Shiho Kodama

Role of the C-terminus in the biological activity of human interleukin 5

Alterations of the C-terminal amino acid sequence of recombinant human interleukin 5 (rhIL-5) caused significant changes in its biological activity. Removal of eight amino acids from the C-terminus of rhIL-5 by CNBr treatment led to a complete loss of biological activity as determined by the BCL1 cell IgM-inducing assay. Oxidation of Met residue located at C-terminus also resulted in a loss of activity. These results suggest that the C-terminal amino acids of rhIL-5 are crucial for its biological actions.

Purification, cDNA Cloning, and Characterization of a New Serpin with Megakaryocyte Maturation Activity

A new member of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily with megakaryocyte maturation activity was purified, and its cDNA was cloned and characterized. The predicted amino acid sequence consisting of 380 residues was unique and was 38% identical to the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2). The recombinant factor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells showed species-specific activity on the induction of megakaryocyte maturationin vitro. When injected into mice, the factor indeed elicited an increase in the number of platelets in plasma. The sequence alignment indicated that the factor possessed a lysine residue at the P1 position, suggesting that it might function as an inhibitor of Lys-specific proteases. Although we could not show any inhibitory activities toward several known Lys-specific proteases, we detected the activity toward protease activity present in the culture supernatant of COLO 201 cells. These results suggested that the protein might influence the maturation of megakaryocytes via action as a serpin.

Interaction of interleukin-5 with its receptors on murine leukemic BCL1 cells and its implication in biological activity

Interaction of interleukin (IL)-5 with its receptors on murine leukemic cell line, BCL1 cells was examined. 125I-labeled recombinant murine IL-5(rmIL-5) bound specifically to high-affinity receptors on BCL1 cells. rmIL-5, which was about 2500-fold more active than recombinant human IL-5(rhIL-5) in IgM-inducing activity on BCL1 cells, also showed about 5000-fold higher affinity to receptors. These results suggest that the bioactivity of IL-5 correlates with its receptor-binding activity. When disulfide bond formation was blocked, rmIL-5 dissociated into a monomer and lost its biological activity. This monomeric form of rmIL-5 also lost its ability to bind to cells, suggesting that dimer formation is essential for the biological activity of IL-5.