The long term interests of this laboratory are in the immunology and biological properties of carbohydrate antigens and cell surface receptors. The three projects included in this proposal address different aspects of this central theme. The first project concerns the structure and regulation of a family of monoclonal antibodies directed against the 3-fucosyllactosamine (3-FL) epitope, Ga1beta1-4(fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc-R. We have identified two crossreactive idiotopes of these antibodies and demonstrated that the antibodies and idiotopes occur naturally in several inbred strains of mice. We have also obtained sequences of the N- terminal 30-40 amino acids of the heavy and light chains of four monoclonal antibodies against 3-FL. The heavy chains are encoded by group 4 VH genes, which also encode VH regions of antibodies against galactan and levan. Preliminary studies also provide evidence for idiotypic crossreactions among antibodies to 3-FL, galactan and levan.
The specific aims of this project are: (1) to determine the structural and genetic basis of anti-3-FL antibody specificity. We will obtain amino acid sequences of the variable domains of heavy and light chains of anti-3-FL antibodies and identify the VH germline genes; and (2) to analyze regulation of the anti-3-FL immune response, with particular emphasis on idiotypic network connections among antibodies directed against 3-FL, levans and galactans. The second project is an analysis of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) of human endothelial (EC) cells. Although the EC surface has been the subject of intensive biochemical investigation, no information has been available about the GSLs of these cells. We are currently completing the identification of the most abundant GSLs of cultured human umbilical vein EC.
The specific aims of this project are: (1) to identify changes in cell surface expression of GSLs resulting from activation by IL 1 and gamma interferon; (2) to determine if cell surface GSLs play a role in mediating the adhesion of neutrophils or lymphocytes to activated EC; and (3) to analyze human sera for the presence of autoantibodies against EC GSL antigens. The third project concerns the biochemistry of an unusual autosomal dominant blood group abnormality. The phenotype In(Lu) is characterized by suppressed expression of several blood group antigens. Our recent studies of In(Lu) erythrocytes have revealed new features of this phenotype, including structural abnormalities and defects in cation metabolism.
The aim of this project is to identify the abnormality in glycosylation that we believe is the primary defect that underlies the In(Lu) phenotype.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37AI017712-14
Application #
3480928
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Project Start
1980-07-01
Project End
1997-06-30
Budget Start
1993-07-01
Budget End
1994-06-30
Support Year
14
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Baylor College of Medicine
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
074615394
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
Qiu, J X; Marcus, D M (1999) Use of peptide ligands to analyze the fine specificity of antibodies against asialo GM1. J Neuroimmunol 100:58-63
Qiu, J X; Kai, M; Padlan, E A et al. (1999) Structure-function studies of an anti-asialo GM1 antibody obtained from a phage display library. J Neuroimmunol 97:172-81
Gillard, B K; Clement, R G; Marcus, D M (1998) Variations among cell lines in the synthesis of sphingolipids in de novo and recycling pathways. Glycobiology 8:885-90
Dinh, Q; Weng, N P; Kiso, M et al. (1996) High affinity antibodies against Lex and sialyl Lex from a phage display library. J Immunol 157:732-8
Gillard, B K; Harrell, R G; Marcus, D M (1996) Pathways of glycosphingolipid biosynthesis in SW13 cells in the presence and absence of vimentin intermediate filaments. Glycobiology 6:33-42
Marcus, D M; Weng, N (1994) The structure of human anti-ganglioside antibodies. Prog Brain Res 101:289-93
Gillard, B K; Thurmon, L T; Harrell, R G et al. (1994) Biosynthesis of glycosphingolipids is reduced in the absence of a vimentin intermediate filament network. J Cell Sci 107 ( Pt 12):3545-55
Weng, N P; Ritter, E; Yucel, E et al. (1994) Specificity and structure of murine monoclonal antibodies against GM1 ganglioside. J Neuroimmunol 55:61-8
Snyder, J G; Dinh, Q; Morrison, S L et al. (1994) Structure-function studies of anti-3-fucosyllactosamine (Le(x)) and galactosylgloboside antibodies. J Immunol 153:1161-70
Gillard, B K; Thurmon, L T; Marcus, D M (1993) Variable subcellular localization of glycosphingolipids. Glycobiology 3:57-67

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