bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humoral recall responses in HIV infection. Levels, specificity, and affinity of antigen-specific IgG.
Authors: Janoff E N , Hardy W D , Smith P D , Wahl S M
Published: December 2022

To evaluate the integrity of humoral immunologic memory among persons with HIV infection, we measured the levels, specificity, and functional affinity of circulating antibodies to vaccine-related recall Ag, tetanus (TT) and diphtheria toxoids (DT), and to naturally acquired measles virus, in sera from 17 HIV-seronegative control subjects, 17 asymptomatic HIV-seropositive patients, and 10 patients with AIDS. Preimmunization levels of TT- and measles-specific IgG were similar in all groups, although DT-specific IgG was lower in AIDS patients. Four wk after immunization with TT3 and DT, all groups showed significantly increased specific antibody levels (p less than 0.02). The asymptomatic HIV+ patients and control subjects achieved similar peak serum levels of TT-specific IgG (102 +/- 32 and 169 +/- 36 micrograms/ml, respectively). In contrast, the AIDS patients had lower peak values of both TT- and DT- specific IgG (p less than 0.05). Peak levels correlated directly with the number of CD4+ T cells (p less than 0.05). However, 80 to 100% of all participants tested, independent of HIV status, showed higher levels of TT- and DT-specific IgG 6 mo after immunization compared with preimmunization levels. The antitoxoid antibodies were specific as they did not cross-react with other Ag in competitive inhibition experiments. In addition, all groups exhibited antibodies to TT and DT both pre- and postimmunization of equivalent functional affinity (avidity) (Kd = 10(-10)-10(-11) mol/liter). We conclude that, in contrast to the profoundly depressed humoral responses to new Ag, persons with asymptomatic HIV infection retain humoral immunity to certain recall Ag. These levels of specific IgG to three recall Ag are not proportional to elevated levels of total serum IgG in HIV-infected patients. In addition, many patients with HIV respond to challenge with recall Ag by producing significant amounts of high affinity IgG that may persist over time.
Regulation of IL-6 expression by oncostatin M.
Authors: Brown T J , Rowe J M , Liu J W , Shoyab M
Published: December 2022

Endothelial cells produce immunomodulatory cytokines in response to soluble mediators of inflammatory/immune reactions. We have previously demonstrated that the leukocyte-derived cytokine, oncostatin M (Onco M) can alter endothelial cell morphology, regeneration, and fibrinolytic activity in vitro. Here we demonstrate that Onco M stimulates the production of the pleiotropic cytokine, IL-6, in cultured human endothelial cells (HEC) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Specific antibodies to IL-6 neutralize the growth-inhibitory activity for human breast carcinoma cells that is secreted by HEC in response to Onco M treatment. Specific immunoassays indicate greater than 10-fold increases in the IL-6 content of culture supernatants as early as 6 h post-treatment with Onco M (ED50 = 17 pM). This stimulation of IL-6 production by Onco M is associated with a sevenfold increase in intracellular levels of IL-6 mRNA. IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha are also potent inducers of IL-6 production in these cells, the order of potency being IL-1 alpha greater than Onco M greater than TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha, but not IL-1 alpha, synergizes with Onco M to augment IL-6 production in HEC. HEC are 10 to 20 times more responsive to Onco M than are other nonendothelial cell types. In addition, HEC express 10 to 20 times greater numbers of high affinity cell-surface receptors for Onco M than do other nonendothelial cell types. Based on these findings, we propose that Onco M may represent a new immunomodulator regulating cytokine-induced gene products in endothelial cells.
IL-2 binding activates a tyrosine-phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase.
Authors: Merida I , Diez E , Gaulton G N
Published: December 2022

IL-2 was shown to induce phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase activity in the CTLL-2 murine lymphocyte line. Tyrosine phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase was demonstrated by immunoabsorption with antiphosphotyrosine antibody and was coincident with activation of an IL-2R-associated tyrosine kinase. Half-maximal activation of this enzyme, and of cell proliferation, occurred at 30 pM IL-2. Incubation of cells with genistein, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocked IL-2-dependent activation of receptor-associated tyrosine kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase activities, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase is a component of the IL-2R signal transduction process.
Moloney murine leukemia virus tolerance in anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody-treated adult mice.
Authors: Biasi G , Facchinetti A , Panozzo M , Zanovello P , Chieco-Bianchi L , Collavo D
Published: December 2022

Adult mice injected with Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) 1 day after a short term treatment with anti-CD4 mAb developed T cell lymphomas, or sarcomas when rechallenged with Moloney murine sarcoma virus (M-MSV). Neoplastic development was correlated with virus spread, as thymic and peripheral T and B lymphocytes promptly expressed M-MuLV-induced Ag after virus introduction; no virus-specific CTL generation was detected in MLTC. This failure, which was selective for M-MuLV-induced Ag, persisted throughout the life span of the mice, and was not sustained by suppressor cell activity. The frequencies of splenic virus-specific CTL precursor varied in relation to time after virus injection; in the first postinjection month, frequencies were similar to those in nonimmune control mice, while at 4 mo post-virus exposure, they showed a striking reduction. These findings indicate that a transient functional impairment of CD4+ cells at the time of retrovirus injection provided the appropriate milieu for tolerance induction in both the peripheral mature and intrathymic T cell compartments.
Role of lipopolysaccharide and IL-4 in control of transcription of the class II A alpha gene.
Authors: Gravallese E M , Darling J M , Glimcher L H , Boothby M
Published: December 2022

The class II (Ia) MHC molecules are cell surface proteins that regulate the activation of T cells. B lymphocyte expression of class II molecules has been shown to be influenced by a number of external stimuli. It has been previously demonstrated that treatment of these cells with IL-4 leads to an increase in class II gene transcription at 18 h as well as to an increase in steady state class II mRNA. It has also been previously demonstrated that LPS treatment of splenic B cells from athymic mice results in a decrease in steady state mRNA encoding the A alpha class II protein. This decrease persists for at least 18 h. Nuclear run-on transcription assays now demonstrate that although steady state mRNA levels for A alpha are decreased by LPS treatment of athymic mouse lymphocytes, LPS does not decrease A alpha gene transcription, but rather modestly activates transcription of this class II gene. LPS and IL-4 have been demonstrated to be synergistic stimuli for a number of genes. Costimulation of splenic lymphocytes from athymic mice with IL-4 plus LPS leads to activation of transcription, but the increase in transcription is no more than that seen with IL-4 stimulation alone. However, in costimulated lymphocytes, steady state A alpha-encoding mRNA levels are intermediate between the increased levels seen with IL-4 stimulation and the decreased levels seen with LPS stimulation. Therefore, LPS and IL-4 act nonsynergistically in class II gene transcription and the effects of LPS in decreasing steady state mRNA are most likely posttranscriptional. An IL-4-inducible and an LPS-inducible DNA-binding protein have been previously identified in splenic lymphocytes from athymic mice. Both nuclear binding proteins form complexes with the same DNA fragments from a control region of the A alpha gene. These nucleoprotein complexes comigrate under nondenaturing conditions and display identical patterns of binding with a panel of oligonucleotide competitors. Oligonucleotides representing protein binding sites of the IL-4 and LPS-induced DNA-binding proteins cross-compete for protein binding. Therefore, the binding proteins induced by LPS and IL-4 are likely related, and may function at different efficiencies as activators of A alpha gene transcription.
Antigen-specific inhibition of ongoing murine IgE responses. II. Inhibition of IgE responses induced by treatment with glutaraldehyde-modified allergens is paralleled by reciprocal increases in IgG2a synthesis.
Authors: Hayglass K T , Stefura W P
Published: December 2022

Administration of high m.w. glutaraldehyde-polymerized OVA (termed OVA-POL) before OVA-[A1(OH)3] immunization of C57BL/6 mice markedly impairs their capacity to generate OVA-specific IgE responses, while simultaneously resulting in striking enhancement of Ag-specific IgG2a responses. We demonstrate here that treatment with this class of chemically modified allergen also results in pronounced inhibition of ongoing IgE responses in vivo. The abrogation of well established murine IgE responses that is elicited after treatment with OVA-POL (i) is potent (97%), (ii) is long lived, and (iii) reflects reciprocal regulation of Ag-specific IgE and IgG2a responses in vivo. Moreover, the capacity of OVA-POL-treated mice to generate secondary IgE responses remains strongly decreased for at least 260 days and six subsequent immunizations with native allergen, despite there being no further treatment with modified allergen. These changes in IgE and IgG2a responsiveness are Ag specific and T cell dependent.
CD28 delivers a costimulatory signal involved in antigen-specific IL-2 production by human T cells.
Authors: Jenkins M K , Taylor P S , Norton S D , Urdahl K B
Published: December 2022

CD4+ T cells require two signals to produce maximal amounts of IL-2, i.e., TCR occupancy and an unidentified APC-derived costimulus. Here we show that this costimulatory signal can be delivered by the T cell molecule CD28. An agonistic anti-CD28 mAb, but not IL-1 and/or IL-6, stimulated T cell proliferation by tetanus toxoid-specific T cells cultured with Ag-pulsed, costimulation-deficient APC. Furthermore, the ability of B cell tumor lines to provide costimulatory signals to purified T cells correlated well with expression of the CD28 ligand B7/BB-1. Finally, like anti-CD28 mAb, autologous human APC appeared to stimulate a cyclosporine A-resistant pathway of T cell activation. Together, these results suggest that the two signals required for IL-2 production by CD4+ T cells can be transduced by the TCR and CD28.
Role of single amino acids in the recognition of a T cell epitope.
Authors: Suhrbier A , Rodda S J , Ho P C , Csurhes P , Dunckley H , Saul A , Geysen H M , Rzepczyk C M
Published: December 2022

T cell epitopes can be defined by the use of synthetic peptides, which when added to APC efficiently mimic naturally processed Ag. Free peptide is thought to bind to cell-surface MHC glycoproteins and the TCR then recognizes the resulting complex. The specificity of a tetanus toxin-specific human Th cell clone was investigated using a complete replacement set of peptides in which every amino acid within the minimal T cell epitope was replaced by each of the 19 alternative genetically coded amino acids. Within the minimal epitope, found to be YSYFPSVI (tetanus toxin 593-600), a small number of substitutions could be made without significant loss of activity, defined as substitutions giving peptides whose activity fell within +/- 3 SD of the mean parent response. Y593 could be substituted with F, W, M, L, V, and I; S594 with G and T; Y595, F596, and P597 with no other amino acids; S598 with A; V599 with S, and I600 with L. Rank ordering of the substitutions allowed a precise description to be made of MHC and/or TCR interaction with each amino acid side chain within the epitope. Simplified theoretic calculations based on this study indicate that class II T cell recognition has a specificity greater than 1 in 10(8). Competition experiments indicate that Y595, F596, P597, and I600 are critical for binding of this epitope to its restricting element, HLA DR4Dw14.
Expression of a nonpolymorphic MHC class I-like molecule, CD1D, by human intestinal epithelial cells.
Authors: Blumberg R S , Terhorst C , Bleicher P , McDermott F V , Allan C H , Landau S B , Trier J S , Balk S P
Published: December 2022

The human CD1 locus encodes three nonpolymorphic MHC class I-like cell surface glycoproteins, CD1a-c, which are expressed primarily by immature thymocytes. A mAb and antipeptide antiserum were utilized to determine the tissue distribution of a fourth CD1 molecule, CD1d. Within the lymphoid lineage, CD1d was expressed on B cells but not on thymocytes. Immunoperoxidase staining of fresh frozen intestinal tissues demonstrated that the majority of intestinal epithelial cells, with the exception of cells at the base of some crypts, expressed CD1d. The CD1d staining was observed in the cytoplasm and along the basolateral membranes of the epithelial cells. The intestinal epithelial cell expression of CD1d was confirmed by immunoblotting with a CD1d antipeptide antiserum. Further immunoperoxidase studies indicated that CD1d, unlike murine CD1, was also expressed by nonlymphoid tissues outside of the gastrointestinal tract. The expression of CD1d outside the lymphoid and myeloid lineages clearly distinguishes this molecule from CD1a-c and suggests that it may serve a distinct function. The prominent expression of CD1d by intestinal epithelial cells suggests that this molecule may be an important ligand for T lymphocytes within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Ig H chain variable and C region genes in common variable immunodeficiency. Characterization of two new deletion haplotypes.
Authors: Olsson P G , Hofker M H , Walter M A , Smith S , Hammarström L , Smith C I , Cox D W
Published: December 2022

Common variable immunodeficiency, a disorder characterized by diminished antibody production, manifests clinically as an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. We have investigated the Ig H chain V and C region gene segments in 33 patients with common variable immunodeficiency, to identify the possible role these genes may have in the molecular basis of the defect. No major deletions were recognized for the VH gene segments of the VH2, VH5, and VH6 families, nor were there any differences in the RFLP patterns of mu- or alpha- switch regions or of C gamma genes. Two new deletion haplotypes were identified for the C region genes, the first encompassing C gamma 1 on a different haplotype from the C gamma 1 deletion described previously, and the second a novel deletion encompassing both C gamma 2 and C gamma 4. Based on these and previously described deletions in the IGHC region, we postulate that homologous regions are involved in the deletion process and that other new deletions likely exist in the population.
Complete sequence of the allergen Amb alpha II. Recombinant expression and reactivity with T cells from ragweed allergic patients.
Authors: Rogers B L , Morgenstern J P , Griffith I J , Yu X B , Counsell C M , Brauer A W , King T P , Garman R D , Kuo M C
Published: December 2022

This study defines the complete primary structure of Amb alpha II, an important allergen produced by short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). The deduced amino acid sequence derived from the cDNA indicates that Amb alpha II shares approximately 65% sequence identity with the Amb alpha I multigene family of allergens. Full-length cDNA encoding Amb alpha I.1 and Amb alpha II have been expressed in E. coli and purified. An in-frame linker encoding polyhistidine has been added to the 5' end of the cDNA to facilitate purification using Ni2+ ion affinity chromatography, yielding greater than 90% pure recombinant protein in a single step. T cells from patients allergic to ragweed proliferate in response to pollen extract as well as purified recombinant Amb alpha I.1 and Amb alpha II. T cell lines established using either Amb alpha I.1 or II as the stimulating Ag exhibit a high level of cross-reactivity to both proteins. This result is entirely consistent with the extensive primary sequence identity shared by these two proteins. These data suggest that allergic humans recognize shared T cell epitopes on these two related molecules.
Leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (LAM-1, L-selectin) interacts with an inducible endothelial cell ligand to support leukocyte adhesion.
Authors: Spertini O , Luscinskas F W , Kansas G S , Munro J M , Griffin J D , Gimbrone M A , Tedder T F
Published: December 2022

The human lymphocyte homing receptor, LAM-1, mediates the adhesion of lymphocytes to specialized high endothelial venules (HEV) of peripheral lymph nodes. We now report that LAM-1 is also a major mediator of leukocyte attachment to activated human endothelium. In a novel adhesion assay, LAM-1 was shown to mediate approximately 50% of the adhesion of both lymphocytes and neutrophils to TNF-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells at 4 degrees C. The contribution of LAM-1 to leukocyte adhesion was only detectable when the assays were carried out under rotating (nonstatic) conditions, suggesting that LAM-1 is involved in the initial attachment of leukocytes to endothelium. In this assay at 37 degrees C, essentially all lymphocyte attachment to endothelium was mediated by LAM-1, VLA-4/VCAM-1, and the CD11/CD18 complex, whereas neutrophil attachment was mediated by LAM-1, endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1, and CD11/CD18. Thus, multiple receptors are necessary to promote optimal leukocyte adhesion to endothelium. LAM-1 also appeared to be involved in optimal neutrophil transendothelial migration using a videomicroscopic in vitro transmigration model system. LAM-1-dependent leukocyte adhesion required the induction and surface expression of a neuraminidase-sensitive molecule that was expressed for at least 24 h on activated endothelium. Expression of the LAM-1 ligand by endothelium was optimally induced by LPS and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, whereas IFN-gamma and IL-4 induced lower levels of expression. The LAM-1 ligand on HEV and cytokine treated endothelium may be similar carbohydrate-containing molecules, because phosphomannan monoester core complex from yeast Hansenula hostii cell wall blocked binding of lymphocytes to both cell types, and identical epitopes on LAM-1-mediated lymphocyte attachment to HEV and activated endothelium. Thus, LAM-1 and its inducible endothelial ligand constitute a new pair of adhesion molecules that may regulate initial leukocyte/endothelial interactions at sites of inflammation.
IL-6 and IL-6 receptor modulation by IFN-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in human monocytic cell line (THP-1). Priming effect of IFN-gamma.
Authors: Sanceau J , Wijdenes J , Revel M , Wietzerbin J
Published: December 2022

The present work is a detailed study of the mechanism of IFN-gamma- and TNF-alpha-triggered IL-6 secretion and IL-6 gene expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells and of the effect of these cytokines on the expression of IL-6 surface receptor and IL-6R gene. Although TNF-alpha was shown to stimulate IL-6 expression in fibroblasts in monocytic THP-1 cells, IFN-gamma is required for TNF to induce IL-6 expression. The results reported here demonstrate that combined treatment of THP-1 cells with IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha induced IL-6 mRNA expression, whereas no significant induction was obtained by either cytokine alone. Nuclear run-on transcription assay showed that the increased level of IL-6 mRNA induced by IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha was associated with induction of gene transcription. Sequential stimulation of THP-1 cells by IFN-gamma and subsequently by TNF-alpha did not allow IL-6 gene induction, suggesting that IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha induced or activated different signaling factors which should act together to trigger IL-6 gene transcription. IFN-gamma pretreatment followed by IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha restimulation led to superinduction of the IL-6 gene expression with a concomitant increase in IL-6-secreted activity. This priming effect of IFN-gamma is dependent on active protein synthesis. Biochemical characterization of IL-6 proteins secreted by THP-1 cells by Western blotting and affinity chromatography allowed identification of a major IL-6 molecular species of 42 kDa and a minor one of 23 kDa. Furthermore, we showed here that IFN-gamma increased the IL-6R mRNA level with a concomitant increase in IL-6-specific binding to surface receptors. On the contrary, treatment with IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha reduced the level of IL-6R mRNA and IL-6 binding to THP-1 cells probably due to a ligand-mediated effect. Taken together, results reported here provide evidence that functional interaction between IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha is involved in the regulation of IL-6 and IL-6R expression in monocytic cells. Control of IL-6 production and IL-6R expression may be one of the important homeostatic properties of IFN-gamma.
Membrane vesiculation protects erythrocytes from destruction by complement.
Authors: Iida K , Whitlow M B , Nussenzweig V
Published: December 2022

Nucleated cells can resist attack by C by exocytosis or endocytosis of the terminal C components C5b-9 (membrane attack complex) (MAC), but it is generally accepted that formation of a single MAC channel on E leads to lysis (one-hit theory). We find that human and guinea pig E, but not SRBC, can eliminate the MAC from the membrane in the form of microvesicles and escape destruction. When guinea pig or human E are incubated with C5b-9, vesiculation proceeds without a lag and is detected at nonlytic doses of C9. Continuous Ca2+ influx is required for vesiculation. The amount of released vesicles is in direct relation to Ca2+ concentration, and the increase in vesiculation is associated with a parallel decrease in lysis. SRBC, which do not vesiculate when Ca2+ loaded, are lysed by C5b-9 with the same efficiency in the presence or absence of Ca2+. Vesicles released from guinea pig RBC under C5b-9 attack are enriched in C9 by a factor of 10, compared with the unlysed cells, and by a factor of 3 to 4, compared with ghosts. We conclude that E are protected from lysis not only by CD59 and C8bp/HRF, which prevent MAC assembly, but also by selective elimination of the MAC.
Recognition of the influenza hemagglutinin by class II MHC-restricted T lymphocytes and antibodies. I. Site definition and implications for antigen presentation and T lymphocyte recognition.
Authors: Brown L R , Nygard N R , Graham M B , Bono C , Braciale V L , Gorka J , Schwartz B D , Braciale T J
Published: December 2022

We have identified the site encompassing residues 126-145 on the A/Japan/57 influenza hemagglutinin molecule that is recognized in association with HLA-DRw11 by a clonal population of human, influenza specific, CD4+ cytolytic T lymphocytes. The critical core sequence of the T cell determinant spans hemagglutinin residues 129-140 and overlaps a putative antibody binding site. Hemagglutinins of influenza field strains that are not recognized by the T cell clones contain sequence alterations within the 129-140 target site of the CD4+ T cells. Functional analyses, with synthetic peptides, of the contribution of each of the residues within the sequence toward the capacity of the antigenic fragment to associate with both the restriction element and the TCR revealed a continuous linear array of residues necessary for MHC binding and/or Ag receptor engagement. At least one residue, the lysine at position 134, was shown to be critical for both DRw11 association and TCR recognition. The significance of these findings for recognition of glycoproteins by human CD4+ T cells is discussed.
A role for transforming growth factor-beta 1 in regulating natural killer cell and T lymphocyte proliferative responses during acute infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
Authors: Su H C , Leite-Morris K A , Braun L , Biron C A
Published: December 2022

The role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in regulating NK and T cell proliferation during acute viral infections was investigated. After infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, NK cell proliferation peaks on day 3 and subsides by days 5 to 7 postinfection, whereas T cell proliferation peaks on day 7 and declines by days 9 to 14 postinfection. As TGF-beta 1 has been shown to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation in culture, the production and function of TGF-beta 1 during infection was evaluated in this model. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the accumulation of TGF-beta 1 transcripts remained relatively constant in total splenic leukocytes during infection. The Mv 1 Lu mink lung cell bioassay was modified and used to evaluate the production of biologically active TGF-beta 1 during infection. Media conditioned with splenic leukocytes isolated from infected mice contained factors that inhibited DNA synthesis by the Mv 1 Lu cells. Low levels of inhibition were observed with conditioned media prepared on day 3 postinfection and high levels of inhibition were observed with conditioned media prepared on days 5 through 14 postinfection. Neutralization with antibodies specific for TGF-beta 1 demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 contributed to the inhibitory activity. As TGF-beta 1 was produced at times coinciding with the decline in NK cell proliferation, the TGF-beta 1 sensitivity of in vivo-elicited NK cells was evaluated. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that NK cell proliferation was extremely sensitive to inhibition by TGF-beta 1. In culture, TGF-beta 1 had an ID50 of 8 pg/ml for inhibiting DNA synthesis by blast NK cells. In vivo, administration of a total of 0.18 micrograms of TGF-beta 1 resulted in a 93% inhibition of NK cell-mediated lytic units per spleen on day 3 postinfection. The inhibition was a result of a block in NK cell proliferation, as administration of TGF-beta 1 profoundly suppressed the appearance of blast size NK cells and the incorporation of [3H] thymidine by NK cell-enriched, blast lymphocyte populations on day 3 postinfection. In contrast to NK cell proliferation, T cell proliferation was not inhibited by up to 100-fold higher concentrations of the factor in vitro or in vivo. Taken together, these data demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 is an important regulator of NK cell proliferation in vivo. Furthermore, the results indicate that differential sensitivity to TGF-beta 1 may contribute to the coordination of NK and T cell responses during viral infections.
Tumor necrosis factor-independent protective effect of recombinant IFN-gamma against acute toxoplasmosis in T cell-deficient mice.
Authors: Suzuki Y , Joh K , Kobayashi A
Published: December 2022

rIFN-gamma conferred remarkable resistance against acute infection with Toxoplasma gondii in T cell-deficient (athymic nude) mice. Mice that received an i.p. injection of rIFN-gamma every other day beginning 24 h before infection for a total of eight doses survived significantly longer than untreated control mice although all of the treated mice died after the lymphokine was discontinued. Mice that received 14 doses of rIFN-gamma survived significantly longer than those that received eight doses of the lymphokine although mice started dying soon after the final (14th) injection of rIFN-gamma and eventually all of the treated mice died. Histologic study revealed that the IFN-gamma treatment prevented proliferation of the organisms in all organs examined, including brain, lung, heart, liver, and spleen. The treatment was effective even when started 1 day after infection. Peritoneal macrophages obtained from mice injected with rIFN-gamma were activated and effectively killed tachyzoites of T. gondii in vitro. TNF activity could not be detected in sera of the infected mice during treatment with rIFN-gamma. Administration of anti-TNF antibody did not affect the protective effect of rIFN-gamma against T. gondii infection. These facts indicate that rIFN-gamma can confer resistance to acute infection with T. gondii without collaboration of lymphokines derived from T cells and TNF. This suggests that rIFN-gamma may be effective for therapy of toxoplasmosis in immunosuppressed patients who have impaired activity of T cell function, especially those with AIDS.
Nuclear transcription factors that bind to elements of the IL-2 promoter. Induction requirements in primary human T cells.
Authors: Granelli-Piperno A , Nolan P
Published: December 2022

Prior studies have identified several elements that contribute to the activity of the IL-2 promoter in the stimulated T cell line, Jurkat. The sites and their corresponding nuclear binding factors include: NF-kappa B, AP-1, AP-3, OCT-1, and NF-AT. The latter "nuclear factor for activated T cells" likely contributes to the tissue specificity of IL-2 gene expression. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we have studied these transcription factors in primary T cells from human blood to verify their presence in a physiologic setting and to identify the signals that stimulate factor activity. All factors are induced in the nuclei of T cells upon activation with mitogens but not with exogenous IL-2 growth factor. However, the signaling requirements and sensitivity to protein synthesis inhibitors differ considerably. Only the activities for NF-AT and AP-1 sites require two signals for optimal induction, i.e., PMA plus either lectin or antibody to the CD3 or CD28 surface molecules. Other factors are induced by lectin, antibody, and/or PMA alone. After appropriate stimulation, both NF-AT and AP-1 are peculiarly sensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin. Our data correlate the activity of NF-AT and AP-1 in gel shift assays with the two signals requirements for IL-2 gene expression.
Characterization of the human Ig V lambda II gene family and analysis of V lambda II and C lambda polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Authors: Paul E , Livneh A , Manheimer-Lory A J , Diamond B
Published: December 2022

We report the cDNA sequence of an expressed human V lambda II gene and present an RFLP analysis of the Ig gene family defined by this clone. This V lambda II gene was expressed in a monoclonal B cell line generated from a patient with SLE by transformation with EBV. The encoded lambda L chain displays the 8.12 Id, an Id common to anti-DNA antibodies from patients with SLE. Using a coding region probe we estimate from Southern blot analysis that the germline V lambda II gene family contains at least 15 members. Many of the V lambda II restriction fragments are polymorphic both in SLE patients and in nonautoimmune individuals. EcoRI, HindIII, and TaqI RFLP analyses of the V lambda II gene family and EcoRI analysis of the C lambda gene family reveal no polymorphisms specific to SLE. Observed V lambda II and C lambda allele frequencies are the same among SLE patients and nonautoimmune individuals, and show no evidence of linkage disequilibrium between the two loci.
Role of tumor-derived cytokines on the immune system of mice bearing a mammary adenocarcinoma. II. Down-regulation of macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity by tumor-derived granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
Authors: Sotomayor E M , Fu Y X , Lopez-Cepero M , Herbert L , Jimenez J J , Albarracin C , Lopez D M
Published: December 2022

Peritoneal elicited macrophages (PEM) from mammary tumor-bearing mice have a decreased capacity to become cytotoxic against syngeneic, allogeneic, and xenogeneic target cells upon in vitro stimulation with LPS, as compared with PEM of normal mice. A regulatory mechanism other than PG release is suggested because the addition of both indomethacin and LPS to macrophage cultures from tumor-bearing mice caused no changes in their cytotoxic capability. Because tumor products have been implicated in the down-regulation of immune responses, we investigated whether pretreatment with supernatants from the tumor cell line DA-3, derived from the in vivo mammary adenocarcinoma D1-DMBA-3, affects the cytolytic capacity of macrophages. This treatment inhibits, in a dose-dependent fashion, the ability of stimulated normal PEM to kill target cells. Partial purification of DA-3 cell line supernatant showed that most of the inhibitory activity was exerted by factors with a molecular mass greater than 10 kDa and less than 30 kDa. However, slight inhibition could also be observed with fractions containing molecules less than 10 kDa. The data suggest that more than one factor released by the mammary tumor cells may be involved in the down-regulation of macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity. Because the DA-3 cells constitutively produce granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), which has a molecular mass of 27 kDa, we pretreated PEM from normal mice in vitro with rGM-CSF for 24 h. This resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in their capacity to kill tumor target cells upon LPS stimulation. Furthermore, PEM from normal mice injected with rGM-CSF for 25 days displayed a profound decrease in their cytolytic ability against DA-3 targets upon in vitro stimulation with increasing amounts of LPS. The pretreatment of PEM from normal mice with a combination of DA-3 cell supernatants and specific anti-GM-CSF partially neutralized the inhibitory effect of the DA-3 supernatant on macrophage tumoricidal capability. These results indicate that tumor-derived GM-CSF is an important factor involved in the decreased macrophage cytotoxicity during mammary adenocarcinoma progression.
Induction and regulation of casein kinase II during B lymphocyte activation.
Authors: DeBenedette M , Snow E C
Published: December 2022

This study evaluates the regulation of casein kinase II (CK II) activity in resting B cells induced to enter the cell cycle. The induction of B cell cycle progression PMA and ionomycin results in an oscillatory expression of CK II. This kinase activity is also elicited after direct physical interaction between B cells and activated, fixed Th cells, indicating that the increase seen in CK II activity is probably associated with the delivery of the competence-inducing signal to resting B cells. The selective inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme for polyamine biosynthesis, during PMA and ionomycin-induction of B cell cycle progression, inhibits the expression of CK II activity. The addition of polyamines to cytosolic preparations recovered from cells in which ODC is inhibited results in the appearance of CK II activity, showing that the ODC inhibitor does not directly inhibit the kinase. The treatment of B cells with cycloheximide results in the appearance of CK II activity within 15 min, and this induction is partially explainable by a cycloheximide-elicited increase in cellular levels of polyamines. The artificial elevation of cellular levels of cAMP simultaneous with the addition of PMA and ionomycin results in a 150 to 200% increase in detectable CK II levels, suggesting that the cAMP-dependent signaling cascade may participate during the early regulation of CK II. In contrast, the inhibition of protein kinase C does not adversely influence the early expression of CK II, while actually enhancing kinase activity by 18 h poststimulation.
Macrophages as accessory cells for class I MHC-restricted immune responses.
Authors: Debrick J E , Campbell P A , Staerz U D
Published: December 2022

Ag do not elicit T lymphocyte responses unless they are presented in conjunction with MHC molecules on the surface of an appropriate APC. In the case of CD4+ T lymphocytes dendritic cells can deliver all signals required for complete induction as can macrophages and (activated) B cells. The function of CTL also depends on the presence of specialized accessory cells. Here we show that these accessory cells can behave like scavenger cells. They use foreign Ag in the form of cellular debris as immunogen. They are also crucial for CTL induction because in vivo depletion of phagocytotic cells completely inhibits CTL responses. In these animals CTL activity could be restored by transfer of macrophages. All of the reappearing CTL used MHC restriction elements expressed by the infused macrophages. These experiments suggest that a cognate interaction between macrophages and CTL precursors initiates class I MHC-restricted immune responses.
The role of LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions during murine T lymphocyte development.
Authors: Fine J S , Kruisbeek A M
Published: December 2022

We have examined the expression and function of the cell adhesion molecules LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), ICAM-1 (CD54), and ICAM-2 in murine fetal thymic ontogeny and in the adult thymus. On fetal days 14 and 15, 40 to 50% of thymocytes coexpress high levels of LFA-1 and ICAM-1, as determined by flow cytometry. By day 16, more than 90% of fetal thymocytes are LFA-1+ ICAM-1hi, and all IL-2R+ cells are located in this population. Although LFA-1 expression remains unchanged thereafter, ICAM-1 expression appears to be differentially regulated in different thymocyte subpopulations, with CD4+8+ cells being ICAM-1lo and CD4-8- thymocytes remaining ICAM-1hi. ICAM-2 surface expression is dull on both fetal and adult thymocytes. Surprisingly, the expression of ICAM-1 is differentially up-regulated on T cells having a mature phenotype in thymus and in peripheral lymphoid organs, with CD8+ T cells bearing the highest amount of surface ICAM-1. Addition of anti-ICAM-1 or anti-LFA-1 antibodies to fetal thymic organ cultures results in the impaired generation of CD4+8+ cells. These results indicate that LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions facilitate murine thymic development and suggest that cell adhesion molecules mediate important events in T cell differentiation.
Identification of cell surface receptors for murine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha.
Authors: Oh K O , Zhou Z , Kim K K , Samanta H , Fraser M , Kim Y J , Broxmeyer H E , Kwon B S
Published: December 2022

We have produced recombinant proteins for a cytokine, L2G25BP (macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha) (MIP-1 alpha). By using the recombinant protein (rMIP-1 alpha), receptors for MIP-1 alpha were identified on Con A-stimulated and unstimulated CTLL-R8, a T cell line, and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7, a macrophage cell line. The 125I-rMIP-1 alpha binds to the receptor in a specific and saturable manner. Scatchard analysis indicated a single class of high affinity receptor, with a Kd of approximately 1.5 x 10(-9) M and approximately 1200 binding sites/Con A-stimulated CTLL-R8 cell and a Kd of 0.9 x 10(-9) M and approximately 380 binding sites/RAW 264.7 cell. 125I-rMIP-1 alpha binding was inhibited by unlabeled rMIP-1 alpha in a dose-dependent manner, but not by IL-1 alpha or IL-2. rMIP-1 alpha inhibited the proliferation of unstimulated CTLL-R8 cells. Rabbit anti-rMIP-1 alpha antibodies blocked the growth-inhibitory effect of the rMIP-1 alpha on CTLL-R8 cells.
IL-4-dependent IgE switch in membrane IgA-positive human B cells.
Authors: Zhang X H , Werner-Favre C , Tang H Y , Brouwers N , Bonnefoy J Y , Zubler R H
Published: December 2022

IgE responses by human B cells, separated according to membrane Ig classes, were analyzed in a clonal assay using EL-4 thymoma cells as helper cells, T cell supernatant, and rIL-4. In cultures seeded by means of the autoclone apparatus of the FACS, IgE responses were generated frequently by either IgM (mu+/gamma-alpha-) or IgA (alpha +/mu-)-positive B cells (16 and 14% of the Ig producing wells, respectively), but rarely by IgG (gamma +/mu-)-positive B cells (1.3% of Ig producing wells). The total amounts of Ig secreted by IgM-, IgG-, or IgA-positive cells and the total proportions of responding autoclone wells (23-27%) were comparable. All IgE secretion was IL-4 dependent. When the Ig secretion patterns from alpha +/mu- vs alpha +/mu-epsilon- B cells were compared, most autoclone wells from both types of cells produced IgA only, and similar proportions of IgA producing wells (6.2 and 6.0%) also secreted IgE. In addition, IgE restricted responses occurred 6 times more frequently with alpha +/mu- than with alpha +/mu-epsilon- cells, which suggests that membrane IgA+E double-positive, IgE committed B cells occur in vivo. The isotype pattern generated by alpha +/mu-epsilon- B cells cannot be explained by a chance assortment of separate IgA and IgE precursors or by cytophilic antibody. Thus, IL-4 dependent switch to IgE occurred frequently in IgM- or IgA-positive, but rarely among total IgG-positive, B cells. This could be relevant to IgE production in mucosal tissues rich in IgA expressing B cells.
Contribution of the repeating domains of membrane cofactor protein (CD46) of the complement system to ligand binding and cofactor activity.
Authors: Adams E M , Brown M C , Nunge M , Krych M , Atkinson J P
Published: December 2022

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) (CD46) of the C system binds to C3b and C4b, functions as a cofactor for their cleavage, and protects autologous cells from C-mediated injury. The predominant structural motif of MCP is the short consensus repeat (SCR), a repeating domain involved in ligand binding of other related C regulatory proteins. SCR deletion mutants were constructed to determine which of the four SCR of MCP contribute to ligand binding and cofactor activity. ELISA were developed to evaluate binding efficiency of mutants to ligand. Analysis of the deletion mutants indicated that the third and fourth SCR were important for both ligand binding and cofactor activity of C3b (iC3) and C4b. In addition, the same SCR were required for efficient binding of an mAb known to inhibit MCP function. The mutant deleted of SCR-2 bound but lacked cofactor activity for iC3. It did not bind or possess cofactor activity for C4b. Deletion of the first (amino-terminal) SCR had a minimal effect on iC3 binding and cofactor activity but reduced the efficiency of C4b binding. The results identify the SCR of MCP that contribute to ligand binding and cofactor activity. The data also suggest the presence of distinguishable iC3 and C4b binding sites and provide evidence that iC3 binding is not always sufficient for cofactor activity.
Molecular heterogeneity of e antigen polypeptides in sera from carriers of hepatitis B virus.
Authors: Takahashi K , Kishimoto S , Ohori K , Yoshizawa H , Machida A , Ohnuma H , Tsuda F , Munekata E , Miyakawa Y , Mayumi M
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis B e Ag (HBeAg) was isolated from pooled sera of carriers, without abnormalities in liver function, by affinity column chromatography with mAb against HBeAg. HBeAg polypeptide with an estimated molecular size of 20,000 Da (p20e) was detected, in addition to regular HBeAg polypeptides (p17e/p18e). p20e, as well as p17e/p18e, did not bind with mAb against the carboxyl-terminal domain of the C-gene product. p20e disclosed an N-terminal sequence of MQLFHLXLII- (X unknown), whereas p17e had that of SKLXLGXLXGMDIDPXKEFG- (X's unknown). By comparing them with the amino acid sequence encoded by the precore region and C gene of hepatitis B virus DNA, p20e was deduced to possess amino acids 1 to 19 of the precore-region product at the N-terminus, which contains signal sequence and usually removed before the secretion of HBeAg. p17e had amino acids 20 to 29 of the precore-region product that continued to the C-gene product. Inasmuch as p20e was invariably detected in HBeAg preparations from carriers without evidence for liver disease, it would not have been released into the circulation from destructed hepatocytes. HBeAg polypeptide bearing an uncleaved signal sequence would help in further understanding the mechanism of HBeAg secretion.
cDNA cloning of mouse NKR-P1 and genetic linkage with LY-49. Identification of a natural killer cell gene complex on mouse chromosome 6.
Authors: Yokoyama W M , Ryan J C , Hunter J J , Smith H R , Stark M , Seaman W E
Published: December 2022

NK cells lyse tumor cells and virally infected cells, but the molecular basis for this phenomenon has not been defined. A mAb specific for the rat cell surface molecule, NKR-P1, stimulates rat NK cell lytic activity and is reactive with all rat NK cells, suggesting that this molecule may play a significant role in NK cell function. We have previously described another NK cell-specific Ag, Ly-49, that belongs to a family of cross-hybridizing genes on distal mouse chromosome 6. The rat NKR-P1 Ag shares several features with the mouse Ly-49 Ag, including selective cell surface expression on NK cells, homology to the C-type lectins, expression as a type II integral membrane protein, and disulfide-linked homodimeric structure. To further examine the relationship of NKR-P1 to Ly-49, we have cloned the cDNA encoding a mouse homologue of NKR-P1 (mNKR-P1). The mouse and rat NKR-P1-deduced polypeptide sequences are highly conserved, suggesting a similar tertiary structure. By examination of DNA from informative recombinant inbred mice with Southern blot analysis, we have determined that mNKR-P1 is encoded by a distinct gene that is genetically linked to the Ly-49 locus, lying within 0.5 centi-Morgan (cM) of Ly-49. Although the deduced amino acid sequences of mNKR-P1 and Ly-49 reveal that these proteins are structurally similar, they are only 24% identical at the amino acid level and the cDNA sequences do not demonstrate significant nucleotide homology. Our studies suggest that we have identified a region on mouse chromosome 6 that includes distinct NK-specific genes that encode structurally related proteins (type II integral membrane proteins, C-type lectin super-gene family) but which demonstrate considerable heterogeneity. We have termed this genetic region the NK complex.
MHC class I-restricted presentation of exogenous antigen by thymic antigen-presenting cells in vitro and in vivo.
Authors: Grant E P , Rock K L
Published: December 2022

We have used a T-T hybridoma, RF33.70, to detect the MHC class I-restricted presentation of exogenous native OVA by thymic APC in vitro. Presentation of OVA with class I molecules by thymic APC requires intracellular processing. Phenotypic analyses indicated that low bouyant density, MHC class II+, FcR+ cells are capable of using this presentation pathway. In order to determine whether thymic APC have this function in vivo, thymic APC were isolated from mice after i.v. injection of native OVA. We find that OVA is presented in association with MHC class I, but not class II, molecules in the thymus. This is in contrast to splenic APC, which present exogenous OVA with both class I and class II molecules under these conditions. Our findings have implications for the repertoire of self-peptides that might be presented by thymic APC to developing T lymphocytes.
Yersinia enterocolitica produces superantigenic activity.
Authors: Stuart P M , Woodward J G
Published: December 2022

We have recently observed that antigenic preparations from Yersinia enterocolitica are capable of inducing strong proliferative responses in normal murine spleen cell cultures. As a consequence of this observation, we evaluated whether Yersinia-derived Ag possess superantigenic activity. Stimulatory activity can be found in culture supernatants, as well as membrane and cytoplasmic fractions of Y. enterocolitica. Cell depletion studies indicate that the primary responding cell is a CD4+ T cell, which requires the presence of APC for responsiveness to Y. enterocolitica Ag. Furthermore, these APC must express MHC class II Ag, as evidenced by the fact that either antibody depletion of class II+ APC or addition of anti-class II antibodies (that block class II Ag on the surface of APC) eliminates the proliferative response. Evaluation of TCR usage by BALB/c T cells responsive to Y. enterocolitica revealed that those T cells bearing V beta 3, 6, and 11 and possibly 7 and 9 were expanded after exposure to Y. enterocolitica Ag preparations. By using a panel of T cell hybridomas, we have shown that hybridomas bearing V beta 3, 7, 8.1, 9, and 11 but not 2, 8.2, 8.3, and 13 respond to Yersinia. When cytoplasmic fractions of Y. enterocolitica were subjected to column chromatography, proliferative activity was enriched approximately 27-fold, and the elution characteristics of the active material suggest that it possesses hydrophobic regions and is, therefore, probably membrane associated. These data indicate that Y. enterocolitica produces antigenic material that has properties consistent with those of T cell superantigens.