bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The loss of Fc gamma RIIIb in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is functionally replaced by Fc gamma RII
Authors: Hundt M , Schubert J , de Haas M , Zielinska-Skowronek M , Schmidt RE
Published: October 2019

Neutrophils from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) show a deficiency for the glycosylphosphatidylinositol- (GPI) linked Fc gamma receptor IIIb (Fc gamma RIIIb, CD16). The functional consequences of this defect are not clear. Here, we examined Fc gamma RIIIb-deficient neutrophils for their activation via Fc gamma receptors. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and change of intracellular free calcium [Ca2+]i were used as parameters for cell activation. Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIIIb stimulation was reached by cross-linking using fragments of monoclonal antibodies or incubation with monoclonal IgG cryoglobulin complexes. In parallel to the deficiency of Fc gamma RIIIb expression, H2O2 production and [Ca2+]i influx were decreased after cross-linking of Fc gamma RIIIb in PNH neutrophils compared with that for normal neutrophils. Stimulation via Fc gamma RII was not affected. Cryoglobulin complexes previously shown to activate normal neutrophils predominantly via Fc gamma RIIIb stimulated PNH neutrophils at a level not significantly weaker than controls. But this activation was mediated only via Fc gamma RII as shown by blocking studies. The results suggest that the loss of GPI- anchored Fc gamma RIIIb is functionally replaced by Fc gamma RII during the immune complex stimulation of PNH neutrophils. Therefore, the equipment of neutrophils with pleomorphic Fc gamma receptors prevents an immunodeficiency in PNH.
Interleukin-10 suppresses human immunodeficiency virus-1 replication in vitro in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage
Authors: Saville MW , Taga K , Foli A , Broder S , Tosato G , Yarchoan R
Published: October 2019

The cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of disease states, including Epstein-Barr virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infections. In the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), it has been suggested that IL-10 may have a deleterious effect by suppressing cell-mediated immunity. However, there are few data on its direct effects on HIV-1 replication. In the present study, we have found that recombinant human IL-10 (rhIL-10), present during days 0 through 2, potently inhibits HIV production in elutriated monocyte/macrophage (M/M) cultures with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of approximately 0.03 U/mL. This effect did not appear to be caused by toxicity to M/M because there was no change in cell viability, ability to phagocytose latex beads, or protein synthesis as measured by [3H]-leucine incorporation, at doses of rhIL-10 that inhibit viral replication. In addition, lipopolysaccharide-induced production of IL-1 beta, IL-6, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha was not affected at these doses, nor were human mononuclear cell proliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin, OKT3 antibody, or tetanus toxoid. HIV-1 replication was similarly decreased by rhIL-10 in the monocytoid line U937 without signs of cellular toxicity. However, these effects required much higher concentrations of rhIL-10, and viral production was only partially suppressed. rhIL-10 also slightly inhibited HIV-induced cytopathicity in ATH-8, a tetanus toxoid-specific, retrovirally immortalized T-cell line, but had no effect on HIV replication in the H9 and MOLT-4 T cell lines. Thus, rhIL- 10 appears to inhibit HIV replication predominantly in cells of the M/M lineage. This effect may serve to reduce viral production in patients with AIDS. However, additional studies will be needed to more precisely define its physiologic role in this disease.
Growth inhibitory and agonistic signals of interleukin-7 (IL-7) can be mediated through the CDw127 IL-7 receptor
Authors: Pandrau-Garcia D , de Saint-Vis B , Saeland S , Renard N , Ho S , Moreau I , Banchereau J , Galizzi JP
Published: October 2019

The present study was aimed at identifying surface-membrane molecules involved in the regulation of human B-cell ontogeny. For this purpose, murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were generated against Pre-Alp, a pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line, and MoAb R34.34 was selected for further characterization. R34.34 recognized a molecule expressed on normal B-cell precursors (BCP) but not on mature B cells. The antibody also reacted with T lymphocytes, a subpopulation of monocytes from peripheral blood, and a subset of CD34+ cells. Immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that R34.34 recognizes an 80-kD molecular weight antigen. Antibody R34.34 was further found to be directed against an epitope interfering with binding of interleukin-7 (IL-7) to Pre-Alp cells. Expression cloning from a Pre-Alp cDNA library showed that R34.34 antigen is CDw127, the 75- to 80-kD IL-7 receptor. Proliferation of the B-lineage ALL cell lines Reh and Mieliki was inhibited by IL-7, and this effect was specifically reverted by MoAb R34.34. In addition, antibody R34.34 specifically inhibited IL-7- dependent proliferation of normal BCP, Pre-Alp cells, and peripheral T cells. These results imply that both inhibitory and proliferative effects of IL-7 can be mediated through the same receptor on various lineages. R34.34 antibody should be important for the analysis of signal transduction through CDw127.
Splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes: analysis of BCL-1 rearrangements and expression of the cyclin D1 gene
Authors: Jadayel D , Matutes E , Dyer MJ , Brito-Babapulle V , Khohkar MT , Oscier D , Catovsky D
Published: October 2019

The translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) occurs in about 15% of patients with splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL) or the closely related disorder lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). To characterize the nature and frequency of rearrangements of the BCL-1 locus in SLVL/LPL and to document the effect of these genetic alterations on the expression of the cyclin D1 gene, we analyzed 22 cases of SLVL/LPL with defined cytogenetic abnormalities by both conventional electrophoresis (CE) and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and by Northern blotting. Four SLVL/LPL cases showed rearrangement of the BCL-1 locus. In two cases with t(11;14)(q13;q32), different breakpoints were identified; one mapped adjacent to the major translocation cluster (MTC) and the other within a 28-kb region telomeric of it. In a third case of SLVL with no cytogenetic abnormality of 11q13, a novel breakpoint approximately 100 kb centromeric of MTC was detected by PFGE. The fourth case, which had a normal karyotype, demonstrated rearrangement with a BCL-1 probe immediately telomeric of MTC. This case may have had a small deletion of 0.5 kb from within the BCL-1 locus. No rearrangement of the BCL-1 locus or within the cyclin D1 gene was detected by CE or PFGE in any of the remaining 18 SLVL/LPL samples. Northern blot analysis showed expression of a normal-sized cyclin D1 transcript in the two SLVL/LPL cases with t(11;14)(q13;q32). In cases that lacked a cytogenetically demonstrable t(11;14) translocation, no cyclin D1 transcript was detected. Analysis of the BCL-1 locus was also performed in three other cases of B-cell disorders with t(11;14)(q13;q32) detected cytogenetically. Two cases were analyzed by Southern blot and showed rearrangement of the BCL-1 locus. Expression of high-level normal-sized and/or truncated cyclin D1 transcript was also detected in these cases. These data show the importance of PFGE in the detection of rearrangements in the BCL-1 locus and show further the complexity of rearrangements in this locus.
Eastern European (delta beta) zero-thalassemia: molecular characterization of a novel 9.1-kb deletion resulting in high levels of fetal hemoglobin in the adult [see comments]
Authors: Palena A , Blau A , Stamatoyannopoulos G , Anagnou NP
Published: October 2019

A novel deletion in the human beta-globin gene cluster associated with increased levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in adult life was molecularly characterized in a member of a family of Eastern European descent. The phenotype of the deletion, documented in five members of the family, shows mild hypochromia and microcytosis (mean corpuscular Hb, 24 to 25.9 pg; mean corpuscular volume, 74 to 78.5 fL) but high production of HbF (13% to 24%) with heterocellular distribution (36% to 86% F cells). Extensive restriction enzyme mapping of the beta-globin cluster and sequencing of the region encompassing the breakpoints showed that the deletion starts 1,612 bp upstream of the cap site of the delta-globin gene, and terminates within the first intron of the beta-globin gene, deleting 9.1 kb of DNA. This length is definitely shorter than the average 12.0 kb of the previously characterized (delta beta) zero-thalassemias. The 5′ breakpoint of the new deletion is close to that of the Yugoslavian delta beta-thalassemia deletion, whereas the 3′ breakpoint is very close to those of the Turkish and the Greek beta zero-thalassemia deletions. The breakpoints of the deletion occur within a direct repeat containing a tetranucleotide exhibiting homology to a donor-splice site, and is symmetrically flanked by a set of 13- and 14-bp homologous complementary sequences, respectively. It is likely that the deletion may be the result of an “illegitimate” or “nonhomologous” recombination event to which these two short sequences may have contributed. It is of interest that the novel deletion (9.1 kb) is comparable to the Italian HPFH-5 deletion (12.9 kb), regarding both the size and the position of the breakpoints. However, the HPFH-5 deletion includes sequences flanking the breakpoints that are preserved in the new deletion. Considering the resulting two discrete phenotypes (ie, delta beta-thalassemia v HPFH), it can be hypothesized that the deleted sequences in the Italian HPFH-5 mutation may harbor regulatory elements that exert a negative control on the gamma-globin gene expression.
Administration of recombinant human interleukin-7 to mice induces the exportation of myeloid progenitor cells from the bone marrow to peripheral sites
Authors: Grzegorzewski K , Komschlies KL , Mori M , Kaneda K , Usui N , Faltynek CR , Keller JR , Ruscetti FW , Wiltrout RH
Published: October 2019

The administration of recombinant human interleukin-7 (rhIL-7) to mice twice a day for 7 days does not appreciably change bone marrow (BM) cellularity, but does result in a threefold to fivefold increase in the total number of leukocytes in the spleen, an eightfold to 10-fold increase in the total number of nonparenchymal cells (NPC) obtained from the liver, and up to a 20-fold increase in the total number of peripheral white blood cells (WBC). This regimen of rhIL-7 administration also causes a profound reduction in the total number of progenitors in the BM for both single-lineage colony-forming units- culture (CFU-c) (> 90%) and multilineage CFU-granulocyte, erythroid, monocyte, megakaryocyte (CFU-GEMM) (> 99%) colonies. In contrast, mice treated with rhIL-7 exhibited increases in both CFU-c (20- to 40-fold, 20-fold, and 15- to 40-fold) and CFU-GEMM (8- to 10-fold, 30-fold, and 6- to 10-fold) cultured from the peripheral blood, spleen, and NPC, respectively. The increase in CFU in the NPC was accompanied by a fivefold increase in the number of MAC-1+ cells and a ninefold increase in the number of 8C5bright+ cells. Splenectomy of mice before the administration of rhIL-7 further increased the total number of WBC, NPC, and myeloid progenitors as compared with the rhIL-7-treated nonsplenectomized mice. Finally, selective depletion of the BM by intraperitoneal administration of 89Sr (98% reduction in BM cellularity and > 99% reduction in BM myeloid progenitors) abrogated the rhIL-7- induced increases in cellularity and myeloid progenitor number in the peripheral blood, spleen, and NPC. These results show that the changes in myelopoiesis observed after in vivo administration of rhIL-7 to mice result largely from the emigration of myeloid progenitors from the BM through the blood to the spleen, liver, and, possibly, other peripheral organs.
Increased endogenous thrombin generation in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: risk of thrombotic complications in L'Asparaginase-induced antithrombin III deficiency
Authors: Mitchell L , Hoogendoorn H , Giles AR , Vegh P , Andrew M
Published: October 2019

Pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Potential responsible mechanisms include the disease process itself, treatment with chemotherapeutic agents (particularly L-Asparaginase [ASP]), or a combination of the disease and treatment. We studied thrombin regulation in 26 consecutive children with ALL and 14 healthy age- matched controls by: (1) plasma concentrations of prothrombin; (2) plasma inhibition of 125I-alpha-thrombin; and (3) four biochemical markers of in vivo thrombin activation (thrombin complexed to its inhibitor antithrombin III [ATIII; TAT], prothrombin fragment 1.2 (F1.2), activated protein C complexed to the inhibitors alpha 1 antitrypsin [APCAT]), and protein C inhibitor (APC-PCI). Measurements were made at presentation before treatment, after treatment with ASP alone, and during combination chemotherapy with and without ASP. At presentation, the capacity to generate thrombin (reflected by plasma prothrombin concentrations) and the capacity to inhibit thrombin (125I- alpha-thrombin--inhibitor complex formation) were similar in children with ALL compared with that for healthy children. After ASP alone or as part of combination chemotherapy, prothrombin levels were preserved, whereas plasma inhibition of 125I-alpha-thrombin decreased significantly because of a decrease in plasma concentrations of inhibitors, most importantly ATIII. After combination chemotherapy without ASP, plasma concentrations of ATIII and the capacity to inhibit 125I-alpha-thrombin returned to normal values, whereas prothrombin levels increased above control values. Thrombin generation in vivo also differed from healthy controls. At presentation, plasma concentrations of three of four markers of in vivo thrombin activity (TAT, F1.2, APCAT, but not APC-PCI) were increased in children with ALL. Neither ASP alone nor combination chemotherapy with or without ASP significantly altered values of these three markers. In summary, although the in vitro capacity to generate thrombin was preserved, the in vitro capacity to inhibit 125I-alpha-thrombin decreased after ASP therapy. Evidence for increased endogenous thrombin generation was documented in children with ALL at presentation and throughout treatment. We speculate that poor regulation of this thrombin may contribute to thrombotic complications in children with ALL.
Recombinant immunotoxins containing anti-Tac(Fv) and derivatives of Pseudomonas exotoxin produce complete regression in mice of an interleukin-2 receptor-expressing human carcinoma
Authors: Kreitman RJ , Bailon P , Chaudhary VK , FitzGerald DJ , Pastan I
Published: October 2019

Anti-Tac(Fv)-PE40 is a recombinant single-chain immunotoxin composed of the variable domains of the monoclonal antibody anti-Tac, which binds to the p55 subunit of the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), and a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE), which does not bind to the PE receptor (Chaudhary et al, Nature 339:394, 1989). Whereas its cytotoxic activity toward autoimmune and malignant target cells has been established, its efficacy in vivo remains unknown. To establish an animal model, we produced ATAC-4 cells by transfecting the gene encoding the low-affinity IL-2R (p55) into A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells. ATAC-4 cells contained low-affinity IL-2Rs (2 x 10(5)/cell) and formed tumors in nude mice. In tissue culture, protein synthesis in ATAC-4 cells was inhibited 50% (IC50) at 0.06 ng/mL (0.9 pmol/L) of anti-Tac(Fv)-PE40. IC50s for the derivatives anti-Tac(Fv)-PE38, which is missing PE amino acids 365–380, and anti-Tac(Fv)-PE38KDEL, which contains the same deletion plus the KDEL carboxyl terminus, were 0.04 and 0.025 ng/mL, respectively. All the agents produced complete tumor regressions in ATAC-4 tumor-bearing mice and anti-Tac(Fv)-PE38KDEL had significant antitumor activity at 1% of the LD50. The dose limiting toxicity of anti-Tac(Fv)-PE38KDEL was from hemorrhagic liver necrosis, which was observed at approximately 55% of the LD50.
Depletion of B cells in vivo by a chimeric mouse human monoclonal antibody to CD20
Authors: Reff ME , Carner K , Chambers KS , Chinn PC , Leonard JE , Raab R , Newman RA , Hanna N , Anderson DR
Published: October 2019

Murine monoclonal antibody 2B8 specifically recognizes the CD20 phosphoprotein expressed on the surface of normal B lymphocytes and B- cell lymphomas. The light- and heavy-chain variable regions of 2B8 were cloned, after amplification by the polymerase chain reaction, into a cDNA expression vector that contained human IgG1 heavy chain and human kappa-light chain constant regions. High-level expression of chimeric- 2B8 antibody (C2B8) was obtained in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Purified C2B8 exhibited antigen binding affinity and human-tissue reactivity similar to the native murine antibody. In vitro studies showed the ability of C2B8 to bind human C1q, mediate complement- dependent cell lysis of human B-lymphoid cell lines, and lyse human target cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Infusion of macaque cynomolgus monkeys with doses ranging from 1.6 mg/kg to 6.4 mg/kg resulted in greater than 98% depletion of peripheral blood (PB) B cells and 40% to 70% depletion of lymph node B cells. Recovery of PB B cells usually started at 2 weeks after treatment and required 60 to greater than 90 days to reach normal levels. As much as 95% depletion of B cells in peripheral lymph nodes and bone marrow was observed following weekly injections of 16.8 mg/kg antibody. No toxicity was observed in any of the animals. These results offer the possibility of using an “immunologically active” chimeric anti-CD20 antibody as an alternative approach in the treatment of B-cell lymphoma.
Suppression of juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia colony growth by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist [see comments]
Authors: Schiro R , Longoni D , Rossi V , Maglia O , Doni A , Arsura M , Carrara G , Masera G , Vannier E , Dinarello CA
Published: October 2019

Bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) cells from patients with juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) exhibit spontaneous in vitro proliferation. Several cytokines including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) have been implicated in supporting the growth of leukemic monocyte-macrophage colonies either by autocrine or paracrine pathways. In seven untreated JCML patients, we investigated the role of IL-1 in the spontaneous growth of these cells by specifically blocking IL-1 receptors. The IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra) was added to the clonogenic assays, and in each case significant (mean = 63%, range = 35% to 82%) inhibition of spontaneous proliferation was observed. Uncultured circulating cells from PB or BM of four out of five patients expressed IL-1 beta-specific mRNA and secreted the protein into the culture supernatants. Moreover, by means of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we demonstrated that most of the spontaneously growing leukemic colony- forming unit cells (CFU-C) obtained from BM cells of two patients were positive for the presence of the IL-1 beta-specific mRNA. Despite the presence of a measurable amount of GM-CSF in JCML cell culture supernatants, GM-CSF-specific mRNA in CFU-C cells of four cases was not detected by RT-PCR. These data further support a central role for IL-1 beta in the pathogenesis of JCML and suggest that the use of IL-1 Ra could represent a novel therapeutic strategy against this disorder.
All-trans retinoic acid reverses phorbol ester resistance in a human myeloid leukemia cell line
Authors: Yang KD , Mizobuchi T , Kharbanda SM , Datta R , Huberman E , Kufe DW , Stone RM
Published: October 2019

Treatment of human HL-60 leukemic cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol- 13-acetate (TPA) is associated with activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and induction of monocytic differentiation. An HL-60 variant cell line, termed HL-525, derived from long-term exposure to TPA (Homma et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83: 7316, 1986) is resistant to TPA-induced differentiation and displays decreased PKC beta expression compared with the HL-60 parent line. However, this variant exhibits features of granulocytic differentiation, including nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, when exposed to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Whereas treatment of HL-525 cells with ATRA or TPA alone had no effect on features of monocytic differentiation, these agents in combination resulted in cellular adhesion, nonspecific esterase staining, and induction of the c-fms (monocyte growth factor receptor) gene. In order to measure PKC expression associated with the reversal of TPA resistance by ATRA, we exposed HL-525 cells to ATRA and analyzed PKC- mRNA and protein levels. Exposure of HL-525 cells to ATRA for 3 days resulted in induction of PKC beta transcripts, whereas there was little change in PKC alpha mRNA levels. ATRA treatment was also associated with an increase in PKC activity and an induction of cytosolic PKC beta protein levels. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ATRA reverses TPA resistance in HL-525 cells by enhancing the expression of PKC.
Hydroxyurea affects cell morphology, cation transport, and red blood cell adhesion in cultured vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Adragna NC , Fonseca P , Lauf PK
Published: October 2019

Hydroxyurea (HU) significantly increases fetal hemoglobin (Hb) production and concomitantly affects passive erythrocyte K transport and cell volume in patients homozygous for Hb S, thus decreasing disease severity. Red blood cells (RBCs) with Hb S display a greater adherence to vascular endothelial cells (VECs) than do Hb A cells, thus increasing the probability of vaso-occlusive crisis. The effect of HU on the structure and function of VECs is still unknown. In the present study, HU significantly changed, in a dose-dependent manner, the morphology and monovalent cation composition of cultured VECs after incubation in normal culture medium for up to 10 days in the absence and presence of 0.3 (therapeutic dose) and 3.0 (toxic dose) mmol/L HU. Treated cells showed significant morphologic changes such as an increase in apparent cell size and the formation of multinucleated giant cells. The protein content per dish decreased by 50% and 80% at 0.3 and 3.0 mmol/L HU, respectively, accompanied by an increase in cell Na (maximum, approximately 200%) and cell K (maximum, approximately 50%) contents at about days 4 to 6 and 8 to 10, respectively. In addition, HU decreased RBC adherence to VECs in experiments with 51Cr- loaded Hb A or Hb S RBCs. The HU-induced changes in VEC morphology, cation composition, and RBC adherence may be caused or accompanied by alterations in cell membrane permeability, transformation of endothelial cells, or decreased number/density of VEC adhesion molecules. Precise mechanisms of the HU effects warrant further investigation in light of the reported beneficial effects of HU in the treatment of sickle cell anemia.
A southern analysis of Rh blood group genes: association between restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns and Rh serotypes
Authors: Hyland CA , Wolter LC , Liew YW , Saul A
Published: October 2019

Polymorphisms within the Rh blood group system have been defined by serologic agglutination methods, but have not yet been defined at the DNA level. Two closely related genes associated with the Rh D antigen and with the Rh C/c and E/e antigens have been cloned. We used a Southern analysis incorporating probes to the 5′ and 3′ regions of the Rh C, E gene and D gene to identify polymorphisms associated with Rh C/c and E/e antigens, respectively. The D gene dosage could be determined by comparing the relative intensities of the D bands with bands from the 5′ and 3′ region of the Rh C, E gene. The concordance between restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns and serologic phenotypes for 102 randomly selected blood donors was 100% for C, e, and D, 94.8% for c, and 94.3% for E. The data are consistent with the sequences encoding the C/c epitopes residing on the 5′ side of those for the E/e epitopes. All samples discordant for the 3′ probe and E had the cE (r″) serotype. These data show that the gene coding for the cE serotype is different in Rh-positive and -negative individuals. The study demonstrates that Rh DNA typing, including D gene dosage measurements and Rh gene haplotyping, may supplement traditional serotyping methods in transfusion medicine.
The macrocyclic lactone protein kinase C activator, bryostatin 1, either alone, or in conjunction with recombinant murine granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor, protects Balb/c and C3H/HeN mice from the lethal in vivo effects of ionizing radiation
Authors: Grant S , Traylor R , Pettit GR , Lin PS
Published: October 2019

We have examined the in vivo radioprotective effects of the macrocyclic lactone protein kinase C (PK-C) activator, bryostatin 1, administered either alone or in conjunction with recombinant murine granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF), in Balb/c and C3H/HeN mice subjected to lethal total body irradiation (TBI). When administered alone on a divided dose schedule (24 hours and 30 minutes before TBI), rmGM-CSF (20 micrograms/kg) was ineffective in increasing survival in either strain. However, in Balb/c mice, bryostatin 1 alone (1 microgram) permitted the long-term survival (60 days) of 70% of the animals following TBI, and 80% when administered in conjunction with rmGM-CSF. Bryostatin 1 administered alone according to this schedule exerted minimal radioprotective effects in C3H/HeN mice, but, when combined with a subeffective dose of rmGM-CSF, allowed 50% of the animals to survive. Treatment of Balb/c mice with bryostatin 1 administered as a single dose 4 hours before TBI resulted in a 20% survival rate, and 45% when administered with rmGM-CSF; corresponding values for the C3H/HeN strain were 60% and 40%, respectively. Lastly, the survival rates of Balb/c mice treated with bryostatin 1 administered as a single dose 4 hours following TBI was 20%, and 25% with rmGM-CSF; corresponding values were 50% and 25% for C3H/HeN mice. These findings indicate that the PK-C activator bryostatin 1 exhibits intrinsic in vivo radioprotective effects in lethally irradiated Balb/c and C3H/HeN mice, and may, under some circumstances, augment the radioprotective capacity of rmGM-CSF. They also underscore the critical role that strain differences and scheduling considerations play in determining the in vivo radioprotective capacity of bryostatin 1, as well as its interactions with rmGM-CSF.
Protein S Tokushima: abnormal molecule with a substitution of Glu for Lys-155 in the second epidermal growth factor-like domain of protein S
Authors: Hayashi T , Nishioka J , Shigekiyo T , Saito S , Suzuki K
Published: October 2019

A 29-year-old female patient with heterozygous congenital protein S deficiency suffering from thrombotic disease had normal levels of both total and free protein S antigen (70% and 65%, respectively), but low cofactor activity (31%) for activated protein C, indicating that she had a variant of protein S, protein S Tokushima. Western blotting using the polyclonal anti-protein S antibody showed that approximately half of the patient's protein S appeared to be the variant with a higher molecular weight than normal protein S. The partially purified variant protein S bound neither to the monoclonal antibody recognizing calcium- dependent conformation of protein S nor to the antibody recognizing the thrombin-sensitive domain of protein S. Among the exons from II to XV of the patient's protein S gene encoding from the NH2-terminal end to the COOH-terminal end of protein S, only one missense mutation (A to G) was found in exon VI of the protein S alpha-gene, which results in amino acid substitution of Glu(GAG) for Lys-155(AAG) in the second epidermal growth factor-like domain of protein S. The recombinant protein S Tokushima expressed in BHK cells had a slightly higher molecular weight than the recombinant normal one, did not bind to the antibody specific for the thrombin-sensitive domain, and did not show the cofactor activity. These findings suggest that the protein S Tokushima molecule is structurally and functionally a variant of protein S, and that this variant protein S is the cause of severe thrombosis in this patient.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor augmentation of T-cell receptor-dependent and T-cell receptor-independent thymocyte proliferation
Authors: Stewart-Akers AM , Cairns JS , Tweardy DJ , McCarthy SA
Published: October 2019

The effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- CSF) are not confined to cells of the myeloid lineage. GM-CSF has been shown to have effects on mature T cells and both mature and immature T- cell lines. We therefore examined the GM-CSF responsiveness of murine thymocytes to investigate whether GM-CSF also affected normal immature T lymphocytes. The studies presented here indicate that GM-CSF augments accessory cell (AC)-dependent T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated proliferation of unseparated thymocyte populations. To identify the GM- CSF responsive cell type, thymic AC and T cells were examined for GM- CSF responsiveness. We found that GM-CSF augmentation of TCR-induced thymocyte proliferation appears to be mediated via augmentation of AC function, and not via direct effects on mature single-positive (SP) thymocytes. Enriched double-negative (DN) thymocytes were also tested for GM-CSF responsiveness. GM-CSF induced the proliferation of adult and fetal DN thymocytes in an AC-independent and TCR-independent single- cell assay. Thus, in contrast to the SP thymocytes, a DN thymocyte population was directly responsive to GM-CSF. GM-CSF therefore may play a direct role in the expansion of DN thymocytes and an indirect role in the expansion of SP thymocytes.
Adhesion-dependent survival of normal and leukemic human B lymphoblasts on bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Manabe A , Murti KG , Coustan-Smith E , Kumagai M , Behm FG , Raimondi SC , Campana D
Published: October 2019

We investigated the requirement for intimate contact between bone marrow stroma and B lymphoblasts from normal donors and children with leukemia. By scanning electron microscopy, both normal and leukemic cells seeded onto stroma were surrounded by folds of stromal cells or were linked to the stroma by fine tendrils and uropods. Separation of normal B progenitors from stroma by use of microporous membranes led to significantly lower cell recoveries compared with results when contact was unimpeded. For instance, 22.5% +/- 1.8% (mean +/-SEM) of CD19+, CD34+ cells (most immature subset) were recovered after a 7-day culture directly on stroma, compared with 5.2%+/-0.7% after growth on membranes (P < .001 by Student's t test). In 6 of 11 cases of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia, separation of progenitors from stroma resulted in apoptosis and a greater than 60% reduction in cell recovery. In the remaining 5 cases, however, this effect was much less pronounced, with reductions in cell recoveries ranging from 48.5% to less than 1% (median, 39.0%) of control values. Inhibition of very late antigen-4, a surface molecule critical for adhesion of B lymphoblasts to stroma, was associated with a greater loss of normal CD34+ B progenitors compared with that for equivalent leukemic cells. These results establish direct contact with stroma as a survival requirement of normal B lymphoblasts and show marked heterogeneity in stromal dependency among B-lineage leukemic cells.
Expression of the c-kit receptor in human lymphomas is restricted to Hodgkin's disease and CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphomas
Authors: Pinto A , Gloghini A , Gattei V , Aldinucci D , Zagonel V , Carbone A
Published: October 2019

The product of the proto-oncogene c-kit is a transmembrane receptor protein that plays an important role in the regulation of normal and neoplastic hematopoiesis via the interaction with its specific ligand termed stem cell factor. To examine whether c-kit product is possibly involved in the pathogenesis of human lymphomas, we analyzed the expression of the c-kit protein in neoplastic cells from a variety of lymphoid tumors by immunostaining of lymph node frozen sections with the 17F11 antibody, detecting an extracellular epitope of the c-kit receptor, and of c-kit RNA by Northern blot hybridization. Of 24 nonHodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of B- and T-cell phenotype, none expressed immunodetectable c-kit protein that was also not evidenced in lymphoid cells of reactive lymph nodes and normal tonsils. In contrast, c-kit protein was expressed by Reed-Sternberg cells and their mononuclear variants from 11 of 21 Hodgkin's disease (HD) cases, and in tumor cells from 11 of 16 cases of CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). c-kit specific mRNA was also detected in lymph node tissues from HD and ALCL cases but not in neoplastic tissues from NHL other than ALCL. In addition, c-kit/CD30+ tumor cells were evidenced by flow cytometry in a patient displaying massive bone marrow involvement by ALCL. With the exclusion of lymphocyte predominance cases of HD that resulted c-kit expression and the other histologic subtypes of HD or the immunologic phenotype of tumor cells (B, T, nonB-nonT) in both HD and ALCL. The highly restricted expression of the c-kit product among human lymphomas to HD and ALCL provides a further biologic link between these two closely related lymphoma entities.
An exon 28 mutation resulting in alternative splicing of the glycoprotein IIb transcript and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia
Authors: Iwamoto S , Nishiumi E , Kajii E , Ikemoto S
Published: October 2019

The alternatively spliced from mRNA of platelet glycoprotein IIb (GPIIb) with a deletion of exon 28 (GPIIb-28) has been isolated from the HEL cell cDNA library. The defective expression on the surface of DNA cotransfected COS-1 cells with GPIIb-28 and GPIIIa cDNAs was described in an earlier report. We studied siblings with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia who expressed only the GPIIb-28 mRNA in their platelets. Flow cytometry showed that the patients' platelets failed to bind GPIIb/IIIa complex-specific and GPIIb-specific monoclonal antibody. Western blotting showed that the patients' platelets had defective GPIIb and have trace amounts of GPIIIa. Sequence analysis was performed after polymerase chain amplification of the patients' GPIIb and GPIIIa mRNAs. The patients' GPIIb cDNA had a deletion of the exon 28 nucleotides. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from exon 27 to 29 showed that the GPIIb-28 mRNA was 3% +/- 1.6% of the normally, spliced form in control platelets, and 61% in the megakaryoblastic cell line UT- 7. The patients' platelets showed only the GPIIb-28. Family study and quantitative PCR studies showed that these patients were compound heterozygotes of two GPIIb gene defects. The father's allele is described in this report and involves skipping exon 28 secondary to a base substitution at codon Gln948, CAG-->TAG. The mothers allele appears to involve decreasing GPIIb mRNA levels in platelets. Our results indicate that the GPIIb-28 is not expressed on platelet membranes as a stable GPIIb/IIIa heterodimer or left as a monomer in platelets. Our studies confirm the previous data observed in COS-1 cells expressing recombinant GPIIb-28.
Cytometric detection of DNA amplified with fluorescent primers: applications to analysis of clonal bcl-2 and IgH gene rearrangements in malignant lymphomas
Authors: Barker RL , Worth CA , Peiper SC
Published: October 2019

Follicular lymphomas comprise almost two thirds of the US adult non- Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) and are the most common malignancy of B- lineage lymphocytes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols have been developed to detect the t(14;18) translocation, which juxtaposes the bcl-2 proto-oncogene to the Ig heavy-chain (IgH) gene in 85% of follicular lymphomas and monoclonal rearrangements of the IgH gene in B- cell NHL that lack bcl-2 rearrangements. We used PCR to amplify bcl-2 and IgH rearrangements in DNA from patients with lymphoproliferative disorders and analyzed the products in parallel by gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry, which detected PCR products incorporating fluoresceinated oligonucleotide primers by sequence-specific capture to oligonucleotide-coated magnetic beads. Overall, flow cytometry was superior to electrophoresis of ethidium-bromide-stained agarose gels for detection of products of nested PCR to detect intergenic rearrangements involving bcl-2 and single primer-pair amplification of clonal rearrangement of IgH. Flow cytometric analysis detected bcl-2 translocations in 12 of 13 CD10+ B-cell lymphomas and clonal IgH rearrangements in 14 of 17 monoclonal B-cell populations. In contrast, analysis by gel electrophoresis detected bcl-2 translocations in only 10 of 13 CD10+ and clonal IgH gene rearrangements in only 9 of 17 monoclonal B-cell populations. Flow cytometric analysis was more sensitive than gel electrophoresis and could detect a 16-fold greater dilution of a bcl-2-amplified product than gel electrophoresis. Similarly, flow cytometry could detect an amplification product when template DNA was diluted 10,000-fold, whereas gel electrophoresis only detected amplification products when template was subjected to dilution between 100- and 1,000-fold. This shows the utility of flow cytometry for the analysis of DNA amplification products incorporating fluorochrome-labeled primers as a rapid, objective alternative to conventional strategies. Because current-generation clinical laboratories emphasize automation, flow cytometric analysis of PCR- amplified products shows increased analytic sensitivity and offers a vehicle for automation of DNA amplification tests.
A novel beta-globin mutation, beta Durham-NC [beta 114 Leu-->Pro], produces a dominant thalassemia-like phenotype
Authors: de Castro CM , Devlin B , Fleenor DE , Lee ME , Kaufman RE
Published: October 2019

Mutations within exon 3 of the beta-globin gene are relatively uncommon, and many of these mutations produce a dominant thalassemia- like phenotype. We describe a novel thalassemic hemoglobinopathy caused by a single nucleotide substitution (CTG-->CCG) at codon 114 resulting in a leucine to proline substitution and designate it beta Durham-NC [beta 114 Leu-->Pro]. The mutation producing this thalassemic hemoglobinopathy is located near to the beta Showa-Yakushiji mutation (beta 110 Leu-->Pro). Both of these hemoglobinopathies share similar phenotypic features with moderately severe microcytic anemia. Using computer imaging of the hemoglobin molecule, we examined several reported point mutations within exon 3 of the beta-globin gene. These point mutations cause a single amino acid substitution in the G helix, and result in a thalassemic and/or hemolytic phenotype. Computer imaging of nine separate examples suggests that amino acid substitutions affecting side chains that project into the heme pocket may destabilize the heme moiety within the beta-globin chain, resulting in a thalassemic phenotype. Hemolytic phenotypes may be the result of decreased alpha 1 beta 1 interactions. The beta Durham-NC mutation further characterizes a novel group of thalassemias/hemoglobinopathies that are clinically difficult to identify and require accessory laboratory testing.
Rearrangements of the blood group RhD gene associated with the DVI category phenotype
Authors: Mouro I , Le Van Kim C , Rouillac C , van Rhenen DJ , Le Pennec PY , Bailly P , Cartron JP , Colin Y
Published: October 2019

The Rh (Rhesus) blood group antigens, D, Cc, and Ee, are carried by three unglycosylated membrane proteins of the human erythrocytes encoded by two highly related genes, D and CcEe. The major antigen, D, is a mosaic composed of at least nine determinants (epD1 through epD9). The lack of expression of some of these D epitopes at the surface of variant red blood cells defines the so-called D category phenotypes. In this report, we have determined the molecular basis of the DVI category phenotype characterized by the lack of epitopes D1, D2, D5, D6/7, and D8. Southern blot analysis and mRNA sequencing showed that the DVI phenotype is associated with two types of rearrangement of the D gene. Of 10 DVI genomes investigated, 8 exhibited a segmental DNA replacement (gene conversion) between the D fragment encompassing exons 4, 5, and 6 and the equivalent region of the CcEe gene. In the two other variants, these three exons are deleted. In both cases, the genomic rearrangement did not alter the reading frame of the variant RhD transcripts that are translated in 417 and 266 amino acid polypeptides, respectively. A heterogeneity of category DVI samples based on variable reactivity of the red blood cells with anti-D antibodies was previously found to be associated with the CDVIe or cDVIE haplotypes. Interestingly, our present results indicated that this serologic subdivision of the DVI category is correlated to two types of genomic rearrangements of the D gene.
Accuracy of supplementary serologic testing for human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II in US blood donors. Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study
Authors: Busch MP , Laycock M , Kleinman SH , Wages JW Jr , Calabro M , Kaplan JE , Khabbaz RF , Hollingsworth CG
Published: October 2019

Blood donations in the United States have been screened for antibody to human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) by HTLV-I enzyme immunoassay (EIA) since November 1988. Specimens repeatedly found to be reactive by EIA undergo confirmation by supplementary serologic tests. We assessed the accuracy of blood center testing of 994 HTLV-I EIA repeat-reactive specimens in five US blood centers between November 1988 and December 1991. Of 410 confirmed HTLV-I/II donations, 407 (99.3%) were infected with HTLV-I/II, as determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (403 cases) and by repeat serologic testing (4 cases). The three false- positive results occurred in the first year of testing. Of 425 HTLV-indeterminate specimens, 6 (1.4%) were found to be infected by PCR (5 with HTLV-II and 1 with HTLV-I). None of 159 confirmatory test-negative donations was PCR positive. Of HTLV-I/II-seropositive specimens, 80.2% to 95.4% could be typed as HTLV-I or HTLV-II by type-specific serologic assays. These results support recommendations that HTLV-I/II- seropositive donors should be advised that they are infected with HTLV- I, HTLV-II, or HTLV-I/II (depending on results of type-specific assays). HTLV-indeterminate donors should be advised that their results only rarely indicate HTLV infection. HTLV confirmatory test-negative donors should be reassured that they are not infected with HTLV-I or HTLV-II.
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in Europe for primary immunodeficiencies other than severe combined immunodeficiency: a report from the European Group for BMT and the European Group for Immunodeficiency
Authors: Fischer A , Landais P , Friedrich W , Gerritsen B , Fasth A , Porta F , Vellodi A , Benkerrou M , Jais JP , Cavazzana-Calvo M
Published: October 2019

Bone marrow (BM) transplantations performed between 1977 and 1991 at 13 European centers in 149 patients with 11 different primary immunodeficiency (ID) diseases (excluding severe combined immunodeficiency) were analyzed retrospectively. Overall survival among recipients of HLA genetically identical BM (n = 56) was 66%. Since October 1985, the date of a previous survey, a significant improvement in survival has been achieved in most ID diseases (overall survival, 81.5% v 51.7%; P < .01), primarily because of a decrease in the frequency of infectious complications. In long-term survivors, disease correction is excellent, with minimal sequelae in most patients. In 22 patients who received closely matched BM (ie, from phenotypically identical related donors, matched unrelated donors, or one HLA-ag- mismatched related donors), the survival rate (45.5%) was not significantly better than among 71 recipients of BM with 2 or 3 mismatched HLA antigens (38%). In the latter group, favorable outcome was associated with younger age, with transplantation since October 1985 (47% v 25%; P < .0001), and with a diagnosis of leukocyte adhesion deficiency. The improvement in outcome was mainly because of a higher engraftment rate and a decrease in the frequency of infections, although Epstein-Barr virus-induced B-lymphocyte proliferative disorders occurred in 16 patients (mainly those with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome), 10 of whom died. The improvement in engraftment corresponded to the introduction of treatment in vivo with anti-LFA-1 antibody to prevent rejection of T-cell-depleted grafts (74% engraftment and 45% survival in 38 treated patients versus 37.5% and 21%, respectively, in 24 untreated patients.
Lymphoma regression induced by monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies correlates with their ability to induce Ig signal transduction and is not prevented by tumor expression of high levels of bcl-2 protein
Authors: Vuist WM , Levy R , Maloney DG
Published: October 2019

Custom-made monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies (anti-Id MoAbs) have been tested as a treatment modality in 34 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients. Partial or complete tumor remissions have been induced with this treatment in 68% of these patients. One mechanism by which anti- idiotype antibodies may have induced these tumor responses is via a direct antiproliferative effect on the tumor cells, resulting in apoptosis. Primary NHL cells do not proliferate well enough in vitro to test this hypothesis directly. Therefore, we studied the effect of anti-idiotype antibodies on signal transduction through the surface Ig receptor as measured by the induction of cellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation. To assess whether bcl-2 protein could protect lymphoma cells from death induced by anti-Id MoAb, we also measured the level of bcl-2 protein in the same tumor cells. We found a strong correlation between the ability of an anti-Id MoAb to induce an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in vitro and its ability to induce a tumor regression in the patient. By contrast, the level of bcl-2 expressed by the tumor cells was not correlated with clinical response to anti-Id MoAb treatment.