Carmela Kantor

Tumor targeting with a selective gelatinase inhibitor

Several lines of evidence suggest that tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis are dependent on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. However, the lack of inhibitors specific for the type IV collagenase/gelatinase family of MMPs has thus far prevented the selective targeting of MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B) for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Here, we describe the isolation of specific gelatinase inhibitors from phage display peptide libraries. We show that cyclic peptides containing the sequence HWGF are potent and selective inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 but not of several other MMP family members. Our prototype synthetic peptide, CTTHWGFTLC, inhibits the migration of human endothelial cells and tumor cells. Moreover, it prevents tumor growth and invasion in animal models and improves survival of mice bearing human tumors. Finally, we show that CTTHWGFTLC–displaying phage specifically target angiogenic blood vessels in vivo. Selective gelatinase inhibitors may prove useful in tumor targeting and anticancer therapies.

Identification of a novel adhesion molecule in human leukocytes by monoclonal antibody LB-2

Monoclonal antibody LB‐2 to a surface antigen on human B cells, lymphoblast, monocytes and vascular endothelial cells largely inhibited adhesion among Epstein Barr virus‐immortalized normal B cells (EBV‐B) and concanavalin A‐stimulated blood mononuclear cells (Con A‐BMC) before and after phorbol ester treatment. The antibody inhibited to a lesser extent phorbol ester‐induced aggregation of monocytes, U937 cells and fresh BMC and had virtually no inhibitory effect on the adhesion among enriched T cells and granulocytes. A surface glycoprotein band of 84 kDa was obtained from EBV‐B cells by immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis. Immunological and biochemical studies clearly distinguished this molecule from gp90 and associated glycoproteins which also mediate leukocyte adhesion.

Immunological Mapping of the Human Leucocyte Adhesion Glycoprotein gp90 (CD 18) by Monoclonal Antibodies

The leucocyte surface glycoproteins CD11a (gp160, LFA‐1 antigen, TA‐1 antigen), CD11b (gp155, Mac‐1 antigen, Mo‐1 antigen), CD11c (gp 130, Leu‐M5 antigen), and CD18 (gp90) constitute three heterodimers with different α chain and a common β chain Monoclonal antibodies to CD11a, b, or c block adhesion of certain types of leucocytes only, while several antibodies to CD 18 inhibit adhesion in all of them. The functionally important site or sites on CD 18 are not known. We have now isolated the CD11a,b,c‐CD18 leucocyte antigen complex in large amounts from human leucocytes, and produced several new monoclonal antibodies reacting with CD18. One of these antibodies, like those described earlier, inhibits leucocyte adhesion, whereas the others do not. By means of competition experiments, at least four epitope regions were found. These antibodies should be valuable in elucidating the regions essential in CD18‐mediated leucocyte functions.

The pivotal role of the Leu-CAM and ICAM molecules in human leukocyte adhesion

Cellular adhesion is of fundamental importance in leukocyte physiology. It is a complex, strictly regulated process, which involves the participation of several cell surface glycoproteins. Among the most important are the Leu-CAMs or the CD11/CD18 integrin receptors, and their adhesion ligands ICAM-1 (CD54) and ICAM-2. In this review we summarize some recent work on various aspects of these molecules.

Leukocyte Adhesion’an Integrated Molecular Process at the Leukocyte Plasma Membrane

Leukocyte adhesion is of pivotal functional importance, because most leukocyte functions depend on cell–cell contact. It must be strictly controlled, both at the level of specificity and strength of interaction, and therefore several molecular systems are involved. The most important leukocyte adhesion molecules are the selectins, the leukocyte-specific β2-integrins and the intercellular adhesion molecules. The selectins induce an initial weak contact between cells, whereas firm adhesion is achieved through integrin–intercellular adhesion molecular binding. Although studies during the past twenty years have revealed several important features of leukocyte adhesion much is still poorly understood, and further work dealing with several aspects of adhesion is urgently needed. In this short essay, we review some recent developments in the field.

Leukocyte adhesion - a fundamental process in leukocyte physiology

Leukocyte adhesion is of pivotal functional importance. The adhesion involves several different adhesion molecules, the most important of which are the leukocyte beta 2-integrins (CD11/CD18), the intercellular adhesion molecules, and the selectins. We and others have extensively studied the specificity and binding sites in the integrins and the intercellular adhesion molecules for their receptors and ligands. The integrins have to become activated to exert their functions but the possible mechanisms of activation remain poorly understood. Importantly, a few novel intercellular adhesion molecules have been recently described, which seem to function only in specific tissues. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly apparent that changes in integrins and intercellular adhesion molecules are associated with a number of acute and chronic diseases.

Expression and characterization of a B cell growth promoting polypeptide derived from the 12 kDa B cell growth factor gene (BCGF 1)

The expression and partial purification of recombinant 12 kDa B cell growth factor are reported. The polypeptide was derived from the genomic sequence of the gene (BCGF 1) which is here shown to be a single copy gene that localizes to human chromosome 16. When expressed as a glutathione S‐transferase fusion protein in E. coli, the protein appears as a 38 kDa polypeptide in Western blot analysis using a peptide antibody. The purified fusion protein stimulates the proliferation of activated human B cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and the active site resides within the 104 carboxy‐terminal amino acids. The availability of biologically active recombinant 12 kDa B cell growth factor will enable its evaluation in B cell growth regulation, and provides a new means of in vitro culturing of human B lymphocytes.