Surfactant protein D regulates chemotaxis and degranulation of human eosinophils

The collectin surfactant protein D (SP-D) is an important component of the pulmonary innate host defence. Up to now, little is known about the regulation of eosinophil function by SP-D. Various murine models of pulmonary hypersensitivity suggest that SP-D may be a potent anti-allergic protein. We investigated the modulation of eosinophil chemotaxis and degranulation by human SP-D. SP-D markedly inhibited the chemotaxis of eosinophils triggered by eotaxin, a major tissue-derived CC-chemokine, as shown in a modified Boyden chamber assay. In addition, degranulation of ECP in response to Ca2+ ionophore, immobilized IgG and serum from allergic patients was inhibited by SP-D. In a fixed-cell enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and in flow cytometry, SP-D bound to eosinophils. This binding was saturable and was inhibited by the addition of maltose and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, suggesting the involvement of the carbohydrate recognition domain of SP-D. In addition, flow cytometry showed significant interaction of SP-D with CD32 (FcgammaII receptor) on eosinophils, which might explain the inhibitory effect of SP-D on the IgG and serum-triggered eosinophil cationic protein degranulation of eosinophils. Our data further support the concept of an anti-inflammatory function of SP-D in the lung of patients with allergic diseases.     

人精子蛋白SP22在睾丸、精子中的分布与定位

目的：以原核表达的人精子蛋白SP22制备其兔多克隆抗体,研究人精子蛋白SP22在人睾丸和精子中的分布与定位。方法：在E.Coli中诱导表达SP22基因,以纯化出的重组人精子蛋白htSP22为抗原制备兔抗人SP22多克隆抗体,运用免疫组织化学分析SP22在人睾丸和精子中的分布与定位。结果：表达出了分子量约22000的重组htSP22蛋白,制备获得了能特异性识别睾丸、精子中天然SP22蛋白的兔抗人SP22多克隆抗体。免疫组织及细胞化学证明SP22存在于曲细精管中各类生精细胞及精子头部表面。结论：制备的抗体具有特异性,SP22存在于睾丸曲细精管中各类生精细胞及精子头部表面。     

Surfactant protein D in the female genital tract

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays a role in innate immunity against various pathogens and in vivo studies have demonstrated that SP-D also has anti-inflammatory properties. SP-D was originally demonstrated in alveolar type II cells, but recent studies have shown extrapulmonary expression of SP-D indicating a systemic role for the protein. This study describes the presence of SP-D in the female genital tract, the placenta and in amniotic fluid using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SP-D was observed in cells lining surface epithelium and secretory glands in the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In the placenta, SP-D was seen in all villous and extravillous trophoblast subpopulations. Endometrial presence of SP-D in non-pregnant women varied according to stage of the menstrual cycle and was up-regulated towards the secretory phase. It is suggested that endometrial SP-D may prevent intrauterine infection at the time of implantation and during pregnancy.     

Human sperm subpopulations: relationship between functional quality and protein tyrosine phosphorylation

BACKGROUND: Human semen is composed of a heterogeneous population of sperm with varying degrees of structural and functional differentiation and normality, which result in subpopulations of different quality. METHODS: Using a discontinuous Percoll gradient, we separated three subsets of sperm [(45%; L45), (65%; L65) and (90%; L90) fractions] from normozoospermic human semen samples from healthy donors and proceeded to characterize their morphology, motility and hyperactivation, as well as their ability to undergo tyrosine phosphorylation under capacitating conditions. RESULTS: As expected, sperm isolated from the lowest density layer (L45) showed the poorest quality, displaying the smallest percentage of morphologically normal and motile sperm. During a capacitating incubation, this subset of cells also showed deficient capacity to undergo hyperactivation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Conversely, sperm isolated from the other layers (L65 and L90) showed a time-dependent progressive increment in tyrosine phosphorylation, establishing statistically significant differences with sperm from L45. The tyrosine phosphorylation deficiency of L45 sperm could be overcome when sperm from that fraction were stimulated with activators of the cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA) pathway (dbcAMP + pentoxifylline), pointing to the sperm's plasma membrane as the main site of such deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Poor quality sperm isolated from a Percoll gradient display an intrinsic tyrosine phosphorylation deficiency, possibly caused by a plasma membrane defect, which is associated with their inability to undergo normal capacitation and, ultimately, acquire optimal fertilizing potential.     

The expression and localization of a novel protein phosphatase inhibitor 2810408A11Rik in mouse testis and sperm

This study investigated the expression and distribution of 2810408A11Rik in mouse testis and sperm,and explored its role in spermatogenesis and sperm function.The expression levels of 2810408A11Rik mRNA in multiple tissue samples were analyzed using bioinformatic resources and RT-PCR technique.A specific rabbit polyclonal antibody was prepared by prokaryotic expression of 2810408A11Rik recombinant protein and utilized for animal immunization.Western blotting,immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and distribution of 2810408A11Rik.The results of the bioinformatic analysis and RT-PCR showed that 2810408A11Rik mRNA was specifically expressed in mouse testis,and 2810408A11Rik protein included a protein phosphatase inhibitor domain.Western blotting assays,immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence confirmed the expression of 2810408A11Rik protein in mouse testis,especially in post-meiosis round and long spermatids,and that it is localized in the acrosome and the post-nucleus area of sperm.Our findings suggest that 2810408A11Rik may play an important role in spermatogenesis,sperm capacitation and fertilization.     

Surfactant protein D is present in the human female reproductive tract and inhibits Chlamydia trachomatis infection

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a lung collectin involved in innate host defence mechanisms in the lung. SP-D is also expressed at other mucosal sites throughout the human body. In the present study, we show that SP-D mRNA and protein are expressed in the human female reproductive tract. SP-D protein was localized in the apical portion of the reproductive epithelial cells. We also demonstrate that endometrial and endocervical cell lines and primary endocervical cells in culture produce SP-D mRNA and protein. Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular pathogen that infects the female reproductive tract, primarily the cervix, and is responsible for the most prevalent infectious disease in the USA. Untreated chlamydial infections of the female reproductive tract often result in sterility of the infected woman. Since SP-D protein is produced in cervical glands, we examined the effect of SP-D on chlamydial infection of cervical epithelial cells in vitro. We found that SP-D protein inhibits the infection of HeLa cells (an endocervical epithelial cell line) by C. trachomatis in a dose-dependent manner. We further demonstrate that the SP-D lectin-binding domain is involved in inhibiting infection of HeLa cells by Chlamydia. In conclusion, we detected SP-D in the female reproductive tract and determined that one of the functions of the SP-D protein may be to protect cervical epithelial cells from infection by C. trachomatis.     

Effects of X-irradiation on mouse testicular cells and sperm chromatin structure

The testicular regions of male mice were exposed to x-ray doses ranging from 0 to 400 rads. Forty days after exposure the mice were killed and the testes and cauda epididymal sperm removed surgically. Flow cytometric measurements of acridine orange stained testicular samples indicated a repopulation of testicular cell types following x-ray killing of stem cells. Cauda epididymal sperm were analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), a flow cytometric measurement of the susceptibility of the sperm nuclear DNA to in situ acid denaturation. The SCSA detected increased susceptibility to DNA denaturation in situ after 12.5 rods of x-ray exposure, with significant increases following 25 rads. Abnormal sperm head morphology was not significantly increased until the testes were exposed to 60 rads of x-rays. These data suggest that the SCSA is currently the most sensitive, non-invasive method of detecting x-ray damage to testicular stem spermatogonia. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Testis-specific antigen (TSA-1) is expressed in murine sperm and its antibodies inhibit fertilization

PROBLEM: We recently cloned and sequenced a sperm-specific antigen, designated as testis-specific antigen-1 (TSA-1), from human testis. The present study was conducted to examine its expression and function in murine sperm, in order to find out whether or not the mouse can provide a suitable model for examining its immunocontraceptive effects. METHOD OF STUDY: The antibodies (Ab) were raised against purified human rTSA-1 in virgin female rabbits. The rTSA-1 was run in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the gel containing the approximately 18 kDa band was cut, minced and used for immunization to obtain the specific Ab. The immunoglobulins from preimmune bleed and from animals injected with adjuvant alone served as control. These Ab were analysed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot procedure, immunoprecipitation procedure, immunocytochemical technique (ICT), immunobead binding technique (IBT), acrosome reaction and sperm-zona binding assay. RESULTS: Active immunization of female rabbits with purified rTSA-1 protein of 18 kDa, produced high titer Ab against the recombinant antigen. These Ab to rTSA-1 were used in the present study. In Western blot procedure, rTSA-1 Ab recognized a specific protein band of approximately 24 +/- 3 kDa in murine sperm extract, the band similar to found in human sperm extract. In the immunoprecipitation procedure, rTSA-1 Ab immunoprecipitated the protein band of similar size from extracts of murine sperm and murine testis. The ICT and the IBT studies revealed the subcellular localization of TSA-1 on the surface of acrosome and tail regions of the non-capacitated and capacitated murine sperm cells. In functional bioassays, rTSA-1 Ab inhibited the acrosome reaction and sperm-egg binding in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the TSA-1 is expressed in murine sperm and may have a biological role in sperm function and sperm-egg binding. In vitro inhibition of capacitation/acrosome reaction and sperm-zona binding suggests that the mouse can provide a suitable model to examine the immunocontraceptive effects of TSA-1 in actively immunized animals.     

Surfactant protein D inhibits mite-induced alveolar macrophage and dendritic cell activations through TLR signalling and DC-SIGN expression

Background Surfactant protein D (SP‐D), a secreted pattern recognition molecule associated with pulmonary innate immunity, has been shown to mediate the clearance of pathogens in multiple ways. However, how SP‐D interacts with alveolar macrophages (AMs) and dendritic cells (DCs) during allergen exposure remains unclear. Objective This study was performed to characterize the immunomodulatory effects of SP‐D on mite allergen (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p)‐induced inflammatory signalling in AMs and DCs. Methods Murine AM, alveolar macrophage cell line derived from BALB/c mice (MH‐S cells), and human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDC) were used as model systems. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and TNF‐α, expression of surface Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), and expression of the C‐type lectin receptor known as dendritic cell (DC)‐specific ICAM‐grabbing non‐integrin (DC‐SIGN) were measured as a function of pretreatment with SP‐D and subsequent exposure to Der p. Der p‐dependent cellular activations that were modified by SP‐D in these model systems were then identified. Results Pretreatment of MH‐S cells with SP‐D reduced Der p‐dependent production of NO, TNF‐α, and the downstream activations of IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase, and nuclear factor‐κB. SP‐D interacted with CD14 such that CD14 binding to Der p was inhibited and Der p‐induced signalling via TLRs was blocked. DC‐SIGN expression was suppressed by Der p in MH‐S and MDDC; this down‐regulation of DC‐SIGN expression was prevented by pretreatment with SP‐D. Conclusions These results indicated that the inhibition of Der p‐induced activation of MH‐S and MDDC by SP‐D is mediated through suppression of the CD14/TLR signalling pathway and maintenance of DC‐SIGN expression, which may protect allergen‐induced airway inflammation. Cite this as: C‐F Liu, M. Rivere, H‐J Huang, G. Puzo and J‐Y Wang, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 111–122.     

Phosphorylation of the Arginine-X-X-(Serine/Threonine) motif in human sperm proteins during capacitation: modulation and protein kinase A dependency

Sperm capacitation is a complex process that involves a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins. We studied the time-course, the modulation and the cellular localization of the phosphorylation of the Arginine-X-X-(Serine/Threonine) motif, characteristic of PKA substrates, in sperm proteins during capacitation. There was an increased phosphorylation of 80 (p80) and 105 (p105) kDa protein bands in human sperm treated with different capacitation inducers. Phosphorylation of p80 and p105 induced by fetal cord serum ultrafiltrate or the combination of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and dibutyryl cAMP was prevented by H89 and Rp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothionate, confirming the involvement of PKA in this effect. Inhibitors of protein kinase C, receptor type tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase did not affect the Arginine-X-X-(Serine/Threonine) motif phosphorylation. Non-receptor type protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PP2 and herbimycin A, enzymatic antioxidants and a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor prevented the phosphorylation of p80 and p105 when sperm were incubated with fetal cord serum ultrafiltrate. The phosphorylated Arginine-X-X-Serine/Threonine motif was immunolocalized all along the flagellum and the fluorescent signal was higher in capacitating than in non-capacitating sperm. These results show for the first time the presence of a PKA-dependent phosphorylation of proteins in human sperm capacitation and its upstream modulation by reactive oxygen species and non-receptor type protein tyrosine kinase.     

SP-A、SP-D与肺部天然免疫防御

肺表面活性物质脱辅基蛋白A、D(SP-A、SP-D)系C型凝集素超家族中胶凝素家族成员,是肺部重要的天然免疫防御分子,不仅能清除病原体,还参与免疫、炎症及过敏反应的调节.     

肺表面活性蛋白D的研究进展

肺表面活性蛋白D(surfactant protein D,SP-D)在机体肺部防御和先天性免疫方面发挥着重要作用.目前的研究表明,SP-D参与多种肺部疾病的发生、发展,可以作为多种肺部疾病的生物标记.同时,表明SP-D可能成为治疗肺部炎症性疾病有效的治疗手段.     

Therapeutic effect of surfactant protein D in allergic inflammation of mite-sensitized mice

BACKGROUND: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is involved in the innate immunity within the lung and may have important roles in modulating the inflammatory process of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential immunomodulating role of SP-D on the allergic response in mice, and its interaction with the alveolar macrophages (AMs) during allergic inflammation. METHODS: A recombinant 60 kDa fragment of human SP-D (rfh SP-D), Survanta, and budesonide were administrated, respectively, to Der p-sensitive BALB/c mice before or after allergen challenge (AC). Total and differential cell counts, levels of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids(BALFs), and levels of Der p-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies in sera, were assayed. The production of nitric oxide (NO), and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, in AMs, were determined by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Instillation of rfh SP-D to sensitized mice 6 h after AC (therapeutic), but not 24 h before AC (preventive), markedly reduced infiltration of eosinophils, and also reduced levels of IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, and TNF-alpha but elevated levels of IFN-gamma in the BALF. These effects were comparable with those obtained with budesonide treatment, whereas Survanta did not have a suppressive effect, either before or after AC. There was significant inhibition of NO production in the rfh SP-D pre-treated AMs of allergen-sensitized mice, but not in naive mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that rfh SP-D has a therapeutic effect on allergen-induced bronchial inflammation, and that this might be because of its inhibitory effect on NO and TNF-alpha production by AMs, and it thus prevents the development of T-helper type 2 cytokine response.     

Purification, characterization and immunolocalization of porcine surfactant protein D

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a collectin believed to play an important role in innate immunity. SP-D is characterized by having a collagen-like domain and a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), which has a specific Ca(2+)-dependent specificity for saccharides and thus the ability to bind complex glycoconjugates on micro-organisms. This paper describes the tissue immunolocalization of porcine SP-D (pSP-D) in normal slaughter pigs using a monoclonal antibody raised against purified pSP-D. Porcine SP-D was purified from porcine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) by maltose-agarose and immunoglobulin M affinity chromatography. The purified protein appeared on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a band of approximately 53,000 MW in the reduced state and approximately 138,000 MW in the unreduced state. Porcine SP-D was sensitive to collagenase digestion and N-deglycosylation, which reduced the molecular mass to approximately 24,000 MW and approximately 48,000 MW respectively, in the reduced state. N-deglycosylation of the collagen-resistant fragment, reduced the molecular mass to approximately 21,000 MW showing the presence of an N-glycosylation site located in the CRD. Porcine SP-D bound to solid-phase mannan in a dose and Ca(2+)-dependent manner with a saccharide specificity similar to rat and human SP-D. The purified protein was used for the production of a monoclonal anti-pSP-D antibody. The antibody reacted specifically with pSP-D in the reduced and unreduced state when analysed by Western blotting. Immunohistochemical evaluation of normal porcine tissues showed pSP-D immunoreactivity predominantly in Clara cells and serous cells of the bronchial submucosal glands, and to a lesser extent in alveolar type II cells, epithelial cells of the intestinal glands (crypts of Lieberkuhn) in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum and serous cells of the dorsolateral lacrimal gland.     

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) serum levels in patients with community-acquired pneumonia

SP-D is a lectin involved in the first line of defense against microorganisms. It is primarily found in the lung but also at extrapulmonary sites and in the circulation. An immunoassay for the quantification of SP-D in serum was established and the SP-D concentration was measured in consecutive blood samples from 61 patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia of suspected bacterial origin. On the day of admission to the hospital the serum SP-D concentration was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects. On day 5, the SP-D concentration had increased on average three times the concentration on admission and then slowly declined toward normal levels. CRP was measured simultaneously but no correlation was observed between concentrations of SP-D and CRP. The results show a wide range of serum SP-D concentration in healthy volunteers and indicate that significant changes occur during pulmonary infection.     

High expression of the fee gene product in murine testicular germ cells and erythroblasts

Tec is a novel non-receptor-type protein tyroslne kinase that was originally Identified from a murine liver cDNA library. While the function of Tec remains unknown, it was shown recently that two Tec-related kinases are involved directly in the growth and differentiation of bone marrow stem cells. As the localization of Tec protein has not been reported yet, immunohlstochemical and immunochemlcal studies of various murine organs were conducted in the present study to clarify which cells express this kinase protein. An intense immunohistologic reaction was observed in neonatal and adult testicular germ cells, and neonatal and fetal hepatic erythroblasts. In addition, a clear immunostaining was noted in neonatal and adult tubal epithelial cells, hepatocytes, basal cells of the non-glandular stomach, foveolar epithelium of the glandular stomach, sebaceous cells of the skin and fetal cartilage. The immune reaction of germ cells and erythroblasts was observed in the cell membrane, although this protein does not have a transmembrane domain. Supportive western blotting of testis, adult liver, spleen and heart of adult C.B-17 mice with the use of anti-Tec antibody demonstrated a heavy 70kDa band in the liver and testis, and a much weaker, small band in the heart and spleen. These results suggest that Tec protein has a specific role in testicular germ cells and erythroblasts.     

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of surfactant protein D and allergic rhinitis in Chinese patients

The development of allergic rhinitis is considered to be determined by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) has been proposed to offer protection against allergenic challenge at various levels in allergic responses. The present study aimed to investigate whether polymorphisms within the SFTPD gene (Met11Thr, Ala160Thr, and Ser270Thr) are associated with allergic rhinitis. Genotyping of SFTPD polymorphisms was performed using the pyrosequencing method. The study population comprised 216 patients with allergic rhinitis and 84 normal controls. The frequency of 11Thr/Thr genotype and Thr allele in the patient group was significantly higher than that in the control group after applying Bonferroni corrections ( P  = 0.007 and P  = 0.006, respectively). Our subjects with the 11Thr/Thr genotype are more susceptible to allergic rhinitis. There were no significant differences between the patient group and the control group for frequencies of genotypes and alleles in either Ala160Thr or Ser270Thr single nucleotide polymorphisms ( P  > 0.05). No significant associations could be detected between any of these three SFTPD gene polymorphisms and the skin prick test response ( P  > 0.05). Meanwhile, there was a lack of association between the three loci and the levels of serum total immunoglobulin E ( P  > 0.05). In summary, our results suggest that the Met11Thr polymorphism in SP-D plays a major role in the genetic predisposition to allergic rhinitis in Chinese adult population, whereas the other two SP-D polymorphisms displayed no significant association with allergic rhinitis.     

小鼠精子Sp17与IL-5融合蛋白的构建、表达及其免疫原性鉴定

目的 构建和表达小鼠精子蛋白Sp17与白介素5(IL-5)融合蛋白,并对其进行纯化和免疫原性鉴定.方法 采用PCR技术从质粒pGEM-1-IL-5中扩增IL-5基因片段,将其克隆至pET/Sp17原核表达载体中与Sp17基因融合,构建重组质粒pET/Sp17-IL-5,经酶切鉴定后转化大肠杆菌B121(DE3),IPTG诱导表达,采用Ni2+-NTA Agarose 纯化,SDS-PAGE检测、N端测序及Western blot;重组蛋白Sp17.IL-5免疫小鼠后ELISA检测小鼠血清特异性抗体.结果 成功构建小鼠精子蛋白Sp17与IL-5融合蛋白的高效表达质粒pET/Sp17-IL-5,重组工程菌pET-28a(+)-sp17-IL-5/BL21经IPTG诱导目的蛋白表达率约28%,PAGE初步测定目的蛋白相对分子量(Mr)约39 000,纯化后蛋白纯度达91%,免疫后小鼠血清中检测到特异性抗体.结论 Sp17-IL-5蛋白经基因克隆获得了较高的表达量,并初步显示了较好的免疫活性,为新型Sp17避孕疫苗的研制奠定基础.