We analyzed the binding mechanism of human recombinant lung surfactant protein A (SP-A) to rat alveolar macrophages using anti-SP-A antiserum and protein A coated onto gold particles. Results were compared with our recent data on binding and uptake of SP-A-coated colloidal gold particles. The rationale for the current approach was to avoid any possible steric effects on SP-A binding to the cell surface. Binding of unlabeled SP-A depends on the presence of calcium ions in the medium and involves a mannose-specific mechanism. Binding is partly inhibited by the collagenase-resistent fragment of SP-A, representing mainly the globular part of SP-A. Taken together, these facts indicate binding of SP-A via the carbohydrate binding site on the globular region of SP-A. On the other hand, a partial inhibition of SP-A binding by fragments of Clq (representing the collagenous region of Clq) indicates a second binding site for SP-A by the collagen-like portion to the Clq receptor of macrophages. We conclude that two different mechanisms are probably involved in SP-A binding to alveolar macrophages. Specificity of the binding was shown with fluorescein-labeled SP-A. Binding was inhibited by an excess of unlabeled SP-A. Binding and uptake of SP-A are seen only with alveolar macrophages and not with other macrophage populations isolated from rat, such a s liver macrophages (Kupffer cells), resident peritoneal macrophages, and peritoneal macrophages activated by Corynebacterium paruum. Therefore, binding sites for SP-A occur exclusively on alveolar macrophages. In addition, the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the lung macrophages was determined by using the fluorescent dye fura-2lAM. Intracellular [Ca2+l increased immediately after addition of SP-A. This indicates immediate activation of macrophages by SP-A.
Clq, Calcium, Specific binding, SP-A