Studies on the interactions between C-reactive protein and complement proteins IntroductionThe classical acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric, disc-shaped serum protein.1 Its basic features are the control of inflammation, the stimulation of clearance of damaged cell and tissue components, and the initiation of repair functions.2 CRP shows calcium-dependent affinity for phosphate monoesters, such as phosphatidylcholine, but several other ligands of CRP have been characterized, including damaged cell membranes, small ribonucleoprotein particles, apoptotic cells and fibronectin. Native CRP can undergo subunit dissociation into individual monomeric units, for example upon association with negatively charged lipid monolayers. 4 This modified form of CRP can be produced in vitro by urea chelation, acid treatment, heating or direct immobilization of native CRP onto polystyrene.5 This modified form of CRP (mCRP) has reduced solubility and exhibits different electrophoretic characteristics as the result of a decrease of isoelectric point (pI) from 6Á4 to 5Á4. 6 The structural changes releasing CRP subunits from the pentamer are correlated with expression of a new antigenic reactivity and formation of neo-epitopes. 7 The forms of CRP expressing SummarySeveral studies have investigated the interactions between C-reactive protein (CRP) and various complement proteins but none of them took into consideration the different structural forms of CRP. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the different antigenic forms of CRP are able to bind C1q, to trigger activation of the C1 complex and to study the ability of the various CRP forms to bind complement factor H (FH) and C4b-binding protein (C4BP). Interactions between various CRP forms and complement proteins were analysed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance tests and activation of the C1 complex was followed in a reconstituted system using purified C1q, C1r and C1s in the presence of C1-INH. Native, ligand-unbound CRP activated the classical pathway weakly. After binding to phosphocholine, native CRP bound C1q and significantly activated C1. Native CRP complexed to phosphocholine did not bind the complement regulatory proteins FH and C4BP. After disruption of the pentameric structure of CRP, as achieved by urea-treatment or by site-directed mutagenesis, C1q binding and C1 activation further increased and the ability of CRP to bind complement regulatory proteins was revealed. C1q binds to CRP through its globular head domain. The binding sites on CRP for FH and C4BP seemed to be different from that of C1q. In conclusion, in parallel with the increase in the C1-activating ability of different CRP structural variants, the affinity for complement regulatory proteins also increased, providing the biological basis for limitation of excess complement activation.
The classical pathway of complement is an essential component of the human innate immune system involved in the defense against pathogens as well as in the clearance of altered self-components. Activation of this pathway is triggered by C1, a multimolecular complex comprising a recognition protein C1q associated with a catalytic subunit C1s-C1r-C1r-C1s. We report here the direct observation of organized binding of C1 components C1q and C1s-C1r-C1r-C1s on carbon nanotubes, an ubiquitous component in nanotechnology research. Electron microscopy imaging showed individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes with protein molecules organized along the length of the sidewalls, often over 1 μm long. Less well-organized protein attachment was also observed on double-walled carbon nanotubes. Protein-solubilized nanotubes continued to attract protein molecules after their surface was fully covered. Despite the C1q binding properties, none of the nanotubes activated the C1 complex. We discuss these results on the adsorption mechanisms of macromolecules on carbon nanotubes and the possibility of using carbon nanotubes for structural studies of macromolecules. Importantly, the observations suggest that carbon nanotubes may interfere with the human immune system when entering the bloodstream. Our results raise caution in the applications of carbon nanotubes in biomedicine but may also open possibilities of novel applications concerning the many biochemical processes involving the versatile C1 macromolecule.
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