Neutrophil Fc gamma RI as target for immunotherapy of invasive candidiasis.

Invasive candidiasis represents a life-threatening disease for immunocompromised patients. This study focused on new immunotherapeutic approaches for systemic Candida albicans infections in a human FcgammaRI-transgenic mouse model. FcgammaRI (CD64) is a potent immunoactivating receptor on phagocytic and dendritic cells. In vivo targeting of C. albicans toward neutrophil-FcgammaRI by bispecific Abs and G-CSF effectively protected FcgammaRI-transgenic mice from lethal candidiasis. Nontransgenic mice were not protected, and treatment with bispecific Ab or G-CSF alone did not reduce mortality. Furthermore, infected FcgammaRI-transgenic mice developed high titers of anti-C. albicans IgG, and survival was extended on secondary infection without further treatment. These findings document the capacity of FcgammaRI to initiate potent anti-C. albicans immunity and support the development of FcgammaRI-directed immunotherapy of invasive fungal disease.

A single injection of polyethylene-glycol granulocyte colony-stimulating factor strongly prolongs survival of mice with systemic candidiasis.

Systemic candidiasis is a life-threatening disease occurring in immunocompromized patients. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduces mortality in experimental invasive candidiasis. Covalent conjugation of polyethylene-glycol (peg) to proteins increases their stability and in vivo bioactivity. In this study, the effect of a single subcutaneous injection of peg-G-CSF on lethal candidiasis was assessed. This was performed in acute and chronic candidiasis models in non-neutropenic FVB/N mice. Peg-G-CSF rapidly increased circulating polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) numbers in mice, sustaining high for >4 days. Candida albicans outgrowth from kidneys of infected mice was strongly reduced after peg-G-CSF treatment (5.76 log cfu/g kidney vs 7.66 control), with absence of hyphal outgrowth and enhanced PMNL influx. Moreover, peg-G-CSF increased survival of C. albicans -infected mice, whereas efficacy of uncoupled G-CSF was obtained only after repeated treatment. These data document a potent in vivo biological effect of peg-G-CSF, resulting in strongly enhanced resistance against systemic candidiasis.

Effective phagocytosis and killing of Candida albicans via targeting FcgammaRI (CD64) or FcalphaRI (CD89) on neutrophils.

Invasive fungal infections are an increasing problem for immunocompromised patients. As an approach to improve targeting of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) toward Candida albicans, the effect of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) directed against C. albicans and either FcalphaRI or FcgammaRI was evaluated. Control PMNL and in vivo granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-primed PMNL served as effector cells. A new radiometric killing assay for measuring candidacidal activity was developed to facilitate quantification of PMNL-mediated killing of C. albicans. BsAbs directed to either FcgammaRI (CD64) or FcalphaRI (CD89) on human PMNL effectively enhanced both phagocytosis and killing of C. albicans in vitro. Fungicidal activity triggered via FcgammaRI required in vivo priming with G-CSF, whereas FcalphaRI-mediated activity was not dependent on this growth factor. Furthermore, PMNL from human FcgammaRI-transgenic mice effectively phagocytosed and eliminated C. albicans in the presence of BsAbs. These results document the capacity of FcR-directed BsAbs and G-CSF to trigger antifungal immune responses.

FcgammaRIa-gamma-chain complexes trigger antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in CD5+ B cell/macrophage IIA1.6 cells.

Most receptors for immunoglobulins exist as multi-subunit complexes, with unique ligand binding alpha-chains, combined with accessory signalling (gamma-, beta-, or zeta-) chains. The myeloid class I receptor for IgG (FcgammaRIa) has been shown to be dependent on the FcR gamma-chain for surface expression in vivo. In this study we assess the capacity of FcgammaRIa-gamma-chain complexes expressed in IIA1.6 cells to trigger phagocytosis and ADCC. An intact immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signalling motif proved essential for triggering of biological function via the FcgammaRIa receptor complex. Both the FcR gamma-chain and the FcgammaRIIa-ITAM proved active in directing phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus and ADCC of erythrocytes, triggered by the FcgammaRIa complex. The capacity of FcgammaRIa to trigger phagocytic and cytolytic activity by IIA1.6 cells, both considered 'professional phagocyte' functions, motivated us to re-evaluate the cell lineage and developmental stage of IIA1.6 cells. Although originally described as mouse B lymphocytes, the IIA1.6 cells proved positive for non-specific esterase activity and expressed the CD5 antigen. These combined characteristics place the IIA1.6 cells within a unique CD5+ B cell/macrophage lineage, optimally suited for cell biological analyses of phagocyte receptors.

FcalphaRI (CD89) as a novel trigger molecule for bispecific antibody therapy.

Promising results from clinical trials with unconjugated antibodies stimulated renewed interest in immune effector mechanisms of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). We investigated the potential of IgA as antibody isotype for cell- or complement-mediated tumor cell lysis and assessed the potential of its myeloid Fc receptor, FcalphaRI (CD89), as trigger molecule for bispecific antibody (BsAb)-mediated immunotherapy. Comparing hapten-directed antibodies of human IgA2 with IgG1 or IgG3 isotypes, we found all three to mediate effective killing of sensitized tumor target cells in whole blood assays. Analysis of effector mechanisms showed IgG-mediated lysis to be predominantly complement-dependent, whereas IgA-dependent killing was primarily effector cell-mediated. A comparison of effector cell populations in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) showed neutrophils to be most important for IgA-dependent tumor cell killing, involving FcalphaRI as shown with Fc receptor blocking antibodies. Reverse ADCC experiments against target cells sensitized with Fc receptor antibodies, or assays with FcalphaRI-directed bispecific antibodies confirmed FcalphaRI as effective trigger molecule in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-mediated lysis. During granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF ) therapy, (FcalphaRI x HER-2/neu) bispecific antibodies induced enhanced killing of HER-2/neu positive SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells in whole blood assays. This enhanced cytotoxicity was paralleled by increased PMN counts, which lead to higher effector to target cell ratios in G-CSF-primed blood. Furthermore, bispecific antibodies, directed to FcalphaRI and Candida albicans, enhanced neutrophils' phagocytosis of fungi. In summary, these results identify IgA as an effective antibody isotype for immunotherapy, working primarily via FcalphaRI on neutrophils. They suggest FcalphaRI-directed bispecific antibodies and G-CSF to be an attractive combination for malignant or infectious diseases.

On the interaction between agalactosyl IgG and Fc gamma receptors.

One of the serum abnormalities observed in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the occurrence of IgG that lacks the terminal galactose on asparagine-linked biantennary complex type oligosaccharides [Gal(0)-IgG] located in the CH2 domain. Additionally, IgG without glycosylation is known to be defective in several effector functions due to a reduced ability to bind to its specific receptors (Fc gamma R). It has thus been speculated that, by analogy with unglycosylated IgG, Gal(0)-IgG may also be functionally impaired or exert altered effector mechanisms. If this were true, Gal(0)-IgG could contribute to the phenotype of above-mentioned autoimmune diseases, like impaired immune complex clearance and defective down-regulation of activated B cells. Here, we show by three different methods that the interaction of Gal(0)-IgG and normally glycosylated IgG with the low-affinity Fc gamma RII (CD32) is indistinguishable with respect both to binding and receptor-mediated signalling. These data argue against a prominent role for Fc gamma R-dependent Gal(0)-IgG interactions in the etiology or pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Functional association between the human myeloid immunoglobulin A Fc receptor (CD89) and FcR gamma chain. Molecular basis for CD89/FcR gamma chain association.

FcR gamma chain has previously been shown to interact with the TCR-CD3 complex, the IgE Fc receptor I (Fc epsilon RI), and the class I and IIIA IgG receptors (Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIIIa). Here, we demonstrate that the Fc receptor gamma chain associates with Fc alpha R in transfected IIA1.6 B lymphocytes. Fc alpha R could be expressed at the surface of IIA1.6 B cells by itself, but was devoid of signaling capacity. Upon co-expression of FcR gamma chain, a physical interaction with Fc alpha R could be demonstrated. This association proved crucial for the triggering of both proximal (intracellular calcium increase and tyrosine phosphorylation), as well as distal (IL-2 release), signal transduction responses. We next tested the hypothesis that a positively charged arginine residue (Arg209) within the transmembrane domain of Fc alpha R promotes association with FcR gamma chain. We therefore constructed Fc alpha R molecules where Arg209 was mutated to either a positively charged histidine, a negatively charged aspartic acid, or an uncharged leucine. A functional association between Fc alpha R and FcR gamma chain was observed only with a positively charged residue (Arg209 or His209) present within the Fc alpha R transmembrane domain. These data show that transmembrane signal transduction by the Fc alpha R is mediated via FcR gamma chain, and that Fc alpha R requires a positively charged residue within the transmembrane domain to promote functional association.

Functional differences between two Fc receptor ITAM signaling motifs.

Most Ig receptors exist as multi-subunit complexes with a unique ligand binding alpha chain and a common signaling FcR gamma-chain. The myeloid Fc gamma RIIa (CD32) appears unique among FcR because both ligand-binding and signaling capacity are found in the alpha chain. Within the cytoplasmic tails of Fc gamma RIIa and FcR gamma-chain similar, but not identical, activatory motifs (ITAMs) have been defined, in which tyrosines play an important role. Previously, Fc gamma RIIa-ITAM was shown to be critical for both proximal and distal activatory functions in IIA1.6 B-cell transfectants. Triggering of interleukin-2 (IL-2) release and antigen presentation was absent in Fc gamma RIIa, but not in FcR gamma-chain receptor complexes. We now assessed the capacity of Fc gamma RIIa wild-type and Fc gamma RIIa/gamma chimeric molecules to trigger IL-2 production and antigen presentation by B cells. Both of these functions could solely be triggered by receptors containing the FcRIIa was capable of functional interaction with FcR gamma-chain, thus reconstituting the capacity to trigger IL-2 release and antigen presentation. These data document qualitative differences between Fc receptor ITAMs.

Identification of signaling motifs within human Fc gamma RIIa and Fc gamma RIIb isoforms.

To assess the functional capacity of the heterogeneous Fc gamma RII (CD32) family and to identify critical regions for functioning, we generated a panel of B-cell transfectants. The Fc gamma R-negative B-cell line IIA1.6 was transfected with wild-type or mutant human Fc gamma RIIa and IIb molecules. Solely Fc gamma RIIa-expressing IIA1.6 cells were capable of phagocytosing opsonized Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and cross-linking of Fc gamma RIIa triggered a rapid induction of tyrosine phosphorylation after 20 seconds. Analysis of Fc gamma RIIa mutants identified the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM; previously described as ARH-1 motif) within the IIa cytoplasmic tail to be critical for B-cell activation. In contrast, Fc gamma RIIb isoforms triggered tyrosine phosphorylation on cross-linking with much slower kinetics (> 3 minutes) than Fc gamma RIIa. Furthermore, solely Fc gamma RIIb molecules proved capable of downregulating [Ca2+]i and interleukin-2 production on co-cross-linking with sIgG in IIA1.6. The Fc gamma RIIb-mediated functions were absent in Fc gamma RIIb mutants in which the tyrosine or leucine within the YSLL motif in a conserved 13-aa region (now known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitor motif [ITIM]) were changed into phenylalanines. In conclusion, these data show the presence of functionally critical motifs within Fc gamma RII cytoplasmic tails. Fc gamma RIIa contains an ITAM involved in B-cell activatory functions, whereas the downregulatory activity of Fc gamma RIIb isoforms is linked to an ITIM.

Effect of isotype on internalization and cytotoxicity of CD19-ricin A immunotoxins.

We analyzed the effect of isotype variation on effectiveness of B-cell CD19 immunotoxins (IT) by using class switch variants (CLB-B4-IgG1 and CLB-B4-IgG2a) conjugated to ricin A. Notably, IgG1-IT appeared to be approximately 100-fold more potent than IgG2a-IT toward B-cell lines Daudi and KM3. Binding and internalization studies with 125I-labeled monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) revealed a higher cellular uptake of IgG1 compared to IgG2a, despite similar binding affinities. Following removal of the Fc part, both mAbs internalized at the same rate as IgG2a, indicating that the Fc part of IgG1 is involved in enhanced cellular uptake. The involvement of Fc gamma RII (CD32) in this process was demonstrated by a decreased cytotoxicity of IgG1-IT (and not IgG2a-IT) in the presence of Fc gamma RII-blocking mAbs AT10 or IV.3. To identify the isoform responsible for this phenomenon, internalization of IgG1 and IgG2a in 11 B-cell lines and malignant B-cells of 8 patients was compared with expression of Fc gamma RII subclasses. In addition to four cell lines (Daudi, KM3, Nalm6, and Raji), the malignant B-cells of two patients showed enhanced uptake of IgG1 relative to IgG2a. Only the Fc gamma RIIa transcript was found in all B-cells. Furthermore, enhanced uptake of IgG1 correlated with rosetting of erythrocytes sensitized with anti-glycophorin A mAb of IgG1 isotype rather than with Fc gamma RIIa membrane expression levels. These data support the idea that functional Fc gamma RIIa is involved in the enhanced IgG1 uptake observed in a subset of B-cells. Our study, therefore, points to an important role for the Fc region of IT in the delivery of cytotoxic effects.

Heterogeneity of human IgG Fc receptors.

The complex family of human IgG Fc receptors show a wide cellular distribution and a strong functional heterogeneity. To date, eight different genes that are transcribed into at least 12 different mRNAs have been recognized. Although corresponding products have been identified for only some of the transcripts, in vivo at least six different Fc gamma R isoforms are shown to be present on the surface of all kinds of leukocytes. Upon interaction with immunoglobulin, Fc gamma R mediate a variety of biological responses such as phagocytosis, endocytosis, release of inflammatory mediators, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. One of the main questions in Fc gamma R research is determining the specific relationship between a particular Fc gamma R isoform and a particular effector mechanism. The availability of the cDNA and genomic clones corresponding to the different isoforms, combined with different gene transfer systems in vitro and in vivo and the recently developed procedure of gene knockout by homologous recombination, allows the generation of stably transfected cell lines and transgenic animals that express one particular Fc gamma R isoform. These model systems enable us to study the function of a particular Fc gamma R isoform in the context of a particular cell type in vitro and in the context of the intact immune system in vivo.

Functional analysis of human Fc gamma RII (CD32) isoforms expressed in B lymphocytes.

The low affinity IgG receptor Fc gamma RII (CD32) represents the most widely distributed class of human Fc gamma R. To analyze the biologic functions of different Fc gamma RII isoforms, we stably transfected Fc gamma RIIb1, IIb1*, IIb2, IIa, and a IIa tail- mutant to the mouse IIA1.6 B lymphoma cell line. Of these, Fc gamma RIIb1* represents a receptor variant that is identical to IIb1 except for a single amino acid difference in the cytoplasmic tail (amino acid position 11) where a tyrosine (IIb1) is replaced by an aspartic acid (IIb1*). Evaluation of capping ability showed the Fc gamma RIIb1 molecules to cap effectively, which was even more apparent with IIb1*. None of the Fc gamma RIIa, IIa tail-, or IIb2 isoforms capped significantly. Internalization of Fc gamma R-antibody complexes proved very efficient for both the Fc gamma RIIa and IIb2 isoforms, whereas the IIb1 molecules internalized moderately compared with IIb1*, which internalized less efficiently. Notably, human IgG aggregates were internalized effectively by Fc gamma RIIa and moderately by IIb2. Neither Fc gamma RIIb1 nor IIb1* proved capable of internalizing such IgG aggregates. Cross-linking of the different Fc gamma R molecules showed Fc gamma RIIa capable of triggering increases in [Ca2+]i. Fc gamma R expressed on B cells were able to down-regulate [Ca2+]i on co-cross-linking with slgG. Notably, all three Fc gamma RIIb receptors proved active in this respect, in contrast to Fc gamma RIIa. The cell distribution of these Fc gamma RII isoforms was analyzed in a panel of human B cell lines to complement the IIA1.6 B cell model. Fc gamma RIIa was found expressed both at message and protein levels in all tested human B cell lines. In the pre-B cell lines evaluated, no Fc gamma RIIb molecules were detectable, whereas both Fc gamma RIIb1 and IIb2 molecules were found present in more mature B cell lines. These data support both a complex expression pattern of Fc gamma RII isoforms in B cell lines and functional differences between these B cell molecules.

Interaction of a human Fc gamma RIIb1 (CD32) isoform with murine and human IgG subclasses.

A group of Fc receptor molecules, classified CD32, recognize the Fc moiety of IgG with low affinity. We report the isolation and identification of different hFc gamma RIIb cDNA clones, amongst which are cDNA clones encoding hFc gamma RIIb1 and hFc gamma RIIb2. Two hFc gamma RIIb1 encoding cDNA clones (pIP9 and pIP14) were isolated, which differed by three nucleotides, probably because of allelic variation. The nucleotide differences result in one amino acid change between the allelic hFc gamma RIIb1 variants. This substitution is located at amino acid position 11 of the cytoplasmic tail; a tyrosine in hFc gamma RIIb1 (clone pIP9) was replaced by an aspartic acid in clone pIP14 (encoding hFc gamma RIIb1*). A complication in studying ligand specificity of Fc receptors is the potential co-expression of different classes, subclasses, or polymorphic forms of FcR on the same cell. We therefore used murine fibroblasts transfected with cDNA clone pIP14, encoding a hFc gamma RIIb1* isoform, as our model system. These fibroblasts were found to interact with erythrocytes sensitized with mIgG2a and mIgG2b in rosetting assays performed at 4 and 37 degrees C. Interestingly, hFc gamma RIIb1* transfectants bound mIgG1 sensitized erythrocytes only weakly at 4 degrees C, whereas profound binding was observed at 37 degrees C. The ligand specificity for human (h) IgG isotypes was found to be hlgG3 > or = hlgG1 > hlgG4 > hlgG2, as determined at 4 degrees C with hlgG dimeric complexes. However, when assayed at 37 degrees C, the binding of hlgG2 dimers increased significantly. Next, we evaluated whether these transfectants were capable of supporting anti-CD3 induced T cell proliferation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)