Surface Polypeptides Research Articles

Protective monoclonal antibodies recognize heat-labile epitopes on surface proteins of spotted fever group rickettsiae

Thirty-eight monoclonal antibodies that have not been reported previously were developed from mice immunized with Rickettsia rickettsii, R. conorii, and R. sibirica. Western immunoblotting showed that these monoclonal antibodies are directed against heat-sensitive epitopes which are located on two major surface polypeptides with molecular sizes ranging from 115 to 150 kilodaltons. The detection of the two bands did not depend on the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. Both bands were destroyed by treatment with proteinase K. Monoclonal antibodies examined by immunofluorescence assay reacted with epitopes that are species specific, group reactive, or shared among a smaller subset of species of spotted fever group rickettsiae. Nine of the monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for their ability to neutralize rickettsial infection and thus protect animals against disease caused by homologous species of rickettsiae. Treatment of rickettsiae with monoclonal antibodies F3-12, F3-14, and F3-36 completely protected guinea pigs against illness caused by the homologous organism R. rickettsii. Monoclonal antibodies F9-5G11 and F15-5B12, derived from mice immunized with R. sibirica, conferred partial protection by delaying the onset and shortening the duration of fever in guinea pigs inoculated with R. sibirica. Monoclonal antibodies F2-15, F2-31, F2-53, and F3-12 protected mice from a lethal infection with R. conorii. Heat-labile epitopes of spotted fever group rickettsial surface proteins are important candidate antigens for development of vaccines to confer protective immunity.

Albumin interacts specifically with a 60-kDa microvascular endothelial glycoprotein.

Confluent monolayers of microvascular endothelial cells, derived from the rat epididymal fat pad and grown in culture, were radioiodinated by using the lactoper-oxidase method. Their radioiodinated surface polypeptides were detected by NaDodSO4/PAGE (followed by autoradiography) and were characterized by both lectin affinity chromatography and protease digestion to identify the proteins involved in albumin binding. All detected polypeptides were sensitive to Pronase digestion, whereas several polypeptides were resistant to trypsin. Pronase treatment of the cell monolayer significantly reduced the specific binding of radioiodinated rat serum albumin, but trypsin digestion did not. Limax flavus, Ricinus communis, and Triticum vulgaris agglutinins competed significantly with radioiodinated rat serum albumin binding, whereas other lectins did not. A single 60-kDa glyco-protein was precipitated in common by these three lectins and was trypsin-resistant and Pronase-sensitive. Rat serum albumin affinity chromatography columns weakly but specifically bound a 60-kDa polypeptide from cell lysates derived from radioiodinated cell monolayers. These findings indicate that the 60-kDa glycoprotein is directly involved in a specific interaction of albumin with the cultured microvascular endothelial cells used in these experiments.

High and low affinity binding of heparin-binding growth factor to a 130-kDa receptor correlates with stimulation and inhibition of growth of a differentiated human hepatoma cell.

The differentiated human hepatoblastoma-derived cell line, HepG2, displayed two classes of specific membrane receptors for heparin-binding growth factor type 1 (HBGF-1). Specific membrane receptors were distinguished from nonreceptor heparin-like binding sites. Receptors with an apparent Kd of 9.2 +/- 0.9 pM and present at 15,000 +/- 900/cell correlated with HBGF-1 stimulation of HepG2 growth. Receptors with an apparent Kd of 2 +/- 0.4 nM and present at 180,000 +/- 18,000/cell correlated with inhibition of growth and changes in secretory products. Other hepatoma cell lines exhibited a simple positive mitogenic response to HBGF-1 and a single class of high affinity binding sites. HBGF-1 covalently cross-linked to hepatoma cell surface polypeptides of apparent mean molecular mass of 130 kilodaltons. At 37 degrees C, receptor-bound HBGF-1 was internalized (t 1/2 = 45 min) but not degraded for up to 6 h. The display of receptors decreased with increased cell density and expression of HBGF-1 mRNA and HBGF-1-like activity in the culture medium. Proliferating normal human hepatocytes also exhibited two classes of binding sites with affinities for HBGF-1 and apparent molecular weight similar to HepG2 cells. These results implicate HBGF-1 or homologues in human hepatoma cell growth and normal liver cell regeneration.

Reactivity of stage-specific monoclonal antibody 1G7 with metacyclic trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi strains: lytic property and 90,000 mol. wt surface antigen polymorphism.

Eleven strains of Trypanosoma cruzi, originating from a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts in distinct geographical regions, were examined for the reactivity of metacyclic stages with the monoclonal antibody 1G7. Trypomastigotes of five strains were susceptible to complement-dependent 1G7-mediated lysis. Higher levels of 1G7 bound to metacyclics of lysis-susceptible strains as compared to lysis-resistant isolates. Excluding Y and CL strains, 1G7 reacted with metacyclics of all T. cruzi isolates by binding to a 90,000 mol. wt surface polypeptide. A 90,000 mol. wt protein lacking the 1G7-specific epitope but immunologically related to the 90,000 mol. wt antigen of other T. cruzi isolates is present in Y and CL strains. The intensity of the 90,000 mol. wt band, detected by surface iodination of metacyclics or in immunoblots using the monoclonal antibody 1G7 or the monospecific antiserum to 90,000 mol. wt protein, varied among different strains and also a discrete variation was observed in its molecular weight. The overall analysis reveals a polymorphism of the 90,000 mol. wt protein, which is ubiquitous among the different T. cruzi isolates.

Molecular cloning of Treponema pallidum outer envelope fibronectin binding proteins, P1 and P2.

Phages directing the synthesis of Treponema pallidum fibronectin binding adhesin proteins, P1 and P2, were isolated from an EMBL-3 bacteriophage lambda library of T pallidum deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The recombinant phages were identified using antisera generated to treponemal proteins purified in fibronectin-Sepharose. Recombinant P1 and P2 proteins possessed the same relative molecular weights as the native surface polypeptides of spirochaetes. The structural genes for these proteins were subcloned into the plasmid vector pUC19, and transformed Escherichia coli expressed and translocated recombinant P1 and P2 to their outer membranes. Finally, the recombinant adhesin proteins, P1 and P2, were purified from detergent solubilised E coli outer membrane preparations using fibronectin-Sepharose affinity chromatography, which confirmed that the fibronectin binding properties of the cloned proteins were retained.

Schistosoma mansoni polypeptides immunogenic in mice vaccinated with radiation-attenuated cercariae.

We compared the humoral immune response of mice protected against Schistosoma mansoni by vaccination with radiation-attenuated cercariae to that of patently infected mice, and we identified antigens that elicit a greater, or unique, immune response in the vaccinated mice. These comparisons were based upon radioimmunoprecipitations and immunodepletion of [35S]methionine-labeled schistosomular and adult worm polypeptides, followed by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel analyses. The humoral responses of patently infected mice and of mice vaccinated once were remarkably similar and were directed against schistosome glycoproteins ranging in molecular size from greater than 300 to less than 10 kDa. Exposing mice to a second vaccination resulted in a marked change in the immune response, to one predominantly directed toward high molecular size glycoproteins. Sequential immunodepletion techniques identified five schistosomular and seven adult worm antigens that showed a greater or unique immunogenicity in vaccinated mice as compared with patently infected mice. These adult worm antigens were purified by preparative sequential immunoaffinity chromatography and used to prepare a polyclonal antiserum, anti-irradiated vaccine. This antiserum bound to the surface of live newly transformed and lung-stage schistosomula, as assessed by immunofluorescence assays, and was reactive with a number of 125I-labeled schistosomular surface polypeptides, including a doublet of 150 kDa that was also recognized by sera of vaccinated mice but not by sera of patently infected mice.

Effect of Plasmid pSa and of Auxin on Attachment of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to Carrot Cells

When the plasmid pSa is introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens, its presence results in the suppression of bacterial virulence. A. tumefaciens(pSa) cells are virulent on Bryophyllum diagremontiana only when inoculated with auxin. A. tumefaciens(pSa) cells also bind to plant cells only in the presence of auxin. The effect of auxin is on the bacteria rather than on the plant cells, since the bacteria require auxin to bind to heat-killed carrot cells. Bacteria containing pSa and grown in the absence of auxin showed a lag in binding to carrot cells in auxin-containing medium. This lag was not seen during the binding of wild-type strains. Tetracycline inhibited the binding of A. tumefaciens(pSa) in auxin-containing medium, suggesting that bacterial protein synthesis is required for the auxin effect. No difference was seen in the size or ability to inhibit bacterial binding of lipopolysaccharides from bacteria containing or lacking pSa and grown with or without auxin. A. tumefaciens(pSa) cells grown in the absence of auxin lacked surface polypeptide(s) found in bacteria grown in the presence of auxin and in the wild-type bacteria, which do not contain pSa. Thus, the presence of certain polypeptides appears to be associated with the ability of the bacteria to bind to plant cells.

Human neutrophil plasma membrane. Specific labelling, topological distribution of proteins and surface antigen detection.

We describe here the major protein components of a highly purified human neutrophil plasma membrane fraction analyzed by uni- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, as well as their glycoprotein nature as determined by PAS staining, [125I]-Con A binding and [3H]-sodium borohydride labelling. A polypeptide of about 150 kDa appeared as the main Con A binding protein. The topology of the polypeptides has also been determined by protein labelling from the outside of the cell surface by lactoperoxidase catalyzed iodination and from within the bilayer by using the hydrophobic reagent [125I]-iodonaphtylazide. The antigenic features of some cell surface polypeptides have also been determined by the use of monoclonal antibodies. In this context we have detected by immunoprecipitation in human neutrophils the antigen MAC 120, previously found in monocytes and putatively associated with antigen presenting function.

Rotavirus isolate WI61 representing a presumptive new human serotype

A virus (strain WI61) representing a presumptive new human serotype was isolated from an 18-month-old child with gastroenteritis admitted to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in February 1983. The WI61 virus was clearly distinguished by cross-neutralization tests from human rotaviruses of serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, human 69M, and representative bovine (NCDV), porcine (OSU), and chicken (Ch2) rotaviruses. Antisera generated in guinea pigs hyperimmunized to WI61 virus displayed a partial cross-reactivity with rotaviruses of human serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4. By means of studies with reassortant rotaviruses, it was presumptively determined that the WI61 virus cross-reactive antigenic determinants are localized on the vp3 surface polypeptide coded by gene segment 4. The characteristic RNA genome electropherotype of WI61 virus was observed in 5 of 59 cases of infant gastroenteritis detected in 1983 and 1984 but has not been observed in a subsequently at Children's Hospital. Serotype WI61-specific neutralizing antibodies were observed in a majority of sera of normal adults and infants of less than 4 or greater than 12 months of age collected in the Philadelphia area. Median antibody titers to WI61 equaled or exceeded those to rotaviruses of serotype 1 or 3. Each of seven samples of commercial cow's milk exhibited neutralizing antibodies to WI61 virus at a titer greater than or equal to that to serotype 1 or 3 or bovine (strain NCDV) rotavirus. However, WI61 rotavirus did not induce disease or a specific serum-neutralizing antibody response when fed to a caesarean-derived colostrum-deprived newborn calf. WI61 rotavirus caused diarrhea in newborn mice with a 50% diarrhea-inducing dose of 10(7.0) PFU.

Lack of fibronectin-binding plasma membrane proteins may explain defective pericellular matrix formation in transformed fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma cells.

Affinity of iodinated fibronectin (Fn) and its defined proteolytic fragments to electrophoretically separated polypeptides of normal and malignant cells was studied in an overlay assay. Cellular 125I-Fn and a major 125I-Fn fragment (Mr 120,000-140,000), containing the cell-binding site, revealed in fibroblasts Mr 170,000, Mr 140,000, and Mr 47,000 Fn-binding polypeptides of which the first two could also be found in the plasma membrane preparations. Binding of 125I-Fns to Mr 170,000 and Mr 140,000 polypeptides was inhibited by the synthetic peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser and to all 3 polypeptides by Fns and Mr 120,000-140,000 fibronectin fragment. Both fibrosarcoma cells and SV40-virus-transformed fibroblasts appeared to lack the Mr 140,000 Fn-binding polypeptide. Binding was similar when Fn from normal fibroblasts or fibrosarcoma cells was used in the assay, while plasma 125I-Fn had weaker affinity towards the Mr 140,000 polypeptide. Instead, proteolytic Fn-fragments, lacking the cell binding site, did not bind to any proteins in the assay. Radioactive cell-surface labelling showed differences in the corresponding surface polypeptide profiles of normal and malignant cells. The results suggest that the failure of pericellular matrix deposition in malignant cells could be due to either defective surface exposition or defective binding property of the Fn-receptor-like polypeptides.

Expression of the Human Monocyte Membrane Antigen gp55 by Murine Fibroblasts After DNA-Mediated Gene Transfer

Human DNA sequences that contain the gene encoding gp55, a cell surface glycoprotein expressed exclusively on mature human monocytes and monocytic leukemia cells, were isolated in a mouse genetic background. DNA from mature human monocytes was cotransfected with DNA from a molecularly cloned feline sarcoma virus containing the v-fms oncogene into NIH-3T3 cells. Transformed mouse fibroblasts that expressed gp55, based on their reactivity with the MY4, B44.1, or LeuM3 monoclonal antibodies, were selected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Regardless of which antibody was used for selection, equivalent binding of all three antibodies was observed for positive transformants. Secondary and tertiary mouse cell transformants were obtained after additional rounds of transfection and cell sorting with the use of DNA from primary and then secondary transformants. Southern blot analysis of the cellular DNA from two independently derived tertiary subclones revealed a limited complement of human sequences, thus indicating that the gene encoding gp55 is included in fewer than 50 kilobases of human DNA. Independently derived tertiary subclones displayed concordant patterns of reactivity with 13 monocyte-specific monoclonal antibodies, thus indicating that each recognized an epitope on the product (gp55) of a single human gene. The 55-kilodalton cell surface polypeptide was specifically immunoprecipitated with a representative monoclonal antibody, 26if, from lysates of enzymatically radioiodinated peripheral blood monocytes and tertiary transformants. We conclude that gp55 is highly immunogenic and that a large number of independently derived monoclonal antibodies specific for human monocytes react with epitopes on this one molecule.

Expression of the human monocyte membrane antigen gp55 by murine fibroblasts after DNA-mediated gene transfer

Human DNA sequences that contain the gene encoding gp55, a cell surface glycoprotein expressed exclusively on mature human monocytes and monocytic leukemia cells, were isolated in a mouse genetic background. DNA from mature human monocytes was cotransfected with DNA from a molecularly cloned feline sarcoma virus containing the v-fms oncogene into NIH-3T3 cells. Transformed mouse fibroblasts that expressed gp55, based on their reactivity with the MY4, B44.1, or LeuM3 monoclonal antibodies, were selected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Regardless of which antibody was used for selection, equivalent binding of all three antibodies was observed for positive transformants. Secondary and tertiary mouse cell transformants were obtained after additional rounds of transfection and cell sorting with the use of DNA from primary and then secondary transformants. Southern blot analysis of the cellular DNA from two independently derived tertiary subclones revealed a limited complement of human sequences, thus indicating that the gene encoding gp55 is included in fewer than 50 kilobases of human DNA. Independently derived tertiary subclones displayed concordant patterns of reactivity with 13 monocyte-specific monoclonal antibodies, thus indicating that each recognized an epitope on the product (gp55) of a single human gene. The 55-kilodalton cell surface polypeptide was specifically immunoprecipitated with a representative monoclonal antibody, 26if, from lysates of enzymatically radioiodinated peripheral blood monocytes and tertiary transformants. We conclude that gp55 is highly immunogenic and that a large number of independently derived monoclonal antibodies specific for human monocytes react with epitopes on this one molecule.

Activation of human B cell proliferation through surface Bp35 (CD20) polypeptides or immunoglobulin receptors.

Human B cells can be activated with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to surface IgM receptors or mAb to a 35-kilodalton B cell differentiation antigen, Bp35 (CD20). We compared anti-Ig-induced B cell activation with B cell triggering by anti-Bp35. Both anti-Ig- and anti-Bp35-dependent proliferation were augmented by the same co-stimulants, including a partially purified BCGF, recombinant IL 1, TPA, or each other. When anti-Bp35 and anti-Ig were used together to induce proliferation of tonsillar B cells, the strongest response was observed when anti-Bp35 was added 12 to 24 hr before anti-Ig. Anti-Bp35 also was found to act most effectively when added before the BCGF. Blood and tonsillar B cells differed in their proliferative response to anti-Ig or anti-Bp35: unlike dense tonsillar B cells, which consistently proliferated in response to either stimulus, blood B cells from many donors proliferated in response to anti-Ig but not to anti-Bp35 even in the presence of other co-stimuli. Dense tonsillar B cells that proliferate in response to anti-Bp35 appeared to be at a more activated stage than unresponsive blood B cells because they expressed higher levels of HLA class II molecules than blood B cells. Pretreatment of blood B cells with anti-Bp35 converted them to an HLA-DR(bri) phenotype and made them more responsive to anti-Ig-induced proliferation. These results suggest that B cells at different stages of differentiation differ in their response to anti-Bp35 and anti-Ig. The Bp35 surface polypeptide may play an early role in the activation of B cells prior to antigen or other signals.

Identification and partial characterization of plasma membrane polypeptides of Crithidia guilhermei, crithidia deanei and Crithidia oncopelti

1. 1. Components of the cell surface of Crithidia guilhermei, Crithidia deanei and Crithidia oncopelti were radioiodinated by the iodogen technique. The distribution of proteins in the detergent-poor (DPP) and detergent-enriched phase (DRP) were studied using a phase separation technique in Triton X-114 and one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate (1D and 2D SDS-PAGE). 2. 2. Significant differences were noted in the proteins present in the DRP when the three species were compared. 3. 3. Two major bands with mol. wt 28,000 and 56,000 and motility in the pH gradient of 7.4 and 6.3, respectively, were observed in C. guilhermei, but not discernible in C. deanei and C. oncopelti. 4. 4. One polypeptide with mol. wt 50,000 and p1 4.9 was identified in the DRP of C. deanei. 5. 5. A broad band with mol. wt 68,000–140,000 and pI 4.7–5.5 was clearly observed in the DRP of C. deanei and one or two polypeptides only present in the DPP were observed in the three Crithidia species analyzed. 6. 6. Our observations show that C. guilhermei has characteristic surface polypeptides not found in C. deanei and C. oncopelti. 7. 7. Our results, in association with those reported by others, show that the phase separation using Triton X-114 offers a simple approach to the separation and further analysis of a select group of proteins from the bulk of the cellular proteins.

A synthetic peptide vaccine involving the product of the pre-S(2) region of hepatitis B virus DNA: protective efficacy in chimpanzees.

The S gene encoding the major surface polypeptide of hepatitis B virus is preceded by the region pre-S(2) with a capacity to code for 55 amino acid residues. In the product of region pre-S(2), the sequence of 19 amino acid residues (amino acids 14-32 from the N terminus) representing an area of high local hydrophilicity is shared by viral strains of subtypes adr, ayw, and ayr; residue 22, phenylalanine, is replaced by leucine in a strain of the other subtype, adw. A synthetic peptide vaccine involving these 19 amino acid residues, when given to two chimpanzees, raised antibodies that bound to viral particles and protected the animals from challenge with 10(6) chimpanzee infectious doses of hepatitis B virus.

Immunization with synthetic peptides of a Plasmodium falciparum surface antigen induces antimerozoite antibodies.

Polypeptides expressed on the surface of merozoites, the invasive stage of the asexual blood cycle, are good candidates for the development of malaria vaccines. Five synthetic peptides with predetermined specificity deduced from a genomic DNA clone coding for the NH2-terminal portion of the main merozoite surface polypeptide of Plasmodium falciparum were evaluated for their capability to raise antibodies that react with the P. falciparum merozoites. Antibodies induced by two of the peptides (3 and 5) reacted with the membrane surfaces of seven of seven isolates of P. falciparum from different geographic areas. Antibodies against peptide 4, which contains a repeated amino acid sequence (Gly-Gly-Ser and Val-Ala-Ser), reacted with six of seven isolates. Structural analysis of the deduced polypeptides suggests that peptide 3 is exposed at the surface of merozoites. When it was used to immunize monkeys, three of the four animals were partially protected from a challenge infection that induced a fulminant infection in control animals.

Identification of the sporozoite antigens of Eimeria tenella

The surface membranes of Eimeria tenella sporozoites were labelled with 125I and polypeptides resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS-PAGE). The most heavily labelled polypeptides were 47, 26, 21 and ⩽18 kDa but significant amounts of 125I were incorporated into a number of polypeptides with molecular weights ranging from >200 000 to <18 000. Similar 125I-polypeptide profiles were observed after the surface labelling of sporozoites of E. acervulina, E. maxima and E. nieschulzi. Sporozoites of E. tenella were also radiolabelled by incubation in medium containing [35S]methionine and SDS-PAGE resolved more than 35 radiolabelled polypeptides with molecular weights from >200 000 to <18 000. 125I and 35S-labelled sporozoites of E. tenella were solubilised in the detergents Triton X-100 or sodium deoxycholate and immunoprecipitated with serum from chickens immunized by infection with this species. Polypeptides of unlabelled E. tenella sporozoites, resolved by SDS-PAGE, were blotted onto nitrocellulose and the antigens, which reacted with the chicken serum, identified by immunoperoxidase staining. There was some variation between different sporozoite preparations in the number and molecular weights of antigens identified by these techniques but, consistently, the major surface polypeptides that were specifically immunoprecipitated were 104, 47 and 43 kDa. Specifically immunoprecipitated 35S-labelled antigens were of 123-94 kDa, 54-42 kDa and 32-25 kDa and antigens detected on Western blots were within the following ranges: 113-96 kDa, 73-67 kDa, 54-42 kDa, 37-32 kDa and 18-14 kDa.

Antigenic Specificity of Human Antibody to Chlamydia in Trachoma and Lymphogranuloma Venereum

An understanding of the molecular basis of the humoral immune response to chlamydial infections in man requires the identification of target antigens to which antibodies are directed. The antigenic specificity of antibody from patients with lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) or trachoma was therefore assessed by Western blotting. Surface polypeptides were first identified using purified chlamydial outer membrane complex as antigen. Antibodies in sera from patients with LGV but not from control negative sera reacted with a wide range of chlamydial surface polypeptides with molecular masses of 19, 29, 41, 58, 63 and 65 kDa. The major component of the antibody response detected by both immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation assay was directed against the major outer membrane protein (MOMP). Antibody to MOMP was species-specific on Western blotting, whereas antibody to several other polypeptides recognized common immunodeterminants on polypeptides of C. psittaci Cal-10 of equivalent molecular mass. Immunologically C. psittaci Cal-10 was more closely related to LGV strains of C. trachomatis than a guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis strain of C. psittaci. Trachoma sera collected from a village in southern Iran showed predominantly type-specific antibody on micro-immunofluorescence to serotype A or B trachoma agents. These sera showed a weak immune response to MOMP, a pronounced response to a polypeptide of 36 kDa and much less widespread reactivity with other chlamydial polypeptides. The lack of an immune response to SDS-stable immunodeterminants on MOMP might contribute to the susceptibility of trachoma patients to repeated cycles of ocular infection with chlamydiae.

The characterization of the receptor for endothelial cell growth factor by covalent ligand attachment.

Cellular receptors for endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) have been demonstrated on several cell types by binding of 125I-ECGF in a specific and saturable manner (Schreiber, A. B., Kennedy, J., Kowalski, J., Friesel, R., Mehlman, T., and Maciag, T. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 82, 6138-6142). Here we report the covalent cross-linking of 125I-ECGF to a polypeptide present on the surface of the plasma membrane of murine lung capillary endothelial cells by the homobifunctional reagent, disuccinimidyl suberate. Cross-linking of cell surface associated 125I-ECGF yields a major polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 150,000. Experiments demonstrated that the cross-linked polypeptide complex represents 125I-ECGF covalently bound specifically to a cell surface receptor because: covalent modification of the polypeptide was inhibited by excess, unlabeled ECGF; preincubation of cells with unlabeled ECGF at 37 degrees C significantly reduced cross-linking while incubation at 4 degrees C did not; other polypeptide growth factors do not compete with 125I-ECGF for cross-linking to the ECGF receptor; labeling of the polypeptide did not take place in the absence of DSS; and cells previously shown to have a paucity of ECGF receptors did not yield a cross-linked labeled receptor. These data suggest that the mitogenic events mediated by ECGF occur after occupancy of the specific cell surface polypeptide and suggest that these events are relevant to ECGF-induced signal transduction across the endothelial cell plasma membrane.

Disruption of oligosaccharide processing in murine tumor cells inhibits their susceptibility to lysis by activated mouse macrophages.

The components of tumor cell surfaces that participate in the recognition and lysis of these cells by activated macrophages have not been identified. One plausible hypothesis is that these components are specific carbohydrate structures. As an initial test of this hypothesis, I have made use of the oligosaccharide processing inhibitors 1-deoxynojirimycin (dNM) and 1-deoxymannojirimycin (dMM). dNM is an inhibitor of the glucosidases involved in the initial steps of oligosaccharide processing. dMM inhibits mannosidase I. P815 cells incubated in the presence of 1-2 mM dNM for 24 hr synthesized mature glycoproteins that contained glucosylated high-mannose asparagine-linked oligosaccharides instead of complex forms. The glucosylated oligosaccharides were present in trypsin digests of the cell surface. The dNM treatment resulted in a diminution in the amount of surface galactose residues as evidenced by neuraminidase/galactose oxidase/NaB3H4 labeling of surface glycopeptides. It did not, however, inhibit protein synthesis or alter the surface polypeptide profile of the tumor cells. P815 and R1- cells incubated in the presence of 1-3 mM dNM for 24 hr were considerably less sensitive to lysis by interferon-gamma-activated macrophages than were cells incubated in control medium. At a dNM concentration of 3 mM, a 71% inhibition of P815 cell lysis was observed. Similarly, P815 and R1- cells incubated in the presence of 2 mM dMM were also less sensitive to macrophage-mediated lysis than were control cells. The inhibitors did not affect cell viability, growth, or gross morphology. These observations suggest that complex asparagine-linked oligosaccharides on tumor cell surfaces may participate in recognition and lysis by activated macrophages.