bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the interaction of IL-8 with human plasma alpha 2-macroglobulin: evidence for the presence of IL-8 complexed to alpha 2-macroglobulin in lung fluids of patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome.
Authors: Kurdowska A , Carr F K , Stevens M D , Baughman R P , Martin T R
Published: December 2022

alpha 2-Macroglobulin (alpha 2m) is a major plasma proteinase inhibitor, as well as a carrier and regulator of the function of many cytokines. IL-8 is a potent neutrophil attractant and activator, and it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The concentration of both IL-8 and alpha 2m is increased in lung fluids from patients with ARDS. Therefore, interaction of IL-8 with human alpha 2m was studied. Mixtures of native and methylamine-treated alpha 2m (fast alpha 2m) with 125I-labeled IL-8 were analyzed using nonreducing gel electrophoresis. 125I-labeled IL-8 exclusively bound to fast alpha 2m, and the binding could be inhibited by unlabeled IL-8. Analysis of the IL-8-alpha 2m interaction using SDS-PAGE gels indicated that the binding was mainly noncovalent. The affinity of the binding of alpha 2m to IL-8 was measured using an equilibrium dialysis technique, and Kd was 30 nM. Bioassays revealed that fast alpha 2m did not affect IL-8-induced neutrophil degranulation or chemotaxis. However, it protected IL-8 from proteolytic degradation. In addition, IL-8 complexed to alpha 2m was detected in lung fluids from patients with ARDS. alpha 2m may therefore modulate IL-8 function in the lung.
T cell receptor of Fas-sensitive T cells in rheumatoid synovium.
Authors: Sumida T , Hoa T T , Asahara H , Hasunuma T , Nishioka K
Published: December 2022

Apoptosis is found in synoviocytes and CD3+ T cells in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To analyze the pathogenesis of apoptosis in rheumatoid synovium, we examined the expression of Fas Ag, Fas ligand (Fas-L), and TCR on T cells susceptible to anti-Fas mAbs. Fas Ag is expressed on 40 to 60% of CD3+ T cells in the synovium as measured by immunohistochemical and flow cytometry methods. It was observed by the reverse transcription-PCR method that Fas-L is overexpressed on T cells infiltrating the rheumatoid synovium. These results suggest that apoptosis in RA synovium is mediated by the Fas/Fas-L pathway. PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism clearly demonstrated that more than 50% of T cells that accumulate in synovium are removed by incubation with anti-Fas mAbs for 24 h in vitro, indicating that these cells are Fas sensitive. Junctional sequence analysis revealed several conserved amino acids motifs (ERxxxSMNTE, IAAEGLLG, QxEGxD, VPD, TLAGxYNEQ, EPSE, LTNxGEL, QGK, NIP, GLL, and KWT) in the CDR3 region of accumulated Fas-sensitive T cell clones, whereas these motifs were not detected in Fas-resistant clones. In conclusion, our findings support the notion that Fas-sensitive T cells in rheumatoid synovium are generated by Ag stimulation and recognize relatively limited T cell epitopes on autoantigens, suggesting that susceptibility to anti-Fas mAbs might be a selection marker for activated autoreactive T cells in RA.
Is CTLA-4 a master switch for peripheral T cell tolerance?
Authors: Bluestone J A
Published: December 2022

The CD28/CTLA-4 and B7 families of cell surface molecules regulate a complex pathway of T cell signals that profoundly affect peripheral T cell responses. On the one hand, CD28/B7-mediated T cell costimulation is essential for the development and maintenance of T cell responses. In contrast, the prevailing data suggest that the engagement of CTLA-4 with the same B7 ligands down-regulates the initiation and progression of immune responses. This commentary examines the role of CTLA-4-mediated signaling in the regulation of the immune response, leading to the hypothesis that the CTLA-4/B7 interaction plays an essential role in the establishment of peripheral self-tolerance as well as the regulation of normal T cell immunity.
Down-modulation of c-myc expression induces apoptosis of B lymphocyte models of tolerance via clonal deletion.
Authors: Sonenshein G E
Published: December 2022

Whereas overexpression of the c-myc gene was found to promote apoptosis in fibroblasts, myeloid, and T cells, physiologic cell death of immature B cell lymphomas correlated with a drop in c-myc expression. Here, the author reviews recent evidence demonstrating that inhibition of c-myc expression activates apoptosis of B cell models of clonal deletion and that rescue from apoptosis by CD40 ligand leads to maintenance of c-Myc levels. A model of differential functional expression of the c-myc gene is discussed.
Inhibition of CPP32-like proteases prevents granzyme B- and Fas-, but not granzyme A-based cytotoxicity exerted by CTL clones.
Authors: Anel A , Gamen S , Alava M A , Schmitt-Verhulst A M , Piñeiro A , Naval J
Published: December 2022

The perforin-facilitated entry of granzymes in target cells is a major mechanism used by CTL to induce cell death. It has been reported that granzyme B can cleave and activate the apoptotic cysteine protease p32 (CPP32)/Yama and its homologues in vitro. However, the mechanism for granzyme-based cytolysis exerted by intact CTL remains unclear. In the present work, we have used anti-CD3 mAb-redirected lysis of Fas-negative L1210 cells by CTL clones as a model to study perforin/granzyme-based cytotoxicity separately from the contribution of the Fas/Fas ligand system. N-acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp aldehyde (Ac-DEVD-CHO), a specific inhibitor of CPP32-like proteases, completely prevented the former type of lysis in 3-h assays, but not in long-term (16-h) assays. A combination of Ac-DEVD-CHO and the granzyme A inhibitor IGA (7-(phenyl-ureido)-4-chloro-3-(2-isothioureidoethoxy)-isocoumarin) inhibited long-term cytolysis. 3,4-Dichloroisocoumarin, a serine-protease inhibitor that efficiently inhibits granzyme B and poorly inhibits granzyme A, had similar effects as Ac-DEVD-CHO on anti-CD3 mAb-redirected lysis of L1210 cells. On the other hand, Fas-based cytolysis exerted by the same CTL clones on Fas-transfected L1210 cells (L1210Fas) was inhibited completely by Ac-DEVD-CHO, irrespective of the incubation time. These results suggest that granzyme B- and Fas-based cytotoxicity exerted by CTL clones converge at the level of CPP32-like protease activation, while granzyme A acts via a different, still undefined, pathway. We also demonstrate that perforin/granzyme-based cytolysis occurs without increase in the cellular ceramide content, ruling out the contribution of the sphingomyelinase pathway to this mechanism of cell death.
B7.2 expressed by T cells does not induce CD28-mediated costimulatory activity but retains CTLA4 binding: implications for induction of antitumor immunity to T cell tumors.
Authors: Greenfield E A , Howard E , Paradis T , Nguyen K , Benazzo F , McLean P , Höllsberg P , Davis G , Hafler D A , Sharpe A H , Freeman G J , Kuchroo V K
Published: December 2022

The B7 family of costimulatory molecules provides the second signal necessary for activation of T cells. In the absence of the second signal, responding T cells become anergic. Although predominantly expressed on professional APCs, recent evidence shows that the B7 molecules are also expressed on T cells. To study the functions of B7 molecules on T cells, we transfected murine B7.1 (CD80) and B7.2 (CD86) cDNAs into the EL4 T cell thymoma cell line and examined the transfectants for their ability to costimulate T cell proliferation in vitro and to induce antitumor immunity in vivo. Here we show that although EL4-B7.1 cells costimulate T cells and induce tumor regression, EL4-B7.2 transfectants failed to costimulate T cell proliferation or induce tumor regression. To understand the cellular basis for this difference, we examined the binding of EL4-B7.1 and EL4-B7.2 to CTLA4 and CD28. Whereas EL4-B7.1 cells bound both CTLA4-Ig and CD28-Ig, EL4-B7.2 transfectants preferentially bound CTLA4-Ig, but not CD28-Ig. Similar binding data were obtained with freshly isolated murine T cells, which have been shown to constitutively express B7.2. Our data suggest, therefore, that B7.2 expressed on T cells may not costimulate but instead inhibit the T cell response by preferential binding to CTLA4.
Phosphorylation of the NC-1.1 receptor and regulation of natural cytotoxicity by protein kinase C and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase.
Authors: Holmgreen S P , Wang X , Clarke G R , Noltorp R S , Roberts T K , Burton R C , Robinson P J , Smart Y C
Published: December 2022

Natural cytotoxicity (NC) against cancer involves receptor-ligand interactions between lymphohemopoietic cells that mediate NC against tumor cells. The only candidate for a receptor on cells mediating NC is NC-1.1, identified using mAb 1C4. In this study we showed that mAb 1C4 blocked NC-1.1+ cell conjugation to WEHI-164 tumor cells, indicating that NC-1.1 is a surface protein required for cell-cell interaction. Affinity-purified NC-1.1 was a 45-kDa monomeric protein. It was a good in vitro substrate for cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and protein kinase C (PKC) and a relatively poor substrate for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Phosphopeptide mapping revealed one phosphopeptide phosphorylated by PKG and PKA, and two additional peptides phosphorylated by PKC. Phosphorylation by PKG or PKA abolished phosphorylation at the PKC sites, while coincubation of NC-1.1 with both PKG and PKC reduced phosphorylation of all sites. NC-1.1 was also a phosphoprotein after immunoprecipitation from intact spleen cells and its phosphorylation was increased after cell stimulation with PKC or PKG activators (phorbol esters or 8-bromo-cGMP). The possible consequences of intracellular signaling were tested in functional assays for NC. Phorbol ester activation of spleen cells increased NC, while 8-bromo-cGMP and 8-bromo-cAMP had little effect. However, coincubation with both phorbol ester and either 8-bromo-cGMP or 8-bromo-cAMP virtually abolished NC without affecting cell conjugation. These results suggest that NC-1.1 is a receptor for a ligand on certain tumor cells and reveal that key intracellular signaling pathways involving PKC, PKG, and PKA interact to effect a coordinated control of NC.
Overexpression of c-fos inhibits down-regulation of a cyclin-dependent kinase-2 inhibitor p27Kip1 in splenic B cells activated by surface Ig cross-linking.
Authors: Kobayashi K , Phuchareon J , Inada K , Tomita Y , Koizumi T , Hatano M , Miyatake S , Tokuhisa T
Published: December 2022

Splenic B cells activated by surface Ig (sIg) cross-linking transiently express the c-fos gene within 0.5 h and then enter into S phase of the cell cycle within 48 h. To investigate a role of c-fos in cell cycle progression, we used splenic B cells from IFN-alphabeta-inducible c-fos transgenic mice (Mx-c-fos). In the absence of IFN, the cell cycle progression of Mx-c-fos B cells stimulated with anti-IgM Ab was similar to that in control B cells. The cell cycle was arrested in G1 phase when we added IFN to the culture within 12 h after anti-IgM Ab stimulation, suggesting that overexpression of c-fos until mid-G1 phase perturbs activation of the cell cycle regulatory machinery. In control B cells, cyclin E and cdk2 were induced within 24 to 48 h after stimulation, and this induction was accompanied by down-regulation of a cdk2 inhibitor p27Kip1. As a consequence of these activation processes, cdk2 kinase activity was induced in B cells in the late G1 phase. However, kinase activity was not detected in Mx-c-fos B cells, presumably because the down-regulation of p27 was perturbed. These data suggest that c-Fos can negatively control cell cycle regulatory machinery in sIg-stimulated B cells.
Nonclassical behavior of the mouse CD1 class I-like molecule.
Authors: Teitell M , Holcombe H R , Brossay L , Hagenbaugh A , Jackson M J , Pond L , Balk S P , Terhorst C , Peterson P A , Kronenberg M
Published: December 2022

The mouse CD1 (mCD1) molecule is a class I-like molecule that is encoded outside of the MHC. We show here that mCD1 shares several properties with Ag-presenting class I molecules, including a requirement for beta2-microglobulin for stable cell-surface expression in T lymphocyte transfectants and thymocytes. mCD1 is also capable of binding to mouse CD8alphabeta heterodimers participating in the activation of CD8+ T cells in a manner similar to classical class I molecules. However, mCD1 surface expression is not decreased at high temperatures in cells that lack the transporter associated with Ag processing (TAP), including both RMA-S and Drosophila melanogaster cells. The data indicate that mCD1 does not require TAP to be expressed in a stable fashion at the cell surface. We speculate that the ability of mCD1 to reach the cell surface in transporter-deficient cells may reflect its ability to present a distinct set of ligands. The properties of mCD1 described here can account, in part, for the selection of the diverse populations of T cells that are known to be mCD1 reactive.
Anti-human class I MHC antibodies induce apoptosis by a pathway that is distinct from the Fas antigen-mediated pathway.
Authors: Woodle E S , Smith D M , Bluestone J A , Kirkman W M , Green D R , Skowronski E W
Published: December 2022

5H7, an anti-human class I MHC mAb that recognizes a monomorphic determinant of the alpha3 domain, profoundly inhibits T lymphocyte activation. The present study was designed to determine the role of programmed cell death in 5H7-mediated immune suppression. Incubation of PBMC with 5H7 mAb induced a marked reduction in viable cell recovery (VCR) of T cells (<10% VCR), NK cells (<1% VCR), and B cells (<1% VCR). In addition, 5H7 inhibited proliferation and VCR of JY, DBS-521, and BevD tumor lines as well as cells transfected with HLA-B27. Morphologic changes characteristic of apoptosis were induced by 5H7, including cell membrane blebbing, cytoplasmic vacuolization, condensation of nuclear chromatin, and nuclear fragmentation. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation was demonstrated in 5H7-treated PBMC using a TdT-mediated end-labeling (TUNEL) technique. 5H7, but not anti-Fas mAb, induced apoptosis of cell lines derived from patients with Niemann-Pick disease that lack acidic sphingomyelinase activity. In addition, induction of cell death by 5H7 was not inhibited by IL-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE) inhibitors under conditions that fully suppressed Fas-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that signal transduction through "classical" human class I MHC molecules induces apoptosis by a Fas-independent pathway that does not require acidic sphingomyelinase, is independent of ICE protease, and may represent a unique pathway of cell death in human lymphocytes.
Structural consequences of humanizing an antibody.
Authors: Holmes M A , Foote J
Published: December 2022

We have determined the crystal structure of the Fv fragment of a humanized anti-hen eggwhite lysozyme Ab (HuLys). This molecule is a composite of known structures: complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) were from the mouse anti-lysozyme Ab D1.3, heavy chain framework regions were from the human myeloma protein NEW, and the light chain framework regions were consensus sequences similar to the Bence Jones protein REI. HuLys crystallized in space group P4(3)2(1)2, with two Fv molecules in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. The structure was solved by molecular replacement, using a composite of the parent structures as a search model. The resolution of the structure was 2.87 A, with an R factor of 22%. There were several unanticipated structural similarities and differences between HuLys and the mouse and human structures. The framework regions of HuLys were as close or closer in conformation to D1.3 than to the NEW or REI protein, despite overwhelming sequence identity with the human framework regions. The effect was most pronounced at the CDR-framework junction, showing that the CDRs can induce structural changes in framework residues, having the net effect in HuLys of reconforming the framework into a conformation more like D1.3. In the combining site, the grafted CDRs retained conformational equilibria seen in D1.3, demonstrating that humanizing can be applied to Abs that bind Ags through isomeric equilibrium or induced fit mechanisms. In addition, HuLys showed systematic differences from D1.3 that resembled domain rotations reported for other Abs. However, the V(H)-V(L) interface itself was unaffected, and the apparent movement was actually caused by rearrangements distant from this surface.
Delineation of the amino acid residues involved in transcytosis and catabolism of mouse IgG1.
Authors: Medesan C , Matesoi D , Radu C , Ghetie V , Ward E S
Published: December 2022

The MHC class I-related receptor, FcRn, is involved in both the transcytosis of serum gamma-globulins (IgGs) and in regulating their serum persistence. The interaction site of FcRn on the Fc region of rodent IgG has been mapped to residues at the CH2-CH3 domain interface using site-directed mutagenesis and x-ray crystallographic analyses. In the current study, the role of individual residues (H310, H433, and N434) at this interface in mediating the Fc-FcRn interaction has been investigated using recombinant, mutated Fc hinge fragments derived from mouse IgG1. In addition, two highly conserved Fc histidines (H435 and H436) have been mutated to alanine, and the resulting mutated Fc hinge fragments were analyzed in both transcytosis and pharmacokinetic studies in mice and in competition binding assays using recombinant, soluble FcRn. The analyses indicate that mutation of H310, H435, and, to a lesser extent, H436 to alanine results in reduced activity of the Fc hinge fragments in both in vivo and in vitro assays. Thus, in addition to the previously defined role of 1253 in the FcRn-IgG interaction, these histidines play a key role in mediating the functions conducted by this Fc receptor. The effects of these mutations on binding of Fc hinge fragments to staphylococcal protein A have also been analyzed and demonstrate a partial, but not complete, overlap of the FcRn and staphylococcal protein A interaction sites on mouse IgG1.
Prominence of beta 2-microglobulin, class I heavy chain conformation, and tapasin in the interactions of class I heavy chain with calreticulin and the transporter associated with antigen processing.
Authors: Solheim J C , Harris M R , Kindle C S , Hansen T H
Published: December 2022

Newly synthesized class I heavy (H) chain/beta 2m heterodimers awaiting peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum are associated with the transporter associated with Ag processing (TAP). We present evidence here that calreticulin, but not calnexin, displays steady state association with class I/TAP complexes. To separate the ability of beta 2m to bind with TAP and calreticulin from that of H chain, we studied human cell lines that lack expression of beta 2m or H chain. Little if any H chain was detected in association with TAP and calreticulin in the beta 2m- cell line Daudi. By contrast, high levels of beta 2m are found with TAP and calreticulin in the H chain-deficient cell line LCL 721.221, even after preclearance of the trace amount of class IB protein expressed by this cell line. Thus, beta 2m appears to bind TAP in the absence of H chain, providing an elegant mechanism to retain beta 2m in the endoplasmic reticulum at the site of peptide loading. To investigate whether other molecules participate in the binding of beta 2m and H chain to TAP and calreticulin, we analyzed the deletion mutant cell line LCL 721.220, which lacks tapasin. In 721.220, TAP and calreticulin are not associated with each other. Also, in these cells, H chain/beta 2m are not associated with TAP, but H chain and a low level of beta 2m are associated with calreticulin. These results suggest that tapasin is an obligatory mediator of the assemblage of calreticulin/H chain/beta 2m with TAP.
Substance P-induced IL-12 production by murine macrophages.
Authors: Kincy-Cain T , Bost K L
Published: December 2022

Previous investigations in our laboratory have suggested that substance P (NK-1) receptor expression by macrophages contributes to the resistance against the intracellular bacterial pathogen, Salmonella. To investigate possible mechanisms for such resistance, macrophages were cultured with varying concentrations of a substance P agonist to investigate the ability of this neuropeptide to augment IL-12 expression. The substance P agonist was a potent inducer of both IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 mRNA expression in cultured macrophages. The kinetics of this response were maximal within 6 h and could be observed with concentrations of substance P agonist as low as 0.1 nM. The nonpeptide, substance P receptor antagonist, CP96-345, significantly blocked agonist-induced IL-12 mRNA expression, further demonstrating that this effect was mediated through an NK-1 receptor. Substance P agonist alone could stimulate substantial secretion of IL-12p40, but not IL-12p70, by cultured macrophages. Thus, the substance P agonist had the ability to augment IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 mRNA expression, but not to increase IL-12p70 secretion. Like IFN-gamma, we found that substance P could combine with LPS to significantly augment the secretion of bioactive IL-12p70. The costimulatory effects of substance P agonist plus LPS on IL-12 mRNA expression were additive; however, this combination resulted in synergistic secretion of IL-12p70 by macrophages. Together, these results demonstrate the ability of NK-1 receptors to signal IL-12 production by macrophages and suggest mechanisms for substance P-induced modulation of cellular immunity.
IL-4 expression at the onset of islet inflammation predicts nondestructive insulitis in nonobese diabetic mice.
Authors: Fox C J , Danska J S
Published: December 2022

In nonobese diabetic mice, autoimmune diabetes progresses in an age-linked and gender-dependent manner. Insulitis begins in male and female mice at approximately 1 mo of age; however, 70 to 90% of females, but only 10 to 20% of males, become diabetic by 6 mo. Multiple studies propose that proinflammatory Th1 and immunomodulatory Th2 cytokines impact diabetes pathogenesis, but the role of these cytokines in spontaneous diabetes progression is not yet clear. We used quantitative reverse-transcriptase-coupled PCR to analyze expression of cytokines and APC costimulatory molecules in the islets of 20- to 180-day-old male and female nonobese diabetic littermates, and identified three stages in diabetes progression. At 1 to 2 mo of age, islet-infiltrating T cells displayed a Th1 cytokine bias in females, and a Th2 cytokine bias in males. In females, stage II (2-3 mo of age) was characterized by an increase in islet-infiltrating T cells, APC, and Th1 cytokines, whereas male infiltrates did not increase in size, and Th1 cytokine expression continued to decline during this interval. Islet infiltration reached a plateau (stage III) in 3- to 4-mo-old females, months before overt diabetes onset. Our data imply that Th cytokine expression in early insulitis exerts substantial impact on beta cell destruction and overt diabetes. A clinical implication of our results is that young individuals in the early stages of insulitis are ideal candidates for therapeutic intervention to minimize beta cell destruction and morbidity.
Modulation of the immune response in multiple sclerosis: production of monoclonal antibodies specific to HLA/myelin basic protein.
Authors: Puri J , Arnon R , Gurevich E , Teitelbaum D
Published: December 2022

Monoclonal Abs to the complex formed between human MHC class II molecules (DR7 and DRw11) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were produced. The specificity of these Abs was established by both FACS analysis and complement-mediated cytotoxicity of MBP- or OVA-pulsed human APC of the same or of different DR restriction. These Abs bound to and lysed only MBP-pulsed human APC of the same DR restriction (DR7 or DRw11) but not to APC of different DR restriction or pulsed with a different Ag (OVA). The physiologic role of these Abs was further investigated. They blocked the in vitro proliferative response to MBP-specific T cell clones isolated from multiple sclerosis patients in an antigen-specific and DR-restricted manner. However, the Abs did not affect the response of MBP-specific T cell clones of other DR restriction nor did they interfere with the response to other Ags (purified protein derivative or copolymer 1) presented on APC with the same DR restriction. These Abs may be useful for treating multiple sclerosis in which reactivity to MBP is implicated. Moreover, this approach may be extended to other autoantigens and their counterpart autoimmune diseases.
Membrane IgM-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of CD19 requires a CD19 domain that mediates association with components of the B cell antigen receptor complex.
Authors: Carter R H , Doody G M , Bolen J B , Fearon D T
Published: December 2022

CD19 enhances membrane IgM (mIgM) signaling and is required for B lymphocyte responses to T-dependent Ags. CD19 is tyrosine phosphorylated when mIgM is ligated and binds SH2 domain-containing signaling proteins. We suggest that the basis for phosphorylation is the association of CD19 with Syk and other components of the mIgM complex. IgM, CD22, Ig-alpha, Ig-beta, and Syk were coimmunoprecipitated with CD19 from detergent lysates of B lymphocytes. The association was maintained with a chimeric form of CD19 containing only the transmembrane domain and the membrane proximal 17 amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain encoded by exon 6. This sequence is sufficient to mediate the association, as a synthetic peptide of the exon 6-encoded region adsorbs IgM and Syk. Deletion of the juxtamembrane 17 amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain encoded by CD19 exon 6 abolishes association of CD19 with the mIgM complex. Deletion of these amino acids, which contain no tyrosines, also reduces mIgM-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the remainder of the CD19 cytoplasmic domain. Coligating this mutant CD19 to mIgM restores phosphorylation. Thus, a discrete region of the cytoplasmic domain regulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of CD19 in the activation of B cells by mIgM.
Altered expression of Ly49 inhibitory receptors on natural killer cells from MHC class I-deficient mice.
Authors: Salcedo M , Diehl A D , Olsson-Alheim M Y , Sundbäck J , Van Kaer L , Kärre K , Ljunggren H G
Published: December 2022

MHC class I molecules in the host affect the specificity of NK cells. Previous work has suggested that this specificity is conferred by the expression of products encoded by the Ly49 gene family. This gene family encodes receptors that upon specific recognition of MHC class I ligands mediate an inhibitory signal that prevents killing by NK cells. The pattern of expression of the Ly49 MHC class I binding inhibitory receptors on NK cells is thought to be adapted to the host to ensure the generation of a self-tolerant, yet functional, NK cell repertoire. In the present study we have examined the expression of inhibitory receptors (Ly49A, Ly49C, and Ly49G2) on NK1.1+ cells from B6 (H-2b) and D8 (B6 mice transgenic for H-2Dd) mice as well as corresponding TAP1 -/-, beta2m -/-, and TAP1/beta2m -/- mutants of these mice. We demonstrate that receptor expression on NK1.1+ cells can be specifically modulated by host MHC class I molecules in at least two different ways: alteration of numbers of cells expressing a given receptor and modulation of the levels of expression of a given receptor at the cell surface. The degree of this modulation varies significantly among the various receptors studied and may depend upon the nature of their MHC class I ligands. The results are discussed in relation to the influence of MHC class I molecules on the development of an NK cell repertoire.
Regulation of telomerase RNA template expression in human T lymphocyte development and activation.
Authors: Weng N , Levine B L , June C H , Hodes R J
Published: December 2022

Telomeres are unique DNA-protein complexes at the terminals of chromosomes that appear to play a critical role in protecting chromosomal integrity and in maintaining cellular replicative potential. Telomerase is a ribonuclear protein that is capable of elongating telomeres by the addition of telomeric hexanucleotide repeats and therefore contributing to the capacity for cell replication. Telomerase activity is expressed in human germline cells and malignant cells, and it has recently been demonstrated that telomerase activity is highly regulated in normal lymphocytes at specific stages of development and activation. However, these studies have not elucidated whether telomerase activity is regulated at the level of specific gene expression or whether the regulation of telomerase RNA template (hTR) and/or protein components contributes to the regulation of telomerase activity in normal somatic cells. To characterize at a molecular level the regulation of telomerase expression in human T lymphocytes, we analyzed the expression of hTR during lineage development and after in vitro activation. It was found that hTR is expressed in subsets of thymocytes with strong telomerase activity at levels that are consistently higher (1.5 times; p < 0.01) than those found in peripheral blood resting T cells. In addition, hTR is up-regulated two- to fivefold in peripheral blood naive and memory CD4+ T cells after in vitro activation with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28. These results establish that hTR expression is regulated in normal human T cells during lineage development and after activation, and indicate that regulation of hTR expression may contribute to the regulation of telomerase activity in normal lymphoid cells.
Peptide binding to the class Ib molecule, Qa-1b.
Authors: Kurepa Z , Forman J
Published: December 2022

We have analyzed the interaction of a nonameric peptide (Qdm) derived from the leader sequence of a MHC D region molecule with the class Ib molecule, Qa-1b. Using a direct binding assay with radiolabeled peptide on intact cells, we show specific binding of iodinated Qdm peptide to Qa-1b expressing cells. Specificity was confirmed by experiments in which the binding of iodinated peptide was blocked by unlabeled Qdm and not by control peptides. This allowed us to determine the on- and off-rate of peptide binding to Qa-1b, its binding affinity, and number of available peptide-binding sites per cell. Optimal binding occurs at 4 degrees C, and most of the binding to Qa-1b occurs within the first 10 min and peaks after 3 h. The dissociation of the peptide from cells has a t1/2 of approximately 10 h. The Kd is calculated between 0.2 and 1.1 x 10(-10) M, which is in the range or slightly higher than the Kd we measured for pMCMV to Ld (0.9 x 10(-10) M). The relatively high affinity of binding of the Qdm peptide and low dissociation rate could partially explain why a large portion of Qa-1b molecules are occupied with this single peptide species. We also changed each peptide residue to Ala or Gly to determine its effect on binding. Substitution of Leu at position 9 to Ala strongly reduced peptide binding, while changes at positions 2 (Met-->Ala) and 5 (Arg-->Ala) had a lesser effect. Binding to Qa-1b was completely abrogated with simultaneous Ala mutations at positions 2 and 9.
Conserved CTL epitopes within EBV latent membrane protein 2: a potential target for CTL-based tumor therapy.
Authors: Lee S P , Tierney R J , Thomas W A , Brooks J M , Rickinson A B
Published: December 2022

In healthy virus carriers, EBV is subject to strong CTL responses that principally target the EBV nuclear Ag (EBNA) 3A, 3B, 3C subset of virus proteins. In vitro-reactivated CTLs of this kind have proved very effective in treating EBV-positive immunoblastic lymphoma, a malignancy that expresses the full range of virus proteins. However, targeting other EBV-positive tumors will require CTLs that recognize some of the subdominant viral Ags since in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and EBV-positive Hodgkin's disease, EBNA1, latent membrane protein (LMP) 1, and LMP2 are the only virus proteins present. Studying healthy virus carriers (Caucasian and Chinese), we identified five CTL target epitopes in LMP2 restricted through HLA alleles particularly common in the southern Chinese population, which is most at risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HLA-A2, 50%; A11, 50%; A24, 30%; and B40, 32%). Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of HLA subtype polymorphism, especially in the context of A2 for which four subtypes are present at significant frequency in the Chinese population. As to virus polymorphism, LMP2 epitope sequences (in contrast to EBNA 3A, 3B, and 3C epitopes) were shown to be antigenically conserved among EBV isolates from different world populations, including viruses present in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin's disease biopsy samples. Thus, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin's disease are predicted to express LMP2 proteins that contain conserved CTL target epitopes restricted through common HLA alleles; boosting responses to these epitopes could form the basis of a CTL-based therapy for these malignancies.
Regulation of tumor cell motility and migration by CD63 in a human melanoma cell line.
Authors: Radford K J , Thorne R F , Hersey P
Published: December 2022

CD63 belongs to the transmembrane 4 superfamily of membrane proteins and is expressed in several normal tissues as well as in melanoma cells. Previous reports have suggested that CD63 may play an important role in inhibiting melanoma progression, and this was supported by our studies showing that CD63 was associated with suppression of the growth of melanoma in nude mice. Recently, we and others have shown that CD63 may form noncovalent associations with beta1 integrins, which suggests that the function of CD63 may be related to that of integrins. To further explore the role of CD63 in melanoma, we transfected CD63 into a highly motile, CD63-negative melanoma cell line, KM3, which was shown to express alpha(v)beta5 as the predominant integrin with only trace amounts of beta1 integrins. Following transfection, CD63 was shown to associate with beta1 integrins, and beta1 expression appeared to be up-regulated. Cell motility in serum-containing media was markedly suppressed following transfection of CD63. This inhibition was potentiated by mAbs to CD63, and correlated with the level of CD63 expression. The CD63-transfected, but not the untransfected, melanoma cells showed increased adhesion and migration on the beta1 substrates, fibronectin, laminin, and collagen, whereas rates of migration were similar on the beta5 substrate, vitronectin. These results show that CD63 is involved in regulation of the motility of melanoma cells and their adhesion and migration on substrates associated with beta1 integrins. We suggest they provide further insights into the role of CD63 in tumor progression.
IL-12 induces T helper 1-directed antitumor response.
Authors: Tsung K , Meko J B , Peplinski G R , Tsung Y L , Norton J A
Published: December 2022

Although IL-12 possesses the most potent single-cytokine antitumor efficacy, the mechanism by which IL-12 exerts its antitumor activities remains unclear. Using a complete tumor regression model induced by IL-12 treatment, we demonstrate that the antitumor response induced by IL-12 is mediated by a Th1 cell-directed process, with the macrophage as the effector cell and nitric oxide produced by the activated macrophage as the effector molecule. The induction of the Th1 response by IL-12 depends on the existence of a host T cell response to the tumor before IL-12 administration. IL-12 treatment causes the complete regression of 10-day established s.c. tumors (4-8 mm). Associated with the induction of tumor necrosis, activated macrophages expressing high levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were found surrounding the tumor. The importance of nitric oxide as the effector molecule was further confirmed by the delay and loss of tumor regression in the presence of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in vivo. Examination of tumor-associated T cells indicates that IL-12 induces production of the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma and suppresses production of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 at the tumor site, where these are found to be the predominant cytokines produced by tumor-associated T cells before IL-12 treatment. These findings demonstrate that IL-12 plays an essential role in the induction of an effective Th1 type of cell-mediated immune response against established tumors.
Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase blocks IL-1 beta-induced vascular adhesion molecule-1 gene expression in human endothelial cells.
Authors: Lee S , Felts K A , Parry G C , Armacost L M , Cobb R R
Published: December 2022

Inflammation is characterized by the recruitment of leukocytes and their subsequent migration from the vasculature into the tissue, where they often cause severe damage. Endothelial cells play a major role in this cascade by expressing cell surface adhesion molecules, such as VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, and chemokines, in response to cytokines. Many of these genes are under the control of inflammatory response transcription factors such as nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B. In this study, we examined the effects of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors (nordihydroguaiaretic acid and AA861) on IL-1 beta-induced VCAM-1 gene expression in HUVECs. We demonstrated that 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, but not cyclooxygenase inhibitors, block IL-1 beta-induced VCAM-1 cell surface expression and promoter activity. In transiently transfected HUVECs, NF-kappa B-dependent gene expression was inhibited by 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. These inhibitors did not block IL-1 beta-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B, inhibitor of kappa B-alpha proteolytic degradation, or significantly reduce phosphorylation of p65. These studies indicate that inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase blocks cytokine-induced VCAM-1 gene expression by reducing the functional activity of NF-kappa B/Rel proteins in HUVECs.
Receptor induction regulates the synergistic effects of substance P with IL-1 and platelet-derived growth factor on the proliferation of bone marrow fibroblasts.
Authors: Rameshwar P , Poddar A , Zhu G , Gascón P
Published: December 2022

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) stimulates CFU in bone marrow (BM) cultures. Although the methylcellulose matrix used in these assays does not provide an appropriate substratum to support adherent-dependent cells, we have observed that cultures containing optimal SP (10(-8)-10(-10) M) develop confluent areas of reticular/fibroblastoid-like cells with CFUs predominantly localized within their vicinity. Characterization (cytochemical and immunofluorescence) of the reticular/fibroblastoid-like cells indicated that they were fibroblasts, the major constituent of the BM stroma. Hemopoietic effects by SP are mediated by the stroma that expresses SP receptors. We studied the effects of SP (10(-7)-10(-11) M) with suboptimal platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB; 5 ng/ml) and IL-1alpha (2 ng/ml), two fibrogenic cytokines, and also hemopoietic regulators. SP by itself and in synergy with either cytokine induced fibroblast proliferation. At optimum SP, IL-1alpha induced 1.6 times the proliferation of PDGF-BB (87 +/- 7 vs 55 +/- 5; n = 12; p < 0.05). The effects of SP were blunted by a specific neurokinin-1 antagonist. Scatchard analysis indicated that SP binds to BM fibroblasts with an approximate Kd of 5 nM. SP induced steady state mRNA for IL-1 receptor IL-1RI and PDGF-BB (PDGF-AR, PDGF-BR) receptors by 7.5-, 6.2-, and 10.5-fold, respectively. Their up-regulation may be partly responsible for the synergistic effects of SP and their ligands. Induction (3-fold) of neurokinin-1 mRNA by IL-1alpha compared with no induction by PDGF-BB may explain the preferred synergism between SP and IL-1alpha. This study indicates that induction of SP, IL-1alpha, and PDGF-BB receptors is important to their synergistic effects on BM fibroblast proliferation. These results bring new insights into stroma-mediated hemopoietic regulation.
Induction of aminopeptidase N/CD13 on human lymphocytes after adhesion to fibroblast-like synoviocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and monocytes/macrophages.
Authors: Riemann D , Kehlen A , Thiele K , Löhn M , Langner J
Published: December 2022

Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) is a transmembrane ectoenzyme occurring on a wide variety of cells. In contrast to monocytes and granulocytes, lymphocytes of peripheral blood do not express CD13 Ag. However, tumor-infiltrating T cells in renal cell cancer as well as synovial fluid T cells from patients suffering from various forms of arthritis can be CD13 positive. To learn more about expression of CD13 in these tissues, we cocultured lymphocytes with different adherent cell lines. CD13 expression was induced in T and B lymphocytes upon adhesion to fibroblast-like synoviocytes, HUVEC, renal tubular epithelial cells, and monocytes/macrophages but not always upon interaction with different tumor cell lines. Induction of APN was rapid, occurring as early as 1 h after coincubation. Expression persisted for >3 days and partially resisted inhibition by cycloheximide. Fixation of adherent cells with paraformaldehyde could not prevent induction of CD13 in lymphocytes. Soluble APN from human kidneys or placenta could not induce CD13 expression on lymphocytes. Induction of CD13 Ag on lymphocytes required direct cell-to-cell contact as shown in experiments using dual chambers. Lymphocytes exhibited an induction not only in CD13 protein but also in Ala-pNA-cleaving enzyme activity and in CD13 mRNA. Lymphocytic expression of CD13 represents a potentially increased cellular ability to inactivate inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, CD13 could be involved in adhesion, in lymphocytic migration, or in the Ag processing of peptides bound in the groove of MHC class II molecules.
Fc gamma receptor cross-linking activates p42, p38, and JNK/SAPK mitogen-activated protein kinases in murine macrophages: role for p42MAPK in Fc gamma receptor-stimulated TNF-alpha synthesis.
Authors: Rose D M , Winston B W , Chan E D , Riches D W , Gerwins P , Johnson G L , Henson P M
Published: December 2022

Fc gamma R cross-linking on murine macrophages resulted in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members p42MAPK, p38, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)/stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK). The temporal pattern of activation was distinct for each kinase. p42MAPK activation peaked at 5 min after receptor cross-linking, while peak p38 activity occurred 5 to 10 min later. Maximal JNK/SAPK activation occurred 20 min after Fc gamma R cross-linking. The selective MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (MEK-1) inhibitor PD 098059 inhibited activation of p42MAPK induced by Fc gamma R cross-linking, but not p38 or JNK/SAPK activation. PD 098059 also inhibited the synthesis of TNF-alpha induced by Fc gamma R cross-linking (IC50 approximately 0.1 microM). Together, these results suggest that 1) the activation of MAPKs may play a role in Fc gammaR signal transduction, and 2) the activation of p42MAPK is necessary for Fc gamma R cross-linking-induced TNF-alpha synthesis.
Human IL-1Ra gene transfer into human synovial fibroblasts is chondroprotective.
Authors: Müller-Ladner U , Roberts C R , Franklin B N , Gay R E , Robbins P D , Evans C H , Gay S
Published: December 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by progressive destruction of synovial cartilage. In vitro, degradation of cartilage is stimulated by IL-1, a proinflammatory cytokine, which is released from RA synovial fibroblasts (RA-SF). To determine whether gene therapy using the gene encoding the naturally occurring inhibitor of IL-1, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is feasible, IL-1 Ra-transduced RA-SF were coimplanted with normal human cartilage in SCID mice. The IL-1 Ra-transduced RA-SF continued to secrete IL-1Ra over a 60-day period. Cartilage that was coimplanted with RA-SF transduced with a marker gene exhibited progressive, chondrocyte-mediated cartilage degradation, whereas no such degradation was observed in cartilage that was coimplanted with RA-SF transduced with IL-1 Ra. Thus, gene therapy using a retrovirus-based gene delivery system appears to be a feasible approach to effectively modifying the local synovial environment.
Immune deviation in relation to ocular immune privilege.
Authors: Streilein J W , Ksander B R , Taylor A W
Published: December 2022

Immune privilege in the eye is a dynamic state in which the immune response to ocular Ags is molded and modified by the eye itself. Immune privilege correlates with systemic alterations in the immune response such that deviant forms of immunity emerge. The eye itself contributes to immune deviation, in part by displaying unique immunoregulatory factors in aqueous humor and expressed on ocular cells. When T cells encounter Ag in the eye, they can become anergic, undergo apoptosis, secrete TGF-beta, and/or release soluble regulatory factors containing the TCR alpha-chain. Ags taken up by indigenous APC escape the eye and reach the spleen where they activate a unique spectrum of Ag-specific T and B cells. The absence of systemic delayed hypersensitivity and complement-fixing Abs in this deviant response probably relates to the fact that inflammation is deleterious to vision and leads to blindness. Immune privilege is the eye's way of protecting its vital function from the ravages of immunopathogenic injury.
CD45RA-RO+ (memory) but not CD45RA+RO- (naive) T cells roll efficiently on E- and P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 under flow.
Authors: Lichtman A H , Ding H , Henault L , Vachino G , Camphausen R , Cumming D , Luscinskas F W
Published: December 2022

This study examines the molecular mechanisms that underlie the observed preferential interactions of memory vs naive T cells with activated vascular endothelium. Many more CD4+ CD45RO+ (memory) cells adhered to 6-h TNF-alpha-activated human umbilical vein endothelium under flow than CD4+CD45RA+ (naive) cells. Adhesion studies were performed using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell monolayers expressing human E- or P-selectin (CHO-E and CHO-P, respectively) or with soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)-coated glass surfaces. Under flow at 1.8 dynes/cm2, RO+ T cells rolled extensively at low velocity on both CHO-P and CHO-E monolayers and VCAM-1, whereas very few RA+ T cells interacted with these surfaces. VCAM-1-dependent rolling was blocked completely by anti-very late Ag-4 (VLA-4) Abs. Purified CD4+RA+ T cells could be converted to RO+ cells by mitogen stimulation and 7-day culture in vitro, and this correlated with the acquisition of the ability to roll on E- or P-selectin, but not on VCAM-1 under flow. In summary, these data indicate that CD45RO+ cells interact with E- and P-selectins and VCAM-1 much more effectively than do CD45RA+ cells under flow conditions, and these adhesion pathways may contribute, either individually or in combination, to the preferential recruitment of memory T cells to peripheral sites of inflammation.