Macrophage-like Cell Line P388D1 Research Articles

Regulatory effects of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein on cytokines in the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line

Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) is an adaptor molecule of caspase-1 activation that stimulates the secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. We investigated the regulatory effects of ASC in the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line. Data showed that ASC overexpression induced by pEGFP-ASC-C2 transfection significantly increased caspase-1 expression and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 secretion, but did not affect tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion. However, siRNA against ASC significantly decreased the caspase-1 expression and IL-1β and IL-6 secretion, but did not affect TNF-α secretion in the P388D1 cells. We suggest that ASC acts as an inflammatory response-associated gene by regulating caspase-1 activation and IL-1β and IL-6 secretion, which may correlate with its biological effects.

Neutrophil haptotaxis induced by mouse MNCF: interactions with extracellular matrix glycoproteins probably contribute to overcoming the anti-inflammatory action of dexamethasone

The Macrophage-derived Neutrophil Chemotactic Factor (MNCF) has been characterized as a dexamethasone-resistant neutrophil chemotactic lectin produced by rat macrophages. This study was undertaken to evaluate different MNCF cellular sources and investigate the mechanisms by which MNCF overcomes the anti-inflammatory actions of dexamethasone. The mouse macrophage-like cell line P388D1 and thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophages were studied regarding their capacity to release MNCF. Neutrophil migration assays were performed in vivo and in vitro, in either the presence or absence of extracellular matrix glycoproteins (ECM). Mouse and P388D1 macrophages release a lectin that reproduces the activities of rat MNCF. The ability of MNCF to induce neutrophil adhesion and haptotaxis is enhanced through its interaction with laminin and fibronectin. These properties are not inhibited by dexamethasone. Together, our results suggest that dexamethasone-resistant neutrophil migration induced by MNCF occurs probably because of its interactions with ECM.

Thioaptamer decoy targeting of AP-1 proteins influences cytokine expression and the outcome of arenavirus infections

Viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) is caused by a number of viruses, including arenaviruses. The pathogenesis is believed to involve dysregulation of cytokine production. The arenaviruses Lassa virus and Pichinde virus have a tropism for macrophages and other reticuloendothelial cells and both appear to suppress the normal macrophage response to virus infection. A decoy thioaptamer, XBY-S2, was developed and was found to bind to AP-1 transcription factor proteins. The P388D1 macrophage-like cell line contains members of the AP-1 family which may act as negative regulators of AP-1-controlled transcription. XBY-S2 was found to bind to Fra-2 and JunB, and enhance the induction of cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha, while reducing the binding to AP-1 promoter elements. Administration of XBY-S2 to Pichinde virus-infected guinea pigs resulted in a significant reduction in Pichinde virus-induced mortality and enhanced the expression of cytokines from primary guinea pig macrophages, which may contribute to its ability to increase survival of Pichinde virus-infected guinea pigs. These data demonstrate a proof of concept that thioaptamers can be used to modulate the outcome of in vivo viral infections by arenaviruses by the manipulation of transcription factors involved in the regulation of the immune response.

W04.136 Cholesterol esters and cytokine production: Effect of HMG-COA reductase and ACAT inhibition on the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line

W04.136 Cholesterol esters and cytokine production: Effect of HMG-COA reductase and ACAT inhibition on the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line

W04.136 Cholesterol esters and cytokine production: Effect of HMG-COA reductase and ACAT inhibition on the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line

W04.136 Cholesterol esters and cytokine production: Effect of HMG-COA reductase and ACAT inhibition on the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line

AKT/Protein Kinase B Regulation of BCL Family Members during Oxysterol-induced Apoptosis

Cells of the vasculature, including macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells, exhibit apoptosis in culture upon treatment with oxidized low density lipoprotein, as do vascular cells of atherosclerotic plaque. Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that the apoptotic component of oxidized low density lipoprotein is one or more oxysterols, which have been shown to induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is regulated by members of the BCL family of proteins. In this study, we demonstrate that, in the murine macrophage-like cell line P388D1, oxysterols (25-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol) induced the degradation of the prosurvival protein kinase AKT (protein kinase B). This led, in turn, to the activation of the BCL-2 homology-3 domain-only proteins BIM and BAD and down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic multi-BCL homology domain protein BCL-xL. These responses would be expected to activate the pro-apoptotic multi-BCL homology domain proteins BAX and BAK, leading to the previously reported release of cytochrome c observed during oxysterol-induced apoptosis. Somewhat surprisingly, small interfering RNA knockdown of BAX resulted in a complete block of the induction of apoptosis by 25-hydroxycholesterol.

Elevation of oleate-activated phospholipase D activity during thymic atrophy.

Various phospholipases are thought to be associated with the in vitro apoptosis of thymocytes. In the present study, the in vivo phospholipase D (PLD) activity of rat thymus was studied after whole-body X-irradiation or injection of dexamethasone (DEX). Using exogenous [14C]dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (PC) as the substrate, an elevation of oleate-activated PLD activity was observed during thymic atrophy. The activity increases were sevenfold at 48 hr after 5-Gy irradiation and fourfold at 72 hr after injection of 5 mg/kg DEX. The elevation of PLD activity appeared to parallel extensive thymus shrinkage. An increased level of thymic phosphatidic acid (PA), the presumed physiological product of PLD action on PC, was also detected. By comparing the acyl chains of PA with those of other phospholipids, PA appeared to originate from PC. To assess the role of PLD during thymic atrophy, thymocytes and stromal cells were isolated. Although thymocytes themselves exhibited significant PLD activation, the major elevation in PLD activity (greater than fourfold) was found in isolated stromal cells. PLD was also activated during in vitro phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes by the macrophage-like cell line P388D1. This in vitro phagocytosis was significantly inhibited by PLD action blockers, such as 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and 1-butanol. These observations strongly suggest that the alteration of oleate-activated PLD activity is part of an in vivo event in the progression of thymic atrophy, including phagocytic clearance of apoptotic thymocytes.

Early cytokine induction in mouse P388D1 macrophages infected by Coxiella burnetii

Q-fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, which is an obligate intracellular bacterium with a broad spectrum of host cells, including macrophages. Cytokines produced from macrophages infected by intracellular bacteria play a critical role in the expression of innate immune responses as well as in the subsequent triggering of protective acquired cell-mediated immunity. We followed the induction and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 12 (IL-12) in the macrophage-like mouse cell line P388D1 during the initial phase of an in vitro infection by virulent C. burnetii Nine Mile. Secretion of IL-1α and TNF-α were observed within 3 h post-inoculation. IL-12, however, was not detected in cell supernatants. Two forms of C. burnetii exist, virulent phase I and avirulent phase II organisms. To determine whether the cytokine response was dependent on the form of C. burnetii, the induction of IL-1α and TNF-α in infected P388D1 cells was compared. Both cytokines were produced by macrophages early after infection with Phase I bacteria. A similar induction of TNF-α was observed after infection with the avirulent Phase II bacteria, but no IL-1α induction could be detected. As the only difference identified between the two forms of C. burnetii is the composition of their lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the ability of each of the purified LPS from the two variants to induce IL-1α was investigated. Purified C. burnetii LPS induced a moderate IL-1α response in comparison to that induced by the efficient stimulator E. coli LPS. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in action between Phase I and Phase II LPS preparations. We thus postulate that factors other than LPS differ between the two variants of C. burnetii, and these differences may account for differences in IL-1α induction.

Regulation of Delayed Prostaglandin Production in Activated P388D1 Macrophages by Group IV Cytosolic and Group V Secretory Phospholipase A2s

Group V secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) rather than Group IIA sPLA2 is involved in short term, immediate arachidonic acid mobilization and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in the macrophage-like cell line P388D1. When a new clone of these cells, P388D1/MAB, selected on the basis of high responsivity to lipopolysaccharide plus platelet-activating factor, was studied, delayed PGE2 production (6-24 h) in response to lipopolysaccharide alone occurred in parallel with the induction of Group V sPLA2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). No changes in the level of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) or COX-1 were observed, and Group IIA sPLA2 was not detectable. Use of a potent and selective sPLA2 inhibitor, 3-(3-acetamide 1-benzyl-2-ethylindolyl-5-oxy)propanesulfonic acid (LY311727), and an antisense oligonucleotide specific for Group V sPLA2 revealed that delayed PGE2 was largely dependent on the induction of Group V sPLA2. Also, COX-2, not COX-1, was found to mediate delayed PGE2 production because the response was completely blocked by the specific COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. Delayed PGE2 production and Group V sPLA2 expression were also found to be blunted by the inhibitor methylarachidonyl fluorophosphonate. Because inhibition of Ca2+-independent PLA2 by an antisense technique did not have any effect on the arachidonic acid release, the data using methylarachidonyl fluorophosphonate suggest a key role for the cPLA2 in the response as well. Collectively, the results suggest a model whereby cPLA2 activation regulates Group V sPLA2 expression, which in turn is responsible for delayed PGE2 production via COX-2.

Effect of glucose-mediated LDL oxidation on the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line

Oxidised human low density lipoprotein (LDL) is thought to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent reports suggest that glucose-derived oxidants are capable of oxidising LDL. In this report, the effect of glucose-mediated oxidation of LDL upon the macrophage like cell line, P388D 1, was examined. Glucose-mediated oxidation of LDL was assessed by changes in the electrophoretic mobility of LDL and by analysis of lipid content using gas chromatography. The presence of Cu(II) (0.5 μM) was essential for the oxidation of LDL. The oxidation was potentiated by glucose in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At the concentration of LDL used (1 mg/ml), high concentrations of glucose (up to 500 mM) were required to oxidise LDL. The electrophoretic mobility of LDL correlated with the degree of lipid oxidation; both correlated with an inhibitory effect of oxidised LDL upon P388D 1 DNA synthesis. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DETAPAC), a transition metal chelator, and aminoguanidine (AMG), an anti-glycation agent, inhibited the oxidation of LDL and attenuated the effects on DNA synthesis. Thus, glucose can mediate transition metal-dependent oxidation of LDL to a level that can affect P388D 1 cells, a mechanism which might have relevance to accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

Novel Group V Phospholipase A2 Involved in Arachidonic Acid Mobilization in Murine P388D1 Macrophages

Four related genes encode four different secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzymes in mammals, namely the well described Group I and IIA enzymes and the more recently described Groups IIC and V. A large body of research has putatively demonstrated that the Group IIA sPLA2 is involved in diverse pathologic processes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, intestinal neoplasia, and epidermal hyperplasia, as well as in cellular signaling by regulating the formation of arachidonate-derived lipid messengers. However, we demonstrate herein the involvement of another sPLA2, i.e. the Group V sPLA2, in arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin production in the mouse macrophage-like cell line P388D1. Abundant message for Group V sPLA2 was detected in both resting and activated cells. In contrast, Group IIA sPLA2 message was undetectable as analyzed by Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, blockage of Group V sPLA2 gene expression by antisense RNA oligonucleotides resulted in inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production as well as reduction of the amount of sPLA2 protein at the cellular surface. Collectively, these results uncover Group V sPLA2 as a novel effector involved in arachidonic acid-mediated signal transduction.

Localization of G-proteins in macrophages and E. coli during phagocytosis

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) have been shown to play an important role in cellular signalling. However, G-protein involvement in the intracellular spreading of bacterial pathogens is still poorly understood. In this study, antibodies, that recognize G-protein alpha-subunits (anti-G alpha), were used to investigate the localization of G-proteins in the macrophage-like cell line P388D1 and E. coli, also in their L-forms, during phagocytosis. In E. coli, anti-G alpha-binding sites were detected preferably in the cell wall and septa of the whole bacterial forms as well as in the cytoplasm of L-forms. Western blotting of bacterial lysates demonstrated protein bands with positive immunoreaction to antibodies against Gs alpha, Gi alpha, and Gcommon alpha with a higher affinity to the antibody against Gs alpha. Immunoreaction with the anti-Gs alpha-antibody was markedly higher in pathogenic strains of E. coli. Because of the conserved structure in all GTP-binding proteins which seem to derive from a single primordial protein involved in signal transduction mechanisms, it is reasonable to assume that some anti-Ga-positive proteins in E. coli might be related to G-proteins of higher organisms. A putative candidate for bacterial G-proteins seems to be a 36 kDa protein. Enhancement in G-protein immunostaining in the cytoplasm of macrophages around the internalized bacteria testifies to the involvement of G-proteins in mediation of endocytosis responses of phagocytes.

The role of tumor necrosis factor in host defense against scrub typhus rickettsiae. II. Differential induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by Rickettsia tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia conorii.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the ability of members of two different groups of Rickettsia to stimulate macrophages or immune lymphocytes to produce TNF. It was found that R. conorii, a spotted fever group rickettsia, readily induced murine peritoneal macrophages or the macrophage-like cell line P388D1 to produce relatively high levels of TNF. The interaction of macrophages with viable organisms or heat-killed organisms resulted in TNF production. In contrast, viable or killed R. tsutsugamushi did not stimulate the production of detectable TNF even though viable organisms grew to high numbers in both cell types. It was found that the appropriate immune spleen cells stimulated with heat-killed R. tsutsugamushi or R. conorii produced TNF, and TNF activity was found in the sera of immune mice after injection with rickettsial antigen. Infection of naive mice with viable R. tsutsugamushi resulted in high TNF levels in ascites, but TNF was not found in ascites obtained from infected athymic (nu/nu) mice. These data support the suggestion that spotted fever group rickettsiae, such as R. conorii, possess components perhaps on the surface that interact with macrophages to induce TNF production and this component is lacking in R. tsutsugamushi. Antigens of R. tsutsugamushi and R. conorii will stimulate immune cells to produce TNF activity. These data are compatible with the suggestion that the TH-1 subset of T cells is predominant in immunity to R. tsutsugamushi.

Listeria monocytogenes infection enhances transcription factor NF-kappa B in P388D1 macrophage-like cells

In the present study, we investigated the effect of Listeria monocytogenes infection on the cellular level of the transcription factors NF-kappa B, AP-1, and NF-IL6 in the macrophage-like cell line P388D1 by using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Infection with L. monocytogenes enhanced the formation of two NF-kappa B-like DNA-protein complexes, C1 and C2, whereas the concentration of AP-1 and NF-IL6 complexes remained unaffected. In supershift assays using NF-kappa B-specific antibodies, complex C2 was identified to be a p50 homodimer (KBF1) and complex C1 was identified as a p50/p65 heterodimer. Both complexes were formed within 10 min after addition of the bacteria. Since the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 occurs at later times, these cytokines cannot be the mediators of enhanced NF-kappa B formation. Infection experiments with different nonhemolytic mutants of L. monocytogenes and the use of the phagocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin B suggest that events prior to invasion and escape of the bacteria from the phagosome into the cytoplasm enhance the nuclear transport of p50/p65 NF-kappa B components.

Intracellular Ca2+, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and additional signalling in the stimulation by platelet-activating factor of prostaglandin E2 formation in P388D1 macrophage-like cells

In the P388D1 macrophage-like cell line, phospholipase A2 activity and prostaglandin production are stimulated by platelet-activating factor (PAF) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We have investigated the role of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ca2+ in signal transduction of PAF-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) formation in these cells. The role of Ca2+ in the activation mechanism was studied by fluorescence imaging of intracellular Ca2+ in individual adherent cells and by determining the PGE2 production in the same population of cells. This new approach enabled us to correlate directly events on the single-cell level with a physiologically relevant response of the cell population. Priming the cells with LPS was required for PAF to stimulate PGE2 formation, yet LPS affected neither the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) nor the PAF-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. In addition, basal and PAF-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels were not affected by LPS priming. However, the Ca2+ transient, the release of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and the formation of PGE2 induced by PAF were inhibited in cells pretreated with pertussis toxin. Buffering the [Ca2+]i with intracellular BAPTA [bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-NNN'N'-tetra-acetic acid] blocked the PAF-stimulated rise in [Ca2+]i and PGE2 formation. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ during PAF stimulation prevented the influx of Ca2+, but did not affect the initial [Ca2+]i transient, nor did it inhibit PGE2 formation. Under the same conditions, ionomycin stimulated an identical [Ca2+]i transient, but, in contrast with PAF stimulation, no PGE2 formation was observed. PGE2 production could be rescued by prompt subsequent addition of PAF, which caused no further [Ca2+]i change on its own. These results show that the transient initial rise in [Ca2+]i, produced either by PAF via the formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 or directly by ionomycin, is necessary, but not sufficient for the formation of PGE2 in LPS-primed P388D1 cells. Furthermore, we have demonstrated for the first time that PAF triggers a second signal that is not mediated by a change in [Ca2+]i. However, both signals are required to induce PGE2 formation.

Ca(2+)-independent cytosolic phospholipase A2 from macrophage-like P388D1 cells. Isolation and characterization.

A novel form of an ATP-regulated, oligomeric, Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) has been purified from the cytosol of the murine macrophage-like cell line P388D1. The purification procedure included ammonium sulfate precipitation and sequential column chromatography on octyl-Sepharose, ATP-agarose, Mono Q fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), and hydroxyapatite FPLC. The resulting enzyme preparation was purified over 400,000-fold with a final specific activity of approximately 5 mumol/min/mg using a mixed micelle assay system of Triton X-100 and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (PC). The purified enzyme was Ca(2+)-independent and did not show a preference for either sn-2 arachidonic acid or sn-1 alkyl-ether containing phospholipids when utilizing mixed micelles as substrate. It was found to hydrolyze dipalmitoyl-PC approximately 4-fold faster than 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-PC and approximately 15-fold faster than 1-O-hexadecyl-2-arachidonyl-PC. Triton X-100 increased the P388D1 iPLA2 activity with optimal activity found at a Triton/phospholipid molar ratio of 4:1. The purified enzyme was activated 2-6-fold by ATP as well as other di- and triphosphate nucleosides. This activation was sensitive to the concentration of Triton X-100 present in the assay. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis carried out on the purified enzyme yielded a single major band at a molecular weight of about 80,000. However, radiation inactivation experiments, carried out on the cell homogenate, demonstrated a target size of 337 +/- 25 kDa, indicating that the catalytically active iPLA2 exists as a large oligomeric complex, either through self-aggregation or association of the enzyme with other proteins.

Structures and high and low affinity ligand binding properties of murine type I and type II macrophage scavenger receptors

Macrophage scavenger receptors have been implicated in various macrophage-associated processes, including atherosclerosis and clearance of bacterial endotoxin. They bind to a wide variety of polyanionic ligands and display complex binding characteristics. cDNAs from the murine macrophage-like cell line P388D1 encoding the full-length type I and type II murine scavenger receptors were cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. A fragment of the corresponding murine genomic DNA was also cloned, partially sequenced, and the positions of the cloned intron/exon boundaries were determined. Comparisons of the murine scavenger receptors' sequences with the bovine, rabbit, and human sequences were used to refine a multidomain model of these trimeric, fibrous, membrane receptors. Metabolic labeling/immunoprecipitation experiments showed that most of the macrophage scavenger receptor protein expressed by P388D1 cells was the N-glycosylated type II receptor; only small amounts of type I receptor were detected. Analysis of the binding properties of the receptors provided evidence that such differential expression of the type I and type II forms may have functional significance. There were substantial receptor-type (I vs. II), as well as receptor-species (bovine vs. murine), differences in the inhibition of 125I-labeled AcLDL (acetylated low density lipoprotein) binding by ReLPS, a form of bacterial endotoxin. These differences arose, in part, because these receptors exhibited both high (Kd1(4 degrees C) = 0.05-0.2 micrograms protein/ml) and low (Kd2(4 degrees C) = 2.5-12.8 micrograms protein/ml) affinity binding of 125I-labeled AcLDL. The ability of ReLPS (1 mg/ml) to inhibit either or both of these two classes of binding interactions varied depending on the species and type of receptor.

Characterization of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors and adenylate cyclase response in the murine macrophage cell line P388 D1

Specific receptors for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were identified and characterized on plasma membranes from the interleukin-1 secreting murine macrophage-like cells line P388 D1. The binding of [ 125I]-rat CGRP I was time-dependent, reversible and the rate of dissociation of [ 125I]-rat CGRP I increased in the presence of GTP. Scatchard analysis was consistent with a single class of binding sites, with an apparent dissociation constant of 1.76 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 85.48 fmol/mg protein. In competitive displacement studies, rat CGRP I, human CGRP I and human CGRP II were equipotent to inhibit the binding of [ 125I]-rat CGRP I (IC 50 = 4nM) while rat CGRP II and the synthetic analogue [tyr o]-human CGRP I were ten-fold less potent. Porcine calcitonin and VIP did not inhibit tracer binding. In the presence of GTP, CGRP stimulation of adenylate cyclase was dose-dependent and strongly correlated with receptor occupation. These results indicate that the P388 D1 macrophage-like cell line expresses CGRP specific receptors functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase, which may be involved in CGRP-mediated macrophage immune response.

Glucocorticoid-regulated gene expression in the immune system. Analysis of glucocorticoid-regulated transcripts from the mouse macrophage-like cell line P388D1.

To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid-mediated immune suppression, we have exploited cDNA cloning and subtractive screening methods to identify glucocorticoid-regulated transcripts in the mouse macrophage-like cell line, P388D1. Two of the three isolated glucocorticoid-regulated mRNA species corresponded to genes potentially important to immunoregulation: one glucocorticoid-suppressed mRNA species probably encoded the previously uncloned 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, an enzyme that appears important for in vitro immune responses. The other mRNA species showed glucocorticoid-increased mRNA steady-state levels and was transcribed from an endogenous ecotropic type C retroviral locus. This transcript gives rise to a protein (transmembrane retroviral protein, formerly p15E), which, along with its feline and human homologs, has been implicated in immunosuppression caused by mouse, cat, and human retroviruses. Our results raise the possibility that the immunosuppressive activity of glucocorticoids might be mediated, in part, by regulating the expression of the above immunoregulatory proteins.

Infection enhancement of influenza A H1 subtype viruses in macrophage‐like P388D1 cells by cross‐reactive antibodies

The contribution of cross-reactive hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies to infection enhancement of influenza A H1 subtype NWS virus and two antigenic drift strains was investigated in a macrophage-like cell line P388D1. When P388D1 cells, previously treated with neuraminidase (NA) to remove the viral receptors, were infected with NWS virus exposed to rabbit antiviral immunoglobulin (IgG) showing various levels of cross-HI titers, virus yields were enhanced in the presence of a subneutralizing antibody, depending on their cross-HI titers. By flow cytometric analysis using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled NWS virus, the efficiency of attachment of virus-rabbit IgG complexes to Fc receptors on NA-treated cells showed close correlation with its cross-HI titer. These data suggest that cross-reactive HI antibodies could contribute to infection enhancement through the formation of potent infectious immune complexes with drift strains to mediate virus infection via Fc receptor uptake. Two monoclonal antibodies (mAB) in mouse IgG subclasses IgG1 and IgG2a showing strain-specific or cross-reactive HI activity were tested for their infection enhancement characteristics. A strain-specific mAB enhanced infection of homologous NWS virus, but not that of two other drift strains in either antibody dilution. In contrast, a cross-reactive mAB caused infection enhancement of all three virus strains in the presence of the subneutralizing antibody. This indicates that cross-reactivity, but not the IgG subclass, acts as an enhancing factor to this phenomenon. The antibody, with the same specificity as cross-reactive mAB, was detected semiquantitatively by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with results almost consistent with cross-HI titers of polyclonal rabbit antiviral IgGs. These data suggest that the antibody detected by this assay might be one of the potent antibodies governing cross-HI activity as a whole antibody and causing infection enhancement of drift strains.