Human plasma contains naturally occurring autoantibodies to the predominant components of the erythrocyte membrane: band 3 and spectrin bands 1 and 2 of the cytoskeleton. The titer of cytoskeletal plasma autoantibodies increases in various hemolytic conditions, suggesting that opsonization of the cytoskeleton may play an important role in the clearance of hemolyzed (not senescent) erythrocytes ...

The encapsulated pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is poorly recognized by phagocytic cells in the absence of opsonins. Macrophages will bind and internalize complement- or antibody-opsonized C. neoformans; however, less is known about the role of opsonins in dendritic cell (DC)-mediated recognition of the organism. Thus, we studied the opsonic requirements for binding to C. neoformans b...

Infection of susceptible hosts by the encapsulated Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) causes melioidosis, with septic patients attaining mortality rates ≥ 40%. Due to its high infectivity through inhalation and limited effective therapies, Bp is considered a potential bioweapon. Thus, there is great interest in identifying immune effectors that effectively kill Bp. Our goal ...

Interaction with the complement system is an underappreciated aspect of HIV-1 infection; even in primary infection, complement fragments are found on virions with potential to affect the interplay between the virus and dendritic cells (DC). Since opsonization may affect the efficiency of uptake and the type of receptors utilized, we compared the interactions of DC with free HIV-1 (F-HIV) and co...

Opsonization with normal human serum, purified immunoglobulin G, or immunoglobulin G-deficient serum promoted phagocytosis of Listeria monocytogenes by human peritoneal macrophages. However, normal human serum was the most effective opsonin in elicting killing and chemiluminescent responses. Macrophages phagocytized and killed almost as much as polymorphonuclear leukocytes but produced consider...

We have used a set of overlapping chemically synthesized peptides representing the amino terminus of type 5 streptococcal M protein to localize protective, as opposed to nonprotective and tissue-crossreactive epitopes that might be appropriate for vaccine formulations. Rabbit antisera raised against SM5(1-35) reacted in high titer with pep M5 by ELISA and opsonized type 5 streptococci. None of ...

Seminal plasma diluted 1:5-1:1,000 gave marked inhibition of serum antibody complement-mediated bactericidal and opsonic effects against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and other gram-negative organisms. Serum that was bactericidal at a dilution of 1:5,120 was not bactericidal at a dilution of 1:10 when seminal plasma was added. Bactericidal action of immune human or rabbit sera, or purified immunoglobul...

Tumor cells may inhibit the induction of a complement-mediated inflammatory response through overexpression of membrane-bound regulators of complement activation. Therefore, it is of interest to determine the most efficient approach to block these membrane-bound complement regulators on tumor cells. In the present study, we first generated a bispecific mAb directed against both CD55, using the ...

Identification of therapeutics against emerging and re-emerging viruses remains a continued priority that is only reinforced by the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Advances in monoclonal antibody (mAb) isolation, characterization, production make it viable option for rapid treatment development. While mAbs are traditionally screened selected based on potency neutralization vitro, clear additional f...