bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tyrosine phosphorylation in activated human neutrophils. Comparison of the effects of different classes of agonists and identification of the signaling pathways involved.
Authors: Rollet E , Caon A C , Roberge C J , Liao N W , Malawista S E , McColl S R , Naccache P H
Published: December 2022

The tyrosine phosphorylation responses initiated in human neutrophils by soluble and particulate agonists were characterized. Chemotactic factors, hematopoietic growth factors, and inflammatory microcrystals stimulated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner the tyrosine phosphorylation of distinct patterns of substrates: pp120, pp85, pp70, and pp60 in the case of chemotactic factors; pp155, pp130, pp120, pp85, pp60, and pp40 in the case of granulocyte macrophage-CSF; and pp130, pp120, pp70, and pp60 in the case of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Several of the single bands on one-dimensional blots (including pp40, pp70, and pp120) could be resolved into multiple spots on two-dimensional gels. The responses of several other chemotactic factors resembled those of FMLP. Cytokineplasts retained the capacity to respond to FMLP, granulocyte-macrophage-CSF, or MSU crystals with a stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation, and contained the major substrates detected in intact neutrophils. Several unrelated tyrosine kinase inhibitors (herbimycin A, genistein, and erbstatin) strongly diminished the tyrosine phosphorylation response to chemotactic factors. Pertussis toxin abrogated the tyrosine phosphorylation response to FMLP, whereas protein kinase C (Ro 21-8220, chelerithryn) inhibitors were without effect. Chelation of intracellular calcium attenuated the tyrosine phosphorylation response to FMLP. These results indicate that G proteins play a crucial role in the coupling of chemotactic factor receptors to tyrosine phosphorylation and that this coupling occurs in parallel to that of phospholipase C. These results also underline the complexity of the transduction pathways implicated in the initiation of tyrosine phosphorylation.
A potential role for antigen selection in the clonal evolution of Burkitt's lymphoma.
Authors: Jain R , Roncella S , Hashimoto S , Carbone A , Francia di Celle P , Foa R , Ferrarini M , Chiorazzi N
Published: December 2022

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is a monoclonal lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of specific chromosomal translocations that involve the c-myc proto-oncogene. Two subtypes of BL exist (endemic and sporadic) that differ in the prevalence of EBV genome expression. Although EBV infection may promote cellular proliferation in endemic BL, little is known about the forces that drive clonal expansion and evolution in the majority of EBV-negative sporadic BL. This study on an EBV-negative sporadic BL cell line derived from an AIDS patient provides evidence that antigenic stimulation may play a role in the development and/or expansion of such tumors. This cell line (BRG-P) contained a series of cellular clones that elaborated both IgM and IgA. Southern blot analyses of the line and its sublines indicated that both the IgM+ and IgA+ cells had identical c-myc and Ig JH gene rearrangements, indicating that they were derived from a common precursor, some of which eventually underwent an isotype switch. Ig VH gene sequence analyses of 21 molecular clones derived from the parental BRG BL line and two of its sublines demonstrated that all the clones used the same VH3 gene. Five unique intraclonal variants were identified at four distinct nucleotide positions (125, 161, 355, 375), which undoubtedly represented somatic mutations. Four of these five mutations occurred within complementary determining regions; all resulted in amino acid replacements. Moreover, an identical G to A nucleotide substitution that resulted in an identical amino acid change occurred at two distinct points in clonal evolution that were separated by the isotype class switch. Thus, the locations and types of the VH gene mutations, together with the occurrence of an isotype switch, are highly suggestive of an ongoing role for Ag stimulation and selection in the evolution of the malignant clone.
Developmentally regulated expression of a murine receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase in the thymus.
Authors: Ogata M , Sawada M , Kosugi A , Hamaoka T
Published: December 2022

Reversible phosphorylation of tyrosine residues plays a crucial regulatory role in various cellular events, including differentiation and proliferation of lymphocytes. Here, we report the isolation of a murine receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), mRPTP-sigma, which is expressed in both immature thymocytes and stroma cells. At least two alternatively spliced transcripts of mRPTP-sigma (T and B) were observed. mRPTP-sigma T was the dominant form in the thymus and had three Ig-like and eight fibronectin type III-like domains in the extracellular portion. mRPTP-sigma T was almost identical with RPTP-sigma/PTP NE-3/PTP-P1/CPTP1, a PTP recently cloned from rat brain, except that RPTP-sigma/PTP NE-3/PTP-P1 was about 400 amino acids shorter than mRPTP-sigma T. mRPTP-sigma B, the second form of mRPTP-sigma, was dominant in the brain and was most likely the murine counterpart of RPTP-sigma/PTP NE-3/PTP-P1. In the developing thymocytes, the expression of mRPTP-sigma was high in double negative (CD4-CD8-), low in double positive (CD4+CD8+), and marginal in single positive (SP; CD4+CD8- or CD4-CD8+) subpopulations. No upregulation of mRPTP-sigma was observed in the spleen cells stimulated with Con A. Developmental regulation of mRPTP-sigma expression suggests its involvement in the control of T lymphocyte differentiation.
A predominant viral epitope recognized by T cells from the periphery and demyelinating lesions of SJL/J mice infected with Theiler's virus is located within VP1(233-244).
Authors: Yauch R L , Kim B S
Published: December 2022

The intracerebral inoculation of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) into susceptible strains of mice results in a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disease that shares many features with human multiple sclerosis. As with human MS, T lymphocytes seem to be critically important for the pathogenesis of this virally induced, demyelinating disease. Therefore, determining the fine specificity of the T cell response may be essential for elucidating the mechanism(s) involved in demyelination. By using fusion proteins and synthetic peptides, we have initially identified a region within the amino acid residues 233 to 250 of the VP1 capsid protein of Theiler's virus that is recognized by T cells from either TMEV-immunized or TMEV-infected, demyelination-susceptible SJL/J mice. A T lymphocyte precursor frequency analysis indicates that a major TMEV-reactive T cell population in the periphery of virus-infected mice recognizes this VP1 region. The fine epitope specificity has been further determined to be within VP1(233-244) using additional synthetic peptides. VP1(233-244)-specific T cells seem to represent a significant population of TMEV-reactive T lymphocytes within the demyelinating lesions, because such T cells have been cloned from the spinal cords of infected mice. Interestingly, all TMEV-specific T cell clones derived from the demyelinating lesions, regardless of epitope specificity, produce IFN-gamma on stimulation and thus may play a critical role in the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells leading to demyelination. Taken together, these data suggest that a T cell response against VP1(233-244) is involved in the pathogenesis of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease.
Organization of the transcription factor binding sites in the kappa Ig intron enhancer. Effects of position, orientation, and spacing.
Authors: Schanke J T , Van Ness B G
Published: December 2022

The kappa Ig intron enhancer is comprised of multiple sequence motifs known to bind trans-acting factors that activate gene expression. A species comparison reveals a high level of conservation of the organization of the transcription factor binding sites within the enhancer. The importance of the conserved organization of the kappa intron enhancer was examined by using topologic mutations that disrupt the position, orientation, and spacing of individual binding sites within the enhancer. The effects of these changes were monitored by their effects on reporter gene activity at two distinct stages of B cell development. Previously, mutational analysis indicated the kappa B and kappa E2 sequence motifs to be the most crucial sites for intron enhancer function. We have demonstrated that intron enhancer activity is dependent on the position of the kappa B and kappa E2 sequence motifs within the enhancer. Intron enhancer function is, however, independent of kappa B and kappa E2 binding site orientation and is flexible in spacing requirements among binding sites.
IFN-alpha 1 gene expression into a metastatic murine adenocarcinoma (TS/A) results in CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor rejection and development of antitumor immunity. Comparative studies with IFN-gamma-producing TS/A cells.
Authors: Ferrantini M , Giovarelli M , Modesti A , Musiani P , Modica A , Venditti M , Peretti E , Lollini P L , Nanni P , Forni G
Published: December 2022

Cells from a spontaneous, invasive, and metastasizing mouse mammary adenocarcinoma (TS/A-pc) were transfected with a retroviral vector containing the mouse IFN-alpha 1 gene. TS/A clones secreting varying amounts of IFN-alpha 1 were isolated and their tumorigenicity was evaluated after s.c. or i.v. injection into immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Almost all of the IFN-alpha-secreting TS/A clones failed to grow in a high percentage of mice or formed small tumors after a long latency time, whereas TS/A-pc or transfection control cells always grew into large s.c. tumors. Rejection was mainly mediated by CD8+ T lymphocytes and partially by polymorphonuclear cells, as demonstrated by selective immunosuppression experiments and histologic and ultrastructural data. After rejection, a significant portion of mice displayed an immune resistance to the subsequent challenge with TS/A-pc. When the metastatic ability of IFN-alpha-secreting clones was compared with that of previously characterized IFN-gamma-secreting TS/A clones, it was found that the expression of IFN-alpha into TS/A tumor cells resulted in a potent inhibition of metastases formation, whereas IFN-gamma expression either did not affect or even enhanced the metastatic behavior of TS/A cells. These results provide strong evidence for the usefulness of IFN-alpha-producing tumor cells for the development of gene therapy strategies and vaccines against metastatic tumors.
Activation of LPS-inducible genes by the antitumor agent 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid in primary murine macrophages. Dissection of signaling pathways leading to gene induction and tyrosine phosphorylation.
Authors: Perera P Y , Barber S A , Ching L M , Vogel S N
Published: December 2022

The synthetic flavone analogue 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (5,6-MeXAA) has shown promise as an antitumor agent and is currently a candidate for clinical trials. Because 5,6-MeXAA has been shown in a murine macrophage and a human myelomonocytic cell line to induce TNF-alpha mRNA and to activate macrophages to become tumoricidal, actions that are shared with bacterial LPS, we sought to determine the level of LPS mimetic activity exhibited by this low m.w. macrophage-activating agent. To elucidate its mechanisms of action, the capacity to induce a panel of LPS-inducible genes was assessed. 5,6-MeXAA was found to induce a subset of LPS-inducible genes within the panel in both Lpsn and Lpsd primary murine macrophages. Of the six LPS-inducible genes examined, there was marked induction of IP-10, D8, and D3; low induction of TNF-alpha gene expression; and insignificant induction of TNFR-2 and IL-1 beta genes. 5,6-MeXAA was also found to be a potent inducer of IFNs in macrophages of both strains, and of increased expression of the genes that encode the IFN regulatory factors IRF-1, IRF-2, and ICSBP. In contrast with LPS, 5,6-MeXAA failed to induce significantly any of the 40- to 45-kDa tyrosine phosphoproteins induced by LPS. These data suggest that 5,6-MeXAA shares with LPS certain biochemical pathways that lead to gene induction and allow for the additional dissection of the relationship of tyrosine phosphorylation and the expression of specific genes.
Antigen presentation and assembly by mouse I-Ak class II molecules in human APC containing deleted or mutated HLA DM genes.
Authors: Brooks A G , Campbell P L , Reynolds P , Gautam A M , McCluskey J
Published: December 2022

The behavior of mouse I-Ak molecules was studied in the human Ag presentation mutants T2 and 9.5.3, which contain deleted or mutated HLA DM genes. HLA class II molecules expressed by these APC are defective in presentation of native Ag and are mostly complexed with class II-associated invariant chain peptides (CLIP). In contrast to human class II molecules, a significant proportion of mouse I-Ak molecules expressed in T2 and 9.5.3 were associated with antigenic peptides, indicating that I-Ak/peptide assembly is possible in the absence of the Dm proteins. Thus, the presentation of determinants derived from hen egg lysozyme (HEL), keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and conalbumin was normal in 9.5.3Ak and a conalbumin determinant was presented normally by T2.Ak. However, the keyhole limpet hemocyanin determinant was not presented by T2.Ak, and HEL46-61 was only presented at a low level by these APC. SDS-stable, dimeric I-Ak molecules were expressed by both T2.Ak and 9.5.3Ak and formed late in their intracellular transport. Presentation of HEL46-61 was partially inhibited by disrupting vacuolar acidification in 9.5.3Ak, consistent with I-Ak/peptide assembly in a post-Golgi endosomal compartment. Accordingly, Dm is not an obligatory requirement for MHC class II/peptide assembly. We propose that Dm influences the displacement of CLIP from recently synthesized class II molecules, a process that is likely to be less critical for I-Ak because of its low affinity for CLIP.
Differential regulation of proto-oncogenes c-jun and c-fos in T lymphocytes activated through CD28.
Authors: Chatta G S , Spies A G , Chang S , Mize G J , Linsley P S , Ledbetter J A , Morris D R
Published: December 2022

The T cell surface molecule CD28 binds to ligands on accessory cells and APCs, playing an important costimulatory role in the response of T cells to Ags. Our knowledge of the intracellular signaling pathways coupled to this receptor is incomplete. In addition to activation of phospholipase C gamma 1, ligation of this receptor also seems to activate a calcium-independent, CD28-specific pathway. In this paper, we report that cross-linking of CD28 (but not CD2, CD5, LFA-1, or CD7) leads to an elevation of c-jun mRNA, with only minimal activation of c-fos expression. CD28-dependent induction of c-jun expression requires protein tyrosine kinase activity, but does not depend on activation of a phorbol ester-responsive protein kinase C or elevation of cytosolic calcium. Furthermore, CD28-dependent elevation of c-jun mRNA does not appear to be mediated at the level of mRNA stability. A mechanism is suggested whereby expression of c-jun and junB, in the absence of members of the fos family, can prevent inappropriate activation of T cells caused by ligation of CD28 in the absence of a specific antigenic stimulus.
H-2 allele-specific protection from NK cell lysis in vitro for lymphoblasts but not tumor targets. Protection mediated by alpha 1/alpha 2 domains.
Authors: Sentman C L , Olsson M Y , Salcedo M , Höglund P , Lendahl U , Käre K
Published: December 2022

In vivo murine NK cells are known to mediate graft rejection in allogenic as well as in "F1 anti-parental" situations. We have studied an in vitro system based on rIL-2-activated spleen cells and Con A lymphoblast targets in relation to the genetics of F1 hybrid resistance and NK cell activity. We demonstrate that NK cells in this in vitro model are regulated by MHC class I genes in an allele-specific manner at the level of the effector and the target. Using rIL-2-activated effector cells from nude C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/c mice, we observed no killing of MHC syngeneic lymphoblasts. However, B6 as well as BALB/c lymphoblasts were killed by effector cells from allogeneic nude mice as well as by cells from (BALB/c x B6)F1 hybrids. Experiments that used D8 mice (which carry an H-2Dd transgene on B6 background) and beta 2-m-/- mice demonstrated a direct role for MHC class I molecules at the effector as well as at the target cell level: H-2Dd transgenic effector cells with the typical NK phenotype 3A4+/CD8- killed B6 blasts, but expression of the corresponding H-2Dd transgene in the target lymphoblasts protected them from killing. By using transgenic mice carrying exon shuffled MHC class I transgenes, the protective effect of the H-2Dd molecule was mapped to the alpha 1/alpha 2 domains. MHC class I-deficient lymphoblasts from beta 2-m-/- mice were killed by effectors from all strains of mice, including those matched for MHC. The H-2 class I allele-specific protection in this in vitro assay was observed for lymphoblasts but not for tumor cells, despite the fact that these tumor cells are protected in an allele-specific manner in vivo.
Cytokeratin peptide SFGSGFGGGY mimics N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine in reaction with antibodies and lectins, and induces in vivo anti-carbohydrate antibody response.
Authors: Shikhman A R , Greenspan N S , Cunningham M W
Published: December 2022

Recently, we found that human anti-GlcNAc mAbs reacted with keratin from human skin and recognized specific peptide epitopes of human cytokeratin 14. Our data demonstrate that anti-keratin Ab responses in mice might be driven by Ags bearing terminal O-linked GlcNAc residues. To determine if mouse anti-GlcNAc mAbs recognized peptide epitopes of keratin, several mouse anti-GlcNAc mAbs were reacted with a panel of overlapping synthetic decapeptides of the entire amino acid sequence of human cytokeratin 14 in the ELISA. Results of the ELISA demonstrated that three mAbs, HGAC 54, HGAC 78, and 101.4.1, expressed maximal binding activity to keratin peptide B1 with the amino acid sequence SFGSGFGGGY. In addition, we found that mouse anti-cytokeratin 14 mAb CKB-1 recognized the same peptide and expressed anti-GlcNAc activity as well. Keratin peptide B1 was shown to react not only with anti-GlcNAc mAbs but also with several lectins such as wheat germ agglutinin, Datura stramonium lectin, Lycopersicon esculentum lectin, Solanum tuberosum lectin, and lectin from Wisteria floribunda. Reaction of the lectins with solid-phase keratin peptide B1 was inhibited by soluble GlcNAc and was not inhibited by glucose demonstrating specificity of binding. Using a panel of 24 synthetic keratin B1 peptides, each with a single amino acid substitution, we found that aromatic-aromatic and hydrophobic interactions were the major driving forces in the stabilization of the peptide-protein complexes. Finally, we demonstrated that immunization of BALB/c mice with peptide B1 conjugated to BSA induced an anti-GlcNAc Ab response. Results of our experiments indicated that certain peptides may express functional activity similar to GlcNAc and induce in vivo anti-carbohydrate Ab responses.
A decapeptide (Gln-Asp-Leu-Thr-Met-Lys-Tyr-Gln-Ile-Phe) from human melanoma is recognized by CTL in melanoma patients.
Authors: Morioka N , Kikumoto Y , Hoon D S , Morton D L , Irie R F
Published: December 2022

The decapeptide 810 (QDLTMKYQIF) contains the antigenic epitope (KYQI) recognized by human mAb L92. This sequence is found in a 43-kDa protein associated with human melanoma M14. We examined the expression of 810 in human cells and its involvement in the cellular immune responses of melanoma patients. Nineteen stage III melanoma patients and 19 normal donors were studied for their responses to 810. All patients were immunized in vivo with an allogeneic melanoma cell vaccine. PBMC cytotoxicity was tested on autologous EBV-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines (BCL) pulsed with 810 and autologous melanomas. Proliferative responses of PBMC to 810 were evaluated by using [3H]Tdr incorporation assays. Western blotting revealed that the 43-kDa protein was not specific to melanoma but was common to various cells. However, the percentage of cytotoxicity of PBMC against autologous 810-pulsed BCL was significantly greater in melanoma patients than in normal controls (p < 0.005). Cytotoxicity was increased after melanoma cell vaccine immunization in 15 patients (78%). Proliferative responses to 810 were observed only in melanoma patients and were enhanced in 12 patients (63%) after vaccination. Restimulation of PBMC from vaccinated patients with 810 increased cytotoxicity against both autologous 810-pulsed BCL and melanomas. These targets were lysed by CD8+ T lymphocytes in an HLA class I-restricted manner. HLA-A2 and -A11 seemed to serve as the 810-presenting molecule. Our findings indicate that 810 may function as an epitope for CTL on human melanoma and can be used as a vaccine.
Captopril inhibits neutrophil synthesis of leukotriene B4 in vitro and in vivo.
Authors: Shindo K , Baker J R , Munafo D A , Bigby T D
Published: December 2022

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of metalloproteinase inhibitors on leukotriene (LT) A4 hydrolase in human neutrophil cytosol and to examine the effects of captopril on intact neutrophils in vitro and in vivo. Cytosolic fractions were assayed for LTA4 hydrolase and 5-lipoxygenase activity in the presence or absence of inhibitors. Only bestatin, 1,10-O-phenanthroline, captopril and fosinoprilat demonstrated significant effects. The IC50 of captopril and fosinoprilat for LTA4 hydrolase activity were 500 microM and 1 mM, respectively. No inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase activity in cytosolic fractions was detected. The effect of captopril was only minimally reversed by ZnSO4. The IC50 of captopril for inhibition of LTB4 synthesis in intact neutrophils was 63 microM. Furthermore, 5-HETE production in intact cells was diminished 25.3 +/- 8.5% in the presence of 1 mM captopril. Oral captopril inhibited stimulated LTB4 release by subsequently isolated neutrophils by 48.1 +/- 5.6% and 5-HETE release by 43.2 +/- 5.5%. Thus, captopril is an inhibitor of LTB4 synthesis in neutrophils in vitro and in vivo. However, there are differences between the potency of this drug as assessed in cytosol and intact cell studies. This study significantly extends previous reports in that it demonstrates that captopril is a more potent inhibitor of LTB4 synthesis in intact neutrophils than in cytosol and in that it demonstrates an inhibitory effect of captopril on synthesis of LTB4 by neutrophils exposed to captopril in vivo.
Differential gene expression for IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1, and TNF receptors and IL-1 and TNF synthesis may explain IL-1-induced resistance to infection.
Authors: Vogels M T , Mensink E J , Ye K , Boerman O C , Verschueren C M , Dinarello C A , van der Meer J W
Published: December 2022

IL-1 pretreatment prolongs survival in lethal infection in normal and in neutropenic mice. We investigated whether this protection occurs by interference with deleterious cytokine effects. The effect of IL-1 pretreatment on concentrations of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha circulating in vivo and the ex vivo cytokine production capacity of macrophages was assessed in uninfected, non-neutropenic and neutropenic Swiss mice, in Swiss mice infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae (non-neutropenic mice) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (neutropenic mice), and in neutropenic C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice infected with P. aeruginosa. In Swiss and C3H/HeN mice, IL-1 pretreatment enhanced survival and reduced circulating TNF-alpha and IL-6 as well as LPS-stimulated production of IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha. In C3H/HeJ mice, a lack of IL-1-induced protection was associated with low cytokine concentrations and production. In contrast, up-regulation of mRNA for the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) was observed in several organs of IL-1-pretreated mice, suggesting that IL-1Ra could attenuate deleterious IL-1 effects. In addition, IL-1 pretreatment down-regulated steady state mRNA for the type I IL-1R and the type I TNFR in several organs at the time of infection, suggesting desensitization of target cells as an additional mechanism of IL-1-induced protection. We conclude that the IL-1-induced protection is at least partially mediated by down-regulating cytokine production, and that the induction of IL-1Ra and the desensitization of target cells by receptor down-modulation may also contribute to this phenomenon.
The carboxyl-terminal region of HIV-1 Nef protein is a cell surface domain that can interact with CD4+ T cells.
Authors: Otake K , Fujii Y , Nakaya T , Nishino Y , Zhong Q , Fujinaga K , Kameoka M , Ohki K , Ikuta K
Published: December 2022

Our previous studies have shown that the HIV-1 Nef Ag is expressed, at least in part, on the surface of infected cells. We demonstrated this by using membrane immunofluorescence and flow cytometry with Nef murine mAbs. To identify the domain of Nef exposed on the cell surface, epitope mapping of these and a new mAb was performed by ELISAs by using several recombinant truncated Nef fusion proteins and synthetic peptides. The results showed that mAbs F1, E7, E9, and 4H4 recognized Nef epitopes located at amino acid residues 148-157, 192-206, 158-206, and 1-33, respectively. The intensity of cell surface Nef staining was stronger with mAbs E7 and E9 than with F1, and there was no staining by 4H4, which indicates that the carboxyl-terminal region of Nef is predominantly exposed on the surface of HIV-1-infected T cell lines and PBMC. This surface Nef domain displayed high affinity for the surface of uninfected CD4+ T cells, because the binding of a soluble form of recombinant Nef protein to the cell surface was specifically blocked by the E7 and E9 mAbs or by synthetic peptides that contained the carboxyl-terminal region of Nef. In addition, syncytium formation between infected and uninfected cells also was specifically reduced by the same mAbs or peptides. Thus, the cell surface domain of Nef seems to play an important role in the interaction between HIV-1-infected and CD4+ uninfected T cells.
Adult and microfilarial stages of the filarial parasite Brugia malayi stimulate contrasting cytokine and Ig isotype responses in BALB/c mice.
Authors: Lawrence R A , Allen J E , Osborne J , Maizels R M
Published: December 2022

Natural infection with filarial nematode parasites shows many characteristics of a Th2 immune response. In these infections, long-lived adult worms inhabit the lymphatics, releasing laval microfilariae (Mf) into the blood stream. To compare the effect of these different developmental stages on the mammalian immune system, Mf and adult worms of either sex were implanted into BALB/c mice, in which they survive for at least 28 days. Serum Ab responses showed that whereas Mf stimulated specific Abs of all IgG subclasses, but little total IgE, adult worms stimulated only IgG1 and IgE responses. Splenocytes from implanted mice were stimulated in vitro with specific Ag or Con A and assayed for proliferation and profiles of cytokine secretion. Cells from Mf-infected mice secreted high levels of IFN-gamma (30 U/ml) throughout infection, but very little IL-4 at the early time points. By day 28 postinfection, however, splenocytes from Mf-infected mice showed some IL-4 secretion in response to specific Ag (40 U/ml). The IFN-gamma response to Mf was found to be independent of the inoculum dose in the range of 10(2) to 10(6) organisms. In contrast, splenocytes taken from adult worm-implanted mice on days 14, 21, and 28 postinfection produced high levels of IL-4 (up to 435 U/ml) and negligible amounts of IFN-gamma despite the production of large numbers of Mf by adult female worms. CD4+ cells were primarily responsible for this IL-4 production. These results demonstrate that adult filarial parasites, and females in particular, exert a rapid polarization of the immune response in a Th2-like direction, but that this effect may be modulated by the Mf stage.
Administration of anti-IFN-gamma antibody to beta 2-microglobulin-deficient mice delays influenza virus clearance but does not switch the response to a T helper cell 2 phenotype.
Authors: Sarawar S R , Sangster M , Coffman R L , Doherty P C
Published: December 2022

Treatment of mice that were homozygous for a beta 2-microglobulin gene disruption with a mAb that was specific for IFN-gamma delayed clearance of an influenza A virus from the respiratory tract for at least 3 days, whereas administration of an anti-IL-4 mAb had no effect. However, all mice survived and eventually cleared the virus. The anti-IFN-gamma significantly decreased both the level of class II MHC glycoprotein expression and the numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes in the inflammatory populations recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage of the pneumonic lung, whereas the total cell counts remained the same. These differences were not apparent for the regional mediastinal lymph nodes, although the frequency of lymph node B cells producing virus-specific Ab of the IgG2a subclass was greatly reduced. However, neither the anti-IFN-gamma nor anti-IL-4 treatments drastically altered the cytokine production profiles detected for freshly isolated lymphocytes by the using single cell ELISPOT assay or by ELISA of culture supernatants after in vitro restimulation with virus. Thus, neutralization of secreted IFN-gamma during the course of an influenza-specific response in beta 2-microglobulin-deficient mice that lack CD8+ T cells delays virus clearance and modifies the character of the host response, but does not cause the CD4+ subset to switch to a Th2 cytokine profile.
Pancreas in recent onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Changes in HLA, adhesion molecules and autoantigens, restricted T cell receptor V beta usage, and cytokine profile.
Authors: Somoza N , Vargas F , Roura-Mir C , Vives-Pi M , Fernández-Figueras M T , Ariza A , Gomis R , Bragado R , Martí M , Jaraquemada D
Published: December 2022

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), in which only the pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by the autoimmune response, is the paradigm of organ-specific autoimmunity. As a result of a combination of factors, the number of immunohistologic/cellular/molecular studies of pancreas in IDDM is very limited. We report here studies conducted in the pancreata of two IDDM patients: one newly diagnosed (case 1) and one long standing (case 2). In case 1, we demonstrated the presence of morphologically normal viable beta cells without evidence of viral infection. In both cases the expression of the autoantigens defined by islet cell Abs and by glutamic acid decarboxylase was markedly reduced in the islet cells whereas expression of hsp60, another putative autoantigen, was normal. Over-expression of HLA class I was detected in 58% of the islets in pancreatic sections and in cultured beta cells in case 1 and also in 30% of islets in case 2 but it was not restricted to any insular cell type. In case 1, there was "inappropriate" HLA class II expression in islets cells but it was a rare finding and not beta cell specific. The analysis of the correlation between class I overexpression, residual insulin, and insulitis suggests that the first event is the increase of HLA class I expression. Of adhesion molecules, ICAM-1, VLA, VCAM, and LFA-3 were normal and only ICAM-1 was moderately overexpressed in and around the islets of case 1 insulitis, as was detected by immunofluorescence which showed that 18% of the islets of case 1 had CD8+ lymphocytes as the predominant population. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated moderate V beta skewing and the profile of cytokines expected in CTLs: IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma negative, perforin positive. In addition, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IL-6 transcripts were detected in the case 1 pancreas, consistent with the existence of a silent viral infection. Overall, the results indicated that, differently from spontaneous animal models of diabetes, in the pancreas of IDDM patients there are no elements of the inductive phase of the autoimmune response.
Expression of functional B7 and CTLA4 on rheumatoid synovial T cells.
Authors: Verwilghen J , Lovis R , De Boer M , Linsley P S , Haines G K , Koch A E , Pope R M
Published: December 2022

To assess the role of B7, CTLA4, and CD28 in the pathogenesis of chronic synovitis we analyzed the expression and function of these cell surface molecules in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, and in normal controls. Immunoperoxidase staining of rheumatoid synovial membranes showed reactivity of 30% of T cells with anti-B7 mAb, in contrast to osteoarthritic and normal synovial membranes, in which no such staining was seen. In addition, rheumatoid synovial fluid T cells were positive by flow cytometric analysis for B7 (mean 20%, range 0 to 96%), as measured by staining with anti-B7 mAb or the CTLA4 Ig fusion protein, whereas no B7 expression was detected on peripheral blood T cells (mean 1%). To analyze the functional importance of B7 expressed on synovial fluid T cells, we used these cells as stimulator cells in primary allogeneic MLC. Purified synovial fluid T cells were far stronger stimulator cells compared with paired peripheral blood T cells and resulted in a fivefold greater increase in allogeneic T cell proliferation. Furthermore, the proliferation induced by purified synovial T cells was markedly inhibited by addition of the CTLA4 Ig fusion protein (77%). Moreover, anti-B7 mAb (37%), anti-CTLA4 mAb (33%), and Fab fragments of anti-CD28 mAb (52%) partially inhibited the primary MLC. The expression of functional B7, together with the increased expression of MHC class II molecules, indicates that synovial T cells may serve as functional APCs and may be capable of autocrine stimulation via the CD28 activation pathway.
Functional specialization of fibronectin-binding beta 1-integrins in T lymphocyte migration.
Authors: Hauzenberger D , Klominek J , Sundqvist K G
Published: December 2022

We have investigated the role of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins in adhesion and migration of T lymphocytes to extracellular matrix proteins. Fibronectin, collagen type IV, and laminin promoted haptotactic and chemotactic migration of lymphoid T cell lines and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-stimulated blood lymphocytes, as determined using a modified Boyden chamber system. Adhesion studies of the T cell lines indicated involvement of both alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins in the binding to fibronectin. In contrast, migration assays demonstrated that haptotactic and chemotactic migration to fibronectin in most cases was mediated by only one of the beta 1 integrins. FACS analysis demonstrated comparable amounts of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 on the various cell lines, indicating that utilization of the integrins for migration is not determined by their expression on the cells. Haptotactic migration toward a 120-kDa fibronectin fragment containing the RGD sequence, confirmed the selectivity of the different beta 1 integrins in directing migration. Thus, T cells using alpha 5 beta 1 for haptotaxis against fibronectin were migrating against the 120 kDa fragment whereas T cells using alpha 4 beta 1 were not. These results indicate that the response of T cells to haptotactic and chemotactic signals usually is mediated selectively via alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 although binding of fibronectin to the cells is not restricted to only one of the integrins. Cholera toxin and 8-Br-cAMP but not pertussis toxin inhibited migration of T cell lines to fibronectin. Adhesion of these cells to fibronectin was not influenced by any of the toxins. Thus, both in their integrin utilization and in their signaling pathways, adhesion and migration show substantial differences in T cells.
A novel pathway of thymus-directed T lymphocyte maturation.
Authors: Lefrançois L , Olson S
Published: December 2022

Recent evidence has indicated that the intestinal epithelium may be a major extrathymic site of T cell production. However, which of the multiple intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) subsets are extrathymic in origin has been controversial. We now report that the thymus is an integral component of IEL maturation and is required for a novel two-stage process of T cell production. Thus, in neonatally thymectomized mice TCR-gamma delta IELs were depleted and some TCR-alpha beta IELs were of an immature phenotype. Thymus grafting experiments revealed that all TCR-gamma delta and TCR-alpha beta IEL subsets could be thymus-derived, including TCR-alpha beta cells lacking Thy1 and CD8 beta. In utero anti-TCR-gamma delta mAb treatments resulted in depletion of gamma delta IEL without subsequent re-emergence of this subset in adulthood, whereas anti-TCR-alpha beta mAb treatment only marginally reduced the alpha beta IEL subset. These findings suggest that TCR-alpha beta and TCR-gamma delta IELs arose at distinct developmental stages. Overall, the results indicate that some IEL precursors are thymus-derived but require further thymic influence to mature in the periphery.
Cellular mechanisms that maintain neonatally-induced tolerance of class II alloantigens. Evidence that precursor cytotoxic T cells are present but silenced.
Authors: Matriano J A , Socarras S , Streilein J W
Published: December 2022

Clonal deletion of alloantigen-specific lymphocytes was the first explanation advanced to explain why neonatal mice that receive injections of alloantigenic hematopoietic cells mature into adults that accept donor-derived skin allografts indefinitely, i.e., they are immunologically tolerant. However, numerous other passive and active regulatory mechanisms have been invoked to explain neonatal transplantation tolerance. In A strain mice (A.TH, las, A.TL, lak) rendered tolerant of class II-only alloantigens, formal evidence exists demonstrating that tolerogen-reactive T cells are not eliminated. In fact, tolerogen-reactive T cells are present in peripheral lymphoid organs and can secrete lymphokines (IL-2/IL-4) when stimulated with tolerogen-bearing cells in vitro. Despite the presence of cytokines in these cultures, class II-specific T cells are usually not generated, raising the possibility that selective deletion of these cells may contribute to the tolerant state. To examine this issue, limiting dilution analysis was performed and revealed that tolerant mice possess significantly diminished precursor cytotoxic T cell frequencies. Virtually all cytotoxic T cells generated by normal A.TH mice in response to A.TL class II Ags are CD8+ cells. Moreover, the frequency of donor I-E reactive V beta 5 cells among CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations among tolerant mice was comparable to naive mice. This suggests that the peripheral lymphoid organs of tolerant mice are functionally deleted of tolerogen-specific cytotoxic T cells and that tolerogen-specific CD8+ T cells are present in normal numbers of tolerant mice. Therefore, this circumstantial evidence implies that tolerogen-specific T cells have not been physically eliminated in class II tolerant mice. Instead, either tolerogen-specific CD8+ T cells have been rendered anergic or active suppression prevents their activation in vitro and presumably in vivo.
Synergy of IL-1 and stem cell factor in radioprotection of mice is associated with IL-1 up-regulation of mRNA and protein expression for c-kit on bone marrow cells.
Authors: Neta R , Oppenheim J J , Wang J M , Snapper C M , Moorman M A , Dubois C M
Published: December 2022

Administration of IL-1 and stem cell factor (SCF) to mice 18 h before lethal 60Co whole-body irradiation resulted in synergistic radioprotection, as evidenced by increased numbers of mice surviving 1,200 to 1,300 cGy doses of radiation and the recovery of increased numbers of c-kit+ bone marrow cells at 1 and 4 days after the lethal dose of 950 cGy. Anti-SCF Ab inhibited IL-1-induced radioprotection, indicating that endogenous production of SCF is necessary for radioprotection by IL-1. Conversely, radioprotection induced by SCF was reduced by anti-IL-1R Ab, indicating that endogenous IL-1 contributes to SCF radioprotection. SCF, unlike IL-1 does not induce hemopoietic CSFs and IL-6 or gene expression of a scavenging mitochondrial enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase in the bone marrow, suggesting that SCF and IL-1 radioprotect by distinct pathways. The mRNA expression for c-kit (by Northern blot analysis) and 125I-SCF binding on bone marrow cells was elevated within 2 and 4 h of IL-1 administration respectively. Four days after LD 100/30 radiation the recovery of c-kit+ bone marrow cells was increased sixfold in IL-1-treated mice, almost 20-fold in SCF-treated mice, and 40-fold in mice treated with the combination of the two cytokines. Thus, endogenous production of both IL-1 and SCF is required for resistance to lethal irradiation and the synergistic radioprotective effect of the two cytokines may, in part, depend on IL-1 and SCF-induced increases in numbers of c-kit+ hemopoietic stem and progenitors cells that survive lethal irradiation.
T cell receptor V delta 2-C alpha transcripts are present in the thymus but virtually absent in the periphery.
Authors: Giachino C , Rocci M P , Bottaro M , Matullo G , De Libero G , Migone N
Published: December 2022

To investigate whether the V delta 2-(D)-J alpha gene configuration, characteristically associated with the major subset of acute lymphoblastic leukemias in humans, might have a physiologic role in T cell ontogeny, we have looked for V delta 2-C alpha transcripts in the thymus and peripheral blood of normal donors. Here we show by PCR analysis that these transcripts are virtually absent in the PBMC, whereas they are present in fetal and postnatal thymus. Interestingly, over 80% of 43 V delta 2-C alpha cDNAs randomly isolated from one postnatal thymus appeared to maintain an open reading frame. This suggests that in the thymus the V delta 2-C alpha products might be exposed to selective pressure. Furthermore, in two of three thymuses tested for J alpha usage, it was found overrepresented in a J alpha element (J alpha 58) located 2 kb downstream to a pseudo-J (J alpha 61), known to be a hot spot of recombination in alpha beta committed cells. A possible alternative pathway to alpha beta T cell differentiation via a V delta 2-J alpha intermediate is discussed.
Chemical and serologic characterization of human lambda VIII light chains.
Authors: Solomon A , Weiss D T , Murphy C , Fu S M , Robbins D L
Published: December 2022

The primary structural features and serologic properties of a newly recognized human lambda light (L) chain V region subgroup (V lambda VIII) were elucidated through study of two monoclonal L chains, Bence Jones proteins HAG and BIV. The V region amino acid sequences of these components were highly homologous to each other and to that deduced from the prototypic V lambda VIII cDNA, Humla8f10, which encodes the L chains of the IgM lambda rheumatoid factor HAF10. Proteins HAG and BIV could be classified as members of the V lambda VIII subgroup and distinguished from L chains of the V lambda I, V lambda II, V lambda III, V lambda IV, and V lambda VI subgroups on the basis of amino acid sequence. In addition to distinctive residues found within the V lambda gene-encoded portion of the molecules, L chains HAG, BIV, and HAF10 contained remarkably different second complementarity-determining regions (CDR2) that consisted of 11 residues, rather than the seven typically found among members of the other five V lambda subgroups. This elongated structure would presumably impart to the ligand-binding site of lambda VIII molecules a markedly different canonical structure compared with those of lambda I, lambda II, lambda III, lambda IV, and lambda VI L chains. By using Bence Jones protein HAG as an immunogen, we obtained polyclonal and monoclonal anti-V lambda VIII subgroup-specific Abs that were used to identify and quantify lambda VIII-related molecules in normal and pathologic states. Among the Ig lambda components present in the serum of normal individuals, approximately 3% had lambda VIII L chains, a frequency comparable to that found among monoclonal Ig lambda proteins or surface(s) Ig lambda+ cells obtained from patients with malignant plasma cell- or B cell-related disorders, respectively. In contrast, lambda VIII L chains were detected on approximately 19% of monoclonal IgM lambda rheumatoid factors produced by B cell lines established from PBLs or synovial cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results of our studies provide new information on the structural and immunochemical features of lambda VIII L chains and the possible functional importance of the human V lambda VIII subgroup.
Effect of exogenous fatty acids with greater than 22 carbon atoms (very long chain fatty acids) on superoxide production by human neutrophils.
Authors: Hardy S J , Ferrante A , Poulos A , Robinson B S , Johnson D W , Murray A W
Published: December 2022

The effects of exogenous long chain fatty acids (LCFA) and very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) on superoxide production by human neutrophils were compared. Superoxide production was greater and more rapid in response to arachidonic (20:4 (n-6)), eicosapentanoic (20:5 (n-3)), and docosahexanoic (22:6 (n-3)) acids than for triacontatetranoic (30:4 (n-6)), dotriacontatetranoic (32:4 (n-6)), and tetratriacontahexanoic (34:6 (n-3)) acids, although all of these fatty acids gave responses larger than FMLP. A similar decline in activity with increasing carbon chain length was observed for the monoenoic VLCFA (22:1 (n-9) to 34:1 (n-9)). 32:4 (n-6) did not affect responses to a maximally stimulatory concentration of 20:4 (n-6). However, the simultaneous addition of 20:4 (n-6) and 30:4 (n-6) gave additive responses if suboptimal dosages of 20:4 (n-6) were used. This suggests that the LCFA and VLCFA may use the same signal transduction systems. In addition, 30:4 (n-6) was only 10% as effective as was 20:4 (n-6) at gaining access to the organic solvent extractable cellular fraction. This figure correlated with the relative biologic potency of 20:4 (n-6) and 30:4 (n-6), suggesting that the extent of association with the cell may regulate the biologic activity of the fatty acids. The saturates, arachidic (20:0) and cerotic (26:0) acids, were either inactive or poor activators in all assay systems examined. The failure of 20:0 to induce superoxide production and the lower responses to 30:4 (n-6) and 34:6 (n-3) were not because of extracellular Ca2+, because the biologic potency of these fatty acids was not greatly enhanced by removing Ca2+ from the extracellular medium. In contrast, 20:4 (n-6)- and 22:6 (n-3)-induced superoxide production was markedly increased under Ca(2+)-free conditions.