bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity in MHC class II ovalbumin T cell epitopes generated by distinct proteases.
Authors: Vidard L , Rock K L , Benacerraf B
Published: January 2023

It is generally accepted that a limited number of T cell epitopes are generated by APC from an immunogenic protein. To ascertain the number of determinants on OVA recognized in the context of the H-2s haplotype, we generated 19 T-T hybridomas against OVA and H-2s and we synthesized 46 overlapping peptides spanning the entire protein. Eighteen T-T hybrids were stimulated by eight different peptides. The peptide recognized by one T cell hybrid was not identified. The effect of four protease inhibitors on the processing and presentation of OVA by the LS.102.9 B cell hybridoma seemed to implicate several groups of proteases in the processing of this Ag. Alkylation of cysteine residues with iodoacetic acid showed in a few cases a dramatic decrease in the capacity of OVA to stimulate T-T hybrids recognizing cysteine-free peptides. In contrast, two T-T hybrids recognizing cysteine containing peptides were not affected by the alkylation, suggesting that alkylation inhibited the processing of OVA without affecting peptide interaction with class II MHC molecules. These data demonstrate that the repertoire of peptides generated by APC from OVA is not limited to one or few immunodominant peptides, and results from the activity of several endopeptidases and/or exopeptidases. In addition, the structure of the Ag (native or denatured) was shown to affect the efficiency with which different epitopes are generated.
Sequential analysis of T cells in the liver during murine listerial infection.
Authors: Hiromatsu K , Matsuzaki G , Tauchi Y , Yoshikai Y , Nomoto K
Published: January 2023

Phenotypes and functions of T cells in the liver were studied after an i.p. inoculation with viable Listeria monocytogenes in mice. T cells in the liver of untreated C3H/HeN mice (C3H; H-2k, Mls-2a) contain Thy-1.2+TCR-alpha beta + cells as a majority and Thy-1.2+TCR-gamma delta + cells and Thy-1.2-TCR-gamma delta + cells as minorities. The liver of untreated C3H mice did not contain T cells expressing V beta 3 and V beta 11, which are potentially autoreactive against self-superantigens of Mls-2a and Dvbl, respectively. On days 3 to 6 after infection, Thy-1.2-CD4lowTCR-alpha beta + T cells or Thy-1.2-TCR-gamma delta + T cells increased significantly in number and proportion in the liver whereas T cells with these phenotypes were hardly detected in the spleen, lymph nodes, peripheral blood, and peritoneal cavity during the course of the infection. The Thy-1.2-CD4lowTCR-alpha beta T cells contained V beta 3 or V beta 11-bearing cells in high frequencies. The potentially autoreactive V beta 3- or V beta 11-bearing T cells disappeared from the liver on day 7 after infection. Furthermore, the V beta 3+ and V beta 11+ cells but not V beta 8+ cells disappeared after culture for 24 h at 37 degrees C. In vitro stimulation of liver T cells using anti-V beta 11 mAb showed no proliferative response. These results suggest that the potentially autoreactive clones with Thy-1.2-CD4low phenotypes, which increased in number after listerial infection, may be anergized after interaction with self-Ag and may be programmed to die. These potentially autoreactive clones induced in the liver of Listeria-infected mice may not be functionally relevant to the host defense against Listeria.
Digestion of Histoplasma capsulatum yeasts by human macrophages.
Authors: Newman S L , Gootee L , Morris R , Bullock W E
Published: January 2023

The strategies used by Histoplasma capsulatum yeasts to survive and multiply within human macrophages (M phi) are unknown. To better understand these strategies we studied the intracellular fate of viable vs heat-killed (HK) yeasts in human monocyte-derived M phi. Initial studies demonstrated that phagolysosome fusion was present in M phi ingesting either viable or HK yeasts. Viable yeasts multiplied within M phi phagolysosomes, whereas M phi completely digested intracellular FITC-labeled HK yeasts within 24 h after ingestion. This observation was confirmed by electron microscopy. M phi that had ingested colloidal gold-labeled HK yeasts contained gold particles but no visible yeasts at 24 h. Digestion of HK yeasts was evident as early as 4 h after phagocytosis, and was complete by 24 h. M phi digestion of HK yeasts was blocked completely when M phi were cultured for 24 h in the presence of chloroquine. In M phi simultaneously ingesting both viable and HK yeasts, viable yeasts multiplied, but HK yeasts were digested within the same cell. M phi that had ingested viable yeasts digested them completely when M phi were cultured for 24 h in the presence of cycloheximide or amphotericin B. Coculture of infected M phi with nystatin or ketoconazole resulted in inhibition of growth, but the yeasts were not digested. These data indicate that: 1), HK Hc yeasts are easily digested by preformed M phi lysosomal hydrolases; 2), viable Hc yeasts survive and multiply within M phi phagolysosomes, but the yeasts do not secrete a factor(s) that affects the ability of other phagolysosomes within the same M phi to digest killed yeasts; and 3), inhibition of yeast protein synthesis or cell wall biosynthesis is sufficient to render viable yeasts susceptible to digestion by human M phi.
The human recombinant c-kit receptor ligand, rhSCF, induces mediator release from human cutaneous mast cells and enhances IgE-dependent mediator release from both skin mast cells and peripheral blood basophils.
Authors: Columbo M , Horowitz E M , Botana L M , MacGlashan D W , Bochner B S , Gillis S , Zsebo K M , Galli S J , Lichtenstein L M
Published: January 2023

The gene product of the steel locus of the mouse represents a growth factor for murine mast cells and a ligand for the c-kit proto-oncogene receptor, a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor class of oncogenes (for review, see O. N. Witte. 1990. Cell 63:5). We have studied the effect of the human recombinant c-kit receptor ligand stem cell factor (rhSCF) on the release of inflammatory mediators from human skin mast cells and peripheral blood basophils and compared its activity to that of rhIL-3, rhSCF (1 ng/ml to 1 microgram/ml) activated the release of histamine and PGD2 from mast cells isolated from human skin. Analysis by digital video microscopy indicated that purified human skin mast cells (84 +/- 5% pure) responded to rhSCF (0.1 to 1 microgram/ml) challenge with a rapid, sustained rise in intracellular Ca2+ levels that was accompanied by secretion of histamine. A brief preincubation (10 min) of mast cells with rhSCF (0.1 pg/ml to 1 ng/ml) significantly enhanced (100 +/- 35%) the release of histamine induced by anti-IgE (3 micrograms/ml), but was much less effective on IgE-mediated release of PGD2. In contrast, a short term incubation with rhSCF did not potentiate the secretion of histamine activated by substance P (5 microM). A 24-h incubation of mast cells with rhSCF did not affect the release of mediators induced by anti-IgE (3 micrograms/ml), probably due to receptor desensitization, rhSCF (1 ng/ml to 3 micrograms/ml) neither caused release of histamine or leukotriene C4 (LTC4) release from leukocytes of 14 donors, nor induced a rise in intracellular Ca2+ levels in purified (greater than 70%) basophils. Brief preincubation (10 min) of leukocytes with rhSCF (1 ng/ml to 3 micrograms/ml) caused an enhancement (69 +/- 11%) of anti-IgE-induced release of histamine that was significant at concentrations as low as 3 ng/ml (p less than 0.05), whereas it appeared less effective in potentiating IgE-mediated LTC4 release. In contrast, a prolonged incubation (24 h) with rhSCF (0.1 pg/ml to 100 ng/ml) did not enhance the release of histamine or LTC4 induced by anti-IgE (0.1 microgram/ml), whereas rhIL-3 (3 ng/ml) significantly potentiated the release of both mediators.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Calcium rather than protein kinase C is the major factor to activate phospholipase D in FMLP-stimulated rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Possible involvement of calmodulin/myosin L chain kinase pathway.
Authors: Kanaho Y , Nishida A , Nozawa Y
Published: January 2023

In the present study, we first investigated which of the factors, protein kinase C (PKC) or Ca2+, plays an important role in activation of phospholipase D (PLD) of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils stimulated by the chemoattractant FMLP. PLD activity was assessed by measuring [3H]phosphatidylethanol ([3H]PEt), the unambiguous marker of PLD, generated by [3H]lyso platelet-activating factor-prelabeled neutrophils in the presence of ethanol. PKC inhibitors, staurosporine and 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride, augmented the plateau level of [3H]PEt produced in FMLP-stimulated cells, although they had no effect on the initial rate of the formation. Furthermore, it was found that the FMLP-stimulated [3H]PEt formation was inhibited by pretreatment of cells with PMA, a PKC activator, and exposure of cells to staurosporine before PMA pretreatment moderately blocked the PMA inhibition. Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, as well as FMLP, stimulated [3H]PEt formation, accompanied by a decrease in [3H]phosphatidylcholine, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Both FMLP and ionomycin absolutely required extracellular Ca2+ to increase [3H]PEt formation. These results imply that elevated intercellular Ca2+ by FMLP stimulation is the major factor for PLD activation and that PKC rather negatively regulates the enzyme activity. Interestingly, a calmodulin inhibitor, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1- naphthalenesulfonamide, and a myosin L chain kinase inhibitor, 1-(5-iodonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-h exahydro-1,4-diazepine hydrochloride, both inhibited the ionomycin- and FMLP-stimulated [3H]PEt formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Results obtained in this study suggest that, in FMLP-stimulated rabbit peritoneal neutrophils, increased intracellular Ca2+ activates PLD through calmodulin/myosin L chain kinase pathway and, thereafter, the enzyme activation is turned off by simultaneously activated PKC.
Two major groups of neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies exist in HIV-infected individuals. Evidence for epitope diversity around the CD4 attachment site.
Authors: Chamat S , Nara P , Berquist L , Whalley A , Morrow W J , Köhler H , Kang C Y
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to dissect neutralizing anti-gp120 antibody populations in seropositive asymptomatic individuals. Murine anti-Id mAb were raised against polyclonal affinity-purified human anti-gp120 antibodies. These anti-Id mAb were used to fractionate anti-gp120 antibodies from a pool of HIV-positive sera into idiotypically distinct anti-gp120 antibody (Id+Ab) preparations. Immunochemical and neutralization studies indicated that all Id+Ab that neutralized HIV-1 in vitro interacted with either the V3 loop or the CD4 attachment site of gp120. The V3-specific Id+Ab neutralized HIV-1 in a strain-restricted manner. Id+Ab specific for the CD4 attachment site exhibited different spectra of neutralizing activities against multiple strains of HIV-1. This finding indicates that multiple, antigenically diverse epitopes reside around the CD4 attachment site of gp120. Significantly, depletion of the Id+Ab from affinity-purified total anti-gp120 antibodies abrogated most of the neutralizing activities of these antibodies, suggesting that neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies consist of two major specificities, either to the V3 region or to the CD4 attachment site. The understanding of specificities and neutralizing activities of different anti-gp120 antibodies in seropositive healthy individuals will be helpful for designing effective vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies for AIDS.
Soluble forms of CD40 inhibit biologic responses of human B cells.
Authors: Fanslow W C , Anderson D M , Grabstein K H , Clark E A , Cosman D , Armitage R J
Published: January 2023

We have expressed the CD40 surface Ag as both a soluble 28-kDa molecule and a 57-kDa Fc fusion protein containing the human IgG1 Fc region. Soluble CD40 and the Fc fusion protein inhibited the proliferative response of anti-IgM-activated human B cells to the CD40 mAb G28-5. Similarly, G28-5- and IL-4-induced IgE secretion from PBMC depleted of T cells was effectively blocked by both forms of soluble CD40. Although the soluble constructs of CD40 had only a minimal inhibitory effect on IL-4-mediated proliferation of anti-IgM-activated B cells, IL-4-induced soluble CD23 shedding from both PBMC and T cells depleted of PBMC, and IgE secretion from PBMC, were significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner when soluble CD40 was present in the culture. The data presented demonstrate that both soluble forms of the CD40 molecule are biologically active, and suggest that the ligand for CD40 is inducible in IL-4-stimulated cultures and that it mediates both shedding of sCD23 and IgE secretion.
Human myoblasts as antigen-presenting cells.
Authors: Goebels N , Michaelis D , Wekerle H , Hohlfeld R
Published: January 2023

Human myoblasts, cultured from muscle and purified to greater than 95%, were investigated for their capacity to act as facultative APC. The myoblasts reacted with antidesmin mAb and had the capacity to fuse into multinucleated myotubes in appropriate medium. The expression of HLA class I, HLA-DR, HLA-DP, HLA-DQ, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1/CD54), lymphocyte function-associated (LFA) molecules LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), LFA-2 (CD2), and LFA-3 (CD58) was investigated by FACS analysis before and after induction for various times with human rIFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, or both. Without cytokine induction, myoblasts expressed only HLA-class I and LFA-3. IFN-gamma alone or in combination with TNF-alpha induced the expression of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 reaching a plateau after 48 h, followed by HLA-DP and even later HLA-DQ. TNF-alpha alone induced only ICAM-1. The functional capacity of myoblasts to present Ag to CD4+ T cells was investigated using autologous T cell lines specific for tuberculin, tetanus toxoid, and human myelin basic protein. Noninduced myoblasts or myoblasts treated with TNF-alpha alone could not present any of these Ag to the T cells. However, myoblasts treated with IFN-gamma induced Ag-specific proliferation. In the presence of relevant Ag, myoblasts were killed by the T cells as observed by microscopy and measured by 51Cr release. Ag-specific T cell proliferation and myoblast killing was inhibited in the presence of anti-DR mAb. These results suggest that human myoblasts may act as facultative APC during local immune reactions in muscle.
Lymphocyte development of adherence and motility in extracellular matrix during IL-2 stimulation.
Authors: Ratner S , Patrick P , Bora G
Published: January 2023

To extravasate into normal and neoplastic tissue, lymphocytes must migrate through the subendothelial basement membrane and underlying interstitium, structures rich in extracellular matrix (ECM). We have performed a time-course study of the development of motility in ECM by murine lymphocytes during in vitro exposure to high titers of IL-2 (1000 Cetus units/ml). This protocol generates immunotherapeutic lymphocyte populations expressing lymphokine-activated killer activity. Spontaneous motility was measured in three-dimensional gels of type I (interstitial) collagen or Matrigel, a model basement membrane. A newly developed assay permitted not only the measurement of distance traveled by the leading cell front, but also the separation of lymphocytes on the basis of three types of behavior. The motile fraction consisted of lymphocytes that penetrated beneath the ECM gel surface during an 18-h migration period. There were also two nonmotile fractions: the nonadherent fraction, which failed to bind to the gel surface; and the adherent fraction, which bound but did not penetrate during the assay period. During a 3- to 5-day exposure to high titer IL-2, both adherence and motility increased significantly. In type I collagen, cells of the NK lineage developed greater surface adherence and less motility than cells of the T lineage. The surface-adherent fraction expressed higher lymphokine-activated killer and NK activity than did the nonadherent or motile fractions. Under prolonged IL-2 stimulation (7 to 12 days), there was a decline in the percentage of cells exhibiting motility in both types of ECM, and an increase in the percentage of surface-adherent cells. The findings indicate that the behavior of an IL-2-stimulated lymphocyte population in ECM is profoundly influenced by the duration of IL-2 exposure. Furthermore, lack of lymphocyte motility may reflect two different behaviors, nonadherence and adherence without motility. The nonadherent and surface-adherent populations may differ in phenotypic distribution and function. The motility system described in this report will be useful in separating and studying the mechanisms that produce lymphocyte adherence and motility, and in understanding the in vivo implications of these behaviors.
Drug-specific T cells derived from patients with drug-induced allergic hepatitis.
Authors: Tsutsui H , Terano Y , Sakagami C , Hasegawa I , Mizoguchi Y , Morisawa S
Published: January 2023

Drug-induced allergic hepatitis is a tissue-specific inflammatory disease caused by hypersensitivity to a particular drug. Although the frequency of drug-induced allergic hepatitis appears to increase in proportion to the medicine, the mechanism by which tissue specificity is determined is still to be elucidated. In this study, we established CD4+ T cell clones specific for particular drugs from patients with drug-induced allergic hepatitis accompanied with mild blood eosinophilia and analyzed the possible role of liver protein as a directing factor of liver-specific inflammatory reactions. All CD4+ T cell clones obtained from two patients with this disease proliferated in response to a combination of the particular drug plus liver specific protein (LSP), which consists of over 30 proteins. Some T cell clones were responsive to an antigenic conformation consisting of the 200-kDa glycoprotein (partly purified LSP), a component of LSP, plus the causal drug. In contrast, all CD4+ T cell clones from a patient with simple drug-induced eosinophilia responded to the causal drug in the absence of LSP and partly purified LSP. These data suggested that LSP or partly purified LSP of the appropriate Ag is the target that leads to liver-specific inflammation in drug-induced allergic hepatitis. Furthermore, T cell lines derived from patients with drug-induced allergic hepatitis and simple drug-induced eosinophilia produced large amounts of IL-5 after the appropriate antigenic stimulation, whereas CD4+ T cell clones from donors with a normal amount of peripheral blood eosinophils secreted a much less IL-5. Taken together, these results indicate that overproduction of IL-5 by the allergen-sensitized T cells may result in blood eosinophilia.
Simian immunodeficiency virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes are present in the AIDS-associated skin rash in rhesus monkeys.
Authors: Yamamoto H , Ringler D J , Miller M D , Yasutomi Y , Hasunuma T , Letvin N L
Published: January 2023

An infiltration of CD8+ lymphocytes in the dermis and epidermis underlies the skin rash that commonly occurs as a primary manifestation of an AIDS virus infection. These cutaneous lymphocytes were characterized in simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac)-infected rhesus monkeys. Skin rash-associated lymphocytes exhibited greater lysis of SIVmac-expressing target cells and a higher cloning efficiency for SIVmac-specific effector T cells than PBL. Moreover, both SIVmac envelope- and gag-specific CTL could be readily cloned from these skin rash-associated lymphocytes. In fact, the skin rash-associated CTL exhibited the same MHC restriction and epitope specificity as those CTL derived from PBL. These studies, therefore, demonstrate that the cutaneous infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes in SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys include SIVmac-specific CTL. Thus, whereas virus-specific CTL are likely to represent an important mechanism for controlling AIDS virus infections, they also may play a role in the pathogenesis of the skin lesions that occur after this infection.
Heterodimeric complex formation with CD8 and TCR by bispecific antibody sustains paracrine IL-2-dependent growth of CD3+ CD8+ T cells.
Authors: De Lau W B , Boom S E , Heije K , Griffioen A W , Braakman E , Bolhuis R L , Tax W J , Clevers H , Bast B J
Published: January 2023

During physiologic activation of mature CD8+ T cells, TCR and CD8 bind to the same Ag-complexed MHC class I molecule. Thereby, close proximity is induced between CD8 and the TCR/CD3 complex. During this engagement, CD8 may deliver TCR-independent signals via its associated protein tyrosine kinase, p56lck. We studied the potential biologic effects of close association between CD8 and TCR/CD3 complexes by using a bispecific antibody (bsAb) directed against both TCR and CD8 molecules. This hybrid hybridoma (quadroma)-produced bsAb binds as a monomeric molecule to CD3+ CD8+ but not CD3+ CD4+ T cells. The bsAb proved capable of inducing the cytotoxic effector function of cloned CD3+ CD8+ T cells but not of CD3+ CD4+ T cells. When the bsAb was presented to resting T cells by monocytes, proliferation of the CD3+ CD4+ but not the CD3+ CD8+ subset of T lymphocytes was induced. Parental anti-TCR antibody induced vigorous growth of cells of both subsets. Essentially identical results were obtained when bsAb was presented in an immobilized fashion. The unresponsiveness of the CD3+ CD8+ T cells with respect to mitogenesis could be restored by exogenous rIL-2. The data suggest that bsAb-induced activation differs from activation by monospecific anti-TCR antibody. The former appears to more closely mimic physiologic Ag-induced signaling, because it leads to a similar paracrine IL-2-dependent growth pattern. The bsAb may, therefore, be instrumental in studying T cell signaling pathways, in particular the role of CD8-associated p56lck therein.
Status of kappa L chain gene rearrangements and c-kit and IL-7 receptor expression in stromal cell-dependent pre-B cells.
Authors: Henderson A J , Narayanan R , Collins L , Dorshkind K
Published: January 2023

Studies from several laboratories have provided evidence that distinct stromal cell-derived signals are involved in the maturation of pre-B cells into surface Ig expressing B lymphocytes. In order to define the stage of development at which these stimuli act, various polymerase chain reaction strategies were used to characterize the status of kappa L chain gene rearrangements in nontransformed, stromal cell dependent pre-B cells. These cells were obtained from lymphoid colonies whose growth was potentiated by factors from a stromal cell line. kappa L chain genes in cells from many of these colonies were rearranged, and analysis of the Jk genes used indicated a bias toward the most 3' loci. However, the use of a reverse transcriptase PCR strategy failed to detect mature kappa transcripts, indicating that stromal cell mediators exist that allow pre-B cells to progress to the stage at which L chain genes are rearranged but not expressed. Reverse transcriptase PCR further revealed that no transcripts for c-kit (the receptor for kit-ligand) and the IL-7R could be detected in these cells. This suggests that these receptors are no longer expressed by the time cells have undergone kappa rearrangements and minimize a role for stromal cell-derived kit-ligand and IL-7 in mediating the pre-B to B cell transition.
Locus-specific transcriptional control of HLA genes.
Authors: Soong T W , Hui K M
Published: January 2023

One remarkable genetic feature of the class I MHC genes is their unparalleled degree of genetic polymorphism and diversity. The polymorphism is reflected by the fact that multiple loci encode class I molecules, and for each locus there are multiple alleles. In the course of investigating the regulation of HLA-A and HLA-B mRNA in human colorectal carcinoma cell lines, we have noticed a noncoordinate expression of the HLA mRNA in some of these cell lines. This observation prompted us to make use of these cell lines to study the locus-specific transcriptional regulation of HLA genes. Bandshift and footprint assays revealed at least three distinct and independent DNA-binding factors that bind to the core regulatory element of the HLA-A and HLB-B gene locus. A "novel" DNA-binding factor recognizing the CCAAT motif seems to be important for locus-specific expression of HLA-A mRNA, whereas a different factor which binds to a Sp1-like sequence is crucial for normal HLA-B mRNA expression. In certain colorectal cancer cell lines, underrepresentation of these locus-specific DNA-binding proteins correlates with the locus-specific down-regulation of HLA mRNA. This observation is further supported by experiments which demonstrated that the locus-specific suppression of exogenously introduced TK-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase DNA constructs, containing the "putative" HLA locus-specific DNA core regulatory sequence, is regulated in a locus-specific manner when introduced into these HLA-A- and HLA-B-deficient human colorectal cell lines.
Induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by mast cells via Fc gamma R. Role of the Fc gamma RIII gamma subunit.
Authors: Latour S , Bonnerot C , Fridman W H , Daëron M
Published: January 2023

Murine mast cells produce cytokines in response to cross-linking of high affinity receptors for IgE (Fc epsilon RI). Murine mast cells also express the two types of low-affinity receptors for IgG, murine (m)Fc gamma RII, and mFc gamma RIII. We examined the ability of mFc gamma R to trigger a cytokine response such as TNF-alpha production by mast cells. We found that the mFc gamma RII- and mFc gamma RIII-positive mouse mastocytoma cells MMC-1 released TNF-alpha when challenged with F(ab')2 fragments of the rat anti-mFc gamma RII/III 2.4G2 mAb and mouse anti-rat IgG F(ab')2. The release of TNF-alpha was preceded by an increase in TNF-alpha transcripts. mFc gamma RII and mFc gamma RIII have 95% homologous extracellular domains but unrelated transmembrane and intracytoplasmic (IC) domains. mFc gamma RII are single chain receptors whereas mFc gamma RIII associate with a homodimeric gamma-chain that also associates with Fc epsilon RI and TCR. In order to analyze the ability of mFc gamma RII and III to trigger the synthesis of TNF-alpha, we studied RBL-2H3 cells transfected with corresponding cDNA. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) transfectants expressing mFc gamma RIII produced TNF-alpha in response to 2.4G2 F(ab')2, but not transfectants expressing mFc gamma RII. Non-transfected RBL cells and mFc gamma RII- or mFc gamma RIII-expressing transfectants, however, released TNF-alpha in response to a rat IgG2a mAb. The respective roles of the alpha and gamma subunits of mFc gamma RIII were examined by studying the production of TNF-alpha by RBL cells expressing deletant and chimeric mFc gamma R. The deletion of intracellular amino acids of the Fc gamma RIII alpha subunit did not prevent 2.4G2 F(ab')2 from triggering the synthesis of TNF-alpha. The substitution of the IC domain of mFc gamma RII for that of mFc gamma RIII gamma, but not that of Fc gamma RIII alpha, enabled 2.4G2 F(ab')2 to trigger the release of TNF-alpha by RBL transfectants. A cytokine response can therefore be induced in mouse and rat mast cells through Fc gamma R. This response is triggered upon cross-linking of mFc gamma RIII but not mFc gamma RII. It depends on the IC sequences of the gamma but not of the alpha subunit of mFc gamma RIII.
A threshold level of coupled G-proteins is required to transduce neutrophil responses.
Authors: Omann G M , Harter J M , Hassan N , Mansfield P J , Suchard S J , Neubig R R
Published: January 2023

Chemoattractant-induced activation of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes involves receptor coupling to guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins). Treatment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with pertussis toxin, which ADP-ribosylates neutrophil G-proteins and uncouples G-proteins from receptors, causes a conversion of cells from responders to nonresponders rather than a gradual decrease in the ability of all cells to respond (Omann, G. M., and J. M. Harter. 1991. Cytometry 12:252; Omann, G. M., and M. M. Porasik-Lowes. 1991. J. Immunol. 146:1303). Flow-cytometric methods were used to measure N-formylpeptide-induced cytosolic Ca2+ elevation and actin polymerization over a wide range of ADP-ribosylation levels and showed that although the percentage of responding cells varied markedly, the responding cells were stimulated equivalent to controls. The conditions of pertussis toxin (PT) treatment did not interfere with non-G-protein-mediated pathways as assessed by measurement of phagocytosis, a complex process involving the cytoskeleton. We tested the explanation that the all-or-none effect may have been due to heterogeneous insertion of the catalytic subunit of PT into the cells such that responders had no ADP-ribosylation and nonresponders were completely ADP-ribosylated. Measurement of the binding of fluorescent N-formylpeptides to permeabilized cells, which allows the distinction between completely ribosylated and normal cells, showed that all cells treated with a submaximal concentration of PT had intermediate levels of receptor-coupled G-proteins. Thus, partial ADP-ribosylation had occurred in all cells and the all-or-none insertion of the catalytic subunit of PT was ruled out. Thus, there is a threshold of coupled G-proteins required to transduce responses. The ability of PT to inhibit N-formylpeptide-induced actin polymerization and cytosolic calcium elevation was compared and showed that both responses have essentially the same threshold of G-proteins required to transduce the responses. Thus, the pathways regulating actin polymerization and calcium elevation appear to be coupled with equal efficiency to the G-proteins.
Human decidual leukocytes from early pregnancy contain high numbers of gamma delta+ cells and show selective down-regulation of alloreactivity.
Authors: Mincheva-Nilsson L , Hammarström S , Hammarström M L
Published: January 2023

The mononuclear lymphoid cell population in human pregnant uterus mucosa, decidua, from early normal pregnancies was studied phenotypically and functionally. The phenotype was determined in situ by immunohistochemistry, and in isolated decidual mononuclear cell preparations by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. A mild isolation procedure of gentle mechanical disruption followed by density gradient centrifugation was used. Leukocytes comprised a large part of the decidual tissue. They were present in aggregates mainly situated adjacent to the glandular epithelium. In addition, individual leukocytes were present intraepithelially, as well as scattered between the stromal cells and around vessels and lacunes. Four lymphocyte populations of approximately the same size were identified: TCR gamma delta+/CD56+ cells, TCR gamma delta+/CD56- cells, TCR gamma delta-/CD56+ cells, and TCR alpha beta+/CD8+ cells. TCR gamma delta- expressing cells comprised about 60% of the T cells. They were CD4-/CD8-, and about half of the TCR gamma delta+ cells expressed the memory/activation marker CD45RO. The Kp 43 Ag, earlier described on activated CD56+ and TCR gamma delta+ cells in peripheral blood, was essentially only expressed on the TCR gamma delta-/CD56+ cell population in decidua. At least 50% of the TCR alpha beta+ cells were CD8+. The function(s) of either one of these populations might be to prevent immunologic reactions against the fetus, to protect the uterus from unwanted extensive invasion of trophoblasts, or to protect the uteroplacental unit from infection. Decidual T cells did not respond to stimulation by alloantigens or mitogenic anti-CD3 mAb but responded to the same extent as PBMC to mitogenic lectins. The surface density of the TCR/CD3 complex was low on freshly isolated decidual lymphocytes, but could be up-regulated upon stimulation with PMA/Ionomycin. Local selective down-regulation of surface expression of the TCR/CD3 complex and of activation involving this complex might be one of the mechanisms by which a maternal immunologic reaction against the semiallogeneic fetus is prevented.
Coexpression of NKR-P1 and alpha beta-TCR on lymphoid cells in fully xenogeneic (rat-->mouse) chimeras and syngeneically reconstituted (A-->A) rats.
Authors: Kaufman C L , Chambers W H , Ildstad S T
Published: January 2023

We have identified three populations of cells among rat splenocytes expressing NKR-P1, including cells of NKR-P1bright/alpha beta-TCR-, NKR-P1dim/alpha beta-TCR+, and NKR-P1dim/alpha beta-TCR- phenotypes. To study the phenotypic characteristics and development of these various cell populations, we have made use of transplanting untreated rat bone marrow into recipient rats (syngeneic) or mice (fully xenogeneic) conditioned with total body irradiation. Rat NK cells exhibit normal phenotypic markers (NKR-P1+, CD8+) and are normally functional by 28 days after reconstitution. We have found that the various populations of NKR-P1+ cells are enriched significantly in the spleen and follow a characteristic pattern of development in the first mo after reconstitution. After syngeneic bone marrow reconstitution (rat-->rat), NKR-P1dim and NKR-P1bright cells (3-15%) can be demonstrated among splenocytes as early as day 3 after bone marrow transplantation. By day 7, the NKR-P1+ cells reach peak levels and comprise as much as 80% of splenic lymphoid cells, with 35% being NKR-P1bright and 45% being NKR-P1dim. The percentage of NKR-P1+ cells decreases over the next several wk until they constitute "normal rat" levels with 8 to 20% being NKR-P1bright and only 1 to 5% being NKR-P1dim. These same populations are also present in fully xenogeneic chimeras. In both models, approximately 80 to 90% of the NKR-P1dim cells were found to coexpress alpha beta-TCR at all time points. These NKR-P1dim/alpha beta-TCR+ cells are not large granular lymphocytes and lack NK cell lytic activity against YAC-1 target cells. Additional analyses of cells derived from spleen, bone marrow, and thymus indicated that NKR-P1+ cells develop, for the most part, in a thymic-independent manner in our fully xenogeneic chimeras and syngeneically reconstituted rats. At present the developmental pathway of these NKR-P1dim cells remains speculative.
Mouse MHC class I-like Fc receptor encoded outside the MHC.
Authors: Ahouse J J , Hagerman C L , Mittal P , Gilbert D J , Copeland N G , Jenkins N A , Simister N E
Published: January 2023

In many mammalian species antibodies transmitted from the mother provide humoral immunity to the young. Maternal IgG from milk is transported across the intestinal epithelium of neonatal rats by an Fc receptor (FcRn) that comprises an alpha-chain similar to the class I Ag of the MHC and beta 2-microglobulin. Suckling mice also acquire antibodies by uptake from the gut. We made a neonatal mouse intestinal cDNA library and screened it with a probe encoding rat FcRn alpha-chain. The nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences of the two positive clones were very similar to those of rat FcRn. Comparison of the FcRn domains to various MHC class I and CD1 molecules suggests a divergence of FcRn from MHC early in the mammalian lineage. We expressed one of these cDNA in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Cells that expressed the cDNA product bound the Fc fragment of IgG with the same pH dependence as neonatal rat intestinal epithelium. We detected RNA that hybridize with the mouse cDNA only in neonatal small intestine and fetal yolk sac, two tissues involved in IgG transport. These data show that the mouse cDNA code for FcRn alpha-chain. The mouse FcRn alpha-chain is similar in sequence to the class I MHC Ag, encoded on chromosome 17 in the mouse. However, we find that the mouse FcRn gene lies outside the MHC, on chromosome 7.
Binding site on the murine IFN-gamma receptor for IFN-gamma has been identified using the synthetic peptide approach.
Authors: VanVolkenburg M A , Griggs N D , Jarpe M A , Pace J L , Russell S W , Johnson H M
Published: January 2023

We have studied the structural parameters involved in the binding of murine IFN-gamma (MuIFN-gamma) to its receptor. Ten synthetic overlapping peptides corresponding to the extracellular domain of the MuIFN-gamma receptor (MuIFN-gamma R) were synthesized. In direct binding studies, biotinylated MuIFN-gamma bound specifically to receptor peptide (95-120). Further, the NH2-terminal IFN-gamma peptide, MuIFN-gamma (1-39), also specifically bound to receptor peptide (95-120). Binding of both labeled MuIFN-gamma and MuIFN-gamma (1-39) to MuIFN-gamma R peptide (95-120) was inhibited by either unlabeled molecule. The COOH-terminal receptor binding peptide, MuIFN-gamma (95-133), neither bound to any receptor peptides nor blocked the binding of intact MuIFN-gamma or MuIFN-gamma (1-39) to receptor peptide (95-120). Polyclonal antibodies to each of the peptides were then produced. Each of the anti-peptide antisera recognized its corresponding peptide and bound denatured cloned soluble receptor by Western blotting. Furthermore, the antisera to peptides representing the inner region of the extracellular domain of the receptor bound to nondenatured soluble MuIFN-gamma R. Specifically, antisera to the receptor peptides (73-97), (95-120), (118-143), (142-163), and (161-182) bound to soluble MuIFN-gamma R, whereas antisera to peptides (1-21), (20-49), (46-74), (178-203), and (202-227) did not bind. Most important, antisera to peptides (95-120) and (118-143) competed with [125I]MuIFN-gamma for binding to soluble receptor. These results show that the region of the MuIFN-gamma R encompassing amino acid residues (95-120) is a binding site on the receptor for the NH2-terminal of MuIFN-gamma by direct binding, and that the larger region (95-143) on the receptor may play a role in binding of intact MuIFN-gamma based on blocking of binding by site-specific antibodies.
IL-3 alters free arachidonic acid generation in C5a-stimulated human basophils.
Authors: MacGlashan D W , Hubbard W C
Published: January 2023

IL-3 is known to enhance the secretion of several mediators from human basophils activated by receptor-mediated stimuli. IL-3 can cause a qualitative change in the mediator release pattern for C5a-mediated stimulation; without IL-3, C5a causes no leukotriene release whereas in the presence of IL-3, significant leukotriene occurs. This study examines the influence of a 15-min pretreatment of basophils with IL-3 (10 ng/ml) on several signal transduction events. Basophils stimulated with C5a typically displayed only a transient cytosolic Ca2+ response [Ca2+]i, attributed to the release of intracellular calcium stores. IL-3 had sporadic, statistically nonsignificant, effects on the peak of this initial response as well as inconsistent effects on the generation of a second phase in the [Ca2+]i response (i.e., that which is caused by the influx of extracellular Ca2+). IL-3 also had no effect on resting [Ca2+]i levels. Challenge of basophils in the presence of EGTA had little effect on the amount of leukotrienes generated. This maneuver did not influence the initial transient elevation of [Ca2+]i. Although basophil leukotriene release is usually slow, after exposure to IL-3 it was found that leukotriene release occurred rapidly, during the brief window of time (0 to 45 s) in which the [Ca2+]i transient occurred. These results suggested that the generation of AA was accelerated by pretreatment with IL-3. Subsequent mass measurements of free AA by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy showed: 1) IL-3 itself caused no free AA generation; 2) without IL-3, C5a stimulated little or no free AA generation; and 3) in the presence of IL-3, C5a generated substantial levels of free AA at an accelerated rate. A similar acceleration in the rate of free AA generation, without any apparent increase in the amount, occurred in IL-3-primed basophils stimulated with FMLP. Additional studies showed that IL-3 had no effects on whole cell ATP levels and that the kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, did not inhibit the ability of IL-3 to cause enhanced responses to C5a. We conclude that the primary effect of a short period of pretreatment with IL-3 is to couple the generation of free AA to C5a-mediated stimulation in particular and to accelerate its generation after other stimuli. Enhancements of the [Ca2+]i response, while sporadic and at best modest, may have some influence on enhanced mediator release but did not clearly explain the functional effects of IL-3.
Protective effects of selectin chimeras in neutrophil-mediated lung injury.
Authors: Mulligan M S , Watson S R , Fennie C , Ward P A
Published: January 2023

Recombinant selectin chimeric molecules featuring the joining of the extracellular domains of L-, P-, and E-selectin to the CH2 and CH3 domains of human IgG1 have been evaluated for their ability to protect against neutrophil-dependent lung injury in rats after systemic activation of C caused by vascular infusion of cobra venom factor (CVF) or lung injury that follows intrapulmonary deposition of IgG immune complexes. Previous studies using anti-selectin antibodies have suggested that the former model is P-selectin dependent, whereas the latter is E-selectin dependent. Requirements for L-selectin have not been identified because of lack of reagents. For the current studies employing the CVF model of lung injury, infusion of P-selectin-Ig chimera reduced injury (as assessed by changes in permeability and hemorrhage) in a dose-dependent manner, with parallel reductions in lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) content. Similar results were obtained with the L-selectin-Ig chimera, whereas the E-selectin-Ig chimera was not protective and failed to alter MPO content. In contrast, in the IgG immune complex model of lung injury, the L- and E-selectin-Ig chimeras both showed dose-related protective effects and reductions in MPO content, whereas the P-selectin-Ig chimera failed to protect against injury and did not alter MPO content in this model of lung injury. In all cases of blocking of injury, this was incomplete, suggesting multi-selectin engagement or inadequate amounts of selectin-Ig chimeras employed. These data indicate that neutrophil recruitment and attendant lung injury in the CVF model are L- and P-selectin dependent and E-selectin-independent, whereas in the IgG immune complex model, neutrophil recruitment and lung injury are L- and E-selectin-dependent but independent of P-selectin. Thus, differing selectin requirements for acute inflammatory lung injury have been identified.
C33 antigen and M38 antigen recognized by monoclonal antibodies inhibitory to syncytium formation by human T cell leukemia virus type 1 are both members of the transmembrane 4 superfamily and associate with each other and with CD4 or CD8 in T cells.
Authors: Imai T , Yoshie O
Published: January 2023

C33 Ag and M38 Ag had been identified by mAb inhibitory to HTLV-1-induced syncytium formation. The cDNA encoding C33 Ag had revealed that it belongs to the newly defined transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF). M38 Ag was detected on virtually all human cell lines and fresh leukocytes except for most granulocytes. It was also expressed on a mouse hybrid cell clone containing human chromosome 11q23-pter. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses identified a monomeric 26-kDa protein. The M38 epitope was dependent on S-S bonding. These characteristics were very similar to those reported for TAPA-1 (the target of antiproliferative antibody-1), which also belongs to TM4SF as C33 Ag. We therefore cloned the cDNA of human TAPA-1 and expressed it in COS cells. M38 indeed reacted with COS cells expressing human TAPA-1. We concluded that M38 Ag was identical to TAPA-1. To further investigate the biologic functions of C33 Ag and M38 Ag (TAPA-1) and their roles in HTLV-1-induced syncytium formation, molecules associated with these Ag were examined in T cells. Immunoprecipitation from surface-iodinated cell lysates revealed that proteins co-precipitated by C33 and M38 were mostly common including each other. Sequential immunoprecipitation-immunoblot experiments confirmed that C33 Ag and M38 Ag (TAPA-1) were associated with each other. The association was further confirmed in BHK cells doubly transfected with human cDNA for C33 Ag and TAPA-1. We extended similar analyses and found that C33 Ag and M38 Ag (TAPA-1) were regularly associated with CD4 or CD8. The association of these Ag on the cell surface was further supported by co-modulation of M38 Ag (TAPA-1), CD4 and CD8 with C33 Ag. This is the first time that a physical association between the members of TM4SF is demonstrated. Furthermore, the regular association of C33 Ag and M38 Ag (TAPA-1) with CD4 or CD8 might indicate that they play a role in expression and/or function of the CD4/CD8 co-receptor complex.
Analysis of glomeruli-eluted Gp330 autoantibodies and of Gp330 antigen of Heymann nephritis.
Authors: Makker S P
Published: January 2023

Quantity, charge, IgG isotype, Ag reactivity of glomerular gp330 autoantibodies (gp330Ab), and the charge of the putative Ag, gp330, were studied in active Heymann nephritis. Gp330 was anionic with an isoelectric point of 4.6. Despite variation in C3 glomerular immunofluorescence staining, C5b-9 staining was seen in all rats. Positive correlation was seen between glomerular gp330Ab and abnormal 24-h proteinuria (r = 0.637, p = 0.008), which appeared to require a certain threshold level of gp330Ab. Positive correlation was also seen between serum and glomerular gp330Ab at time of death (r = 0.55, p < 0.05). No differences were seen in charge, IgG isotypes of glomerular gp330Ab, or reactivity to gp330 by Western analysis in rats with or without abnormal proteinuria. Comparison of gp330Ab IgG isotypes in immune sera and glomeruli showed no difference in IgG1 and IgG2a, but IgG2b was significantly lower in glomeruli (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: 1) this is the first documentation that gp330 is highly anionic; 2) regardless of the degree of proteinuria, all immunized rats deposit in their glomeruli a qualitatively similar type of gp330Ab (charge, IgG isotype, complement activation, gp330 reactivity); 3) despite the highly anionic nature of gp330, anionic gp330Ab accumulate in glomeruli; and 4) complement activation appears to occur in every rat with gp330Ab in glomerulus and development of proteinuria is dependent on a certain threshold level of gp330Ab in the glomerulus which, in turn, correlates with the serum level of gp330Ab.
Extensive apoptosis occurring in the thymus during accelerated rejection of cardiac allografts in presensitized rats.
Authors: Tanaka K , Koga Y , Zhang X Y , Sasaki M , Wang Y , Kimura G , Nomoto K
Published: January 2023

Cardiac allografts of (Lewis x Brown Norway) F1 rats are rejected by Lewis recipients at 7.5 days after engrafting. When recipients are presensitized with Brown Norway skin grafts at 7 days before engrafting, the cardiac grafts are rejected between 24 and 36 h (accelerated rejection, ACR). We previously demonstrated that the number of thymocytes in recipients showing ACR is decreased to approximately one eighth at 24 h after engrafting, and the thymocytes remaining in the thymus are phenotypically and functionally more mature. In the present study, flow cytometric analysis of the thymocytes in the sensitized recipient at 24 h after engraftment demonstrated that the frequency of single positive cells (CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+) was increased and that of double positive cells (CD4+CD8+) was decreased, indicating that immature thymocytes preferentially disappeared during the ACR episode. Thymocytes of the recipients undergoing ACR suffered from extensive apoptosis, characterized by chromatin condensation in the nuclei, cell shrinkage, nuclear collapse, and DNA fragmentation. Serum levels of corticosterone were elevated but were within a similar range among the transplant recipients destined for acute rejection, those undergoing ACR, and isografted controls, suggesting the participation of mediator(s) other than glucocorticoid in the induction of extensive apoptosis in the transplant recipients with ACR. We propose that thymocyte apoptosis is accelerated during the allograft rejection episode.