bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic requirements for macrophage presentation of Listeria monocytogenes to immune CD8 cells.
Authors: Brown M L , Fields P E , Kurlander R J
Published: January 2023

Though ingested Ag are readily degraded into peptides within endocytic vesicles, APC usually cannot present these fragments to CD8 cells. Despite this generalization, some exceptions have been noted. For example, murine macrophage targets readily process heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes (HKLM) into a form recognizable by immune CD8 CTL. Using an assay of Listeria-specific, CD8-mediated cytotoxicity to quantitate Ag presentation by C57Bl/6 macrophage targets, we have examined some of the cellular requirements for this form of Ag processing. To assess whether the physical form of the Ag is an important determinant of processing, we compared the ability of macrophages to present intact HKLM, fractionated L. monocytogenes (LM) membranes, and octyl-beta-d-thioglucopyranoside-solubilized extracts of LM membranes. Macrophages presented each Ag form in a similar manner indicating that processing is not critically dependent on the presence of intact bacteria or even on the introduction of Ag in a particulate form. To gain insight into the metabolic requirements for Ag processing, we examined the effects of several inhibitors. As might be expected, listerial Ag presentation was blocked by brefeldin, a known inhibitor of the endogenous pathway of Ag processing. LM Ag presentation, however, was also blocked by inhibitors of endosomal acidification (chloroquine, ammonium chloride, and monensin) and by the acid protease inhibitor pepstatin A, suggesting that endocytic processing may play an essential role in CD8 recognition of this Ag. To formally establish that this pattern of exogenous Ag processing requires the presence of a class I MHC product, we demonstrated that beta-2 microglobulin-deficient macrophages, which lack class I MHC product expression, cannot present HKLM to CD8 cells. However, we could not block Ag presentation by incubating macrophages with monoclonal anti-H-2K or H-2D antibodies, suggesting that LM Ag presentation may be mediated by some other class I MHC product. Additional characterization of this pathway of Ag presentation is warranted in view of its possible role in initiating CD8-mediated immunity against microbial Ag.
Adenosine acts as an endogenous modulator of IL-2-dependent proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Authors: Antonysamy M A , Moticka E J , Ramkumar V
Published: January 2023

CTLL-2 cells are a clone of CTL that are dependent on IL-2 for proliferation. In addition to various cytokine receptors, we observed that these cells express three subtypes of adenosine receptors (ARs). In an initial attempt to delineate the functions of these receptors in CTLL-2 cells, we tested their role in proliferation. Elimination of endogenous adenosine with adenosine deaminase (ADA) markedly suppressed IL-2-dependent proliferation of these cells. This proliferative response was restored by addition of R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA), a non-hydrolyzable adenosine analogue. The stimulatory response to R-PIA was attenuated following blockade of ARs by 0.5 mM theophylline and 10 microM BW-A1433, but not by blockade of the A1AR with 100 nM xanthine amine congener. The rank order of potency of adenosine analogues in proliferation assays was R-PIA > or = N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine > S-PIA > PAPA-APEC (a substituted ethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine). These data suggest a potential role of the A3AR in the proliferative response. R-PIA stimulates production of 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate in CTLL-2 cells, suggesting a role of the phospholipase C signaling pathway in the proliferative response. A23187 (100 nM) and phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (10 nM), but not 4 alpha-phorbol (10 nM), were able to restore IL-2-dependent CTLL-2 proliferation in the presence of ADA. Furthermore, inhibition of protein kinase C by staurosporine (10 nM) and of phospholipase C by tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609) blocked R-PIA-mediated cell proliferation. These data demonstrate an obligatory role of adenosine in IL-2-dependent proliferation of CTLL-2 cells and support the involvement of an AR-stimulated phospholipase C signaling pathway in this process.
T cell recognition of the immunodominant Sendai virus NP324-332/Kb epitope is focused on the center of the peptide.
Authors: Cole G A , Hogg T L , Woodland D L
Published: January 2023

The CTL response to Sendai virus in C57BL/6 mice is directed almost exclusively to a single H-2Kb-restricted epitope derived from the virus nucleoprotein, NP324-332 (FAPGNYPAL). We have previously shown that the repertoire of T cells elicited by this epitope following primary Sendai virus infection is very diverse. The current experiments were undertaken to determine how a diverse array of TCR are able to interact with a single class I epitope. Crystallographic analysis of NP324-332 bound to Kb has shown that the side chains of peptide residues F1, G4, N5, and A8 protrude toward the solvent and are potentially available for recognition by the TCR. Notably, the N5 residue protrudes prominently from the peptide-binding site due to its localization on a bulge in the center of NP324-332. To determine the importance of these residues for T cell recognition, we analyzed the response of a large panel of hybridomas to NP324-332 analogues substituted at these four positions. The data suggested that there is dominant recognition of the central G4 and N5 residues at the center of the peptide. However, individual hybridomas exhibited distinct patterns of fine specificity for residues F1 and A8, in that they were dependent on one, both, or neither of these residues for recognition of NP324-332. These data are consistent with a critical role for the G4 and N5 residues in governing NP324-332/Kb recognition by T cells and may have implications for T cell recognition of class-I restricted epitopes in general.
Paradoxical IgA immunity in CD4-deficient mice. Lack of cholera toxin-specific protective immunity despite normal gut mucosal IgA differentiation.
Authors: Hörnquist C E , Ekman L , Grdic K D , Schön K , Lycke N Y
Published: January 2023

Using normal and CD4 gene-targeted (CD4-/-) mice, we asked whether mucosal immune responses and IgA B cell differentiation require the presence of CD4+ T helper cells. We found that CD4-/- mice had numerous B cell germinal centers in Peyer's patches and other gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Membrane IgA+ B cells were found to co-localize to germinal center areas and CD4-CD8- double negative CD3+ T cells had replaced CD4+ T cells in the follicular areas of the Peyer's patches. CD4-/- mice had normal levels of IgA-producing cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissues, and gut lavage contained unaltered levels of total IgA. However, despite T cell help for IgA B cell differentiation, CD4-/- mice did not respond with Ag-specific intestinal IgA following oral immunization with the powerful mucosal immunogen cholera toxin (CT). By contrast, these mice demonstrated serum alpha-CT IgG following oral immunization, suggesting that double negative CD3+ T cells provided some help for systemic immune responses after oral immunization. Perorally immunized CD4-/- mice were completely unprotected against CT-induced diarrhea while both normal and CD8-/- mice were well protected and also demonstrated high levels of gut mucosal alpha-CT IgA. After reconstitution of the CD4-/- mice by adoptive transfer of naive mesenteric lymph node CD4+ T cells, the mice acquired the ability to respond with specific mucosal immune responses following oral immunization and also developed resistance against CT-induced diarrhea. Thus, paradoxically, although IgA B cell differentiation appears to proceed normally in CD4-/- mice, specific gut mucosal immune responses are grossly impaired in the absence of CD4+ T cells.
Purification to homogeneity of a novel human B cell differentiation factor.
Authors: De Kuang Y , Cidon M , Mayer L
Published: January 2023

By immunization with a partially purified form of a novel human B cell differentiation factor, 446-BCDF, we generated a series of mAbs that inhibit the functional activity of this cytokine (induction of Ig secretion by Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I strain organisms-activated B cells). Two mAbs, 929 and 204, were shown to be specific for 446-BCDF in that they failed to inhibit B cell differentiation in response to other known cytokines (IL-2, IL-6) or mitogens (PWM). More importantly, passage of crude 446-BCDF over a mAb 929-Sepharose 4B column resulted in the depletion of 446-BCDF activity, which could be recovered after elution with 0.1 M glycine, pH 2.8. Finally, TCA precipitation of column-eluted fractions was run on SDS-PAGE. Two bands corresponding to the previously described m.w. range of 446-BCDF were detected in the eluate, but not in the effluent column fractions. Furthermore, protein eluted from these bands resolved with nondenaturing gels also demonstrated 446-BCDF activity. Thus, together these data further support the existence of a novel human B cell differentiation factor that has been purified to homogeneity.
Histamine-induced secretion of lymphocyte chemoattractant factor from CD8+ T cells is independent of transcription and translation. Evidence for constitutive protein synthesis and storage.
Authors: Laberge S , Cruikshank W W , Kornfeld H , Center D M
Published: January 2023

We have reported previously that histamine induces the release of the CD4+ cell-specific lymphocyte chemoattractant factor (LCF) into the culture supernatants of CD8+ cells between 1 and 4 h following stimulation. To determine the mechanism of histamine-induced secretion of LCF, we evaluated the effects of inhibitors of gene transcription and translation on LCF production, and determined the effects of histamine stimulation on LCF mRNA induction and stability. The histamine-induced secretion of LCF from CD8+ cells was not associated with de novo synthesis of protein, nor did histamine have an effect on the induction or stability of LCF mRNA. Biologically active LCF was found in cell lysates of unstimulated CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells; however, LCF mRNA was detected at similar levels in both cell types. The only detectable lymphocyte chemoattractant present in unstimulated cells was LCF, and histamine induced the secretion of LCF, but no other lymphocyte chemoattractant activities, within 4 h. These studies demonstrate that histamine can act as a secretagogue for the protein LCF, which is constitutively synthesized and present in a biologically active form in CD8+ T cells. The rapid appearance of LCF induced by histamine may represent a mechanism for recruitment and activation for CD4+ cells in diseases such as asthma.
IFN-gamma and IL-4 regulate the growth and differentiation of CD8+ T cells into subpopulations with distinct cytokine profiles.
Authors: Noble A , Macary P A , Kemeny D M
Published: January 2023

In this study, we have investigated the effects of IL-4 and IFN-gamma on the growth and differentiation of CD8+ T cells in vitro. Rat splenic CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IFN-gamma mRNA, as measured by reverse-transcription PCR, than CD4+ T cells from the same source, whereas CD4+ T cells expressed more IL-2 and IL-6 mRNA. CD8+ T cells were cultured for 6 days with PMA, ionomycin, and IL-2, and their ability to proliferate, to express mRNA for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-gamma, and to secrete IFN-gamma and IL-2 was determined. IL-4 could act as a growth factor for CD8+ T cells during primary stimulation, but inhibited proliferation of the restimulated 6-day-cultured CD8+ T cells. The highest levels of mRNA for IL-2 and IL-6 were detected in control cultures in which little mRNA for IL-4, IL-5, or IL-10 was detected. Addition of IL-4 to the primary cultures reduced the capacity of the restimulated cells to express mRNA for IL-2, and for IL-6, but enhanced expression of mRNA for IL-4 and IL-5. Addition of IFN-gamma to the cultures, alone or in conjunction with IL-4, or addition of IFN-gamma-specific neutralizing Ab, had little effect. However, in conjunction with IL-4, anti-IFN-gamma enhanced expression of mRNA for IFN-gamma, and for IL-10. These results indicate that IL-4 and IFN-gamma regulate the differentiation of CD8+ T cells and the growth of cytotoxic and other types of CD8+ T cells, and suggest pathways through which CD8+ T cells may interact with other immune cells.
Characteristics of the influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cell response in mice homozygous for disruption of the H-2lAb gene.
Authors: Tripp R A , Sarawar S R , Doherty P C
Published: January 2023

The development of influenza virus-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) is diminished in H-2b mice that are homozygous (-/-) for disruption of the H-2lAb gene. Virus clearance was not obviously delayed when compared with the congenic H-2lAb (+/+) controls, and evidence of CTL activity was apparent for inflammatory cells recovered from the respiratory tract in both cases. However, the virus-specific CTLp that are normally present in the regional lymph nodes and in the infected lung were evidently being consumed at the peak of the host response to give the terminally differentiated CTL effectors. Even so, any exhaustion of the CTLp pool was apparently transitory with this localized infection as, though the frequencies were consistently lower than those found for the (+/+) controls, CTLp could be detected reproducibly in both lymph nodes and spleen through 14 mo after infection. Analysis of cytokine profiles during the acute response showed a substantial defect in the (-/-) mice, indicating that cytokine production is largely dependent on the influenza-specific CD4+ set.
Relationships between intermediate TCR cells and NK1.1+ T cells in various immune organs. NK1.1+ T cells are present within a population of intermediate TCR cells.
Authors: Watanabe H , Miyaji C , Kawachi Y , Iiai T , Ohtsuka K , Iwanage T , Takahashi-Iwanaga H , Abo T
Published: January 2023

Experiments to date have revealed a population of T cells that carry intermediate (int) levels of TCR (or CD3) and express IL-2R beta-chain (IL-2R beta) in mouse liver. Such int TCR cells also reside in other immune organs, although in low numbers. On the other hand, NK1.1+ T cells with int TCR do reside in the thymus and other peripheral organs. To determine the relationship of two types of cells, we characterized int CD3 cells and NK1.1+ T cells throughout the organs in terms of the phenotype, V beta repertoire, and morphology. Although both IL-2R beta+ T cells and NK1.1+ T cells are classified as int CD3 cells, NK1.1+ T cells are present within int CD3 cells. The majority of int CD3 cells in the liver and thymus were NK1.1+, whereas the minority of such cells in the spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow were NK1.1+. Among int CD3 cells, double-negative (DN) CD4-8- cells and/or CD4+ were abundant in NK1.1+ subset, whereas CD8+ cells were generally abundant in NK1.1- subset. Self-reactive V beta+ clones estimated by the M1s system were distributed to both NK1.1+ and NK1.1- subsets. High CD3 cells in the thymus and other organs contained neither DN cells nor forbidden clones. Int CD3 cells had the morphology of granular or agranular lymphocytes carrying perforin. Among int CD3 cells, NK1.1+ subset had a higher level of perforin-positive cells than NK1.1- subset. These results clearly demonstrate the relationship between int TCR cells and NK1.1+ T cells in various organs.
Intramolecular mimicry. Identification and analysis of two cross-reactive T cell epitopes within a single protein.
Authors: Hagerty D T , Allen P M
Published: January 2023

The recognition of peptide Ags by T cells through the TCR has exquisite specificity. Cross-reactive T cell responses have been described; however, the structural basis for these responses is not known. We show that two peptides derived from the same protein can exhibit sufficient structural homology, despite minimal structural identity, to elicit cross-reactive T cell responses. In addition, we explore the structural basis for cross-reactivity. T cell hybridomas recognizing PiM and PiZ allelic forms of human alpha 1-antitrypsin (hAAT) each recognized both PiM 205-220 and PiM 335-350. These two peptides possessed primary sequence identity at only two of 16 amino acid residues. Cross-reactive peptides also exhibited homology at the bulk T cell level because lymph node T cells primed with one peptide proliferated to the other peptide in vitro. Critical amino acids for the responding T cells were determined, and the core was transferred into the less reactive peptide in an attempt to increase homology by increasing sequence identity. Interestingly, as identity increased, homology decreased: peptides with the least primary sequence identity appeared most homologous to the T cells. These results have important implications for understanding the development of autoimmune diseases, and imply that minimal obvious primary sequence identity may be sufficient to initiate cross-reactive T cell responses. The ability of structurally dissimilar peptides to mimic each other when bound to a class II MHC molecule may also be important to the understanding of T development and autoimmunity.
The identification and cloning of a murine major basic protein gene expressed in eosinophils.
Authors: Larson K A , Horton M A , Madden B J , Gleich G J , Lee N A , Lee J J
Published: January 2023

The existence of a murine homologue of the major basic protein (MBP) found in human eosinophil granules was initially hypothesized from structural similarities at the electron microscopic level. The results presented in this study have extended these observations by describing the identification/purification of a mouse MBP (mMBP) and the cloning of the gene encoding this eosinophil granule protein. Using protein purification methodologies with extravascular eosinophils, an mMBP homologue has been identified on the basis of strong (64%) N-terminal sequence homology with the mature human MBP (hMBP). Since hMBP results from a proteolytic cleavage of a precursor molecule, this sequence conservation suggests that the mouse granule protein is processed by a similar mechanism. The gene encoding mMBP was isolated using a hMBP cDNA clone as a heterologous probe in low criteria screens of mouse genomic and cDNA libraries. The genomic structure and nucleotide sequence of the mMBP exons are well conserved with the human gene, although homology alignments of the encoded proteins show that extensive sequence conservation occurs only in the mature portion of the MBP molecules. Expression data demonstrate that this gene is transcriptionally active in tissues containing eosinophil progenitor cells, such as femoral bone marrow. Genomic Southern blots using the mMBP gene at reduced stringency reveal the potential existence of a second, more divergent MBP-like sequence in the mouse. This suggests that, as with guinea pigs, the mouse genome may also encode the eosinophil major basic protein from more than one gene.
Molecular cloning and chromosomal localization of the mouse decay-accelerating factor genes. Duplicated genes encode glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored and transmembrane forms.
Authors: Spicer A P , Seldin M F , Gendler S J
Published: January 2023

Regulation of complement activation is essential in the prevention of damage to autologous tissue. This activity is mediated by the presence of specific complement regulatory proteins on the surface of host cells. In humans, one molecule involved in this regulation is a 70-kDa glycoprotein that has been designated decay-accelerating factor (DAF). We present the full-length cDNA sequence and chromosomal localization of the mouse genetic homologue of the human DAF gene. Interestingly, two classes of cDNA clones were obtained that, rather than representing alternately spliced mRNAs, were derived from two separate but closely related linked genes. Both genes encoded proteins with an amino-terminal signal sequence, followed by four short consensus repeats and a domain rich in serine and threonine. Hydrophilicity plots and alignment with human DAF predicted that one gene encoded a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored form of mouse Daf with 64% nucleotide and 47% amino acid identity to human DAF. The product encoded by the second gene was predicted to have an alternate amino-terminal signal sequence and carboxyl-terminal membrane-spanning and cytoplasmic domains. The two mouse Daf genes share 85% nucleotide and 78% amino acid identities, and have been designated Daf-glycosylphosphatidylinositol and Daf-transmembrane to reflect the two alternate mechanisms of membrane attachment. mRNA expression analysis indicated that the two mouse Daf genes were differentially expressed in the adult mouse. Chromosome localization studies mapped the mouse Daf genes to chromosome 1, where they segregated with the C4-binding protein (C4bp) gene.
Domains 1 and 4 of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD106) both support very late activation antigen-4 (CD49d/CD29)-dependent monocyte transendothelial migration.
Authors: Chuluyan H E , Osborn L , Lobb R , Issekutz A C
Published: January 2023

We investigated the role of the 6 domain (6D) and 7 domain (7D) forms of human VCAM-1 as counter-receptors for the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin (VLA-4) in monocyte migration induced by C5a. Across Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell monolayers transfected with VCAM-6D or VCAM-7D, monocyte migration was not inhibited by treatment of monocytes with mAb to CD18. Addition of mAb to alpha 4 to the CD18 mAb inhibited monocyte migration by 90% across CHO VCAM-6D and CHO VCAM-7D. mAbs to domain 1 (4B9) or domain 4 (GH12) of VCAM-1 each inhibited migration across CHO VCAM-7D partially, when monocytes were also treated with anti-CD18 mAb. When the VCAM-1 mAbs were combined, migration of these monocytes across CHO VCAM-7D was further inhibited to the same degree as with mAbs to alpha 4 plus CD18. IL-1-treated human umbilical vein endothelium (HUVE) supported CD18-independent, VLA-4-mediated monocyte migration to C5a. A mAb to domain 1 of VCAM-1 almost completely inhibited the CD18-independent migration across HUVE activated with IL-1 for 2 h or 20 h, but was less inhibitory when HUVE was treated with IL-1 for 5 h. However, when mAbs to domain 1 and domain 4 were combined, CD18-independent migration was inhibited completely under all conditions tested. These results suggest that either domain 1 or domain 4 of VCAM-1 can mediate VLA-4-dependent monocyte transendothelial migration, that VLA-4 interaction with these two domains can account for all of the VLA-4-mediated migration, and that the expression of VCAM-1 variants on HUVE depends partly on the duration of IL-1 activation.
Effect of liposome-mediated macrophage depletion on LPS-induced cytokine gene expression and radioprotection.
Authors: Salkowski C A , Neta R , Wynn T A , Strassmann G , van Rooijen N , Vogel S N
Published: January 2023

Tissue-specific cytokine mRNA expression was examined in mice that received LPS. In the liver, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p40), and TNF-alpha were induced by 30 min after injection with LPS. In the spleen, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were induced by 30 min after LPS challenge, while increases in IL-10 and IL-12 (p40) were delayed in onset. GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, and IL-12 (p35) were not induced in the liver or spleen until 60 to 90 min after LPS injection. Mice were depleted of macrophages in their liver and spleen by i.v. injection of liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene bisphosphonate (Cl2MBP). Induction of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 (p40) mRNA by LPS was reduced by > 95% in the liver of macrophage-depleted mice, implicating macrophages as the primary producers of these cytokines. Macrophage depletion resulted in a 50 to 75% reduction in TNF-alpha mRNA in the liver. The results from Cl2MBP-liposome-treated mice also suggested that splenic macrophages were the primary producers of LPS-induced IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-12 (p40), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) mRNA, but not IL-10 and TNF-alpha mRNA. Mice treated with Cl2MBP-liposomes were more susceptible to ionizing irradiation than control mice, whether or not they were administered a radioprotective dose of LPS. These findings suggest that depletion of liver and splenic macrophages results in a dysregulation of basal and LPS-induced cytokine responses that can be associated with an altered biologic response.
Selective deactivation of human monocyte functions by TGF-beta.
Authors: Warwick-Davies J , Lowrie D B , Cole P J
Published: January 2023

TGF-beta at 1 and 10 ng/ml inhibited H2O2 production and fibronectin adherence by human monocytes. Coculture with anti-TGF-beta Abs or with IFN-gamma, but not with growth hormone, abrogated these effects. Neither viability nor superoxide production were decreased by TGF-beta treatment. TGF-beta appeared to be inhibiting H2O2 production rather than inducing catalase as preincubation in azide was without effect. Also, TGF-beta did not inhibit activity against virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Coculture of monocytes with IFN-gamma + TGF-beta in vitro moderately inhibited the growth of M. tuberculosis when compared with untreated cells. Phagocytosis was not inhibited. Treatment of monocytes with another combination of cytokines, IFN-gamma+ TNF-alpha + vitamin D3, markedly reduced bacterial viability, although this appeared to be due to decreased phagocytosis leading to extracellular death of the bacteria. We conclude that despite suppressing some monocyte functions such as H2O2 production and adherence, TGF-beta, in combination with other cytokines, leaves other antimicrobial functions of the monocyte unaffected or even enhanced.
An alternative splice variant of human IL-4, IL-4 delta 2, inhibits IL-4-stimulated T cell proliferation.
Authors: Atamas S P , Choi J , Yurovsky V V , White B
Published: January 2023

Alternative splicing of mRNA can generate protein isoforms that are preferentially expressed in different tissues or during different states of cell differentiation or activation. Protein isoforms may have different functions. In this study, we cloned, expressed, and tested functional effects of a naturally occurring splice variant of human IL-4, called IL-4 delta 2. In IL-4 delta 2, the second exon of IL-4 is omitted by alternative splicing, with exons 1, 3, and 4 joined in an open reading frame. We found that IL-4 delta 2 RNA is expressed in the PBMC of all donors tested, usually in lower amounts than IL-4 RNA. In contrast, IL-4 delta 2 RNA is expressed in much higher levels than IL-4 RNA in thymocytes and bronchoalveolar lavage cells, suggesting tissue specificity of expression. IL-4 delta 2 cDNA was expressed in yeast. Recombinant human (rh) IL-4 delta 2 was partially purified and found to be glycosylated, with a protein core of 13 to 15 kDa. Unlike rhIL-4, rhIL-4 delta 2 did not act as a costimulator for T cell proliferation. However, rhIL-4 delta 2 inhibited the ability of rhIL-4 to act as a T cell costimulator. Inhibition was independent of glycosylation and was not mediated by toxicity. Iodinated IL-4 delta 2 was found to bind specifically to human PBMC and tumor lines known to express IL-4 receptors. Excess unlabeled IL-4 inhibited cellular binding of labeled IL-4 delta 2. Thus, rhIL-4 delta 2 is a naturally occurring splice variant of IL-4 that is preferentially expressed in the thymus and airways and inhibits function of complete IL-4. The balance between IL-4 and IL-4 delta 2 may be important in the regulation of IL-4 effects.
Structure and expression of murine CD30 and its role in cytokine production.
Authors: Bowen M A , Lee R K , Miragliotta G , Nam S Y , Podack E R
Published: January 2023

Murine CD30 cDNA predicts a protein of 498 amino acids with homology to the TNF receptor family of proteins characterized by repeated cysteine-rich motifs in the extracellular domain. Murine CD30, although homologous to human CD30, has a 90 amino acid gap in an extracellular region that appears to be duplicated in human CD30. Murine CD30 cDNA was shown to be functional through the production of a soluble murine Ig fusion protein (CD30-Ig) that was active in binding to cells that expressed CD30 ligand. CD30-Ig also served as an immunogen for the production of hamster anti-mouse CD30 mAbs, which recognized both CD30 expressed by murine lymphocytes and CD30 expressed by cells transfected with murine CD30 cDNA. CD30 mRNA is highly expressed in the thymus and in activated spleen cells, but not in other tissues tested. In anti-CD3-activated spleen cells, CD30 ligand is expressed primarily by CD4+ T cells, with peak expression at days 1 and 2, whereas CD30 is expressed primarily by CD8+ T cells, with peak expression on days 4 and 5. Stimulation of CD30 by plate-bound anti-CD30 directly signaled for IL-5 but not IFN-gamma production by CD30+ CTL lines. These studies demonstrate that CD30 directs cytokine secretion and suggest that CD30 signaling may be pivotal in the pattern of cytokine production by T cells.
The class II MHC I-Ag7 molecules from non-obese diabetic mice are poor peptide binders.
Authors: Carrasco-Marin E , Shimizu J , Kanagawa O , Unanue E R
Published: January 2023

The class II molecules of the diabetes-prone NOD mice, I-Ag7, showed very limited amounts of stable form when analyzed by SDS-PAGE. We included the analysis of spleen B cells and B lymphoma cells transfected with I-Ag7 genes. Early during bio-synthesis there was invariant chain binding to the alpha beta-chains. Examination of APCs from F1 mice (NOD x C57BL/6) indicated that the same APC expressed high levels of unstable I-Ag7 and normal amounts of stable class II molecules compared with the other haplotype (I-Ab). The half-life of I-Ag7-peptide complexes on the cell surface of APC was significantly shorter than that of other class II haplotypes. Direct biochemical demonstration of peptide interactions with I-Ag7 was difficult to demonstrate. In T cell assays, the immunogenic peptides, including the diabetogenic Ag, were rapidly lost when peptide-pulsed APCs were washed free of peptide. We hypothesize that the weak and unstable peptide-binding property of I-Ag7 molecules does not favor the elimination or inactivation of autoreactive T cells.
Activation of type I protein kinase A during receptor-mediated human T lymphocyte activation.
Authors: Laxminarayana D , Kammer G M
Published: January 2023

The experiments reported herein have characterized the signaling pathway leading to stimulation of type I protein kinase A isozyme (PKA-I) activity during the early events of Ag receptor-mediated T cell activation. Inhibitor studies demonstrated that receptor-initiated activation of nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases, phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C-gamma 1, and activation of protein kinase C occur temporally and precede PKA-I activation. Bypass of both the TCR/CD3 complex and IL-1R and direct activation of protein kinase C by a phorbol ester can also activate PKA-I. To confirm that PKA-I activation via the TCR/CD3 complex and IL-1R requires antecedent protein tyrosine kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1, we used wild-type and CD45-deficient (mutant J45.01) Jurkat T cell lines. Unlike wild-type Jurkat T cells, the absence of CD45 tyrosine phosphatase resulted in the failure of receptor-mediated activation of PKA-I activity and of IL-2 mRNA transcription in the mutant J45.01 Jurkat cell line. In conclusion, our data support the concept that a signal derived from ligand binding to both the TCR/CD3 complex and IL-1R receptor mediates rapid activation of the PKA-I isozyme in primary T lymphocytes by sequential activation of an intracellular pathway comprised of CD45 phosphatase/protein tyrosine kinase/polyphosphoinositide/Ca2+/protein kinase C pathway rather than via the conventional surface receptor/stimulatory G protein system.
Functional dissociation of CD8 alpha's Ig homologue and connecting peptide domains.
Authors: Meyerson H J , Huang J H , Fayen J D , Tsao H M , Getty R R , Greenspan N S , Tykocinski M L
Published: January 2023

The contribution of the CD8 alpha.IgV homologue domain to class I MHC binding was evaluated using a series of chimeric human CD8 alpha:Fc polypeptides incorporating alternative CD8 alpha extracellular domain components. Using a nonisotopic cellfree physical binding assay, those Fc chimeras encompassing the CD8 alpha.IgV homologue domain only (dissociated from the 48-amino acid CD8 alpha connecting peptide) were shown to retain the capacity of the complete CD8 alpha extracellular domain to bind to a recombinant soluble class I MHC alpha 3 domain unit or to intact class I MHC. The specificity of the CD8 alpha:class I MHC alpha 3 domain interaction was verified by mAb and soluble polypeptide blocking experiments. Furthermore, co-precipitation of an Fc chimera incorporating only the CD8 alpha.IgV homologue domain and a recombinant soluble class I MHC alpha 3 domain unit was accomplished. In addition, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-modified variant of the CD8 alpha.IgV homologue domain was generated via chimerization with the GPI signal sequence from decay-accelerating factor. GPI anchorage for this truncated CD8 alpha polypeptide was verified, and its capacity to promote intercellular adhesion through class I MHC binding was shown in a cell:cell binding assay. The findings indicate that the CD8 alpha.IgV homologue domain acts as an independent structural unit when dissociated from the CD8 alpha connecting peptide, and in so doing retains class I MHC binding capacity. This further establishes the principle that Ig superfamily domains from receptor:counter-receptor pairs can interact with each other as isolated units, providing an experimental path for tailoring therapeutically useful IgSF protein derivatives.
A powerful new technique for isolating genes encoding cell surface antigens using retroviral expression cloning.
Authors: Zannettino A C , Rayner J R , Ashman L K , Gonda T J , Simmons P J
Published: January 2023

cDNA expression cloning using retroviral vectors provides a means of stably introducing genes into target cells at efficiencies that surpass those achieved by transfection. Furthermore, retroviral vectors allow for the introduction and expression of complex cDNA libraries in a wide range of cell types, including cells of hemopoietic origin. Here we report a novel method for rapidly isolating genes encoding cell surface molecules (CSM) from a human bone marrow stromal cell cDNA library constructed in the retroviral vector, pRUFneo. With a newly described, highly efficient selection strategy using mAb and Ab-coated magnetic beads, we have successfully isolated six cDNA encoding previously defined CSM, including beta 1 integrin and endoglin. Moreover, we have used this approach to define the gene and hence the CSM identified by three previously unclustered mAb. These results confirm previous studies demonstrating the general utility of retroviral cDNA libraries and further extend their use to the expression cloning of cDNA encoding CSM.
Down-regulation of T lymphocyte activation in vitro and in vivo induced by glycoinositolphospholipids from Trypanosoma cruzi. Assignment of the T cell-suppressive determinant to the ceramide domain.
Authors: Gomes N A , Previato J O , Zingales B , Mendonça-Previato L , DosReis G A
Published: January 2023

The major surface glycoinositolphospholipid (GIPL) from Trypanosoma cruzi was purified and assessed in mouse T cell function assays. Purified GIPLs from T. cruzi strains Y and G, but not from a plant trypanosomatid (Phytomonas serpens), markedly blocked in vitro CD4+ and CD8+ T cell mitogenesis induced by bacterial superantigen and anti-TCR;CD3 Abs. Secretion of IL-2, but not of IL-4, bioactivity, was reduced by GIPLs. T. cruzi, but not P. serpens, GIPL also blocked recall cellular responses to T. cruiz. GIPLs from T. cruzi, but not from P. serpens, blocked in vivo regional lymph node T cell activation induced by anti-CD3 mAb. Blockage led to loss of IL-2 responsiveness, with inhibition of CD25 expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. Isolated phosphoinositol oligosaccharides from GIPLs had no effect on in vitro CD4+ T cell mitogenesis. Isolated ceramide from T. cruzi GIPLs contained mainly N-lignoceroyldihydrosphingosine and blocked CD4+ T cell activation in vitro with the same potency as the intact GIPL. Standard N-palmitoylsphingosine, but not N-palmitoyldihydrosphingosine, blocked CD4+ T cell mitogenesis. A longer fatty acid chain, such as in standard N-lignoceroyldihydrosphingosine, or in the natural trypanosomal GIPL-derived ceramide, however, conferred full inhibitory effects on CD4+ T cells. These results demonstrate that T. cruzi GIPL has T cell immunomodulatory activity in vitro and in vivo, and that this novel activity maps to the ceramide domain. These findings could have implications for immunologic disturbances induced in the host by the causative agent of Chagas' disease.
Production of nitric oxide (NO) is not essential for protection against acute Toxoplasma gondii infection in IRF-1-/- mice.
Authors: Khan I A , Matsuura T , Fonseka S , Kasper L H
Published: January 2023

Production of nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages is important for the killing of intracellular pathogens. IFN-gamma and LPS stimulate NO production by transcriptional up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS). In the present study we used mice with a targeted disruption of the IFN regulatory factor-1 gene (IRF-1-/-) to investigate the importance of NO in the host immune response against Toxoplasma gondii, a major cause of infection in newborns and those with AIDS. IRF-1-/- mice were more susceptible to acute Toxoplasma infection, and treatment with either exogenous IFN-gamma or in vivo neutralization of endogenous IFN-gamma had little effect on their susceptibility to infection. However, administration of exogenous IL-12 was able to prolong survival even when IFN-gamma was depleted. An in vivo depletion study suggested that the mechanism of this protective response is mediated in part by CD4+ T cells. The administration of IL-12 could not overcome the inhibition of lymphoproliferative response in T. gondii-infected mice and treatment with N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), a nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) antagonist in vitro was unable to reverse the immunosuppression. In response to Toxoplasma infection, splenocytes from IRF-1-/- mice exhibited increased production of IL-10 as well as a 30-fold increase in its message expression. These studies indicate that NO may not be essential for host immunity to the parasite, and moreover that IL-12 appears to induce an IFN-gamma-independent mechanism of protection against this opportunistic pathogen.
T helper 1 response against Leishmania major in pregnant C57BL/6 mice increases implantation failure and fetal resorptions. Correlation with increased IFN-gamma and TNF and reduced IL-10 production by placental cells.
Authors: Krishnan L , Guilbert L J , Wegmann T G , Belosevic M , Mosmann T R
Published: January 2023

Maternal immune responses can influence fetal survival and several cytokines have harmful or protective effects on pregnancy. The Th1 cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-2 can cause fetal loss, whereas the Th2 cytokine IL-10 is protective. However, infections such as leishmaniasis show the opposite pattern: resistance is associated with the preferential mounting of a Th1 response, whereas a Th2 response exacerbates the disease. We therefore asked whether the curative Th1 response against Leishmania major in genetically resistant C57BL/6 mice, would compromise concurrent pregnancy. The number of resorptions as assessed by uterine scars was significantly increased in infected C57BL/6 mice and this was associated with a decreased production by placental cells of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 and increased production of IFN-gamma and TNF. Interestingly, the frequency of pregnancy failure before implantation in C57BL/6 mice was also substantially increased. In contrast to C57BL/6 mice, early infection did not reduce implantations in BALB/c mice that mount a Th2 anti-L. major response and succumb to infection. For both resorptions and implantations, there appeared to be a short period early in infection that was detrimental to pregnancy, followed by a period with lesser effects, and a later period that again induced higher resorptions or pre-implantation losses. These results suggest that a beneficial anti-parasite Th1 response can adversely affect pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, Th1 cytokines may be deleterious for not only placental maintenance but also preimplantation events.
Listeria monocytogenes induces apoptosis of infected hepatocytes.
Authors: Rogers H W , Callery M P , Deck B , Unanue E R
Published: January 2023

Infection with blood-borne Listeria monocytogenes results in their early uptake by the liver. Foci of hepatocytes become heavily infected and develop into microabscesses. Infection results in apoptosis of the hepatocytes. This is particularly evident in the edge of the microabscess, where hepatocytes are not yet destroyed by the neutrophil. It is also apparent when neutrophils are depleted from the circulation. Infection of hepatocytes in culture induces their death by apoptosis with the release of neutrophil chemoattractants. Cytokines do not reduce the multiplication of Listeria in cultured hepatocytes. This study calls attention to an early program of inflammation induced in infected cells that are unresponsive to cytokines.
Beta-chemokine TCA3 binds to mesangial cells and induces adhesion, chemotaxis, and proliferation.
Authors: Luo Y , Dorf M E
Published: January 2023

Specific receptors for the beta-chemokine TCA3 have been identified on mouse monocyte/macrophage cell lines and on mouse mesangial cells. Using Scatchard plot analysis with 125I-labeled TCA3, a single high-affinity receptor (3-4 nM) was identified. Cells of the monocyte lineage express 1,400 to 8,600 TCA3 binding sites, while mesangial cells display 40,000 to 49,000 sites/cell. Competitive inhibition studies indicated that the TCA3 receptor is unique, although MCP-1, IL-8, and RANTES were weak competitors of TCA3 binding. We also established the functional activity of TCA3 and other chemokines on primary cultures of mouse mesangial cells. TCA3 treatment induces increased mesangial cell adhesiveness to fibronectin. TCA3 is also a chemoattractant for mesangial cells. In addition, TCA3 treatment stimulates [3H]thymidine uptake by mesangial cells. The combined results indicate that TCA3 and other chemokines interact with a broader range of target cells than previously considered.
Signaling by hemolytically inactive C5b67, an agonist of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Authors: Wang C , Gerard N P , Nicholson-Weller A
Published: January 2023

The hemolytically inactive complement component complex C5b67, designated iC5b67, can signal human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) both as a pertussis toxin-inhibitable agonist for chemotaxis and as an antagonist for C5a- and FMLP-stimulated chemotaxis and superoxide production. The signaling pathways utilized by iC5b67 have been further investigated. In contrast to mastoparan, iC5b67 failed to directly activate G proteins to stimulate inositol phosphate formation in COS cells that had been transfected with G alpha 16. In COS cells co-transfected with both G alpha 16 and the C5a receptor, iC5b67 could neither activate phospholipase C nor inhibit C5a receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C. iC5b67 stimulated GTPase activity in a membrane-enriched fraction from PMN. These data support the hypothesis that iC5b67 signals through a unique receptor, likely G protein linked, but distinct from the C5a receptor. iC5b67 was able to mobilize intracellular stores to elicit increases in intracellular Ca2+. Based on the effects of herbimycin A, wortmannin, and chelerythrine on iC5b67-induced PMN chemotaxis, iC5b67 signaling involved activation of tyrosine and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases, but not protein kinase C. Relevant to the capacity of iC5b67 to antagonize PMN superoxide production, iC5b67 induced rapid and sustained increases in intracellular cAMP, which others have shown can inhibit superoxide formation. Although iC5b67 antagonizes C5a and FMLP receptor-mediated superoxide generation, iC5b67 had no effect on PMA-induced superoxide formation. The distinct agonist and antagonist signaling pathways activated by iC5b67 in the PMN diverge soon after initial iC5b67 receptor-mediated transduction steps.
An antibody that binds domain 1 of CD4 inhibits replication of HIV-1, but not HTLV-I, in a CD4-positive/p56lck-negative HTLV-I-transformed cell line.
Authors: Lemasson I , Briant L , Hague B , Coudronnière N , Heron L , David C , Rebouissou C , Kindt T , Devaux C
Published: January 2023

mAbs that bind to the Ig CDR3-like region in D1 domain of the CD4 molecule can inhibit the HIV-1 life cycle in CD4-positive T cells and lymphoblastoid cell lines at the stage of transcription. This antiviral effect requires the integrity of the cytoplasmic tail of CD4, which acts as a signal transduction region through its association with protein tyrosine kinases such as p56Ick. Here we investigated the role of p56Ick in the cascade of molecular events that control HIV-1 transcription in cells treated with anti-CD4 mAb directed against the Ig CDR3-like region. The Ig CDR3-like region-specific mAb, 13B8-2, blocked HIV-1 production in CD4-positive/p56Ick-negative HTLV-I-producing MT2 cells superinfected by HIV-1Lai, but had no effect on HTLV-I production, although it did inhibit Tax-induced NF-kappa B translocation. These results raise the possibility that an as yet unidentified tyrosine kinase may be capable of associating with CD4 and mediating intracellular signaling.
B cells are generated throughout life in humans.
Authors: Nuñez C , Nishimoto N , Gartland G L , Billips L G , Burrows P D , Kubagawa H , Cooper M D
Published: January 2023

This analysis of B cell development as a function of age reveals a relatively widespread distribution of progenitor B (pro-B), pre-B, and B cells in fetal tissues, and thus supports the idea of a multifocal origin of B lineage cells during embryonic development. From mid-gestation onward, the bone marrow is the major site of B cell generation in humans. A relatively constant ratio of bone marrow precursors to B cells of immature phenotype (CD24highCD10+CD20lowIgD-) is maintained from mid-gestation through the eighth decade of life. The persistence of recombinase gene activity in pro-B cells further attests the sustained production of B cells in bone marrow. Interestingly, a subpopulation of B cells with mature phenotype (CD24lowCD10-CD20highIgD+) accumulates in the bone marrow during childhood, and this becomes the predominant B cell subpopulation in adult bone marrow. This mature population of bone marrow B cells may represent a subpopulation of recirculating B cells that have undergone selection in the periphery.