Soluble C3 proconvertase and convertase of the classical pathway of human complement. Conditions of stabilization in vitro.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Villiers MB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC1144729 | biostudies-other | 1985 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:The assembly of the classical pathway C3 convertase in the fluid phase has been studied. The enzyme is assembled from C2 and C4 on cleavage of these proteins by C1s. Once assembled, the enzyme activity decays rapidly. Kinetic evidence has been obtained that this decay is even more rapid than previously suggested (kdecay is 2.0 min-1 at 37 degrees C). As a result, optimal C3 convertase activity is only observed with high C1s levels, which result in rapid rates of cleavage of C2 and increased rates of formation of the C3 convertase. Using high concentrations of C1s at lower temperatures (22 degrees C) in the presence of excess substrate we have demonstrated kinetically that the enzyme comprises an equimolar complex of C4b and cleaved C2. We have obtained direct evidence from gel-filtration experiments for the role of C2a as the catalytic subunit of the enzyme. C2b appears to mediate the interaction between C4 (or C4b) and C2 at pH 8.5 and at low ionic strength where the interactions can easily be detected. It may therefore be important in the assembly of the enzyme, though it is not involved in the catalytic activity. The decay of the C3 convertase reflects the release of C2a from the C4b x (C2b) x C2a complex, and the stabilizing effect of iodine on the C3 convertase is therefore apparently one of stabilizing the C4b-C2z interaction, which is otherwise weak. C1s is not a part of the C3 convertase enzyme.
| S-EPMC1161929 | biostudies-other
Project description:Complement is an essential component of innate immunity. Its activation results in the assembly of unstable protease complexes, denominated C3/C5 convertases, leading to inflammation and lysis. Regulatory proteins inactivate C3/C5 convertases on host surfaces to avoid collateral tissue damage. On pathogen surfaces, properdin stabilizes C3/C5 convertases to efficiently fight infection. How properdin performs this function is, however, unclear. Using electron microscopy we show that the N- and C-terminal ends of adjacent monomers in properdin oligomers conform a curly vertex that holds together the AP convertase, interacting with both the C345C and vWA domains of C3b and Bb, respectively. Properdin also promotes a large displacement of the TED (thioester-containing domain) and CUB (complement protein subcomponents C1r/C1s, urchin embryonic growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein 1) domains of C3b, which likely impairs C3-convertase inactivation by regulatory proteins. The combined effect of molecular cross-linking and structural reorganization increases stability of the C3 convertase and facilitates recruitment of fluid-phase C3 convertase to the cell surfaces. Our model explains how properdin mediates the assembly of stabilized C3/C5-convertase clusters, which helps to localize complement amplification to pathogen surfaces.
| S-EPMC3746899 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The multi-domain serine protease C2 provides the catalytic activity for the C3 and C5- convertases of the classical and lectin pathways of complement activation. Formation of these convertases requires the Mg(2+)-dependent binding of C2 to C4b, and the subsequent cleavage of C2 by C1s or MASP2, respectively. The C-terminal fragment C2a consisting of a serine protease (SP) and a von Willebrand factor type A (vWFA) domain, remains attached to C4b, forming the C3 convertase, C4b2a. Here, we present the crystal structure of Mg(2+)-bound C2a to 1.9 A resolution in comparison to its homolog Bb, the catalytic subunit of the alternative pathway C3 convertase, C3bBb. Although the overall domain arrangement of C2a is similar to Bb, there are certain structural differences. Unexpectedly, the conformation of the metal ion-dependent adhesion site and the position of the alpha7 helix of the vWFA domain indicate a co-factor-bound or open conformation. The active site of the SP domain is in a zymogen-like inactive conformation. On the basis of these structural features, we suggest a model for the initial steps of C3 convertase assembly.
| S-EPMC1868468 | biostudies-literature
Project description:C3 deficiency is a rare disorder that leads to recurrent pyogenic infections. Here we describe a previously healthy 18 y/o Caucasian male with severe meningococcal disease. Total hemolytic activity was zero secondary to an undetectable C3. The C3 gene was normal by sequencing. Mixing the patient's serum with normal human serum led to C3 consumption. An IgG autoantibody in the patient's serum was identified that stabilized the classical pathway C3 and C5 convertases, thus preventing decay of these enzyme complexes. This autoantibody is an example of a C4 nephritic factor, with an additional feature of stabilizing the C5 convertase. Previous patients with C4 nephritic factor had membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Two years after presentation, this patient's C3 remains undetectable with no evidence of renal disease. We revisit the role of autoantibodies to classical pathway convertases in disease, review the literature on C4-NeF and comment on its detection in the clinical laboratory.
| S-EPMC3501611 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The complement, as part of the innate immune system, represents the first line of defense against Gram-negative bacteria invading the bloodstream. The complement system is a zymogen cascade that ultimately assemble into the so-called membrane attack complex (MAC), which lyses Gram-negative bacteria upon insertion into the outer membrane. Traditionally, serum has been used as complement source, for example to study the bactericidal activity of monoclonal antibodies or antibodies raised upon vaccination. Due to the significant donor to donor variability, as well as susceptibility of complement factors to handling and storage conditions, assay reproducibility using human serum is low. Moreover, the presence of pre-existing antibodies and antimicrobial compounds are confounding factors. To remove antibodies from human serum, we applied ?/?-light chain specific affinity chromatography, however the method severely reduced the complement activity due to the depletion of complement components. Therefore, we attempted to reconstitute human complement-namely the alternative (rAP) and the classical (rCP) pathways-from purified complement factors. We found that adding C1-inhibitor to the mixture was essential to maintain a stable and functional C1 and thus to generate an active rCP. We further confirmed the functionality of the rCP by testing the complement-dependent bactericidal activity of a human monoclonal antibody, A1124 against an E. coli clinical isolate belonging to the ST131 clonal complex, and that of a polyclonal IVIg against a laboratory E. coli strain (MG1655) not expressing LPS O-antigen and capsule. Although the alternative pathway did not have any bactericidal activity by itself, it enhanced MAC deposition induced by rCP and increased the overall bactericidal activity against the ST131 E. coli strain. In conclusion, we report for the first time the successful in vitro reconstitution of the classical pathway of the human complement to establish a serum-free, complement dependent bactericidal assay. This system offers high level of standardization and could support the study of the complement in different research fields.
| S-EPMC6288441 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Complement is essential for the protection against infections; however, dysregulation of complement activation can cause onset and progression of numerous inflammatory diseases. Convertase enzymes play a central role in complement activation and produce the key mediators of complement: C3 convertases cleave C3 to generate chemoattractant C3a and label target cells with C3b, which promotes phagocytosis; C5 convertases cleave C5 into chemoattractant C5a, and C5b, which drives formation of the membrane attack complex. Since convertases mediate nearly all complement effector functions, they are ideal targets for therapeutic complement inhibition. A unique feature of convertases is their covalent attachment to target cells, which effectively confines complement activation to the cell surface. However, surface localization precludes detailed analysis of convertase activation and inhibition. In our previous work, we developed a model system to form purified alternative pathway (AP) C5 convertases on C3b-coated beads and quantify C5 conversion via functional analysis of released C5a. Here, we developed a C3aR cell reporter system that enables functional discrimination between C3 and C5 convertases. By regulating the C3b density on the bead surface, we observe that high C3b densities are important for conversion of C5, but not C3, by AP convertases. Screening of well-characterized complement-binding molecules revealed that differential inhibition of AP C3 convertases (C3bBb) and C5 convertases [C3bBb(C3b)n] is possible. Although both convertases contain C3b, the C3b-binding molecules Efb-C/Ecb and FHR5 specifically inhibit C5 conversion. Furthermore, using a new classical pathway convertase model, we show that these C3b-binding proteins not only block AP C3/C5 convertases but also inhibit formation of a functional classical pathway C5 convertase under well-defined conditions. Our models enable functional characterization of purified convertase enzymes and provide a platform for the identification and development of specific convertase inhibitors for treatment of complement-mediated disorders.
| S-EPMC6064732 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The complement network is increasingly recognized as an important triage system that is able to differentiate between healthy host cells, microbial intruders, cellular debris and immune complexes, and tailor its actions accordingly. At the center of this triage mechanism is the alternative pathway C3 convertase (C3bBb), a potent enzymatic protein complex capable of rapidly converting the inert yet abundant component C3 into powerful effector fragments (C3a and C3b), thereby amplifying the initial response on unprotected surfaces and inducing a variety of effector functions. A fascinating molecular mechanism of convertase assembly and intrinsic regulation, as well as the interplay with a panel of cell surface-bound and soluble inhibitors are essential for directing complement attack to intruders and protecting healthy host cells. While efficiently keeping immune surveillance and homeostasis on track, the reliance on an intricate cascade of interaction and conversion steps also renders the C3 convertase vulnerable to derail. On the one hand, tissue damage, accumulation of debris, or polymorphisms in complement genes may unfavorably shift the balance between activation and regulation, thereby contributing to a variety of clinical conditions. On the other hand, pathogens developed powerful evasion strategies to avoid complement attack by targeting the convertase. Finally, we increasingly challenge our bodies with foreign materials such as biomaterial implants or drug delivery vehicles that may induce adverse effects that are at least partially caused by complement activation and amplification via the alternative pathway. The involvement of the C3 convertase in a range of pathological conditions put this complex into the spotlight of complement-targeted drug discovery efforts. Fortunately, the physiological regulation and microbial evasion approaches provide a rich source of inspiration for the development of powerful treatment options. This review provides insight into the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that drive C3 convertase activity, reveals common and divergent strategies of convertase inhibition employed by host and pathogens, and how this inhibitory arsenal can be tapped for developing therapeutic options to treat complement-related diseases.
| S-EPMC3521040 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Activation of the complement system generates potent chemoattractants and leads to the opsonization of cells for immune clearance. Short-lived protease complexes cleave complement component C3 into anaphylatoxin C3a and opsonin C3b. Here we report the crystal structure of the C3 convertase formed by C3b and the protease fragment Bb, which was stabilized by the bacterial immune-evasion protein SCIN. The data suggest that the proteolytic specificity and activity depend on the formation of dimers of C3 with C3b of the convertase. SCIN blocked the formation of a productive enzyme-substrate complex. Irreversible dissociation of the complex of C3b and Bb is crucial to complement regulation and was determined by slow binding kinetics of the Mg(2+)-adhesion site in Bb. Understanding the mechanistic basis of the central complement-activation step and microbial immune evasion strategies targeting this step will aid in the development of complement therapeutics.
| S-EPMC2729104 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The association of Factor B with C3b (the major fragment of complement component C3) in the presence of Mg2+ results in the formation of a bimolecular zymogen, C3b,B, which is activated by the serine proteinase Factor D, generating the C3 convertase, C3b,Bb (EC 3.4.21.47). Cleavage of native C3 by the C3 convertase was monitored by recording the increase in fluorescence associated with C3b formation in the presence of the fluorescent probe 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate. Measurements of initial rates of C3b formation at various C3 concentrations were analysed in accordance with the Michaelis-Menten equation, yielding kcat. = 1.78 +/- 0.08 s-1, Km = 5.86 X 10(-6) M and turnover number = 107 min-1. The assay was used to measure the Ki values of a variety of proteinase inhibitors. The C3 convertase has a short half-life, owing to spontaneous dissociation of the complex. The t1/2 and kcat./Km of the enzyme were determined by fitting an equation modelling both the kinetic reaction and enzyme decay to the fluorimetrically measured progress curve. The enzyme, C3b,Bb, exhibited a t1/2 of 90 +/- 2 s and a kcat./Km of 31.1 X 10(4) +/- 0.8 X 10(4) M-1 X s-1 at physiological pH, ionic strength and temperature. The enzyme that initiates activation of the alternative pathway, C3(H2O),Bb, was also examined. It was slightly less stable (t1/2 = 77 +/- 3 s) and exhibited only half the activity of C3b,Bb (kcat./Km = 16.3 X 10(4) +/- 1.0 X 10(4) M-1 X s-1).
| S-EPMC1146747 | biostudies-other
Project description:I2 can react with complement component C2 in a two-stage process. In the first stage, a form of C2 with enhanced haemolytic activity is produced. This form of C2 is cleaved to C2a and C2b by C1s at the same rate as native C2. The enhanced C2 haemolytic activity correlates with the ability to form a stable fluid-phase C3 convertase on addition of the C2 to C4b and C1s. It reflects an increased affinity for C4b of C2a formed from I2-treated C2, although the affinity for C4b of I2-treated C2 itself is not markedly increased. The specific activity of C3 convertase formed from I2-treated C2 is the same as that formed from native C2. The second stage of the reaction with I2, which is favoured at high pH or in the presence of excess I2, inactivates C2 on production of a species that cannot be cleaved by C1s. The presence of a single free thiol group in C2, which is the site of modification by I2, was confirmed by titration with p-chloromercuribenzoate, iodoacetamide and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). A single thiol group is also present in Factor B, and the cysteine residue, like that in C2, requires denaturation of the protein before reaction with iodoacetamide and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) but not p-chloro- mercuribenzoate .
| S-EPMC1153493 | biostudies-other