeldin A, which suggests ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, DHA enrichment dose-dependently stimulated ARF translocation to cell membranes. Whereas 50% of the guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate plus ARF-dependent PLD activity and a substantial part of PLD1 protein were located to the detergent-insoluble membranes, so-called rafts, of non-enriched PBMC, DHA treatment strongly displaced them toward detergent-soluble membranes where ARF is present. Collectively, these results suggest that the exclusion of PLD1 from lipid rafts, due to their partial disorganization by DHA, and its relocalization in the vicinity of ARF, is responsible for its activation. This PLD activation might be responsible for the immunosuppressive effect of DHA because it is known to transmit antiproliferative signals in lymphoid cells.

Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored renal dipeptidase is released by a phospholipase C in vivo

The release mechanism of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored renal dipeptidase (EC 3.4.13.19) in vivo has been investigated. Triton X-114 phase separation indicated that the dipeptidase is exclusively present as a hydrophilic form in urine from porcine, rat, rabbit and human. Western blot analysis of human and porcine purified dipeptidase and the urine concentrates with anti-(cross-reacting determinant) serum demonstrated the presence of inositol 1,2-cyclic monophosphate indicating that the renal dipeptidase had been released from the membrane by the action of a phospholipase C. This is the first direct evidence for cleavage of a human GPI-anchored protein by a responsible phospholipase C in vivo.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Literature on the behaviour of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in the course of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia is briefly reviewed and aims for further researches are highlighted.

Lipid rafts and little caves. Compartmentalized signalling in membrane microdomains

Lipid rafts are liquid-ordered membrane microdomains with a unique protein and lipid composition found on the plasma membrane of most, if not all, mammalian cells. A large number of signalling molecules are concentrated within rafts, which have been proposed to function as signalling centres capable of facilitating efficient and specific signal transduction. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the composition, structure, and dynamic nature of lipid rafts, as well as a number of different signalling pathways that are compartmentalized within these microdomains. Potential mechanisms through which lipid rafts carry out their specialized role in signalling are discussed in light of recent experimental evidence.

Endogenous glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C releases renal dipeptidase from kidney proximal tubules in vitro

Spontaneous enzymic release of renal dipeptidase (RDPase; EC 3.4.13.19), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked ectoenzyme, was observed in vitro during incubation of porcine proximal tubules at 37 degrees C. Triton X-114 phase separation of the released RDPase showed that the majority of the enzyme activity partitioned into the aqueous phase, indicating its hydrophilic nature. Immunoblot analyses using an antibody against the cross-reacting determinant (CRD) inositol 1,2-cyclic monophosphate, the epitope formed by phospholipase C (PLC) cleavage of the GPI anchor on a protein, detected the released RDPase. Reprobing the immunoblot with an anti-RDPase serum showed the RDPase band co-migrating with the CRD band. The release of RDPase from the proximal tubules was a Ca(2+)-dependent process and had a pH optimum of 9.0. These results indicate that RDPase is released from the proximal tubules by the action of a distinct endogenous GPI-specific PLC.

CD38 Stimulation Lowers the Activation Threshold and Enhances the Alloreactivity of Cord Blood T Cells by Activating the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway and Inducing CD73 Expression

We have recently described in cord blood T cells (CBTC) a novel pathway linking CD38 and CD73, two signal transducers with ecto-enzyme activity. The aim of this study was 2-fold: first, to characterize the mechanisms by which CD38 regulates CD73 expression; and second, to determine whether surface-induced CD73 modulates CBTC responses. A marked increase in CD73 expression was observed in CD38+ cells after incubation with the appropriate CD38 mAbs. The induction of CD73 was blocked by wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K). CD38 stimulation induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3-K and its association with other tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Surface-induced CD73 was as efficient in delivering activatory signals as the CD73 constitutively expressed on adult T cells. Highly CBTC, totally unresponsive to mitogenic concentrations of plastic-immobilized CD3 mAb, proliferated vigorously when exposed to the combination of plastic-immobilized CD3 and CD73 mAbs. The reactivity to allogeneic irradiated PBMC was also significantly enhanced by CD38 stimulation and was dependent on CD73 expression. Thus, CD38 stimulation lowers the activation threshold of CBTC by the CD3/TCR complex and enhances their reactivity to allogeneic cells via activation of the PI3-kinase pathway and CD73 expression.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase from a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line. Correlation between enzyme activity and levels in intact cells

Differences on 5'-nucleotidase activity in intact Rugli and BCS-TC2 cells (rat glioblastoma and human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, respectively) are not due to differences in the characteristics of the ectoenzyme. A membrane-bound 5'-nucleotidase from BCS-TC2 cells has been purified to homogeneity with a high specific activity (130 U/mg), yielding a single 72-kDa band on SDS-PAGE. It is a metalloenzyme and, after inhibition by EDTA, its activity can be partially restored by divalent cations. The hydrolysis of the nucleosides 5'-monophosphate used as substrate follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics; ADP and concanavalin A are competitive and non-competitive inhibitors of the AMPase activity, respectively. This ecto-5'-nucleotidase is a high-mannose glycoprotein; deglycosylation converts the 72-kDa into a 59-kDa protein with a concomitant activity loss. The enzyme purified from BCS-TC2 cells shows similar characteristics from that previously isolated from Rugli cells; differences between them are mainly due to glycosylation. Polyclonal antibodies against 5'-nucleotidase from BCS-TC2 cells also show cross-reactivity with the enzyme from Rugli cells. When the ectoenzyme activity is measured in cells in culture, Rugli cells present a higher activity than BCS-TC2 cells however, they express very low amounts of ecto-5'-nucleotidase. Our results also show a reduction in protein level and enzyme activity associated with a decrease in the differentiation degree and an increase in tumorigenicity of human colon adenocarcinoma BCS-TC2 sublines.

Distribution of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein at the apical surface of MDCK cells examined at a resolution of <100 A using imaging fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Membrane microdomains ("lipid rafts") enriched in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, glycosphingolipids, and cholesterol have been implicated in events ranging from membrane trafficking to signal transduction. Although there is biochemical evidence for such membrane microdomains, they have not been visualized by light or electron microscopy. To probe for microdomains enriched in GPI- anchored proteins in intact cell membranes, we used a novel form of digital microscopy, imaging fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), which extends the resolution of fluorescence microscopy to the molecular level (<100 A). We detected significant energy transfer between donor- and acceptor-labeled antibodies against the GPI-anchored protein 5' nucleotidase (5' NT) at the apical membrane of MDCK cells. The efficiency of energy transfer correlated strongly with the surface density of the acceptor-labeled antibody. The FRET data conformed to theoretical predictions for two-dimensional FRET between randomly distributed molecules and were inconsistent with a model in which 5' NT is constitutively clustered. Though we cannot completely exclude the possibility that some 5' NT is in clusters, the data imply that most 5' NT molecules are randomly distributed across the apical surface of MDCK cells. These findings constrain current models for lipid rafts and the membrane organization of GPI-anchored proteins.

Behaviour of human lymphocytic isoenzymes of 5'-nucleotidase

The behaviour of 5'-nucleotidase isoenzymes (ecto-5'-nucleotidase, e-Ns and c-N-II soluble 5'-nucleotidases) was studied in lymphocytes from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A strong reduction in ecto- and soluble activities was observed, although the pattern of the three 5'-nucleotidases did not always strictly overlap. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in ecto-5'-nucleotidase, e-Ns and c-N-II was found in B and T populations (B lymphocytes: 1.13, 0.88 and 1.26 nmol/h/10(6) cells versus 95.96, 9.64 and 13.73 nmol/h/10(6) cells in controls; T lymphocytes: 1.31, 0.23 and 0.06 nmol/h/10(6) cells versus 9.25, 1.31 and 2.10 nmol/h/10(6) cells in healthy subjects). The percentage of ecto-5'-nucleotidase-positive cells (CD73+) was reduced in leukemia patients, indicating a lower number of active molecules on the cell surface. The results of RT-PCR analysis showed that the ecto-5'-nucleotidase mRNA of leukemia patients was not defective.

Release of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored enzyme ecto-5'-nucleotidase by phospholipase C: catalytic activation and modulation by the lipid bilayer

Many hydrolytic enzymes are attached to the extracellular face of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Little is currently known about the consequences for enzyme function of anchor cleavage by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. We have examined this question for the GPI-anchored protein 5'-nucleotidase (5'-ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase; EC 3.1.3.5), both in the native lymphocyte plasma membrane, and following purification and reconstitution into defined lipid bilayer vesicles, using Bacillus thuringiensis phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Membrane-bound, detergent-solubilized and cleaved 5'-nucleotidase all obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with a Km for 5'-AMP in the range 11-16 microM. The GPI anchor was removed from essentially all 5'-nucleotidase molecules, indicating that there is no phospholipase-resistant pool of enzyme. However, the phospholipase was much less efficient at cleaving the GPI anchor when 5'-nucleotidase was present in detergent solution, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, egg phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin, compared with the native plasma membrane, egg phosphatidylcholine and a sphingolipid/cholesterol-rich mixture. Lipid molecular properties and bilayer packing may affect the ability of PI-PLC to gain access to the GPI anchor. Catalytic activation, characterized by an increase in Vmax, was observed following PI-PLC cleavage of reconstituted 5'-nucleotidase from vesicles of several different lipids. The highest degree of activation was noted for 5'-nucleotidase in egg phosphatidylethanolamine. An increase in Vmax was also noted for a sphingolipid/cholesterol-rich mixture, the native plasma membrane and egg phosphatidylcholine, whereas vesicles of sphingomyelin and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine showed little activation. Km generally remained unchanged following cleavage, except in the case of the sphingolipid/cholesterol-rich mixture. Insertion of the GPI anchor into a lipid bilayer appears to reduce the catalytic efficiency of 5'-nucleotidase, possibly via a conformational change in the enzyme, and activity is restored on release from the membrane.

The hyaluronan receptor RHAMM regulates extracellular-regulated kinase

We have identified two RHAMM (receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility) isoforms that encode an alternatively spliced exon 4 (Hall, C. L., Yang, B., Yang, X., Zhang, S., Turley, M., Samuel, S., Lange, L. A., Wang, C., Curpen, G. D., Savani, R. C., Greenberg, A. H., and Turley, E. A. (1995) Cell 82, 19-26 and Wang, C., Entwistle, J., Hou, G., Li, Q., and Turley, E. A. (1996) Gene 174, 299-306). One of these, RHAMM variant 4 (RHAMMv4), is transforming when overexpressed and regulates Ras signaling (Hall et al.). Here we note using flow cytometry and confocal analysis that RHAMM isoforms encoding exon 4 occur both on the cell surface and in the cytoplasm. Epitope-tagging experiments indicate that RHAMMv4 occurs only in the cytoplasm. Several observations suggest that both cell surface RHAMM isoforms and RHAMMv4 are involved in regulating extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Affinity-purified anti-RHAMM exon 4 antibodies block the ability of platelet-derived growth factor to activate ERK, and these reagents modify the protein tyrosine phosphorylation profile of proteins resulting from treatment with platelet-derived growth factor. A dominant negative form of RHAMMv4 inhibits mutant active Ras activation of ERK and coimmunoprecipitates with both mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and ERK, suggesting that the intracellular RHAMMv4 acts downstream of Ras, possibly at the level of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-ERK interactions. Consistent with this, overexpression of RHAMMv4 constitutively activates ERK. These results identify a novel mechanism for the regulation of the Ras-ERK signaling pathway and suggest that RHAMM plays multiple roles in this regulation.

Divalent cation-activated-ATPase and ecto 5'-nucleotidase activities in chronic tonsillitis

The activities of two ectoenzymes,Mg(2+)-ATPase (ATPase) and 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) from tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were investigated in idiopathic tonsillar hyperplasia and recurrent tonsillitis. The ATPase activity of TMC was significantly higher in recurrent tonsillitis than in idiopathic tonsillar hyperplasia, whereas no difference was demonstrated in ATPase activity of PBMC. The activity of 5'-NT was similar in both investigated groups. However, ATPase and 5'-NT activities were significantly higher in TMC compared to PBMC. Such results suggest a possible role of ATPase in the activation of TMC during the course of chronic tonsillitis and indicate a difference in the function of TMC and PBMC.