Nonadherent cells switch to a Rac-mediated, SHIP regulated, Akt activation mode for survival

Constitutively active Rac stimulates Akt activity in T lymphocytes cultured in suspension. This regulation contrasts with findings obtained in fibroblasts, endothelial or neuronal cells grown on substrate, where Akt stimulation occurs independently of Rac. We now show that V12Rac-mediated stimulation of Akt is not restricted to the hematopoietic lineage but is dependent on the adherence status of the cell. V12Rac-mediated stimulation of Akt as well as molecular association between Rac and Akt occurred exclusively in cells kept in suspension. Stimulation and complex formation are dependent on SHIP but in a manner that differs from its role in dephosphorylation of phosphoinositide lipids. Adherent cells lacking SHIP, but not those lacking PTEN, are able to activate Akt through the Rac pathway. Our data reveal the existence of a bona fide Rac to Akt signaling pathway, tightly regulated by SHIP and operational in suspended cells only. This pathway may point to an alternative survival signal that is called into action when cells lose contact with the substrate and/or with other cells.

The CD44v7/8 epitope as a target to restrain proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

CD44 is a receptor for the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan. It exists in a large range of isoforms because of variability in the pattern of glycosylation (both N- and O-linked) and of multiple splice variants. Human fibroblast-like synoviocytes derived from patients with rheumatoid arthritis express certain CD44 splice variants and we have investigated the functional implications of their expression. We found that the rate of proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes expressing the CD44v7/8 epitope (average doubling time 55 hours) exceeds those obtained from the same synovial specimen but lacking this particular epitope (69 hours). Antibodies against CD44v7/8, but not against other exons, inhibit cell proliferation with concomitant induction of the cell cycle inhibitors GADD45, GADD153 and the cyclin-dependent protein-kinase inhibitors p21Waf/Cip. These data show that expression of CD44v7/8 contributes to the transformed phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes. More importantly, they reveal the presence of a target that might be amenable to pharmacological intervention in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ras regulation and function in lymphocytes

The GTPase, Ras, is rapidly activated in antigen receptor stimulated T. cells, B cells and mast cells. Ras can bind to diverse effector molecules when activated and thereby switch on multiple downstream effector pathways. In lymphocytes Ras plays an important role in the signalling pathways that activate transcription factors involved in cytokine gene induction. Ras is also a key component of the complex regulatory networks that control T and B cell development.

TGFbeta1 induces a cell-cycle-dependent increase in motility of epithelial cells

We have previously shown that addition of type 1 transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta1) to an exponentially growing population of mink lung CCl64 cells increases their average intermitotic time from 14.4 to 20.3 hours, predominantly by extending G1 from 7.5 to 13.5 hours. Here we have used the DRIMAPS system (digitally recorded interference microscopy with automatic phase-shifting) for obtaining data on cellular mass distribution, cell motility and morphology. We found no significant change in the cells' rate of mass increase following TGFbeta1 treatment, which implies that the treated cells attained a higher mass during their extended cell cycle and this was confirmed by direct measurement of cell size. However, the cells showed a dramatic motile response to treatment: TGFbeta1-treated cells had a significantly higher time-averaged speed of 36.2 microm hour-1 compared to 14.5 microm hour-1 for the control cells. The time course of the response was gradual, reaching a maximum mean speed of 52.6 microm hour-1 after 15 hours exposure. We found that the gradual onset of the response was probably not due to a slow accumulation of a secondary factor but because cells were dividing throughout the experiment and most of the response to TGFbeta1 occurred only after the first cell division in its presence. Thus, taking only those cells that had not yet divided, the time-averaged speed of treated cells (26.1 micrometer hour-1) was only moderately higher than that of untreated cells (14.9 micrometer hour-1) whereas, for those cells that had divided, the difference in speed between treated cells (45.1 micrometer hour-1) and untreated cells (14.1 microm hour-1) was much greater. Increased speed was a consequence of enhanced protrusion and retraction of the cell margin coupled with an increase in cell polarity. TGFbeta1 also increased the mean spreading of the cells, measured as area-to-mass ratio, from 3.2 to 4.4 micrometer2 pg-1, and the intracellular mass distribution became more asymmetric. The observations indicate that a G2 signal may be necessary to reach maximal motility in the presence of TGFbeta1.

p21ras initiates Rac-1 but not phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/PKB, mediated signaling pathways in T lymphocytes

p21ras is activated by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and then co-ordinates important signaling pathways for T lymphocyte activation. Effector pathways for this guanine nucleotide binding protein in T cells are mediated by the serine/threonine kinase Raf-1 and the Ras-related GTPase Rac-1. In fibroblasts, an important effector for the Ras oncogene is Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns 3-kinase). Activation of this lipid kinase is able to induce critical Rac-1 signaling pathways and can couple p21ras to cell survival mechanisms via the serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB. The role of PtdIns 3-kinase in Ras signaling in T cells has not been explored. In the present study, we examined the ability of PtdIns 3-kinase to initiate the Rac-1 signaling pathways important for T cell activation. We also examined the possibility that Akt/PKB is regulated by Ras signaling pathways in T lymphocytes. The results show that Ras can initiate a Rac-1 mediated pathway that regulates the transcriptional function of AP-1 complexes. PtdIns 3-kinase signals cannot mimic p21ras and induce the Rac mediated responses of AP-1 transcriptional activation. Moreover, neither TCR or Ras activation of AP-1 is dependent on PtdIns 3-kinase. PKB is activated in response to triggering of the T cell antigen receptor; PtdIns 3-kinase activity is both required and sufficient for this TCR response. In contrast, p21ras signals are unable to induce Akt/PKB activity in T cell nor is Ras function required for Akt/PKB activation in response to the TCR. The present data thus highlight that PtdIns 3-kinase and Akt/PKB are not universal Ras effector molecules. Ras can initiate Rac-1 regulated signaling pathways in the context of T cell antigen receptor function independently of PtdIns 3-kinase activity.

Multiple p21ras effector pathways regulate nuclear factor of activated T cells

The transcription factor, Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NFAT) is a major target for p21ras and calcium signalling pathways in the IL-2 gene and is induced by p21ras signals acting in synergy with calcium/calcineurin signals. One p21ras effector pathway involves the MAP kinase ERK-2, and we have examined its role in NFAT regulation. Expression of dominant negative MAPKK-1 prevents NFAT induction. Constitutively active MAPKK-1 fully activates ERK-2 and the transcription factor Elk-1, but does not substitute for activated p21ras and synergize with calcium/calcineurin signals to induce NFAT. Expression of dominant negative N17Rac also prevents TCR and p21ras activation of NFAT, but without interfering with the ERK-2 pathway. The transcriptional activity of the NFAT binding site is mediated by a complex comprising a member of the NFAT group and AP-1 family proteins. The induction of AP-1 by p21ras also requires Rac-1 function. Activated Rac-1 could mimic activated p21ras to induce AP-1 but not to induce NFAT. Moreover, the combination of activated MAPKK-1 and Rac-1 could not substitute for activated p21ras and synergize with calcium signals to induce NFAT. Thus, p21ras regulation of NFAT in T cells requires the activity of multiple effector pathways including those regulated by MAPKK-1/ERK-2 and Rac-1.

Interferon alpha and intracytoplasmic free calcium in hairy cell leukemia cells

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a B-cell tumor affecting the pre-plasma stage of B cell differentiation. One of the most striking characteristics of this disease is its remarkable responsiveness to alpha-interferon (IFN-alpha) therapy. Interferons constitute a heterologous family of multifunctional cytokines displaying anti-viral, anti-proliferative and immunoregulatory properties. These activities have been extensively studied in hairy cells, but the mechanism of action of IFN-alpha in hairy cell leukemia remains unknown. Our approach to investigate the mode action of IFN-alpha in HCL has been to identify abnormalities which occur in these tumor cells and then to ascertain whether these abnormalities can be rectified by IFN-alpha treatment. A high level of free Ca2+ in the cytoplasm of hairy cells was identified. Increases in cytosolic Ca2+ are believed to be a pivotal signal in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell death. These high Ca2+ levels in hairy cells could be reduced upon treatment with IFN-alpha either in vitro or in vivo, probably acting by reducing Ca2+ influx into the leukemic cells. Moreover, the effect of IFN-alpha on [Ca2+]i seems to be correlated with down-regulation of CD20 phosphorylation, a B cell specific phosphoprotein involved in Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. The possible origins and implications of Ca2+ deregulation and the possible mechanisms or sites of action of IFN-alpha in tumor cells from HCL are explored in this review.

Hyperphosphorylation of CD20 in hairy cells. Alteration by low molecular weight B cell growth factor and IFN-alpha

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a B cell tumor affecting the pre-plasma stage of B cell differentiation. Hairy cells produce B cell growth factor (BCGF)-related growth factor(s) and we have previously shown that low mol wt (LMW)-BCGF-induced proliferation of hairy cells is inhibited in vitro and in vivo by IFN-alpha. We therefore suggested that this effect might contribute to the exquisite sensitivity of HCL to IFN-alpha therapy. To elucidate the mechanism involved in the therapeutic effect of IFN-alpha, we have analyzed the pattern of phosphorylated proteins in hairy cells. We detected the presence of a hyperphosphorylated protein with a molecular mass of about 35 kDa. This protein was identified as the CD20 molecule (B1), which is a structurally unique phosphoprotein exclusively detected on B cells and expressed during most stages of B cell development. Incubation of hairy cells with mitogenic concentrations of LMW-BCGF induces an additional increase in CD20 protein phosphorylation. In contrast, preincubation of cells with IFN-alpha, but not IFN-gamma, decreases both basal and LMW-BCGF-induced CD20 phosphorylation. CD20 phosphorylation in hairy cells is also reduced after in vivo IFN-alpha administration. In contrast, in one case of a patient unresponsive to IFN-alpha therapy, CD20 phosphorylation is not altered by in vitro IFN-alpha treatment, whereas LMW-BCGF still elicits CD20 phosphorylation stimulation. Our results suggest that IFN-alpha may act in HCL, at least in part, by inhibiting leukemic cell proliferation via regulation of phosphorylation, since CD20 phosphorylation is thought to be associated with cellular proliferation. A model involving dysregulation of CD20 is discussed.

Hyperphosphorylation of CD20 in hairy cells. Alteration by low molecular weight B cell growth factor and IFN-alpha

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a B cell tumor affecting the pre-plasma stage of B cell differentiation. Hairy cells produce B cell growth factor (BCGF)-related growth factor(s) and we have previously shown that low mol wt (LMW)-BCGF-induced proliferation of hairy cells is inhibited in vitro and in vivo by IFN-alpha. We therefore suggested that this effect might contribute to the exquisite sensitivity of HCL to IFN-alpha therapy. To elucidate the mechanism involved in the therapeutic effect of IFN-alpha, we have analyzed the pattern of phosphorylated proteins in hairy cells. We detected the presence of a hyperphosphorylated protein with a molecular mass of about 35 kDa. This protein was identified as the CD20 molecule (B1), which is a structurally unique phosphoprotein exclusively detected on B cells and expressed during most stages of B cell development. Incubation of hairy cells with mitogenic concentrations of LMW-BCGF induces an additional increase in CD20 protein phosphorylation. In contrast, preincubation of cells with IFN-alpha, but not IFN-gamma, decreases both basal and LMW-BCGF-induced CD20 phosphorylation. CD20 phosphorylation in hairy cells is also reduced after in vivo IFN-alpha administration. In contrast, in one case of a patient unresponsive to IFN-alpha therapy, CD20 phosphorylation is not altered by in vitro IFN-alpha treatment, whereas LMW-BCGF still elicits CD20 phosphorylation stimulation. Our results suggest that IFN-alpha may act in HCL, at least in part, by inhibiting leukemic cell proliferation via regulation of phosphorylation, since CD20 phosphorylation is thought to be associated with cellular proliferation. A model involving dysregulation of CD20 is discussed.

Monoclonal anti-CD23 antibodies induce a rise in [Ca2+]i and polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in human activated B cells. Involvement of a Gp protein

Transduction through the CD23 molecule (Fc epsilon RII) was analyzed in human activated B lymphocytes using anti-CD23 mAb. B cell blasts expressing an increased amount of surface CD23 molecule were obtained by stimulation of normal peripheral blood B lymphocytes with Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan I and IL-4. Anti-CD23 mAb were found to trigger polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in these cells (and also in tumoral B cells expressing spontaneously CD23) and a rise in [Ca2+]i which could be attributed to mobilization from cytoplasmic pools. This increase in [Ca2+]i could be mimicked, with a comparable time-course, by the addition of InsP3 to permeabilized B cell blasts indicating that the increase in inositol phosphate accumulation induced by the antibodies was due to a preferential attack of phosphatidylinositol-bisphosphate by a specific phosphoinositidase C (PIC). In permeabilized cells, raising the free calcium concentration above 3 microM was found to induce polyphosphoinositides hydrolysis and to activate directly the PIC. Addition of 100 microM GTP-tetralithium salt, a non-hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, also resulted in an increased accumulation of inositol phosphates. A Ca2(+)-dependent PIC, linked to a GTP-binding protein (Gp protein), can thus be activated in B cell blasts. Addition of anti-CD23 antibodies to permeabilized B cells in the presence of a physiologic concentration of Ca2+ (100 nM) evoked, within 10 min, a rise in the various inositol phosphates. This ability of anti-CD23 antibodies to activate PIC was enhanced in the presence of GTP-tetralithium salt 100 microM. By contrast, preincubation with GDP-trilithium salt, a nonhydrolyzable analogue of GDP, caused a marked reduction in the release of inositol phosphates. Preincubation of B cell blasts with Pertussis toxin resulted in a total inhibition of the capacity of the toxin to ADP-ribosylate a 41-kDa protein, probably of the Gi type; in these conditions, no modification of anti-CD23-elicited polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis could be detected. These results suggest that the CD23 molecule may be coupled to the phosphoinositide signaling pathway by a GTP-dependent component that is insensitive to Pertussis toxin.

Monoclonal anti-CD23 antibodies induce a rise in [Ca2+]i and polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in human activated B cells. Involvement of a Gp protein

Transduction through the CD23 molecule (Fc epsilon RII) was analyzed in human activated B lymphocytes using anti-CD23 mAb. B cell blasts expressing an increased amount of surface CD23 molecule were obtained by stimulation of normal peripheral blood B lymphocytes with Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan I and IL-4. Anti-CD23 mAb were found to trigger polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in these cells (and also in tumoral B cells expressing spontaneously CD23) and a rise in [Ca2+]i which could be attributed to mobilization from cytoplasmic pools. This increase in [Ca2+]i could be mimicked, with a comparable time-course, by the addition of InsP3 to permeabilized B cell blasts indicating that the increase in inositol phosphate accumulation induced by the antibodies was due to a preferential attack of phosphatidylinositol-bisphosphate by a specific phosphoinositidase C (PIC). In permeabilized cells, raising the free calcium concentration above 3 microM was found to induce polyphosphoinositides hydrolysis and to activate directly the PIC. Addition of 100 microM GTP-tetralithium salt, a non-hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, also resulted in an increased accumulation of inositol phosphates. A Ca2(+)-dependent PIC, linked to a GTP-binding protein (Gp protein), can thus be activated in B cell blasts. Addition of anti-CD23 antibodies to permeabilized B cells in the presence of a physiologic concentration of Ca2+ (100 nM) evoked, within 10 min, a rise in the various inositol phosphates. This ability of anti-CD23 antibodies to activate PIC was enhanced in the presence of GTP-tetralithium salt 100 microM. By contrast, preincubation with GDP-trilithium salt, a nonhydrolyzable analogue of GDP, caused a marked reduction in the release of inositol phosphates. Preincubation of B cell blasts with Pertussis toxin resulted in a total inhibition of the capacity of the toxin to ADP-ribosylate a 41-kDa protein, probably of the Gi type; in these conditions, no modification of anti-CD23-elicited polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis could be detected. These results suggest that the CD23 molecule may be coupled to the phosphoinositide signaling pathway by a GTP-dependent component that is insensitive to Pertussis toxin.

Effect of bacterial toxins on human B cell activation. I. Mitogenic activity of pertussis toxin

Pertussis toxin (PT) was found to elicit an increased thymidine uptake in resting B lymphocytes purified from human peripheral blood. A significant mitogenic effect was detected for toxin concentrations greater than 100 ng/ml (1nM) and a plateau of stimulation was reached at 1000 ng/ml (10 nM). B cell blasts, activated by a first signal such as Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I or insolubilized anti-mu chain antibody, were also stimulated to DNA synthesis by PT in the same range of concentrations. At lower sub-mitogenic concentrations, the toxin potentiated the response to the low-molecular weight B cell growth factor (LMW-BCGF or 12-kDa BCGF), a progression factor for activated B cells. The "A" or catalytic subunit was devoid of any activity on B cells, suggesting the stimulatory effect of the toxin might be associated with the binding or "B" subunit, as it has been shown for T cells. This hypothesis was strengthened by the observation that, as in T cell, the whole toxin but not the "A" promoter, was able to induce calcium influx in these cells. In addition, the purified "B" oligomer alone was found to promote DNA synthesis in B cells. Finally, a fragment of the soluble cleaved form of the CD23 molecule (Fc epsilon RII) could be involved in the process of PT mitogenicity for B cells.

Effect of interferon-alpha on the expression and release of the CD23 molecule in hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cells are stimulated to DNA synthesis by low molecular weight B cell growth factor (LMW-BCGF) and this proliferative response is suppressed by interferon (IFN)-alpha, both in vitro and in vivo. The suggestion that the CD23 molecule (Fc epsilon II receptor) might be involved in the signalling pathway of LMW-BCGF prompted us to study the expression of this molecule on hairy cells and its modulation by IFN-alpha. By flow cytometry and direct binding experiments with anti CD23 monoclonal antibodies, the presence of the CD23 antigen was detected in 7 of 12 cases tested, on variable percentages of cells, ranging from low to medium expression. In vitro incubation of hairy cells with IFN-alpha, which elicits a suppression of the proliferative response of these cells to LMW-BCGF, induced a parallel significant reduction of CD23 expression in only three cases. Similarly, a transient in vivo decrease of CD23 expression, concommitant with an inhibition of the LMW-BCGF response, could be detected in only one of three patients injected with IFN-alpha. Soluble sCD23/IgE-binding factor (BF) was quantitated in the serum from six other patients with hyperleukocytic hairy cell leukemia (HCL) undergoing a clinical trial of IFN-alpha therapy. Before treatment, these patients presented higher concentrations of the cleaved soluble form of the CD23 molecule than normal controls. Within a few weeks of IFN-alpha administration, these levels markedly decreased, paralleling a diminution of blood leukemic cells. Of interest, no such diminution was noticed for another patient resistant to IFN-alpha therapy. These results show that the proliferative response of hairy cells to LMW-BCGF is not linked to the expression of the CD23 marker. Besides, when the latter molecule was present, its decrease following IFN-alpha treatment, which could be detected in some cases, was not necessarily required for the suppression of the LMW-BCGF response and is thus not mandatory for the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-alpha. Our results point out that quantitation of serum sCD23/IgE-BF, whether related to a process of autocrine proliferation or not, is a parameter of potential importance for therapy monitoring.

Potentiation of the proliferative response of human B lymphocytes to low molecular weight B cell growth factor (LMW-BCGF) by fibroblast growth factors (FGFs)

Both acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), although devoid alone of growth-promoting ability on resting or activated human lymphoid B cells, were found to markedly increase the proliferative response of anti-mu-chain or SAC preactivated B cell blasts to the low molecular weight B cell growth factor (LMW-BCGF) and to enhance the costimulatory response of resting B cells to anti-mu-chain and LMW-BCGF. This potentiating effect was also observed for a LMW-BCGF-dependent B cell tumor derived from a lymphocytic nodular lymphoma. Other growth factors acting on fibroblasts, such as epidermal growth factor, alpha-thrombin, platelet-derived growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-I did not display such enhancing effect on LMW-BCGF-driven proliferation. Activated, but not resting B cells were found to bear receptor sites for FGFs and from kinetics experiments, it is suggested that LMW-BCGF induces competence expression for FGFs in those cells. Moreover, the LMW-BCGF-elicited generation of inositoltrisphosphate resulting from polyphosphoinositides hydrolysis was increased in the presence of FGF.

A method for the determination of the affinity constant of antibodies to tissue plasminogen activator

A simple method for the determination of the affinity constant of antibodies to fibrin-bound tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is described. The method is based on the high-affinity binding of t-PA to a solid-phase fibrin support which allows the specific separation of t-PA present in any biological fluid. This provides as in the physiological fibrin-t-PA interaction, a molecular structure conserving its antigenic and functional properties which allows for the binding of specific anti-t-PA antibodies and hence facilitates the separation of free from bound antibody. Then, antibodies bound to t-PA are revealed with a labelled, second antibody and data relating Bound v Total antibody input can be analyzed. Affinities were calculated by least square nonlinear regression analysis using a computerized approach. The method allows the direct use of plasma or other crude sources where t-PA is present in its most native form.

Proliferative response of hairy cells to B cell growth factor (BCGF): in vivo inhibition by interferon-alpha and in vitro effects of interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a pre-plasma B cell tumor which responds to interferon (IFN)-alpha therapy. In vitro, B cell growth factor (BCGF) can induce proliferation of hairy cells. We have investigated the effect of in vitro and in vivo treatments with different recombinant IFN on the capacity of hairy cells to proliferate in response to human BCGF. In vitro treatment of leukemic cells from HCL patients with recombinant IFN-alpha-2 (5/5 cases) or IFN-beta (4/5 cases) resulted in a marked inhibition of the BCGF-dependent response. This suppressive effect was obtained with IFN concentrations of 1000, 100 IU/ml, and even occasionally 10 IU/ml. In contrast, no such inhibition was observed with IFN-gamma, despite the presence of specific IFN-gamma receptors on hairy cells at densities similar to receptors for IFN-alpha/beta. The IFN-alpha-induced suppression of the proliferative response of hairy cells to BCGF was also observed in vivo in two patients within 6-12 hr after administration of single doses of IFN-alpha. When hairy cells were maintained in culture for 1 week, they recovered their capacity to be stimulated by BCGF. This reversion was also shown in vivo in hairy cells isolated 1 week after IFN administration. Since in vivo growth of hairy cells could possibly result from the autocrine secretion of BCGF, we propose that the therapeutic effect of IFN-alpha on HCL may be due in part to an inhibition of such autocrine loop.

A B cell growth factor-dependent cell line derived from a human lymphocytic nodular lymphoma

A B cell line derived from a human nodular lymphocytic lymphoma (Brill-Symmers) was shown to be dependent on the presence of a low molecular weight B cell growth factor (BCGF) for its growth in vitro. The caryotype was normal and no contamination with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could be detected. These cells did not respond to recombinant gamma interferon or to recombinant human interleukin 2 (IL-2), although they displayed a weak density of IL-2 receptor sites. They were both responsive to and dependent on BCGF for their multiplication in vitro. Furthermore, the putative receptor for this growth factor (CD23) was detected on these cells and the BCGF-dependent proliferation could be blocked by a monoclonal anti-CD23 antibody. A tumour-derived cell line like this provides an interesting model for studying the mechanisms regulating B cell growth and the early events leading to the process of B cell immortalization.

Production of monoclonal antibodies to the high fibrin-affinity, tissue-type plasminogen activator of human plasma. Demonstration of its endothelial origin by immunolocalization

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to vascular plasminogen activator (vPA), the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) in human plasma, were produced to be used as probes for immunochemical analysis. Human tissue sections and one of these MAbs were used to demonstrate the endothelial origin of plasma-tPA by immunohistochemistry. To produce MAbs, mice were immunized with semipurified vPA isolated from postocclusion human venous blood. Primed spleen cells were fused with the mouse myeloma cell line NS-1. Screening for MAb-producing hybridomas was performed with postocclusion euglobulins as a source of antigen by means of a solid-phase fibrin-vPA immunoassay. The selective and high-affinity binding of vPA for fibrin ensures the specificity and sensitivity of this test. Thus, eight hybridomas secreting MAbs to vPA were selected, cloned, and established as permanent hybridoma cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis of cryostat sections of human tissues was performed with EA-delta 12D, a MAb having no inhibitory effect against vPA activity but binding to vPA with a high affinity. Thus, the only structures immunostained were endothelial cells of venules, capillaries, and arterioles. The EA-delta 12D monoclonal localization of plasma vPA in the endothelial lining of blood vessels provides evidence that tPA in plasma originates from the vascular wall and validates its designation as vascular plasminogen activator, ie, vPA. Also, our results are consistent with the fact that vPA in blood and tPA in tissues are immunologically identical and have a common endothelial origin.