IgG Fc-binding protein positively regulates the assembly of pore-forming protein complex ßγ-CAT evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport.

Cell membranes form barriers for molecule exchange between the cytosol and the extracellular environments. ßγ-CAT, a complex of pore-forming protein BmALP1 (two ßγ-crystallin domains with an aerolysin pore-forming domain) and the trefoil factor BmTFF3, has been identified in toad Bombina maxima. It plays pivotal roles, via inducing channel formation in various intracellular or extracellular vesicles, as well as in nutrient acquisition, maintaining water balance, and antigen presentation. Thus, such a protein machine should be tightly regulated. Indeed, BmALP3 (a paralog of BmALP1) oxidizes BmALP1 to form a water-soluble polymer, leading to dissociation of the ßγ-CAT complex and loss of biological activity. Here, we found that the B. maxima IgG Fc-binding protein (FCGBP), a well-conserved vertebrate mucin-like protein with unknown functions, acted as a positive regulator for ßγ-CAT complex assembly. The interactions among FCGBP, BmALP1, and BmTFF3 were revealed by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Interestingly, FCGBP reversed the inhibitory effect of BmALP3 on the ßγ-CAT complex. Furthermore, FCGBP reduced BmALP1 polymers and facilitated the assembly of ßγ-CAT with the biological pore-forming activity in the presence of BmTFF3. Our findings define the role of FCGBP in mediating the assembly of a pore-forming protein machine evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport.

Different Forms of TFF3 in the Human Endocervix, including a Complex with IgG Fc Binding Protein (FCGBP), and Further Aspects of the Cervico-Vaginal Innate Immune Barrier.

TFF3 is a typical secretory poplypeptide of mucous epithelia belonging to the trefoil factor family (TFF) of lectins. In the intestine, respiratory tract, and saliva, TFF3 mainly exists as a high-molecular-mass complex with IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP), which is indicative of a role in mucosal innate immunity. For the first time, we identified different forms of TFF3 in the endocervix, i.e., monomeric and homodimeric TFF3, as well as a high-molecular-mass TFF3-FCGBP complex; the latter also exists in a hardly soluble form. Immunohistochemistry co-localized TFF3 and FCGBP. Expression analyses of endocervical and post-menopausal vaginal specimens revealed a lack of mucin and TFF3 transcripts in the vaginal specimens. In contrast, genes encoding other typical components of the innate immune defense were expressed in both the endocervix and vagina. Of note, FCGBP is possibly fucosylated. Endocervical specimens from transgender individuals after hormonal therapy showed diminished expression, particularly of FCGBP. Furthermore, mucus swabs from the endocervix and vagina were analyzed concerning TFF3, FCGBP, and lysozyme. It was the aim of this study to illuminate several aspects of the cervico-vaginal innate immune barrier, which is clinically relevant as bacterial and viral infections are also linked to infertility, pre-term birth and cervical cancer.

Different Molecular Forms of TFF3 in the Human Respiratory Tract: Heterodimerization with IgG Fc Binding Protein (FCGBP) and Proteolytic Cleavage in Bronchial Secretions.

The polypeptide TFF3 belongs to the trefoil factor family (TFF) of lectins. TFF3 is typically secreted from mucous epithelia together with mucins. Both intestinal and salivary TFF3 mainly exist as disulfide-linked heterodimers with IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP). Here, we investigated bronchial tissue specimens, bronchial secretions, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) background by fast protein liquid chromatography and proteomics. For the first time, we identified different molecular forms of TFF3 in the lung. The high-molecular mass form represents TFF3-FCGBP oligomers, whereas the low-molecular mass forms are homodimeric and monomeric TFF3 with possibly anti-apoptotic activities. In addition, disulfide-linked TFF3 heterodimers with an Mr of about 60k and 30k were detected in both bronchial secretions and BAL fluid. In these liquids, TFF3 is partly N-terminally truncated probably by neutrophil elastase cleavage. TFF3-FCGBP is likely involved in the mucosal innate immune defense against microbial infections. We discuss a hypothetical model how TFF3 might control FCGBP oligomerization. Furthermore, we did not find indications for interactions of TFF3-FCGBP with DMBT1gp340 or the mucin MUC5AC, glycoproteins involved in mucosal innate immunity. Surprisingly, bronchial MUC5AC appeared to be degraded when compared with gastric MUC5AC.

Different Forms of TFF3 in the Human Saliva: Heterodimerization with IgG Fc Binding Protein (FCGBP).

The peptide TFF3 is a member of a family of secretory lectins, and is typically synthesized by mucous epithelia together with mucins. It is mainly released from intestinal goblet cells as a high-molecular mass heterodimer with IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP). Herein, we investigated human saliva by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and proteomics and identified high- and low-molecular-mass forms of TFF3. Whereas the high-molecular-mass forms represent a heterodimer with FCGBP, the low-molecular-mass forms represent homodimeric TFF3 forms. Proteomic analysis also revealed a C-terminally truncated form of TFF3. We hypothesize that salivary TFF3-FCGBP might play a role in the innate immune defense of the oral cavity and that TFF3 might also bind to microbial glycans. The known interaction of TFF3 with the agglutinin DMBT-1, a typical constituent of human saliva, further supports this protective role.

Transcriptional Responses in the Murine Spleen after Toxoplasma gondii Infection: Inflammasome and Mucus-Associated Genes.

The spleen plays an important role in coordinating both adaptive and innate immune responses. Here, the transcriptional response to T. gondii infection in the murine spleen was characterized concerning inflammasome sensors (two different models: seven days after oral or four weeks after intraperitoneal infection). Additionally, Tff1KO and Tff3KO mice were investigated because TFF genes are often upregulated during inflammation. The expression of the pattern-recognition receptors Nlrp3, Nlrp12, and Nlrp1a was significantly increased after infection. This increase was diminished in Tff1KO and Tff3KO mice pointing towards a positive regulation of the inflammatory response by Tff1 and Tff3. Furthermore, the transcription of Tff1 (encoding a motogenic lectin) and other secretory genes was analyzed, i.e., gastrokines (Gkn), IgG Fc binding protein (Fcgbp), and the mucin Muc2. The corresponding gene products belong to an interactome protecting mucous epithelia. Tff1 was significantly induced after infection, which might increase the motility of immune cells. In contrast, Gkn3, Fcgbp, and Muc2 were downregulated seven days after oral infection; whereas four weeks after i.p. infection only Gkn3 remained downregulated. This might be an indication that Gkn3, Fcgbp, and Muc2 are involved in the transient disruption of the splenic architecture and its reorganization, which is characteristic after T. gondii infection.

Multi-Omics Analyses to Identify FCGBP as a Potential Predictor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

(Purpose) Previous studies have pointed out the significance of IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP) in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and tumor immunity in certain malignancies. However, its prognostic values, molecular interaction, and immune characteristics in the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remained unclear. (Methods) To evaluate the potential role of the FCGBP gene, we used GEPIA2 and UALCAN platforms to explore the differential levels, survivals, and genetic alteration through cBioPortal (based on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset). STRING, GeneMania, and TIMER2.0 identified the interacting networks. LinkedOmics performed Gene enrichment analysis, and TISIDB and TIMER2.0 evaluated the role of FCGBP in the tumor microenvironment. (Results) The expression level of FCGBP is lower in cancer tissues. A high FCGBP level is significantly associated with better overall- and disease-specific-survivals, regardless of human papillomavirus infection. Low FCGBP levels correlated to a higher tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation rate (p = 0.018). FCGBP alteration significantly co-occurred with that of TP53 (q = 0.037). Interacting networks revealed a significant association between FGFBP and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), a novel prognostic marker in various cancers, at transcriptional and translational levels. Enrichment analyses identified that the top gene sets predominantly related to immune and inflammatory responses. Further investigation found that the FCGBP mRNA level positively correlated to the infiltration rates of B cells, Th17/CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper follicular cells, mast cells, and expression levels of various immune molecules and immune checkpoints in HNSC. (Conclusions) We found that the FCGBP mRNA level negatively correlated to TP53 mutation status while positively correlated to the TFF3 level. Additionally, FCGBP may regulate the tumor microenvironment. These findings support the FCGBP as a potential biomarker to estimate HNSC prognoses.

IgG Fc Binding Protein (FCGBP) is Down-Regulated in Metastatic Lesions and Predicts Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: The liver is the most frequent site for metastatic spread in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, and these patients have much poorer prognosis than those without metastasis. Previous studies have shown that IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP) plays important roles in tumorigenesis, progression, and prognosis, but its role in CRC metastasis remains unclear. PURPOSE: In this study, we are aimed to explore the significance of FCGBP in liver metastatic CRC (LMCRC) patients. METHODS: We analyzed the expression of FCGBP RNA between CRC primary samples and liver metastatic samples in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Next, we assessed the expression of FCGBP protein in 135 paired primary CRC (PC) samples and LMCRC samples. Finally, we explored the relationship between the expression features and clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: The expression data of FCGBP were obtained from the GEO and TCGA databases. FCGBP RNA expression was evaluated between primary lesions (PC) and liver metastatic lesions (LM). FCGBP RNA was down-regulated in PC and LM, and especially lower in LM (p<0.001). Next, the expression of FCGBP protein was evaluated by an immunohistochemistry array in 135 paired primary tumor tissues and metastatic tissues. We found that FCGBP protein was down-regulated in primary lesions and metastatic lesions, especially in metastatic lesions. According to the immunohistochemistry score (SI), each cohort was divided into FCGBP-positive (SI=4-12) and FCGBP-negative (SI=0-3) groups. In both groups, the levels of CEA (PC group, 3.880 vs 77.049, p<0.001; LM group, 3.890 vs 14.239, p=0.008) and CA19-9 (PC group, 8.610 vs 111.700, p<0.001; LM group, 7.660 vs 19.380, p=0.037) were lower than those in the FCGBP-negative group. FCGBP positivity in the LM cohort was an independent risk factor in both overall survival (HR 1.573, 95% Cl [1.017-2.433], p=0.042) and disease-free survival (HR 1.869, 95% Cl [1.256-2.781], p=0.002). CONCLUSION: This study found a relationship between FCGBP expression and clinical information of LMCRC patients, and found that FCGBP expression decreased with disease development. The expression of FCGBP in liver metastasis is associated with both the overall and progression-free survival. Our results show that FCGBP could be a promising prognostic factor for LMCRC.

Neglected roles of IgG Fc-binding protein secreted from airway mucin-producing cells in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Both innate immunity and acquired immunity are involved in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The induction of Abs that neutralize the virus has been described, and certain Abs against endemic coronaviruses may cross-react with SARS-CoV-2. Detailed mechanisms to protect against the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 remain unresolved. We previously reported that IgG Fc-binding protein (Fcγbp), a unique, large molecular weight, and mucin-like secretory Fc receptor protein, secreted from goblet cells of human small and large intestine, mediates the transportation of serum IgG onto the mucosal surface. In this review, we show that mucous bronchial gland cells and some goblet cells are immunoreactive for Fcγbp. Fcγbp traps the cross-reactive (both neutralizing and non-neutralizing) IgG bound to the virus and can consequently eliminate the virus from the mucosal surface to decrease viral loads. Fcγbp can also suppress immune overreaction by interfering with Fc-binding by macrophages and competing with complement fixation. Fcγbp secreted from mucin-producing cells of the airway functions as an important anti-infection mucosal defense. The Fcγbp-mediated mechanism can be a key factor in explaining why SARS-CoV-2 is less infective/lethal in children, and may also be involved in the unique Ab response, recurrent infection, and effects of serum therapy and vaccination.