Chain-specific Monoclonal Antibodies Research Articles

The ovine newborn and human foetal intervertebral disc contain perlecan and aggrecan variably substituted with native 7D4 CS sulphation motif: spatiotemporal immunolocalisation and co-distribution with Notch-1 in the human foetal disc

Composite agarose (1.2%) polyacrylamide (0.6%) gel electrophoresis was used to separate discrete populations of native aggrecan and perlecan in newborn to 10year old ovine intervertebral discs (IVDs). Semi-dry immunoblotting using core-protein and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chain specific monoclonal antibodies in combination with chondroitin ABC lyase demonstrated intra-chain native 7-D-4 chondroitin sulphate (CS) sulphation motifs and variable proportions of non-reducing terminal Δ4,5-unsaturated uronate-N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphate [2B6(+)] and Δ4,5-unsaturated glucuronate-N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulphate [3B3(+)] disaccharides. The relative abundance of 2-B-6(+) aggrecan increased with advancing age of the IVD samples while the converse was true for the 3-B-3(+) aggrecan population. Relative 7D4 levels in aggrecan and perlecan were highest in the newborn IVD and significantly lower in the older IVD and other cartilage samples. Quantitation of 7D4 proteoglycan by enzyme linked immunosorbent inhibition assay confirmed the newborn ovine nucleus pulposus (NP) and inner annulus fibrosus (AF) contained higher levels (1.2-1.32μg 7-D-4-proteoglycan/mg tissue wet weight) than the 2 (0.35-0.42μg/mg wet weight tissue) and 10year old IVD samples (0.16-0.22μg/mg tissue wet weight) with the outer AF zones consistently containing lower levels of 7-D-4 epitope in all cases (P < 0.001). Cell populations on the margins of the AF and cartilaginous vertebral rudiments in newborn ovine and human foetal IVD strongly expressed 7-D-4 CS epitope and perlecan, This was co-distributed with Notch-1 expression in human foetal IVDs consistent with the 7-D-4 CS sulphation motif representing a marker of tissue development expressed by disc progenitor cell populations.

HLA antigen expression in melanocytic lesions: Is acquisition of HLA antigen expression a biomarker of atypical (dysplastic) melanocytes?

Although criteria are established for the histologic diagnosis of atypical nevi (AN), consensus about the criteria in the diagnosis of and in the definition of AN is limited. Moreover, intraobserver and interobserver differences in the application of these criteria for the diagnosis of AN have been observed. We sought to determine the usefulness of HLA antigen expression as a biomarker of AN. The immunoperoxidase reaction was used to mark common nevi and AN with HLA class I heavy chain-, β2microglobulin (β2m)-, and HLA class II β chain-specific monoclonal antibodies. HLA class I heavy chain, β2m, and HLA class II β chain were expressed in 5 (8.6%) of the 58 common nevi and in 46 (∼72%) of the 64 atypical melanocytic lesions. Among common lesions, only halo nevi expressed HLA class I heavy chain, β2m, and HLA class II β chain. The level of HLA class I heavy chain β2m and of HLA class II β chain expression correlated with the degree of cytologic atypia and architectural disorder. The number of lesions tested and the subjective nature of the analysis of immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections are both limitations. The data presented suggest that HLA antigen expression is an objective biomarker that correlates well with the degree of cytologic atypia in AN and may: (1) be useful to distinguish common nevi from AN, and (2) represent a more objective measure to determine which AN should be excised.

Proteasome Activity Not M-Protein Production Influences Multiple Myeloma (MM) Responsiveness to Bortezomib (BZB): The Key Role of PSMB5,

Abstract 3491M-protein load may sensitize MM cells to BZB but models thus far have not directly tested that hypothesis, in one case using a subclone of an IgGκ-producing human MM cell line differing 5X from the parent line with respect to intracellular M-protein concentration (Ca Res 2007;67:1783), and in another using MM cell lines differing in proteasome activity (Blood 2009;113:3040). In other models proteasome activity has been increased by exposure to low doses of bortezomib or by over-expression of PSMB5, the gene for the β5c subunit, reducing sensitivity to BZB (Blood 2008;112:2489). To examine more stringently these aspects of the load-capacity hypothesis with respect to responsiveness to BZB, we used ALMC1, MM1S and KMS12-BM MM cells. ALMC1 cells produce an intact IgGλ and excess amyloid-forming λ light chains and provided a target for M-protein IgGλ gene knockdown (KD). All 3 cell lines were used to evaluate the impact of KD of PSMB5 and PSMB8 expression on proteasome-directed lys48-ubiquitinated proteins, proteasome activity, caspase activation and dose-response to BZB.We achieved gene silencing with no apoptosis or loss of viability with optimized use of streptolysin-O permeabilization (J Immun Meth 2008;333:147). To decrease intracellular M-protein, we targeted the ALMC1 IgG heavy chain+λ light chain genes (IgGλ) and to reduce proteasome activity the PSMB5 or PSMB8 (β5i) genes (4 siRNA per gene with scr control; Dharmacon). To test for efficacy of KD we used RT-qPCR for IgGλ, PSMB5 and PSMB8. We optimized flow cytometry assays to test for intracellular M-protein levels with IgG Fc-receptor and λ light chain specific monoclonal antibodies, and to test for proteasome-directed ubiquitinated proteins with anti-ubiquitin lysine48-specific monoclonal antibodies. To test for proteasome activity we used the site-specific luminogenic peptide substrates Suc-LLVY-aminoluciferin (AML) (β5), Z-LRR-AML (β2) and Z-nLPnLD -AML (β1), and for caspase-3/7 activation a similar substrate containing the tetrapeptide DEVD, reagents optimized for cell lysis, protease or caspase and luciferase activity and read-out in relative luminescent units (RLU) (Promega). In 24-hour culture with BZB (0, 1.56, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5 and 25nM), we tested for viability and proliferation by MTT assay (Invitrogen). All KD experiments, and all luciferase and MTT assays (with 104 and 2.5×104 cells/well in triplicate for each situation), were conducted on at least 6 and 3 separate days respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad PRISM.Twenty-four hours after KD, IgGλ, PSMB5 and PSMB8 mRNA were decreased by > 90% compared to scr controls. With KD of IgGλ the intracellular M-protein was reduced 10X but with KD of PSMB5 or PSMB8 the M-protein levels were unchanged as was β5 activity. KD of IgGλ, PSMB5 or PSMB8 had no impact on lys48-specific protein levels, or on proteasome or caspase 3/7 activity. Dose-response to BZB after KD of IgGλ or PSMB8 was no different than scr controls but after KD of PSMB5 the BZB dose-response curve was shifted significantly to the left (Figure 1). Among the 3 cell lines there were distinctive differences in baseline proteasome activity (KMS12-BM>ALMC1>MM1S), sensitivity to BZB (MM1S>ALMC1>KMS12-BM), and lys48-specific protein levels (MM1S>ALMC1>KMS12-BM). Results with KD of PSMB5 and PSMB8 in KMS12-BM and MM1S cells showed a similar left-shift of the BZB dose-response curves with KD of PSMB5 but not PSMB8. In addition, β5 and β1 activity was significantly reduced in all 3 cell lines when exposed to BZB after KD of PSMB5 but not PSMB8 (β1 activity is shown in Figure 2). [Display omitted] [Display omitted] These data indicate that proteasome activity, both baseline and post-BZB exposure, influence sensitivity to BZB and that acute reductions in intracellular M-protein levels do not. Results with KD of PSMB5, encoding the β5c subunit, highlight the key role of β5c particularly with respect to control of β1 activity either directly through a role in proteasome assembly and turnover or indirectly as a result of β5c substrates binding non-specifically within the proteasome and blocking the β1 site. Modulation of PSMB5 expression during BZB exposure, perhaps via interference with the TCF11 or Nrf2 feedback loops, may enhance MM cell sensitivity to BZB. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Type IV collagen alpha chains of the basement membrane in the rat bronchioalveolar transitional segment

In the present study, we have analyzed the alpha(IV) chain distribution in the subepithelial basement membrane (BM) of the rat pulmonary airway from the bronchi to alveoli. We have furthermore analyzed the alpha(IV) chain distribution in the subepithelial BM of the bronchioalveolar duct junction (BADJ) using alpha(IV) chain specific monoclonal antibodies. Our results show that the BM of the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium contains [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) and [alpha5(IV)]2alpha6(IV) molecules and confirmed that the alveolar BM consists of [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) and alpha3(IV) alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) molecules. There are also small regions in BADJ consisting of only [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) molecules without alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) and [alpha5(IV)]2alpha6(IV) molecules. Moreover, the bronchioalveolar stem cells (BASCs)-primordial cells for bronchiolar Clara cells and alveolar type II (AT2) cells - lie adjacent to such small regions. These findings suggest that [alpha1(IV)]2 alpha2(IV) may be important for the BASCs to self-renew or to self-maintain themselves and that microenvironments produced by alpha(IV) chains may be important for cell differentiation.

The distributions of type IV collagen .ALPHA. chains in basement membranes of human epidermis and skin appendages

Distributions of type IV collagen alpha chains in the basement membrane (BM) of human skin and its appendages were analyzed by immunofluorescent microscopy using chain-specific monoclonal antibodies. The basement membrane beneath the epidermis contained [alpha1(IV)](2)alpha2(IV) and [alpha5(IV)](2)alpha6(IV) but no alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV); this held true for at the eccrine sweat glands and glandular ducts, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and arrector muscles of hair. The secretary portion of the eccrine sweat glands was rich in [alpha1(IV)](2) alpha2(IV) and had less [alpha5(IV)](2)alpha6(IV), while [alpha5(IV)](2) alpha6(IV) was abundant in the ductal portion. In the subepidermal zone, alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV) chain negative spots (1.9-15.0 microm) were frequently observed. Triple staining samples (Mel.2, alpha2(IV) and alpha5(IV) chains) showed that about 50% of epidermal melanocytes colocalized with such spots. Results suggest that these alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV) chain negative spots of the subepidermal basement membrane have a particular relationship with melanocytes and are sites for certain interactions between the two.

The differential distribution of type IV collagen .ALPHA. chains in the subepithelial basement membrane of the human alimentary canal

We studied distribution patterns of type IV collagen alpha chains in the subepithelial basement membrane (SBM) of the human gastrointestinal tract - the esophagus through the anal canal - by immunofluorescent microscopy using alpha(IV) chain-specific monoclonal antibodies. The alpha1(IV), alpha2(IV), alpha5(IV), and alpha6(IV) chains were found in the SBM throughout the tract, indicating the localization of [alpha1(IV)](2)alpha2(IV) and [alpha5(IV)](2)alpha6(IV) heterotrimeric molecules. The [alpha1(IV)](2)alpha2(IV) molecule was continuously stained, while the [alpha5(IV)](2)alpha6(IV) molecule was weakly stained in gastric glands and small intestinal crypts. In addition, the SBM at the luminal surface epithelium of the stomach and large intestine contained small amounts of alpha3(IV) and alpha4(IV) chains which combined to form the alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) heterotrimeric molecule with alpha5(IV) chain. The SBM beneath the villous epithelium of the small intestine was also demonstrated to have an alpha3(IV) chain and alpha4(IV) chain. Considering the specific locations of the type IV collagen trimers throughout the gastrointestinal SBM, the supramolecular network containing the alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) molecule appears to function as a selective permeability barrier and /or as a protection against chemical stress from the luminal digestive enzymes.

Segment‐specific but pathologic laminin isoform profiles in human labial salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

To assess the laminins in basement membrane of the labial salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and healthy controls. Labeling of laminin alpha1-alpha5, beta1, beta2, gamma1, and gamma2 chains was performed using immunohistochemistry with chain-specific monoclonal antibodies and pattern recognition analysis of the labeled specimens. Laminin alpha1, alpha2, and alpha4 chains were detected exclusively in the acinar basement membranes, whereas laminin alpha3, alpha5, beta1, gamma1, and gamma2 chains were also detected in ductal basement membranes. Laminin beta2 chain was not found. In patients with SS, laminin alpha1 and alpha2 chains were weakly labeled, but laminin alpha4 labeling was also intense in areas not infiltrated by lymphocytes. Pattern recognition analysis suggested that laminin alpha1, alpha2, and alpha4 chains were associated with acinar cells, myoepithelial cells, and tissue damage/repair, respectively. All salivary gland basement membranes signal through laminin 5, laminin 6, and laminin 10 trimers, but acinar basement membranes also signal through laminin 1, laminin 2, and laminin 8 trimers. Laminin alpha1 chain/laminin 1 may play a central role in the maintenance of acinar cells in healthy glands. This possibility was supported by the finding of variable expression of laminin alpha1 chain/laminin 1 in acinar basement membrane and its weak expression in SS with acinar cell atrophy. The impairment of myoepithelial laminin alpha2 chain/laminin 2 in patients with SS indicates a double defect in the acinar compartment and pathologic extracellular matrix-to-cell signaling, which may contribute to structural deterioration and functional abnormality of the exocrine glands.

Differential Expression of Collagen IV alpha1 to alpha6 Chains in Basement Membranes of Malignant Odontogenic Tumors

Type IV collagen, the major component of basement membrane (BM), demonstrates a stage- and position-specific distribution of its isoforms during tooth development. To determine its localization in BM of malignant odontogenic neoplasms, immunohistochemistry using six anti-alpha(IV) chain-specific monoclonal antibodies was performed. Results disclosed that BM demonstrated an irregular alpha(IV) chain profile in tooth germ as compared to benign odontogenic neoplasms. No alpha3(IV) chains were detected. Expression of alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) and alpha4(IV), alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV) chains was ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma, but not the inductive hard tissues. Ameloblastic carcinoma showed specific alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chain loss, while primary intraosseous carcinoma demonstrated a discontinuous alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) and alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV) staining pattern. The present results suggest that modification and remodeling of BM collagen IV alpha chains occur during malignant odontogenic neoplasms' progression.

Differential Expression of Type IV Collagen alpha 1 to alpha 6 Chains in Basement Membrane of Human Tooth Germ and Odontogenic Tumors

Type IV collagen, the major component of basement membrane (BM), demonstrates a stage- and position-specific distribution of its isoforms during tooth development. To determine its localization in BM of benign odontogenic neoplasms, immunohistochemistry using six anti-alpha(IV) chain-specific monoclonal antibodies was performed. Results disclosed that BM demonstrated an irregular alpha(IV) chain profile in tooth germ as compared to benign odontogenic neoplasms. No alpha3(IV) chains were detected. Expression of alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) and alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV) chains was stronger in desmoplastic than in ordinary ameloblastomas. The adenomatoid odontogenic tumor distinctly expressed these chains in BM of cribriform areas and hyaline materials (which was also alpha4(IV)-positive), but weakly around epithelial whorls/rosettes/nests and mineralized foci. These five chains also stained BM and tumor cells of ameloblastic fibroma and odontoma but not the inductive hard tissues. The present results suggest that modification and remodeling of BM collagen IV alpha chains occur during odontogenic neoplasms progression.

Evidence that TNF-induced respiratory burst of adherent PMN is mediated by integrin αLβ2

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) respond to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) with a respiratory burst (RB) only after adherence to surfaces coated with extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin and fibrinogen (permissive substrates) but not with others such as laminin or collagen (nonpermissive substrates). As PMN adherence to both types of surfaces is dependent on beta(2) integrins, we investigated the molecular basis of the different metabolic response to TNF. In particular, we evaluated the relative role of each beta(2) integrin (alpha(L)beta(2), alpha(M)beta(2), and alpha(X)beta(2)) in adherence and O(2)(-) production of PMN residing on fibronectin- and laminin-coated surfaces, which were considered as models of permissive and nonpermissive surfaces, respectively. By using alpha chain-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb), we show that alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(X)beta(2) mediate adherence to fibronectin and laminin; alpha(L)beta(2) is not involved in adherence to laminin and has only a minimal contribution in adherence to fibronectin. Furthermore, production of O(2)(-) in response to TNF was induced by immobilized anti-alpha(L)beta(2) but not anti-alpha(M)beta(2) or anti-alpha(X)beta(2) mAb. A strong correlation was also found between expression of alpha(L)beta(2) and TNF-induced RB on fibronectin. Lastly, PMN responded to TNF on laminin with a RB after the inclusion of alpha(L)-specific mAb in the laminin coat. Thus, we conclude that TNF-induced RB by PMN residing on fibronectin is mediated by alpha(L)beta(2) and that alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(X)beta(2) are likely to play an ancillary role to the signaling activity of alpha(L)beta(2) by facilitating its recruitment to sites of adherence. The nonpermissiveness of laminin appears to be a consequence of its inability to act as a ligand for alpha(L)beta(2).

Differential expression of collagen IV α1 to α6 chains in basement membranes of benign and malignant odontogenic tumors

Type IV collagen, the major component of basement membrane (BM), demonstrates a stage- and position-specific distribution of its isoforms during tooth development. To determine its localization in BM of odontogenic neoplasms, immunohistochemistry using six anti-alpha(IV) chain-specific monoclonal antibodies was performed. Results disclosed that BM demonstrated an irregular alpha(IV) chain profile in malignant odontogenic tumors as compared to benign odontogenic neoplasms. No alpha3(IV) chains were detected. Expression of alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) and alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV) chains was stronger in desmoplastic ( n=3) than in ordinary (n=5) ameloblastomas. The adenomatoid odontogenic tumor ( n=2) distinctly expressed these chains in BM of cribriform areas and hyaline materials (which was also alpha4(IV)-positive), but weakly around epithelial whorls/rosettes/nests and mineralized foci. These five chains also stained BM and tumor cells of ameloblastic fibroma ( n=3) and ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma (n=1), but not the inductive hard tissues. Ameloblastic carcinoma ( n=2) showed specific alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chain loss, while primary intraosseous carcinoma ( n=1) demonstrated a discontinuous alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) and alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV) staining pattern. The present results suggest that modification and remodeling of BM collagen IValpha chains occur during odontogenic neoplasms' progression.

Basement membrane type IV collagen molecules in the choroid plexus, pia mater and capillaries in the mouse brain.

We investigated the differential distribution of basement membrane type IV collagen a chains in the mouse brain by immunohistochemistry using a chain-specific monoclonal antibodies. Subendothelial basement membranes were found to contain alpha1 and alpha2 chains. Basement membranes surrounding smooth muscle cells on blood vascular walls were immunoreactive for alpha1 and alpha2 chains but not for alpha5 and alpha6 chains. Interestingly, the pia mater contained a thin basement membrane which was positive for alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, and alpha6 chains, suggesting that glia limitans superficialis coheres basement membranes containing [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) and [alpha5(IV)]2alpha6(IV) molecules. In contrast, capillaries always possessed thin basement membranes of [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) molecules. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced through filtration of blood at the choroid plexus, where two distinct basement membranes were detected by anti-al and anti-alpha2 antibodies. The subendothelial basement membrane appeared to consist of [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) molecules, whereas the subependymal basement membrane in the choroid plexus was strongly positive for alpha3, alpha4, and alpha5 chains, indicating that the filtering unit was composed of alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) molecules. That the specific localizations of these molecules are shared by renal glomeruli and the choroid plexus leads us to hypothesize that the supramolecular network containing alpha3(IV) alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) molecules may function as a permeability selective barrier.

Loss of alveolar basement membrane type IV collagen alpha3, alpha4, and alpha5 chains in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma of the lung.

Type IV collagen, the major component of basement membrane (BM), is composed of six genetically distinct alpha(IV) chains. This study investigated for the first time the expression of these six alpha(IV) chains immunohistochemically, using alpha(IV) chain-specific monoclonal antibodies, in normal lung and in small (less than 2 cm in diameter) adenocarcinoma of the lung with a bronchioloalveolar growth pattern at the periphery. Small adenocarcinomas were histopathologically classified into three subtypes: bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) without collapse, BAC with collapse, and adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar features. In normal lung, alveolar BM was composed of alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chains and alpha3(IV)/alpha4(IV)/alpha5(IV) chains. In non-collapsed areas of BAC, alveolar BM was composed of linear alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chains and discontinuous alpha3(IV)/alpha4(IV)/alpha5(IV) chains. In collapsed areas of BAC, alveolar BM was composed of linear and thick alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chains only, because of the complete loss of alpha3(IV)/alpha4(IV)/alpha5(IV) chains. In invasive areas of adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar features, alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chains around the cancer cell nests were disrupted, in addition to the complete loss of alpha3(IV)/alpha4(IV)/alpha5(IV) chains. In conclusion, during the process of stromal invasion of lung adenocarcinoma, type IV collagen of alveolar BM is remodelled from the complete type, composed of alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV)/alpha3(IV)/alpha4(IV)/alpha5(IV) chains, to the incomplete type, composed of only alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chains, before the disruption of alpha1(IV)/alpha2(IV) chains. These findings may help to clarify the molecular mechanisms of cancer invasion.

Differential expression of mouse alpha5(IV) and alpha6(IV) collagen genes in epithelial basement membranes.

We first completed the primary structure of the mouse alpha5(IV) and alpha6(IV) chains, from which synthetic peptides were produced and a chain-specific monoclonal antibodies were raised. Expression of collagen IV genes in various basement membranes underlying specific organ epithelia was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining using these monoclonal antibodies and other antibodies from human and bovine sequences. It was possible to predict the presence of the three collagen IV molecules: [alpha1(IV)](2) alpha2(IV), alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV), and [alpha5(IV)](2)alpha6(IV). In skin basement membrane two of the three forms, [alpha1(IV)](2)alpha2(IV) and [alpha5(IV)](2)alpha6(IV), were detected. The alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) molecule was observed as the major form in glomerulus, alveolus, and choroid plexus, where basement membranes function as filtering units. The molecular form [alpha5(IV)](2)alpha6(IV) was present in basement membranes in tubular organs such as the epididymis, where the tubes need to expand in diameter. Thus, the distribution of the basement membranes with different molecular composition is consistent with tissue-specific function.

Biosynthesis of alpha2(IV) and alpha1(IV) chains of collagen IV and interactions with matrix metalloproteinase-9.

In vitro binding studies with latent matrix metalloproteinase-9 (pro-MMP-9) have revealed the existence of nondisulfide-bonded alpha2(IV) chains on the cell surface capable of forming a high-affinity complex with the enzyme. Here we investigated the biosynthesis and cellular distribution of alpha2(IV) and alpha1(IV) chains in breast epithelial (MCF10A and MDA-MB-231) and fibrosarcoma (HT1080) cells by pulse-chase analysis followed by immunoprecipitation with chain-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb). These studies showed that whereas the alpha1(IV) chain remained in the intracellular compartment, nondisulfide-bonded alpha2(IV) chains were secreted into the media in a stable form. Consistently, only alpha2(IV) was detected on the cell surface by surface biotinylation or indirect immunofluorescence. In agreement with the pulse-chase analysis, media subjected to co-precipitation experiments with pro-MMP-9 or pro-MMP-9-affinity chromatography followed by immunoblotting with chain-specific mAbs resulted in the detection of alpha2(IV). A preferential secretion of nondisulfide-bonded alpha2(IV) chains was also observed in CHO-K1 cells transiently transfected with full-length mouse alpha2(IV) or alpha (IV) cDNAs. However, a complex of mouse alpha1(IV) with pro-MMP-9 was coprecipitated with exogenous enzyme from lysates of CHO-K1 cells transfected with mouse alpha1(IV), suggesting that under overexpression conditions the enzyme can also interact with the alpha1 (IV) chain. Collectively, these studies further demonstrate the interactions of pro-MMP-9 with collagen IV chains and a unique processing and targeting of nondisulfide-bonded alpha2(IV) chains that may play a role in the surface/matrix association of pro-MMP-9.

Differential expression of type IV collagen isoforms, alpha5(IV) and alpha6(IV) chains, in basement membranes surrounding smooth muscle cells.

Smooth muscle is composed of cigar-shaped, non-striated cells, each of which is encapsulated by a basement membrane and forms the contractile portion of tubular organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary tract, genitourinary tract, and vasculature, in which slow and sustained contractions are needed. We examined basement membranes produced by smooth muscle cells and, using alpha(IV) chain-specific monoclonal antibodies, analyzed type IV collagens in these organs. Detailed distribution analysis of the alpha chains in normal and Alport cases by use of specific antibodies indicated that there are at least three molecular forms of type IV collagen, [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV),alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5+ ++(IV), and alpha5(IV)/alpha6(IV). Smooth muscle cells in the urinary bladder and uterus were enclosed by basement membranes composed of alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, and alpha6 chains. The same alpha chains were present around smooth muscle cells in the muscular layer of the fundus of the stomach, whereas those in the antrum and further distal side of the gastrointestinal tract expressed mostly alphal and alpha2 chains. In addition, immunostaining analysis of the vasculature also showed that most of the smooth muscle cells were positive for alpha1 and alpha2 chains; however, alpha5 and alpha6 chains were also expressed by smooth muscle cells in the aorta and some arteries where blood pressure changes significantly. These results suggest that the smooth muscle cells enclosed by alpha5/alpha6-containing basement membranes might have some particular function related to mechanical stress or tensile strength during the characteristic contractile activity of tubular organs.

Oligoclonal expansions of CD8(+) T cells in chronic HIV infection are antigen specific.

Acute HIV infection is associated with a vigorous immune response characterized by the proliferation of selected T cell receptor V beta (BV)-expressing CD8(+) T cells. These 'expansions', which are commonly detected in the peripheral blood, can persist during chronic HIV infection and may result in the dominance of particular clones. Such clonal populations are most consistent with antigen-driven expansions of CD8(+) T cells. However, due to the difficulties in studying antigen-specific T cells in vivo, it has been hard to prove that oligoclonal BV expansions are actually HIV specific. The use of tetrameric major histocompatibility complex-peptide complexes has recently enabled direct visualization of antigen-specific T cells ex vivo but has not provided information on their clonal composition. We have now made use of these tetrameric complexes in conjunction with anti-BV chain-specific monoclonal antibodies and analysis of cytotoxic T lymphocyte lines/clones to show that chronically clonally expanded CD8(+) T cells are HIV specific in vivo.

Laminin α1 chain G domain peptide, RKRLQVQLSIRT, inhibits epithelial branching morphogenesis of cultured embryonic mouse submandibular gland

Active sequences from the laminin α1 and α2 chain carboxyl-terminal globular domains (G domain) have been identified by screening overlapping synthetic peptides in a number of biological assays (Nomizu et al. [1995] J. Biol. Chem. 270:20583–20590; Nomizu et al. [1996] FEBS Lett. 396:37–42). We have tested the activity of these peptides in submandibular gland explants of embryonic day 13 mice to determine the functional sites involved in organ development. The laminin α1 chain peptide, RKRLQVQLSIRT (residues 2719–2730 and designated AG-73), significantly inhibited epithelial branching morphogenesis. In contrast, other cell adhesive laminin α1 chain peptides including the AASIKVAVSADR and NRWHSIYITRFG failed to inhibit the branching. MG-73, a homologue of AG-73 from the laminin α2 chain, did not inhibit the branching. The α2 chain peptide had no effect, which may be due to the low levels of this laminin chain in day 13 mice. Laminin α2 chain-specific monoclonal antibodies strongly reacted with the basement membranes of developed acini but only weakly stained embryonic day 13 submandibular epithelium. The expression of E-cadherin and α6 integrin, as detected by immunofluorescence, were unchanged in both AG-73 and control scramble peptide-treated epithelial cells of the explants. In contrast, immunostaining of nidogen/entactin showed that explants treated with AG-73 for 3 days had a discontinuous basement membrane. Explants treated for 3 days with control peptide showed a normal basement membrane. These results suggest that the region containing the AG-73 sequence of the laminin α1 chain is crucial for development of submandibular gland at early embryonic stages. The discontinuous basement membrane in AG-73-treated explants may indicate an important role for this region in basement membrane assembly. Dev. Dyn. 1998;212:394–402. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Laminin alpha1 chain G domain peptide, RKRLQVQLSIRT, inhibits epithelial branching morphogenesis of cultured embryonic mouse submandibular gland.

Active sequences from the laminin alpha1 and alpha2 chain carboxyl-terminal globular domains (G domain) have been identified by screening overlapping synthetic peptides in a number of biological assays (Nomizu et al. [1995] J. Biol. Chem. 270:20583-20590; Nomizu et al. [1996] FEBS Lett. 396:37-42). We have tested the activity of these peptides in submandibular gland explants of embryonic day 13 mice to determine the functional sites involved in organ development. The laminin alpha1 chain peptide, RKRLQVQLSIRT (residues 2719-2730 and designated AG-73), significantly inhibited epithelial branching morphogenesis. In contrast, other cell adhesive laminin alpha1 chain peptides including the AASIKVAVSADR and NRWHSIYITRFG failed to inhibit the branching. MG-73, a homologue of AG-73 from the laminin alpha2 chain, did not inhibit the branching. The alpha2 chain peptide had no effect, which may be due to the low levels of this laminin chain in day 13 mice. Laminin alpha2 chain-specific monoclonal antibodies strongly reacted with the basement membranes of developed acini but only weakly stained embryonic day 13 submandibular epithelium. The expression of E-cadherin and alpha6 integrin, as detected by immunofluorescence, were unchanged in both AG-73 and control scramble peptide-treated epithelial cells of the explants. In contrast, immunostaining of nidogen/entactin showed that explants treated with AG-73 for 3 days had a discontinuous basement membrane. Explants treated for 3 days with control peptide showed a normal basement membrane. These results suggest that the region containing the AG-73 sequence of the laminin alpha1 chain is crucial for development of submandibular gland at early embryonic stages. The discontinuous basement membrane in AG-73-treated explants may indicate an important role for this region in basement membrane assembly.

Evidence for the persistence of monoclonal expansions of CD8+ T cells following primary simian immunodeficiency virus infection.

A longitudinal study of the CD8+ TCR variable (Vbeta) chain repertoire was performed in rhesus macaques experimentally infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) using both TCR Vbeta chain-specific monoclonal antibodies and TCR beta chain CDR3 length analysis. Expansions of subpopulations of CD8+ T cells were detected during the acute phase of SIV infection. In all monkeys studied, monoclonal expansions persisted for at least 18 months and increasingly dominated the repertoire of CD8+ T cells expressing the relevant Vbeta chain. This study shows that persistent CD8+ T cell expansions develop in response to a virus infection. This is important not only for our understanding of the T cell response to viruses but also for understanding the factors that determine the normal CD8+ TCR repertoire.