bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feedback inhibition of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement by membrane mu, but not by secreted mu heavy chains.
Authors: Manz J , Denis K , Witte O , Brinster R , Storb U
Published: June 2004

Previous work (6-10) has shown that allelic exclusion of Ig gene expression is controlled by functionally rearranged mu and kappa genes. This report deals with the comparison of membrane mu (micron) and secreted mu (microsecond) in promoting such feedback inhibition. Splenic B cell hybridomas were analyzed from transgenic mice harboring a rearranged kappa gene alone or in combination with either an intact rearranged mu gene or a truncated version of the mu gene. The intact mu gene is capable of producing both membrane and secreted forms of the protein, while the truncated version can only encode the secreted form. The role of the microsecond was also tested in pre-B cell lines. Analysis of the extent of endogenous Ig gene rearrangement revealed that (a) the production of micron together with kappa can terminate Ig gene rearrangement; (b) microsecond with kappa does not have this feedback effect; (c) microsecond may interfere with the effect of micron and kappa; and (d) the feedback shown here probably represents a complete shutoff of the specific recombinase by micron + kappa; the data do not address the question of mu alone affecting the accessibility of H genes for rearrangement.
Autoantibodies to the constitutive 73-kD member of the hsp70 family of heat shock proteins in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Authors: Minota S , Cameron B , Welch W J , Winfield J B
Published: June 2004

Serum from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently contain IgM and IgG autoantibodies to the constitutively expressed 73-kD/pI 5.5 member of the hsp70 family of heat shock proteins, as determined by one-dimensional (SDS-PAGE) and two-dimensional (IEF/SDS-PAGE) immunoblotting, and by solid-phase SLE Ig immunoprecipitation experiments using hsp70 protein-specific mAbs as probes. Autoantibodies to hsp70 also were detected in a minority of sera from patients with other rheumatic or viral diseases, but not in normal sera. These data may provide additional insight into etiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms in this and related autoimmune disorders.
Structure of the gamma/delta T cell receptor of a human thymocyte clone.
Authors: Okada A , Bank I , Rogozinski L , Takihara Y , Mak T W , Chess L , Alt F W
Published: June 2004

The CD3+, IL-2-dependent normal human thymocyte clone, CII, expresses on its surface a CD3-associated gamma/delta TCR. We have further elucidated the structure of this receptor from the nucleotide sequence of cDNA and genomic clones from CII that encode functional TCR-gamma and -delta chains. We find that the CII line expresses a C gamma 2 constant region that is a polymorphic form lacking a copy of an internal exon; the sequence of this constant region accounts for the size of the gamma chain and noncovalent linkage of gamma and delta chains in the CII TCR. The V gamma region used for the CII TCR is identical to the several previously characterized expressed human V gamma segments. Possible implications of this finding are discussed.
Toxin, toxin-coregulated pili, and the toxR regulon are essential for Vibrio cholerae pathogenesis in humans.
Authors: Herrington D A , Hall R H , Losonsky G , Mekalanos J J , Taylor R K , Levine M M
Published: June 2004

Isogenic mutant strains of V. cholerae O1 lacking elements of a genetic regulon controlled by toxR and implicated in virulence were tested in volunteers. A deletion mutation in ctxA, the gene encoding the A subunit of cholera toxin, markedly attenuated disease symptoms without affecting intestinal colonization. Deletion of toxR, the gene encoding the cholera toxin-positive regulatory protein resulted in a diminution in colonizing capacity. A deletion mutation in tcpA, encoding the major subunit of the toxin coregulated pilus (regulated by toxR), abolished the colonizing capacity of this strain. These results show for the first time the role of a specific pilus structure in colonization of the human intestine by V. cholerae O1 and exemplify the significance of a genetic regulon in pathogenesis.
A single amino acid substitution in the human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen DR3 beta chain selectively alters antigen presentation.
Authors: Mellins E , Arp B , Ochs B , Erlich H , Pious D
Published: June 2004

Activation of T lymphocytes by immunogenic peptides bound to HLA molecules is a central event in the generation of an immune response. To determine the sites on HLA molecules involved in this process, we isolated mutant EBV-transformed B cell clones that express altered HLA-DR3 molecules. One mutant has lost the ability to stimulate a T cell clone specific for a mycobacterial protein, but retains the ability to stimulate other antigen-specific T cells. The DNA sequence of the complete DR alpha and beta coding regions revealed a single nucleotide change resulting in a glutamic acid to lysine substitution at amino acid 9 in the first hypervariable region of the DR beta chain. These results are discussed in relation to a recently proposed model of class II molecule structure.
A larger number of L chains (Tac) enhance the association rate of interleukin 2 to the high affinity site of the interleukin 2 receptor.
Authors: Saito Y , Sabe H , Suzuki N , Kondo S , Ogura T , Shimizu A , Honjo T
Published: June 2004

The IL-2-R is composed of at least two proteins, that is, a 55-kD protein (p55, the L chain, or Tac) and a 75-kD protein (p75, the H chain, or converter). The high affinity binding of IL-2 results in the formation of the ternary complex consisting of IL-2, and the L and H chains. To distinguish the affinity conversion model and the binary complex model we have carried out kinetic studies on the IL-2 binding to the high affinity IL-2-R on T lymphocytes expressing various numbers of L chains and a relatively constant number of H chains. We found that expression of a larger number of L chains accelerated the association of IL-2 to the high affinity receptor. The results are not compatible with the binary complex model that assumes a fixed number of high affinity sites determined by the numbers of a limiting chain. Instead, the results are consistent with the prediction of the affinity conversion model that assumes association of IL-2 to the L chain as the first step of the ternary complex formation and they indicate that the possible role of excess L chains is to accelerate the formation of the ternary complex. The reaction rate constants calculated from the affinity conversion model were reasonably constant.
Cytokines in chronic inflammatory arthritis. I. Failure to detect T cell lymphokines (interleukin 2 and interleukin 3) and presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) and a novel mast cell growth factor in rheumatoid synovitis.
Authors: Firestein G S , Xu W D , Townsend K , Broide D , Alvaro-Gracia J , Glasebrook A , Zvaifler N J
Published: June 2004

Because previous studies showed low levels of IFN-gamma in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) and synovial tissue (ST) explant supernatants, we assayed RA SF and ST for IL-2 and IL-3-like activity. Using an IL-2 dependent murine CTLL line, 6 of 14 RA SF caused increased thymidine uptake (greater than three times control). The activity was distinct from IL-2 because it was not blocked by antibody to IL-2-R. In addition, IL-2 was not detected (less than 50 pg/ml) in 16 joint samples using an ELISA. Multi-colony-stimulating factor (CSF) activity was measured using two assays that can detect murine IL-3 (mast cell proliferation, and bone marrow CSF). In the mast cell assay, [3H]TdR uptake was 493 +/- 67 cpm for medium, 2,910 +/- 329 cpm in the presence of RA SF (p less than 0.001), 1,246 +/- 156 cpm in the presence of SF from patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathies (p less than 0.001), and 736 +/- 100 cpm in the presence of osteoarthritis SF (p greater than 0.1). In the CSF assay, four of five RA SF and five of five RA ST induced colony formation from bone marrow nonadherent cells. Macrophage colonies were most common, although mixed colonies and granulocytes were occasionally observed. The multi-CSF activity in RA is not due to IL-3 since human rIL-3 was not active in either murine assay, and IL-3 mRNA was not detected in RA synovium. Sephadex column chromatography of RA SF revealed that the mast cell growth factor (approximately 6 x 10(3) mol wt) and the CSF (approximately 40 and 100 x 10(3) mol wt) are distinct. The colony-stimulating aspect of the "IL-3-like" activity in RA SF is likely due to CSF-1 because it is the appropriate mol wt and because the activity was neutralized by specific anti-CSF-1 antibody. Finally, an RIA detected 1.6-25 ng/ml of CSF-1 in RA SF and ST and CSF-1 mRNA was detected in four of five RA synovial tissue samples tested.
Alternative V kappa gene rearrangements in a murine B cell lymphoma. An explantation for idiotypic heterogeneity.
Authors: Carroll W L , Starnes C O , Levy R , Levy S
Published: June 2004

Idiotype variants of 38C13, a murine B cell lymphoma, have been isolated by immunoselection with antiidiotype mAbs. The V region genes for the kappa light chains and mu heavy chains expressed by these tumor cells were sequenced and compared. There was no evidence for V region somatic point mutation in this tumor. However, while the heavy chain genes were all identical, the light chain genes were all different. The light chain genes of each variant were derived from the V kappa-Ox1 gene family and joined to J kappa 4, whereas the light chain gene of the parental tumor was derived from the V kappa 9 family and joined to J kappa 2. Two of the variants used the identical V kappa gene but differed by the inclusion of a variable number of additional nucleotides in the V/J joint. Thus, the idiotypic heterogeneity of this B cell lymphoma arises as a consequence of alternative light chain rearrangements rather than point mutation. This process repetitively uses members of the same V kappa gene family. Two of the variants use the identical V kappa and J kappa gene segments but differ by the presence of extra nucleotides at the V kappa/J kappa joint.
Triggering of T cell proliferation through AIM, an activation inducer molecule expressed on activated human lymphocytes.
Authors: Cebrián M , Yagüe E , Rincón M , López-Botet M , de Landázuri M O , Sánchez-Madrid F
Published: June 2004

In this report, we describe a novel activation antigen that appears very early after T cell activation and is absent in resting lymphocytes, through which agonistic proliferative signals can be triggered by mAb binding. It has been designated as activation inducer molecule (AIM) and is a disulphide-linked heterodimeric structure containing two polypeptide chains of Mr 33,000 and 27,000. The expression of AIM can be induced by different activation stimuli such as PMA, PHA, or anti-CD3 mAb, but not by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, and it precedes the expression of other activation molecules such as 4F2 or the IL-2-R. Once AIM antigens are expressed on lymphocytes after stimulation with submitogenic doses of PMA, the binding of anti-AIM mAbs triggers a strong proliferative response. Furthermore, a comitogenic effect of the anti-AIM mAbs is exerted in the presence of either PHA or anti-CD3 mAb. The activation of lymphocytes through AIM antigens induces both IL-2 and IL-2-R receptor synthesis and is inhibited by anti-IL-2-R mAbs.
Identification of distinct C3b and C4b recognition sites in the human C3b/C4b receptor (CR1, CD35) by deletion mutagenesis.
Authors: Klickstein L B , Bartow T J , Miletic V , Rabson L D , Smith J A , Fearon D T
Published: June 2004

Complementary DNA clones encoding the NH2-terminal region of human CR1 have been isolated and sequenced. The deduced complete amino acid sequence of the F allotype of human CR1 contains 2,039 residues, including a 41-residue signal peptide, an extracellular domain of 1,930 residues, a 25-amino acid transmembrane domain, and a 43-amino acid cytoplasmic region. The extracellular domain is composed exclusively of 30 short consensus repeats (SCRs), characteristic of the family of C3/C4-binding proteins. The 28 NH2-terminal SCRs are organized as four long homologous repeats (LHRs) of seven SCRs each. The newly sequenced LHR, LHR-A, is 61% identical to LHR-B in the NH2-terminal two SCRs and greater than 99% identical in the COOH-terminal five SCRs. Eight cDNA clones were spliced to form a single construct, piABCD, that contained the entire CR1 coding sequence downstream of a cytomegalovirus promoter. COS cells transfected with piABCD transiently expressed recombinant CR1 that comigrated with the F allotype of erythrocyte CR1 on SDS-PAGE and that mediated rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes bearing C4b and C3b. Recombinant CR1 also had factor I-cofactor activity for cleavage of C3(ma). Analyses of six deletion mutants expressed in COS cells indicated that the NH2-terminal two SCRs of LHR-A contained a site determining C4 specificity and the NH2-terminal two SCRs of LHR-B and -C each had a site determining C3 specificity. The presence of these three distinct sites in CR1 may enable the receptor to interact multivalently with C4b/C3b and C3b/C3b complexes generated during activation of the classical and alternative pathways.
The murine MHC class I genes, H-2Dq and H-2Lq, are strikingly homologous to each other, H-2Ld, and two genes reported to encode tumor-specific antigens.
Authors: Lee D R , Rubocki R J , Lie W R , Hansen T H
Published: June 2004

Two phenomena appear to distinguish the D region class I genes from those in the K region in the murine MHC: (a) haplotype disparity in the number of expressed D region class I molecules has been observed; and (b) clines of closely related D region class I molecules among and within mice of different H-2 haplotypes can be defined. Both of these observations have been based on serological and peptide mapping analyses of these molecules. Recent reports using molecular biological approaches have corroborated these findings. Since the mouse strain B10.AKM expresses multiple D region class I antigens, all of which are closely related to the prototypic Ld molecule, we investigated the Dq region of B10.AKM using molecular approaches. Three D region class I genes were isolated from genomic B10.AKM bacteriophage and cosmid libraries. Based on alignment of those genes with the BALB/c D region class I genes by analogous restriction endonuclease sites and by hybridization of one of those genes with a D4d gene-derived oligonucleotide probe, we have designated these genes as Dq, Lq, and D4q. As determined by DNA-mediated gene transfer to mouse L cells followed by serological analyses, the Dq and Lq genes encode previously characterized Dq region class I antigens. The nucleic acid sequence comparisons of the Dq and Lq genes demonstrated a higher level of homology with the Ld and Db genes than with other D region class I genes. In addition, CTL stimulated with a Dq, Lq, or Ld gene transfectant showed strong crossreactions with the other transfectants as targets, suggesting that the products of these genes are also functionally related. Thus, these studies suggest that the L molecule represents a prototypic structure shared by several D region gene products, and furthermore, the duplication of an Ld-like progenitor gene resulted in two Dq region class I genes, Dq and Lq. Unexpectedly, the sequences determined for the Dq and Lq genes are nearly identical to the sequences of two genes, A166 and A149, respectively, which were reported to encode the tumor-specific antigens; these novel class I genes were isolated from an H-2k fibrosarcoma, 1591. This raises the distinct possibility that these purported tumor-specific class I genes were introduced into this tumor by contamination.
Molecular characterization of the C3HfB/HeN H-2Kkm2 mutation. Implications for the molecular basis of alloreactivity.
Authors: Vogel J M , Davis A C , McKinney D M , McMillan M , Martin W J , Goodenow R S
Published: June 2004

The C3HfB/HeN (C3Hf) mouse strain expresses an H-2Kk molecule, previously denoted H-2Kkv1, that is structurally and functionally distinct from H-2Kk of the parental C3H strain. By molecular genetic analysis, we demonstrate that the C3Hf H-2K gene carries a homozygous coding region mutation relative to the C3H allele, revealing that C3Hf meets the requirements for assignment of a mutant haplotype, H-2km2. C3Hf H-2Kkm2 bears a single clustered substitution of four nucleotides within 14 contiguous nucleotides in exon 3. Since this sequence also is present intact at the homologous position in H-2Dk of both C3H and C3Hf, the origin of the H-2Kkm2 mutation is consistent with a nonreciprocal sequence transfer from the H-2Dk donor gene, analogous to the mechanism proposed for generation of the H-2Kb mutations. The H-2Kkm2 mutation encodes three clustered amino acid substitutions, at positions 95, 98, and 99, that map to one of the large beta strands at the bottom of the peptide antigen binding cleft of the H-2Kkm2 molecule. The nature and location of these amino acid substitutions are unique relative to any other known H-2 mutant or HLA variant, and underscore the importance of the beta-pleated sheet in influencing CTL recognition. These results indicate that H-2Kkm2 alloantigenicity may derive largely from altered presentation of self cellular peptides.
The nature and kinetics of a delayed immune response to purified protein derivative of tuberculin in the skin of lepromatous leprosy patients.
Authors: Kaplan G , Laal S , Sheftel G , Nusrat A , Nath I , Mathur N K , Mishra R S , Cohn Z A
Published: June 2004

We have analyzed the nature and kinetics of a delayed, cell-mediated immune response to a purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) in the skin of 154 naturally sensitized patients with lepromatous leprosy. After the intradermal injection of 5 U of PPD, biopsies were taken at 1-21 d and studied for the composition, extent, persistence, and organization of the emigratory cell response by light and electron microscopy. Induration of positive sites occurred promptly, reached a maximum diameter at 4 d, displayed a major extravasatory element, and was evident for as long as 21 d. The cellularity of the site exhibited a biphasic course, reached a maximum at 7 d, involved as much as 70% of the dermis and millions of new cells, and was elevated threefold above preinjection levels at 21 d. The emigratory cells were limited to T cells and circulating monocytes. T cells were more evident as they entered a preexisting lepromatous lesion containing parasitized macrophages and only occasional T cells many of the CD8+ phenotype. The predominant emigratory T cell was CD4+ although CD8+ cells were in evidence. The CD4/CD8 ratio of the lesions started at less than unity and in two distinct steps reached levels as high as 5:1. In most sites CD4+ cells were in the majority at 21 d. A well-defined granulomatous response with epithelioid and giant cells was apparent at 4 d, reached a maximum at 7 d, and involved all PPD sites at this time point. The generation of these differentiated mononuclear phagocytes from newly emigrated monocytes was never observed in the underlying lepromatous lesion but is a constant feature of the tuberculoid leprosy response. Epidermal thickening and keratinocyte proliferation, sequellae of the dermal reaction, reached a maximum at 7 d and gradually resolved by 3 wk. A constant feature of the PPD response was the extensive destruction of preexisting macrophages containing Mycobacterium leprae bacilli or their products. This was associated with the presence of and intimate contact with highly polarized lymphoid cells of unknown phenotype. Cell destruction did not involve other elements of the dermis and spared parasitized Schwann cells. Newly emigrated T cells and monocytes were never seen within the perineural sheath in contact with neural elements. It appears that a single antigenic stimulus leads to a very long-term, defined series of events with distinct temporal patterns. It includes waves of emigratory T cells, the maturation and organization of monocytes, the generation of killer cells, and the extensive destruction of parasitized macrophages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Murine CD4+ T cell subsets defined.
Authors: Hayakawa K , Hardy R R
Published: June 2004

We have used two monoclonal anti-murine T cell autoantibodies (SM3G11 and SM6C10) and multi-color immunofluorescence staining to resolve splenic CD4+ cells into four populations. Two of these populations (Fr. I and Fr. III, 35% and 10% of CD4+ cells) show mutually exclusive expression of these determinants and exhibit distinct functions. Fr. III secretes IL-4, but not IL-2 when activated by Con A, and includes memory T cells responsible for secondary antibody formation. In contrast, Fr. I secretes IL-2 but not IL-4 in response to Con A, and does not contribute to the secondary antibody response. Furthermore, these two fractions exhibit differential accessory cell dependence. Whereas Fr. III responds with B cells (and also non-B cells) as accessory cells in Con A-induced activation, Fr. I requires non-B cells. However, we found that many CD4+ cells (Fr. II, 40% of CD4+ cells) express both determinants and are not distinguishable with regard to lymphokine secretion, accessory cell effect, and memory T cell activity. Curiously, the fraction expressing neither determinant (Fr. IV, 10% of CD4+ cells) is unresponsive to experimental conditions used here. We discuss the possible relationships between these T cell subsets and the implications of differential expression of these determinants.
MHC-restricted recognition of immunogenic T cell epitopes of pertussis toxin reveals determinants in man distinct from the ADP-ribosylase active site.
Authors: Oksenberg J R , Judd A K , Ko C , Lim M , Fernandez R , Schoolnik G K , Steinman L
Published: June 2004

The S1 subunit of Pertussis toxin (PT) is responsible for the reactogenicity and in part the immunogenicity of Bordetella pertussis vaccine. The critical residues associated with the immunomodulatory effects of PT were located around Glu140 in the S1 subunit. In man, T cell responses to PT are directed at S1 peptides distinct from Glu140. Two such epitopes, p64-75 and p151-161, are immunogenic in a panel of individuals covering a wide range of HLA genotypes. The response to PT peptides is HLA class II restricted. The response to p64-75 is blocked by an anti-HLA-DQ mAb, while that to p151-161 is blocked by an anti-HLA-DR mAb. These findings may allow for the development of a B. pertussis vaccine free from reactogenicity.
Structure and specificity of T cell receptor gamma/delta on major histocompatibility complex antigen-specific CD3+, CD4-, CD8- T lymphocytes.
Authors: Bluestone J A , Cron R Q , Cotterman M , Houlden B A , Matis L A
Published: June 2004

Analyses of TCR-bearing murine and human T cells have defined a unique subpopulation of T cells that express the TCR-gamma/delta proteins. The specificity of TCR-gamma/delta T cells and their role in the immune response have not yet been elucidated. Here we examine alloreactive TCR-gamma/delta T cell lines and clones that recognize MHC-encoded antigens. A BALB/c nu/nu (H-2d)-derived H-2k specific T cell line and derived clones were both cytolytic and released lymphokines after recognition of a non-classical H-2 antigen encoded in the TL region of the MHC. These cells expressed the V gamma 2/C gamma 1 protein in association with a TCR-delta gene product encoded by a Va gene segment rearranged to two D delta and one J delta variable elements. A second MHC-specific B10 nu/nu (H-2b) TCR-gamma/delta T cell line appeared to recognize a classical H-2D-encoded MHC molecule and expressed a distinct V gamma/C gamma 4-encoded protein. These data suggest that many TCR-gamma/delta-expressing T cells may recognize MHC-linked antigens encoded within distinct subregions of the MHC. The role of MHC-specific TCR-gamma/delta cells in immune responses and their immunological significance are discussed.
Interferon gamma induces synthesis of complement alternative pathway proteins by human endothelial cells in culture.
Authors: Ripoche J , Mitchell J A , Erdei A , Madin C , Moffatt B , Mokoena T , Gordon S , Sim R B
Published: June 2004

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells grown in vitro under standard conditions contain a high level of mRNA specific for the complement regulatory factors H and I. An additional 1.8-kb mRNA encoding a truncated form of factor H is also present. IFN-gamma stimulation of the cells causes a 6-7 fold increase in both factor H mRNA species, and a greater than 10-fold increase in factor I mRNA. IL-1 and LPS slightly suppressed factor H mRNA, while TNF had no effect. mRNA for factor B is also detectable in IFN-gamma-stimulated cells, but messengers for C1q, C4bp, and CR3 beta chain were not found. Secretion of factor H protein was also stimulated by IFN-gamma. The presence of mRNA for factors H, B, and I, together with C3 secretion, demonstrated by others, suggests that endothelial cells can assemble the complete alternative complement pathway. Endothelial cell complement may be involved in leukocyte-endothelium interactions mediated by leukocyte C3 receptors.
Co-internalization of the p55 and p70 subunits of the high-affinity human interleukin 2 receptor. Evidence for a stable ternary receptor complex.
Authors: Fung M R , Ju G , Greene W C
Published: June 2004

The high-affinity IL-2-R complex is composed of at least two distinct IL-2-binding subunits, including p55 (Tac, IL-2-R alpha) and p70 (IL-2-R beta). Using a radiolabeled mAb specific for the p55 receptor subunit and cells expressing a homogeneous population of high-affinity binding sites, we demonstrate that p55 is co-internalized with p70 after IL-2 binding to the receptor complex. Endocytosis of p55 depends upon the presence of IL-2 in a form capable of effectively interacting with the p70 subunit. Whether IL-2 is required for high-affinity receptor assembly or triggering of the internalization of preassembled receptors remains unresolved. Together, these findings support the existence of a stable, high-affinity human IL-2-R membrane complex composed of at least the p55 and p70 receptor subunits and IL-2.
Murine cytotoxic T lymphocyte recognition of individual influenza virus proteins. High frequency of nonresponder MHC class I alleles.
Authors: Bennink J R , Yewdell J W
Published: June 2004

We determined the MHC restriction of CTL responses to five individual influenza virus proteins. Four viral proteins failed to be recognized in conjunction with three of the five class I alleles of the H-2k and H-2d haplotypes, while the fifth was recognized only in conjunction with a single allele. This indicates that there is a significant chance that a given class I allele will be associated with low responsiveness or nonresponsiveness for a given foreign protein. This explains, at least in part, why MHC-linked nonresponsiveness is frequently detected in polyclonal antiviral CTL responses. Most importantly, these findings support the idea that responsiveness to foreign antigens is a critical factor in maintaining the high degree of MHC class I polymorphism in outbred populations.
The recombinant 65-kD heat shock protein of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin/M. tuberculosis is a target molecule for CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes that lyse human monocytes.
Authors: Ottenhoff T H , Ab B K , Van Embden J D , Thole J E , Kiessling R
Published: June 2004

Since little is known about Tc cells in the human immune response to intracellular parasites, we have studied the role of Tc cells in response to M. bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Donors whose PBMC responded to BCG, purified protein derivative (PPD), and the recombinant 65-kD heat shock protein (HSP) of BCG generated BCG/PPD-specific CD4+ effector T lymphocytes that lysed PPD as well as recombinant 65-kD-pulsed monocytes. Nonpulsed or irrelevant antigen-pulsed target cells were lysed to a much lower but still significant extent. PPD-stimulated effector lymphocytes of a recombinant 65-kD nonresponder lysed PPD but not recombinant 65-kD-pulsed monocytes. Recombinant 65-kD-educated effector lymphocytes lysed both recombinant 65-kD- and PPD-pulsed monocytes. In addition, these effector cells efficiently lysed nonpulsed target cells. These results demonstrate that in recombinant 65-kD responders, the recombinant 65-kD HSP of BCG is an immunodominant target as well as a triggering molecule for BCG/PPD-specific CD4+ cytotoxic T cells that lyse autologous monocytes. The implications of these findings with respect to the role of the 65-kD HSP in autoimmunity are discussed.
Loss of CD4 membrane expression and CD4 mRNA during acute human immunodeficiency virus replication.
Authors: Salmon P , Olivier R , Riviere Y , Brisson E , Gluckman J C , Kieny M P , Montagnier L , Klatzmann D
Published: June 2004

Using mAbs and genomic probe to the CD4 molecule, the HIV receptor, we demonstrated that HIV replication induces the disappearance of its functional receptor from the cell surface by two distinct mechanisms. First, after being expressed onto the cell surface, HIV envelope gp110 will complex CD4, efficiently masking the CD4 epitope used by the virus to bind its receptor. This phenomenon occurs on the surface of each infected cell and is not due to the release of soluble gp110; infection with recombinant HIV/vaccinia viruses expressing a mutated HIV env gene designed to prevent gp110 release from the cell surface induces a similar gp/CD4 complexes formation. Second, virus replication induces a dramatic and rapid loss of CD4 mRNA transcripts, preventing new CD4 molecules from being synthesized. These two mechanisms of receptor modulation could have been developed to avoid reinfection of cells replicating the virus as well as to produce more infectious particles. These results suggest that the classical virus interference documented for other retroviruses might not only be due to receptor/envelope interaction, but might also depend on receptor gene expression.
Tumor necrosis factor/cachectin. Induction of hemorrhagic necrosis in normal tissue requires the fifth component of complement (C5).
Authors: Rothstein J L , Lint T F , Schreiber H
Published: June 2004

TNF induces hemorrhagic necrosis (HN) when injected into skin exposed to bacterial agents but not when injected into normal skin. In this paper, we present several lines of evidence suggesting that TNF requires the fifth component of complement (C5) to induce HN in skin exposed to bacteria. First, mouse strains that do not have C5 did not develop HN after injection of TNF and bacteria into skin. Second, plasma from C5-sufficient mice could correct the defect in these C5-deficient mice. Third, heating at 56 degrees C for 30 min inactivated the capacity of plasma to reconstitute C5-deficient mice. Fourth, CVF, which is known to inactivate complement, abrogated the capability of C5-sufficient mice to respond. Fifth, depleting plasma of hemolytic activity while generating C5a did not affect the capacity of the activated plasma to reconstitute C5-deficient mice. Finally, only the plasma fraction containing molecules of the size range of C5a reconstituted C5-deficient mice. These findings indicate that C5a and not the membrane attack complex is required for HN. Although we do not know through which mechanism C5a participates in the development of HN, we propose that the described HN response is related to a local defense mechanism in which TNF and C5a lead to the disruption of capillaries in the direct vicinity of bacteria. By this mechanism the rapid spread of bacteria or their products into the circulation is prevented. Such a tissue response is consistent with the known higher susceptibility of C5-deficient mice to bacterial infections and provides a model with which to search for the multiple steps involved in this important local defense mechanism.
Strain variation in the frequency of Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed fetal liver pre-B cells bearing complete immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements.
Authors: Osman G E , Wortis H H , Brodeur P H
Published: June 2004

Fetal liver Abelson pre-B cell lines obtained from CBA/Tufts.xid and (CBA/Tufts.xid x CBA/Tufts)F1 mice have complete VDJH rearrangements on at least one allele. Such high frequencies of VDJH rearrangements have previously been observed in adult derived but not fetal liver derived Abelson pre-B cell lines. Genetic analyses suggest that CBA/Tufts.xid carries an autosomal dominant gene(s) that determines the predominance of VDJH rearrangements among transformants. This autosomal gene(s) might affect the intrinsic development of the early B cell lineage in the fetus or the fetal microenvironment, expanding pre-B cells of the "more mature" VDJH phenotype.
B cell activation and the establishment of Epstein-Barr virus latency.
Authors: Hurley E A , Thorley-Lawson D A
Published: June 2004

Linear EBV genomes undergo a transition to the circular form characteristic of latency by 16-20 h post-infection. This transition requires that the infected cells be activated to the G1 stage of the cell cycle. Cellular proliferation and expression of the activation marker CD23 were not required. Nevertheless, 36 h post-infection, only cells expressing CD23 contained covalently closed, circular episomes (CCC), at an average of one copy per cell. Since the presence of CD23 at this time is predictive that a cell will immortalize, we suggest that the presence of CCC is required for CD23 expression and subsequent immortalization. The one CCC present in each CD23+ cell did not undergo amplification until well after the cells had acquired all of the characteristic phenotypic markers of immortalization. Therefore, while amplification is not necessary for proliferation and immortalization, circularization of a single genome is crucial to the establishment and maintenance of latency by EBV.
Expression of a functional CD3-Ti antigen/MHC receptor in the absence of surface CD2. Analysis with clonal Jurkat cell mutants.
Authors: Moingeon P , Alcover A , Clayton L K , Chang H C , Transy C , Reinherz E L
Published: June 2004

To investigate the requirement for CD2 expression in activation of T lymphocytes via the CD3-Ti antigen/MHC receptor complex, we produced and characterized a series of CD2- Jurkat variants. These mutants lack detectable surface CD2 as determined by indirect immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation analysis, and specific radiolabeled antibody binding assay, but nevertheless, expressed normal numbers of CD3-Ti receptors. As expected, the combination of anti-CD2 antibodies, termed anti-T112 and anti-T113, which are mitogenic for resting T lymphocytes, failed to stimulate activation of these variants. In contrast, triggering of their CD3-Ti components resulted in the normal set of T lymphocyte-associated activation events, including phosphoinositide turnover, elevation in intracellular free calcium, early gene-induction events, and IL-2 production. Assuming that the Jurkat cell line is representative of normal cycling human T lymphocytes, we conclude that the presence of the CD2 molecule on the plasma membrane is not in itself a requirement for an operational CD3-Ti-alpha/beta receptor.
Ordered activation of the Ig lambda locus in Abelson B cell lines.
Authors: Müller B , Reth M
Published: June 2004

Derivatives of the mu-producing Abelson line P8 have been analyzed for L chain gene rearrangements. Two of seven clones studied assembled their V lambda genes while growing in culture. V lambda gene rearrangements occurred only in those Abelson subclones that either were rearranging or had rearranged their recombining sequence (RS) element on both Ig kappa alleles. Our data suggest that (a) RS rearrangements are preferentially initiated in kappa- pre-B cells; and (b) the deletion or inactivation of sequences lying between J kappa and RS is a requirement for the activation of the Ig lambda locus.
Interleukin 4 promotes the growth of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes cytotoxic for human autologous melanoma.
Authors: Kawakami Y , Rosenberg S A , Lotze M T
Published: June 2004

Addition of IL-4 (1,000 U/ml) to either high or low concentrations of IL-2 augmented tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) growth from human melanoma. Weekly restimulation with irradiated tumor cells in conjunction with IL-4 allowed enhanced growth of TIL. With low-dose IL-2 (10 U/ml) and IL-4, expanded TIL had little cytolytic activity against Daudi or allogeneic tumors. Further, IL-4 augmented the total lytic activity against autologous tumors in most cases. With high-dose IL-2 (1,000 U/ml), IL-4 addition decreased nonspecific killing activity against Daudi or allogeneic melanomas in many cases, and reciprocally augmented cytolytic activity against the autologous melanoma in many cases. This suggests the possible use of IL-4 in cancer therapy, especially in adoptive cellular immunotherapy using TIL or in conjunction with IL-2 administration.
Resolution of the two components of macrophage inflammatory protein 1, and cloning and characterization of one of those components, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta.
Authors: Sherry B , Tekamp-Olson P , Gallegos C , Bauer D , Davatelis G , Wolpe S D , Masiarz F , Coit D , Cerami A
Published: June 2004

A number of macrophage-derived mediators have been implicated in the vascular changes of inflammation. We recently reported the isolation of a novel monokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP-1), which causes local inflammatory responses in vivo, and induces superoxide production by neutrophils in vitro. Purified native MIP-1 comprises two peptides with very similar physical characteristics. We report here the resolution of MIP-1 into component peptides by SDS-hydroxylapatite chromatography, and compare the NH2-terminal sequences of the two peptides, now referred to as MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta. A synthetic oligonucleotide probe pool corresponding to the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of MIP-1 beta was used to isolate a cDNA clone containing its coding sequence. The sequence codes for a 109 amino acid-long polypeptide, of which 69 amino acids correspond to the mature product. Comparison of this MIP-1 beta cDNA with our previously cloned MIP-1 alpha sequence reveals that the MIP-1 peptides, members of a growing family of potential inflammatory mediators, are distinct but highly homologous (58.9% sequence identity) products of different genes.
L3T4 effector cells in multiple organ-localized autoimmune disease in nude mice grafted with embryonic rat thymus.
Authors: Ikeda H , Taguchi O , Takahashi T , Itoh G , Nishizuka Y
Published: June 2004

Rat thymic grafts reconstituted T cell functions of BALB/c nude (nu/nu) mice to a considerable degree, but multiple organ-localized autoimmune diseases such as oophoritis and thyroiditis generally developed. The effector cell population in this autoimmune model was studied by adoptive transfer of the lesions into syngeneic nude mice. The transfer activity was not diminished when spleen cells were incubated with antiserum against rat cell antigen and C, but the activity was completely vanished by incubation with anti-Thy-1.2 plus C, indicating that the effector cells are T cells of mouse origin. Elimination of the L3T4+ subset virtually abolished the transfer activity, whereas that of the Lyt-2+ subset did not, indicating that the effector cells are L3T4+. Positive selection experiments by FACS also demonstrated that L3T4+ cells, but not Lyt-2+ cells, were capable of inducing the lesion, confirming the results with depletion experiments described above.
Restricted tissue distribution of Mlsa determinants. Stimulation of Mlsa-reactive T cells by B cells but not by dendritic cells or macrophages.
Authors: Webb S R , Okamoto A , Ron Y , Sprent J
Published: June 2004

Evidence was sought on the tissue distribution of Mlsa determinants, a class of cell-associated non-H-2 alloantigens that is highly immunogenic for unprimed T cells. Whereas normal CD4+ T cells and an Mlsa-reactive T hybridoma gave strong responses to Mlsa-positive stimulator populations containing Ig+ B cells, anti-Mlsa responses to B-depleted stimulators were almost undetectable. The B-depleted stimulators tested included Thy-1- spleen cells from mu-suppressed mice (mice treated with anti-mu antibody from birth) and J11d- preparations of spleen dendritic cells (DC) and peritoneal macrophages (M phi) from normal mice. Each of these populations was strongly immunogenic for allo-H-2-reactive T cells. The failure to detect Mlsa determinants on Ig- APC, i.e., M phi and DC, suggests that Mlsa determinants are not typical H-2-associated peptides. The data are more compatible with a model in which Mlsa determinants represent (or form part of) an integral cell membrane molecule expressed largely, and perhaps exclusively, on B cells. T cells might recognize these molecules only in native form, "processed" Mlsa determinants being nonimmunogenic. Consistent with this possibility, no evidence was found that Mlsa-negative B cells could absorb Mlsa determinants from Mlsa-positive B cells in a chimeric environment.
Direct evidence for binding of CD8 to HLA class I antigens.
Authors: Rosenstein Y , Ratnofsky S , Burakoff S J , Herrmann S H
Published: June 2004

Adhesion of T lymphocytes is an essential step for antigen recognition and lymphocyte activation. mAbs to T cell surface proteins have been used to define the receptor-ligand proteins that appear to be involved in adhesion. Since most assays measure the effects of mAbs on T lymphocyte function, it is not known whether mAb-mediated blocking is due to a disruption of receptor-ligand interactions or results in inhibition of some aspect of receptor-mediated triggering. It has been suggested that the CD8 molecule augments T cell avidity for the target cells by binding to determinants on target cell MHC class I molecules. In the present report, we demonstrated that purified CD8 molecules incorporated into large lipid vesicles (artificial target cells) mediate the adhesion of these vesicles to cells expressing HLA proteins, while vesicles expressing purified HLA class I antigens bind to CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, vesicles bearing CD8 will form conjugates with vesicles expressing HLA class I proteins. These conjugates were found to be specifically inhibited by mAbs to CD8 or HLA class I molecules. We also demonstrate that CD2-reconstituted vesicles can form conjugates with vesicles bearing LFA-3. These experiments provide direct evidence for an interaction of the CD8 molecule with class I MHC proteins as well as between CD2 proteins and LFA-3 proteins, thus supporting the hypothesis that these molecules can mediate cell-cell adhesion.
A human serum mannose-binding protein inhibits in vitro infection by the human immunodeficiency virus.
Authors: Ezekowitz R A , Kuhlman M , Groopman J E , Byrn R A
Published: June 2004

In vitro infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) of CD4+ H9 lymphoblasts is inhibited by a mannose-binding protein (MBP) purified from human serum. In addition, MBP is able to selectively bind to HIV-infected H9 cells and HIV-infected cells from the monocyte cell line U937. These results indicate MBP most likely recognizes high mannose glycans known to be present on gp120 in the domain that is recognized by CD4 and thereby inhibits viral entry to susceptible cells. In support of this contention, recombinant gp120 binds directly to MBP; the binding is saturable, mannan inhibitable, removed by N-glycanase treatment, and dependent on divalent cations.
Long-lasting skin allograft tolerance in adult mice induced across fully allogeneic (multimajor H-2 plus multiminor histocompatibility) antigen barriers by a tolerance-inducing method using cyclophosphamide.
Authors: Mayumi H , Good R A
Published: June 2004

A new method of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced skin allograft tolerance in mice that can regularly overcome fully allogeneic (major H-2 plus non-H-2) antigen barriers in mice has been established. The components of the method are intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of 50-100 micrograms of anti-Thy-1.2 mAb on day -1, intravenous injection of 90 x 10(6) allogeneic spleen cells mixed with 30 x 10(6) allogeneic bone marrow cells from the same donor on day 0, and intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg CP on day 2. In each of four fully allogeneic donor----recipient combinations, including C3H/HeJ (C3H; H-2k)----C57BL/6J(B6; H-2b), B6----C3H, BALB/cByJ (BALB; H-2d)----B6, and BALB----C3H, long-lasting survival of skin allografts was induced in most of the recipient mice. The specific tolerant state induced was dependent on the doses of the antibody and bone marrow cells used. The optimal timing of CP treatment to induce tolerance was found to be 1-3 d after the stimulating cell injection. Treatment with the anti-Thy-1.2 antibody together with CP on day 2 after the cell injection on day 0 also induced profound tolerance. In the B6 mice made tolerant of C3H with antibody, C3H spleen cells plus C3H bone marrow cells, and then CP, a minimal degree of stable mixed chimerism was established and the antitolerogen (C3H) immune responses examined here, including delayed footpad reaction (DFR), CTL activity, and capacity for antibody production against donor-strain antigens were abrogated in a tolerogen-specific manner. From cell transfer experiments, the mechanism of tolerance could be largely attributed to reduction of effector T cells reactive against the tolerogen, and strong suppressive influences that might prolong skin allograft survival directly were not detected in the tolerant mice. Moreover, pretreatment with anti-Thy-1.2 antibody or anti-L3T4 (CD4) antibody was more effective than pretreatment with anti-Lyt-1 (CD5) antibody or anti-Lyt-2 (CD8) antibody as an initial step in tolerance induction. These results suggest that permanent tolerance to fully allogeneic skin grafts may be induced because antibody given before the stimulating cell injection reduces the number of reactive T cells in the recipient mice. This antibody treatment may facilitate an antigen-stimulated destruction of responding and thus proliferating cells with CP by preventing a possibly less proliferative, more rapid maturation of reactive T cells or by destroying residual effector T cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cloning and characterization of a cDNA for a new mouse T cell growth factor (P40).
Authors: Van Snick J , Goethals A , Renauld J C , Van Roost E , Uyttenhove C , Rubira M R , Moritz R L , Simpson R J
Published: June 2004

Recently, we described a murine helper T cell-derived molecule with T cell growth factor activity that is functionally and structurally distinct from IL-2, IL-4, and other known growth factors. This molecule, designated P40, was identified as a glycoprotein capable of supporting antigen-independent growth of certain helper T cell clones. Here, we report the cloning and expression of a cDNA for this new growth factor. The predicted mature protein is a cationic cysteine-rich polypeptide of 14 kD without significant homology to previously sequenced proteins.