bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of the C3b-binding site of CR1 and construction of a (CR1)2-F(ab')2 chimeric complement inhibitor.
Authors: Kalli K R , Hsu P H , Bartow T J , Ahearn J M , Matsumoto A K , Klickstein L B , Fearon D T
Published: June 2004

CR1/CR2 chimeric receptors in which various short consensus repeats (SCRs) of CR1 were attached to CR2 were transiently expressed on COS cells, and assessed for the binding of polymerized C3b (pC3b) and anti-CR2 by immunofluorescence. Of COS cells expressing chimeras containing SCR 1-4, 1-3, 2-4, 1-2, and 2-3 of the long homologous repeats (LHRs) -B or -C, 96%, 66%, 23%, 0%, and 0%, respectively, bound pC3b. K562 cells were stably transfected with wild-type CR1, deletion mutants of CR1, and the CR1/CR2 chimeras, respectively, and assayed for binding of 125I-pC3b. The dissociation constants (Kd) for pC3b of wild-type CR1 and the LHR-BD and -CD constructs were in the range of 1.0-2.7 nM, and of the CR1/CR2 chimeras containing SCRs 1-4, 1-3, and 2-4 of LHR-B or -C were 1.8-2.4, 6-9, and 22-36 nM, respectively. The factor I-cofactor function of the CR1/CR2 chimeras paralleled the C3b-binding function of the constructs. A CR1/immunoglobulin (Ig) chimeric protein was prepared by fusing SCRs 1-4 of LHR-B to the heavy chains of a murine F(ab')2 anti-nitrophenacetyl (NP) monoclonal antibody. The (CR1)2-F(ab')2 chimera, which retained its specificity for NP, was as effective as soluble, full-length CR1 in binding pC3b, serving as a cofactor for factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b, and inhibiting activation of the alternative pathway, indicating that the bivalent expression of these SCRs reconstitutes the alternative pathway inhibitory function of CR1. The feasibility of creating CR1/Ig chimeras makes possible a new strategy of targeting complement inhibition by the use of Ig fusion partners having particular antigenic specificities.
Macrophage deactivation by interleukin 10.
Authors: Bogdan C , Vodovotz Y , Nathan C
Published: June 2004

Recombinant mouse interleukin 10 (IL-10) was exceedingly potent at suppressing the ability of mouse peritoneal macrophages (m phi) to release tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). The IC50 of IL-10 for the suppression of TNF-alpha release induced by 0.5 microgram/ml lipopolysaccharide was 0.04 +/- 0.03 U/ml, with as little as 1 U/ml suppressing TNF-alpha production by a factor of 21.4 +/- 2.5. At 10 U/ml, IL-10 markedly suppressed m phi release of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) (IC50 3.7 +/- 1.8 U/ml), but only weakly inhibited m phi release of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI). Since TNF-alpha is a T cell growth and differentiation factor, whereas ROI and RNI are known to inhibit lymphocyte function, it is possible that m phi exposed to low concentrations of IL-10 suppress lymphocytes. m phi deactivated by higher concentrations of IL-10 might be permissive for the growth of microbial pathogens and tumor cells, as TNF-alpha, ROI, and RNI are major antimicrobial and tumoricidal products of m phi. IL-10's effects on m phi overlap with but are distinct from the effects of the two previously described cytokines that suppress the function of mouse m phi, transforming growth factor beta and macrophage deactivation factor. Based on results with neutralizing antibodies, all three m phi suppressor factors appear to act independently.
Expression of paragloboside-like lipooligosaccharides may be a necessary component of gonococcal pathogenesis in men.
Authors: Schneider H , Griffiss J M , Boslego J W , Hitchcock P J , Zahos K M , Apicella M A
Published: June 2004

To learn how lipooligosaccharide (LOS) phase variations affect pathogenesis, we studied two male volunteers who were challenged intraurethrally with Neisseria gonorrhoeae that make a single LOS of 3,600 daltons and sequentially followed LOS expression by gonococci as urethritis developed. LOS variation occurred in vivo. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea began with the appearance of variants making 4,700-dalton LOS that are immunochemically similar to glycosphingolipids of human hematopoietic cells (Mandrell, R.E., J.M. Griffiss, and B.A. Macher. 1989. J. Exp. Med. 168:107) and that have acceptors for sialic acid. A variant that appeared at the onset of leukorrhoea was shed by 34/36 men with naturally acquired gonorrhea at the time they sought medical attention; the other two shed the variant associated with dysuria. None shed the challenge variant. These data show that in vivo phase shifts to higher molecular mass LOS that mimic human cell membrane glycolipids are associated with the development of gonococcal leukorrhea.
Antigen-pulsed dendritic cells can efficiently induce an antibody response in vivo.
Authors: Sornasse T , Flamand V , De Becker G , Bazin H , Tielemans F , Thielemans K , Urbain J , Leo O , Moser M
Published: June 2004

The aim of this study was to develop an immunization procedure avoiding external adjuvant. Data are presented showing that syngeneic dendritic cells (DC), which have been pulsed in vitro with antigen, induce a strong antibody response in mice. By contrast, antigen (Ag)-pulsed low-density B cells, although equally able to induce interleukin 2 secretion by an Ag-specific T cell hybridoma in vitro, only weakly prime the mice in vivo. Moreover, we show that the injection of Ag-pulsed DC induces the synthesis of isotypes similar to the immunoglobulin classes detected after immunization with the same Ag in complete Freund's adjuvant. Importantly, high amounts of IgG2a antibodies are produced, suggesting that T helper type 1 cells are activated. Collectively, these data indicate that DC can initiate a primary humoral response and that they may be used as physiological adjuvant in vivo.
Intercellular adhesion molecule 3, a third adhesion counter-receptor for lymphocyte function-associated molecule 1 on resting lymphocytes.
Authors: de Fougerolles A R , Springer T A
Published: June 2004

Recent studies suggest that some T and B lymphocyte cell lines bind to the integrin lymphocyte function-associated molecule 1 (LFA-1) chiefly through a pathway independent of its two known counter-receptors, intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs)-1 and -2. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) was raised that, in combination with blocking mAb to ICAM-1 and ICAM-2, can completely inhibit binding of these cell lines to purified LFA-1. This third ligand, designated ICAM-3 based on its functional relatedness to ICAM-1 and -2, is a highly glycosylated protein of 124,000 Mr. It is well expressed on all leukocytes and absent from endothelial cells. In assays of adhesion of resting lymphocytes to purified LFA-1, ICAM-3 is by far the most functionally important ICAM, implying an important role for ICAM-3 in the generation of immune responses.
A protective role of gamma/delta T cells in primary infection with Listeria monocytogenes in mice.
Authors: Hiromatsu K , Yoshikai Y , Matsuzaki G , Ohga S , Muramori K , Matsumoto K , Bluestone J A , Nomoto K
Published: June 2004

We have previously reported that T cells bearing T cell receptors (TCRs) of gamma/delta type appear at a relatively early stage of primary infection with Listeria monocytogenes in mice. To characterize the early-appearing gamma/delta T cells during listeriosis, we analyzed the specificity and cytokine production of the gamma/delta T cells in the peritoneal cavity in mice inoculated intraperitoneally with a sublethal dose of L. monocytogenes. The early-appearing gamma/delta T cells, most of which were of CD4-CD8- phenotype, proliferated and secreted IFN-gamma and macrophage chemotactic factor in response to purified protein derivative from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or recombinant 65-kD heat-shock protein derived from M. bovis but not to heat-killed Listeria. To further elucidate the potential role of the gamma/delta T cells in the host-defense mechanism against primary infection with Listeria, we examined the effects of in vivo administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against TCR-gamma/delta or TCR-alpha/beta on the bacterial eradication in mice infected with Listeria. Most of alpha/beta T cells or gamma/delta T cells were depleted in the peripheral lymphoid organs at least for 12 d after an intraperitoneal injection of 200 micrograms TCR-alpha/beta mAb or 200 micrograms TCR-gamma/delta mAb, respectively. An exaggerated bacterial multiplication was evident at the early stage of listerial infection in the gamma/delta T cells-depleted mice, whereas the alpha/beta T cell-depleted mice exhibited much the same resistance level as the control mice at this stage although the resistance was severely impaired at the late stage after listerial infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stabilization of the bioactivity of tumor necrosis factor by its soluble receptors.
Authors: Aderka D , Engelmann H , Maor Y , Brakebusch C , Wallach D
Published: June 2004

The receptors for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) exist in cell-associated as well as soluble forms, both binding specifically to TNF. Since the soluble forms of TNF receptors (sTNF-Rs) can compete with the cell-associated TNF receptors for TNF, it was suggested that they function as inhibitors of TNF activity; at high concentrations, the sTNF-Rs indeed inhibit TNF effects. However, we report here that in the presence of low concentrations of the sTNF-Rs, effects of TNF whose induction depend on prolonged treatment with this cytokine are augmented, reflecting an attenuation by the sTNF-Rs of spontaneous TNF activity decay. Evidence that this stabilization of TNF activity by the sTNF-Rs follows from stabilization of TNF structure within the complexes that TNF forms with the sTNF-Rs is presented here, suggesting that the sTNF-Rs can affect TNF activity not only by interfering with its binding to cells but also by stabilizing its structure and preserving its activity, thus augmenting some of its effects.
Mutations defining functional regions of the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B.
Authors: Kappler J W , Herman A , Clements J , Marrack P
Published: June 2004

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is both a superantigen and toxin. As a superantigen, SEB can bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules to form a ligand for alpha/beta T cell receptors bearing particular V beta elements. As a toxin, SEB causes rapid weight loss in mice sometimes leading to death. We show here that both of these functions map to the NH2-terminal portion of the toxin. Three regions were identified: one important in MHC class II binding, one in T cell recognition, and one in both functions. These results support the conclusion that the toxicity of SEB is related to massive T cell stimulation and release of cytokine mediators and show that the residues interacting with MHC and the T cell receptor are intertwined.
Macrophage priming and lipopolysaccharide-triggered release of tumor necrosis factor alpha during graft-versus-host disease.
Authors: Nestel F P , Price K S , Seemayer T A , Lapp W S
Published: June 2004

In this report we have investigated macrophage (M phi) activity and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production during graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). TNF-alpha production by M phi requires two signals: priming of M phi by interferon followed by triggering of TNF-alpha production and release by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The state of M phi activation was examined in nonirradiated B6AF1 recipient mice injected with either 60 x 10(6) (acute GVHD) or 30 x 10(6) (nonlethal GVHD) parental B6 lymphoid cells. During the early phase of acute GVHD, administration of normally sublethal amounts of LPS-triggered release of significant amounts of TNF-alpha into the serum resulting in death of the animals within 36 h. Normal animals treated with the same dose of LPS neither died nor produced detectable amounts of serum TNF-alpha. In vitro studies demonstrated that M phi were primed during GVHD. The level of M phi priming was greater during acute GVHD than nonlethal GVHD since 100-fold less LPS was required to trigger killing of a TNF-alpha-sensitive cell line by M phi from acute GVHD animals. The amount of TNF-alpha released into the serum after LPS injection increased during the course of the GVHD and was significantly greater in acute GVH-reactive mice. Endogenous LPS was detected in the serum of acute GVH-reactive animals coincident with the onset of mortality. The data provide evidence that during GVHD M phi are primed as a result of the allogeneic reaction and that endogenous LPS therefore triggers M phi production of TNF-alpha resulting in the symptoms characteristic of acute GVHD.
Identification of HLA-DR1 beta chain residues critical for binding staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E.
Authors: Karp D R , Long E O
Published: June 2004

Superantigens are thought to make external contacts with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and with the V beta portion of a T cell antigen receptor (TCR), thereby stimulating entire families of T cells. The precise mapping of superantigen binding sites on class II molecules may provide valuable information on how TCR and MHC molecules interact. Two bacterial superantigens, staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E (SEA/SEE) bind well to most HLA-DR alleles, but poorly to HLA-DRw53. The sequences responsible for this binding were localized to the putative alpha helix of the DR beta chain by measuring toxin binding to a panel of chimeric class II molecules expressed on transfected cells. Binding of SEA/SEE to the DRw14 (Dw9) molecule suggested that the conserved histidine 81 in the beta chain of most DR molecules was important, whereas the tyrosine 81 in the DRw53 beta chain was detrimental for high-affinity binding. To prove this, reciprocal point mutations were introduced in the DR1 and DRw53 beta chains. Mutation of histidine 81 in the DR1 beta chain to tyrosine reduced SEA/SEE binding, but did not prevent recognition of two DR1-restricted peptides by six of eight antigen-specific T cell lines. Conversely, introduction to histidine at position 81 in the DRw53 beta chain restored normal levels of SEA/SEE binding. These data suggest that a binding site of SEA and SEE lies on the outer face of the beta chain alpha helix, pointing away from the antigen-binding groove.
Biochemical evidence for the rapid assembly and disassembly of processed antigen-major histocompatibility complex class II complexes in acidic vesicles of B cells.
Authors: Marsh E W , Dalke D P , Pierce S K
Published: June 2004

Helper T cell recognition of antigen requires that it be processed within antigen-presenting cells (APC) to peptide fragments that subsequently bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and are displayed on the APC surface. Heretofore, processed antigen-MHC class II complexes have been detected by functional assays, measuring the activation of specific T cells. We now report direct, biochemical evidence for the assembly of processed antigen-MHC class II complexes within splenic B cells as APC. The I-Ek MHC class II molecules were immunoprecipitated from B cells that had processed the model protein antigen cytochrome c radiolabeled across its entire length by reductive methylation of lysine residues and covalently coupled to Ig-specific antibodies, allowing internalization after binding to surface Ig. Our previous studies showed that I-Ek immunoaffinity purified from B cells that had processed cytochrome c contains functional processed antigen--MHC class II complexes and that approximately 0.2% of the I-Ek molecules are specifically associated with one of two predominant processed antigenic fragments. Here we show that these complexes are rapidly assembled, within 30-60 min after antigen binding to surface Ig on splenic B cells. Maximal numbers of complexes are assembled by 2 h in a process that is sensitive to acidic vesicle inhibitors but not to inhibitors of protein synthesis. The processed antigen-I-Ek complexes have a relatively short half-life of 2-4 h and are disassembled or degraded within 8 h after antigen is first internalized. The disassembly or degradation of the processed antigen-I-Ek complexes requires acidic vesicle function, and in the presence of an acidic vesicle inhibitor the complexes are long lived. Thus, using a biochemical assay to monitor processed antigen-I-Ek complexes, we find that, in B cells, processed antigen is relatively rapidly associated in acidic vesicles with preexisting MHC class II molecules, and the complexes are disassembled 4-6 h later in processes that also require acid vesicle function.
The beta subunit of the Fc epsilon RI is associated with the Fc gamma RIII on mast cells.
Authors: Kurosaki T , Gander I , Wirthmueller U , Ravetch J V
Published: June 2004

Fc epsilon RI is a tetrameric receptor, composed of a ligand recognition subunit, alpha, a beta chain, and dimeric gamma chains. Previous studies have indicated that the dimeric gamma chain is associated with Fc gamma RIIIA (CD16) on natural killer cells and macrophages as well as the clonotypic T cell receptor. Here we show that in mast cells, in addition to the dimeric gamma chains, the beta subunit is associated not only with Fc epsilon RI, but also with Fc gamma RIIIA. Functional reconstitution studies with a mastocytoma cell line indicate that Fc gamma RIIIA composed of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits has the capacity for signal transduction. These studies suggest that through the association of alternative ligand recognition subunits (alpha epsilon, alpha gamma), a common signal transduction complex (beta gamma 2) mediates similar biochemical and effector functions in response to immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgE.
Engagement of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules by superantigen induces inflammatory cytokine gene expression in human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes.
Authors: Mourad W , Mehindate K , Schall T J , McColl S R
Published: June 2004

Cells in the rheumatoid synovium express high levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in vivo. We have therefore examined the ability of engagement of MHC class II molecules by the superantigen Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) to activate interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 gene expression in type B synoviocytes isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. SEA had a minimal or undetectable effect on the expression of either gene in resting synoviocytes, as determined by Northern blot and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. However, induction of MHC class II molecule expression after treatment of synoviocytes with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) enabled the cells to respond to SEA in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in an increase in both the level of steady-state mRNA for IL-6 and IL-8, and the release of these cytokines into the supernatant. IFN-gamma by itself had no effect on the expression of either cytokine. Pretreatment of the cells with the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D prevented the increase in cytokine mRNA induced by SEA, whereas cycloheximide superinduced mRNA for both cytokines after stimulation by SEA. Taken together, these results indicate that signaling through MHC class II molecules may represent a novel mechanism by which inflammatory cytokine production is regulated in type B rheumatoid synoviocytes, and potentially provides insight into the manner by which superantigens may initiate and/or propagate autoimmune diseases.
Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated suppression of the interleukin 2 gene expression through impairment of the cooperativity between nuclear factor of activated T cells and AP-1 enhancer elements.
Authors: Vacca A , Felli M P , Farina A R , Martinotti S , Maroder M , Screpanti I , Meco D , Petrangeli E , Frati L , Gulino A
Published: June 2004

The immunosuppressant hormone dexamethasone (Dex) interferes with T cell-specific signals activating the enhancer sequences directing interleukin 2 (IL-2) transcription. We report that the Dex-dependent downregulation of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and calcium ionophore-induced activity of the IL-2 enhancer are mediated by glucocorticoid receptor (GR) via a process that requires intact NH2- and COOH-terminal and DNA-binding domains. Functional analysis of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) vectors containing internal deletions of the -317 to +47 bp IL-2 enhancer showed that the GR-responsive elements mapped to regions containing nuclear factor of activated T cells protein (NFAT) (-279 to -263 bp) and AP-1 (-160 to -150 bp) motifs. The AP-1 motif binds TPA and calcium ionophore-induced nuclear factor(s) containing fos protein. TPA and calcium ionophore-induced transcriptional activation of homo-oligomers of the NFAT element were not inhibited by Dex, while AP-1 motif concatemers were not stimulated by TPA and calcium ionophore. When combined, NFAT and AP-1 motifs significantly synergized in directing CAT transcription. Such a synergism was impaired by specific mutations affecting the trans-acting factor binding to either NFAT or AP-1 motifs. In spite of the lack of hormone regulation of isolated cis elements, TPA/calcium ionophore-mediated activation of CAT vectors containing a combination of the NFAT and the AP-1 motifs became suppressible by Dex. Our results show that the IL-2-AP-1 motif confers GR sensitivity to a flanking region containing a NFAT element and suggest that synergistic cooperativity between the NFAT and AP-1 sites allows GR to mediate the Dex inhibition of IL-2 gene transcription. Therefore, a Dex-modulated second level of IL-2 enhancer regulation, based on a combinatorial modular interplay, appears to be present.
Expression of the Qa-2k phenotype encoded by the Q5k gene on the surface of tumor cells derived from H-2k mice.
Authors: Seo N , Okazaki T , Nakanishi-Ito C , Tanino T , Matsudaira Y , Takahashi T , Egawa K
Published: June 2004

Immunological and biochemical characteristics of the Qa-2 murine nonclassical histocompatibility class 1 antigen expressed on tumor cells derived from H-2k (Qa-2-) mice were studied. It was found that the Qa-2 antigen on normal H-2b lymphocytes reacted with Qa-2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 34-1.2, 59 (both specific to the alpha 1/alpha 2 region) and 141-15.8 (specific to the alpha 3 domain), and the Qa-2 antigen on H-2k tumor cells (Qa-2k antigen) reacted with mAbs 59 and 141-15.8, but not with 34-1.2. The normal Qa-2 antigen was susceptible to treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, but the Qa-2k antigen was insensitive to it. By Northern hybridization, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies on cDNA, Southern hybridization, Western blotting, and nucleotide sequence analysis, the Q5k gene was identified as the gene encoding the Qa-2k antigen expressed on BW5147 lymphoma cells derived from a mouse of AKR strain (H-2k, Qa-2-). The nucleotide sequence of PCR-amplified BW5147 Q5k cDNA showed complete agreement with the reported sequence of exons 1-5 of the Q5k gene of C3H/He. It also showed complete deletion of the region corresponding to exons 6 and 7, and a very short coding region in exon 8, resulting in very short cytoplasmic domain of the product compared with regular class 1 antigens. These characteristics were expected from the reported Q5k genomic sequence. These results revealed that the Qa-2k antigen was distinct from the normal Qa-2 antigen expressed on H-2b lymphocytes although it cross-reacted with some Qa-2-specific mAbs.
Polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) gene correlate with murine resistance to development of toxoplasmic encephalitis and with levels of TNF-alpha mRNA in infected brain tissue.
Authors: Freund Y R , Sgarlato G , Jacob C O , Suzuki Y , Remington J S
Published: June 2004

Murine resistance to development of toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) has recently been mapped to the D region of the major histocompatibility complex (H-2). Since the gene for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is located 5' of the D region and TNF-alpha has been implicated as playing a role in neurological diseases, we were interested in determining the relationship of TNF-alpha production to TE resistance. We have demonstrated that resistance to TE in inbred mice can be correlated with specific restriction fragment length polymorphisms and microsatellite variants in the TNF-alpha gene. Mice that are susceptible to TE express elevated levels of TNF-alpha mRNA in brain tissue 6 wk after infection with the ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. Resistant mice and all mice that are uninfected show no detectable TNF-alpha mRNA expression in brain tissue. Differences in the TNF-alpha gene between susceptible and resistant mice have been localized to the first intron, the promoter, and the 3' end of the TNF-alpha gene. These data implicate differences in regulation of TNF-alpha production in brain tissue as contributing to differences in susceptibility to development of TE.
Evidence of a natural killer (NK) cell repertoire for (allo) antigen recognition: definition of five distinct NK-determined allospecificities in humans.
Authors: Ciccone E , Pende D , Viale O , Di Donato C , Tripodi G , Orengo A M , Guardiola J , Moretta A , Moretta L
Published: June 2004

Previous studies indicated that CD3-CD16+ natural killer (NK) cells are capable of specific alloantigen recognition. Thus, alloreactive NK clones lysed normal allogeneic target cells (phytohemagglutinin [PHA] blasts) bearing the stimulating alloantigen but did not lyse autologous cells or the majority of unrelated allogeneic cells. In this study we investigated whether NK cells isolated from single individuals could exhibit different allospecificities. To this end, we derived large numbers of CD3-CD16+ clones (in the presence of PHA) from fresh CD3- peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cloning efficiencies ranged between 5 and 10%. The resulting CD3-CD16+ clones were tested for their reactivity against a panel of allogeneic PHA blasts (derived from six donors). In a given individual (A), four distinct groups of clones could be identified according to their pattern of reactivity (over 400 clones have been analyzed). Clones that could be assigned to one or another group of specificity represented 36% of all clones derived from this donor. The remaining clones did not display cytolytic activity against any of the allogeneic target cells used in the panel. None of the clones lysed autologous (A) PHA blasts, yet, these cells were lysed by the representative clones G10 and H12 specific for donor A. Clones displaying a cytolytic pattern of reactivity identical to that defined for donor A were present in other individuals studied, however not all groups of allospecific clones were necessarily represented in different individuals. Allospecific clones belonging to the various groups were homogeneous in the expression of EB6/GL183-triggering surface molecules, and could thus be assigned to one or another of the previously defined subsets of NK cells. Genetic analysis of the new NK-defined alloantigens was performed in representative families. The corresponding characters were found to segregate independently and, at least for three of them, an autosomic recessive type of inheritance could be demonstrated. Moreover, the comparative analysis of the segregation of the major histocompatibility complex haplotypes and the recessive or dominant alleles of the genes governing the five specificities analyzed indicated that there is no independent sampling between the two genetic traits, thus suggesting that the genes regulating the NK-defined specificities are carried by chromosome 6. Finally, some donors expressed more than one specificity, thus providing evidence for an NK-defined complex haplotype.
An endogenous antigenic peptide bypasses the class I antigen presentation defect in RMA-S.
Authors: Hosken N A , Bevan M J
Published: June 2004

The RMA-S cell line was derived from the Raucher virus-induced murine cell line RBL-5 by ethylmethane sulfonate mutagenesis and anti-H-2 antibody plus complement selection (Ljunggren, H.-G., and K. Karre. 1985. J. Exp. Med. 162:1745). RMA-S is defective in the ability to present endogenously synthesized antigens to class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) (Townsend, A., C. Ohlen, J. Bastin, H.-G. Ljunggren, L. Foster, and K. Karre. 1989. Nature [Lond.]. 340:443; Ohlen, C., J. Bastin, H.-G. Ljunggren, L. Foster, E. Wolpert, G. Klein, A. R. M. Townsend, and K. Karre. 1990. J. Immunol. 145:52). This defect has been attributed to the inability of RMA-S to deliver antigenic peptides derived from antigens in the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they can associate with class I MHC molecules (Townsend, A., C. Ohlen, J. Bastin, H.-G. Ljunggren, L. Foster, and K. Karre. 1989. Nature [Lond.]. 340:443). We show that RMA-S can present at least one endogenous antigen, vesicular stomatitis virus nucleoprotein (VSV-N), to class I MHC-restricted CTL. RMA-S presents VSV-N to CTL both when infected with VSV or transfected with the VSV nucleoprotein gene. The natural antigenic VSV nucleoprotein peptides purified from either RMA or RMA-S are indistinguishable when analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. We also show that the genetic defect responsible for the RMA-S phenotype maps to the murine chromosome 17. This chromosome encodes the murine class I MHC genes as well as two genes, HAM-1 and -2, with homology to the adenosine triphosphate-dependent transporter superfamily (Monaco, J. J., S. Cho, and M. Attaya. 1990. Science [Wash. DC]. 250:1723). These results suggest that the system that delivers antigenic peptides from the cytosol to the ER in RMA-S may still be present and retain partial function.
Natural killer (NK) cell stimulatory factor increases the cytotoxic activity of NK cells from both healthy donors and human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.
Authors: Chehimi J , Starr S E , Frank I , Rengaraju M , Jackson S J , Llanes C , Kobayashi M , Perussia B , Young D , Nickbarg E
Published: June 2004

Natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF), or interleukin 12 (IL-12), is a heterodimeric lymphokine produced by B cells that has multiple effects on T and NK cell functions. NKSF at concentrations as low as 0.4 pM enhances the spontaneous cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) against a variety of tumor-derived target cell lines and virus-infected target cells. The combined treatment of PBL with NKSF and IL-2 results in a less than additive enhancement of cytotoxicity. NKSF enhances the cytotoxic activity of spontaneously cytotoxic CD16+CD5- NK cells and does not confer cytotoxic activity to CD16-CD5+ T cells. PBL from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have significantly lower cytotoxic activity against tumor-derived target cells and virus-infected target cells than PBL from control healthy donors. Treatment of PBL from HIV-infected patients with NKSF and/or IL-2 results in an increase of NK cell cytotoxicity against both types of target cells to levels similar to or higher than those of untreated PBL from healthy donors. PBL from HIV-infected patients produce interferon gamma in response to NKSF and/or IL-2, although at levels 5- or 10-fold lower than those produced by PBL from healthy donors. The multiple biological effects of NKSF, its activity at very low molar concentrations, and its ability to synergize with other physiological stimuli suggest that NKSF/IL-12 is a lymphokine likely to have physiological importance and considerable therapeutic potential.
Intraepithelial airway dendritic cells: a distinct subset of pulmonary dendritic cells obtained by microdissection.
Authors: Gong J L , McCarthy K M , Telford J , Tamatani T , Miyasaka M , Schneeberger E E
Published: June 2004

Dendritic cells (DC), in general, and pulmonary DC, in particular, are a heterogeneous population of cells, their phenotype and function being dependent on their anatomic location, their state of activation, and the regulatory effect of locally secreted cytokines. Using a novel microdissection technique, the epithelium from the trachea and entire airway system was harvested, and the contained DC isolated at greater than 90% purity. The phenotype and function of these airway DC (ADC) was compared to DC isolated, at greater than 90% purity, from the parenchyma of the same lung. In contrast to lung DC (LDC), ADC did not express intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in situ, the amount of immune associated antigen (Ia) expressed was less (as determined by immunoperoxidase staining and immunopanning), and greater than 50% of ADC displayed Fc receptors (FcR). The majority of LDC were ICAM-1+, less than 5% expressed FcR, and all were intensely Ia+. Airway DC were most numerous in tracheal epithelium, but they were also present in small numbers in the epithelium of the most distal airways. Their numbers increased in all segments of the tracheobronchial epithelium in response to the administration of IFN-gamma. ADC were consistently more effective than LDC in presenting soluble (hen egg lysozyme) and particulate (heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes) antigens to antigen-sensitized T cells. By contrast, LDC were significantly more efficient in stimulating the proliferation of nonsensitized T cells in an autologous mixed leukocyte reaction. These data suggest that in normal animals, intraepithelial DC of airways share many attributes with Langerhans cells of the skin. Interstitial LDC, by contrast, reside in an environment where they may be exposed to a different set of regulatory factors and where they have progressed to a more advanced stage of differentiation than ADC. Both groups of DC are, however, heterogeneous, reflecting the continuous turnover that these cells undergo in the lung.
Genetic analysis of self-associating immunoglobulin G rheumatoid factors from two rheumatoid synovia implicates an antigen-driven response.
Authors: Olee T , Lu E W , Huang D F , Soto-Gil R W , Deftos M , Kozin F , Carson D A , Chen P P
Published: June 2004

Although much has been learned about the molecular basis of immunoglobulin M (IgM) rheumatoid factors (RFs) in healthy individuals and in patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia and rheumatoid arthritis, little is known about the genetic origins of the potentially pathogenic IgG RFs in the inflamed rheumatoid synovia of patients. Recently, we generated from unmanipulated synovium B cells several hybridomas that secreted self-associating IgG RFs. To delineate the genetic origins of such potentially pathogenic RFs, we adapted the anchored polymerase chain reaction to rapidly clone and characterize the expressed Ig V genes for the L1 and the D1 IgG RFs. Then, we identified the germline counterparts of the expressed L1 IgG RF V genes. The results showed that the L1 heavy chain was encoded by a Vh gene that is expressed preferentially during early ontogenic development, and that is probably located within 240 kb upstream of the Jh locus. The overlap between this RF Vh gene and the restricted fetal antibody repertoire is reminiscent of the natural antibody-associated Vh genes, and suggests that at least part of the "potential pathogenic" IgG RFs in rheumatoid synovium may derive from the "physiological" natural antibody repertoire in a normal immune system. Indeed, the corresponding germline Vh gene for L1 encodes the heavy chain of an IgM RF found in a 19-wk-old fetal spleen. Furthermore, the comparisons of the expressed RF V genes and their germline counterparts reveal that the L1 heavy and light chain variable regions had, respectively, 16 and 7 somatic mutations, which resulted in eight and four amino acid changes. Strikingly, all eight mutations in the complementarity determining regions of the V gene-encoded regions were replacement changes, while only 6 of 11 mutations in the framework regions caused amino acid changes. Combined with L1's high binding affinity toward the Fc fragment, these results suggest strongly that the L1 IgG RF must have been driven by the Fc antigen.
A thyroxine-containing peptide can induce murine experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.
Authors: Hutchings P R , Cooke A , Dawe K , Champion B R , Geysen M , Valerio R , Roitt I M
Published: June 2004

A synthetic peptide based on a sequence containing thyroxine at position 2553 in thyroglobulin (Tg), and already shown to be recognized by two clonotypically distinct murine Tg autoreactive T cell hybridomas, can trigger primed lymph node cells to transfer thyroiditis to naive recipients. Donor lymph node cells could be prepared from mice immunized either with intact mouse Tg or with this peptide itself. After a second exposure to the priming antigen in vitro, both these populations induced 100% thyroiditis in recipient animals. The importance of the T4 residue in the development of disease was demonstrated by the failure of Tg tryptic peptides depleted of T4 to stimulate pathogenic effectors in vitro, even when the lymph node cells had been taken from mice primed with whole Tg. We conclude that this T4-containing 12mer sequence is a major thyroiditogenic epitope in CBA/J mice although we cannot exclude the possibility that there are other pathogenic epitopes present in the whole Tg molecule.
Localization of major histocompatibility complex class I and II mRNA in human first-trimester chorionic villi by in situ hybridization.
Authors: Lata J A , Tuan R S , Shepley K J , Mulligan M M , Jackson L G , Smith J B
Published: June 2004

Maternal immune recognition of pregnancy occurs despite the nonexpression of classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigenic determinants by chorionic villous trophoblast, which comprise the major surface area where maternal blood contacts fetal-derived cells. cDNA-mRNA in situ hybridization was used to probe expression of transcripts corresponding to nonpolymorphic MHC determinants in first-trimester chorionic villus samples. The HLA-B7 probe hybridization signals were localized to syncytiotrophoblast and to cells of the mesenchyme but not to villous cytotrophoblast. HLA-G mRNA was found only in syncytiotrophoblast. A DR beta clone hybridized to both villous cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast. The results suggest that expression of trophoblast class I and class II determinants early in gestation (10 wk) may be regulated by posttranscriptional events. This also suggests the potential for maternal antifetal alloimmune responses.
The insulin-like growth factor I receptor is overexpressed in psoriatic epidermis, but is differentially regulated from the epidermal growth factor receptor.
Authors: Krane J F , Gottlieb A B , Carter D M , Krueger J G
Published: June 2004

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)/somatomedin C is an important mediator of keratinocyte growth in vitro, and the expression of IGF-I receptors in the basal layer of normal epidermis suggests that this growth pathway may function in the regulation of keratinocyte growth in vivo as well. The pattern of IGF-I receptor expression in normal skin is distinct from that of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, suggesting that these receptors might be differentially regulated. The purpose of this study was to obtain a better understanding of IGF-I receptor function in the skin by examining IGF-I receptor expression in psoriatic epidermis and in cultured human keratinocytes. Our findings indicate that IGF-I receptor expression is increased in psoriasis as measured by protein tyrosine kinase assays of biopsy extracts and by immunohistochemical staining with an IGF-I receptor-specific monoclonal antibody. Unlike EGF receptor expression, which is also increased in psoriatic epidermis, the pattern of IGF-I receptor expression corresponds closely with the increased size of the keratinocyte proliferative compartment in psoriasis. Biochemical agents that diminish EGF receptor ligand binding (phorbol ester or calcium ionophore treatment) produce opposite effects on the IGF-I receptor. These results suggest that cellular expression and differential regulation of both growth factor receptor systems may control critical aspects of epidermal proliferation or function.
Identification of a novel surface protein on activated CD4+ T cells that induces contact-dependent B cell differentiation (help).
Authors: Lederman S , Yellin M J , Krichevsky A , Belko J , Lee J J , Chess L
Published: June 2004

CD4+ T lymphocytes provide contact-dependent stimuli to B cells that are critical for the generation of specific antibody responses in a process termed T helper function. The surface structures on activated CD4+ T cells that mediate this function are not fully known. We previously reported the isolation of a functionally unique subclone of the Jurkat leukemic T cell line (D1.1) that constitutively expressed contact-dependent helper effector function. To identify T cell surface molecules that mediate contact-dependent T helper function, a monoclonal antibody (mAb), designated 5c8, was generated that inhibits D1.1-mediated B cell activation and immunoprecipitates a novel 30-kD protein structure from surface-iodinated D1.1 cells. Normal CD4+ T cells express 5c8 antigen (Ag) transiently 5-6 h after activation by phorbol myristate acetate and phytohemagglutinin with maximal expression 5-6 h after activation and absence of expression by 24 h. In contrast, neither resting nor activated CD8+ T cells express 5c8 Ag. In functional studies, mAb 5c8 inhibits the ability of fixed, activated CD4+ T cells to induce B cell surface CD23 expression. In addition, mAb 5c8 inhibits the ability of CD4+ T cells to direct terminal B cell differentiation driven by pokeweed mitogen. Taken together, these data suggest that 5c8 Ag is a novel, activation-induced surface T cell protein that is involved in mediating a contact-dependent element of the helper effector function of CD4+ T lymphocytes.
The excess numbers of peritoneal macrophages in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor transgenic mice are generated by local proliferation.
Authors: Metcalf D , Elliott M J , Nicola N A
Published: June 2004

Mice transgenic for the hemopoietic growth factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), exhibit a sustained elevation of GM-CSF levels and a 50-100-fold elevation of peritoneal macrophage cell numbers. The excess cell numbers were found to be generated in pre-adult life, with numbers remaining relatively constant thereafter. In the pre-adult period, no abnormalities were noted in the number or composition of blood, bone marrow, or spleen cells, the type or number of GM progenitor cells in the marrow or spleen, or the rate of appearance of newly formed monocytes in the peripheral blood. Peritoneal macrophages in pre-adult transgenic mice exhibited elevated mitotic activity and, after tritiated thymidine labeling, a more rapid accumulation of labeled progeny. The increase in peritoneal macrophage cell numbers appears, therefore, to be based on a GM-CSF-induced increase in local proliferative activity by peritoneal macrophages. This increased activity declined at the age of 8-10 wk, in parallel with a change in the morphology of the transgenic macrophages and an increase in binucleate and multinucleate macrophages arising by cell fusion. This change in macrophage phenotype was restricted to the transgenic mice and may therefore be a consequence of continued overstimulation by GM-CSF.
Transferrin receptor mediates uptake and presentation of hepatitis B envelope antigen by T lymphocytes.
Authors: Franco A , Paroli M , Testa U , Benvenuto R , Peschle C , Balsano F , Barnaba V
Published: June 2004

Human activated T lymphocytes expressing class II molecules are able to present only complex antigens that bind to their own surface receptors, and thus can be captured, internalized, and processed through the class II major histocompatibility complex processing pathway. We have used the antigen-presenting T cell system to identify the viral receptor used by hepatitis B virus (HBV) to enter cells, as well as the sequence of HB envelope antigen (HBenvAg) involved in this interaction. Results show that both CD4+ and CD8+ T clones can process and present HBenvAg to class II-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes and that the CD71 transferrin receptor (TfR) is involved in efficient HBenvAg uptake by T cells. Moreover, we provide evidence that the HBenvAg sequence interacting with the T cell surface is contained within the pre-S2 region. Since TfR is also expressed on hepatocytes, it might represent a portal of cellular entry for HBV infection. This system of antigen presentation by T cells may serve as a model to study both lymphocyte receptors used by lymphocytotropic viruses and viral proteins critical to bind them.
The extent of clonal structure in different lymphoid organs.
Authors: Hermans M H , Wubbena A , Kroese F G , Hunt S V , Cowan R , Opstelten D
Published: June 2004

To gain insight into the clonal organization of lymphoid organs, we studied the distribution in situ of donor-derived cells in near-physiological chimeras. We introduced RT7b fetal liver cells into nonirradiated congenic RT7a neonatal rats. The chimerism 6-20 wk after injection ranged from 0.3 to 20%. The numbers of cell clones simultaneously contributing to cell generation in a particular histological feature were deduced from the variance in donor cell distribution. In bone marrow and thymus, donor-derived lymphoid cells were found scattered among host cells, indicating a high mobility of cells. In bone marrow, donor cells were evenly distributed over the entire marrow, even at low chimerism. This indicates that leukopoiesis is maintained by the proliferation of many clones. In the thymus, the various lobules showed different quantities of donor-derived lymphoid cells. Mathematical analysis of these differences indicated that 17-18 cell division cycles occur in the cortex. In spleen, the distribution of donor-derived cells over the germinal centers indicated that 5 d after antigenic stimulation, germinal centers develop oligoclonally. The main conclusions of this work are that (a) bone marrow and thymus are highly polyclonal; (b) 17-18 divisions occur between prothymocyte and mature T cell; and (c) lymphoid cells disperse rapidly while proliferating and differentiating.
Clonal deletion induced by either radioresistant thymic host cells or lymphohemopoietic donor cells at different stages of class I-restricted T cell ontogeny.
Authors: Speiser D E , Pircher H , Ohashi P S , Kyburz D , Hengartner H , Zinkernagel R M
Published: June 2004

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) products and self-antigens expressed in the thymus determine the repertoire of mature alpha/beta T cells. While positive selection of self-MHC-restricted T cells is directed by MHC molecules expressed by thymic epithelial cells, negative selection depends to a large extent on self-antigens presented by lymphohemopoietic cells. However, radioresistant components of the thymus also influence negative selection, but it remains controversial whether this is accomplished by clonal deletion, clonal anergy, or other mechanisms. In this study, T cell development in mice expressing a transgenic T cell receptor (TCR) specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) plus H-2Db was analyzed in the presence or absence of the viral antigen. A novel approach to analyze the thymic tissue requirements for negative selection was possible by comparing thymocyte selection in H-2Db versus H-2Dbm13 mice, since the latter allowed positive selection but not LCMV-specific deletion of transgenic TCR-expressing thymocytes. In irradiation bone marrow chimeras expressing the restriction element for negative selection (H-2Db) on host tissue, we show that radioresistant recipient cells in the thymus deleted developing T cells at an early stage of differentiation. In contrast, chimeras expressing H-2Db on lymphohemopoietic donor cells showed clonal deletion at a later stage during ontogeny.