Complement component C1 and the collectins – first-line defense molecules in innate and acquired immunity

Abstract The 5th International Workshop on C1 and the Collectins was held in Lufthansa-Bildungszentrum, Seeheim, Germany from 26–28 October 2001.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the complementary DNA coding for the B-chain of murine Clq

AbstractcDNA clones coding for the B-chain of murine Clq were isolated from a mouse macrophage library. The characterized clones include the total coding region plus a leader sequence. High homology was found with human Clq B-chain in the coding region (81%). Northern blot analysis of total RNA from different tissues of Balb/c mice showed one band of approximately 1.2 kb. The highest signal was found in RNA preparations of thioglycolate-activated peritoneal macrophages. The probe also hybridized with mRNA from spleen, thymus and heart. Extremely weak signals were found in liver, kidney, lung and intestine tissues.

Complement activation and innate immunity

Isolation, sequence analysis and characterization of cDNA clones coding for the C chain of mouse C1q. Sequence similarity of complement subcomponent C1q, collagen type VIII and type X and precerebellin

A mouse macrophage lambda gt11 cDNA library was screened using a genomic DNA clone coding for the C-chain gene of human C1q. Approximately 600,000 recombinant phage plaques were hybridized with peroxidase-labeled human C-chain probe and detected by enhanced chemiluminescence. Five positive clones were obtained. The size of the full-length cDNA is 1019 bp. The sequence identity of the nucleotide sequence with human C1q C chain is 79%, the identity of the deduced amino acid sequences is 73%. The mouse C1q C chain exhibits the same structural features as the human C chain, e.g. conservation of the cysteine residues. Like the mouse A chain, the mouse C chain has an RGD sequence that may be reco…