bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of the leukocyte common antigen CD45 by endothelium.
Authors: Forsyth K D , Chua K Y , Talbot V , Thomas W R
Published: December 2022

The CD45 family of Ag expressed by leukocytes play a key role in lymphocyte activation. In this study, we identify both a restricted pattern of expression of CD45 Ag by human endothelial cells and differences in m.w. of endothelial CD45 compared with lymphocyte CD45. Initially, immunoperoxidase staining of endothelial cells in culture revealed the presence of the CD45RO isoform provided the endothelial cells had been stimulated by IL-1 for several days. No other isoform of CD45 was detected by immunoperoxidase staining of endothelium. Leukocyte common antibodies, reputed to detect all isoforms of CD45, did not detect endothelial CD45RO. A polymerase chain reaction method was then used to demonstrate that the message for the CD45RO isoform was constitutively present, with increased levels after IL-1 stimulation. Western blot confirmed the presence of the RO isoform. No other CD45 isoform was detected, either by PCR amplification for message or by Western blot. There were clear differences between lymphocyte and endothelial CD45. The RO isoform expressed by endothelium has an estimated M(r) of 235,000 in contrast to lymphocyte RO that, on our gels, has an estimated M(r) of 190,000. Given the large surface area of endothelium (approximately 1 km2 in the human), the close apposition of lymphocytes and endothelium in immunologic tissues such as lymph nodes, and the pivotal role CD45 plays in activation, expression of CD45RO by endothelium may have important implications in lymphocyte-endothelial interactions. This is most likely to occur in endothelium after a few days of IL-1 stimulation, e.g., at sites of chronic inflammation, or in the draining lymph node of an inflammatory focus.
Monoclonal Ig L chain and L chain V domain fragment crystallization in myeloma-associated Fanconi's syndrome.
Authors: Aucouturier P , Bauwens M , Khamlichi A A , Denoroy L , Spinelli S , Touchard G , Preud'homme J L , Cogné M
Published: December 2022

Monoclonal free L chains secreted in immunoproliferative disorders are frequently involved in renal complications, including a specific proximal tubule impairment, the Fanconi's syndrome, which is generally featured by intracellular crystallization of L chain-related material. In a patient with myeloma-associated Fanconi's syndrome, hexagonal crystals (most surrounded by smooth membranes) were found in kidney proximal tubular cells and bone marrow plasma cells and phagocytes. The sequence of the patient's monoclonal kappa-chain was deduced from that of identical kappa-cDNA clones from the tumoral plasma cells. Small protein-enriched gel filtration fractions from urine yielded crystals morphologically similar and with the same 60 A periodicity on electron micrographs as those found in the cells. N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry studies showed that the crystals contained a 107-amino acid fragment (with a C-terminal lysine) corresponding to the V domain together with a low proportion of the entire kappa-chain. In vitro trypsin and pepsin treatment of the native entire kappa-chain yielded a homogeneous V domain fragment which, contrary to other monoclonal kappa-chains, was completely resistant to further proteolytic attack. The patient's kappa-chain also displayed an unusual self-reactivity, as demonstrated by a Western blot technique. The peculiar proneness of the V domain to resist proteolysis and to form crystals might prevent the normal cell catabolism of the L chain and lead to crystallization and renal impairment.
Origin of CD4-CD8-B220+ T cells in MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Clues from a T cell receptor beta transgenic mouse.
Authors: Zhou T , Bluethmann H , Eldridge J , Berry K , Mountz J D
Published: December 2022

Abnormal development of T cells in the thymus is thought to be related to autoimmune disease and the expansion of the unusual CD4-CD8-B220+ peripheral T cel subset that results in lymphadenopathy in MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Although we and others have previously shown that rearranged TCR-transgenes alter T cell development in the thymus and abrogate lymphoproliferative disease in lpr mice, the origin and developmental pathway of the LN CD4-CD8-B220+ T cells has not been fully elucidated. We therefore undertook the systematic analysis of the effect of a TCR-beta transgene on the production and differentiation of (lymph node) LN T cells and the production, differentiation, and release of thymocyte T cell populations. In nontransgenic mice, there was increased proliferation of CD4-CD8-B220+ T cells in the LN of adult MRL-lpr/lpr mice compared to MRL(-)+/+ mice, as measured by in vivo BrdU labeling. These proliferating LN T cells were greatly reduced by thymectomy of adult MRL-lpr/lpr mice 1 wk before bromodeoxyuridine labeling, indicating that recent thymic emigrants or factors were required to sustain proliferation. In the thymus, there was increased production and accumulation of CD4+CD8+TCRdull thymocytes in nontransgenic MRL-lpr/lpr compared to MRL(-)+/+ mice. As the rate of maturation from CD4+CD8+TCRdull to CD4+CD8+TCRbright was the same (6%) in both MRL-lpr/lpr and MRL(-)+/+ mice, the accumulation of the immature population in the MRL-lpr/lpr mice could not be due to a maturation defect. However, there was a decrease in apoptosis and intrathymic death of CD4+CD8+TCRdull thymocytes in MRL-lpr/lpr compared to MRL(-)+/+ mice. Introduction of the TCR-beta transgene into lpr/lpr mice normalized the proliferation of T cells in the LN. In the thymus, the TCR-beta transgene resulted in a dramatic increase in maturation efficiency and a reduction in apoptosis in MRL(-)+/+ mice. These data suggest that the TCR transgene inhibits lymphoproliferation by reducing the production of "neglected" CD4+CD8+TCRdull thymocytes that will undergo Fas Ag-mediated apoptosis. They further suggest that in lpr mice, which express a mutated Fas Ag, the "neglected" thymocytes are able to continually escape to the periphery, where they proliferate.
Abrogation of H-2-restricted CTL responses and efficient recognition of HLA-A3 molecules in DBA/2 HLA/A24 responder mice.
Authors: Barra C , Gournier H , Garcia Z , Marche P N , Jouvin-Marche E , Briand P , Fillipi P , Lemonnier F A
Published: December 2022

DBA/2 (H-2d) HLA-B7 x human beta 2-microglobulin transgenic and DBA/2 nontransgenic mice stimulated by DBA/2 HLA-A3 x human beta 2-microglobulin transgenic mouse spleen cells developed potent H-2Kd restricted cytolytic responses with recognition of a peptide from the second domain of the HLA-A3 H chain. These H-2Kd-restricted responses obliterated, as a rule, cytolytic responses with direct recognition of the HLA-A3 molecules, even in HLA-B7 transgenic mice. These immunodominant H-2Kd-restricted responses could be abrogated in DBA/2 HLA-A24 mice because of cross-tolerance, the HLA-A3 derived-H-2Kd presented peptide being shared by several (including A24) HLA class I H chain allelic variants. Under such experimental circumstances, strong CTL responses with exclusive direct recognition of HLA-A3 molecules constantly developed. Further analysis of these responses in six DBA/2 HLA-A24 responder mice indicated that a large fraction of the mouse V beta and V alpha genes could be used to mount such CTL responses. Thus, by combining classical HLA class I transgenesis and selective destruction of H-2K and H-2D genes, it should be possible to derive useful strains of mice for the study of HLA class I-restricted CTL responses.
Differential effect of IL-10 on dendritic cell-induced T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production.
Authors: Macatonia S E , Doherty T M , Knight S C , O'Garra A
Published: December 2022

IL-10 has previously been shown to inhibit cytokine production by Th1 cells by blocking macrophage accessory cell function. In this study we demonstrate that dendritic cell-induced Th1 proliferation was unaffected by IL-10, whereas macrophage-stimulated proliferation was inhibited in the same system. In contrast dendritic cell induced IFN-gamma production by the Th1 clones was down-regulated by IL-10. Inasmuch as dendritic cells have been shown to be potent APC for T cells in primary responses we determined the effect of IL-10 on dendritic cell-induced proliferation and IFN-gamma production by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Dendritic cells were effective at stimulating both proliferation and IFN-gamma secretion of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in a primary allogeneic mixed leukocyte response. In contrast, IL-10 markedly inhibited dendritic cell driven IFN-gamma production by purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Down-regulation of dendritic cell-induced IFN-gamma production suggests a role for IL-10 in inhibiting the initiation of cell-mediated immune responses.
Study of activation of murine T cells with bacterial superantigens. In vitro induction of enhanced responses in CD4+ T cells and of anergy in CD8+ T cells.
Authors: Yan X J , Li X Y , Imanishi K , Kumazawa Y , Uchiyama T
Published: December 2022

Primary and secondary responses of murine CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells upon stimulation with staphylococcal enterotoxin E (SEE) bearing superantigenic properties were examined. Both isolated C57BL/6 splenic CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells proliferated and produced IL-2 and IFN-gamma upon stimulation with SEE in substantial levels. The amounts of IL-2 were greater in CD4+ T cells and those of IFN-gamma were somewhat greater in CD8+ T cells. SEE-induced CD4+ T lymphoblasts, larger parts of which bore the V beta 11 element in their TCR, proliferated, produced IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and showed toxin-dependent cytotoxicity in substantial levels upon restimulation with SEE. By contrast, SEE-induced CD8+ T lymphoblasts, the larger part of which bore the V beta 11 element, did not show the first two of the three responses at all upon restimulation with SEE, whereas these cells showed greater cytotoxicity. The CD8+ T lymphoblasts did not suppress the reactivity of the CD4+ T lymphoblasts. Both SEE-induced CD4+ T lymphoblasts and CD8+ T lymphoblasts proliferated and produced IL-2 and IFN-gamma in comparable levels upon stimulation with rIL-2 or mAb to CD3 or V beta 11.
The role of viral enhancer "core" motif-related sequences in regulating T cell receptor-gamma and -delta gene expression.
Authors: Hsiang Y H , Spencer D , Wang S , Speck N A , Raulet D H
Published: December 2022

T cells express clonally distributed alpha beta or gamma delta Ag receptor heterodimers. Transcriptional enhancers for the genes of all four subunits are active in both gamma delta and alpha beta T cells, but are less active or inactive in other cells. Conserved sequence motifs are present in all four enhancers, suggesting that common transcription factors regulate TCR gene expression. One of these motifs in the gamma 3 site of the TCR-gamma enhancer is similar to motifs found in several other lymphoid-specific and viral enhancers. This conserved "core" sequence is present in the enhancers of Moloney and SL3-3 murine leukemia viruses, important for transcription in T cells and in determining disease specificity. Here we characterize the gamma 3 site of the gamma enhancer and a corresponding homologous site, delta E3, of the TCR-delta enhancer. Our results suggest that the core site is critical for activity of the 200-bp gamma enhancer fragment and of the gamma 3 and delta E3 sites. Furthermore, we identify a nuclear factor in human T cell lines that specifically binds the core region in these and several other core-containing enhancers. This factor may be identical to or related to a purified bovine nuclear core binding factor that binds the core region of the Moloney murine leukemia virus enhancer, gamma 3 and delta E3 sites, suggesting that similar proteins regulate the TCR-gamma, delta and Moloney murine leukemia virus enhancers. Other sequences in the gamma 3 site upstream of the core sequence are also critical for activity in T cells, suggesting that at least two different factors are required for functional activity of the gamma 3 site.
Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii major surface protein (SAG-1, P30) inhibit infection of host cells and are produced in murine intestine after peroral infection.
Authors: Mineo J R , McLeod R , Mack D , Smith J , Khan I A , Ely K H , Kasper L H
Published: December 2022

Monoclonal and polyclonal, monospecific antibodies to the major surface antigen of Toxoplasma gondii (SAG-1, P30) inhibit infection of human fibroblasts and murine enterocytes. Fab prepared from polyclonal, monospecific antibody to P30 also have this inhibitory effect on invasion, which indicates that this antibody directly blocks parasite infection of host cells rather agglutinating the parasite. Antibodies to another surface protein (P22) did not alter in vitro infection. If the inhibitory effect of antibody to P30 was due to steric hindrance or complexing of surface epitopes contiguous to P30, antibodies to other surface epitopes would also be inhibitory and they are not. Urea treatment of antibody (which permits discrimination of high and low avidity antibody) did not alter the effect of anti-P30 antibody. This observation indicates that the effect of the antibody to P30 was not an artifact of differences in the avidity of the antibody to P22 and P30. Heat inactivated antisera from mice infected with either RH or PTg strain T. gondii (P30+) inhibit infection of fibroblasts when challenged with autologous wild-type parasites by 87 and 40%, respectively. In contrast, these antisera have little inhibitory effect (13 and 19%, respectively) against infection of human fibroblasts by a P30-deficient mutant (PTgB). Antisera raised to the P30-deficient mutant had no significant effect on infection of cells by wild-type strains that have surface P30. The neoglycoprotein, BSA-glucosamide, competitively blocks infection of human fibroblasts by P30+ tachyzoites with surface P30 in higher level than those without surface P30. This observation indicates that there is likely to be a glycosylated host cell receptor to which T. gondii's major surface Ag SAG-1 (P30) binds. Mice infected perorally develop intestinal IgA antibody to the major 30-kDa epitope of T. gondii. Thus, the major surface epitope of T. gondii, SAG-1 (P30), has an important, functional role in infection of host cells by T. gondii and elicits an intestinal antibody response after peroral infection.
Idiotype and anti-anti-idiotype antibodies to Neisseria gonorrhoeae lipooligosaccharides with bactericidal activity but no cross-reactivity with red blood cell antigens.
Authors: Brossay L , Paradis G , Pépin A , Mourad W , Coté L , Hébert J
Published: December 2022

A panel of murine mAb against three different epitopes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae lipooligosaccharides (LOS) was developed. Only one of these, 3G5, displays bactericidal activity against all in vitro serum-resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae. Evidence suggests that sialylation, which could occur in vivo, modifies some LOS epitopes in such a way that the strains become resistant to bactericidal activity and are no longer recognized by specific antibodies. The epitope recognized by our bactericidal mAb is not affected by sialylation as shown by immunoblot analysis. We also provided evidence that the 3G5 epitope is different from RBC precursor Ag, since our mAb did not induce RBC agglutination. Since LOS induce an immune response in a T cell-independent fashion and are highly toxic, they cannot be used for immunization. Use of anti-idiotypic antibodies (aId) could be a way to bypass these difficulties. Therefore, in the present study, aId were produced in rabbits and rendered idiotype-specific by appropriate adsorption. These aId specifically bind to the relevant Id but not to LOS, and inhibit only the binding of anti-LOS mAb (3G5) to LOS preparations from N. gonorrhoeae in a dose-response fashion. The specificity of our aId for the binding site of anti-LOS mAb is suggested by the binding inhibition of affinity-purified aId to Id by LOS. In addition, the capacity of aId to inhibit bactericidal activity of this anti-LOS mAb and the idiotypic cross-reactivity between rat and mouse anti-LOS antibodies support this point. Finally, the elicitation of anti-LOS activity with bactericidal activity upon immunization of naive mice with aId confirms the internal image properties of the aId. These data suggest that a bactericidal mAb suitable for immunoprotection was obtained, and the production of aId opens the door for development of a vaccine.
Cytokine expression in vivo during murine herpetic stromal keratitis. Effect of protective antibody therapy.
Authors: Staats H F , Lausch R N
Published: December 2022

HSV-1 topical infection on the murine cornea can induce herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), a T cell-mediated inflammatory response that results in blindness. To begin to decipher the molecular interactions involved in this infection, extracts of infected corneas were assayed for the presence of seven different cytokines by ELISA. The most prominent cytokines detected were IL-1 alpha and IL-6. Both were elevated by day 2 after infection, reached peak levels of 82 and 538 pg/cornea, respectively, at day 10, and then diminished over the next 10 days. In contrast, TNF-alpha concentrations were not elevated over that seen in uninfected corneas at any time during the 20-day observation period. IFN-gamma and granulocyte-macrophage CSF corneal concentrations were below the sensitivity of the assay. We investigated whether passive transfer of antibody to viral glycoprotein D, which prevents HSK, influenced the production of IL-1 alpha and IL-6. It was found that corneal concentrations of IL-1 alpha were reduced threefold and IL-6 was undetectable at day 10 in the antibody-treated hosts. The levels of IL-10 and IL-4 in uninfected control and antibody-treated hosts were also monitored. Neither of these two regulatory cytokines was associated with HSK development or effective antibody therapy. Naive corneas cultured in vitro spontaneously produced IL-1 and IL-6, indicating that cells resident in the cornea had the ability to synthesize these proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our results imply that IL-1 alpha and IL-6 may be important contributors to the development of HSK pathogenesis.
Protein kinase C modulates the amounts of IL-1 receptor mRNA in human lung fibroblasts.
Authors: Aksamit T R , Monick M M , Hunninghake G W
Published: December 2022

IL-1 activates human lung fibroblasts via IL-1-specific membrane receptors. The numbers of IL-1 binding sites on fibroblasts are increased after exposure to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or IL-1. Increases in binding sites are associated with changes in functional responses to IL-1. In these studies, we determined if alterations in numbers of IL-1 binding sites on human lung fibroblasts were associated with parallel changes in IL-1R mRNA. In addition, since IL-1 and PGE2 can activate protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA), we exposed human lung fibroblasts to 1-(5-Isoquinoline sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperafine (H7) or staurosporine, which are relatively specific inhibitors of PKC, and N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfomamide (H8), an inhibitor of PKA, to determine whether the IL-1 and PGE2 stimulated increases in binding sites were mediated by activation of PKC or PKA. H7 decreased the base line and PGE2-stimulated increases in numbers of IL-1 binding sites. Exposure of the fibroblasts to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) for 24 h, which is known to deplete PKC, also decreased the numbers of base line IL-1 binding sites. These changes were paralleled by changes in amounts of IL-1R mRNA. H7 and staurosporine also blocked IL-1 and PGE2 stimulated increases in IL-1R mRNA. In contrast, H8 had no effect on the base line or PGE2-stimulated increases in numbers of IL-1 binding sites nor did it change the amounts of IL-1R mRNA. These studies show that changes in the numbers of IL-1 binding sites on human lung fibroblasts are paralleled by changes in IL-1R mRNA. In addition, PKC activity is necessary for the expression of both base line and stimulated increases in IL-1 binding sites and IL-1R mRNA. These studies suggest that PKC activity plays an important role in the modulation of IL-1R expression.
Enhancement of tumor necrosis factor cytotoxicity by lithium chloride is associated with increased inositol phosphate accumulation.
Authors: Beyaert R , Heyninck K , De Valck D , Boeykens F , van Roy F , Fiers W
Published: December 2022

We have previously reported that LiCl increases considerably the cytotoxic activity of TNF towards some transformed cell lines such as L929. Here we show that treatment of these cell lines with the combination of TNF and LiCl leads to the prolonged accumulation of inositol monophosphate, inositol bisphosphate, and inositol trisphosphate, whereas treatment with TNF or LiCl alone did not. In contrast, both a LiCl-unresponsive TNF-sensitive cell line and TNF-resistant cell lines did not respond with increased accumulation of inositol phosphates (IPn) upon treatment with the combination of TNF and LiCl. Furthermore, the combination of TNF and LiCl induced a transient increase in cytidine diphosphate-diacylglycerol in L929 cells. Increased IPn and cytidine diphosphate-diacylglycerol accumulation preceded the onset of cell killing by approximately 1 h. TNF-mediated cytotoxicity and TNF-induced IPn accumulation were equally sensitive to inhibition by the phospholipase inhibitor neomycin and to stimulation by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Characterization of the inositol bisphosphate isomers by HPLC analysis revealed that the TNF + LiCl-induced increase in IPn levels was due to activation of a phospholipase C and not of a phospholipase D. In contrast to TNF, several other cytotoxic agents did not increase IPn production upon application in the presence of LiCl. The TNF + LiCl-induced increase in inositol triphosphate suggests a role for intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in TNF action. Moreover, several agents that lower the intracellular Ca2+ concentration inhibited TNF cytotoxicity. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that TNF cytotoxicity and its enhancement by LiCl are mediated by increased IPn accumulation resulting in Ca2+ mobilization.
Anti-C5a receptor antibodies. Characterization of neutralizing antibodies specific for a peptide, C5aR-(9-29), derived from the predicted amino-terminal sequence of the human C5a receptor.
Authors: Morgan E L , Ember J A , Sanderson S D , Scholz W , Buchner R , Ye R D , Hugli T E
Published: December 2022

Results obtained indicate that a site-directed polyclonal antibody specific for a synthetic peptide based on the predicted amino-terminal sequence of human C5aR (anti-C5aR(9-29)) is capable of binding to both normal human and transfected cells bearing C5aR. Flow cytometric analysis of stable murine L cell transfectants (C5aR-neo), human neutrophils, and human monocytes indicated that these cells bound anti-C5aR(9-29) in a specific manner. Moreover, F(ab')2 fragments of anti-C5aR(9-29) specifically neutralized proinflammatory and immunoregulatory activities induced by natural human C5a. This antiserum was found to block, in a dose-dependent manner, 1) zymosan-induced neutrophil chemotaxis, 2) C5a-induced enzyme release from neutrophils, and 3) C5a-induced cytokine production (IL-6 and IL-8) from human monocytes in vitro. These results suggest that this site-directed polyclonal antiserum specifically interacts with the human C5aR molecule. To the best of our knowledge, none of the existing reports in the literature provided evidence for a site-directed antiserum to C5aR that was capable of specifically blocking C5a-mediated inflammatory/immunoregulatory activities in vitro. Studies conducted with anti-C5aR(9-29) indicated that this antiserum effectively blocked C5a-mediated cell activation but by itself did not activate either neutrophils or monocytes. Combined, these data suggest that this antiserum does not interact with the C5a "effector" site but sterically interferes with C5a binding to its receptor by interacting with the extracellular amino-terminal region of the receptor.
Immunotherapy with human monoclonal antibodies. Fragment A specificity of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies is crucial for full protection against tetanus toxin.
Authors: Lang A B , Cryz S J , Schürch U , Ganss M T , Bruderer U
Published: December 2022

To investigate the feasibility of substituting human mAb (HmAb) for human polyclonal preparations in the treatment of infections, we employed anti-tetanus toxin (TT) as a model system. We established a large panel of hybridomas secreting anti-TT HmAb and compared their fine specificities and protectivity with those exhibited by tetanus immune globulin (TIG). Analysis of three different commercial TIG preparations indicated that the majority of anti-TT antibodies is directed against epitopes expressed by the A fragment, the L chain of TT. Absorption of TIG with purified A fragment completely abolished its protective capacity in mice. Absorption with C fragment, the carboxy-terminal portion of the H chain of TT, had no discernible effect, illustrating the crucial importance of anti-A fragment antibody. The vast majority of more than 100 generated TT-specific HmAb showed specificity for the A fragment. Six HmAb with significant neutralizing activity were identified and further characterized. Five of them recognized the A fragment, whereas one, ST12, bound to both the A fragment and the C fragment with equal affinity. ST12 by itself conferred long lasting protection against TT intoxication when singly administered, and the remainder mediated only a delayed death. ST12 conferred a protection of 13.2 IU/100 micrograms IgG. However, when individual HmAb were combined, synergistic effects were observed. Optimal potency (43 IU/100 micrograms IgG) was obtained with a combination of two HmAb. To obtain a 250-IU dose, only 0.7 mg of this mixture was required in contrast to 100 to 170 mg IgG for TIG.
Evidence for excessive Th2 CD4+ subset activity in vivo.
Authors: Field E H , Noelle R J , Rouse T , Goeken J , Waldschmidt T
Published: December 2022

Although distinct Th1 and Th2 CD4+ subsets are apparent in in vitro studies, controversy exists over whether these subsets occur functionally in vivo. We describe a patient whose presenting laboratory features of elevated IgG4 and IgE and eosinophilia suggested high levels of IL-4 and IL-5 and in vivo expansion of the CD4+ Th2 subset. Anti-CD3-activated patient PBL induced heightened levels of IgG4 and IgE from normal B cells, indicating that the patient's abnormal Ig isotypes were T cell driven. Stimulated PBL from the patient secreted more IL-4, compared with control PBL, but similar levels of IFN-gamma. Semiquantitative reverse polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that activated PBL from the patient produced higher IL-4 and IL-5, lower IL-2, and similar IFN-gamma mRNA levels, compared with controls. FACS analysis showed that the patient expressed an expanded population of CD4+Leu-8+CD45RA- cells, the memory-effector population, and RNA in situ hybridization confirmed that the CD4+Leu-8+CD45RA- population of the patient was enriched for IL-4-transcribing cells. Moreover, IL-4-transcribing cells outnumbered IFN-gamma-transcribing cells by 2:1 in the memory-effector CD4 population, confirming that Th2 cells exist in vivo within the expanded CD4+Leu-8+CD45RA- population. Taken together, these results provide evidence that Th2 cells exist in vivo and they suggest that the expanded Th2 population produces excessive cytokines that may contribute to the sinopulmonary pathology of the patient.
Where, when, and how to detect biased expression of disease-relevant V beta genes in rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Authors: Offner H , Buenafe A C , Vainiene M , Celnik B , Weinberg A D , Gold D P , Hashim G , Vandenbark A A
Published: December 2022

The biased use of V beta 8.2 and V beta 6 in rats by encephalitogenic T cells specific for the S72-89 and S87-99 epitopes of guinea pig basic protein (Gp-BP) has allowed the use of anti-V beta antibodies and synthetic TCR peptides for treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Striking V gene biases also occur in human autoimmune diseases, raising the question of to what degree these biases reflect potentially pathogenic T cells. To address this question, we evaluated the expression of the EAE-associated marker V beta 8.2 and V beta 6 molecules in the periphery, spinal cord (SC), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the course of EAE, in unselected, IL-2-expanded, and Gp-BP-restimulated populations. In CSF cells, there was a strong bias for the marker V beta before the onset of EAE, but this bias was not enhanced by IL-2, which skewed the CSF population to > 80% CD8+ T cells. In SC, the marker V beta were expressed optimally during the onset of EAE, even in unselected cells, and this bias could be enhanced sequentially by IL-2 expansion and Gp-BP restimulation. During the recovery phase, however, the marker V beta 8.2 bias was obfuscated by the appearance of a heterogeneous V beta T cell population. Biased expression of the marker V genes was not detected in unselected or IL-2-expanded peripheral cells at any time during EAE. These data suggest that peripheral T cells bearing the disease-relevant V genes first appeared in CSF before disease onset and then migrated to SC beginning on the first day of clinical signs. During the recovery phase of the disease, these cells were diluted by an influx of T cells bearing other V beta genes, requiring restimulation with Gp-BP to observe the V beta 8.2 bias. These data have important implications for the interpretation of V beta gene biases that have been reported in human autoimmune diseases.
Immunosuppression mediated by an inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase. Prevention and treatment of collagen-induced arthritis.
Authors: Wolos J A , Frondorf K A , Esser R E
Published: December 2022

The potent irreversible inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (Z)-5'-fluoro-4',5'-didehydro-5'-deoxyadenosine (MDL 28,842) was examined for its effect on the development and treatment of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. We have previously shown that MDL 28,842 inhibits T cell activation without affecting B cell activation. Animals were dosed with MDL 28,842 at 5, 2.5, or 1 mg/kg/day p.o. in water beginning 1 day before immunization with chick type II collagen (CII) and continuing through day 51 postimmunization. None of the animals treated with MDL 28,842 at 5 or 2.5 mg/kg/day developed arthritis compared with 87.5% of the controls. Animals treated with 1 mg/kg MDL 28,842 had a delay in the development of the disease and a decreased incidence of arthritis (55%) during the course of treatment. After the treatment was discontinued, 40% of the mice in the 5-mg/kg treatment group, 60% of the mice who had previously received 2.5 mg/kg MDL 28,842, and 27% of the mice in the 1-mg/kg treatment group remained free of any signs of arthritis. Treatment with MDL 28,842 also lowered serum anti-CII IgG levels. In addition, T cells taken from animals immunized with CII and treated with 2.5-mg/kg/day MDL 28,842 had a lower proliferative response to denatured CII in vitro than controls. Therapeutically, MDL 28,842 was administered to animals at 2.5 mg/kg/day p.o., beginning at the first clinical signs of arthritis and continuing for 4 wk. Over the course of treatment, there was significantly less clinical disease in animals given MDL 28,842. In addition, at the end of treatment, hind paws were removed from the animals and examined radiographically and histologically for joint pathology. Animals treated with MDL 28,842 had significantly fewer bone lesions than control animals. These results suggest that inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase may be effective anti-arthritic agents.
Migration of natural killer cells across endothelial cell monolayers.
Authors: Bianchi G , Sironi M , Ghibaudi E , Selvaggini C , Elices M , Allavena P , Mantovani A
Published: December 2022

Under certain conditions, NK cells accumulate rapidly at extrahematic sites. In an effort to define the mechanisms underlying recruitment of NK cells in tissues, we investigated their ability to migrate across endothelial cell (EC) monolayers. A considerable proportion of NK cells adhered to EC and about 30 to 40% of the adherent NK cells migrated across EC. NK cells were two to three times more efficient than resting unseparated T cells but were considerably less efficient than monocytes. Exposure of NK cells to IL-2 or of EC to IL-1, TNF, or IFN-gamma augmented transendothelial migration. mAb directed against CD18 and CD11a inhibited binding and migration of NK cells across resting or IL-1-activated EC, whereas anti-CD11b and c mAb did not. Thus, the LFA-1 pathway is a crucial determinant of the adhesive and migratory interactions of NK cells with vascular endothelium. Using IL-1-activated EC, We found that anti-VLA-4 and anti-VCAM-1 mAb, utilized in concert with anti-CD18, significantly reduced adhesion and transmigration. The CS-1 peptide of fibronectin had no effect on binding and migration but, when used in concert with anti-CD18 and anti-VCAM-1 (but not anti-VLA-4), caused a small, but significant, increase in inhibition. The capacity to bind and migrate across endothelial monolayers underlies the recruitment of NK cells in tissues under certain physiologic and pathologic conditions.
Differential induction of VCAM-1 on human iliac venous and arterial endothelial cells and its role in adhesion.
Authors: Hauser I A , Johnson D R , Madri J A
Published: December 2022

Venous and arterial large vessel endothelial cells (EC) were compared for their constitutive and TNF-alpha-induced expression of the cell-surface adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and -2, VCAM-1 and ELAM-1 by FACS analysis. Human iliac venous and arterial EC (HIVEC and HIAEC) constitutively express ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. TNF-alpha increases the expression of ICAM-1, but not ICAM-2, and induces the expression of ELAM-1 on both EC types. However, TNF-alpha induces VCAM-1 cell-surface expression and mRNA only in venous, but not in arterial EC. We next investigated the function of these adhesion molecules and their ligands, LFA-1, very late activation Ag (WLA-L) and sialylated Lewis x glycoprotein (sLe(x)), in adhesion assays with the monocyte-like cell line U937. Untreated U937 cells do not adhere to untreated HIVEC or HIAEC and adhesion is much lower to TNF-alpha-treated arterial than to TNF-alpha-treated venous EC. In adhesion-inhibition assays we demonstrate that U937 cell adhesion to TNF-alpha-treated HIVEC is mediated by VCAM-1/VLA-4 and ELAM-1/sLe(x) interaction, whereas the lower adhesion to TNF-alpha-treated HIAEC is only mediated by ELAM-1/sLe(x) interaction. U937 cells treated with the phorbol ester PMA for 3 days adhere to both HIVEC and HIAEC; this adhesion is mediated by LFA-1 interaction with ICAM-1 and/or -2. Adhesion of PMA-treated U937 cells is increased by TNF-alpha treatment of EC. This increased adhesion is mediated in part by the TNF-alpha-induced VCAM-1 expression on venous EC. Therefore, the cell-surface adhesion molecule VCAM-1 is differentially induced on these two EC types and the differential expression is functionally important in U937 cell adhesion.
Alloantigen presentation by individual clones of mouse splenic macrophages. Selective expression of IL-1 alpha in response to CD8+ T cell-derived IFN-gamma defines the alloantigen-presenting phenotype.
Authors: McCormack J M , Askew D , Walker W S
Published: December 2022

Approximately one-third of mouse splenic macrophage (M theta) progenitors yield progeny that constitutively present MHC class I alloantigen to naive T cells, a response that is restricted to CD8+ T cells and is elicited in a CD4+ Th cell-independent manner. In addition, both the alloantigen-presenting (alloAP+) and nonpresenting (alloAP-) M theta subsets constitutively express similar levels of MHC class I molecules, and their alloAP phenotypes are unaffected by IFN-gamma, which enhances the expression of both class I and II MHC molecules. We therefore postulated the restricted expression of costimulator molecules to account for the alloAP+ phenotype. Using cytokine-specific antibodies, recombinant mouse cytokines, and polymerase chain reaction analyses (to detect specific cytokine mRNA transcripts), we identified the putative costimulators as IL-1 alpha, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha transcripts were present in both the alloAP+ and alloAP- M theta subsets, but IL-1 alpha and IL-6 were not constitutively expressed by the alloAP+ subset of M theta; rather, they were induced by IFN-gamma, which was released from naive CD8+ T cells only during coculture with alloAP+ M theta. Although IFN-gamma induced IL-6 gene transcription in both alloAP+ and alloAP- M theta subsets, it induced IL-1 alpha transcripts only in the alloAP+ subset. Finally, CD8+ T cells exposed to alloAP- M theta were unresponsive when subsequently cultured with alloAP+ M theta. We conclude that the ability of some M theta to elicit IFN-gamma from CD8+ T cells and to respond to this cytokine by producing IL-1 alpha defines the alloAP phenotype of the cell population, and that alloAP- M theta induce a state of alloantigen-specific tolerance in naive CD8+ T cells.
Polymorphism in the mouse Tap-1 gene. Association with abnormal CD8+ T cell development in the nonobese nondiabetic mouse.
Authors: Pearce R B , Trigler L , Svaasand E K , Peterson C M
Published: December 2022

Tap-1 and Tap-2 genes code for a heterodimeric peptide transporter required for the normal maturation and surface expression of class I molecules. Polymorphic variants of these MHC encoded genes occur in rats and humans. After failing to amplify a 3' polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product from thymic and splenic cDNA of the nonobese nondiabetic (NON) strain, we considered it possible that Tap-1 polymorphism was present, since cDNA from CBA/J, C57BL/6, BALB/c, and NOD (nonobese diabetic) mice all yielded Tap-1 3' products. Overlapping PCR fragments spanning the highly conserved ATP-binding cassette (ABC) were generated for purposes of restriction endonuclease analysis, studies of IFN-gamma regulation, and sequencing. To avoid amplifying other members of the transporter family, we used a gel-purified 1670-bp Tap-1 PCR "long product" as template for nested PCR. Sequencing revealed three polymorphic alleles. The most divergent was for the NON strain and involved two non-conserved amino acid substitutions (Arg-->Cys397 and Leu-->Arg491) and three silent mutations. NON mice show an abnormal pattern of class I (Kb) expression and a sizeable reduction in the percentage of CD8+ cells in the blood and thymus. In F2 segregants, the low CD8 phenotype mapped to the MHC. Tap-1 genes of NON and C57BL/6 mice were equally sensitive to up-regulation by IFN-gamma. We conclude that the mouse Tap-1 transporter gene, like the Tap-2 of the rat and the Tap-1 and Tap-2 of the human, is polymorphic. The extensive variation and specific codon changes of Tap-1 in the NON mouse raise the possibility that this gene is the MHC locus responsible for altering the intrathymic development of CD8+ T cells.
Impairment and delay of neutralizing antiviral antibody responses by virus-specific cytotoxic T cells.
Authors: Battegay M , Moskophidis D , Waldner H , Bründler M A , Fung-Leung W P , Mak T W , Hengartner H , Zinkernagel R M
Published: December 2022

After infection with some viruses that tend to persist, neutralizing antibodies are generated rather late, i.e., after 1 to 3 mo. This has been observed for HIV, Hepatitis B infection in man, or after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) in mice. In contrast, nonneutralizing antibodies to LCMV are generated by day 7 and reach high titers by day 10. This study attempts to evaluate reasons for late and low titered neutralizing antibody responses. After a primary infection with low doses (10(2) plaque forming units) of the poorly cytopathic LCMV-WE, neutralizing antibodies were rarely produced at detectable levels before days 60 to 120. In vivo depletion of CD8+ CTL led to a marked enhancement and acceleration of kinetics of the neutralizing antibody response. In contrast, nonneutralizing antibodies, including those specific for LCMV-GP carrying the neutralizing determinant, were detectable very early, i.e., 4 to 7 days after infection, with maximum titers usually by day 10 irrespective of the presence or absence of CTL. Mice completely lacking CD8+ T cells because of deletion by homologous recombination (CD8-/-) also exhibited neutralizing antibodies early by day 10 to 20, and by day 120 reached very high titers. The neurotropic isolate LCMV-ARMSTRONG induced low but significant titers of neutralizing antibodies relatively early (i.e., by days 7 to 10), whereas the lympho-viscerotrope mutant virus LCMV-ARMSTRONG Cl-13 did not. Early and effective CTL responses causing immunopathology (and immunosuppression) correlated with the absence of neutralizing antibodies. The discrepancy between the CTL-dependent inhibition of neutralizing versus unimpaired anti-GP ELISA responses cannot be explained by different Ag doses alone. Additionally, it may reflect different kinetics of the responses, whereby the later neutralizing responses possibly requiring IgG affinity maturation may be more susceptible to general immunosuppression; also B cells expressing neutralizing receptors, but not those with antibodies binding GP (or NP), may be actively infected, therefore they present viral peptides on class I MHC Ag and may become targets for anti-LCMV-specific CTL.
Role of acyl residues in polyclonal murine B cell activation by acylpoly(1,3)galactosides from Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Authors: Hmama Z , Lina G , Normier G , Binz H , Revillard J P
Published: December 2022

Several components of Klebsiella pneumoniae including a membrane proteoglycan (Kp-MPG) were reported to activate macrophages and to induce T-independent polyclonal activation of mouse B cells. Chemically defined derivatives of Kp-MPG were prepared and characterized, enabling us to approach the molecular substructures involved in the binding to lymphocytes and the activation of B cells. Five derivatives were characterized: (i) an acylpoly(1,3)galactoside containing ester-linked fatty acids (EFA-APG) which was obtained by mild alkaline hydrolysis, (ii) a polymer of EFA-APG (APG pol1), (iii) a preparation obtained by drastic alkaline hydrolysis and delipidation which removed the esterified fatty acids (APG), (iv) a polymer of the latter compound (APG pol2), and (v) an APG preparation submitted to mild acid hydrolysis which removed all fatty acids but left the galactose chain of APG (GC-APG) intact. The derivatives were studied for their capacity to bind to and to activate mouse splenocytes. Binding was investigated on BALB/c and C3H/HeJ splenocytes by indirect immunofluorescence using biotinylated F(ab')2 of anti-Kp-MPG antibodies and the streptavidin-phycoerythrin amplification system in flow cytometry and by competition of unlabeled APG with biotinylated APG. Activation was studied by measuring (i) [3H]thymidine incorporation into spleen cells from BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, nude (nu+/nu+) mouse strains, and purified B cells of BALB/c; (ii) immunoglobulin secretion in culture supernatants; and (iii) blastogenesis. The results demonstrate a specific uptake of EFA-APG and APG by T cells as well as by B cells and exclude a contribution of the polygalactose part of the APG molecule (GC-APG) to the binding to spleen lymphocytes. Unlike LPS from the same strain of K. pneumoniae, APG pol1 stimulated B cell activation in the LPS-resistant C3H/HeJ strain as well as in BALB/c mice. The compounds did not activate T cells and were T-independent B cell activators, stimulating nu+/nu+ spleen cells and inducing primarily IgM and IgG3 synthesis. Polymers were more potent activators than monomers and removal of ester-linked fatty acids completely abrogated B cell-activating properties. The monomer APG antagonized B cell activation by Kp-MPG, LPS from K. pneumoniae, and APG pol1. The data indicate that within the EFA-APG molecule, distinct substructures are required for binding and for triggering B cell response.
Trypanosoma cruzi acidic ribosomal P protein gene family. Novel P proteins encoding unusual cross-reactive epitopes.
Authors: Skeiky Y A , Benson D R , Guderian J A , Sleath P R , Parsons M , Reed S G
Published: December 2022

We have cloned and characterized cDNA molecules that encode members of the acidic ribosomal protein family (TcP proteins) from the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. These proteins have been shown to be antigenic in individuals with T. cruzi infection. Unlike other known eukaryotic cells, T. cruzi possesses at least four types of P protein genes TcP0, TcP1, TcP2a, and TcP2b, each of which is present in multiple copies in the genome. These genes are present on at least three different chromosomes. Although the abundance of TcP0, TcP2a, and TcP2b transcripts do not appear to vary among the parasite life-cycle stages, TcP1 is predominantly expressed in the epimastigote (insect) stage. TcP0 has a C-terminal heptapeptide sequence that is similar to those of archaebacterial acidic (P-like) proteins, but the TcP1/P2 proteins terminate with a shared sequence characteristic of the P proteins of higher eukaryotes. The serine residues or other potential phosphorylation sites typically found within the highly charged C-terminal acidic domain are absent in T. cruzi P proteins. Using synthetic peptides, we demonstrated that approximately 80% of T. cruzi-infected individuals produce two distinct but cross-reactive anti-P antibody specificities directed against the C-termini of TcP0 and TcP1/P2. We also expressed the full length (non-fusion) recombinant human P0 and demonstrated that the T. cruzi anti-P antibodies cross-react with the C-terminal residues of human P-proteins. Conversely, human anti-P protein antibodies in sera from patients with SLE cross-react with the C-terminal epitope of T. cruzi TcP1/P2 proteins. The cross-reactivity of anti-TcP antibodies with human P proteins suggests that, through antigenic conservation, TcP proteins may contribute to the development of autoreactive antibodies in Chagas' disease patients.
Characterization of factor H binding to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Authors: Avery V M , Gordon D L
Published: December 2022

Previous studies indicate that factor H (fH) binds to a number of cell types and may have functions other than C regulation. We have examined for fH binding to PMN using flow cytometry and radiolabeled binding assays. Binding of fH was demonstrated to be specific and saturable with approximately 6 x 10(4) binding sites/polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and a Ka value of 3.3 x 10(8) L/M. Binding of fH to PMN was ionic strength dependent, required divalent cations, and was enhanced by PMN stimulation with FMLP and calcium ionophore, A23187. The 38-kDa N-terminal tryptic fragment of fH bound to PMN and blocking experiments with mAb suggested a receptor binding site was located within the fifth SCR of fH. fH binding was not due to associations with surface-bound C3 or to CR3. Binding of fH to U937 and Raji cells, but not to T cells was also demonstrated. These studies provide presumptive evidence for a fHR on PMN. Binding of fH by fHR could enhance recognition of opsonized targets, trigger secondary intracellular events or contribute to intrinsic protection of cells against C.