C E Larsen

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA

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Publications (11)37.41 Total impact

  • Chapter: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Blocks and Haplotypes: Human MHC Block Diversity
    09/2006; , ISBN: 9783527600908
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    Article: HLA-Cw*0409N is associated with HLA-A*2301 and HLA-B*4403-carrying haplotypes.
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    ABSTRACT: The associations of HLA-B*4402 and HLA-B*4403 with alleles of HLA-A and HLA-Cw were investigated in panels of HLA-B*4403 and HLA-B*4402 homozygous individuals and in selected individuals carrying HLA-Cw*04 and HLA-B*4403. Some of these individuals were genotyped and also carried (HLA-DRB1*0701, DQB1*02). Among the latter, we studied individuals carrying the conserved extended haplotype (CEH) [HLA-Cw*04, B*4403, FC31, DRB1*0701, DQB1*02]. Four different common (HLA-Cw*, B*44) haplotypes were identified that extended to the HLA-A locus: HLA-A*0201, Cw*0501, B*4402; HLA-A*2902, Cw*1601, B*4403; HLA-A*2301, Cw*0401, B*4403; and HLA-A*2301, Cw*0409N, B*4403. We identified eight unrelated examples of the allele HLA-Cw*0409N. HLA-A*2301 was associated with both HLA-Cw*0401 and HLA-Cw*0409N, suggesting that HLA-Cw*0409N may have arisen from a mutation in a CEH. We estimate that approximately 2 to 5 in 1000 Caucasian individuals carry the allele HLA-Cw*0409N, making it one of the most frequent null HLA alleles known to date. Our findings demonstrate the first example of three different HLA-Cw-determined subtypes of a common or CEH carrying a shared HLA-B allele, in this case HLA-B*4403.
    Human Immunology 03/2004; 65(2):181-7. · 2.84 Impact Factor
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    Article: Inheritable variable sizes of DNA stretches in the human MHC: conserved extended haplotypes and their fragments or blocks.
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    ABSTRACT: The difference in sizes of conserved stretches of DNA sequence within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in human individuals constitutes an underappreciated genetic diversity that has many practical implications. We developed a model to describe the variable sizes of stretches of conserved DNA in the MHC using the known frequencies of four different kinds of small (< 0.2 Mb) blocks of relatively conserved DNA sequence: HLA-Cw/B; TNF; complotype; and HLA-DR/DQ. Each of these small blocks is composed of two or more alleles of closely linked loci inherited as one genetic unit. We updated the concept of the conserved extended haplotype (CEH) using HLA allele identification and TNF microsatellites to show that specific combinations of the four blocks form single genetic units (>/= 1.5 Mb) with a total haplotype frequency in the Caucasian population of 0.30. Some CEHs extend to the HLA-A and -DPB1 loci forming fixed genetic units of up to at least 3.2 Mb of DNA. Finally, intermediate fragments of CEHs also exist, which are, nevertheless, larger than any of the four small blocks. This complexity of genetic fixity at various levels should be taken into account in studies of genetic disease association, immune response control, and human diversity. This knowledge could also be used for matching CEHs and their fragments for patients undergoing allotransplantation.
    Tissue Antigens 07/2003; 62(1):1-20. · 2.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Inheritable variable sizes of DNA stretches in the human MHC: conserved extended haplotypes and their fragments or blocks
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT:   The difference in sizes of conserved stretches of DNA sequence within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in human individuals constitutes an underappreciated genetic diversity that has many practical implications. We developed a model to describe the variable sizes of stretches of conserved DNA in the MHC using the known frequencies of four different kinds of small (< 0.2 Mb) blocks of relatively conserved DNA sequence: HLA-Cw/B; TNF; complotype; and HLA-DR/DQ. Each of these small blocks is composed of two or more alleles of closely linked loci inherited as one genetic unit. We updated the concept of the conserved extended haplotype (CEH) using HLA allele identification and TNF microsatellites to show that specific combinations of the four blocks form single genetic units (≥ 1.5 Mb) with a total haplotype frequency in the Caucasian population of 0.30. Some CEHs extend to the HLA-A and -DPB1 loci forming fixed genetic units of up to at least 3.2 Mb of DNA. Finally, intermediate fragments of CEHs also exist, which are, nevertheless, larger than any of the four small blocks. This complexity of genetic fixity at various levels should be taken into account in studies of genetic disease association, immune response control, and human diversity. This knowledge could also be used for matching CEHs and their fragments for patients undergoing allotransplantation.
    Tissue Antigens 06/2003; 62(1):1 - 20. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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    Article: Hepatitis B surface antigen- and tetanus toxoid-specific clonal expansion of CD4+ cells in vitro determined by TCRBV CDR3 length and nucleotide sequence.
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    ABSTRACT: We demonstrate activation of primary human TCRBV-specific CD4+ cells in vitro towards hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and tetanus toxoid (TT) without the use of cell lines, clones or added cytokines. By multiplex PCR analysis and spectratyping, antigen-activated cells exhibited clonal T cell receptor expansion within specific and limited TCRBV families. The expanded CD4+ T cells were CD45RO. Three of four unrelated HBsAg responders showed CD4+ expansion within the TCRBV16 family. The response comprised predominantly single CDR3 sequences in all three donors and was completely monoclonal in one of them. However, the CDR3 lengths and sequences differed among the responders. Clonality induced by HBsAg in TCRBV16 was specific, reproducible and distinct from that induced by TT in terms of sequence, nucleotide addition and diversity (BD) or junctional (BJ) element usage. Thus, for the first time, we show monoclonal or oligoclonal expansion of primary human CD4- peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro in response to nominal protein antigen without manipulations utilizing exogenous IL-2. The ability to induce monoclonal/ oligoclonal responses to HBsAg now permits motif identification studies for determining the T cell role in nonresponsiveness to the HBsAg vaccine.
    Genes and Immunity 03/2001; 2(1):11-9. · 3.87 Impact Factor
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    Article: Immunotargeting of liposomes to activated vascular endothelial cells: a strategy for site-selective delivery in the cardiovascular system.
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    ABSTRACT: Endothelial-selective delivery of therapeutic agents, such as drugs or genes, would provide a useful tool for modifying vascular function in various disease states. A potential molecular target for such delivery is E-selectin, an endothelial-specific cell surface molecule expressed at sites of activation in vivo and inducible in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by treatment with cytokines such as recombinant human interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta). Liposomes of various types (classical, sterically stabilized, cationic, pH-sensitive), each conjugated with mAb H18/7, a murine monoclonal antibody that recognizes the extracellular domain of E-selectin, bound selectively and specifically to IL-1beta-activated HUVEC at levels up to 275-fold higher than to unactivated HUVEC. E-selectin-targeted immunoliposomes appeared in acidic, perinuclear vesicles 2-4 hr after binding to the cell surface, consistent with internalization via the endosome/lysosome pathway. Activated HUVEC incubated with E-selectin-targeted immunoliposomes, loaded with the cytotoxic agent doxorubicin, exhibited significantly decreased cell survival, whereas unactivated HUVEC were unaffected by such treatment. These results demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting cell surface activation markers for the endothelial-selective delivery of biologically active agents via immunoliposomes. Application of this targeting approach in vivo may lead to novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 09/1997; 94(16):8795-800. · 9.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) fusion with model membranes: kinetic analysis and the role of lipid composition, pH and divalent cations.
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    ABSTRACT: The kinetics and extent of HIV-1 fusion with model membranes was studied. HIV-1 was labeled with octadecyl rhodamine B chloride, and fusion was monitored continuously as the dilution of the probe into target membranes. The results were analyzed by a mass action model which yielded good simulations and predictions for the kinetics and final extents of fluorescence increase. The model determined the percent of virions capable of fusing and rate constants of fusion, aggregation and dissociation. Ultrastructural analysis of the virus and reaction products by electron microscopy also provided evidence of HIV-1 fusion with membranes lacking CD4. HIV-1 fusion activity depends on the target membrane lipid composition according to the sequence: cardiolipin (CL) > > phosphatidylinositol > CL/dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) (3:7), phosphatidic acid > phosphatidylserine (PS), PS/cholesterol (2:1) > PS/PC (1:1), PS/phosphatidylethanolamine (1:1) > DOPC, erythrocyte ghosts. Reduction of pH from 7.5 generally enhances the rate and extent of HIV-1 fusion. Physiologically relevant concentrations of calcium stimulate HIV-1 fusion with several liposome compositions and with erythrocyte ghost membranes. The fusion products of HIV-1 with liposomes consist of a single virus and several liposomes. The mass action analysis revealed that, compared to intact virions, the fusion products show a striking reduction in the fusion rate constant. Like influenza and Sendai viruses, HIV-1 fusion with membranes containing its own envelope glycoprotein(s) is strongly inhibited. Unlike these viruses, HIV-1 fusion is promoted by physiological levels of calcium. HIV-1 fusion with liposomes is qualitatively similar to simian immunodeficiency virus fusion.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 05/1993; 1147(2):223-36. · 4.66 Impact Factor
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    Article: Enhancement of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection by cationic liposomes: the role of CD4, serum and liposome-cell interactions.
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    ABSTRACT: We have reported previously the enhancement of the infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) by liposomes composed of the cationic lipid N-[2,3-(dioleyloxy) propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA). To determine the mechanism by which this process occurs, we have investigated the role of CD4, serum concentration and liposome-cell interactions in the DOTMA-mediated stimulation of HIV-1 infection of A3.01 cells. Serum alone significantly inhibited the binding and infectivity of HIV-1, but DOTMA-mediated enhancement of infectivity was more pronounced in the presence of serum than in its absence. HIV-1 binding to cells was increased in the presence of DOTMA liposomes, DEAE-dextran and polybrene, all of which also enhanced infectivity to a similar extent at comparable concentrations. Fluorescence dequenching measurements indicated that DOTMA liposomes fused with HIV-1, but not with cell membranes, in the presence of serum. The enhancing effect of DOTMA liposomes on HIV-1 infectivity was CD4-dependent, and appeared to involve virus-liposome fusion and liposome binding to the cell surface. DOTMA liposomes did not mediate infection of the CD4-K562 and Raji cell lines.
    Journal of General Virology 12/1991; 72 ( Pt 11):2685-96. · 3.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Fusion of HIV-1 and SIVmac with liposomes and modulation of HIV-1 infectivity.
    Advances in experimental medicine and biology 02/1991; 300:167-89; discussion 190-2. · 1.09 Impact Factor
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    Article: Liposomes modulate human immunodeficiency virus infectivity.
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    ABSTRACT: We have investigated the effects of the fusion of liposomes with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1LVA) on the ability of the virus to infect CD4+ and CD4- cells. Fluorescence dequenching measurements indicated that HIV-1 fuses with liposomes composed of either cardiolipin (CL) or N-[2,3-(dioleyloxy) propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride (DOTMA) but not appreciably with dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) liposomes. Pre-incubation of HIV-1 with DOTMA liposomes enhanced virus production (measured by p24 gag antigen production in the culture medium and in situ) in CD4+ A3.01 and H9 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not mediate the infection of the CD4- cell line, K562. Preincubation of HIV-1 with between 10 and 30 microM-DOTMA liposomes, and subsequent incubation with A3.01 cells, resulted in the production of about 30-fold greater levels of virus than controls. The presence of DOTMA liposomes during the incubation of A3.01 cells with HIV-1 enhanced the infectivity of the virus up to 90-fold compared to controls. Conversely, preincubation of HIV-1 with CL liposomes inhibited infection of A3.01 cells, dependent on the concentration of liposomes; DOPC liposomes did not alter the infectivity of the virus under any of the incubation conditions. Our results thus indicate that fusion of HIV-1 with liposomes alters the ability of the virus to infect its target cells.
    Journal of General Virology 01/1991; 71 ( Pt 12):2899-907. · 3.36 Impact Factor
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    Article: Fusion of simian immunodeficiency virus with liposomes and erythrocyte ghost membranes: effects of lipid composition, pH and calcium.
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    ABSTRACT: Simian immunodeficiency virus from macaques (SIVmac) is closely related in its structure and biological activity to human immunodeficiency virus, and is the best animal model for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We investigated the kinetics of membrane fusion between SIVmac and phospholipid vesicles and the effects of various parameters on this process. Purified SIVmac was labelled with octadecyl rhodamine B chloride, and fusion was continuously monitored as the dilution of the probe in target membranes. These studies show that SIVmac fusion is strongly dependent upon the liposome composition. Fusion with pure cardiolipin (CL) liposomes is significantly faster than with CL/dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) (3:7), phosphatidylserine (PS) or disialoganglioside (GD1a)/DOPC (1.5:8.5) vesicles. SIVmac does not fuse appreciably with pure DOPC liposomes. Reduction of pH from 7.5 to 4.5 greatly enhances the rate of SIVmac fusion with CL, CL/DOPC and PS membranes, but does not affect fusion with DOPC or GD1a/DOPC membranes. Calcium stimulates viral fusion with CL liposomes, but not with CL/DOPC or DOPC liposomes. SIVmac fuses with human erythrocyte ghost membranes only slowly at reduced pH. Our results indicate that SIVmac can fuse with membranes lacking the known viral receptor, CD4. Although the mechanism of SIVmac fusion with model and biological membranes remains to be determined, the fusion activity of SIVmac shares similarities with other lipid-enveloped viruses such as Sendai and influenza viruses.
    Journal of General Virology 10/1990; 71 ( Pt 9):1947-55. · 3.36 Impact Factor