Covalent binding of C3b to monoclonal antibodies selectively up-regulates heavy chain epitope recognition by T cells

Protein C3 of the complement system is known for its role in the nonspecific immune response. Covalent binding of C3b to antigen upon complement activation also plays a significant role in specific T cell immune response. C3b-antigen complexes can bind to complement receptors on the antigenpresenting cell, and the C3b antigen link (most often an ester link) remains fairly stable inside the cells. In this study, IgG1,χ and IgG2a,χ murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were used as antigens; covalent complexes between mAb and C3b were produced and puritied in vitro from purified proteins; human B cell lines and T cell clones were raised from tumor patients who received mAb injections for cancer therapy or diagnosis. Recognition of epitopes of these mAb by T cell clones when the mAb were processed alone or bound to C3b was compared. IgG or IgG-C3b complexes presented by B cell lines were able to stimulate proliferation of χ light chain-specific T cell clones at similar concentrations. In contrast, IgG-C3b complex recognition by heavy chain-specific T cell clones required 100-fold less IgG-C3b than uncomplexed IgG. As C3b was shown to be covalently bound only to the IgG heavy chains in the complexes, C3b chaperoning is restricted to only the IgG heavy chain and selectively influences intracellular steps of IgG heavy chain processing. This differential modulation of C3b suggests an early dissociation of IgG heavy and light chains in antigenpresenting cells.     

The C(H)1 domain of IgG is not essential for C3 covalent binding: importance of the other constant domains as targets for C3

The covalent binding of C3 to antigen-antibody complexes [immune complexes (IC)] plays a pivotal role in the elimination of antigens. C3 prevents the formation of large IC lattices promoting their solubilization. Subsequently, bound C3 fragments determine the efficacy of antigen presentation, and the generation of antibody responses and immunological memory. C3 binding to IgG-IC generates IgG-C3b-C3b complexes which are detected by SDS-PAGE as two major bands: C3alpha65- heavy chain and C3alpha65-C3alpha43 covalent complexes. Using human heat-aggregated IgG1 as a model of IC, a C3b binding site was localized only in the Cgamma1 domain. However, with true IC of ovalbumin and rabbit IgG anti-ovalbumin, C3b binds to both the Fab and Fc regions of IgG. To study the binding of C3b to the different domains of IgG and particularly to evaluate the involvement of the Cgamma1 domain, we have constructed recombinant single-chain antibodies without Cgamma1, which have the structure: V(H)-linker-V(L)-hinge-Cgamma2-Cgamma3 (scAb). The variable domains were from a mouse mAb anti-HSA and the constant region (hinge-C(H)2-C(H)3) from human IgG1 or rabbit IgG. C3 binds very efficiently to IC formed with human (h-scAb) or rabbit (r-scAb) recombinant antibodies (scAb-HSA) and generates also two bands on SDS- PAGE (C3alpha65-scAb and C3alpha65-C3alpha43), which are the counterparts of those of the complete antibody. In addition, IC formed with scAb activate the alternative pathway to a similar extent as IC of the entire IgG. These data indicate that the Cgamma1 domain is a dispensable region for C3b binding and that the remaining constant domains are as efficient as Cgamma1 in C3b binding. Overall these results support the view that C3 does not specifically recognize a unique site in the Cgamma1 domain. Rather it seems to be able to attach along the antibody molecule. Probably this implies an advantage for effective processing of C3b-IC and elimination of antigens in vivo.      

Isotypic and clonal variations in the interactions between model monoclonal immune complexes and the human erythrocyte CR1 receptor.

Erythrocytes (E) play a central role in handling circulating immune complexes (IC) in primates. E capture IC via complement receptors, type 1 (CR1) which can bind to C3b and C4b ligand sites generated on IC during activation of the complement cascade. The present study was designed to explore how the immunochemical properties of IC affected their interactions with human E. Model IC were constructed by combining murine monoclonal anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) antibodies with DNP-bovine serum albumin. A panel of 10 independently-derived monoclonal IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3, IgM and IgA antibodies were used to construct IC and their interactions with human E were examined in vitro. The data reveal that IC constructed with the different monoclonal antibodies differed with respect to their rate of binding to E, the peak magnitude of IC binding to E, and the rate and extent of IC release from E. IC containing IgG1 antibodies (IgG1 IC), IgG2a IC, IgG2b IC, and IgA IC all bound rapidly to E, whereas IgG3 IC and IgM IC were bound relatively slowly to E. The peak magnitude of IC binding to E correlated directly with their binding rate. There was an inverse correlation between the antigen/antibody ratio of the IC and the magnitude of IC binding to E. The rate of release of the various types of IC from E also differed. IgG2a IC and IgG2b IC displayed the most rapid maximum release rates while IgG3 IC had the slowest peak release rate. IgM IC and IgA IC were also released relatively slowly from E. IgG1 IC had an intermediate release rate. There was no direct correlation between the maximum release rate and either the maximum binding rate or the peak magnitude of IC binding to E. While there were some clonotypic differences in binding and release rates between IC made with different IgG2a, IgG3 and IgM antibodies, antibody isotype appears to be of fundamental importance with respect to both the binding of IC to E and the release of IC from E. These data indicate that the immunochemical properties of IC can profoundly affect their interactions with human E and that the panel of IC constructed with monoclonal antibodies can serve as a useful model to explore these interactions.     

The covalent interaction of C3 with IgG immune complexes

Antigens (Ags) are converted into immune complexes (antigen-antibody complexes, IC) as soon as they encounter their specific antibodies (Abs). In fluids containing complement, the process of IC formation and fixation of complement components occur simultaneously. Hence, the formation of Ag-Ab-complement complexes is the normal way of eliminating Ags from a host. C3b-C3b-IgG covalent complexes are immediately formed on interaction of serum C3 with IgG-IC. These C3b-C3b dimers constitute the core for the assembly of C3/C5-convertase on the IC, which are subsequently converted into iC3b-iC3b-IgG by the complement regulators. These complexes are detected on SDS-PAGE by two bands of molecular composition, C3alpha65-C3alpha43 (band A) and C3alpha65-heavy chain of the Ab (band B), which correspond to C3b-C3b and C3b-IgG covalent interaction respectively, and that identify opsonized IC (C3b-IC). C3b can attach to Fab and Fc regions of the Ab molecule with similar efficiency. The presence of multiple C3b binding regions on IgG is considered an advantageous characteristic that facilitates the elimination of Ags in the form of C3b(n)-IC. Ab molecules on the IC recognize the Ag, and also serve as a very good acceptor for C3b binding. In this way, Ags, even if they have no acceptor sites for C3b, can be efficiently processed and removed. When C3 is activated in serum by IC or other activators, secondary C3b-IgG covalent complexes are generated, with bystander monomeric circulating IgG, and thus constitute, physiological products of complement activation. These complexes gain importance when IgG concentration is extremely high as in cases of infusion of intravenous IgG (IVIG) in several pathologies. The covalent attachment of activated complement C3 (C3b, iC3b, C3 d,g) to Ags or IC links innate and adaptative immunity by targeting Ags to different cells of the immune system (follicular dendritic cells, phagocytes, B cells). Hence C3b marks Ags definitively, from the earliest contact with the innate immune system until their complete elimination from the host.     

Binding and catabolism of aggregated immunoglobulins bearing C3b or iC3b by U937 cells.

Mononuclear cells play an important role in the elimination of immune complexes (IC). In the presence of complement (C) the binding and degradation of IC by mononuclear cells is enhanced at least two-fold. The enhancement of binding is caused by a synergistic interaction of the IC with cellular Fc and complement receptors (R). In the present study we have investigated the contribution of the complement receptors CR1 and CR3 of human monocyte cell line U937 on the complement-mediated binding and degradation of immune complexes and soluble aggregates of IgG (AIgG) bearing C3b or iC3b. It was found that deposition of C3b on AIgG enhanced the binding of AIgG to U937 cells at least two-fold. The C3b-mediated enhancement of binding was abolished by anti-CR1. iC3b-bound to AIgG also enhanced the binding of AIgG to the cells. This binding was only partially reduced by anti-CR3 antibodies, but the combination of anti-CR1 and anti-CR3 fully abolished the iC3b-mediated enhancement of binding. These results suggest that both CR1 and CR3 contribute to the complement-mediated binding and degradation of soluble IC by mononuclear phagocytes.     

Functional cooperation of C3b-acceptors, Fc gamma-receptors and cell-surface proteases on macrophages

Macrophages are FcR-positive cells, synthetize complement components and express proteolytic enzymes on their surface. In this paper a functional cooperation of C3b acceptor (C3bA) sites, which bind covalently nascent C3b molecules via their metastable binding site, IgG FcRs and cell surface proteases are described and the possible importance of this cooperation in regulation of immune response is discussed. It was found that isolated monocytes did not express C3bA in contrast to cultured macrophages which showed immune adherence positivity. Stimulation of macrophages resulted in enhanced expression of C3bA. C3 synthetized by macrophages was shown to be cleaved by cellular proteases which resulted in the binding of nascent C3b to C3bA. C3bA-nascent C3b interaction inhibited FcR-dependent effector functions, such as immune complex phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.     

Lack of adherence of IgG-, IgM-, and C3b-sensitized erythrocytes to human heart valves

In a search for receptors for immunoglobulin Fc fragment and activated complement component C3 (C3b) in normal or rheumatic heart valve tissues, sheep erythrocytes sensitized with IgM (IgM EA), IgG (IgG EA) and IgM plus activated complement (IgM EA C3b) were used in a closed-chamber immune adherence technique. Neither this method nor a separate immunofluorescence technique revealed the presence of such immunologic receptors in frozen sections of heart valves.     

A small domain (6.5 kDa) of bacterial protein G inhibits C3 covalent binding to the Fc region of IgG immune complexes

Attachment of the complement component C3 to antigen-antibody (Ag-Ab) complexes (immune complexes, IC) is the key molecular event responsible for the elimination of many Ag in the form of Ag-Ab-C3b. The CH1 domain and the Fc region of the Ab, which have previously been involved in the binding of C3b, are also the targets of several bacterial IgG-binding proteins, particularly proteins G and A. Here we describe the ability of a small recombinant protein G domain (B2; 6.5 kDa) to inhibit the covalent binding of C3b to the Fc portion of IgG without affecting the binding to the Fab part. Protein G (B2 domain) produced a remarkable inhibition of covalent binding of C3b to IC formed with rabbit IgG, but none with the F(ab ′ )₂ fragment, indicating that B2 interferes with the C3b binding to the Fc region. A weak inhibition was observed with IC formed with mouse IgG2b which preferentially binds B2 domain on the CH1 domain of the Fab. To confirm these data, recombinant single-chain Ab devoid of CH1 domains (scAb), and including the rabbit or human Fc portion (hinge-CH2-CH3), were produced and used to form IC. Protein G-B2 domain inhibited C3b binding to IC formed with scAb of either human or rabbit constant regions, supporting the view of a specific blockade of C3b binding to the Fc region. A similar inhibition of C3b binding was observed using protein A instead of protein G B2 domain and the same set of IC. On the CH1 domain, C3b and B2 bind on opposite faces, and therefore do not interfere with each other in their binding. However, B2 domain bound to the inter-CH2-CH3 region impedes the C3b binding to the Fc. This inhibition clarifies the specificity of C3b for the different regions of IgG and explains how bacterial IgG-binding proteins provide the bacteria with a mechanism of evasion from the opsonizing action of complement and contribute to the virulence. This could be a general mechanism of escape because protein G binds the majority of mammalian Ig.     

Possible mechanisms of the first step of the classical complement activation pathway: binding and activation of C1.

Different immunoglobulin preparations of human monoclonal IgM, normal human and rat IgG, as well as purified rabbit antibodies were treated by various methods, fragmentation, aggregation and complexing with antigen. The ability of the treated and untreated preparations to fix isolated human C1, to activate the classical complement pathway (to consume C4 in normal human serum) were compared. It was found that the different methods affected the conformation of the immunoglobulin molecules in different ways and induced changes to a greater or lesser extent in the two capacities of the preparations tested. In the case of the monoclonal IgM preparation a strong C1-fixation was observed without measurable complement activation. Other preparations, interfacially aggregated human IgG, BSA-anti-BSA and OA-anti-OA immune complexes had a very weak C1-fixing but a marked complement activating capacity. Some preparations, e.g. heat-aggregated IgG, both fixed and activated C1 effectively, aggregates with a complement-activating capacity without C1-fixing effect were separated by gel-filtration. It was demonstrated further, that at a given time only a part of the activated C1 molecules could be found fixed to the immunoglobulins, the other part was released into the fluid phase after activation. On the basis of the results of this and previous studies a hypothesis is proposed suggesting three possible results of the interaction between C1 and the different preparations: (1) firm fixation and activation; (2) binding not followed by activation and (3) a transient binding leading to activation. The possible application of this hypothesis for the interpretation of the results of the different methods for detecting immune complexes is discussed.     

Release of Immune Complexes bound to Erythrocyte Complement Receptor (CR1), with Particular Reference to the Role of Factor I

The release of 125I-bovine serum albumin (BSA)-anti-BSA immune complexes (IC) bound to human erythrocyte complement receptors (E-CR1) was studied. IC were complement-solubilized in normal human serum (NHS), and reacted with human erythrocytes at conditions optimal for binding of the IC to E-CR1. E-CR1-bound IC could be released by the addition of NHS or purified factor I. Factor I-deficient or I-depleted serum mediated no release, and addition of purified factor I restored the release. Factor H was not required for the release of IC. The kinetics of IC release was influenced by the NHS concentration, the presence of EDTA, and the time of prior storage of the erythrocytes at 4 degrees C. NHS (1:5 to 1:10) in the presence of EDTA caused nearly maximal release within 10-20 min at 37 degrees C. In the absence of EDTA the NHS-induced IC release was markedly slower. IC released within the first 30 min showed significant rebinding to new E. The release of IC was not associated with loss of the IC binding activity of E-CR1. The NHS-mediated release of IC could be inhibited by rabbit anti-CR1 and by a mixture of protease inhibitors. Release induced by purified factor I was also inhibited by protease inhibitors. The affinity of IC binding to E-CR1 was reduced after cleavage of CR1-bound C3b-IC to iC3b-IC by factor I.     

Complement fixation by small, DNase-resistant DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes

125I-ds DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes (IC) formed at antibody excess and containing DNA of 300-350 base pairs (bp) fixed complement, incorporated C3b and bound to the C3b receptors (CR1) on human red blood cells (RBC). When the IC were treated with DNase to generate small, DNase-resistant IC, some of the IC incorporated C3b, but did not bind to RBC. In order to examine C3b incorporation and RBC binding by IC of specific sizes, the DNase treated IC were fractionated by sucrose density gradient (SDG) ultracentrifugation. Small IC containing one, two, three or four IgG molecules per fragment of 125I-ds DNA were identified by autoradiography after electrophoresis of the SDG fractions on 3-12% linear polyacrylamide gradient gels. The SDG fractions were tested for C3b incorporation and RBC binding ability. There was neither C3b incorporation nor RBC binding activity in fractions which corresponded to 9-11S (containing IC with one IgG/DNA). Fractions which corresponded to 12-22S (containing IC with up to four IgG/DNA fragment) demonstrated increased C3b incorporation with increased size, but did not show significant RBC binding activity. Fractions with IC containing four or more IgGs (22-24S) incorporated C3b and bound to RBC at approximately the same level. It is concluded that DNase digested IC which contain three-four IgG/DNA fragment are large enough to activate complement and incorporate C3b, but are too small to bind to RBC CR1. These IC could therefore escape rapid clearance from the circulation via the erythrocyte CR1 clearance mechanism. Such IC could persist in the circulation and potentially elicit pathogenic effects in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.     

Concerted clearance of immune complexes bound to the human erythrocyte complement receptor: development of a heterologous mouse model

Experiments in primates have demonstrated that immune complexes (IC) bound to erythrocytes (E) via complement receptor 1 (CR1) are cleared to the liver in a process which removes CR1, but otherwise spares the E. Human E are stabilized for >1 h in the circulation of the mouse if the terminal complement pathway is blocked, and we used this paradigm to examine clearance in a mouse model. Human E were opsonized with an anti-CR1 mAb cross-linked to dsDNA (antigen-based heteropolymer, AHP), and then incubated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) plasmas containing IgG anti-dsDNA to form IC in situ. These IC stably bind to E CR1 in the complete absence of complement, thus allowing analysis in a model which does not require human C3b to facilitate E binding. Dual label experiments, based on RIA, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, were employed to monitor separately E and IC. When opsonized E-IC were injected into A/J mice, >90% of the IC were rapidly removed from the E coincident with loss of CR1. The E remained in the circulation while IC were localized to the liver, mainly to Kupffer cells. Preliminary experiments in NZB/W mice, which spontaneously develop IgG anti-dsDNA, indicated that infusion of E-AHP led to rapid binding of murine IgG to the E-AHP, followed by removal of the nascent IC from E, and loss of CR1 in a concerted reaction. These studies provide additional evidence that E CR1 functions as a privileged site for IC clearance, and that the key step in clearance requires removal of CR1 from E to release bound IC for uptake by acceptor macrophages. This model can be extended to genetically altered mice to investigate the role of specific Fcγ receptors as well as complement receptors in IC clearance.     

The Influence of Antibody Functional Affinity on the Effector Functions Involved in the Clearance of Circulating Immune Complexes Anti-BSA IgG/BSA

A systematic study was carried out to investigate the role of antibody functional affinity in the capacity of immune complexes (IC) to activate the complement system and to trigger subsequently the molecular events involved in the handling of IC by providing a clearance mechanism. For this purpose, two populations of polyclonal anti-BSA IgG antibodies of different affinities were prepared, with values of 1.89 × 10⁸ M^?1 and 4.94 × 10⁸ M^?1. First we studied the capacity of IC formed at equivalence with both antibodies to activate the classical and the alternative pathways of human complement and the ability of the complexes to bind to erythrocyte C3b-C4b receptors (CR1; CD35). The data showed that the highest affinity antibodies were more efficient in activating complement by both pathways. However, their binding to erythrocyte CR1 was significantly lower compared to the binding of the lowest affinity IgG. Second we compared these IC in terms of their ability to stimulate the respiratory burst of neutrophils (PMN) and to induce the release of PMN lysosomal enzymes. In general, both of these PMN functions were better stimulated by the IC prepared with the IgG antibodies having a highest affinity, although the effects were variable for different IC concentrations. The suggestion to be drawn from the data is that the antibody affinity has an influence on the formation of the immune complex lattice, modulating its three-dimensional structure and the arrangement of the antibody Fc fragments, interfering with complement activation and access to the neutrophil IgG receptors. The significance of these observations for the understanding of how affinity influences the precise biological mechanism that participates in the fate of IC is discussed.     

The fluid-phase binding of human C4 and its genetic variants, C4A3 and C4B1, to immunoglobulins

Covalent binding of the fourth complement protein, C4, to immune complexes is an important first step in the complement mediated processing of the complexes. Many of the initial encounters between the proteins of the complement system and antigen and antibody occur in solution, and prior to this report, studies of the interactions between them have focused on complement binding to preformed immune precipitates that most likely are not found in vivo. We have characterized the covalent binding of C4b to immunoglobulin molecules in a fluid-phase system consisting only of antibody in solution and purified C4 and C1s. We demonstrate that human C4b binds to IgG in the fluid phase, that its covalent binding is predominantly to the heavy chain of IgG, and that the covalent linkage is by either amide or acyl ester bonds. In addition, we compare the covalent binding efficiencies of two genetic variants of C4, C4A3 and C4B1, to IgG. C4A3 binds 3-4 times more IgG than C4B1 over a range of C4 concentrations, and C4A3 has a higher binding efficiency than C4B1 for IgM, IgA, IgG2a and F(ab')2 as well as for a protein antigen, BSA. Furthermore, we found that whereas C4A3 is bound to immunoglobulins in the fluid-phase predominantly by amide linkage, C4B1 is bound by either amide or acyl ester bonds. The results presented here suggest that the covalent binding efficiency of C4A3 and C4B1 to IgG is similar to that reported for their covalent binding to small molecules.     

The effect of complement in adherent immune complexes on Fc and C3 receptor expression in human monocytes.

The effect of complement in surface-bound immune complexes on the expression of Fc and C3 receptors in membranes of adherent human monocytes was examined. Monocytes were isolated from mononuclear leucocyte preparations by adherence to substrates containing fibrin, fibrin with immune complexes (containing rabbit IgG antibodies), or fibrin with immune complexes and mouse complement. Fc or C3 receptors on the top or exposed surface of the monocytes were detected by rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes coated with IgG (EA) or IgM and complement (EAC). Monocytes adherent to surface-bound immune complexes exhibited an absence of EA rosette-forming ability without any change in EAC rosettes. This specific loss of Fc receptor function was induced more easily in freshly-isolated monocytes than in cells maintained in suspension culture for up to 7 days. The presence of complement in the immune complex substrates did not reverse the decrease in Fc receptors seen with freshly-isolated or cultured monocytes. Monocytes adherent to immune complexes and complement exhibited a decrease in C3 receptor function. This decrease was more readily induced in cells cultured for three days in the presence of serum than in freshly-isolated monocytes. Experiments performed with EAC or immune complex substrates relatively enriched in C3b or C3bi indicated that C3b in the substrate induced a decrease in monocyte C3b receptors and C3bi led to a decrease in C3bi receptors. No evidence was found for C3d receptors on the human monocytes although these receptors on a subpopulation of human lymphocytes appeared to be altered in a similar fashion.     

Deposition of C3b/iC3b leads to the concealment of antigens, immunoglobulins and bound C1q in complement-activating immune complexes

Complement activation by bound IgG in serum at physiological concentrations is reflected in the deposition of C3b/iC3b in the absence of antigenic expression of the IgG or of any bound C1q on the target. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional requirements for this phenomenon and to establish its relationship to a release or concealment of the antigens. Microtiter wells coated with IgG by direct adsorption or by binding of IgG antibodies to pre-adsorbed homologous antigen were incubated with serum or serum reagents at 37 degrees C. The complement reaction was analyzed by ELISA to quantitate bound or released reaction products, and the release of IgG from the coated microtiter wells was gauged radiometrically. In the presence of serum, rapid binding of C1q and C3b occurred and was soon followed by a rapid loss of C1q expression; C3b binding remained high. Loss of IgG paralleled that of C1q.The functional requirement for the reaction was restricted to the activation and deposition of C3b/iC3b but was dependent of the combined function of the classical and alternative complement pathways. The loss of the IgG antigen was solely the result of antigen concealment, whereas the loss of C1q was only partly so. In biological terms, the concealment of bound IgG and C1q may reflect mechanisms by which complement down-regulates leukocyte responses stimulated by ligand-cell membrane receptor interactions.     

Influence of Processing by Erythrocyte C3b/C4b Receptors (CR1) on Binding of Immune Complexes to Raji Cells and Polymorphonuclear Granulocytes

The binding of 125I-labelled bovine serum albumin (BSA)-anti-BSA immune complexes (IC) to Raji cells and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in vitro was studied. The IC were reacted for 1 h at 37 degrees C with normal human serum (NHS) diluted 1:2 in the presence or absence of human erythrocytes (E) before presentation for Raji cells or PMN cells. The IC showed a two to three fold increased binding to C3d, g receptors (CR2) on Raji cells, when E-CR1 had been present during the reaction with NHS, compared to IC similarly reacted with NHS only. Blocking of the E-CR1 by a polyclonal anti-CR1 antibody reduced the subsequent binding of IC to Raji cells to the same level as that obtained with IC reacted with serum only. Binding to PMN granulocytes of IC reacted with NHS in the presence of E-CR1 showed a 60% reduction compared to the binding of IC reacted with NHS only. It is concluded that interaction of complement-reacted IC with CR1 on erythrocytes leads to a more efficient generation of CR2-binding C3d, g-containing IC with reduced reactivity to PMN cells.     

Rat polymeric IgA binds C1q, but does not activate C1

Immune complexes, prepared with monoclonal rat IgA antibodies directed against DNP, activate the alternative pathway of the complement system in rat serum. In this study, the interaction of these monoclonal IgA antibodies with the classical pathway of complement was investigated. Monoclonal polymeric IgA (p-IgA) was shown to inhibit the IgG2b-mediated classical pathway-dependent lysis of TNP-coated sheep red blood cells. In addition, the binding of C3 to solid phase IgG2b immune complexes was inhibited by p-IgA. Monoclonal monomeric IgA (m-IgA) was much less efficient in this respect. To further analyse the effect of p-IgA on the activation of the classical pathway by IgG2b immune complexes, the interaction of p-IgA with C1 was studied. It was found that p-IgA antibodies bind C1q. No species-specificity was observed, since both rat and human C1q were bound. Whereas binding of C1q in C1 to IgG2b resulted in activation of C1, binding to p-IgA did not. The binding of C1q to both p-IgA and IgG2b could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies directed against the globular heads of C1q, but not by monoclonal antibodies directed against the collagen tail. The formation of insoluble p-IgA immune complexes was inhibited in the presence of rat serum or C1. These studies indicate that C1q binds to p-IgA by its globular heads, and thereby may modulate classical pathway-mediated reactions such as the inhibition of immune precipitate formation.     

Neutrophil Fcγ and complement receptors involved in binding soluble IgG immune complexes and in specific granule release induced by soluble IgG immune complexes

We examined the effect of soluble IgG immune complex (IC) characteristics on the binding of IC to human neutrophils and IC-induced specific granule release of neutrophils via Fcγ receptors (CD16 and CD32) and complement receptors (CR1 and CR3). A set of soluble IgG IC varying in size, IgG subclass, antigen epitope density and complement (C) incorporation were formed between 5-iodo-4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenacetyl (NIP) coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chimeric mouse-human anti-NIP monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of all four IgG subclasses. High and low epitope density IC of all four IgG subclasses induced specific granule release with C, but in the absence of C only IgG1 and IgG3 IC were functionally active. The Fcγ and C receptors responsible for IgG IC-induced specific granule release and IC binding were determined using mAb specific for the ligand binding sites of CD16, CD32 and CR3, and recombinant soluble CR1. Each defined IC displayed a unique pattern of receptor preference, dependent upon subclass and antigenic epitope density. IC binding and IC-induced specific granule release was not mediated by the same receptor, or combination of receptors. High and low epitope density IgG3 IC binding and induction of specific granule release was mediated predominantly via CD16. Other IC subclasses bound differently, i.e. IgG1 IC used CD16 and CR3; IgG2 and IgG4 predominantly used complement receptors; but all three induced specific granule release via CD32. In vivo these results may translate into differential activation of neutrophils by soluble IC dependent upon their characteristics, leading to subtle nuances in the etiology, pathology and control of the immune response in IC-related diseases.     

Reduced Erythrocyte CR1 (CD 35) Receptor Function and Complement Opsonization in Factor I-Deficient Patients is Restored by Plasma Infusion

Erythrocytes (E) from three factor I-deficient patients were investigated for surface-bound complement factors and CR1 (CD 35) expression and function. The E were coated with C4b, C3b, and factor H. Following plasma infusion or in vitro incubation of the patients' E with normal human serum (NHS) or purified factor I, cell-bound C4b and C3b could no longer be detected. The E now expressed C3d, and factor H was unaffected, indicating that factor H was bound to the C3d part of the C3b molecules, providing the co-factor for effective cleavage of E-bound C3b when purified factor I was added. The binding of monoclonal anti-CR1 antibodies (M710) to the patients' E was markedly reduced compared with control E, and was not normalized by treatment with NHS, probably because covalently bound C3d/factor H interfered with the binding of M710. By contrast, the reduced ability of the patients' E-CR1 to bind complement-opsonized immune complexes (IC) was normalized after plasma infusion. This shows that the impaired CR1 function was acquired and emphasizes the importance of performing functional CR1 assays. Complement opsonization of IC for binding to normal E was severely compromised in the patients' sera due to consumption of factor B and C3. After plasma infusion the opsonization capacity of the patients' sera was restored. Thus, two mechanisms of importance for normal clearance of IC were compromised in factor I-deficient patients: (1) the opsonization of IC for binding to E-CR1, and (2) the capacity of E-CR1 to bind opsonized complexes. Both dysfunctions were temporarily corrected by plasma infusion.