NKp44, a novel triggering surface molecule specifically expressed by activated natural killer cells, is involved in non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted tumor cell lysis.

After culture in interleukin (IL)-2, natural killer (NK) cells acquire an increased capability of mediating non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted tumor cell lysis. This may reflect, at least in part, the de novo expression by NK cells of triggering receptors involved in cytolysis. In this study we identified a novel 44-kD surface molecule (NKp44) that is absent in freshly isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes but is progressively expressed by all NK cells in vitro after culture in IL-2. Different from other markers of cell activation such as CD69 or VLA.2, NKp44 is absent in activated T lymphocytes or T cell clones. Since NKp44 was not detected in any of the other cell lineages analyzed, it appears as the first marker specific for activated human NK cells. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated cross-linking of NKp44 in cloned NK cells resulted in strong activation of target cell lysis in a redirected killing assay. This data indicated that NKp44 can mediate triggering of NK cell cytotoxicity. mAb-mediated masking of NKp44 resulted in partial inhibition of cytolytic activity against certain (FcgammaR-negative) NK-susceptible target cells. This inhibition was greatly increased by the simultaneous masking of p46, another recently identified NK-specific triggering surface molecule. These data strongly suggest that NKp44 functions as a triggering receptor selectively expressed by activated NK cells that, together with p46, may be involved in the process of non-MHC-restricted lysis. Finally, we show that p46 and NKp44 are coupled to the intracytoplasmic transduction machinery via the association with CD3zeta or KARAP/DAP12, respectively; these associated molecules are tyrosine phosphorylated upon NK cell stimulation.

p46, a novel natural killer cell-specific surface molecule that mediates cell activation.

Limited information is available on the surface molecules that are involved in natural killer (NK) cell triggering. In this study, we selected the BAB281 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the basis of its ability to trigger NK-mediated target cell lysis. BAB281 identified a novel NK cell-specific surface molecule of 46 kD (p46) that is expressed by all resting or activated NK cells. Importantly, unlike the NK cell antigens identified so far, the expression of p46 was strictly confined to NK cells. Upon mAb-mediated cross-linking, p46 molecules induced strong cell triggering leading to [Ca2+]i increases, lymphokine production, and cytolytic activity both in resting NK cells and NK cell clones. The p46-mediated induction of Ca2+ increases or triggering of cytolytic activity was downregulated by the simultaneous engagement of inhibitory receptors including p58, p70, and CD94/NKG2A. Both the unique cellular distribution and functional capability of p46 molecules suggest a possible role in the mechanisms of non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted cytolysis mediated by human NK cells.

CD94 functions as a natural killer cell inhibitory receptor for different HLA class I alleles: identification of the inhibitory form of CD94 by the use of novel monoclonal antibodies.

CD94 molecules have been suggested to function as inhibitory natural killer cell (NK) receptors involved in the recognition of HLA-B alleles sharing the Bw6 supertypic specificity. In this study, we show that CD94 molecules may play a more general role: they are also involved in the recognition of other HLA class I molecules, including HLA-C and at least some HLA-A alleles. The inhibitory effect mediated by CD94 molecules on NK cytolytic activity is lower in magnitude than that of bona fide inhibitory receptors such as p58 or p70. Distinct from the other human NK receptors involved in HLA class I recognition, CD94 is expressed on virtually all NK cells. In addition, it has been shown to be functionally heterogeneous since, in different clones, CD94 mediated either cell triggering or inhibition. Although NK cells expressing inhibitory CD94 molecules are usually characterized by a CD94bright phenotype, there is no precise correlation between fluorescence intensity and inhibitory or activating function. Here, we describe two novel monoclonal antibodies (mAb) which selectively recognize inhibitory CD94 molecules and bind to a subset (variable in size among different donors) of CD94bright cells. The use of these mAb allows the direct assessment of NK cells expressing inhibitory CD94 receptors both at the population and at the clonal level.

X-ray crystal structure and conformational analysis of N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-(ethylaminocarbonyl)-6-(2-propenyl)er goline -8 beta-carboxamide (Cabergoline): comparison with bromocriptine and lisuride and a hypothesis for its high dopaminergic activity.

The crystal structure of Cabergoline, a potent and long lasting prolactin lowering agent interacting with the D2 dopamine receptors, has been determined by X-ray diffraction data. The structural data represent the starting point for a computational study, where the molecular mechanisms approach was used to explore the motion of all unconstrained torsion angles. Two different conformations related to energetic minima have been found, one of them in agreement with the experimental crystal structure. Both conformations are shape compared with Bromocriptine and Lisuride, two dopaminergic ergoline derivatives with C-8 beta and C-8 alpha substituents of the ergoline ring, respectively. We observe that the C-8 beta Cabergoline assumes the overall three-dimensional features of C-8-alpha-ergolines in one of its low-energy conformations.

Nucleolar localisation of three Hox homeoproteins.

Homeoproteins encoded by genes of the Hox family are nuclear proteins believed to act as transcription factors and to participate in the determination of the body plan. Here we show that in several vertebrate cells, they exhibit a subnuclear localisation associated with the nucleolus. We used monoclonal antibodies to study the distribution of three homeoproteins, namely HOXB7, HOXC6 and HOXD4. The immunoreactivity to antibodies against HOXC6 protein in Xenopus laevis embryonic tissues is restricted to one or two spots within the nucleus; this distribution partially overlaps that of fibrillarin, a protein of the fibrillar zone of the nucleoli. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis of the distribution of HOXB7 protein in 3T3 cells, and of HOXD4 protein in human neuroblastoma and Raji lymphoma cell lines and activated lymphocytes, results invariably in a nucleolar localisation. Purified nucleoli from stimulated T lymphocytes, and Raji cells contain an activity capable of binding, in a gel retardation assay, to an oligonucleotide specifically recognised by the HOXD4 homeoprotein. This activity is specifically removed by anti-HOXD4 antibodies and is found associated in southwestern blots with a single band with an apparent M(r) of 30,000, corresponding to that of recombinant HOXD4. The functional significance of the nucleolar localisation of Hox proteins remains to be determined.

Negative signalling via the P58/NKR for HLA.C alleles.

Recent studies have demonstrated that the interaction between HLA class I alleles and specific NK receptors results in negative signals which inhibit NK-mediated cytotoxicity. Such NK receptors have been identified by GL183 and EB6 mAbs which recognize distinct members of a molecular family involved in the recognition of two groups of HLA.C alleles. Now we describe a new allospecific NK group (group 0) which recognize all HLA.C alleles and we demonstrate that, on these clones, the p58 molecules EB6 and GL183 act independently to recognize Cw4 (and related alleles) and Cw3 (and related alleles) respectively. Finally we investigate whether the inhibitory signal mediated by the NK-receptor for HLA.C induce a temporary turn off on the cytolytic activity.

The homeotic gene products in the control of cell differentiation and proliferation.

Embryo development is controlled by a successive series of genes that provide each cell in the growing embryo with precise position information. Knowledge of these genes is known most completely from Drosophila, where a simple initial pattern generated by maternal effect genes is gradually segmented by the sequential transient expression of three successive series of genes: the gap genes, the pair-rule genes, and the segment polarity genes. Superimposing their action on the preexisting segments, these homeotic genes cause unique and often very distinctive patterns of differentiation for different segments. In humans, about 40 homeotic genes have been identified and are grouped into four clusters on chromosomes 2, 7, 12, and 17, whose organization reflects their spatial and temporal expression. Several homeotic genes have been found expressed not only in embryonic tissues, but also in adult tissues, most notably in the hematopoietic lineage, and also in tumors, especially leukemia, teratocarcinoma, and neuroblastoma, wherein their expression pattern is modified in a complex manner by retinoic acid. The target genes of the transcription factors encoded by the homeotic genes are largely unknown, but recent reports indicate that they may regulate the expression of adhesion molecules on the membrane and the production of components of the extracellular matrix. Abnormal expression of these genes can therefore affect not only cell proliferation, but also the spread of cells to aberrant locations.

Differential DNA binding properties of three human homeodomain proteins.

The products of three human homeobox containing (HOX) genes, 2C, 3C and 4B, were produced in insect cells using the Baculovirus expression system and purified to near homogeneity. In this system we observed that the DNA binding forms of the three proteins are not glycosylated. HOX 3C and 4B are phosphorylated in insect cells, while HOX 2C is not. The three HOX proteins bind to a DNA sequence known to be a target site for Antennapedia protein with a very similar affinity (Kd = 1-2 x 10(-9) M). We then measured their binding properties to four human sequences present in the HOX 3D, 4C, 1C and 4B promoters. Two of these sequences have been reported to be binding sites for HOX proteins. HOX 2C, 3C and 4B behaved quite differently, showing low affinity for promoters of genes located upstream from their own gene in the HOX clusters and a higher affinity for regulatory sequences of their own gene and downstream HOX genes.

Scanning electron microscopy and dentinal permeability analysis of smear layer.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the surface morphology and the permeability of dentine after different acid treatments: polyacrylic acid, maleic acid, phosphoric acid and saline solution as control. Dentine permeability was expressed as hydraulic conductance. All the acid treatments removed the smear layer and increased the dentine permeability.

Oxalate desensitising treatment of dentinal surface.

It is well known that a typical painful feeling is caused by impact of different agents and by thermodynamic conditions upon the dentine layer of the tooth. Therefore the action by artificial solutions should be tested to study how the induced modifications might inhibit the pain. The aim of the present study is to evaluate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the morphology of dentine surface after different chemical treatments. Oxalate solutions are able to produce a layer of large crystals, while acid solutions remove the smear layer and open the dentinal tubules.

Influence of the fluoride ion in the stability of bone hydroxyapatite achieved in patients after the fluo-calcic therapy.

It has been proposed that fluoride ion might actively enter into the basic structural framework of the bone, within its main constituent, the hydroxyapatite (HA), by substituting systematically the OH- ion in the crystal chemical formula Ca5[(PO4)3OH]. Accurate compositional studies have become necessary in order to explain an eventual stabilizing effect. Loss in weight (TG) and chemical reaction (DTG) while varying the temperature have been carried out for the first time on specimens under normal conditions and after fluo-calcic treatment, in parallel with accurate chemical compositional determinations by atomic absorption analysis. Our investigation shows that the new structure present after treatment is mechanically stable and proves more resistant to osteolytic processes.

Structure and molecular orbital study of ergoline derivatives. 1-(6-Methyl-8 beta-ergolinylmethyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (I) and 2-(10-methoxy-1,6-dimethyl-8 beta-ergolinyl)ethyl 3,5-dimethyl-1H-2-pyrrolecarboxylate toluene hemisolvate (II) and comparison with nicergoline (III).

(I): C19H22N4O2 (Registry No. 95688-34-9), m.p. greater than 573 K, Mr = 338.4, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 8.392 (2), b = 13.004 (2), c = 15.676 (5) A, V = 1710.7 (7) A3, Z = 4, Dx = 1.31 Mg m-3, Mo Ka radiation, lambda = 0.71069 A, mu = 0.08 mm-1, F(000) = 720, T = 293 K, final R = 0.051 for 990 independent reflexions. (II): C26H33N3O3.1/2C7H8 (Registry No. 54370-23-9), m.p. 427-429 K, Mr = 481.64, monoclinic, P2(1), a = 11.595 (4), b = 14.274 (2), c = 16.103 (4) A, beta = 100.19 (3) degrees, V = 2623 (1) A3, Z = 4, Dx = 1.22 Mg m-3, Mo Ka radiation, lambda = 0.71069 A, mu = 0.07 mm-1, F(000) = 1036, T = 293 K, final R = 0.064 for 2738 independent reflexions. Two independent molecules constitute the asymmetric unit, together with a toluene molecule. Parallel investigations of the title compounds by single-crystal X-ray analysis and theoretical calculations have converged in showing an extended configuration of the side chain attached at the C8 atom of the ergoline nucleus.

The behaviour of apatite-based ceramics in relation to the critical 1150 degrees-1250 degrees C temperature range.

Characterization of synthetic calcium phosphates is reported and compared with previous studies. Barium hydroxyapatite was also synthesized. Shrinkage on sintering, water absorption, tensile strength, porosity and X-ray diffraction patterns were studied. Hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate show compositional and mechanical property variation dependent on sintering temperatures. The property change on introduction of barium removes the practical value. X-ray diffraction analysis is considered essential before clinical use due to sensitivity of composition to sintering conditions.

Characterization of synthetic apatites for bioceramic implants.

Hydroxyapatite has been studied as a substance suitable for surgical substitution of bones and teeth with emphasis on its biocompatibility. The present work tries to identify the characteristics of this material either from the chemico-physical-structural point of view, or from the technological one, evaluating the best performance. By X-ray, i.r., thermal, chemical and SEM analyses, the relationship of different phenomena involved in the sintering was evaluated. Technological tests demonstrated the stability and the workability characteristics. In particular, the influence of CO2 was studied, in connection with the most suitable technique for hydroxyapatite (HAP) sintering, considering the eventual aims and requirements for industrial production.