bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of new murine T cell receptor beta chain variable region (V beta) genes.
Authors: Louie M C , Nelson C A , Loh D Y
Published: June 2004

By screening previously isolated genomic clones spanning the mouse TCR V beta locus with V beta-specific oligonucleotides, we have isolated one new functional V beta gene and six V beta pseudogenes. Because this method of identifying new genes does not depend on expression levels, we conclude that most, if not all, V beta genes in the mouse have been identified. The newly identified pseudogenes increase the frequency of mouse TCR V beta pseudogenes to 28%, a frequency similar to that estimated for mouse Ig VH pseudogenes (24). Three of the newly discovered pseudogenes are clustered in a region around another pseudogene (V beta 17b). The extensive DNA diversity, as reflected in both the nucleotide sequence and the RFLP, indicates that this genomic region is a possible hotspot of recombination. The new functional gene, V beta 19a, is expressed at very low levels, which explains why it has not been isolated earlier. V beta 19 shows expression patterns that correlate with the previously described Va beta and Vb beta haplotypes.
Identification of an immunosuppressive epitope of type II collagen that confers protection against collagen-induced arthritis.
Authors: Myers L K , Stuart J M , Seyer J M , Kang A H
Published: June 2004

We have previously reported that collagen-induced arthritis can be suppressed by intravenous injection of native type II (CII) but not type I collagen. We have now identified denatured fragments of CII capable of suppressing collagen-induced arthritis and inducing tolerance. Purified CII was cleaved with cyanogen bromide (CB), and the major resulting peptides were isolated. Female DBA/1 mice were administered OVA, native CII, or one of the CB peptides, intravenously, before immunization with native CII, 6 wk after immunization, mice tolerized with CII and CB11 had a markedly lower incidence of arthritis compared with controls. There was a correlation between the overall antibody response and the incidence of arthritis. In addition, animals tolerized with either CII or CB11 had a decreased antibody response not only to CII, but also to each of the other CB peptides tested. To identify the epitope involved in suppression of arthritis, five synthetic peptides, 21-26 amino acids in length, corresponding to selected regions of CB11, were generated. Each of the peptides was injected intravenously into mice before immunization. Only one of these, CB11 122-147, was capable of suppressing arthritis. In addition, mice given the synthetic peptide CB11 122-147 neonatally were suppressed for arthritis and antibody responsiveness when immunized with CII at 8 wk of age. Thus, we have identified CB11 122-147 as an epitope of CII important in induction of tolerance and suppression of disease. Further experiments narrowing down the pivotal amino acids for the immunogenicity of this epitope and the role this epitope plays in induction and regulation of disease will enhance our understanding of how the immune response to collagen affects autoimmune arthritis.
The staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 triggers B cell proliferation and differentiation via major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted cognate T/B cell interaction.
Authors: Mourad W , Scholl P , Diaz A , Geha R , Chatila T
Published: June 2004

The Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) is a potent activator of T cells and monocytes. We have recently demonstrated that TSST-1 is a superantigen that binds monomorphic determinants on MHC class II molecules. In the present study, we have examined the effect of TSST-1 on the activation and differentiation of high density human tonsillar B cells. TSST-1 bound to tonsilar B cells with high affinity and saturation kinetics. This binding was effectively inhibited by a combination of anti-HLA-DR and anti-HLA-DQ mAbs. Treatment of purified B cells with TSST-1 failed to induce B cell proliferation or Ig production. However, in the presence of irradiated T cells, TSST-1 induced resting B cells to proliferate and differentiate into Ig secretory cells. TSST-1 mimicked nominal antigen in that its induction of B cell responses was strictly dependent on physical contact between T and B cells, and was profoundly inhibited by anti-MHC class II mAbs, anti-CD3 mAbs, and, to a lesser extent, by anti-CD18 mAbs. However, unlike nominal antigen, TSST-1-mediated T/B cell interactions were MHC unrestricted. These results suggest that TSST-1 induces T cell-dependent B cell proliferation and differentiation by virtue of its ability to mediate MHC-unrestricted cognate T/B cell interaction via the TCR/CD3 complex and MHC class II antigens.
Evidence of eosinophil granule major basic protein in human placenta.
Authors: Wasmoen T L , McKean D J , Benirschke K , Coulam C B , Gleich G J
Published: June 2004

A protein immunochemically related to the eosinophil granule major basic protein (gMBP) is found in increased concentration in the plasma of pregnant women and has been localized to placental trophoblasts by immunofluorescence. Pregnancy MBP (pMBP) is indistinguishable from gMBP in its reactivity with polyclonal antisera and a panel of 14 mouse mAbs. We report the purification of pMBP from human placenta by: (a) affinity chromatography over mAb immobilized on Sepharose, (b) gel filtration in 6 M guanidine.HCl buffer, and (c) reversed-phase HPLC. Purified pMBP and gMBP are biochemically indistinguishable in that both: (a) bind to DNA, (b) polymerize and bind to carrier proteins via disulfide linkages, (c) have a molecular weight of 14,000, (d) have isoelectric points greater than 10.6, (e) comigrate in two-dimensional gels, (f) coelute during reversed-phase HPLC on C18 columns, (g) have identical peptide maps after three different digestions, and (h) have partial amino acid sequence identity. This physicochemical identity has important implications as to the role of pMBP in human placentation.
The major parasite surface antigen associated with human resistance to schistosomiasis is a 37-kD glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase.
Authors: Goudot-Crozel V , Caillol D , Djabali M , Dessein A J
Published: June 2004

Schistosomiasis, due to Schistosoma mansoni, is a major health problem in many subtropical countries, and major efforts are being made to define a vaccine. In this regard, we have reported that sera from subjects with low susceptibility to infection by S. mansoni react with a major larval surface antigen (P-37), having an apparent molecular mass of 37 kD, against which sera of susceptible individuals show little reactivity. We have now cloned the cDNA for this antigen by screening a schistosome cDNA expression library with antibodies against the purified protein. The selected cDNAs encode a protein that is specifically identified by immune human sera containing antibodies against P-37, while sera exhibiting low or no reactivity toward P-37 fail to recognize the recombinant protein. The cloned cDNAs hybridize with a 1.2-kb RNA that is the transcript of a single copy gene. This RNA directs the synthesis of a 36.5-kD polypeptide that is precipitated by sera from the most resistant subjects. The amino acid sequence of the encoded polypeptide shows homology with the glycolytic enzyme Glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase (72.5% of positional identity with human Glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase). Antibodies against the recombinant protein identified P-37 on the larva. These findings, together with other reports, indicate that a number of conserved proteins may be major targets of host-protective immunity against S. mansoni. The hypothesis is discussed that genetic restriction of the immune response to these antigens may occur in heterogeneous human populations because of the limited number of T cell epitopes carried by these host-like proteins. Such genetic effects might allow parasite transmission through nonresponder (susceptible) individuals. This hypothesis and the protective properties of P-37 can now be tested using the recombinant protein and synthetic peptides derived from selected regions of the polypeptide chain.
Two types of mouse T helper cell. IV. Th2 clones secrete a factor that inhibits cytokine production by Th1 clones.
Authors: Fiorentino D F , Bond M W , Mosmann T R
Published: June 2004

A cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor (CSIF) is secreted by Th2 clones in response to Con A or antigen stimulation, but is absent in supernatants from Con A-induced Th1 clones. CSIF can inhibit the production of IL-2, IL-3, lymphotoxin (LT)/TNF, IFN-gamma, and granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) by Th1 cells responding to antigen and APC, but Th2 cytokine synthesis is not significantly affected. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) also inhibits IFN-gamma production, although less effectively than CSIF, whereas IL-2 and IL-4 partially antagonize the activity of CSIF. CSIF inhibition of cytokine synthesis is not complete, since early cytokine synthesis (before 8 h) is not significantly affected, whereas later synthesis is strongly inhibited. In the presence of CSIF, IFN-gamma mRNA levels are reduced slightly at 8, and strongly at 12 h after stimulation. Inhibition of cytokine expression by CSIF is not due to a general reduction in Th1 cell viability, since actin mRNA levels were not reduced, and proliferation of antigen-stimulated cells in response to IL-2, was unaffected. Biochemical characterization, mAbs, and recombinant or purified cytokines showed that CSIF is distinct from IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, TGF-beta, TNF, LT, and P40. The potential role of CSIF in crossregulation of Th1 and Th2 responses is discussed.
Tumor necrosis factor plays a protective role in experimental murine cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Authors: Titus R G , Sherry B , Cerami A
Published: June 2004

The ability of mice to resist infection with L. major correlated directly with the capacity of their LNC to produce TNF in response to in vitro parasite challenge. Blocking TNF in vivo by passively administering anti-TNF antibodies exacerbated the course of L. major infection, resulting in substantially larger cutaneous lesions and elevated numbers of parasites within those lesions. In addition, treatment of infected mice with exogenous rHuTNF afforded host protection as evidenced by smaller lesion size and decreased parasite counts. Taken together, these results suggest a central role for TNF in resistance to L. major.
MHC control of CD4+ T cell subset activation.
Authors: Murray J S , Madri J , Tite J , Carding S R , Bottomly K
Published: June 2004

The present results demonstrate that CD4+ T cells activated in the primary in vivo response to antigen produce distinct patterns of cytokines depending upon the MHC class II haplotype of the responding mice. I-As mice were found to selectively activate IL-2/IFN-gamma-producing CD4+ T cells, whereas I-Ab mice exhibited selective activation of IL-4-producing CD4+ T cells in response to collagen IV. The effector response phenotype was found to correlate with the cytokine phenotype of CD4+ T cells activated in vivo; IL-2/IFN-gamma-producing cells giving rise to proliferative (cell-mediated) responses, IL-4-producing cells leading to secondary IgG (humoral) responses. Together the data support the notion that the outcome of a given immune response (e.g., protection vs. onset, tolerance vs. autoimmunity) may be determined in part by the type of CD4+ T cells initially activated by antigen. Moreover, the present experiments demonstrate for the first time that polymorphism in class II MHC can determine such selective activation of different cytokine-producing CD4+ T cell phenotypes.
Lymphokine regulation of CD45R expression on human T cell clones.
Authors: Brod S A , Rudd C E , Purvee M , Hafler D A
Published: June 2004

Whether the expression of higher molecular weight isoforms of the T-200 complex represents different lineages of T cells and/or a sequential stage of the differential pathway of T cells has been unclear. Understanding T cell expression of higher molecular weight isoforms of the T-200 complex (CD45R) may be important because of their association with regulation of immune responses. By direct single cell cloning, we observed a number of long-term T cell clones that expressed CD45RA (2H4). CD45RA expression could be further regulated by ionomycin or the cytokines IL-1 and IL-6, but not IL-2, IL-4, or IFN-gamma. These results indicate that CD45RA expression may define T cell lineages of activated T cells partially controlled by the cytokines IL-1 and IL-6. Further, these results may associate regulatory actions of IL-1 and IL-6 with their ability to increase CD45RA expression in subpopulations of human T cells.
The immunogenicity of chimeric antibodies.
Authors: Brüggemann M , Winter G , Waldmann H , Neuberger M S
Published: June 2004

Mice were immunized with model xenogeneic (both the VH frameworks and the CH domains of human origin), chimeric (just VH frameworks human), or self antibodies, and the antiantibody responses were dissected. Only the self antibody did not elicit a response. A strong response was elicited by the most xenogeneic antibody with approximately 90% against the C and approximately 10% against the V. The anti-V response was not attenuated in the chimeric antibody, demonstrating that foreign VH frameworks can be sufficient to lead to a strong antiantibody response. The magnitude of this xenogeneic anti-VH response was similar to that of the allotypic response elicited by immunizing mice of the Igha allotype with an Ighb antibody. Thus, although chimerization can diminish antiantibody responses, attention should be paid both to V region immunogenicity and to polymorphism.
Positive and negative selection of T cell receptor V beta domains controlled by distinct cell populations in the thymus.
Authors: Speiser D E , Lees R K , Hengartner H , Zinkernagel R M , MacDonald H R
Published: June 2004

The role of thymic MHC class II-bearing cells in the selection of the TCR repertoire has been investigated in allogeneic radiation bone marrow chimeras. Positive selection of mature CD4+ T lymphocytes expressing the V beta 6+ TCR domain was found to depend upon radioresistant (presumably epithelial) I-E+ thymic cells. On the other hand, negative selection of CD4+ V beta 6+ cells (which was additionally dependent upon expression of the Mls-1a gene product) was controlled by a radiosensitive I-E+ thymic component (most likely dendritic cells). These data argue in favor of a compartmentalization of positive and negative selection events during T cell development.
A single amino acid mutation in a protein antigen abrogates presentation of certain T cell determinants.
Authors: Finnegan A , Amburgey C F
Published: June 2004

Nase-specific T cell recognize the 86-100 peptide in association with B10.A APC. Clone N40 recognizes the 86-100 peptide in association with B10.A (Ek alpha Ek beta) and B10.A (5R) (Ek alpha Eb beta) APCs. We demonstrate here that a single amino acid substitution in the staphylococcal nuclease protein alters the structure of the processed peptide such that the T cell epitope recognized by clone N40 was only available for recognition in conjunction with B10.A (5R) but not the B10.A APCs. Other Nase-specific T cells recognize the mutant nuclease, and a synthetic peptide corresponding to the immunodominant region of the mutant protein was stimulatory for all the Nase-specific T cells. These results suggest that the mutation either affects the processing of the protein into antigenic peptides or affects the conformation of the processed fragment differently from that of the peptide.
Depletion of CD8+ cells in human thymic medulla results in selective immune deficiency.
Authors: Roifman C M , Hummel D , Martinez-Valdez H , Thorner P , Doherty P J , Pan S , Cohen F , Cohen A
Published: June 2004

CD8 molecules expressed on the surface of a subset of T cells participate in the selection of class I MHC antigen-restricted T cells in the thymus, and in MHC-restricted immune responses of mature class I MHC antigen-restricted T cells. Here we describe an immune-deficient patient with lack of CD8+ peripheral blood cells. The patient presented with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and was unable to reject an allogeneic skin graft, but had normal primary and secondary antibody responses. Examination of the patient's thymus revealed that the loss of CD8+ cells occurred during intrathymic differentiation: the patient's immature cortical thymocytes included both CD4+ and CD8+ cells while the mature medullary cells expressed the CD4 but not the CD8 protein on their surface. Northern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed the presence of CD8 alpha and beta mRNA in the patient's thymus but not in the peripheral blood. Both class I MHC antigen expression and the expressed TCR V beta repertoire are normal in this patient. These data are consistent with an impaired selection of CD8+ cells in the patient's thymus and support the role of the CD8 surface protein in thymic selection previously characterized in genetically manipulated and inbred mice.
Human leukocyte antigen F (HLA-F). An expressed HLA gene composed of a class I coding sequence linked to a novel transcribed repetitive element.
Authors: Geraghty D E , Wei X H , Orr H T , Koller B H
Published: June 2004

We describe here the isolation and sequencing of a previously uncharacterized HLA class I gene. This gene, HLA-5.4, is the third non-HLA-A,B,C gene characterized whose sequence shows it encodes an intact class I protein. RNase protection assays with a probe specific for this gene demonstrated its expression in B lymphoblastoid cell lines, in resting T cells, and skin cells, while no mRNA could be detected in the T cell line Molt 4. Consistent with a pattern of expression different from that of other class I genes, DNA sequence comparisons identified potential regulator motifs unique to HLA-5.4 and possibly essential for tissue-specific expression. Protein sequence analysis of human and murine class I antigens has identified 10 highly conserved residues believed to be involved in antigen binding. Five of these are altered in HLA-5.4, and of these, three are nonconservative. In addition, examination of the HLA-5.4 DNA sequence predicts that the cytoplasmic segment of this protein is shorter than that of the classical transplantation antigens. The 3' untranslated region of the HLA-5.4 gene contains one member of a previously undescribed multigene family consisting of at least 30 members. Northern analysis showed that several of these sequences were transcribed, and the most ubiquitous transcript, a 600-nucleotide polyadenylated mRNA, was found in all tissues and cells examined. This sequence is conserved in the mouse genome, where a similar number of copies were found, and one of these sequences was also transcribed, yielding a 600-nucleotide mRNA. The characterization of this unique HLA class I gene and the demonstration of its tissue-specific expression have prompted us to propose that HLA-5.4 be designated HLA-F.
Cure of murine leishmaniasis with anti-interleukin 4 monoclonal antibody. Evidence for a T cell-dependent, interferon gamma-independent mechanism.
Authors: Sadick M D , Heinzel F P , Holaday B J , Pu R T , Dawkins R S , Locksley R M
Published: June 2004

BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major develop fatal, progressive disease, despite an immune response characterized by expansion of CD4+ T cells in the draining lymph nodes. The immune response has been further characterized by a lack of IFN-gamma mRNA, but increased IL-4 mRNA in lymphoid tissues, and striking elevation of serum IgE. Treatment of infected BALB/c mice with rIFN-gamma at doses shown to be beneficial in other protozoan infections was insufficient to ameliorate L. major infection. In contrast, neutralization of IL-4 by six weekly injections of mAb 11B11 led to attenuation of disease in 100% of animals, and complete cure in 85%. Resolution of disease required the presence of T cells, and recovered mice remained resistant to reinfection at 12 wk. This immunity was adoptively transferable and was dependent on both CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Although administration of anti-IL-4 was associated with fourfold increase in IFN-gamma mRNA in lymph node cells draining the lesion, the coadministration of neutralizing R4 6A2 anti-IFN-gamma mAb had no effect on resistance to disease. This was in marked contrast to resolution of disease in both resistant C57BL/6- and GK1.5-pretreated BALB/c mice that was abrogated by in vivo treatment with anti-IFN-gamma. These data suggest a novel mechanism of cellular immunity established by interference with the development of Th2 cells during infection.
Specific unresponsiveness in rats with prolonged cardiac allograft survival after treatment with cyclosporine. III. Further characterization of the CD4+ suppressor cell and its mechanisms of action.
Authors: Hall B M , Pearce N W , Gurley K E , Dorsch S E
Published: June 2004

The cellular basis of the specific unresponsiveness that develops in DA rats treated with cyclosporine (CSA) for 10 d after grafting a PVG heart was examined using an adoptive transfer assay. CD4+ cells from rats with long survival grafts specifically lack the capacity to restore PVG heart graft rejection, and can also inhibit the capacity of naive T cells to restore rejection, while in the first few weeks post-transplant, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from CSA-treated hosts have the capacity to effect PVG graft rejection. In this study, we demonstrated the CD4+ suppressor cells also had the capacity to inhibit restoration of rejection by CD4+ cells from CSA-treated DA rats recently transplanted with PVG hearts, and from rats sensitized to third party, but not from those specifically sensitized to PVG. They also inhibited the capacity of both naive CD8+ and sensitized CD8+ cells to effect rejection. These results showed that the CD4+ suppressor cell was capable of overriding the capacity to effect rejection of the CD4+ cell and activated CD8+ cells that were present in the CSA-treated host shortly after transplantation. The failure of naive CD8+ cells to augment suppression and the capacity of CD4+ suppressor cells to transfer unresponsiveness to irradiated hosts in which regeneration of CD8+ cells was abolished by thymectomy suggested that it was the CD4+ cell alone that mediated suppression. However, the failure of CD4+ suppressor cells to reinduce unresponsiveness in irradiated hosts whose CD8+ cells had been depleted by therapy with the mAb MRC Ox8 showed that a radioresistant CD8+ cell was required to reestablish the state of specific unresponsiveness. The induction of CD4+ suppressor cells in thymectomized hosts suggested that these cells were derived from long-lived CD4+ lymphocytes. However, their sensitivity to cyclophosphamide and their loss of suppressor function both after removal of the graft and after 3 d in culture demonstrated that the suppressor cell itself had a short lifespan. The CD4+ suppressor was shown to be MRC Ox22+ (CD45R+), MRC Ox17+ (MHC class II), and MRC Ox39+ (CD25, IL-2-R). These studies demonstrated the CD4+ suppressive cell identified in rats with specific unresponsiveness induced by CSA therapy had many features of the suppressor inducer cell identified in in vitro studies of the alloimmune response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Tumor necrosis factor alpha maintains the viability of murine epidermal Langerhans cells in culture, but in contrast to granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, without inducing their functional maturation.
Authors: Koch F , Heufler C , Kämpgen E , Schneeweiss D , Böck G , Schuler G
Published: June 2004

Freshly isolated murine epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) are weak stimulators of resting T cells but increase their stimulatory capacity 10-30-fold upon 2-3 d of culture together with other epidermal cells. This maturation of LC is mediated by two keratinocyte products. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) maintains viability and increases function. IL-1 alone does not keep LC alive, but when combined with GM-CSF further enhances their stimulatory activity. We have now searched for a cytokine that would keep LC in a viable, but functionally immature state. When LC (enriched to greater than 75%) were cultured in the presence of GM-CSF (2 ng/ml) or murine (TNF-alpha) (plateau effect at 62 U/ml), the recovery of viable LC after 72 h was identical. The LC cultured in murine TNF-alpha, however, were 10-30 times less active in stimulating resting T cells. A series of experiments demonstrated that this phenomenon was not due to the induction of insufficient amounts of GM-CSF, the induction of a suppressor factor, or a toxic effect of TNF-alpha. Interestingly, the observed TNF-alpha activity exhibited a species preference, as human TNF-alpha was not active at comparable doses. We have observed an unexpected effect of TNF-alpha on LC in vitro. Though we found that freshly prepared epidermal cells express TNF-alpha mRNA, further studies are needed to establish whether TNF-alpha plays a role in vivo by keeping resident LC in a viable, but functionally immature state.
Interleukin 2-induced proliferation of murine natural killer cells in vivo.
Authors: Biron C A , Young H A , Kasaian M T
Published: June 2004

The growth factor, IL-2, was administered to mice to evaluate the in vivo responsiveness of NK cells to this factor. The immediate effects of this factor on NK cells were determined by examining cytotoxic activity at 18-24 h after a single treatment with rIL-2. Although moderate doses of rIL-2 (3 x 10(4) U) could be shown to activate existing cytotoxic cells on a per cell basis, higher doses (10(6) U) were required to elicit blast size killer cells. The elicited killer cells were characterized as NK cells by the following criteria: (a) they were readily induced in athymic mice; (b) they mediated killing of NK-sensitive YAC-1 target cells but not NK-resistant P815 target cells; and (c) they expressed the NK cell determinants asialo ganglio-n-tetraosylceramide and NK1.1, but not the T cell determinants CD3, L3T4, or Lyt-2. High-dose IL-2 treatment induced not only the appearance of blast size NK cells, but also the expansion of this population. After treatments, the number of large granular lymphocytes and the number of NK1.1+ cells were increased at least twofold. Analysis of DNA content within the NK1.1+ cell subset demonstrated that IL-2 preferentially drove NK1.1+ cells into S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. The in vivo elicited blast lymphocytes were examined by Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization for expression of the IL-2-R p55 alpha chain gene. As previous work from this laboratory has demonstrated that NK cells proliferate in response to IFNs and IFN inducers in vivo, blast lymphocytes were also prepared after IFN treatments. The NK cells were not induced to express detectable levels of the alpha chain gene under any of the conditions examined. Blast T lymphocytes, isolated at times during viral infections when IL-2 production can be demonstrated in vitro, were induced to transcribe the alpha chain gene. Treatments of euthymic mice with high-dose IL-2 also induced transcription of the alpha chain gene in 41% of the non-B blast lymphocytes, but only background percentages of the NK1.1+ cells expressed the alpha chain gene. Transcription of the alpha chain gene was not induced in the NK cell-abundant athymic mice after IL-2 treatment. All of the in vivo elicited blast lymphocytes were induced to express IFN-gamma. Taken together, these data definitively demonstrate that IL-2 can induce NK cell proliferation and expansion in vivo. They also show that exposure to IL-2 in vivo, either by administration or endogenous production of the factor, induces transcription of the IL-2-R alpha chain gene in populations of cells containing T cell subsets. The results suggest, however, that murine NK cells are not induced to express high levels of the alpha chain gene in response to IL-2 in vivo.
Uniform high frequency expression of autoantibody-associated crossreactive idiotypes in the primary B cell follicles of human fetal spleen.
Authors: Kipps T J , Robbins B A , Carson D A
Published: June 2004

At 23 wk of gestation, the fetal spleen contains follicles of lymphocytes that coexpress B cell differentiation antigens, surface Ig, and the 67-kD pan-T lymphocyte antigen, CD5 (Leu-1). Such cells are thought to represent the normal equivalent cells of B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This B cell leukemia is distinctive in that high proportions of patients have leukemic cells that express sIg bearing one or more crossreactive idiotypes (CRIs) that commonly are found on IgM autoantibodies. We performed immunohistochemical studies on fetal spleen at 23 wk of gestation using a panel of mAbs specific for autoantibody-associated CRIs. We find that high proportions (5-17%) of the lymphocytes within each follicle react with any one of the anti-CRI mAbs. Furthermore, there is little variation between primary follicles in the proportions of cells that express a particular CRI. Using a cocktail of four anti-CRI mAbs, we detect autoantibody-associated CRIs on approximately one-third of the lymphocytes within each of the primary B cell follicles. These data indicate that the many of the Igs produced during early B cell development may be structurally related to IgM autoantibodies and to Ig expressed in CLL and related CD5 B cell malignancies. Furthermore, these studies suggest that the repertoire of Ig V genes expressed in each primary B cell follicle may be representative of the total restricted Ig V gene repertoire expressed during early B cell ontogeny.
Clonal analysis of a human antibody response. Quantitation of precursors of antibody-producing cells and generation and characterization of monoclonal IgM, IgG, and IgA to rabies virus.
Authors: Ueki Y , Goldfarb I S , Harindranath N , Gore M , Koprowski H , Notkins A L , Casali P
Published: June 2004

We quantitated and characterized the changes in the human B cell repertoire, at the clonal level, before and after immunization with rabies virus. Moreover, we generated 10 monoclonal cell lines producing IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies to the virus. We found that in healthy subjects, not previously exposed to the virus, nearly 2% of the circulating B lymphocytes were committed to the production of antibodies that bound the virus. These B cells expressed the surface CD5 molecule. The antibodies they produced were polyreactive IgM that displayed a relatively low affinity for the virus components (Kd, 1.0-2.4 x 10(-6) g/microliters). After immunization, different anti-virus (IgG and IgA) antibody-producing cells consistently appeared in the circulation and increased from less than 0.005% to greater than 10% of the total B cells committed to the production of IgG and IgA, respectively. Most of such B cells do not express CD5 and produce monoreactive antibodies of high affinity for rabies virus (Kd, 6.5 x 10(-9) to 1.2 x 10(-10) g/microliters). One of these IgG mAbs efficiently neutralized rabies virus in vitro and in vivo, as detailed elsewhere (Dietzschold, B., P. Casali, Y. Ueki, M. Gore, C. E. Rupprecht, A. L. Notkins, and H. Koprowski, manuscript submitted for publication). Hybridization experiments using probes specific for the different human V gene segment families revealed that cell precursors producing low affinity IgM binding to rabies virus utilized a restricted number of VH gene segments (i.e., only members of the VHIIIb subfamily), whereas cell precursors producing high affinity IgG and IgA to rabies virus utilized an assortment of different VH gene segments (i.e., members of the VHI, VHIII, VHIV, and VHVI families and VHIIIb subfamily). In conclusion, our studies show that EBV transformation in conjunction with limiting dilution technology and somatic cell hybridization techniques are useful methods for quantitating, at the B cell clonal level, the human antibody response to foreign Ags and for generating human mAbs of predetermined specificity and high affinity.
In vivo effects of monoclonal antibodies to distinct epitopes of Qa-2 antigens.
Authors: Sharabi Y , Sachs D H
Published: June 2004

The effects of in vivo treatment with anti-Qa-2 mAbs on in vivo and in vitro parameters of T cell immunity have been examined. Two anti-Qa-2 mAbs of the same isotype and with similar avidities but directed against distinct epitopes of the same Qa-2 molecules were studied. mAb 1-1-2 was found to induce rapid T cell depletion, with maximal effect observed within 2-3 d, while administration of mAb 1-9-9 caused little or no depletion in the first few days, and reached maximal effect only by day 8. Surprisingly, administration of both antibodies resulted in a depletion pattern similar to that of the nondepleting antibody 1-9-9. Consistent with these effects on T cell depletion, treatment with 1-1-2 caused significant prolongation of survival of allogeneic skin grafts placed 1 d after antibody administration, while treatment with 1-9-9 or with the combination of both antibodies caused no prolongation. In an attempt to determine the mechanism of this phenomenon, we examined Qa-2 expression on the cell surface by flow microfluorometry after treatment with each of the two mAbs. Our data indicate that mAb 1-9-9 mediates significantly greater modulation of Qa-2 expression from the surface of peripheral T cells within 1 d than does mAb 1-1-2. Apparently, therefore, modulation occurs more rapidly than cell clearance, and the efficiency of T cell depletion and consequent immune suppression is correlated inversely with the ability of each mAb to cause modulation. The ability of 1-9-9 to cause Qa-2 modulation suggests that it may react with a determinant on this molecule of physiological relevance to the natural ligand interactions of Qa-2 antigens.
Allelic variations in the human T cell receptor V beta 6.7 gene products.
Authors: Li Y , Szabo P , Robinson M A , Dong B , Posnett D N
Published: June 2004

Polymorphisms of human TCR gene products have been suggested by the description of a mAb, OT145, that identifies a subset of TCRs in some individuals but not in others (6). Here we demonstrate that this mAb detects a TCR allotype of the V beta 6.7 gene. Two allelic products of this V gene differ by two nonconservative amino acid substitutions. The mAb OT145 appears to react with V beta 6.7 a gene products ("+" allele), but not with V beta 6.7b gene products ("-" allele). This represents the first direct demonstration that TCR V gene allotypes exist and provides a possible explanation for immune responses under the control of TCR V genes and for disease associations with TCR V genes.
Synergistic antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, interleukin 2, and local tumor irradiation. Studies on the mechanism of action.
Authors: Cameron R B , Spiess P J , Rosenberg S A
Published: June 2004

The adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) with the concomitant administration of IL-2 has been shown to mediate the regression of established 6- and 14-d murine hepatic and pulmonary metastases. For successful immunotherapy with TIL, however, pretreatment with either cyclophosphamide (CP) or whole body irradiation (WBX) was required. The exact mechanism of CP and WBX augmentation of TIL antitumor activity remains unknown, but the elimination of Ts cells has been frequently invoked as an explanation. To address this possibility and to determine if local tumor irradiation (LTX) could synergize with TIL as well as WBX, we investigated the effect of LTX on the therapeutic efficacy of TIL and IL-2 in the treatment of multiple 7-d murine hepatic metastases. Experiments studying the treatment of a weakly immunogenic murine adenocarcinoma, MC-38, showed prolonged survival of mice treated with the combination of IL-2, TIL, and either LTX or WBX, compared with treatment with radiation alone or radiation plus IL-2 controls (p less than 0.0001). In addition, therapy with LTX and IL-2 prolonged survival, compared with LTX administration alone, whereas therapy with WBX combined with IL-2 did not alter survival. This augmentation of TIL-mediated antitumor activity was dependent on the dose of radiation used. To assess the possibility that tumor-associated Ts cells inhibit the function of adoptively transferred TIL in animals with 7-d metastatic tumor and are eliminated by WBX and LTX, we repeated the above experiments leaving some tumor unirradiated. Mice underwent either LTX or limited LTX, which included only the right side of the liver (LTX1/2). The number of right- and left-sided metastases were then individually counted. These studies showed that the reduction in the number of right-sided metastases was identical between the two groups and that the presence of left-sided tumor in the LTX1/2 group did not suppress the observed antitumor activity of TIL against irradiated tumor. Additional evidence against the elimination of suppressor cells as an important mechanism in radiation-induced augmentation of TIL antitumor activity was provided by experiments studying the effectiveness of TIL in thymectomized, lethally irradiated, and reconstituted B mice. Unless CP was administered before the adoptive transfer of TIL, therapy with IL-2 and TIL in these B mice was ineffective in the absence of demonstrable T lymphocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Incorporation of T and B epitopes of the circumsporozoite protein in a chemically defined synthetic vaccine against malaria.
Authors: Tam J P , Clavijo P , Lu Y A , Nussenzweig V , Nussenzweig R , Zavala F
Published: June 2004

We show here an effective and novel approach to engineer peptide-based vaccines using a chemically defined system, known as multiple peptide antigen systems (MAPs), to protect an inbred mouse strain from infection against rodent malaria. 10 mono- and di-epitope MAP models containing different arrangements and stoichiometry of functional B and/or T helper cell epitopes from the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium berghei were used to immunize A/J mice. While these mice did not respond to the mono-epitope MAP bearing only the B or T epitope, very high titers of antibody and protective immunity against sporozoite challenge were elicited by di-epitope MAPs, particularly those with the B and T epitopes in tandem and present in equimolar amounts. These results, obtained in a well-defined rodent malaria model, indicate that MAPs may overcome some of the difficulties in the development of synthetic vaccines, not only for malaria but also for other infectious diseases.
B cells are required for induction of T cell abnormalities in a murine retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency syndrome.
Authors: Cerny A , Hügin A W , Hardy R R , Hayakawa K , Zinkernagel R M , Makino M , Morse H C
Published: June 2004

The role of B cells in induction of phenotypic and functional abnormalities of T cells in a murine retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency syndrome, MAIDS, was evaluated in mice depleted of mature B cells from birth with anti-IgM antibodies (mu-suppressed) and infected at 4 wk of age. Multicolor FACS analyses of CD4+ T cell subsets showed that development of phenotypic abnormalities of these cells at 9 wk after infection was completely inhibited by mu-suppression. Furthermore, induction of impaired proliferative responses to Con A and alloantigens and CTL responses to alloantigens was fully blocked in antibody-treated animals. The extent of virus replication was comparable in spleens of untreated and mu-suppressed mice. Retroviral induction of T cell dysfunction in MAIDS is thus dependent on the presence of B cells, and high level virus expression in mice without B cells has little or no effect on T cell function.
Tumor necrosis factor mRNA localized to Paneth cells of normal murine intestinal epithelium by in situ hybridization.
Authors: Keshav S , Lawson L , Chung L P , Stein M , Perry V H , Gordon S
Published: June 2004

Paneth cells in normal murine small intestine contain TNF mRNA that is readily detectable by in situ hybridization, unlike resident macrophages in lamina propria, which are negative. Northern blot analysis of whole tissue shows the presence of mRNA that has the same electrophoretic mobility as TNF mRNA from activated macrophages. A low level of TNF bioactivity, but no immunoreactivity, was detected in normal small intestine, and TNF production in resting Paneth cells appears to be post-transcriptionally controlled. Typical leukocyte surface membrane markers were not found on Paneth cells, but were expressed by the surrounding lamina propria macrophages. Paneth cells are thus epithelial cells with leukocyte-like secretory potential that may be important in intestinal physiology and pathology.
Cellular basis of the proliferative response of human T cells to mouse xenoantigens.
Authors: Alter B J , Bach F H
Published: June 2004

Purified human T cells respond proliferatively to allogenic peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) stimulating cells but show no response to murine splenic stimulating cells. Two possible explanations for the lack of xenogeneic response are that human T cells, educated in a human thymus, cannot directly recognize a molecule as disparate as mouse antigen encoded by H-2 and/or that a cytokine(s) produced by the APCs is needed to allow a proliferative response and that the cytokine(s) produced by murine APC do not provide an adequate stimulus to the human T cells under these conditions. We show here that highly purified human T cells can respond directly in an antigen-specific manner to murine stimulating cells if human rIL-1 or rIL-2 or a T cell growth factor (TCGF) preparation are present in the culture. These findings demonstrate that human T cells can recognize murine antigens and that a highly significant response can be obtained if a human cytokine is present to permit that response.
A mycobacterial 65-kD heat shock protein induces antigen-specific suppression of adjuvant arthritis, but is not itself arthritogenic.
Authors: Billingham M E , Carney S , Butler R , Colston M J
Published: June 2004

A recombinant (r)65-kD protein from Mycobacterium leprae, at levels far in excess of those present in whole mycobacteria, was unable to induce arthritis. Even when combined with a synthetic adjuvant, CP20961, to mimic the peptidoglycan adjuvant component of the mycobacterial cell wall, the r65-kD protein failed to induce arthritis. Pretreatment with as little as 1 microgram r65-kD protein protected rats against arthritis induced by M. tuberculosis, but this r65-kD protein was markedly less able to protect against arthritis induced by the synthetic adjuvant, CP20961, or type II collagen. The r65-kD protein appears, therefore, to produce an antigen-specific protection against arthritis induced by bacterial cell walls containing the 65-kD protein. Such protection can be overcome, however, by arthritogenic T lymphocytes, suggesting that protection occurs by preventing clonal proliferation of autoreactive T lymphocytes that are induced by the adjuvant properties of mycobacterial cell walls. How the r65-kD protein abrogates this particular adjuvant activity, and the nature of the arthritogenic self antigen(s), remain to be elucidated.
An Epstein-Barr virus-specific cytotoxic T cell epitope in EBV nuclear antigen 3 (EBNA 3).
Authors: Burrows S R , Sculley T B , Misko I S , Schmidt C , Moss D J
Published: June 2004

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific CTL clones were isolated that recognized A-type EBV transformants but not B-type transformants. These A-type-specific CTL clones (HLA B8 restricted) were used to screen peptides derived from the EBV nuclear antigens (EBNAs) 2, 3, 4, and 6 as potential CTL epitopes. Of the 76 peptides screened, one sequence from EBNA 3 (residues 329-353) was recognized by A-type-specific CTL clones after absorption onto target cells (either autologous B-type transformants or PHA blasts). This report is the first description of an EBV target epitope recognized by specific CTL clones.
Kappa B-type enhancers are involved in lipopolysaccharide-mediated transcriptional activation of the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene in primary macrophages.
Authors: Shakhov A N , Collart M A , Vassalli P , Nedospasov S A , Jongeneel C V
Published: June 2004

We have explored the cis-acting elements necessary for the LPS-mediated activation of the mouse TNF-alpha promoter by transfecting a set of 5' deletion mutants linked to the CAT reporter gene into primary bone marrow-derived macrophages. A major drop in inducibility by LPS was seen upon deletion of a region mapping between nt -655 and nt -451. Gel retardation assays revealed that LPS induced the appearance in this region of several specific DNA-protein complexes mapping to sequence motifs with strong homology to the kappa B enhancer. Constructs containing two or more copies of one of the kappa B enhancer motifs linked to a heterologous promoter were inducible by LPS. Additional deletion of a region between nt -301 and nt -241, which contains a MHC class II-like "Y box" and formed a Y box-specific complex with a protein whose concentration was increased by LPS, caused a nearly complete loss of inducibility by LPS. We speculate that NF-kappa B and/or related proteins are involved in the LPS-induced transcriptional activation of the TNF-alpha gene, and that factors interacting with the Y box can additionally modulate the activity of the gene in macrophages.
Surprisingly uneven distribution of the T cell receptor V beta repertoire in wild mice.
Authors: Pullen A M , Potts W , Wakeland E K , Kappler J , Marrack P
Published: June 2004

We have examined TCR V beta expression in a collection of wild mice. Many of the mice were homozygous for a large deletion at the V beta locus, and many animals also suppressed expression of several V betas using self superantigens. Expression of V beta 8.2 was unexpectedly suppressed by a self superantigen in some wild mice, which was due to the presence in these animals of a variant V beta 8.2 gene. The amino acid changes in this gene product suggest contact sites between V beta and the superantigen. Although all V betas are expressed within each wild mouse population, individual mice have a limited and variable V beta repertoire. The independent origin of multiple V beta deletions and the presence of polymorphic self superantigens suggest that this variation may be maintained by balancing selection.
Characterization of the protective capacity and immunogenicity of the 69-kD outer membrane protein of Bordetella pertussis.
Authors: Shahin R D , Brennan M J , Li Z M , Meade B D , Manclark C R
Published: June 2004

Immunization with the 69-kD outer membrane protein (OMP) of Bordetella pertussis protected neonatal mice against lethal respiratory challenge with B. pertussis 18323. Active immunization elicited a serum IgG anti-69-kD OMP response at the time of challenge, with IgG anti-69-kD OMP antibodies detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after challenge. Intravenous administration of BPE8, a monoclonal IgG1 anti-69-kD OMP, also protected young mice against B. pertussis challenge. Intravenously injected BPE8 was detected in the lungs of mice at the time of aerosol challenge, suggesting that the presence of specific antibody in the lungs may mediate protection. Thus the 69-kD OMP of B. pertussis is a protective antigen in mice that elicits specific serum antibody that can transude to the lung. The 69-kD OMP was detected in a preparation of a Takeda acellular vaccine by immunoblot analysis and a serum antibody response to the 69-kD OMP was observed in 18-mo-old children boosted with this preparation of Japanese acellular vaccine. Our results demonstrate that the B. pertussis 69-kD OMP is a protective antigen in animals, is immunogenic in humans, and is present in a preparation of acellular pertussis vaccine that is widely used in Japan. These findings indicate that the 69-kD OMP should be seriously considered as a candidate for inclusion in new formulations of antigenically defined acellular pertussis vaccines.