SMART MODE:

NORMAL GENOMIC

• Schreck SF, Parker C, Plumb ME, Sodetz JM
• Human complement protein C8 gamma.
• Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000; 1482: 199-208
• Display abstract

• Human C8 gamma is a 22 kDa subunit of complement component C8, which is one of five components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, C9) that interact to form the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement. C8 contains three nonidentical subunits (alpha, beta, gamma) that are products of different genes. These subunits are arranged asymmetrically to form a disulfide-linked C8 alpha-gamma dimer that is noncovalently associated with C8 beta. C8 alpha and C8 beta are homologous to C6, C7 and C9 and together these proteins comprise what is referred to as the 'MAC protein family'. By comparison, C8 gamma is distinct in that it belongs to the lipocalin family of small, secreted proteins which have the common ability to bind small hydrophobic ligands. While specific roles have been identified for C8 alpha and C8 beta in the formation and function of the MAC, a function for C8 gamma and the identity of its ligand are unknown. This review summarizes the current status of C8 gamma structure and function and the progress made from efforts to determine its role in the complement system.

• Qian YM, Qin X, Miwa T, Sun X, Halperin JA, Song WC
• Identification and functional characterization of a new gene encoding the mouse terminal complement inhibitor CD59.
• J Immunol. 2000; 165: 2528-34
• Display abstract

• CD59 is a 18- to 20-kDa, GPI-anchored membrane protein that functions as a key regulator of the terminal step of the complement activation cascade. It restricts binding of C9 to the C5b-8 complex, thereby preventing the formation of the membrane attack complex (C5b-9 of complement). A single human CD59 gene has been identified, and corresponding genetic homologues from rat, mouse, and pig have been characterized in previous studies. In this study, we report the discovery and functional characterization of a separate cd59 gene in the mouse (referred to as cd59b, the previously characterized mouse cd59 gene as cd59a). Mouse cd59b is 85% and 63% identical to cd59a at the nucleotide and amino acid level, respectively. In cDNA transfection experiments with Chinese hamster ovary cells, peptide-tagged cd59b was detected on the cell surface by flow cytometry and was shown to be susceptible to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C cleavage. Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing cd59b were significantly more resistant than control cells to human and mouse complement-mediated lysis. These results suggest that cd59b encodes a GPI-anchored protein that is functionally active as a membrane attack complex inhibitor. Northern blot analysis revealed that cd59b is expressed selectively in the mouse testis. In contrast, the major transcript of cd59a was shown to be expressed at high levels in the heart, kidney, liver, and lung, but only minimally in the testis. These results revealed the existence of two distinct cd59 genes in the mouse that are differentially regulated and that may have nonoverlapping physiological functions in vivo.

• Plumb ME, Sodetz JM
• An indel within the C8 alpha subunit of human complement C8 mediates intracellular binding of C8 gamma and formation of C8 alpha-gamma.
• Biochemistry. 2000; 39: 13078-83
• Display abstract

• Human C8 is one of five complement components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9) that interact to form the cytolytic membrane attack complex, or MAC. It is an oligomeric protein composed of three subunits (C8alpha, C8beta, C8gamma) that are products of different genes. In C8 from serum, these are arranged as a disulfide-linked C8alpha-gamma dimer that is noncovalently associated with C8beta. In this study, the site on C8alpha that mediates intracellular binding of C8gamma to form C8alpha-gamma was identified. From a comparative analysis of indels (insertions/deletions) in C8alpha and its structural homologues C8beta, C6, C7, and C9, it was determined that C8alpha contains a unique insertion (residues 159-175), which includes Cys(164) that forms the disulfide bond to C8gamma. Incorporation of this sequence into C8beta and coexpression of the resulting construct (iC8beta) with C8gamma produced iC8beta-gamma, an atypical disulfide-linked dimer. In related experiments, C8gamma was shown to bind noncovalently to mutant forms of C8alpha and iC8beta in which Cys(164)-->Gly(164) substitutions were made. In addition, C8gamma bound specifically to an immobilized synthetic peptide containing the mutant indel sequence. Together, these results indicate (a) intracellular binding of C8gamma to C8alpha is mediated principally by residues contained within the C8alpha indel, (b) binding is not strictly dependent on Cys(164), and (c) C8gamma must contain a complementary binding site for the C8alpha indel.

• Morgan BP
• Regulation of the complement membrane attack pathway.
• Crit Rev Immunol. 1999; 19: 173-98
• Display abstract

• Complement activation, triggered through classic, alternative, or lectin pathways of activation, leads to activation of a final common reaction sequence, the membrane attack pathway, in which five soluble plasma proteins assemble into a multimolecular complex that inserts into and through the membrane, creating a functional pore, the membrane attack complex. The active products of membrane attack are the anaphylactic and chemotactic fragment C5a and the membrane attack complex itself. These active products are important in immune defense but also carry the potential to damage host cells. Regulation of the membrane attack pathway is essential to protect host cells from damage at sites of C activation, and several protective systems have evolved to achieve this in vivo. Nevertheless, in disease these protective systems may be overwhelmed, and the availability of agents that specifically inhibit the membrane attack pathway might be of considerable therapeutic benefit. In this article I first describe the membrane attack pathway, its active products, and its role in disease. Second, I discuss systems operating to prevent damage to host cells by membrane attack, the regulatory proteins and activities that form the core of the article. Finally, I describe recent developments in the production of therapeutic agents with the capacity to inhibit membrane attack pathway.

• Lambris JD, Reid KB, Volanakis JE
• The evolution, structure, biology and pathophysiology of complement.
• Immunol Today. 1999; 20: 207-11

• Plumb ME, Scibek JJ, Barber TD, Dunlap RJ, Platteborze PL, Sodetz JM
• Chimeric and truncated forms of human complement protein C8 alpha reveal binding sites for C8 beta and C8 gamma within the membrane attack complex/perforin region.
• Biochemistry. 1999; 38: 8478-84
• Display abstract

• Human C8 is one of five components of the membrane attack complex of complement. It is an oligomeric protein composed of three subunits (C8 alpha, C8 beta, and C8 gamma) that are derived from different genes. C8 alpha and C8 beta are homologous and both contain a pair of tandemly arranged N-terminal modules [thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) + low-density lipoprotein receptor class A (LDLRA)], an extended middle segment referred to as the membrane attack complex/perforin region (MACPF), and a pair of C-terminal modules [epidermal growth factor (EGF) + TSP1]. During biosynthetic processing, C8 alpha and C8 gamma associate to form a disulfide-linked dimer (C8 alpha-gamma) that binds to C8 beta through a site located on C8 alpha. In this study, the location of binding sites for C8 beta and C8 gamma and the importance of the modules in these interactions were investigated by use of chimeric and truncated forms of C8 alpha in which module pairs were either exchanged for those in C8 beta or deleted. Results show that exchange or deletion of one or both pairs of modules does not abrogate the ability of C8 alpha to form a disulfide-linked dimer when coexpressed with C8 gamma in COS cells. Furthermore, each chimeric and truncated form of C8 alpha-gamma retains the ability to bind C8 beta; however, only those containing the TSP1 + LDLRA modules from C8 alpha are hemolytically active. These results indicate that binding sites for C8 beta and C8 gamma reside within the MACPF region of C8 alpha and that interaction with either subunit is not dependent on the modules. They also suggest that the N-terminal modules in C8 alpha are important for C9 binding and/or expression of C8 activity.

• Hofsteenge J, Blommers M, Hess D, Furmanek A, Miroshnichenko O
• The four terminal components of the complement system are C-mannosylated on multiple tryptophan residues.
• J Biol Chem. 1999; 274: 32786-94
• Display abstract

• C-Mannosylation is a unique form of protein glycosylation, involving the C-glycosidic attachment of a mannosyl residue to the indole moiety of Trp. In the two examples found so far, human RNase 2 and interleukin-12, only the first Trp in the recognition motif WXXW is specifically C-mannosylated. To establish the generality of protein C-mannosylation, and to learn more about its mechanism, the terminal components of the human complement system (C6, C7, C8,and C9), which contain multiple and complex recognition motifs, were examined. Together with C5b they form the cytolytic agent, the membrane attack complex. These are the first proteins that are C-mannosylated on more than one Trp residue as follows: six in C6, four in C7, C8alpha, and C8beta, and two in C9. Thus, from the 113 Trp residues in the complete membrane attack complex, 50 were found to undergo C-mannosylation. The other important finding is that in C6, C7, C8, and C9 Trp residues without a second Trp (or another aromatic residue) at the +3 position can be C-mannosylated. This shows that they must contain an additional C-mannosylation signal. Whether this is encoded in the primary or tertiary structure is presently unknown. Finally, all modified Trp residues are part of the highly conserved core of the thrombospondin type 1 repeats present in these proteins. Since this module has been found in a large number of other proteins, the results suggest further candidates for C-mannosylation.

• Platonov AE, Vershinina IV, Serebrovskaia LV, Shepeleva GK
• [Membrane-attacking complexes and membrane complement inhibitors on the leukocyte surface during combined exposure with meningococcus lipopolysaccharide and complement]
• Biull Eksp Biol Med. 1999; 127: 433-8

• DiScipio RG, Berlin C
• The architectural transition of human complement component C9 to poly(C9).
• Mol Immunol. 1999; 36: 575-85
• Display abstract

• Several regions of C9 including three cysteine-rich modules homologous to those in thrombospondin (TS), the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL), the epidermal growth factors (EDGF), as well as two middle sections of the polypeptide chain were expressed in bacteria. Antibodies derived from these segments were used to probe the relative exposure of epitopes in C9 and poly(C9) using ELISAs. The results indicated that the TS and LDL modules are fully exposed in both monomer and polymer; however, the middle region of the polypeptide chain is buried in the monomer but external in the polymer. Using specified conditions, Fab fragments to the TS and LDL modules did not block C9 polymerization, but those to the middle region of the polypeptide chain and to some extent to the EDGF module did so. Immuno-electron microscopy of poly(C9) indicated that the C9 polypeptide chain assumes a 'U' shape, in which the TS and LDL modules are located on the upper rim. The EDGF module is located on the lower edge of the upper rim, and midsection of the polypeptide chain constructs the barrel of the tubule. Computer assisted contrast enhancement of select electron micrograph images of poly(C9) allowed the clear visualization of each subunit. These were seen to have a volute shape. The upper rim is composed of whorls that are apparently not in lateral contact. It is concluded that the TS and LDL modules do not participate directly in polymerization but cover the hydrophobic central region of the polypeptide chain in the monomer. As a consequence of circular polymerization the midsection of the polypeptide chain becomes exposed as each C9 lengths to fashion a volute form. reserved.

• Makrides SC
• Therapeutic inhibition of the complement system.
• Pharmacol Rev. 1998; 50: 59-87
• Display abstract

• The use of powerful methodologies in molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology in the last 2 decades had led to impressive progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of complement activation and its role as either a protective or a pathogenic factor in human disease. With respect to disease pathogenesis, the complexity of the complement cascade provides opportunities for several different therapeutic targets within the complement pathways. More than a century after complement was first described, we are about to witness in the near future the availability of a variety of complement inhibitors for specific therapies. Progress in the area of xenotransplantation has been substantial, but formidable obstacles remain to selective inhibition of the factors that block successful clinical xenotransplantation. Bispecific antibodies, designed to enhance rather than inhibit existing complement pathways, hold strong promise for the clearance of viral and bacterial pathogens from the circulation.

• Hogasen K, Mollnes TE, Nurnberger W, Pausa M, Fukumori Y, Tedesco F
• Characterization of soluble terminal complement complex assembled in C8beta-deficient plasma and serum.
• Scand J Immunol. 1998; 48: 261-8
• Display abstract

• Sera genetically deficient in either the alpha-gamma or the beta-subunit of complement component C8 virtually lack haemolytic activity. We have studied the formation and the structural organization of the soluble terminal complement complex (TCC) assembled in these sera following activation with cobra venom factor (CVF). The TCC concentration in the activated C8alpha-gamma and C8beta-deficient samples was 0.2% and 4%, respectively, when compared with zymosan-activated normal serum. TCC was purified from the activated C8beta-deficient samples by affinity chromatography and analysed by immunoblotting and enzyme immunoassay. No C8beta was detected in one TCC preparation, while 7% of the normal level was present in the other. The level of the other terminal components, including that of C8alpha-gamma, was normal. The ability of C8alpha-gamma to promote the assembly of TCC in the presence of a limited amount of C8beta or in the apparent absence of this subunit was confirmed using purified components, by mixing C5b6 and either of the purified C8 subunits together with C7 and C9. These data show that soluble TCC can be formed in C8beta-deficient sera that contain little or no C8beta.

• Scolding NJ, Morgan BP, Compston DA
• The expression of complement regulatory proteins by adult human oligodendrocytes.
• J Neuroimmunol. 1998; 84: 69-75
• Display abstract

• In multiple sclerosis, infiltrating T lymphocytes and perivascular microglia may initiate demyelinating lesions, but a role for antibody and complement in the ensuing inflammatory damage to myelin and oligodendrocytes is likely. In most tissues, ubiquitously expressed complement regulatory proteins prevent autologous destruction, protecting host cells from the powerful cytolytic activity of activated complement. We have studied the surface expression of a comprehensive range of complement regulatory proteins by live adult human oligodendrocytes in vitro. Only DAF of the activation pathway regulators was expressed, not CR1 or MCP. Of the membrane attack pathway regulatory proteins, HRF was not expressed, while substantial heterogeneity of CD59 expression by oligodendrocytes was found. Clusterin expression was not found. A relative deficiency of protective complement regulatory proteins on human oligodendrocytes may contribute to their selective damage in multiple sclerosis.

• Louboutin JP, Navenot JM, Villanova M, Rouger K, Merlini L, Fardeau M
• X-linked vacuolated myopathy: membrane attack complex deposition on the surface membrane of injured muscle fibers is not accompanied by S-protein.
• Muscle Nerve. 1998; 21: 932-5
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• We have studied the expression of S-protein on the muscle from patients with X-linked vacuolated myopathy [characterized by the deposition of the complement C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC) over abnormal muscle fibers] and controls by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. No expression was detected on muscle from controls and patients with X-linked vacuolated myopathy. These findings suggest that S-protein does not render the MAC inactive in X-linked vacuolated myopathy. This situation may be due to the fact that the pathways of MAC activation and the expression of S-protein in X-linked vacuolated myopathy are different from the ones observed in ischemic and/or necrotic, or immune diseases. These results emphasize the role of the membrane complement regulatory proteins (i.e., CD59) in X-linked vacuolated myopathy.

• Nilsson B et al.
• Compstatin inhibits complement and cellular activation in whole blood in two models of extracorporeal circulation.
• Blood. 1998; 92: 1661-7
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• Recently, a C3-binding cyclic synthetic peptide (Compstatin) has been identified that binds to complement component C3 and inhibits complement activation. Here we have examined the influence of Compstatin on complement activation and its indirect effects on cellular responses in whole blood in two models for extracorporeal circulation. Compstatin effectively inhibited the generation of C3a and sC5b-9 and the binding of C3/ C3 fragments to the polymer surface. As a result of the inhibition of complement activation, the activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs; as assessed by the expression of CD11b) and the binding of these cells (CD16(+)) to the polymer surface were almost completely lost. In contrast, blood cell counts were not affected. Using surface plasmon resonance technology, we have confirmed that Compstatin exerts its inhibitory effect on complement activation by binding to native C3. These data show that complement activation, leading to activation and binding of PMNs to the biomaterial surface, can be abolished by the addition of Compstatin. The properties of Compstatin make Compstatin a promising drug for use in extracorporeal circuits to avoid bioincompatibility reactions, eg, during cardiopulmonary bypass, but also a favorable precursor peptide for the development of an anticomplement drug for oral use.

• Taylor KM, Trimby AR, Campbell AK
• Mutation of recombinant complement component C9 reveals the significance of the N-terminal region for polymerization.
• Immunology. 1997; 91: 20-7
• Display abstract

• Complement component C9 binds to C5b-8 sites on target cells and polymerizes to form the membrane attack complex (MAC). The aim of the work reported here was to discover which region within C9 was responsible for protecting the globular protein against self-polymerization. Computer prediction modelling highlighted the domain at the N-terminus of C9, which was then investigated by site-directed mutagenesis. The mutated proteins were expressed using insect cells infected with baculovirus. Removal of 16, 20 or 23 amino acids at the N-terminus of C9 resulted in inactivation due to self-polymerization. In contrast, removal of 4, 8 or 12 amino acids resulted in a C9 that did not polymerize spontaneously, had two to threefold enhanced lytic activity on erythrocytes, and had increased binding to C5b-8 sites on rat neutrophils. These results suggest that the domain within the first 16 amino acids at the N-terminus of C9 is crucial in preventing the self-polymerization of the globular protein. We have also found that C9 contains a motif (27WSEWS31) common to a family of cytokine receptors that is similar to a tryptophan-rich motif (WEWWR) of the membrane pore formers, thiol-activated cytolysins. Mutation of this motif in C9 resulted in polymerized protein, consistent with this site keeping the N-terminus in a protected conformation and preventing premature self-polymerization.

• Yu J, Dong S, Rushmere NK, Morgan BP, Abagyan R, Tomlinson S
• Mapping the regions of the complement inhibitor CD59 responsible for its species selective activity.
• Biochemistry. 1997; 36: 9423-8
• Display abstract

• CD59 is a widely distributed membrane-bound glycoprotein that inhibits the formation of the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement on host cells. CD59 from different species varies in its capacity to inhibit heterologous complement, and this species selective function of CD59 contributes to the phenomenon of homologous restriction. Here, we demonstrate that human CD59 is not an effective inhibitor of rat complement, although rat CD59 inhibits rat and human complement equally well. By constructing human-rat CD59 chimeric proteins, we have mapped the residues important in conferring human CD59 species selectivity to two regions; 40-47 and 47-66 in the primary structure. Analysis of a model of the molecular surface of human CD59 revealed that residues 40-66 mapped to a region in the three-dimensional structure that surrounds residues previously identified as important for CD59 function.

• Kinoshita T
• Protection of host from its own complement by membrane-bound complement inhibitors: C3 convertase inhibitors vs membrane attack complex inhibitors.
• Res Immunol. 1996; 147: 100-3

• Kawaguchi T, Nakakuma H
• [Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins with complement-regulatory activity on erythrocytes]
• Nippon Rinsho. 1996; 54: 2370-5
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• Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) and CD59 are major complement regulators linked to plasma membrane via glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor and inhibit C3 activation and the formation of membrane attack complex, respectively. These factors have been shown to protect human erythrocytes from the lytic action of autologous complement. Here we overview structure and function of these molecules, and discuss about their physiological roles in controlling the complement activation, ie, defining the susceptibility of erythrocytes to complement.

• Nakao M, Uemura T, Yano T
• Terminal components of carp complement constituting a membrane attack complex.
• Mol Immunol. 1996; 33: 933-7
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• The membrane attack complex (MAC) of carp complement was extracted with deoxycholate from rabbit erythrocytes lysed by carp serum and purified by a two-step chromatographic procedure. On two-dimensional SDS-PAGE of carp MAC, eight bands were detected. The band of M(r) 91,000 was identified as carp C9 by western blotting using anti-carp C9, and two bands of M(r) 62,000 and one band of M(r) 22,000 were confirmed as those of carp C8 alpha, C8 beta and C8 gamma, respectively, by their N-terminal amino acid sequences. The bands of M(r) 102,000 and 73,000, which generated from a 180,000 band under reducing conditions, were those corresponding to human C5b alpha and C5b beta, respectively. The remaining bands of M(r) 115,000 and 106,000 were identified as those corresponding to human C6 and C7, as determined by their molecular size, single-chain structures and similarities in N-terminal amino acid sequences to their mammalian counterparts. Densitometric scan of the gels showed the molar ratio of C5b, C6, C7, C8 and C9 in carp MAC to be 1:1:1:1:4. Based on these results, it appears that, as with mammals, the cytolytic pathway of bony fish complement is composed of five terminal components from C5 to C9.

• Su HR
• S-protein/vitronectin interaction with the C5b and the C8 of the complement membrane attack complex.
• Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 1996; 110: 314-7
• Display abstract

• S-protein/vitronectin participates in the regulation of complement-mediated lysis by incorporating into the membrane attack complex C5b-9. Subsequently, soluble SC5b-7 and SC5b-9 macromolecules are not inserted into the membrane lipid bilayer nor induce lytic pore formation. Using a dot blot binding assay, it was determined that soluble S-protein/vitronectin interacted with immobilized C5b and C8 among the five separately immobilized components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, C9) of the membrane attack complex. Those interactions imply a new model of the formation of the complement membrane attack complex and its regulation by S-protein/vitronectin.

• Gonzalez S, Setien F, Coto E, Lopez-Larrea C
• Genetic structure and organization of the membrane attack complement components.
• Eur J Immunogenet. 1996; 23: 181-97

• Rother RP, Zhao J, Zhou Q, Sims PJ
• Elimination of potential sites of glycosylation fails to abrogate complement regulatory function of cell surface CD59.
• J Biol Chem. 1996; 271: 23842-5
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• CD59 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane glycoprotein that serves as the principle cellular inhibitor of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC) of human complement. Approximately 50% of the total apparent mass of CD59 is attributable to glycosylation of a single Asn (Asn18). The deduced amino acid sequences of CD59 homologues identified in Old and New World primates as well as in rat reveal that the motif for N-linked glycosylation at the residue corresponding to Asn18 of human CD59 is invariably conserved, despite considerable sequence divergence elsewhere in the protein. Such conservation suggests that the post-translational modification at Asn18 has importance for either expression or normal function of CD59 at the cell surface. In this study, we specifically examined how deletion or transposition of the site of N-linked glycosylation in the CD59 polypeptide affects its MAC inhibitory function. Our data demonstrate that the inhibitory potency of CD59 is unaffected when glycosylation is transposed from Asn18 to another site in the polypeptide. Furthermore, we show that CD59 retains normal MAC regulatory function when mutated to eliminate all potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. These data suggest that the MAC inhibitory function of CD59 is entirely provided by residues exposed at the surface of the core polypeptide and that this core structure is not influenced by glycosylation at Asn18.

• Lengweiler S, Schaller J, Rickli EE
• Identification of disulfide bonds in the ninth component (C9) of human complement.
• FEBS Lett. 1996; 380: 8-12
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• C9 is the most abundant protein of the membrane attack complex of complement. By means of limited proteolysis, different chromatographic techniques, a thiol-specific fluorescence assay, amino acid analysis, and Edman degradation 9 out of 12 disulfide bridges are definitely assigned (Cys22-Cys57, Cys33-Cys36, Cys67-Cys73, Cys121-Cys160, Cys233- Cys234, Cys359-Cys384, Cys489-Cys505, Cys492-Cys507, Cys509-Cys518). Weaker evidence permits to reduce the number of possible configurations for the remaining 3 cystines (Cys80-Cys91, Cys86-Cys104, Cys98-Cys113, or Cys80-Cys91, Cys86-Cys113, Cys98-Cys104). These findings are discussed in comparison with the strongly related components C6, C7, C8alpha, and C8beta.

• Husler T, Lockert DH, Kaufman KM, Sodetz JM, Sims PJ
• Chimeras of human complement C9 reveal the site recognized by complement regulatory protein CD59.
• J Biol Chem. 1995; 270: 3483-6
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• CD59 antigen is a membrane glycoprotein that inhibits the activity of the C9 component of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex, thereby protecting human cells from lysis by human complement. The complement-inhibitory activity of CD59 is species-selective and is most effective toward C9 derived from human or other primate plasma. By contrast, rabbit C9, which can substitute for human C9 in the membrane attack complex, mediates unrestricted lysis of human cells. To identify the peptide segment of human C9 that is recognized by CD59, rabbit C9 cDNA clones were isolated, characterized, and used to construct hybrid cDNAs for expression of full-length human/rabbit C9 chimeras in COS-7 cells. All resulting chimeras were hemolytically active, when tested against chicken erythrocytes bearing C5b-8 complexes. Assays performed in the presence or absence of CD59 revealed that this inhibitor reduced the hemolytic activity of those chimeras containing human C9 sequence between residues 334-415, irrespective of whether the remainder of the protein contained human or rabbit sequence. By contrast, when this segment of C9 contained rabbit sequence, lytic activity was unaffected by CD59. These data establish that human C9 residues 334-415 contain the site recognized by CD59, and they suggest that sequence variability within this segment of C9 is responsible for the observed species-selective inhibitory activity of CD59.

• Morgan BP, Meri S
• Membrane proteins that protect against complement lysis.
• Springer Semin Immunopathol. 1994; 15: 369-96

• Esser AF
• The membrane attack complex of complement. Assembly, structure and cytotoxic activity.
• Toxicology. 1994; 87: 229-47
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• The membrane attack complex of complement is formed by the molecular fusion of the five terminal complement proteins, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9. While the assembly process on a target membrane and its modulation by restriction factors present on host cells is now quite well understood the molecular details of the architecture of the complex still need much further clarification. This is especially true for the interaction of the last acting protein C9, which provides the cytotoxic action of the complex, with the precursor C5b-8 complex. Because of this lack of structural details the molecular mechanisms that lead to complement-mediated cell death remain cryptic, however, it is hoped that recent advances in controlling the assembly process and in site-specific modification of the terminal complement proteins by recombinant DNA techniques should change this predicament quickly.

• MacKay SL, Dankert JR
• Affinity of the C9 molecule for the C5b-8 complex compared with that for the complex containing C9 molecules.
• Infect Immun. 1994; 62: 2800-5
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• Gram-negative bacterial cells exposed to a complement source may carry membrane attack complexes containing variable numbers of C9 molecules per C5b-8 site. In order to investigate the assembly of this complex, the ability of C9 molecules to bind to C5b-8 complexes was compared with the binding characteristics of C9 for C5b-8 complexes containing variable numbers of bound C9 molecules. The apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of the C9 molecule for the C5b-8 site on a complement-sensitive strain of Escherichia coli was 1.2 (+/- 0.15) nM at 0 degree C. These conditions allow the binding of one C9 molecule per C5b-8 site. The C5b-8 site containing one C9 molecule bound a second C9 molecule at 0 degree C only after incubation at 37 degrees C. The binding of C9 to a C5b-8 site containing one C9 molecule was found to be 1.3 (+/- 0.2) nM. Therefore, the presence of a C9 molecule did not significantly alter the binding capacity of the C5b-8 site for additional C9 molecules. A similar result was obtained by using rabbit erythrocytes bearing either C5b-8 sites or C5b-8 sites containing one molecule of C9 per complex at 0 degree C. The similarity of binding characteristics for the first and second C9 molecules argues that the initial C9 molecule in the complex does not affect the binding of subsequent C9 molecules. This suggests that a unique C9 binding site that does not involve previously bound C9 molecules may exist on the forming membrane attack complex.

• Tsutsui T, Nitta K, Yumura W, Nihei H
• [Significance of membrane attack complex inhibitory factor expression in cultured human glomerular epithelial cells]
• Nippon Jinzo Gakkai Shi. 1994; 36: 89-94
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• Membrane attack complex (MAC) inhibitory factor (MACIF) is a 20-kD membrane protein that inhibits MAC formation on homologous cells. Until recently, a functional role of MACIF had been demonstrated in erythrocytes. Therefore, we have focused on the fact that glomerular epithelial cells (GECs) are the primary target of MAC-mediated damage in rat Heymann's nephritis model of human membranous nephropathy. Using immunocytochemistry and western blotting we have shown that MACIF is expressed in cultured human GECs. Phosphatidyl-inositol (PI)-phospholipase C (PLC) reduced MACIF expression in these cells, suggesting that MACIF is a PI-linked membrane protein in GECs. In addition, we elucidated that MACIF protects GECs against complement-mediated lysis. These findings suggest that MACIF expressed on GECs plays an important role in the protection of GECs against complement mediated-cellular damage in vivo.

• Chang CP, Husler T, Zhao J, Wiedmer T, Sims PJ
• Identity of a peptide domain of human C9 that is bound by the cell-surface complement inhibitor, CD59.
• J Biol Chem. 1994; 269: 26424-30
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• The CD59 antigen is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that serves as an inhibitor of the C5b-9 complex of complement. This inhibitory activity appears related to the capacity of CD59 to bind with high affinity to sites that are nascently exposed in the alpha-chain subunit of human C8, as well as within the C9b domain (amino acid residues 245-538) of human C9, during assembly of the C5b-9 complex on the target membrane (Ninomiya, H., and Sims, P. J. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 13675-13680). The CD59 binding site in C9 was first investigated by N-terminal sequencing of CD59-binding peptides generated by limited digest of the isolated C9b domain. These experiments revealed a 17-kDa fragment (starting at C9 residue Thr-320) that retained affinity for CD59, suggesting the possibility for localizing the CD59 binding site by mapping with small C9-derived peptides. Peptides spanning the entire C9b sequence were expressed in Escherichia coli and then probed with CD59. CD59 bound specifically to all peptides starting N-terminal to C9 residue 359 with C termini extending beyond residue 411. Little to no CD59 binding was observed for various C9-derived peptides that started C-terminal to residue 359 or that were truncated N-terminal to residue 411. Affinity-purified antibody against C9 residues 320-411 inhibited CD59 binding to C9 by > 50% and completely inhibited its binding to the isolated C9b domain. Little to no specific binding of CD59 was detected for peptides restricted to the putative hinge domain within C9b (residues 245-271). These results indicate that a CD59 binding site is located between residues 320 and 411 of the C9 polypeptide and suggest that the affinity of this site is principally determined by residues 359-411.

• Johnson E, Berge V, Hogasen K
• Formation of the terminal complement complex on agarose beads: further evidence that vitronectin (complement S-protein) inhibits C9 polymerization.
• Scand J Immunol. 1994; 39: 281-5
• Display abstract

• Vitronectin occupies the metastable binding site of C5b-7, which is unable to insert membranes as part of the complement lytic attack. Some evidence has been presented that vitronectin inhibits also membrane-associated pore formation by inhibiting C9 polymerization in the terminal complement complex (TCC). The authors wished to add to this background by studying the effect of vitronectin on formation of TCC on a carbohydrate surface like agarose beads, an alternative complement pathway activator. Bound TCC was detected by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to C9-neoepitopes. Soluble SC5b-7 and TCC (SC5b-9) did not bind to the agarose beads. Using serum or isolated complement factors for the alternative and terminal pathways, the authors found that vitronectin reduced the density of C9-neoepitopes on the beads. As there was no convincing evidence for association of vitronectin with the factors C5b-8 of the agarose-bound TCC, it was concluded that vitronectin bound directly to C9 in TCC and inhibited C9 polymerization within the complex. The authors have shown that TCC can bind to a carbohydrate surface like agarose (an alternating polymer of galactose moieties) in the absence of lipid. These results suggest that vitronectin can limit the lytic effect of membrane-bound TCC by inhibiting C9 polymerization.

• Tomlinson S, Whitlow MB, Nussenzweig V
• A synthetic peptide from complement protein C9 binds to CD59 and enhances lysis of human erythrocytes by C5b-9.
• J Immunol. 1994; 152: 1927-34
• Display abstract

• The membrane glycoprotein CD59 protects host cells from homologous complement attack by inhibiting the assembly of the membrane attack complex. CD59 binds to C8 and C9 in the nascent membrane attack complex and interferes with C9 membrane insertion and polymerization. We show here that a synthetic peptide from the putative C9 hinge region, postulated to be involved in the rearrangement of C9 globular domains during membrane insertion, binds specifically to CD59 and enhances lysis of human erythrocytes by the terminal complement C5b-9 complex. The peptide, C9H, caused a dose-dependent increase in the sensitivity of human erythrocytes to C5b-9-mediated lysis by interfering with the final C9 binding and/or membrane insertion step. C9H exhibited species-specificity, since it had no activity against guinea pig C8 and C9 or on the putative functional homologues of CD59 in guinea pig erythrocytes. A direct association between CD59 and C9H was suggested by two different binding experiments: C9H inhibited the binding of 125I-labeled CD59 to immobilized C9, and C9H immobilized to microtiter plates bound purified CD59 and selectively recognized CD59 from extracts of detergent-solubilized human erythrocyte membranes. These data indicate that the peptide C9H corresponds to a region of the CD59 binding site of C9.

• Houle JJ, Hoffmann EM
• Blocking antibodies specific for human albumin interfere with the hemolytic activity of the membrane attack complex of complement.
• Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1994; 200: 135-41
• Display abstract

• Earlier, we showed that antibodies specific for human serum albumin are able to bind to erythrocyte-associated albumin and inhibit complement mediated hemolysis. In the present study we determine if inhibition is occurring at the membrane attack phase of complement activation or at an earlier step. We show that although cell-bound anti-albumin antibodies do not inhibit binding and activation of C3 or uptake of C9, they do appear to cause cells to become refractory to lysis by the membrane attack complex as they inhibit both the kinetics and the extent of hemolysis in a reactive lysis system which employs preformed C5b6 plus C7, C8, and C9. We believe that this is the first report of inhibition of the hemolytic activity of the membrane attack complex by antibodies bound to an erythrocyte surface antigen.

• Rooney IA et al.
• Physiologic relevance of the membrane attack complex inhibitory protein CD59 in human seminal plasma: CD59 is present on extracellular organelles (prostasomes), binds cell membranes, and inhibits complement-mediated lysis.
• J Exp Med. 1993; 177: 1409-20
• Display abstract

• We demonstrate here that CD59, an inhibitor of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system, is present in cell-free seminal plasma (SP) at a concentration of at least 20 micrograms/ml. Analyses by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and Edman degradation indicated that this protein, SP CD59, was similar, if not identical, to CD59 isolated from erythrocyte (E) membranes (E CD59). Like purified E CD59, SP CD59 also possesses a glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchor and incorporates into the membranes of heterologous cells where it inhibits lysis by the human MAC. This phenomenon could be demonstrated not only if cells were incubated with purified SP CD59 but also if unfractionated SP were used. Further, CD59 in unfractionated SP bound to washed spermatozoa, increasing their membrane content of the protein. The mechanism by which this protein retains its GPI anchor while apparently present in the fluid phase is of interest and was further investigated. Using the techniques of high-speed centrifugation, fast performance liquid chromatography fractionation, and electron microscopy, we found that all detectable SP CD59 was associated with vesicular extracellular organelles. These organelles, named "prostasomes," were previously known to be present in SP and to interact with spermatozoa, although their function was uncertain. Interaction of heterologous E with prostasomes rendered the cells more resistant to lysis by human MACs. We propose that these organelles represent a pool of CD59 from which protein lost from spermatozoa, perhaps as a result of low level complement attack or of normal membrane turnover, can be replenished.

• Tomita A, Radike EL, Parker CJ
• Isolation of erythrocyte membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis type II. Identification as glycophorin A.
• J Immunol. 1993; 151: 3308-23
• Display abstract

• When incubated with activated CoF and normal human serum (as the C source), a portion of the E from most patients with PNH are hemolyzed. In contrast, normal E are completely resistant to this form of C-mediated cytolysis called reactive lysis. This observation implies that normal E express membrane proteins that inhibit reactive lysis. In previous studies, we have shown that when E proteins are subjected to anion exchange chromatography, two peaks of inhibitory activity are observed. We isolated the inhibitor from the first peak and identified it as an 18-kDa protein that we call MIRL (CD59). The purpose of the studies presented herein was to isolate the inhibitory factor (MIRL type II) from the second peak. After anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography, aliquots of the fractions containing MIRL II activity were subjected to preparative SDS-PAGE (nonreducing conditions), and protein was eluted from gel slices electrophoretically. Inhibitory activity was found primarily in two adjacent slices, corresponding to an M(r) range of 84-51 kDa. When MIRL II was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and silver staining, two prominent bands representing proteins with M(r) of 77 and 39 kDa were observed under both reducing and nonreducing conditions. This behavior in SDS-PAGE is characteristic of GP-A, which migrates primarily as a nondisulfide-linked homodimer in equilibrium with a monomeric form. Immunoblotting studies confirmed that MIRL II is GP-A. The protein caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of reactive lysis, with approximately 100 ng producing 50% inhibition. GP-A inhibited reactive lysis by blocking the formation or binding of C5b-7, and this inhibitory activity was immunoprecipitated by monoclonal anti-GP-A. Furthermore, GP-A that was isolated by affinity chromatography also inhibited reactive lysis. These studies demonstrate that the major E sialoglycoprotein functions as an inhibitor of the membrane attack complex of C.

• Dupuis M, Peitsch MC, Hamann U, Stanley KK, Tschopp J
• Mutations in the putative lipid-interaction domain of complement C9 result in defective secretion of the functional protein.
• Mol Immunol. 1993; 30: 95-100
• Display abstract

• Complement protein C9 assembles with C5, C6, C7, C8 on the surface of target cells to form the lytic membrane attack complex (MAC). During MAC assembly and insertion into the target membrane, the hydrophilic, globular C9 partially unfolds to expose a hydrophobic lipid interaction domain. Several copies of amphiphilic C9 subsequently polymerize to form the characteristic ring-like MAC. Using a combined photoaffinity label and computer modeling approach, two amphipathic helices in a segment encompassing the amino acids 293-334 have been predicted to interact with membrane lipids. To elucidate the mechanism of C9 lipid binding and insertion, site-directed mutagenesis was used to change the amphipathic character of the helices. While some conservative amino acid replacements such as Thr307 by a Leu were tolerated and yielded fully active C9 when expressed in COS cells, successive changes of Leu305 into Val, Ala, and Glu on the hydrophobic site of the first helix gave rise to only partly or not secreted C9. All non-conservative amino acid replacements introduced on either side of the helices resulted in non-secreted C9 that was subsequently degraded intracellularly, indicating the importance of the correct folding of the presumptive transmembrane domain during biosynthesis. A natural secretion-incompetent mutant was found in which Val293, located in the proposed lipid-binding region, was lacking. Taken together, these findings suggest that the high incidence of homozygous C9 deficiencies may be due to a blockage in intracellular transport and secretion due to point mutations in this 'hot spot' region of the molecule.

• Tschopp J, Chonn A, Hertig S, French LE
• Clusterin, the human apolipoprotein and complement inhibitor, binds to complement C7, C8 beta, and the b domain of C9.
• J Immunol. 1993; 151: 2159-65
• Display abstract

• Clusterin is a heterodimeric multifunctional protein expressed in a variety of tissues and cells. It forms high density lipid complexes in plasma and participates in the control of the lytic activity of the late complement complex (TCC, C5b-9). Together with vitronectin, clusterin binds to the nascent amphiphilic C5b-9 complex, rendering it water soluble and lytically inactive. To define the interactions that underlie the complement-inhibitory function of clusterin, we have examined the binding interactions between [125I]clusterin and the isolated components of the complex, C5b-6, C7, C8, and C9 and vitronectin. By using ligand blotting in the presence of Tween, specific binding of the labeled clusterin with C7, the beta-subunit of C8 and C9 was detected. Binding to C9 was competed by polymerized C9, but not by C8, C7, C6, and CD59, suggesting that the conformational change occurring during the hydrophilic-amphiphilic transition of C9 exposes the interaction site for clusterin. When thrombin-treated C9 was analyzed, clusterin was found to recognize the C9b fragment containing the hydrophobic membrane interaction segment. Both subunits of clusterin interact with C9 and are similarly potent in inhibiting C5b-9-mediated hemolysis and Zn+(+)-induced C9 polymerization. These results show that clusterin exerts its inhibitory effect by interacting with a structural motif common to C7, C8 alpha, and C9b.

• van den Berg CW, Harrison RA, Morgan BP
• The sheep analogue of human CD59: purification and characterization of its complement inhibitory activity.
• Immunology. 1993; 78: 349-57
• Display abstract

• An inhibitor of the membrane attack complex of complement was isolated from the membranes of sheep erythrocytes. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and affinity purification procedures for this sheep complement-inhibiting protein (SCIP) both yielded a pure protein with an apparent M(r) of 19,000 under reducing and non-reducing conditions. Incubation of the denatured protein with neuraminidase and Endo-F reduced the apparent M(r) to 18,000 and 15,000 respectively, while treatment with O-deglycosidase or phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) did not affect the apparent M(r). SCIP was detectable on erythrocytes and lymphocytes but not on platelets and could partially be removed by PIPLC treatment. Deglycosylation of the pure protein markedly reduced and PIPLC treatment abolished its activity. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) raised against sheep complement-inhibiting protein (SCIP) enhanced the susceptibility of sheep erythrocytes to lysis by homologous complement. SCIP inhibited complement after the stage of C5b-7 formation. Amino-terminal protein sequence was obtained and was shown to be similar to that of human CD59. All these features suggest that SCIP is the sheep equivalent of human CD59. Human CD59 has been reported to be species selective in that it inhibits complement from relatively few species. However, SCIP efficiently inhibited lysis of guinea-pig erythrocytes by complement from a wide range of species tested indicating that it is a potent and non-selective inhibitor of the membrane attack complex of complement (MAC).

• Biesecker G, Lachmann P, Henderson R
• Structure of complement poly-C9 determined in projection by cryo-electron microscopy and single particle analysis.
• Mol Immunol. 1993; 30: 1369-82
• Display abstract

• The ring-like complement 'lesions' found on membranes of complement lysed cells comprise a complex of components C5b through C9 that coalesce to form hollow cylinders which penetrate the membrane bilayer and create lytic pores. Walls of these C5b-9 membrane attack complex cylinders may consist primarily of the C9 component, since samples of purified, isolated C9 can polymerize into cylindrical structures which appear identical with the fully assembled C5b-9 complex. The structure of these poly-C9 molecules has been investigated using the techniques of cryo-electron microscopy and single particle analysis. Sets of single poly-C9 particles viewed as rings were selected from cryo-EM images, then particles were aligned and treated by correspondence analysis to identify the principle interparticle similarities and variations. The highest ranking variation found was the presence or absence of a dense inner ring of protein density. Other important variations were interpreted as different types of particle tilt. These results were used in selecting a subgroup of untilted particles for averaging and symmetry analysis. The rotational power spectrum of the initial average suggested 13-fold symmetry. The 13-fold symmetry was used to select and group particles for further analysis. Individual particles were 13-fold rotational averaged and those with enhanced peripheral features were placed into either a right-handed subgroup or into a left-handed subgroup based on orientation of the peripheral features. Particles within each group were aligned and averaged, and a poly-C9 structure was produced which shows important structural details and from which the C9 monomer structure can be deduced. The poly-C9 structure contains a dense inner ring of diameter between 113-181 A and which is modulated into 13 discrete peaks with peak-to-peak separation of approx. 35 A. The dense inner ring is surrounded by a less dense, concentric outer rim extending to 254 A diameter. The outer rim contains projections that are contiguous with the inner peaks but are skewed relative to the ring radius to produce the appearance of a pin-wheel. These projections correspond with the peripheral features picked up in the rotationally averaged individual particles; the left- or right-handed orientation of projections may result from the up/down orientation of individual particles in ice. The C9 monomer structure within the cylinder is suggested by the density distribution. The monomer would be a rod with diameter of 35 A, oriented parallel to the cylinder axis and would be roughly perpendicular to a membrane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

• Tomlinson S, Stanley KK, Esser AF
• Domain structure, functional activity, and polymerization of trout complement protein C9.
• Dev Comp Immunol. 1993; 17: 67-76
• Display abstract

• The 3' region of trout C9 has been resequenced and found to differ from the previously published sequence (Stanley and Herz, EMBO J. 6:1951; 1987). In contrast to other sequenced C9 molecules, but in common with the other terminal complement components, trout C9 was found to contain an additional carboxy terminal thrombospondin domain. This domain does not restrict polymerization, as has been previously suggested (Stanley and Luzio, Nature 334:475; 1988), since alternative pathway activation of trout complement by rabbit erythrocytes lead to the formation of circular membrane attack complement lesions on the erythrocyte membrane. Although the trout C9 molecule is larger than human C9, the diameters of circular trout membrane attack complexes were approximately 30% smaller than their human counterparts. No lysis of erythrocytes bearing human C5b-7 or C5b-8 complexes was detected following incubation with trout serum containing EDTA, which suggests that trout C8 and C9 are unable to bind to human C7 and C8, respectively. Finally, trout and human serum were equally effective at killing the human serum-sensitive strain Salmonella minnesota Re595.

• Gordon DL, Sadlon T, Hefford C, Adrian D
• Expression of CD59, a regulator of the membrane attack complex of complement, on human astrocytes.
• Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1993; 18: 335-8
• Display abstract

• The present study demonstrates that human astrocytes synthesize and express CD59, a regulator of the membrane attack complex of complement. This was shown by flow cytometry following staining of astrocytes with MAb to CD59, and Western blotting of astrocyte lysates, which revealed the characteristic 18-23,000 M(r) band of CD59. Synthesis of CD59 by astrocytes was confirmed by detection of CD59 specific mRNA by polymerase chain reaction. A low level of C3 deposition occurred on astrocytes following exposure to autologous serum. CD59 may prevent subsequent damage from C5b-9 and protect astrocytes during inflammatory and infectious disorders of the nervous system.

• Milis L, Morris CA, Sheehan MC, Charlesworth JA, Pussell BA
• Vitronectin-mediated inhibition of complement: evidence for different binding sites for C5b-7 and C9.
• Clin Exp Immunol. 1993; 92: 114-9
• Display abstract

• In the activated complement system, vitronectin (complement S-protein) occupies the metastable membrane binding site of the nascent precursor complex C5b-7, so that the newly formed SC5b-7 is unable to insert into cell membranes. Some evidence also indicates that vitronectin limits on-going membrane-associated pore formation by inhibiting C9 polymerization. It has been assumed that these two stages of terminal complement complex (TCC) inhibition take place through charge interactions between the heparin-binding region of vitronectin and homologous cysteine-rich sequences of the late complement proteins C6, C7, C8 and C9. We examined SC5b-7 formation and inhibition of C9 binding in the TCC using separate haemolytic assays. The mode of action of vitronectin in these assays was compared with two 15mer peptides which span residues 348-379 of the heparin-binding region, and a heparin-affinity polypeptide, protamine sulphate. The results showed that vitronectin acts predominantly through SC5b-7 production with a lesser effect on the inhibition of C9 lytic pore formation. In contrast, protamine sulphate did not prevent C5b-7 membrane attachment, but was a potent inhibitor of C9-mediated lysis. The peptides did not inhibit C5b-7 membrane insertion and only one affected C9 binding. These data suggest that the two stages of TCC inhibition involve separate binding sites on the vitronectin molecule. The site for association with nascent C5b-7 is unknown, whereas inhibition of C9 binding and pore formation takes place through the heparin-binding region.

• Hatanaka M, Seya T, Yoden A, Fukamoto K, Semba T, Inai S
• Analysis of C5b-8 binding sites in the C9 molecule using monoclonal antibodies: participation of two separate epitopes of C9 in C5b-8 binding.
• Mol Immunol. 1992; 29: 911-6
• Display abstract

• C5b-8 binding sites in C9 were examined using mAbs raised against C9. Among 16 mAbs, two, designated P40 and X197, blocked C9-mediated EAC1-8 lysis. C9 pretreated with the mAbs failed to bind to EAC1-8 at 4 degrees C. In addition, the mAbs became inaccessible to the C9 that had been incorporated into EAC1-8 at 4 degrees C. These findings suggest that C9 binding to EAC1-8, but not its membrane spanning or polymerization, is blocked by mAbs. By immunoblotting analysis using alpha-thrombin proteolytic fragments derived from C9 [a N-terminal fragment of mol. wt 25,000 (C9a) and a C-terminal one of mol. wt 37,000 (C9b)] and tryptic fragments of C9 (mol. wts 53,000 (C9a') and 20,000 (C9b')), the epitopes of P40 and X197 were mapped to the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of C9b, respectively. Both P40 and X197 bound to the C9 polymerized with Zn2+ in the fluid phase, whereas X197 but not P40 reacted with the membrane attack complex (MAC) formed on membranes. The results suggest that two distinct epitopes are involved in C9 binding to EAC1-8, and behave in a different manner for globular C9 bound to EAC1-8 at 4 degrees C, C9 assembled in MAC, or poly-C9 induced by Zn2+. These mAbs may be useful in clarifying the conformational states of C9 and in analyzing the molecular interaction between C9 and its inhibitors.

• Marazziti D, Luzio JP, Stanley KK
• Complement C9 is inserted into membranes in a globular conformation.
• FEBS Lett. 1989; 243: 347-50
• Display abstract

• Complement component C9 undergoes a major conformational change during its insertion into a biological membrane from a globular to an extended form. At 0 degrees C a single C9 binds but a membrane attack complex (MAC) is not formed. We show that the C9 bound at 0 degrees is accessible to the intracellular space and sensitive to trypsin digestion, suggesting that C9 inserts in its globular state and requires an elevated temperature in order to change conformation.

• Stanley KK
• The molecular mechanism of complement C9 insertion and polymerisation in biological membranes.
• Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 1989; 140: 49-65

• Laine RO, Esser AF
• Identification of the discontinuous epitope in human complement protein C9 recognized by anti-melittin antibodies.
• J Immunol. 1989; 143: 553-7
• Display abstract

• Polyclonal rabbit antibodies against melittin recognize human C protein C9 and retard C9-mediated hemolysis. Human C9 contains a tetrameric and a pentameric sequence (amino acids 293-296 and 528-532, respectively) that together match a continuous segment in the melittin sequence, i.e., residues 8-16. It has been suggested that the tetrameric and the pentameric regions on C9 form a discontinuous epitope on folded C9 that mimics the structure of melittin. To further test this hypothesis, antibodies to C9-sequence-specific peptides were prepared. Peptides containing either the homologous tetrameric or the homologous pentameric sequence together with short stretches of the respective amino- and carboxyl-terminal flanking regions were synthesized, as well as a composite peptide predicted to resemble the discontinuous epitope as a linear, nine-amino acid sequence. Direct and competitive binding assays demonstrated that the tetrameric and the pentameric sequences are part of the epitope on human C9 that is recognized by anti-melittin IgG. However, only antibodies directed against the complete epitope are capable of inhibiting hemolysis. Because neither anti-tetramer nor anti-pentamer antibodies affect hemolysis whereas anti-melittin and anti-composite antibodies do, we propose that human C9 changes conformation around a hinge located between residues 296 and 528 and that the latter two antibodies inhibit unfolding required for membrane insertion and subsequent hemolysis.

• Laine RO, Esser AF
• Detection of refolding conformers of complement protein C9 during insertion into membranes.
• Nature. 1989; 341: 63-5
• Display abstract

• Human complement protein C9 is a hydrophilic serum glycoprotein responsible for efficient expression of the cytotoxic and cytolytic functions of complement. It assembles on the surface of a target cell together with C5, C6, C7 and C8 to form the membrane attack complex (MAC) and therefore has to change structure to become an integral membrane protein. As the protein assumes a stable structure in an aqueous environment, the question arises as to how it can enter the hydrophobic interior of a membrane. During MAC assembly C9 polymerizes into a circular structure, termed poly(C9) (ref. 8), which is responsible for the cylindrical electron microscopic appearance of the MAC. The suggestion has been made that C9 must at least partly unfold in order to enter a membrane and also that polymerization of the molecule is intimately linked to insertion and cytotoxicity. The extent of unfolding and the mechanism of polymerization are not understood, nor is it known precisely which parts of the molecule participate in the proposed structural changes. We have been able to capture refolding C9 conformers during membrane insertion with the help of sequence-specific anti-peptide antibodies. Some of these antibodies inhibit C9-mediated haemolysis but not C9 polymerization, while others have the opposite effect. This suggests that the two processes are independent.

• Sugita Y et al.
• Molecular cloning and characterization of MACIF, an inhibitor of membrane channel formation of complement.
• J Biochem (Tokyo). 1989; 106: 555-7
• Display abstract

• Human erythrocytes contain a membrane protein, MACIF, which inhibits the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement. We have cloned and sequenced the complementary DNA of MACIF messenger RNA. The amino acid sequence predicted from its nucleotide sequence consists of 128 amino acids. The amino-terminal 25 residues may correspond to a signal peptide. The carboxy-terminal sequence confirmed that MACIF is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein. The amino acid sequence of MACIF was partially determined by established techniques for protein chemistry and the resultant sequence was consistent with that predicted from the nucleotide sequence. The results of sequence analyses also suggested that asparagine at the 18th position was N-glycosylated. When mRNA obtained from the MACIF cDNA clone with SP6 RNA polymerase was microinjected into Xenopus oocytes, the oocytes synthesized a product which exhibited MACIF activity and reacted with anti-MACIF antibody. Comparison of the predicted sequence revealed significant homology with mouse Ly-6 antigens.

• Sugita Y, Mazda T, Tomita M
• Amino-terminal amino acid sequence and chemical and functional properties of a membrane attack complex-inhibitory factor from human erythrocyte membranes.
• J Biochem (Tokyo). 1989; 106: 589-92
• Display abstract

• The protein corresponding to P-18 (Sugita et al. (1988) J. Biochem, 104, 633-637) was isolated from native human erythrocyte, and newly designated membrane attack complex-inhibitory factor (MACIF). The amino-terminal sequence of this protein was determined to be Leu-Gln-Cys-Tyr-Asn-Cys-Pro-Asn-Pro-Thr. Endoglycosidase F digestion of MACIF decreased its molecular weight by about 6K on SDS-PAGE. On the other hand, endoglycosidase H, neuraminidase, or endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase treatment had no effect on the molecular weight, indicating that MACIF has complex-type N-linked oligosaccharide chains, but no O-linked chain. MACIF was highly resistant against trypsin digestion and heat treatment. The inhibitory activity of MACIF on the hemolysis of EC5-8 cells was comparable to that on EC5-7 cells, indicating that MACIF inhibited the binding of C9 to the intermediate cells, or the subsequent C9 polymerization.

• Stanley K, Luzio P
• Perforin. A family of killer proteins.
• Nature. 1988; 334: 475-6

• Tschopp J, Masson D
• Inhibition of the lytic activity of perforin (cytolysin) and of late complement components by proteoglycans.
• Mol Immunol. 1987; 24: 907-13
• Display abstract

• The complement components (C6, C7, C8 and C9) implicated in the lysis of target cells and the pore-forming, lytic protein from cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and NK-cells, perforin, contain an amino acid sequence which is highly homologous to a repeat unit identified in the LDL-receptor (Tschopp et al., 1986, Nature, 322, 831-834). The domain of the LDL-receptor, which is thought to interact with a positively charged segment of its ligands apoprotein B and E, is rich in cysteine residues and contains a cluster of negative charges. We show that the negatively charged molecules suramin and glycosaminoglycans, the positively charged peptides protamine and polylysine, all of which are known to abolish binding of LDL to its receptor (Goldstein et al., 1985, A. Rev. cell. Biol., 1, 1-39) inhibit the lytic activities of C6, C7, C8, C9 and perforin. Moreover, these negatively charged molecules are potent inhibitors of cytolytic T-lymphocyte-mediated lysis of target cells, suggesting a functionally crucial role for perforin in cell-mediated cytolysis. We propose that the negatively charged, cysteine-rich domain of these complement proteins and perforin interacts with an as yet unidentified positively charged segment of its ligand in a manner analogous to the LDL-LDL receptor interaction. Homologous cysteine-rich domains in functionally unrelated proteins may therefore be functionally conserved as ideal rigid interaction domains with the conserved cysteine residues as framework. Specificity of the domain for its ligand would be conferred by the non-conserved amino acid residues.

• Shiver JW, Dankert JR, Donovan JJ, Esser AF
• The ninth component of human complement (C9). Functional activity of the b fragment.
• J Biol Chem. 1986; 261: 9629-36
• Display abstract

• The domain structure of human complement protein C9 was investigated by determining the functional activities of the NH2-terminal (C9a) and COOH-terminal (C9b) fragments obtained by cleavage of C9 with alpha-thrombin. The two fragments were separated by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and renatured by dialysis against buffers containing zwitterionic detergents. The C9b fragment produced membranolytic activities in three independent assays. First, it produced single, ion-conducting channels of varying conductances in planar lipid membranes. Most of the channels had an average conductance of 11 picoSiemens and an average lifetime of about 30 s. The channels showed lipid specificity and a 3-fold preference for conducting K+ over Na+. Second, the fragment also caused specific marker release from liposomes which was inhibitable by a C9b-specific monoclonal antibody, and third, it lysed erythrocytes in the absence of a fully assembled C5b-8 complex. The isolated C9a fragment did not produce single channels in planar lipid membranes but was also effective in releasing markers from liposomes and in lysing erythrocytes. Secondary structure predictions indicate the presence of several amphiphilic, "surface-seeking" segments in the primary structure of C9 which are mainly alpha-helices in C9b and beta-sheets in C9a. These results may indicate the presence of surface-binding domains in the NH2-terminal half and channel-forming domains in the COOH-terminal portion of native, monomeric C9.

• Amiguet P, Brunner J, Tschopp J
• The membrane attack complex of complement: lipid insertion of tubular and nontubular polymerized C9.
• Biochemistry. 1985; 24: 7328-34
• Display abstract

• The membrane-restricted photoactivatable carbene generator 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I]-iodophenyl)diazirine [Brunner, J., & Semenza, G. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 7174-7182] was used to label the subunits of the membrane attack complex of complement (C5b-9). C5b-9 complexes either were assembled from serum on erythrocyte membranes or were reconstituted from purified components on liposomes. After irradiation, most of the probe is bound to C9 independent of the membrane system used, indicating that the wall of the transmembrane channel is predominantly composed of C9. No difference was observed whether polymerized C9 was in the tubular or nontubular form [Podack, E. R., & Tschopp, J. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 15204-15212], showing that tubule closure is not essential for successful lipid insertion. The same label distribution between the two forms of polymerized C9 was obtained by analyzing zinc-polymerized C9 in the absence of C5b-8. Since the photoreactive probe reacted with at least two distinct polypeptide segments within C9, lipid interaction does not occur via a single segment of hydrophobic amino acids.

• Tschopp J
• Ultrastructure of the membrane attack complex of complement. Heterogeneity of the complex caused by different degree of C9 polymerization.
• J Biol Chem. 1984; 259: 7857-63
• Display abstract

• The membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement and its precursors, i.e. C5b-7 and C5b-8, were examined by electron microscopy. C5b-7 bound to lipid vesicles exhibits an extended structure of 25 nm connected to the lipid membrane via a 10-nm long, 3-nm wide stalk. Binding of C8 to vesicle-bound C5b-7 results in the disappearance of this stalk, whereas the overall length remains unchanged. Addition of 12 C9 molecules per C5b-8 induces C9 polymerization which is accompanied by the formation of C9 tubules and membrane lesions. By using biotinyl precursors and streptavidin -coated colloidal gold particles, C5b-6, C7, and C8 was found to be in the club-like part of the MAC; C9 was identified in the tubular moiety. Only one C5b-8 moiety was detected in an individual MAC complex thus excluding the proposed "dimeric" structure of the MAC. A membrane channel of 10 nm was formed by the MAC at a C9 to C5b-8 ratio equal or larger than 12 to 1, as suggested by the penetration of negative stain into the vesicle. In contrast, binding of an average of three C9 per C5b-8 caused formation of incomplete C9 tubules with apparent membrane channels of less than 10 nm diameter. The MAC isolated from red blood cells was ultrastructurally heterogenous . Although an excess of serum was used for the formation of the complexes, mostly incomplete poly C9 tubules were formed. It is proposed that the MAC is an ultrastructurally heterogenous complex that induces the formation of membrane channels of different sizes.

• Podack ER, Tschopp J
• Polymerization of the ninth component of complement (C9): formation of poly(C9) with a tubular ultrastructure resembling the membrane attack complex of complement.
• Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1982; 79: 574-8
• Display abstract

• The ninth component of complement (C9) has a marked propensity to polymerize. C9 polymers [poly(C9)] formed spontaneously in Veronal-buffered saline upon incubation of purified C9 for 64 hr at 37 degrees C or within 2 hr at 46--56 degrees C. Poly(C9) formed at 37 degrees C was visualized by electron microscopy as a tubular structure with an internal diameter of 110 A and a length of 160 A. Its ultrastructure suggested a dodecameric composition and resembled that of the membrane attack complex of complement. The wider end of the tubular structure was formed by an approximately 30-A-thick torus with inner and outer diameters of 110 A and 220 A, respectively. Because the dimensions of C9 within poly(C9) were 160 x 55 A (maximal) and 20 A (minimal) and because monomeric C9 has dimensions of approximately 80 x 55 A, it is proposed that monomeric C9 unfolds during polymerization into tubules. Polymerization also occurred upon treatment of C9 for 1 hr at 37 degrees C with 0.6 M guanidine . HCl, 0.1 M octyl glucoside, or 1.5% sodium deoxycholate. Guanidine . HCl-induced C9 polymers consisted of elongated highly curved strands 55--80 A wide, suggesting that these polymers were formed by globular C9 that had not unfolded.

• Tschopp J, Muller-Eberhard HJ, Podack ER
• Formation of transmembrane tubules by spontaneous polymerization of the hydrophilic complement protein C9.
• Nature. 1982; 298: 534-8
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• The ninth component of complement C9 can undergo circular polymerization in the fluid phase and on lipid membranes. The concomitant hydrophilic-amphiphilic transition is the result of a conformational reorganization of C9 and allows insertion of poly C9 into membranes in the form of a transmembrane protein channel. The ultrastructure of poly C9 resembles that of membrane lesions caused by complement.

• Tschopp J, Podack ER, Muller-Eberhard HJ
• Ultrastructure of the membrane attack complex of complement: detection of the tetramolecular C9-polymerizing complex C5b-8.
• Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1982; 79: 7474-8
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• The ultrastructure of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement had been described as representing a hollow cylinder of defined dimensions that is composed of the proteins C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9. After the characteristic cylindrical structure was identified as polymerized C9 [poly(C9)], the question arose as to the ultrastructural identity and topology of the C9-polymerizing complex C5b-8. An electron microscopic analysis of isolated MAC revealed an asymmetry of individual complexes with respect to their length. Whereas the length of one boundary (+/- SEM) was always 16 +/- 1 nm, the length of the other varied between 16 and 32 nm. In contrast, poly(C9), formed spontaneously from isolated C9, had a uniform tubule length (+/- SEM) of 16 +/- 1 nm. On examination of MAC-phospholipid vesicle complexes, an elongated structure was detected that was closely associated with the poly(C9) tubule and that extended 16-18 nm beyond the torus of the tubule and 28-30 nm above the membrane surface. The width of this structure varied depending on its two-dimensional projection in the electron microscope. By using biotinyl C5b-6 in the formation of the MAC and avidin-coated colloidal gold particles for the ultrastructural analysis, this heretofore unrecognized subunit of the MAC could be identified as the tetramolecular C5b-8 complex. Identification also was achieved by using anti-C5 Fab-coated colloidal gold particles. A similar elongated structure of 25 nm length (above the surface of the membrane) was observed on single C5b-8-vesicle complexes. It is concluded that the C5b-8 complex, which catalyzes poly(C9) formation, constitutes a structure of discrete morphology that remains as such identifiable in the fully assembled MAC, in which it is closely associated with the poly(C9) tubule.

• Ishida B, Wisnieski BJ, Lavine CH, Esser AF
• Photolabeling of a hydrophobic domain of the ninth component of human complement.
• J Biol Chem. 1982; 257: 10551-3
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• Recent experiments with membrane-restricted, photoactivatable probes indicated a preferential labeling of C9 within the assembled membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement, suggesting a direct role for C9 in the interaction of the MAC with membrane lipids. To further characterize the lipid-binding sites on C9, we have now used C9 that has been cleaved by alpha-thrombin. This enzyme cleaves C9 at one site but the newly generated peptides, C9a and C9b, respectively, remain noncovalently associated and the cleaved protein suffers no loss in hemolytic activity. When cleaved C9 was incorporated into the MAC during assembly on phospholipid vesicles and photolabeled, subsequent sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and fluorography revealed that only the larger fragment C9b, but not the smaller fragment C9a, became labeled. C9 attached alone to vesicles through heat aggregation in the absence of the precursor complex C5b-8 is also accessible to the hydrophobic photolabel. When cleaved C9 is used in the heat-induced assembly on vesicles and the polymerized C9 is photolabeled, the label associates again predominantly with C9b and not C9a. These results not only show that, within C9 polymers or within the assembled MAC, C9 possesses a two-domain structure, but also lend considerable support to the structure proposed for C9 by Biesecker et al. (Biesecker, G., Gerard, C., and Hugli, T. E. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 2584-2590) who classified C9a as hydrophilic and C9b as hydrophobic.

• Podack ER, Muller-Eberhard HJ
• Membrane attack complex of complement. Evidence for its dimeric structure based on hybrid formation.
• J Biol Chem. 1981; 256: 3145-8
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• Molecular hybridization experiments provided new evidence for the dimeric nature of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement. Monomeric C5b-6, which constitutes the first intermediate complex in MAC formation, was prepared in two differentially labeled forms: biotin-125I-C5b-6 and 131I-C5b-6. Using a mixture of the differentially labeled C5b-6, the MAC was assembled on phospholipid vesicles upon addition of C7, C8, and C9. The assembled MAC containing biotin-125I and 131I was extracted from the vesicles with deoxycholate, purified, and exposed to avidin-Sepharose. Biotin-mediated binding of the MAC to avidin-Sepharose not only effected binding of 125I, but also of 131I, indicating that both radiolabels resided in the same molecular entity. When equimolar amounts of differentially labeled C5b-6 were available for MAC formation, 50% of MAC formed contained one molecule of each form. Theoretical analysis of the experimental data clearly favored the dimer structure over the structure of a higher oligomer. In contrast, fluid phase SC5b-9 was clearly monomeric on the basis of the same analysis. The electron microscopic appearance of the biotinated MAC hybrid closely resembled that of the characteristic membrane lesions of complement lysed cells. An avidin-ferritin conjugate attached itself to the ring-shaped portion of the biotinated MAC and not to its perpendicular structures, suggesting that C5b-6 is an integral part of the ring structure of the MAC.

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