Complement promotes the rapid recognition and elimination of pathogens, infected cells, and immune complexes. The biochemical basis for its target specificity is incompletely understood. In this report, we demonstrate that properdin can directly bind to microbial targets and provide a platform for the in situ assembly and function of the alternative pathway C3 convertases. This mechanism differs from the standard model wherein nascent C3b generated in the fluid phase attaches nonspecifically to its targets. Properdin-directed complement activation occurred on yeast cell walls (zymosan) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Properdin did not bind wild-type Escherichia coli, but it readily bound E. coli LPS mutants, and the properdin-binding capacity of each strain correlated with its respective serum-dependent AP activation rate. Moreover, properdin:single-chain Ab constructs were used to direct serum-dependent complement activation to novel targets. We conclude properdin participates in two distinct complement activation pathways: one that occurs by the standard model and one that proceeds by the properdin-directed model. The properdin-directed model is consistent with a proposal made by Pillemer and his colleagues >50 years ago.
Apoptotic cells must be rapidly eliminated to avoid harmful inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. Innate immunity is designed/poised to identify dying cells by their unique surfaceassociated molecular patterns. Here we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that the human complement protein properdin binds to early apoptotic T cells and initiates complement activation, leading to C3b opsonization and ingestion by phagocytic cells. Properdin binding was facilitated by the glycosaminoglycan chains of surface proteoglycans. Properdin released by activated neutrophils was particularly effective at recognition of apoptotic T cells, whereas the binding activity of properdin in the serum appeared to be inhibited. ''Properdin tagging'' of apoptotic T cells also induced their uptake by phagocytes independent of complement activation or other complement proteins. Although our findings were made primarily with apoptotic T cells, they suggest that properdin could play a similar role during apoptosis of other cell types.apoptosis ͉ glycosaminoglycan
Complement is a powerful host defense system that contributes to both innate and acquired immunity. There are three pathways of complement activation, the classical pathway, lectin pathway, and alternative pathway. Each generates a C3 convertase, a serine protease that cleaves the central complement protein, C3. Nearly all the biological consequences of complement are dependent on the resulting cleavage products. Properdin is a positive regulator of complement activation that stabilizes the alternative pathway convertases (C3bBb). Properdin is composed of multiple identical protein subunits, with each subunit carrying a separate ligand-binding site. Previous reports suggest that properdin function depends on multiple interactions between its subunits with its ligands. In this study I used surface plasmon resonance assays to examine properdin interactions with C3b and factor B. I demonstrated that properdin promotes the association of C3b with factor B and provides a focal point for the assembly of C3bBb on a surface. I also found that properdin binds to preformed alternative pathway C3 convertases. These findings support a model in which properdin, bound to a target surface via C3b, iC3b, or other ligands, can use its unoccupied C3b-binding sites as receptors for nascent C3b, bystander C3b, or pre-formed C3bB and C3bBb complexes. New C3bP and C3bBP intermediates can lead to in situ assembly of C3bBbP. The full stabilizing effect of properdin on C3bBb would be attained as properdin binds more than one ligand at a time, forming a lattice of properdin: ligand interactions bound to a surface scaffold.The complement system contributes to both innate and acquired immunity (1). Recent reports indicate that complement has additional biological roles, participating in tissue regeneration (2) and in sperm: egg recognition (3). There are three pathways of complement activation (4), the classical pathway (CP), 2 lectin pathway (LP), and alternative pathway (AP). Although each pathway is induced by a different set of activators, all three pathways lead to the enzymatic cleavage of C3. That step is catalyzed by the C3 convertases. Two homologous C3 convertases occur, one generated by the AP and the other by the CP and LP. Both convertases are serine proteases that cleave C3 at a single site, generating C3a and C3b. Nascent C3b covalently binds to macromolecules, immune complexes, and cell surfaces, where it promotes immune adherence and phagocytosis or membrane lysis, and C3a directs proinflammatory and vasoactive reactions.The AP presents a unique role in the complement activation cascade. Because it is activated by C3b, its own product, it functions as a positive feedback loop, producing a rapid and vigorous local response. Through C3b, the AP also amplifies activation initially triggered by the CP and LP. The first step in the assembly of the alternative pathway C3 convertase is the association of factor B (a zymogen) with C3b in the presence of Mg 2ϩ (4). Once bound to C3b, factor B is cleaved by the serine protease facto...
Complement is an innate immune system that is a first line of defense against pathogens and facilitates elimination of apoptotic and injured cells. During complement activation, the complement convertases are assembled on target surfaces and initiate their proteolytic activities, a process that marks targets for phagocytosis and/or lysis. The complement alternative activation pathway has been implicated in a number of autoimmune conditions including arthritis and age-related macular degeneration. Properdin, a plasma component that is also released by activated neutrophils, is critical in the stabilization of alternative pathway convertases. Recently, it has been shown that properdin is also a pattern-recognition molecule that binds to certain microbial surfaces, apoptotic cells, and necrotic cells. Once bound to a surface, properdin can direct convertase formation and target uptake. New studies are now focusing on a role for properdin in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This review examines the new properdin findings and their implications.
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