Modification of alpha 2-macroglobulin into a macrophage-activating factor through the action of liposome-stimulated B-cell membranous glycosidases.

The serum glycoprotein alpha 2-macroglobulin can be converted into a potent macrophage-activating factor that promotes the Fc gamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis of macrophages, through modification of the sugar moiety with liposome-treated B-cell glycosidase(s). This paper discusses the activation mechanism of B-cell membranous glycosidase by liposomes using mouse splenic B cells. B-cell membranous beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase were significantly activated by liposome treatment, and this process can be regulated by trypsin-sensitive protein. To clarify the contribution of trypsin-sensitive protein to enzyme activities, the B-cell surface antigen receptor was studied. With the addition of a Fab' fragment of anti-mouse IgM but not IgD antibody, the activation of both glycosidases induced by liposomes was significantly inhibited and was essentially the same as that of saline-treated glycosidase activities. Consequently, interactions of liposomes with cell-surface IgM may cause B-cell membranous glycosidase activation. A significant decrease in membrane fluidity, particularly near the membrane surface rather than deep within the membrane, was observed in liposome-treated B cells using electron spin resonance. Liposomes would thus appear to interact with B cells via cell-surface IgM, with a consequent decrease in membrane fluidity, as well as the activation of B-cell membranous glycosidases, causing alpha 2-macroglobulin to be converted into a macrophage activating factor.