A potent dimeric peptide antagonist of interleukin-5 that binds two interleukin-5 receptor alpha chains

Two series of peptides that specifically bind to the extracellular domain of the alpha chain of the human interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5Ralpha), but share no primary sequence homology to IL-5, were identified from libraries of random recombinant peptides. Affinity maturation procedures generated a 19-aa peptide that binds to the IL-5 receptor alpha/beta heterodimer complex with an affinity equal to that of IL-5 and is a potent and specific antagonist of IL-5 activity in a human eosinophil adhesion assay. The active form of the peptide is a disulfide-crosslinked dimer that forms spontaneously in solution. Gel filtration analysis, receptor-binding studies, and analytical ultracentrifugation reveal that the dimeric peptide binds simultaneously to two receptor alpha chains in solution. Furthermore, the dimer peptide, but not IL-5, can activate a chimeric receptor consisting of the IL-5Ralpha extracellular domain fused to the intracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor, thus demonstrating that the peptide also promotes receptor dimerization in a cellular context. The functional antagonism produced by the bivalent interaction of the dimeric peptide with two IL-5R alpha chains represents a distinctive mechanism for the antagonism of cytokines that use heteromeric receptors.

Peptides which bind to E-selectin and block neutrophil adhesion

E-selectin is an inducible cell adhesion molecule which mediates rolling of neutrophils on the endothelium, an early event in the development of an inflammatory response. Inhibition of selectin-mediated rolling is a possible means for controlling inflammation-induced diseases, and several classes of compounds have been tested for this use. We describe here the use of recombinant peptide library screening for identification and optimization of novel ligands which bind to E-selectin. Several of these peptides bind with Kd values in the low nanomolar range and block E-selectin-mediated adhesion of neutrophils in static and flow-cell assays. Administration of the peptide to mice undergoing an acute inflammatory response reduced the extent of neutrophil transmigration to the site of inflammation, demonstrating the utility of this compound as a potential therapeutic. The identification of a peptide ligand for E-selectin suggests that the complete natural ligand for this adhesion molecule may include protein as well as carbohydrate moieties.

Structure and function of the murine cytomegalovirus sgg1 gene: a determinant of viral growth in salivary gland acinar cells

The salivary gland has long been recognized as an important target organ for cytomegalovirus replication in the infected host. A viral gene, denoted sgg1, plays an important role for replication in the salivary gland even though it is dispensable for growth in other organs or in cultured cells. The nucleotide sequence of this gene and of cDNA clones representing two spliced transcripts (1.5 and 1.8 kb in size) has been determined. The more abundant 1.5-kb transcript contains a 312-amino-acid (aa) open reading frame (ORF) and encodes the corresponding 37-kDa protein (Sgg1) when expressed in transfected COS-7 cells. The 1.8-kb transcript initiates upstream of the 1.5-kb transcript and contains a 108-aa ORF in addition to the 312-aa ORF. This longer cDNA also encodes the 37-kDa protein Sgg1, although at lower abundance than the 1.5-kb cDNA. Sgg1 localizes to the cytoplasm of COS-7 cells, which is consistent with the predicted structural characteristics of the 312-aa ORF: a type 1 integral membrane protein. During viral infection, expression of both sgg1 transcripts is highest at early times (8 to 12 h) after infection; only the 1.5-kb transcript is present, at low levels, late in infection. A recombinant virus, RM868, carrying a lacZ-gpt insertion within sgg1, fails to express Sgg1 protein and exhibits reduced growth in the salivary gland. RM868 retains the capacity to disseminate in the infected mouse and to enter serous acinar cells, although it fails to replicate efficiently in this cell type. These results suggest that sgg1 is critical for high levels of viral replication in the salivary gland.

Human cytomegalovirus late protein encoded by ie2: a trans-activator as well as a repressor of gene expression

In order to study the function of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate early gene 2 (ie2) (UL122) gene products made at late times during infection, cDNA clones were isolated from an expression library made with 74 h post-infection mRNA. Based on screening of the library, 1% of transcripts in infected cells at this time were ie2 region-specific, and transcripts encoding gamma IE2(338aa), a 40K late gene product, were more abundant than those encoding IE2(579aa), an alpha gene product made throughout infection. As expected, the cDNA capable of directing the expression of gamma IE2(338aa) was derived from a contiguous genomic region within exon 5 of the ie1/ie2 region. The cDNA clones encoding gamma IE2(338aa) and IE2(579aa) were compared for their ability to trans-activate viral and cellular promoters and to repress expression from the ie1/ie2 promoter via the ie2 cis-repression signal. Unexpectedly, gamma IE2(338aa) trans-activated a variety of test promoters when cotransfected with the major alpha gene product, IE1(491aa). Promoters derived from the cellular beta-actin gene, the simian virus 40 early region and the human immunodeficiency virus were all responsive to gamma IE2(338aa) plus IE1(491aa), although several beta promoters derived from the HCMV genome were unresponsive. Thus, this abundant late product from the ie2 region may play a role in trans-activation in addition to its role as a repressor of alpha gene expression.

Cloning and analysis of two new isoforms of multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Expression in multiple human tissues

Multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) is a mediator of calcium signals in diverse signaling pathways. In human lymphocytes and epithelial tissues, CaM kinase activates a chloride channel via a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway which is preserved in cystic fibrosis. To characterize the CaM kinase present in these tissues we have cloned an isoform of this kinase from human T lymphocytes. We show the cDNA structure of two variants of this human CaM kinase, gamma B and gamma C, which are predicted to translate to 518 and 495 amino acids, respectively. Amino acid differences between these isoforms and the rat brain gamma isoform (which we refer to as gamma A) are localized to the variable domain. We used RNase protection of this variable region to reveal the level of expression of gamma B and gamma C CaM kinase mRNAs in nine human tissues and cell lines. When transfected into Jurkat T cells, the gamma B cDNA encoded a functional kinase which cosedimented on sucrose gradients with endogenous T cell CaM kinase activity and formed a large multimeric enzyme. The recombinant gamma B isoform displayed two phases of autophosphorylation characteristic of CaM kinases, including the phase which converts it to a partially Ca(2+)-independent species. Site-directed mutagenesis of the predicted autoinhibitory domain yielded a mutant which was approximately 37% active in the absence of Ca2+/calmodulin, confirming the region as critical for autoregulation, and suggesting this mutant as a tool for studying the role of CaM kinase in nonneuronal tissues.

Human lymphocytes transcribe the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene and exhibit CF-defective cAMP-regulated chloride current

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal genetic disease among Caucasians, primarily affecting epithelial tissues of the lung and gut. Mutations in a single gene, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), are responsible for this disease. Whether a physiological defect exists in the immune system of CF patients has remained controversial. A chloride ion transport defect has been described in human CF-derived lymphocytes; however, it has not been possible to detect CFTR mRNA in lymphocytes. We report here that normal human B-lymphoblasts display whole cell Cl- conductances induced by calcium-mediated pathways, volume regulation, and cAMP which are equivalent to currents described in epithelial cells. B-lymphoblasts from CF-affected humans demonstrated defective Cl- conductance regulation by cAMP but preserved regulation by calcium-mediated and volume regulation mechanisms. CFTR involvement in cAMP regulation of Cl- conductance in lymphocytes is further supported by our demonstration of the presence of appropriately spliced CFTR mRNA segments in human B and T lymphocytes as detected by an optimized reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction approach. The identity of the amplified products was confirmed by hybridization to CFTR-specific probes and DNA sequencing. Furthermore, the 3'-end of the gene was found in a T cell cDNA library. We conclude that CFTR mRNA is expressed in lymphocytes, consistent with the cAMP regulation of chloride transport present in normal lymphocytes but defective in CF-derived lymphocytes.

Activation of normal human B cells through their antigen receptor induces membrane expression of IL-1 alpha and secretion of IL-1 beta

We studied whether normal human B cells would express IL-1 activity and transcribe IL-1 genes before or after activation through their Ag receptor. Anti IgM antibody-activated B cells expressed IL-1 alpha on the cell surface and secreted IL-1 beta. Optimal induction of IL-1 occurred within 16 h of anti-IgM activation. mRNA specific for both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta was also induced upon activation. It is likely that the expression of m-IL-1 alpha on activated B cells together with the secretion of IL-1 beta represent important contributions in the efficient Ag-presenting capacity of B cells to T cells.

Activation of normal human B cells through their antigen receptor induces membrane expression of IL-1 alpha and secretion of IL-1 beta

We studied whether normal human B cells would express IL-1 activity and transcribe IL-1 genes before or after activation through their Ag receptor. Anti IgM antibody-activated B cells expressed IL-1 alpha on the cell surface and secreted IL-1 beta. Optimal induction of IL-1 occurred within 16 h of anti-IgM activation. mRNA specific for both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta was also induced upon activation. It is likely that the expression of m-IL-1 alpha on activated B cells together with the secretion of IL-1 beta represent important contributions in the efficient Ag-presenting capacity of B cells to T cells.

Isolation and expression of cDNA clones encoding a human receptor for IgG (Fc gamma RII)

We have cloned and expressed a cDNA encoding a human receptor for IgG (Fc gamma R) from the monocyte cell line U937. The deduced structure is a 35-kD transmembrane protein with homology to the mouse Fc[gamma 2b/gamma 1] receptor amino acid sequence of approximately 60% in the extracellular domain. The signal sequence is homologous to the mouse Fc gamma R alpha cDNA clone, while the transmembrane domain shares homology with mouse Fc gamma R beta cDNAs. The cytoplasmic domain is apparently unique. The extracellular domain shows significant homology to proteins of the Ig gene superfamily, including the human c-fms protooncogene/CSF-1 receptor. Mouse Ltk- cells transfected with the human Fc gamma R cDNA express a cell-surface receptor that selectively binds human IgG and is recognized by the anti-Fc gamma RII mAb IV.3. Antibodies against peptides derived from the human Fc gamma R sequence specifically stain U937 cells, but not an Fc gamma RII-bearing B-lymphoblastoid cell line (Daudi). These results identify the human Fc gamma RII as the homologue of mouse Fc[gamma 2b/gamma 1] R, and provide evidence for heterogeneity of Fc gamma RII expressed on monocytes and B cells.

Potentiating and suppressive IgE-binding factors are expressed by a single cloned gene

We have investigated expression of an IgE-binding factor (IgE-BF) cDNA in both COS-7 monkey kidney cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells. Transient expression of the IgE-BF clone in either cell type yielded IgE-BF, which potentiated an in vitro IgE response and had an affinity for lentil lectin. In contrast, when the transient expression experiments were carried out in the presence of tunicamycin, the factors no longer bound to lentil lectin. Moreover, IgE-BF expressed under these conditions suppressed an in vitro IgE response. IgE-BF lacking affinity for lentil lectin and suppressing the IgE response also resulted from transient expression of the IgE-BF gene in the presence of glycosylation inhibiting factor, a phospholipase inhibitory protein. Thus, IgE-BF that either potentiate or suppress the IgE response can be expressed from a single cloned gene; the difference in biological activities appears to be determined principally by the type of glycosylation of the common polypeptide chain. Previous work showed that IgE-BF bears an antigenic determinant recognized by the anti-Ia monoclonal antibody OX3. IgE-BF produced in the presence of tunicamycin, and IgE-BF expressed from a mutant cDNA lacking one of two carbohydrate-attachment sites, lacked the OX3 determinant. Thus, the OX3 determinant on IgE-BF appears to be associated with a site of N-linked glycosylation.

cDNA clones encoding murine IgE-binding factors represent multiple structural variants of intracisternal A-particle genes

Previously [Moore, K. W., Jardieu, P., Mietz, J. A., Trounstine, M. L., Kuff, E. L., Ishizaka, K. & Martens, C. L. (1986) J. Immunol. 136, 4283-4290], we examined a T-hybridoma-derived cDNA clone, 8.3, that encodes a biologically active murine IgE-binding factor (IgE-BF), and we showed that it was a variant member of the endogenous retroviral gene family related to mouse intracisternal A particles (IAPs). We have now characterized four more IgE-BF cDNA clones by heteroduplex and restriction enzyme analysis and found that they all represent different structural variants of the full-size IAP genomic element. In clones 8.3 and 10.2, which have been fully sequenced, the open reading frames span deletions 3.4 and 1.9 kilobases (kb) long, respectively, and specify different gag-pol fusion polypeptides. Clone 9.5 contains a 2.1-kb deletion entirely within the pol region. Two other clones (4.2 and 11.7) contain no internal deletion and may represent truncated cDNA copies of full-size (7.2 kb) IAP gene transcripts. Structural variants very similar to clone 10.2 are common in the mouse genome, and clone 9.5 is also probably not a unique gene form. The sequences of clones 8.3 and 10.2 are different in detail, but each is closely homologous to a randomly cloned mouse genomic IAP element throughout the gag-related portions of their open reading frames. Antibodies against two oligopeptides specified by the sequence of clone 8.3 immunoprecipitated IAP-related proteins from mouse neuroblastoma and myeloma cells, confirming that the IgE-BF produced by this clone shares sequence with expressed IAP elements in different cell types. Thus, information related to the IgE-BF is an integral part of the murine IAP retrotransposon gag gene.

Rodent IgE-binding factor genes are members of an endogenous, retrovirus-like gene family

Synthesis of IgE by B lymphocytes can be regulated by soluble lymphocyte factors which have affinity for the Fc region of IgE (IgE-binding factors). In previous studies, we identified cDNA clones encoding rodent IgE-binding factors by direct expression in transfected mammalian cells. Here we show that IgE-binding factor cDNA clone 8.3 is a member of the endogenous, retrovirus-like intracisternal A-particle gene family of the mouse. This conclusion is supported by blot hybridization, DNA sequence comparisons, heteroduplex analysis, and immunochemical cross-reactivity of the encoded proteins. The results identify a member of this highly reiterated gene family with a role in regulation of the allergic immune response.

Rodent IgE-binding factor genes are members of an endogenous, retrovirus-like gene family

Synthesis of IgE by B lymphocytes can be regulated by soluble lymphocyte factors which have affinity for the Fc region of IgE (IgE-binding factors). In previous studies, we identified cDNA clones encoding rodent IgE-binding factors by direct expression in transfected mammalian cells. Here we show that IgE-binding factor cDNA clone 8.3 is a member of the endogenous, retrovirus-like intracisternal A-particle gene family of the mouse. This conclusion is supported by blot hybridization, DNA sequence comparisons, heteroduplex analysis, and immunochemical cross-reactivity of the encoded proteins. The results identify a member of this highly reiterated gene family with a role in regulation of the allergic immune response.

cDNA clones encoding IgE-binding factors from a rat-mouse T-cell hybridoma

cDNA clones encoding rodent IgE-binding factors (IgE-BF) were isolated from cDNA libraries of a rat-mouse T hybridoma that secretes IgE-suppressive factor (IgE-SF) upon incubation with rat IgE. COS7 cells transfected with two of the cDNAs expressed IgE-BF, which selectively potentiate an in vitro IgE response. IgE-BF expressed in COS7 cells are glycoproteins of approximately equal to 60 and approximately equal to 11 kDa. DNA sequence analysis of an IgE-BF cDNA revealed a 556-amino acid (62 kDa) protein coding region. The results suggest that IgE-potentiating and IgE-suppressive factors share common precursor polypeptides and that the 11-kDa IgE-BF is derived from a 60-kDa precursor.

Molecular genetic analysis of genes encoding the heavy chains of rabbit IgG

We analyzed the genes which encode the heavy chain constant region of rabbit IgG molecules. Five DNA clones derived from the chromosomal region which spans the C gamma coding sequences were isolated from a recombinant phage library of rabbit liver DNA. Four of these clones can be grouped together by overlaps; together they represent 37 kb of genomic DNA, and contain one C gamma gene and one tentatively identified C epsilon gene. A second C gamma gene was identified which did not overlap with the group of four clones because of restriction site differences found in the flanking regions 5' to the C gamma genes. Nucleotide sequences of the two C gamma genes were identical. Comparisons of the restriction maps of the two cloned C gamma genomic regions suggest that they may represent allelic regions of chromosomes of two different heavy chain haplotypes with polymorphisms in the regions flanking the C gamma genes.

Molecular genetic analysis of genes encoding the heavy chains of rabbit IgG

We analyzed the genes which encode the heavy chain constant region of rabbit IgG molecules. Five DNA clones derived from the chromosomal region which spans the C gamma coding sequences were isolated from a recombinant phage library of rabbit liver DNA. Four of these clones can be grouped together by overlaps; together they represent 37 kb of genomic DNA, and contain one C gamma gene and one tentatively identified C epsilon gene. A second C gamma gene was identified which did not overlap with the group of four clones because of restriction site differences found in the flanking regions 5' to the C gamma genes. Nucleotide sequences of the two C gamma genes were identical. Comparisons of the restriction maps of the two cloned C gamma genomic regions suggest that they may represent allelic regions of chromosomes of two different heavy chain haplotypes with polymorphisms in the regions flanking the C gamma genes.

Genes encoding alpha-heavy chains of rabbit IgA: characterization of cDNA encoding IgA-g subclass alpha-chains

cDNA molecules encoding rabbit IgA alpha-heavy chains have been synthesized and six of these have been characterized. The complete nucleotide sequence of one cDNA, p 19 (942bp), showed that it encoded all but the N-terminal 57 amino acid residues of the constant region of alpha-chains. The cDNA molecules were subcloned into the expression vector pUC8 and E. coli were transformed. Radioimmunoassay of the molecules synthesized by these clones showed that all six cDNA molecules encoded alpha-chains of the IgA-g subclass. Comparison of the amino acids encoded by the alpha-cDNA with the amino acid sequence of mouse and human alpha-chains showed that although all of the intradomain disulfide bonds appear to be conserved, some positions, probably involved in interchain disulfide bonds, are not conserved. We propose that secretory component is covalently bound to cysteine 299 and/or cysteine 301 of the CH2 domain of mouse and human alpha-chains. The results from Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA with 32P-cDNA suggests that the rabbit genome has multiple C alpha genes.

Estimation of the number of genes specifying the heavy chain of mouse thymus leukemia antigens

We have investigated the number of structural genes present in ASL-1 cells, a murine leukemia cell line which encodes the heavy chain of thymus leukemia (TL) antigens, a protein which is similar to the Class I histocompatibility antigens. TL-specific messenger RNA was purified from polysomes of ASL-1 cells by immunoprecipitation, and this messenger RNA translated in vitro to produce a Mr 42,000 protein which comigrated on acrylamide gel with nonglycosylated TL heavy chain. A 32P-labeled complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized by reverse transcription of the TL-specific messenger RNA as template. Analysis of reassociation kinetics of the 32P-TL-cDNA with DNA from ASL-1 cells showed that the kinetics was indistinguishable from that obtained using a DNA encoding a single-copy gene (C mu). An analysis was performed in which DNA from ASL-1 cells was subjected to digestion with each of three restriction enzymes and hybridized with 32P-TL-cDNA according to the Southern "blot" technique. Two bands formed hybrids with the 32P-TL-cDNA with each of three restriction enzymes used. These data are consistent with the presence of a small number of structural genes for the TL heavy chain in the genome of ASL-1 leukemia cells.

Heavy chain genes of rabbit IgG: isolation of a cDNA encoding gamma heavy chain and identification of two genomic C gamma genes

A cDNA library was constructed by using rabbit spleen poly(A)+RNA as template, and from this library was isolated a cDNA clone, p2a2, that encodes 179 amino acids of the heavy chain of rabbit IgG. The nucleotide sequence of p2a2 showed that it encodes the COOH-terminal eight amino acids of the CH1 domain, the hinge region, the CH2 domain, and the NH2-terminal half of the CH3 domain of C gamma. Southern blot hybridization analysis of rabbit sperm DNA showed that two EcoRI fragments hybridized strongly with the C gamma cDNA. The p2a2 cDNA was used as a probe to isolate recombinant Charon 4A phage clones containing C gamma sequences from a genomic library of rabbit liver DNA. Two distinct DNA segments were identified by restriction mapping and hybridization analysis, suggesting that the haploid rabbit genome may contain two different C gamma genes.

Bovine-associated mucoprotein: I. Distribution among adult and fetal bovine tissues and body fluids

Bovine-associated mucoprotein (BAMP), solubilized with water from the delipidated membranes of bovine milk fat globules, is not restricted to fat globules or to the alveolar epithelial cells from which they are formed. BAMP also has a widespread distribution on other bovine glandular epithelial cells and on undifferentiated cells in lymphoid germinal centers and in several fetal tissues. Free BAMP is present in bovine colostrum, milk, other secretory fluids, and in fetal serum but is absent from adult and colostrum-deprived calf sera. In bronchoalveolar fluids, BAMP is preferentially found in the mucus-rich fraction. BAMP is antigenically distinct from all adult serum proteins, free secretory component, beta 2-microglobulin, lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and five different caseins. BAMP as a free protein constitutes one-sixth of the total amount of BAMP present in milk. The BAMP-related component of fetal serum lacks antigenic determinants present on the BAMP of milk as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and partial blocking of immunofluorescence. The fetal component is not fetuin or alpha 1-fetoprotein. These data suggest that BAMP may be useful in studies of the membranes of proliferating or differentiating epithelial cells.

Circadian rhythms of nucleic acid metabolism in Neurospora crassa

Wild-type, band, and fluffy strains of Neurospora crassa exhibit circadian rhythms of ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid content in the growth-front hyphae of cultures grown on a solid medium. There is also a rhythm of (3)H-uridine incorporation into the nucleic acids of the band strain. Maximum incorporation precedes the peaks of nucleic acid content which occur during conidiation. As cultures age, ribonucleic acid content decreases rapidly and deoxyribonucleic acid content decreases gradually in standing, shake, and bubble cultures. A reduction of ribonuclease activity with age is also noted in standing and shake cultures. The nucleic acid content, nuclease activity, and changes associated with age vary with the culture conditions.