L-ficolin binding and lectin pathway activation by acetylated low-density lipoprotein.

L-ficolin, like mannan-binding lectin (MBL), is a lectin pathway activator present in normal human plasma. Upon binding ligand, l-ficolin similarly initiates C4 cleavage via the serine protease MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2). We sought further insight into l-ficolin binding reactions and MASP-2 activation by passing plasma through GlcNAc-derivatized Sepharose. l-Ficolin bound in 1.0 M NaCl-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and remained bound in NaCl-free EDTA, while MASP-2 eluted in proenzyme form ( approximately 20% yield, > 40 000-fold purification). L-Ficolin was eluted with GlcNAc in 1.0 M NaCl ( approximately 10% yield, > 3000-fold purification), with trace amounts of C3, alpha(2)-macroglobulin and both native and activated MASP-2. These preparations were utilized to investigate l-ficolin reactivities with acetylated low-density lipoprotein (A-LDL) as a model ligand in albumin-free systems. L-Ficolin bound strongly to A-LDL in the absence as well as presence of calcium, including saline-EDTA, and was optimal in 1.0 M NaCl-EDTA, but binding failed to occur in EDTA in the absence of NaCl. The addition of l-ficolin to immobilized A-LDL resulted in activation of MASP-2 in unmodified but not ficolin-depleted plasma unless l-ficolin was restored. We conclude that A-LDL is a useful ligand for investigation of l-ficolin function; both binding and activation are optimally examined in systems free of albumin; and ligand binding in 1.0 M NaCl in EDTA can be useful in the isolation of l-ficolin and native MASP-2.

Interaction of mannose-binding lectin with primary isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is present in human serum and plays an important role in innate immunity by binding to carbohydrate on micro-organisms. Whereas the gp120/gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) contains numerous N-linked glycosylation sites and many of these sites contain high-mannose glycans which could interact with MBL, the interaction between MBL and primary isolates (PI) of HIV-1 has not been studied. To determine if PI of HIV bind to MBL, a virus capture assay was developed in which virus was incubated in MBL-coated microtitre wells followed by detection of bound virus with an ELISA for p24 antigen. The X4 HIV-1(MN) T cell line-adapted strain and PI of HIV (R5 and X4) bound to MBL. Binding of virus to MBL was via the carbohydrate-recognition domain of MBL since binding did not occur in the absence of Ca(2+) and was blocked by preincubation of MBL-coated wells with soluble mannan. The interaction of virus with MBL-coated wells was also inhibited by preincubation of virus with soluble MBL, indicating that both immobilized and soluble forms of MBL bound to HIV. Although host cell glycoproteins are incorporated into the membrane of HIV, binding of virus to immobilized MBL required expression of gp120/gp41 on virus particles, suggesting the presence of either an unusually high carbohydrate density and/or a unique carbohydrate structure on gp120/gp41 that is the target of MBL. This study shows that PI of HIV bind to MBL and suggests that MBL can selectively interact with HIV in vivo via carbohydrate structures on gp120/gp41.

Mechanism of complement-dependent haemolysis via the lectin pathway: role of the complement regulatory proteins.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an acute phase protein which activates the classical complement pathway at the level of C4 and C2 via two novel serine proteases homologous to C1r and C1s. We recently reported that haemolysis via this lectin pathway requires alternative pathway amplification. The present experiments sought to establish the basis for this requirement, and hence focused on the activity and regulation of the C3 convertases. Complement activation was normalized between the lectin and classical pathways such that identical amounts of bound C4 and of haemolytically active C4,2 sites were present on the indicator cells. Under these conditions, there was markedly less haemolysis, associated with markedly less C3 and C5 deposited, via the lectin pathway than via the classical pathway, particularly when alternative pathway recruitment was blocked by depletion of factor D. Lectin pathway activation was associated with enhanced binding in the presence of MBL of complement control proteins C4bp and factor H to C4b and C3b, respectively, with decreased stability of the C3-converting enzyme C4b,2a attributable to C4bp. Immunodepletion of C4bp and/or factor H increased lectin pathway haemolysis and allowed lysis to occur in absence of the alternative pathway. Thus, the lectin pathway of humans is particularly susceptible to the regulatory effects of C4bp and factor H, due at least in part to MBL enhancement of C4bp binding to C4b and factor H binding to C3b.

Enhancement of lectin pathway haemolysis by immunoglobulins.

We recently reported that indicator sheep erythrocytes (E) coated with mannan and sensitized with mannan-binding lectin (MBL) (E-M-MBL) are lysed by human serum in the absence of calcium via the lectin pathway of complement activation by a process which requires alternative pathway amplification and is associated with increased binding of and control by complement regulatory proteins C4 bp and factor H. In the present study, we investigated the effect of immunoglobulin (Ig) on this haemolysis. Co-sensitization of indicator E with anti-E haemolysin led to threefold enhancement of lectin pathway haemolysis in the absence of calcium, associated with increased binding of C3 and C5. Lysis was enhanced approximately twofold when E-M-MBL were chemically or immunologically coated with IgM or IgA, and fourfold when coated with IgG, prior to lysis in human serum-Mg-ethyleneglycol tetraacetic acid. The presence of haemolysin did not reduce the binding or inhibitory activity of C4 bp, and the enhancing activity of haemolysin was retained in serum depleted of C4 bp. By contrast, binding of factor H was greatly reduced in the presence of haemolysin, which had no enhancing effect in serum depleted of factor H. These experiments demonstrate the ability of IgG, IgM and IgA to enhance lectin pathway cytolysis, and that this enhancement occurs by neutralization of the inhibitory activity of factor H. Immunoglobulin enhancement of lectin pathway cytolysis represents another interaction between the innate and adaptive systems of immunity.

Calcium-independent haemolysis via the lectin pathway of complement activation in the guinea-pig and other species*.

We previously reported that complement-dependent haemolysis of sheep erythrocytes (E) coated with mannan (M) and sensitized with human mannan-binding lectin (MBL) via the lectin pathway in man occurs in Mg-EGTA and requires alternative pathway amplification. Calcium was required for MBL binding to E-M, but once the E-M-MBL intermediate was formed, MBL was retained and haemolysis occurred in the absence of calcium. Comparable or greater lectin pathway haemolysis in the absence of calcium was observed upon incubation of E-M-MBL in guinea-pig, rat, dog and pig sera, and was further investigated in the guinea-pig, in which titres were much higher ( approximately 14-fold) than in man, and in contrast to humans, greater than classical pathway haemolytic activity. As in human serum, no lysis was observed in C4- or C2-deficient guinea-pig serum until purified C4 or C2, respectively, were restored. However, lectin pathway haemolytic activity in the guinea-pig did not require the alternative pathway. Removal (>98%) of factor D activity by three sequential passages through Sephadex G-75, resulting in serum which retained a normal classical pathway but no alternative pathway haemolytic activity, did not reduce the ability of guinea-pig serum to mediate haemolysis via the lectin pathway. Further, the C3-convertase formed via the lectin pathway (E-M-MBL-C4,2) lysed in C2-deficient guinea-pig but not human serum chelated with EDTA, a condition which precludes alternative pathway amplification. Thus, lectin pathway haemolysis occurs efficiently in guinea-pig serum, in the absence of calcium and without requirement for alternative pathway amplification. The guinea-pig provides a model for studying the assembly and haemolytic function of a lectin pathway which contrasts with the lectin pathway of man, and allows for comparisons that may help clarify the role of this pathway in complement biology.

Regulation of complement activation by C-reactive protein.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase serum protein and a mediator of innate immunity. CRP binds to microbial polysaccharides and to ligands exposed on damaged cells. Binding of CRP to these substrates activates the classical complement pathway leading to their uptake by phagocytic cells. Complement activation by CRP is restricted to C1, C4, C2 and C3 with little consumption of C5-9. Surface bound CRP reduces deposition of and generation of C5b-9 by the alternative pathway and deposition of C3b and lysis by the lectin pathway. These activities of CRP are the result of recruitment of factor H resulting in regulation of C3b on bacteria or erythrocytes. Evidence is presented for direct binding of H to CRP. H binding to CRP or C3b immobilized on microtiter wells was demonstrated by ELISA. Attachment of CRP to a surface was required for H binding. H binding to CRP was not inhibited by EDTA or phosphocholine, which inhibit ligand binding, but was inhibited by a 13 amino acid CRP peptide. The peptide sequence was identical to the region of CRP that showed the best alignment to H binding peptides from Streptococcus pyogenes (M6) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Por1A). The results suggest that CRP bound to a surface provides secondary binding sites for H resulting in greater regulation of alternative pathway amplification and C5 convertases. Complement activation by CRP may help limit the inflammatory response by providing opsonization with minimal generation of C5a and C5b-9.

Lysis via the lectin pathway of complement activation: minireview and lectin pathway enhancement of endotoxin-initiated hemolysis.

Lysis via the newly discovered lectin pathway of complement activation is reviewed. Mannan-coated erythrocytes sensitized with MBL are lysed in human serum containing Mg-EGTA via the lectin pathway by a process which requires alternative pathway amplification. The inhibitory activities of C4bp and factor H, which are augmented in the presence of MBL, regulate this hemolysis. Lectin pathway activity is enhanced by IgG, which inhibits H activity, and is inhibited by C-reactive protein, which enhances the activity of H. Lectin pathway hemolysis in Mg-EGTA also is seen in other species, and is particularly intense and does not require alternative pathway amplification in the guinea pig. New investigations using E-RaLPS as the MBL-binding agent allowed comparison with classical pathway activation by rabbit anti-RaLPS using the same indicator cell. E-RaLPS-MBL are lysed in human serum-Mg-EGTA, and alternative pathway amplification is required. The addition of rabbit anti-E to E-RaLPS-MBL leads to significant enhancement of lysis in Mg-EGTA, much greater than Ig enhancement of hemolysis via the alternative pathway. Lectin pathway activation also enhances the antibody-independent C activation of the classical C pathway via C1q by ReLPS, as well as the direct activation of the alternative C pathway by wild type LPS. Thus, potentiation of reactions initiated at sites of IgG deposition and Ig-independent complement activation represents another characteristic of the lectin pathway.

Complement regulation in innate immunity and the acute-phase response: inhibition of mannan-binding lectin-initiated complement cytolysis by C-reactive protein (CRP).

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an acute-phase protein which activates complement at the level of C4 and C2. We recently reported that the alternative pathway also is required for haemolysis via this 'lectin pathway' in human serum. CRP is another acute-phase reactant which activates the classical pathway, but CRP also inhibits the alternative pathway on surfaces to which it binds. Since serum levels of both proteins generally increase with inflammation and tissue necrosis, it was of interest to determine the effect of CRP on cytolysis via the lectin pathway. We report here that although CRP increases binding of C4 to MBL-sensitized erythrocytes, which in turn enhances lectin pathway haemolysis, it inhibits MBL-initiated cytolysis by its ability to inhibit the alternative pathway. This inhibition is characterized by increased binding of complement control protein H and decreased binding of C3 and C5 to the indicator cells, which in turn is attributable to the presence of CRP. Immunodepletion of H leads to greatly enhanced cytolysis via the lectin pathway, and this cytolysis is no longer inhibited by CRP. These results indicate that CRP regulates MBL-initiated cytolysis on surfaces to which both proteins bind by modulating alternative pathway recruitment through H, pointing to CRP as a complement regulatory protein, and suggesting a co-ordinated role for these proteins in complement activation in innate immunity and the acute-phase response.

Requirement for the alternative pathway as well as C4 and C2 in complement-dependent hemolysis via the lectin pathway.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a C1q-like molecule opsonic for several micro-organisms. MBL can activate C4, C2, and later acting complement components in the presence of serine proteases similar to but distinct from C1r and C1s via the lectin pathway of complement activation. We report here that mannan-coated MBL-sensitized erythrocytes are lysed via the lectin pathway in human serum-Mg-EGTA. The surprising occurrence of MBL-initiated lysis in the absence of calcium contrasts with the calcium requirement for C1q-initiated activation of C4 and C2. C2 is required, and lysis is significantly enhanced when indicator cells presensitized with C4 and then coated with mannan (EAC4-M) are used. The alternative pathway also is required, since lysis is lost when either factor D or factor B is removed and is restored upon reconstitution with the purified protein. Even though MBL is a C-type lectin, it is retained on mannan-coated erythrocytes in the absence of calcium. This contrasts with the absence of calcium-independent retention on mannan immobilized on polystyrene plates or beads, and helps explain the MBL-initiated hemolysis in Mg-EGTA. These investigations show that the alternative pathway as well as C4 and C2 of the classical pathway are required for complement-dependent hemolysis via the lectin pathway and provide a method for assay of lectin pathway-mediated complement activity in human serum that should be useful in unraveling the molecular interactions of this pathway.

Structure and function of the pentraxins.

Over the past two years, the three-dimensional structure of the serum amyloid P component was defined by X-ray diffraction, the first such visualization of a pentraxin. Binding sites for calcium, ligands and complement were identified. New fusion proteins with amino acid sequence homology to the pentraxins were described, and new insights were gained into pentraxin phylogeny, biosynthesis, ligands, complement activation, leukocyte reactivity and biological functions in vivo.

Human serum amyloid P component oligomers bind and activate the classical complement pathway via residues 14-26 and 76-92 of the A chain collagen-like region of C1q.

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) was polymerized using the cleavable cross-linker 3,3'-dithio-bis-(sulfo-succinimidylpropionate) to study its interaction with the C system. Dimers and trimers, but no larger oligomers, were observed; the trimers retained native SAP immunoreactivity (except for one calcium-dependent epitope) without displaying neo-SAP epitopes. The SAP trimers bound strongly to C1q, at the level of the collagen-like region (CLR). SAP bound to synthetic C1q A chain peptides 14-26 and 76-92, and these peptides inhibited the binding of SAP trimers to the CLR. When incubated in dilute human serum, SAP trimers consumed total C and C4, but not alternative pathway, hemolytic activities. Consumption of C4 by SAP trimers was inhibited by C1q A chain peptide 14-26. Thus, SAP oligomers bind C1q and activate the classical C pathway via the collagen-like region of C1q, at sites located within residues 14-26 and/or 76-92 of the C1q A chain.

DNA binds and activates complement via residues 14-26 of the human C1q A chain.

The mechanism by which DNA activates the classical complement pathway was investigated, with emphasis upon the C1q binding sites involved. DNA bound to both the collagen-like and globular regions of C1q. Binding reactivity with DNA was retained after reduction/alkylation and sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment of C1q. DNA bound preferentially to the A chain of C1q. Binding sites for DNA were localized by using synthetic C1q A chain peptides to two cationic regions within residues 14-26 and 76-92, respectively. Peptides 14-26 and 76-92 avidly bound DNA in enzyme-linked immunosorbent and gel shift assays. Peptide 14-26 also precipitated with DNA and blocked its ability to bind C1q and activate C. Replacement of the two prolines with alanines or scrambling the order of the amino acids resulted in loss of ability of peptide 14-26 to inhibit C1q binding and complement activation by DNA; similar investigations showed a sequence specificity for peptide 76-92 as well. These experiments identify C1q A chain residues 14-26 as the major site, and residues 76-92 as a secondary site, through which DNA binds C1q and activates the classical complement pathway, and demonstrate that a peptide identical to residues 14-26 can modulate C1q binding and complement activation by DNA.

A protease-sensitive site in the proposed Ca(2+)-binding region of human serum amyloid P component and other pentraxins.

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a decamer of 10 identical 25.5-kDa subunits. Limited proteolysis of SAP with alpha-chymotrypsin cleaves the subunit into two fragments of 18 and 7.5 kDa, although the fragments stay together in the decamer under nondenaturing conditions. Proteolysis does not occur in the presence of Ca2+ (10 mM). Cleavage with alpha-chymotrypsin prevents the Ca(2+)-dependent binding of SAP to zymosan extract, nucleosomes, and DNA. The alpha-chymotrypsin cleavage site identified is in a region of SAP that is highly conserved in members of the human C-reactive protein (CRP) family of proteins (pentraxins) to which SAP belongs and is similar to the Ca(2+)-binding site in calmodulin and related Ca(2+)-binding proteins (Nguyen, N.Y., Suzuki, A., Boykins, R.A., & Liu, T.-Y., 1986, J. Biol. Chem. 261, 10456-10465). Treatment of SAP with other proteases (trypsin, Pronase, and Nagarse protease) yields fragmentation patterns upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) that are similar to those obtained with alpha-chymotrypsin. Two other members of the pentraxin family of proteins, hamster female protein and rabbit CRP, also exhibit similar fragmentation patterns on SDS-PAGE when treated with the various proteases. Recently, it has been shown that the homologous protein, human CRP, is cleaved in the same homologous position as cleavage of SAP by alpha-chymotrypsin, resulting in the loss of Ca(2+)-binding (as shown by equilibrium dialysis) and Ca(2+)-dependent binding reactivities (Kinoshita, C.M., Ying, S.-C., Hugli, T.E., Siegel, J.N., Potempa, L.A., Jiang, H.J., Houghten, R.A., & Gewurz, H., 1989, Biochemistry 28, 9840-9848).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reactivity of anti-human C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P component (SAP) monoclonal antibodies with limulin and pentraxins of other species.

Limulus polyphemus C-reactive protein (CRP) (limulin) has approximately 30% amino acid sequence homology and shares at least one idiotypic determinant associated with ligand-binding activity with human CRP (hCRP); limulin also shares amino acid sequence homology and lectin activity with human serum amyloid P component (hSAP). In the present study panels of 14 anti-hCRP monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed to distinct hCRP epitopes and 11 anti-hSAP mAb directed to distinct epitopes of hSAP were tested for reactivity with limulin and pentraxins of other species including rabbit CRP (raCRP), rat CRP and hamster female protein (FP) by ELISA and Western blot analyses. None of the anti-human pentraxin mAb showed strong cross-reactivity with limulin; only five mAb reacted with limulin at all, and cross-reactivities of these mAb with the other pentraxins, when present, also were weak. Cross-reactivity of limulin with hCRP and hSAP was similar, and in light of comparable amino acid sequence homology, suggests this molecule can be considered the limulus SAP as well as the limulus CRP. Several anti-hCRP mAb cross-reacted strongly with rabbit CRP and rat CRP; a few anti-hSAP cross-reacted strongly with FP; and weak cross-reactions were observed between hCRP and hSAP, but cross-reactivities between the pentraxins generally were limited and weak. A rabbit polyclonal antibody raised to highly conserved limulin peptide 141-156 and strongly reactive with limulin reacted weakly with hCRP and raCRP but failed to react with rat CRP, hSAP or FP. These studies emphasize a limited but distinct antigenic similarity between limulin, hCRP and other pentraxins, and identify mAb reactive with potential regions of shared structure and/or function between pentraxins of different species.

Localization of sites through which C-reactive protein binds and activates complement to residues 14-26 and 76-92 of the human C1q A chain.

Studies were initiated to localize the C-reactive protein (CRP) binding site on the collagen-like region (CLR) of C1q. CRP bound preferentially to the A chain of reduced C1q, in contrast to aggregated immunoglobulin G (Agg-IgG), which reacted preferentially with the C chain. A group of C1q A chain peptides, including peptides identical to residues 81-97, 76-92, and 14-26, respectively, were synthesized from predicted binding regions. Peptide 76-92 contained two proximal lysine groups, and peptide 14-26 contained four proximal arginine groups. CRP-trimers and CRP-ligand complexes did not bind to immobilized peptide 81-97, but bound avidly to immobilized peptides 76-92 and 14-26. Agg-IgG did not bind to any of the peptides. Peptide 76-92 partially, and peptide 14-26 completely, inhibited binding of CRP to intact C1q. Peptide 14-26 also blocked C consumption initiated by CRP, but not by IgG. Replacement of the two prolines with alanines, or scrambling the order of the amino acids, resulted in loss of ability of peptide 14-26 to inhibit C1q binding and C activation by CRP, indicating a sequence specificity, and not a charge specificity alone, as the basis for the inhibitory activity of the peptide. Similar investigations with scrambled peptides showed a sequence specificity for the effects of peptide 76-92 as well. DNA and heparin inhibited binding of CRP trimers to intact C1q, as well as to each peptide 14-26 and 76-92, suggesting involvement of these regions in C1q-CLR binding reactions generally. Collectively, these data identify two cationic regions within residues 14-26 and 76-92 of the C1q A chain CLR as sites through which CRP binds and activates the classical C pathway, and suggest that these residues represent significant regions for C1q CLR binding reactions generally. To our knowledge, this represents the first delineation of sites on C1q through which binding and activation of the classical C pathway can occur.

Localization of sequence-determined neoepitopes and neutrophil digestion fragments of C-reactive protein utilizing monoclonal antibodies and synthetic peptides.

We recently described 17 anti-CRP mAb, seven to native- (or conformational) and 10 to neo- (or sequence-determined) epitopes, including several anti-neo-CRP mAb specific for CRP peptide 199-206. In the present study, four new anti-native- and four new anti-neo-CRP mAb were generated and characterized by ELISA reactivity with native and modified human and rabbit CRP, as well as binding to pronase fragments of human CRP in Western blots. Assays with 17 synthetic CRP peptides identified anti-neo-CRP mAb specific for peptides 1-16, 14-24 and 137-152, respectively. The anti-neo-CRP mAb were reacted with fragments obtained by digesting CRP with multiple additional enzymes, including Staphylococcal V8 protease, trypsin, elastase, plasmin, thrombin and alpha-chymotrypsin. Native CRP was remarkably resistant to enzymic digestion, particularly in the presence of calcium, but was readily cleavable upon denaturation. Twenty-three informative fragments served to further distinguish mAb reactivity with at least four additional neo-CRP epitopes, which presumptively included residues in the regions of amino acids 22-45, 41-61, 114-121 and 130-138, respectively. The eight epitopes identified corresponded well with predicted regions of CRP antigenicity. In addition, at least six distinct native or conformation-determined epitopes were delineated. Reactivity of the anti-neo-CRP mAb with fragments of CRP generated by PMN enzymes indicated that regions sensitive to cleavage by neutrophil enzymes are located at approximately 3, 10 and 16 kD from the amino terminus of the CRP subunit. We expect that the anti-CRP mAb described and mapped herein will be useful tools for the elucidation of CRP structure and function.

Defined chemically cross-linked oligomers of human C-reactive protein: characterization and reactivity with the complement system.

Chemically cross-linked C-reactive protein (CRP) oligomers were prepared and characterized, and C1q binding and C activation were investigated. Purified human CRP was polymerized in the presence of both non-cleavable and cleavable cross-linking agents and further separated by Superose 12 analytical FPLC column chromatography into fractions of 110 KDa (pentameric monomers), 220 KDa (dimers) and 330 KDa (trimers); virtually no larger oligomers were formed under a variety of experimental conditions. CRP subunits were cross-linked both within and between CRP pentamers. CRP trimers retained native CRP antigenicity without expression of neo-CRP epitopes. CRP trimers showed maximal binding and CRP dimers showed partial binding of solid phase C1q while CRP monomers bound virtually no C1q at all; CRP trimers also bound to fluid phase C1q. Binding was Ca++ independent and increased as the ionic strength or pH were lowered, characteristics comparable to binding of aggregated IgG to C1q; it was not inhibited by phosphorylcholine. CRP trimers consumed total C, C1 and C2 haemolytic activities upon incubation in fresh human serum, but much less efficiently than did CRP-protamine complexes or Agg-IgG. CRP trimers failed to deplete alternative C pathway haemolytic activity at all. The stable, chemically defined CRP oligomers described in this report, which bind C1q efficiently but display poor ability to activate the classical C pathway in the absence of an appropriate ligand, should be valuable in further studies of the interactions between CRP and the C system.

Preferential binding and aggregation of rabbit C-reactive protein with arginine-rich proteins.

Human and rabbit C-reactive proteins (CRP) are similar in mol. wt, structure and amino acid sequence. In addition to the characteristic phosphoryline (PC)-binding specificity, both CRP molecules bind arginine- and lysine-rich proteins. The human CRP-cationic protein reactivity has been reported to be inhibited by calcium and promoted by PC in the presence of calcium. The present study compares binding and precipitation reactions of rabbit CRP (raCRP) with arginine- and lysine-rich proteins, and demonstrates the differential modulation of these interactions by calcium and acidic pH. Rabbit CRP shows preferential binding and precipitation reactivities with arginine-rich cationic molecules. Binding of raCRP to poly-L-arginine (PLA) and arginine-rich histone (ARH) occurs at pH 6.0, in the presence of calcium and is inhibitable by phosphorylcholine (PC) suggesting an interaction at or near the calcium-modulated PC binding site. The in vitro precipitation of raCRP and arginine-rich cationic molecules is significantly inhibited at pH 6.0, by the non-precipitating lysine-rich ligand PLL, and by physiological levels of calcium, and may reflect the participation of distinct "self-aggregation" sites on CRP in the precipitation response. The significance of the preferential arginine reactivity of raCRP to in vivo functions as a scavenger of chromatin during cell death and/or as a modulator of lipoprotein metabolism during the acute phase response is discussed.

An appraisal of polystyrene-(ELISA) and nitrocellulose-based (ELIFA) enzyme immunoassay systems using monoclonal antibodies reactive toward antigenically distinct forms of human C-reactive protein.

The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast two enzyme immunoassay systems: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which utilizes polystyrene microtiter plates as the adsorptive surface and the enzyme-linked immunoflow assay (ELIFA), which utilizes nitrocellulose membranes. The principal parameter under scrutiny was the denaturing or unfolding effects caused by the interaction of the protein with the adsorptive surfaces in each assay system. These effects were monitored by utilizing two conformationally distinct forms of human C-reactive protein (CRP), the native form of CRP and a denatured form (M-CRP), with a corresponding panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to either CRP or M-CRP. The results show that the ELIFA system was less sensitive than the ELISA system but that the ELIFA assay can be completed in less time than the ELISA. Also, adsorption of native CRP to the polystyrene surface in the ELISA system resulted in conformational changes of the adsorbed native CRP protein such that M-CRP reactive determinants were available for binding with anti-M-CRP MAbs, whereas native CRP adsorbed to the nitrocellulose membrane in the ELIFA system resulted in very limited conversion of CRP to M-CRP reactive epitopes. These results have important implications for development of immunoassays and screening of MAbs for proteins whose conformations may be affected by adsorption to various surfaces.