B-cell antigen receptor competence regulates B-lymphocyte selection and survival

Experimental evidence contradicts the simplistic view that during development all B cells expressing non autoreactive antigen receptors on the cell surface are selected into the mature B-cell pool. While allelic exclusion, clonal selection and affinity maturation continue to define the mainstream notions of B-cell development and selection, new evidence is redefining our understanding of these processes. Receptor editing replaces functional B-cell receptors by secondary immunoglobulin gene rearrangements, a process that can play roles in both immune tolerance and immune response. In addition, editing can rescue cells that would otherwise fail positive selection. We focus here on our studies indicating that the functional competence of the B-cell antigen receptor complex plays a central role in the fate of developing B cells and their antigen receptor genes.

Phosphorylation of CD19 Y484 and Y515, and linked activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, are required for B cell antigen receptor-mediated activation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays a critical role in B cell Ag receptor (BCR) signaling, as indicated by the X-linked immunodeficiency and X-linked agammaglobulinemia phenotypes of mice and men that express mutant forms of the kinase. Although Btk activity can be regulated by Src-family and Syk tyrosine kinases, and perhaps by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, BCR-coupled signaling pathways leading to Btk activation are poorly understood. In view of previous findings that CD19 is involved in BCR-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) activation, we assessed its role in Btk activation. Using a CD19 reconstituted myeloma model and CD19 gene-ablated animals we found that BCR-mediated Btk activation and phosphorylation are dependent on the expression of CD19, while BCR-mediated activation of Lyn and Syk is not. Wortmannin preincubation inhibited the BCR-mediated activation and phosphorylation of Btk. Btk activation was not rescued in the myeloma by expression of a CD19 mutant in which tyrosine residues previously shown to mediate CD19 interaction with PI3-K, Y484 and Y515, were changed to phenylalanine. Taken together, the data presented indicate that BCR aggregation-driven CD19 phosphorylation functions to promote Btk activation via recruitment and activation of PI3-K. Resultant phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate probably functions to localize Btk for subsequent phosphorylation and activation by Src and Syk family kinases.

CD72-mediated B cell activation involves recruitment of CD19 and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Occupancy of the B cell glycoprotein, CD72 results in syk-independent activation of phospholipase-C gamma and calcium mobilization. The cytoplasmic tail of CD72 does not contain an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif to directly transduce signals into the B lymphocyte. Hence, we investigated whether other coreceptors such as CD19 and its associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) were involved in CD72 signaling. Two specific inhibitors of PI 3-K inhibited CD72-stimulated B cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of B lymphocytes via CD72 resulted in recruitment and activation of PI 3-K, which was mediated by CD19. Accordingly, CD72 ligation induced CD19 tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, lipid products generated as a result of PI 3-K activation may have an important function in CD72-mediated B lymphocyte activation. The kinetics of CD19 tyrosine phosphorylation induced by CD72 ligation were strikingly different from those seen following B cell antigen receptor (BCR) stimulation. A transient increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the complement receptors, CD21 and CD35 was observed in BCR- but not CD72-stimulated cells. Co-cross-linking of CD72 and CD19 failed to induce syk tyrosine phosphorylation suggesting that even under these conditions, CD72 signaling was independent of syk activation. A transient and stimulation-dependent physical association between CD19 and CD72 was observed in CD72-ligated cells. These observations suggest a mechanism by which CD72 can recruit CD19 and influence activation of CD19-associated PI 3-K, which appears to be critical for CD72-mediated B cell activation.

[D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]Substance P acts as a biased agonist toward neuropeptide and chemokine receptors

Substance P derivatives are potential therapeutic compounds for the treatment of small cell lung cancer and can cause apoptosis in small cell lung cancer cells in culture. These peptides act as broad spectrum neuropeptide antagonists, blocking calcium mobilization induced by gastrin-releasing peptide, bradykinin, cholecystokinin, and other neuropeptides. We show that [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9, Leu11]substance P has unique agonist activities in addition to this described antagonist function. At doses that block calcium mobilization by neuropeptides, this peptide causes activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and cytoskeletal changes in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts and stimulates migration and calcium flux in human neutrophils. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase is dependent on the expression of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in rat 1A fibroblasts, demonstrating that the responses to the peptide are receptor-mediated. We hypothesize that [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9, Leu11]substance P acts as a biased agonist on neuropeptide and related receptors, activating certain guanine nucleotide-binding proteins through the receptor, but not others.

Co-receptor and accessory regulation of B-cell antigen receptor signal transduction

The development and function of the immune system is precisely regulated to assure the generation of protective immune responses while avoiding autoimmunity. This regulation is accomplished by the engagement of a multitude of cell-surface receptors which transduce signals that activate or regulate cell differentiative and proliferative pathways. In some cases biologic responses reflect the integration of signals generated by co-aggregation of multiple receptors by complex ligands. For example, B-cell responses to antigen receptor aggregation can be modulated by co-aggregation of receptors for immunoglobulin G (Fc gamma RIIB1), complement components (CR2), and alpha 2, 6-sialoglycoproteins (CD22). Here we review our recent studies of molecular mechanisms underlying co-receptor modulation of B-cell antigen receptor signaling. Our results define interesting circuitry involving interactions among the B-cell antigen receptor, CD19 and Fc gamma RIIB1. CD19 may function as an important integrator of positive and negative signals that regulate B-cell antigen receptor signal output.

Qualitative regulation of B cell antigen receptor signaling by CD19: selective requirement for PI3-kinase activation, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate production and Ca2+ mobilization

Genetic ablation of the B cell surface glycoprotein CD19 severely impairs the humoral immune response. This requirement is thought to reflect a critical role of CD19 in signal transduction that occurs upon antigen C3dg coligation of antigen receptors with CD19 containing type 2 complement receptors (CR2). Here we show that CD19 plays a key accessory role in B cell antigen receptor signaling independent of CR2 coligation and define molecular circuitry by which this function is mediated. While CD19 is not required for antigen-mediated activation of receptor proximal tyrosines kinases, it is critical for activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). PI3-Kinase activation is dependent on phosphorylation of CD19 Y484 and Y515. Antigen-induced CD19-dependent PI3-kinase activation is required for normal phosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization responses. Thus, CD19 functions as a B cell antigen receptor accessory molecule that modifies antigen receptor signaling in a qualitative manner.

Fc gammaRIIB1 inhibition of BCR-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization is integrated by CD19 dephosphorylation

The B cell receptor for immunoglobulin G, Fc gammaRIIB1, is a potent transducer of signals that block antigen-induced B cell activation. Coligation of Fc gammaRIIB1 with B lymphocyte antigen receptors (BCR) causes premature termination of phosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization and inhibits proliferation. This inhibitory signal is mediated in part by phosphorylation of Fc gammaRIIB1 and recruitment of phosphatases; however, the molecular target(s) of effectors is unknown. Here we report that Fc gammaRIIB1 inhibition of BCR signaling is mediated in part by selective dephosphorylation of CD19, a BCR accessory molecule and coreceptor. CD19 dephosphorylation leads to failed CD19 association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and this in turn leads to termination of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate production, intracellular Ca2+ release, and Ca2+ influx. The results define a molecular circuit by which Fc gammaRIIB signals block phosphoinositide hydrolysis.

Interleukin-8 regulation of the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in human neutrophils

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), the prototypic member of the CXC subfamily of chemokines, induces in neutrophils chemotaxis, the respiratory burst, granule release, and increased cell adhesion. The IL-8 receptor is a seven-transmembrane spanning receptor coupled to specific heterotrimeric G proteins including Gi and G16. IL-8 stimulation of its receptor on neutrophils activates Ras GTP loading and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway including Raf-1 and B-Raf. The properties of IL-8 stimulation of the MAPK pathway differ from those observed for chemoattractants such as C5a. Even though Ras GTP loading is similar for IL-8 and C5a, the maximal activation of Raf-1 and B-Raf is approximately 2-fold and 3-7-fold, respectively, less for IL-8 than that observed for C5a. Raf-1 activation is rapid but transient, returning to near basal levels by 10 min. B-Raf activation is slower in onset and does not return to basal levels for nearly 30 min. IL-8 activation of MAPK follows a time course suggesting an involvement of both Raf-1 and B-Raf. Surprisingly, wortmannin, at low concentrations, inhibits Raf-1, B-Raf, and MAPK activation in response to IL-8 and C5a demonstrating a role for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the activation of Raf kinases in G protein-coupled receptor systems in human neutrophils. Furthermore, wortmannin inhibits IL-8 stimulated granule release and neutrophil adherence. These findings demonstrate the control of Raf kinases, the MAPK pathway and specific neutrophil functions by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase enzymes.

G alpha 12 and G alpha 13 stimulate Rho-dependent stress fiber formation and focal adhesion assembly

Rho, a member of the Ras superfamily of GTP-binding proteins, regulates actin polymerization resulting in the formation of stress fibers and the assembly of focal adhesions. In Swiss 3T3 cells, heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors for lysophosphatidic acid and gastrin releasing peptide stimulate Rho-dependent stress fiber and focal adhesion formation. The specific heterotrimeric G protein subunits mediating Rho-dependent stress fiber and focal adhesion formation have not been defined previously. We have expressed GTPase-deficient, constitutively activated G protein alpha subunits and mixtures of beta and gamma subunits in Swiss 3T3 cells. Measurement of actin polymerization and focal adhesion formation indicated that GTPase-deficient alpha 12 and alpha 13, but not the activated forms of alpha 12 or alpha q stimulated stress fiber and focal adhesion assembly. Combinations of beta and gamma subunits were unable to stimulate stress fiber or focal adhesion formation. G alpha 12- and alpha 13-mediated stress fiber and focal adhesion assembly was inhibited by botulinum C3 exoenzyme, which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates Rho, indicating that alpha 12 and alpha 13, but not other G protein alpha subunits or beta gamma complexes, regulate Rho-dependent responses. The results define the integration of G12 and G13 with the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase activation requires two signal inputs from the human anaphylatoxin C5a receptor

The anaphylatoxin C5a receptor activates the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway in human neutrophils. The signal pathways involved in Ras/Raf/MAP kinase activation in response to C5a and other chemoattractant receptors is poorly understood. Stimulation of the C5a receptor expressed in HEK293 cells results in modest MAP kinase activation, which is inhibited by pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of G(i). Coexpression of the C5a receptor and the G16 alpha subunit (alpha 16) results in the G16-mediated activation of phospholipase C beta and a robust MAP kinase activation. Pertussis toxin treatment of C5a receptor/alpha 16-cotransfected cells inhibits C5a stimulation of MAP kinase activity approximately 60% relative to the control response. Similarly, the protein kinase C inhibitor, GF109203X inhibits activation of MAP kinase activation in C5a receptor/alpha 16-cotransfected cells by 60%; the protein kinase C inhibitor does not affect the modest C5a receptor response in the absence of alpha 16 expression. These results demonstrate that two independent signals are required for the maximal activation of MAP kinase by G protein-coupled receptors.

Mapping of the C5a receptor signal transduction network in human neutrophils

Human neutrophils respond to chemoattractants, resulting in their accumulation at an inflammatory site. Chemoattractants such as the C5a peptide, derived from the C5 complement factor, bind to inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Gi)-coupled seven membrane-spanning receptors expressed in neutrophils. C5a receptor activation results in the Gi-dependent activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway in human neutrophils. C5a receptor ligation activates both B-Raf and Raf-1, with B-Raf activation overlapping but temporally distinct from that of Raf-1. B-Raf and Raf-1 both efficiently phosphorylate MAP kinase kinase (MEK-1). C5a also stimulates guanine nucleotide exchange and activation of Ras. Ras and Raf activation in response to C5a involves protein kinase C-dependent and -independent pathways. Activation of both Raf-1 and B-Raf was inhibited by protein kinase A stimulation, consistent with the inhibitory effects of increased cAMP levels on neutrophil function. The findings define a functional signal transduction pathway linking the neutrophil C5a chemoattractant receptor to the regulation of Ras, B-Raf, Raf-1, and MAP kinase.

FMLP activates Ras and Raf in human neutrophils. Potential role in activation of MAP kinase

Chemoattractants bind to seven transmembrane-spanning, G-protein-linked receptors on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) and induce a variety of functional responses, including activation of microtubule-associated protein (MAP) kinase. Although the pathways by which MAP kinases are activated in neutrophils are unknown, we hypothesized that activation of the Ras/Raf pathway leading to activation of MAP/ERK kinase (MEK) would be induced by the chemoattractant f-met-leu-phe. Human neutrophils exposed to 10 nM FMLP for 30 s exhibited an MAP kinase kinase activity coeluting with MEK-1. Immunoprecipitation of Raf-1 kinase after stimulation with FMLP revealed an activity that phosphorylated MEK, was detectable at 30 s, and peaked at 2-3 min. Immunoprecipitation of Ras from both intact neutrophils labeled with [32P]orthophosphate and electropermeabilized neutrophils incubated with [32P]GTP was used to determine that FMLP treatment was associated with activation of Ras. Activation of both Ras and Raf was inhibited by treatment of neutrophils with pertussis toxin, indicating predominant linkage to the Gi2 protein. Although phorbol esters activated Raf, activation induced by FMLP appeared independent of protein kinase C, further suggesting that Gi2 was linked to Ras and Raf independent of phospholipase C and protein kinase C. Dibutyryl cAMP, which inhibits many neutrophil functional responses, blocked the activation of Raf by FMLP, suggesting that interruption of the Raf/MAP kinase pathway influences neutrophil responses to chemoattractants. These data suggest that Gi2-mediated receptor regulation of the Ras/Raf/MAP kinase pathway is a primary response to chemoattractants.

Expression of GTPase-deficient G alpha 16 inhibits Swiss 3T3 cell growth

Expression of the GTPase-deficient G alpha 16 polypeptide G alpha 16Q212L, a member of the Gq family of heterotrimeric G proteins, constitutively activated phospholipase C beta activity in Swiss 3T3 cells. Expression of G alpha 16Q212L appears to persistently stimulte a low level of protein kinase C activity which also increases protein kinase A activity in Swiss 3T3 cells. Growth of G alpha 16Q212L expressing cells was significantly inhibited relative to wild-type Swiss 3T3 cells. Bombesin-stimulated DNA synthesis was completely inhibited in G alpha 16Q212L expressing clones, whereas the growth responses to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and serum were inhibited 50-80% relative to wild-type cells. In addition to the inhibition of cell growth, G alpha 16Q212L expression significantly inhibited the stimulation of protein kinase C, Raf-1, MEK, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phospholipase A2 activity, and Ca2+ mobilization in response to PDGF. In contrast, PDGF receptor activation of phospholipase C gamma, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Ras GTP loading was similar in wild-type and G alpha 16Q212L expressing clones. PDGF regulation of membrane ruffling and actin fiber assembly, responses mediated in part by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, were unaffected in G alpha 16Q212L expressing clones. The growth inhibitory action of G alpha 16Q212L expression in Swiss 3T3 cells is downstream of the initial SH2 domain-encoded signal transduction proteins regulated in response to PDGF receptor autophosphorylation. The findings demonstrate that constitutively activated G alpha 16Q212L persistently activates phospholipase C activity and effectively inhibits a subset of cytoplasmic signal transduction pathways involved in growth factor tyrosine kinase receptor stimulation of cell growth. G16/Gq-regulated signal transduction can acutely stimulate specific response pathways involved in mitogenesis; but persistent activation of G16/Gq-regulated effectors, including phospholipase C beta, inhibit tyrosine kinase-initiated mitogenesis. One role for G16/Gq response systems may be to modulate growth factor receptor signaling.

Selective coupling of the human anaphylatoxin C5a receptor and alpha 16 in human kidney 293 cells

The peptide C5a which is generated during the complement cascade is an important chemotactic factor involved in the inflammatory response. The C5a receptor (C5aR) primary sequence suggests that it has a serpentine structure of seven transmembrane domains which is typical of classical G-protein-coupled receptors. To investigate the signal transduction mechanism of C5a we transiently expressed the C5aR in combination with different G-protein alpha subunits in human kidney 293 cells and measured the PLC activity induced upon C5a stimulation. Cotransfection of C5aR and alpha 16 stimulated PLC while cotransfection of C5aR with either alpha q or alpha i2 did not.

GTP-binding proteins in luminal and basolateral membranes from pars convoluta and pars recta of rabbit kidney proximal tubule

The GTP-binding proteins on luminal and basolateral membrane vesicles from outer cortex (pars convoluta) and outer medulla (pars recta) of rabbit proximal tubule have been examined. The membrane vesicles were highly purified, as ascertained by electron microscopy, by measurements of marker enzymes, and by investigating segmental-specific transport systems. The [35S]GTP gamma S binding to vesicles, and to sodium cholate-extracted proteins from vesicles, indicated that the total content of GTP-binding proteins were equally distributed on pars convoluta, pars recta luminal and basolateral membranes. The membranes were ADP-ribosylated with [32P]NAD+ in the presence of pertussis toxin and cholera toxin. Gel electrophoresis revealed, for all preparations, the presence of cholera toxin [32P]ADP-ribosylated 42 and 45 kDa G alpha s proteins, and pertussis toxin [32P]ADP-ribosylated 41 kDa G alpha i1, 40 kDa G alpha i2 and 41 kDa G alpha i3 proteins. The 2D electrophoresis indicated that Go's were not present in luminal nor in basolateral membranes of pars convoluta or pars recta of rabbit proximal tubule.