Protection against lethal endotoxemia by anti-lipid A murine monoclonal antibodies: comparison of efficacy with that of human anti-lipid A monoclonal antibody HA-1A

The protective capacities of murine anti-lipid A monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 8-2 and 26-20 were examined and compared with those of the human MAb HA-1A with respect to inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) priming of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in vitro and protection against lethal endotoxemia in mice. HA-1A did not prevent the priming effect of either rough or smooth LPS, while MAb 26-20 effectively inhibited LPS priming of human PMNL. Also, both murine MAbs protected mice against an otherwise lethal challenge with rough Re LPS of S. minnesota R595 as well as with smooth LPS of E. coli O111:B4. HA-1A exerted no protection against the lethal effects of Re LPS in this in vivo model. The enhanced survival in mice by treatment with MAbs 8-2 and 26-20 was associated with decreased levels of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor. Neutralization of lipid A as a mechanism of protection was strongly suggested by efficacious inhibition of LPS priming of human PMNL by MAbs 8-2 and 26-20 in vitro.     

Novel monoclonal antibodies to putative selectin carbohydrate ligands that inhibit selectin binding to myeloid cells

Four newly developed monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are characterized using flowcytometry, enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA), immunoprecipitation and Western blots, carbohydrate epitope mapping, glycosidase cleavage, and competition binding assays. Their effects on selectin binding to myeloid cells was tested. These MAbs react only with myeloid cells. MAbs CI-1, BU60, and HIM95 recognize epitopes expressed by CD11/CD18 (beta2) integrins, while HI247 and CSLEX1 do not. The epitopes require Lewis x [Galbeta1-4 (Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc] based on reactivity with oligosaccharide-polyacrylamide-biotin or oligosaccharide-BSA conjugates. MAb HI247 recognizes a related structure, sialyl-Lewis x, NeuAcalpha2-3GaLbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc. The three MAbs against Lewis x show some minor differences in their reactivity such as recognizing their antigens on CD11/CD18 integrins after endo-beta-galactosidase treatment and recognizing free Lewis x. The hydroxyl group on C-3 of the terminal galactose is important for recognition by MAb CI-1, BU60, and HIM95 as its substitution with sulfo group of sialic acid abolishes the binding of these MAbs. The C-3 sialic acid is crucial for the binding of MAb HI247. Its replacement by sulphate or its cleavage by sialidase eliminates recognition by this MAb. MAbs HI247 and CSLEX-1 did not react in ELISA with immobilized CD11/CD18, suggesting that the majority of sialyl Lewis x on CD11/CD18 molecules may have sialic acid 6-linked rather than 3-linked to galactose. Unexpectedly, MAb BU60 inhibited binding of P-selectin mu chain chimera to HL-60 or U937 cells, while CI-1, HIM95 and three other defined anti-Lewis x MAbs (6C7, M6-1 and LeuM1) did not. MAb HI247 inhibited binding of both E- and P-selectin chimeras to these cell lines more effectively than several characterized MAbs (CSLEX-1, FH6, HECA-452) to sialyl Lewis x and related oligosaccharides. Certain combinations of these anticarbohydrate MAbs had additive inhibitory effects on selectin binding, suggesting a potential application of these new MAbs in cell adhesion/migration and tumor metastasis studies.     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the 26-kDa glutathione S-transferase of Schistosoma japonicum

Six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were raised in mice against the 26-kDa glutathione S-transferase (GST) of the parasite Schistosoma japonicum. These MAbs were originally selected for their specific binding to the recombinant GST (r-GST) generated in E. coli by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A further study demonstrated that all these MAbs bound to plate-coated GST affinity-purified from the parasite Schistosoma japonicum. However, in Western blotting analysis only a single monoclonal antibody (MAb Y3D7) yielded positive binding. The binding of MAb Y3D7 on Western blotting was further characterized; specific binding was found on other GST fusion proteins and on the authentic 26-kDa GST but not the 28-kDa GST in the total soluble worm proteins from Schistosoma japonicum. Using protein-A-mediated immunoprecipitation, MAbs Y3D7 and Y5D5 precipitated r-GST while in parallel experiments the remaining MAbs did not generate r-GST precipitation. In an alternative co-precipitation experiment, r-GST was first bound to glutathione (GSH) Sepharose beads and subsequently tested for interaction with the MAbs. In this manner, all MAbs except MAb Y5D5 were co-precipitated with the complexes. Thus, these select MAbs readily reacted with GST although their binding characteristics were different. Because GST has been widely used in the generation of fusion proteins for various purposes and is a potential vaccine candidate in controlling schistosomiasis, these MAbs should prove valuable for their application to molecular biology and parasitology.     

Monoclonal antibodies against conformationally dependent epitopes on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) were prepared and characterized. Four MAbs were developed from the mice immunized with the recombinant GP4 protein expressed in insect cells, and six MAbs were derived from the immunization with recombinant GP5 protein. All of the MAbs showed strong perinuclear fluorescence in PRRSV VR2385 infected cells by immunofluorescence staining. Among the MAbs to GP5 protein, one showed strong reactivity in ELISA and recognized a 26 kDa band of PRRSV in a western blot assay, while another showed neutralizing activity against the VR2385 isolate. Out of the four MAbs to GP4 protein, one showed mild reactivity in ELISA with detergent extracted antigen, but had no reactivity in a western-blot assay. The failure of MAb binding to detergent extracted antigen in ELISA or in western-blot analysis indicated that the MAbs were against conformationally dependent epitopes. Reactivity patterns of the MAbs with PRRSV field isolates tested by fixed-cell ELISA showed that there are antigenic variations in PRRSV GP4 and GP5 proteins. Development of these MAbs will benefit further studies on PRRSV structural proteins as well as in understanding their roles in PRRSV pathogenesis.     

Posttranslational processing and identification of a neutralization domain of the GP4 protein encoded by ORF4 of Lelystad virus

GP4 is a minor structural glycoprotein encoded by ORF4 of Lelystad virus (LV). When it was immunoprecipitated from cell lysates and extracellular virus of CL2621 cells infected with LV, it was shown to have an apparent molecular mass of approximately 28 and 31 kDa, respectively. This difference in size occurred because its core N-glycans were modified to complex type N-glycans during the transport of the protein through the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi compartment. A panel of 15 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) reacted with the native GP4 protein expressed by LV and the recombinant GP4 protein expressed in a Semliki Forest virus expression system. However, these MAbs did not react with the GP4 protein of U.S. isolate VR2332. To map the binding site of the MAbs, chimeric constructs composed of ORF4 of LV and VR2332 were generated. The reactivity of these constructs indicated that all the MAbs were directed against a region spanning amino acids 40 to 79 of the GP4 protein of LV. Six MAbs reacted with solid-phase synthetic dodecapeptides. The core of this site consists of amino acids 59 to 67 (SAAQEKISF). Comparison of the amino acid sequences of GP4 proteins from various European and North American isolates indicated that the neutralization domain spanning amino acids 40 to 79 is the most variable region of GP4. The neutralization domain of GP4, described here, is the first identified for LV.     

Immunoreactivity of apolipoprotein B-100 and binding to LDL-receptor of phospholipase A2-treated low density lipoproteins

Lipid--protein particles were obtained by treatment of low density lipoproteins (LDL) with phospholipase A2 from bee venom. Under these conditions, half of the phosphatidylcholine (PC) of LDL was changed to lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). At the same time, the composition of other lipids and the apoprotein structure were unaffected. Three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against various apo B epitopes were used to test immunoreactivity of phospholipase A2-treated LDL (pl-LDL). The apo B epitope interacting with MAb 4C11 (amino acid residues 2377-2658) showed significantly decreased immunoreactivity. Increase in MAb 4C11 binding was demonstrated to depend on oxidation degree of LDL. Thus, changing of half of PC to LPC modified apo B translocation in the lipoprotein globule in an opposite manner as compared with changes induced by oxidative modification. A minor increase in immunoreactivity of pl-LDL with 1D1 MAb against a large middle part of apo B (residues 1297-3249) may be due to the effect of the change of surface lipid composition on the extent of immersion of apo B into the hydrophobic phase. No changes in the interaction of pl-LDL with MAb 2G8 (residues 3748-4306) were observed in comparison with native LDL. This fact demonstrates that 50% phospholipolysis of LDL does not affect the expression of apo B C-terminal residues in pl-LDL. Twofold increase in pl-LDL affinity to immobilized LDL-receptor was shown in contrast to LDL. The data indicate that LPC accumulation in LDL results in better elimination of LDL from the blood stream than in case of accumulation of oxidative products.     

Regions required for CD4 binding in the external glycoprotein gp120 of simian immunodeficiency virus

The external domain of the envelope glycoprotein, gp120, of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has been expressed as a mature secreted product using recombinant baculoviruses and the expressed protein, which has an observed molecular mass of 110 kDa, was purified by monoclonal antibody (MAb) affinity chromatography. N-terminal sequence analysis showed a signal sequence cleavage identity similar to that of the gp120s of both human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV type 2. The expressed molecule bound to soluble CD4 with an affinity that was approximately 10-fold lower than that of gp120 from HIV-1. A screening of the ability of SIV envelope MAbs to inhibit CD4 binding revealed two groups of inhibitory MAbs. One group is dependent on conformation, while the second group maps to a discrete epitope near the amino terminus. The particular role of the V3 loop region of the molecule in CD4 binding was investigated by the construction of an SIV-HIV hybrid in which the V3 loop of SIV was precisely replaced with the equivalent domain from HIV-1 MN. The hybrid glycoprotein bound HIV-1 V3 loop MAbs and not SIV V3 MAbs but continued to bind conformational SIV MAbs and soluble CD4 as well as the parent molecule.     

Sugar-binding sites with specificity for glucosamine in the guinea pig middle ear mucosa

Glucosamine-binding sites were detected in Lowicryl K4M-embedded guinea pig middle ear mucosa by electron microscopy, using glucosaminyl bovine serum albumin. Incubation of ultrathin tissue sections with gold-labeled glucosaminyl bovine serum albumin (GlcN/BSA/gold) resulted in binding mainly on cilia, microvilli, rough endoplasmic reticulum and nuclei. The sugar binding was not inhibited after ultrathin sections had been digested with trypsin or neuraminidase. Various carbohydrates and glycoconjugates were tested as competitive inhibitors of GlcN/BSA/gold labeling on the tissue sections. The sugar specificity range detected by the glucosamine-binding sites included glucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, mannose and fucose, whereas N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose and glucose were not detectable. A series of endotoxic substances such as Salmonella minnesota Re595 lipid A complex with BSA and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from Escherichia coli 055:B5 or S. minnesota Re595 also competed with GlcN/BSA/gold binding. This indicates that the lipid A backbone glucosamine or other carbohydrate portions of LPS is a part of the structure recognized by glucosamine-binding sites.     

Structure and binding properties of monoclonal antibodies to core histones from autoimmune mice

Histones are frequent targets of self-reactive antibodies during autoimmune syndromes. We report the specificities and V region genes of three IgG anti-histone MAbs obtained from autoimmune mice. Each of the MAbs, named LG2-1, LG2-2 and BWA3, is directed against a different determinant located in the basic amino-terminal domain of core histones. LG2-1 reacts with a peptide from histone H3 (residues 30-45), LG2-2 recognizes the amino-terminus of H2B (residues 1-13) and BWA3 binds an epitope corresponding to a region of high sequence similarity between H2A and H4 (residues 1-20 and 1-29, respectively). The analysis of their V region sequences indicates that the H chain CDRs of these MAbs are remarkable for the presence of negatively charged amino acid residues that may play a role in the binding to cationic histones. The H chain importance in conferring reactivity to histones is corroborated by the observation that each of the VH gene segments of these MAbs is very similar to VH genes of previously described murine anti-histone antibodies.     

Factors associated with successful mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells in 200 patients with lymphoid malignancies

To examine the repertoire of Pneumocystis carinii antigens recognized by antibody-secreting B cells from tracheobronchial lymph nodes isolated immediately following recovery from P. carinii pneumonia, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced from these cells. In contrast to previous studies of systemic immunity, P. carinii gpA was not the immunodominant antigen recognized by these B cells. Forty-nine (91%) of 54 P. carinii-specific hybridoma culture supernatants reacted with P. carinii antigens other than gpA. Many of the resulting MAbs recognized a previously uncharacterized antigen expressed on the surface of both cysts and trophozoites. Western blotting using one of the cloned MAbs revealed reactivity with a broad range of antigenic material, with the most intense reactivity in the 50- to 65-kDa region of the blot. The antigens identified by these MAbs merit further investigation regarding protective immunity to P. carinii because they were recognized by B cells in the context of recovery from P. carinii pneumonia.     

Immunolocalization of latent transforming growth factor-beta binding protein-1 (LTBP1) during mouse development: possible roles in epithelial and mesenchymal cytodifferentiation

Twenty-five conformation-dependent monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) produced by immunization of mice with oligomeric forms of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (env) glycoprotein were used to map exposed, immunogenic regions on oligomeric env. Based on MAb cross-competition, reactivity with diverse env proteins, and reactivity with a panel of gp120 mutants, seven distinct epitope clusters were identified. These include the classic CD4 binding site, V1/V2, and V3. in addition, several novel epitope clusters, including one mapping to the N- and C-termini of gp120, were identified. The locations of the seven epitope clusters on the gp120 core structure are proposed.     

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 attachment to HeLa CD4 cells is CD4 independent and gp120 dependent and requires cell surface heparans

The binding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) (Hx10) virions to two different cell lines was analyzed by using a novel assay based on the detection, by anti-HLA-DR-specific antibodies, of HLA-DR+ virus binding to HLA-DR- cells. Virion attachment to the CD4+-T-cell line A3.01 was highly CD4 dependent in that it was potently inhibited by CD4 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), and little virus binding to the CD4- sister A2.01 line was observed. By contrast, virion binding to HeLa cells expressing moderate or high levels of CD4 was equivalent to, or lower than, binding to wild-type CD4- HeLa cells. Moreover, several CD4 MAbs did not reduce, but enhanced, HIV-1 attachment to HeLa-CD4 cells. CD4 was required for infection of HeLa cells, however, demonstrating a postattachment role for this receptor. MAbs specific for the V2 and V3 loops and the CD4i epitope of gp120 strongly inhibited virion binding to HeLa-CD4 cells, whereas MAbs specific for the CD4bs and the 2G12 epitopes enhanced attachment. Despite this, all gp120- and gp41-specific MAbs tested neutralized infectivity on HeLa-CD4 cells. HIV-1 attachment to HeLa cells was only partially inhibited by MAbs specific for adhesion molecules present on the virus or target cells but was completely blocked by polyanions such as heparin, dextran sulfate, and pentosan sulfate. Treatment of HeLa-CD4 cells with heparinases completely eliminated HIV attachment and infection, strongly implicating cell surface heparans in the attachment process. CD4 dependence for HIV-1 attachment to target cells is thus highly cell line specific and may be replaced by other ligand-receptor interactions.     

Comparative analysis of class I, II and III epitope-detecting CD34 monoclonal antibodies by quantitative flow cytometry

The aim of this study was to compare different CD34 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) belonging to three different classes: MY10 class I, QBend10 class II, a mixture of three selected MAbs class I and II designated as CD34 Pool, and 8G12 class III. Bone marrow (BM) samples from 13 healthy donors were analyzed for: 1) percentage of CD34+ cells, 2) quantitative expression of CD34 epitopes (antigen's density - AgD) using a quantitative indirect immunofluorescence (QIFI) test, 3) study of CD34+ cell subsets defined by CD34 and CD38 coexpression. 8G12 MAb showed the highest reactivity with regard to the percentage of detected CD34+ cells and AgD on these cells. A nearly identical percentage of CD34+ cells was detected with CD34 Pool, but with a lower AgD. With QBend10, the percentage of CD34 expressing cells was insignificantly decreased and the AgD was slightly lower. The expression of the MY10 epitope was the lowest and was detected on the lowest number of CD34+ cells. Concerning CD34 and CD38 coexpressing subset, we observed that 8G12 class III MAb detected CD34loCD38dim cells with comparable efficiency with MY10 class I MAb, but with significantly higher level than QBend10 class II and CD34 Pool class I+II MAbs. The CD34hiCD38dim subset was detected with the same efficiency by QBend10, CD34 Pool or 8G12 MAbs but with significantly higher frequency than MY10 MAb. In conclusion: class II and III MAbs appear preferable for flow cytometric quantification of CD34+ cells; for CD34+ cell subsets determination class III MAbs should be suitable.     

A novel gastric-cancer-associated mucin antigen defined by a monoclonal antibody A3D4

De-glycosylation of mucins may expose new tumor-associated core protein epitopes. In this study, to attempt to develop useful markers for gastric cancers, we have purified and de-glycosylated gastric mucin and tried to establish monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A MAb designated A3D4 among established MAbs was shown to react with gastric cancer with high frequency, but not with normal gastric epithelium. Among normal digestive organs, only the colon and gall bladder were positive for MAb A3D4. The incidence of positivity in gastric cancer was 75% for intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (n = 28), 40% for solid-type adenocarcinoma (n = 5) and 33% for signet/scirrhous-type adenocarcinoma (n = 15). Interestingly, adenoma and intestinal metaplasia (IM) with chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer were negative for MAb A3D4, whereas 8 out of 13 cases (62%) of IM with gastric cancer was positive. Western-blot analysis using the lysate from normal colon tissues revealed a high-molecular-weight (> 300-kDa) smear-like band. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the reactivity of MAb A3D4 was clearly increased when tissue sections were pre-treated with periodic acid or O-glycanase, while it was decreased by pre-treatment with trypsin or protease V8. There was no reactivity with the synthetic peptide encompassing the tandem-repeat sequence of MUC2 or MUC3. These data suggest that MAb A3D4 detects a novel gastric-cancer-associated mucin antigen whose epitope may be peptide in nature.     

Characterization of a new breast cancer-associated antigen and its relationship to MUC1 and TAG-72 antigens

We have characterized a new tumor-associated antigen defined by monoclonal antibody (MAb) generated against HMA-1 breast cancer cell line. MAb AM-1 was selected based on its preferential reactivity to breast cancer cells versus to normal or benign epithelial cells by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical assays of cultured, or fresh specimens. AM-1 demonstrated strong reactivity to breast cancer cell lines including HMA-1, YMB-1-E, YMB-1 and MDA-MB-231 in flow cytometry. In immunoprecipitation, AM-1 recognized high molecular weight components of 160-210 kDa and > 370 kDa. Reactivity with HMA-1 cells was diminished markedly when treated by heat, protease or periodate, suggesting that the antigenic epitope is composed with carbohydrates and peptides. Enzyme digestion of precipitated antigens demonstrated that the antigen contains O-linked and N-linked carbohydrates with neuraminic acid structures. Furthermore, binding inhibition and sandwich ELISA assays using MAbs reactive with known breast cancer-associated antigens and synthetic MUC1 core peptide (PDTRPAPGSTAPPAHGVTSAPDTR) demonstrated that the antigen is distinct from CEA, TAG-72 or MUC1, while the antigen conjoins with MUC1 and TAG-72 as a trimmer form in HMA-1 cells. These results suggest that AM-1 recognizes a novel glycoprotein which is abundant in breast cancer, and may be utilized in the management of breast cancer patients.     

A broadly cross-protective monoclonal antibody binding to Escherichia coli and Salmonella lipopolysaccharides

During the last decade, episodes of sepsis have increased and Escherichia coli has remained the most frequent clinical isolate. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS; endotoxin) are the major toxic and antigenic components of gram-negative bacteria and qualify as targets for therapeutic interventions. Molecules that neutralize the toxic effects of LPS are actively investigated. In this paper, we describe a murine monoclonal antibody (MAb; WN1 222-5), broadly cross-reactive and cross-protective for smooth (S)-form and rough (R)-form LPS. As shown in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the passive hemolysis assay, WN1 222-5 binds to the five known E. coli core chemotypes, to Salmonella core, and to S-form LPS having these core structures. In immunoblots, it is shown to react with both the nonsubstituted core LPS and with LPS carrying O-side chains, indicating the exposure of the epitope in both S-form and R-form LPS. This MAb of the immunoglobulin G2a class is not lipid A reactive but binds to E. coli J5, an RcP+ mutant which carries an inner core structure common to many members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Phosphate groups present in the inner core contribute to the epitope but are not essential for the binding of WN1 222-5 to complete core LPS. Cross-reactivity for clinical bacterial isolates is broad. WN1 222-5 binds to all E. coli clinical isolates tested so far (79 blood isolates, 80 urinary isolates, and 21 fecal isolates) and to some Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella isolates. This pattern of reactivity indicates that its binding epitope is widespread among members of the Enterobacteriaceae. WN1 222-5 exhibits biologically relevant activities. In vitro, it inhibits the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay activity of S-form and R-form LPS in a dose-dependent manner and it neutralizes the LPS-induced release of clinically relevant monokines (interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor). In vivo, WN1 222-5 blocks endotoxin-induced pyrogenicity in rabbits and lethality in galactosamine-sensitized mice. The discovery of WN1 222-5 settles the long-lasting controversy over the existence of anti-core LPS MAbs with both cross-reactive and cross-protective activity, opening new possibilities for the immunotherapy of sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria.     

A neutralizing epitope of human papillomavirus type 11 is principally described by a continuous set of residues which overlap a distinct linear, surface-exposed epitope

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which neutralize human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV11) in the athymic mouse xenograph neutralization assay and bind HPV11 virus-like particles (VLPs) has been described. We recently presented evidence that the Gly131-Tyr132 residues of the major capsid protein L1 confer type 11-specific binding. However, residues distally located on the primary L1 sequence also were shown to affect binding. This poses the question whether the epitope is principally centered in the region of Gly131-Tyr132 or, alternatively, is comprised of diversely located residues which come into proximity only upon proper assembly. We analyzed the result of numerous substitutions located between Tyr123 and Val142 of the HPV11 L1 sequence. We show that substitutions at five positions result in loss of binding for one or more of these MAbs by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which measures antibody binding to VLPs. We demonstrate that binding of these MAbs is redirected to HPV16 VLPs which harbor eight type 11-like substitutions within the homologous region. Three of these substitutions did not affect binding when individually substituted in HPV11 but yet were still required to transfer binding to substituted HPV16 VLPs. The results demonstrate that the epitope for this class of neutralizing MAbs, although conformational and requiring VLP assembly for presentation, principally lies along a 20-residue stretch of the L1 major capsid protein. This targets the region for evaluation of the possibility of receptor binding and suggests possibilities for the design of peptide inhibitors of virus infectivity.     

Induction of early gene expression in murine macrophages by synthetic lipid A analogs with differing endotoxic potentials

Numerous lipid A analogs have been synthesized in an attempt to dissociate endotoxic activities from beneficial immunomodulatory activities. In the present study, we have evaluated select lipid A analogs in macrophages for their ability to induce a panel of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inducible genes to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms which underlie endotoxicity. We evaluated three monosaccharide lipid A analogs: SDZ MRL 953, an agonist with an improved therapeutic margin over endotoxin; SDZ 281.288, a more toxic analog; and SDZ 880.431, an analog with proven LPS-inhibitory activity. In addition, three disaccharide lipid A analogs (i.e., lipid IVA, SDZ 880.611, and SDZ 880.924) that differ in acylation and phosphorylation patterns were also examined and compared with synthetic lipid A. With the exception of SDZ 880.431, each of these structurally diverse analogs was able to induce the complete panel of LPS-inducible genes, specifically genes which encode tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta, 75-kDa type 2 TNF receptor (D7), IP-10, D3, and D8. These results underscore that macrophage stimulation by lipid A analogs is permissive to considerable structural diversity. Structures with favorable therapeutic indices (SDZ MRL 953, SDZ 880.611, and SDZ 880.924) were not different from structures with poor therapeutic indices (lipid A, lipid IVA, and SDZ 281.288) with regard to gene induction. Nonetheless, the nontoxic SDZ MRL 953 was approximately 1,000-fold less potent than synthetic lipid A at inducing TNF-alpha secretion, and perhaps this contributes to the lack of toxicity exhibited by this compound. The ability of compound SDZ 880.431 to inhibit TNF-alpha secretion induced by both SDZ MRL 953 and smooth LPS suggests that the monosaccharide and smooth LPS share a receptor or a portion thereof. A pattern of protein tyrosine phosphorylation similar to that induced by LPS was stimulated by the monosaccharide SDZ MRL 953 and SDZ 281.288 and disaccharides lipid IVA, SDZ 880.924, and SDZ 880.611, providing evidence for a common signalling pathway.     

Binding of quinacrine to acidic phospholipids and pancreatic phospholipase A2. Effects on the catalytic activity of the enzyme

Binding of quinacrine to phospholipids and porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was investigated using fluorescence resonance energy transfer, Langmuir films, assay for the enzymatic activity, and molecular modeling. No significant binding of this drug to the zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine was observed whereas a high affinity for acidic phospholipids was revealed by quenching of pyrene-labeled phospholipid analogues. Partial reversal of this binding was observed due to the addition of 4 mM CaCl2. Quinacrine efficiently and independently of the lipid surface pressure penetrated into monolayers of phosphatidylglycerol while only a weak penetration into phosphatidylcholine films was evident. Quinacrine also bound to eosin-labeled PLA2, and the addition of 4 mM CaCl2 reversed this interaction almost completely. In the presence of acidic phospholipids both the drug and the enzyme were attached to the lipid surface. Studies on the influence of quinacrine on the activity of PLA2 toward pyrene-labeled phospholipid analogues revealed that the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine was progressively reduced as a function of increasing [quinacrine]. At low [CaCl2] and low quinacrine:lipid molar ratios (<1:5) quinacrine enhanced slightly the rate of hydrolysis of acidic phospholipids whereas at higher drug:lipid molar ratios (>1:2) an inhibition was observed. In the presence of 1 mM CaCl2 quinacrine inhibited PLA2-catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphatidylglycerol only when the drug:lipid molar ratio exceeded 1:1. The presence of 4 mM CaCl2 abolished nearly completely the inhibition with all the substrate analogues used. Our data suggest that the inhibition of PLA2 by quinacrine is due to its binding to the enzyme. This is supported also by molecular modeling which suggested a binding site for quinacrine close to the active site and Ca2+ binding site of the enzyme. Importantly, our data indicate that quinacrine binds avidly to acidic phospholipids and their presence may influence the drug-enzyme interaction and the inhibition of the enzyme action. Accordingly, presence of quinacrine may interfere also with other processes that require the presence of acidic lipids and/or Ca2+, such as the function of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.     

Effect of albumin on the absorption of phenol red, bromphenol blue and bromosulphonphthalein as model drugs from the liver surface membrane in rats

The effect of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on drug absorption from the liver surface in rats was examined by using three organic anions (phenol red, bromphenol blue and bromosulphonphthalein) as model drugs which have a high affinity for albumin. The binding ratio of the model drugs (3 mg/ml in phosphate buffer) to BSA varied widely at a BSA concentration of 0.1--10% (w/v). The model drugs (3 mg/ml x 0.1 ml) with or without BSA were applied to the rat liver surface in vivo employing a cylindrical glass cell (i.d. 9 mm, area 0.64 cm2). The absorption ratios of the model drugs from the rat liver surface at 6h, calculated from the amount recovered from the glass cell, decreased with an increase in BSA concentration. A similar trend was observed with biliary recovery of the model drugs. A marked reduction in the absorption ratio was seen with bromosulphonphthalein, which has the highest binding activity to BSA among the three organic anions. Accordingly, protein binding appears to be a significant factor with respect to the drug absorption from the liver surface.