Enhanced IgG- and complement-independent phagocytosis of sulfatide-enriched human erythrocytes by human monocytes

Establishment of a quantitative, qualitative, and high-throughput analysis of sulfatides from small amounts of sera by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry

Based on our previous measurements of sulfatides, we further developed a quantitative, qualitative, and high-throughput analytical method for serum sulfatides as forms of lysosulfatides by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Using 0.1N NaOH in 90% MeOH for saponification instead of absolute MeOH, as previously used, we succeeded in eliminating the formation of lysosulfatide artifacts, facilitating much more sensitive detection. The use of MonoTip C18 allowed quantitation of serum sulfatides from 100 50-mul serum specimens within 1 working day. Purification of lysosulfatides with MonoTip C18 also gave rise to clear MALDI-TOF MS spectra, allowing overall analysis of sphingoid molecular species of sulfatides in serum. The composition was as follows: d18:1 (61.3+/-2.8%), d18:2 (13.3+/-1.7%), t18:0 (11.8+/-1.5%), d18:0 (7.6+/-0.8%), d20:0 (3.0+/-1.2%), t20:0 (2.3+/-0.8%), and d20:1 (1.6+/-0.5%). This is also the first detailed report on sphingoid molecular species of sulfatides in human serum. We believe that this method is suitable for daily clinical analysis of sulfatides in various clinical samples such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and specimens from biopsies.

Parameters influencing the stealthiness of colloidal drug delivery systems

Over the last few decades, colloidal drug delivery systems (CDDS) such as nano-structures have been developed in order to improve the efficiency and the specificity of drug action. Their small size permits them to be injected intravenously in order to reach target tissues. However, it is known that they can be rapidly removed from blood circulation by the immune system. CDDS are removed via the complement system and via the cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), after their recognition by opsonins and/or receptors present at the cell surface. This recognition is dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of the CDDS. In this study, we will focus on parameters influencing the interactions of opsonins and the macrophage plasma membrane with the surface of CDDS, whereby parameters of the polymer coating become necessary to provide good protection.

P-selectin mediates the adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to the endothelium

The adherence of sickle red blood cells (RBCs) to the vascular endothelium may contribute to painful vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease. Sickle cell adherence involves several receptor-mediated processes and may be potentiated by the up-regulated expression of adhesion molecules on activated endothelial cells. Recent results showed that thrombin rapidly increases the adhesivity of endothelial cells for sickle erythrocytes. The current report presents the first evidence for the novel adhesion of normal and, to a greater extent, sickle RBCs to endothelial P-selectin. Studies of the possible interaction of erythrocytes with P-selectin revealed that either P-selectin blocking monoclonal antibodies or sialyl Lewis tetrasaccharide inhibits the enhanced adherence of normal and sickle cells to thrombin-treated endothelial cells. Both RBC types also adhere to immobilized recombinant P-selectin. Pretreating erythrocytes with sialidase reduces their adherence to activated endothelial cells and to immobilized recombinant P-selectin. Herein the first evidence is presented for the binding of normal or sickle erythrocytes to P-selectin. This novel finding suggests that P-selectin inhibition be considered as a potential approach to therapy for the treatment of painful vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease.

Recognition by macrophages and liver cells of opsonized phospholipid vesicles and phospholipid headgroups

The interaction of liposomes with blood proteins is believed to play a critical role in the clearance pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of intravenously injected liposomes. In this article we have focused our discussion on the interaction of liposomes with key blood proteins, which include immunoglobulins, complement proteins, apolipoproteins, fetuin, von Willebrand factor, and thrombospondin, and their role in liposome recognition by professional phagocytes and nonmacrophage hepatic cells. Alternatively, macrophages as well as hepatocytes and liver endothelial cells may phagocytose/endocytose liposomes via direct recognition of phospholipid headgroups. A number of plasma membrane receptors such as lectin receptors, CD14, various classes of scavenger receptors (e.g., classes A, B, and D), Fc-gammaRI and FcgammaRII-B2 may participate in phospholipid recognition. These concepts are also discussed.

Serum-mediated recognition of liposomes by phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothelial system - The concept of tissue specificity

The mechanisms responsible for the clearance and recognition of intravenously injected liposomes by phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothelial system are presently not well understood. Here, we address a multiplicity of physicochemical and physiopathological factors which influence the clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of liposomes administered into the circulation. Emphasis is particularly drawn towards the concept of liposome-blood protein interaction and its role in liposome recognition by various phagocytes of the reticuloendothelial system.