bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episialin (MUC1) inhibits cytotoxic lymphocyte-target cell interaction.
Authors: van de Wiel-van Kemenade E , Ligtenberg M J , de Boer A J , Buijs F , Vos H L , Melief C J , Hilkens J , Figdor C G
Published: January 2023

Episialin (MUC1) is a mucin-like glycoprotein abundantly expressed on most carcinoma cells. As a result of its extended and rigid structure, it reduces intercellular adhesion. We investigated whether this antiadhesion function allows tumor cells expressing high levels of episialin to escape from immune recognition. To test this hypothesis, we transfected episialin-negative (episialin-) melanoma cells (A375) with the MUC1 cDNA-encoding episialin. The results demonstrated that episialin-positive (episialin+) melanoma cells were significantly less susceptible to lysis than episialin- melanoma cells by both alloantigen or rIL-2-stimulated cytotoxic effector cells. In addition, cold target inhibition experiments with episialin+ and episialin- cells clearly demonstrated preferential lysis of episialin- cells. Furthermore, antibody blocking studies showed that lysis of episialin+, but not of episialin-, melanoma cells was predominantly dependent on the leukocyte function-associated Ag-1/intracellular adhesion molecule adhesion route, suggesting that episialin+ target cells adhere less efficiently to effector cells than episialin- target cells. This notion was supported by the observation that conjugate formation of the effector cells with episialin+ target cells was significantly impaired. From these results we conclude that over-expression of episialin as found on many tumor cells may indeed affect efficient lysis by cytotoxic lymphocytes and thus may contribute to escape from immune surveillance.
Antigen- and isotype-specific immune responses to a recombinant antigen-allergen chimeric (RAAC) protein.
Authors: Zhang L , Mohapatra S S
Published: January 2023

Ag-specific IgE and IgG antibody responses to a recombinant Ag-allergen chimeric (RAAC) protein were examined in B6D2F1 mice. The RAAC protein consisted of the truncated beta-galactosidase (beta-gal), linked at its C terminus to a polypeptide representing the conserved region of the recombinant Kentucky Bluegrass allergen encoded by the cDNA clone KBG8.3(rKBG8.3). Immunization of the mice with the RAAC protein in dextran sulfate as adjuvant led to the differential production of antibodies to the two constituents of RAAC protein with respect to their isotypic classes. Most of the antibody responses to both sets of determinants on the fusion protein were IgG1. In addition, the allergenic polypeptide of RAAC protein induced IgE antibodies, whereas the beta-gal elicited IgG2a antibodies. The same pattern of antibody isotypes was produced when the individual components, rKBG8.3 and beta-gal were separately used for immunization with dextran sulfate. On the other hand, immunization of mice with either RAAC or the beta-gal in CFA induced primarily a IgG response, and no IgE antibodies; however, under the same conditions of immunization rKBG8.3 induced IgG1 antibodies and also low levels of IgE antibodies. In contrast, the RAAC and the beta-gal induced IgG2a antibodies, whereas rKBG8.3 induced no detectable IgG2a antibodies. Furthermore, high titers of IgE antibodies were induced by the rKBG8.3 and not by the RAAC protein in dextran sulfate after the mice had been immunized twice with the same polypeptide in CFA. It is inferred from these results that the induction of isotype-specific immune responses in the animals with the same genetic background is dependent upon the Ag in question as well as the adjuvant; the latter, however, influences the magnitude but does not determine the isotype of the immune responses.
Molecular analysis of spontaneous nephrotropic anti-laminin antibodies in an autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mouse.
Authors: Foster M H , Sabbaga J , Line S R , Thompson K S , Barrett K J , Madaio M P
Published: January 2023

To explore the genetic relationship between anti-laminin and anti-DNA autoantibodies (autoAb), VH gene and gene family expression were determined among autoAb derived from an individual 6-mo-old MRL-lpr/lpr mouse. Whereas 85% of the anti-DNA Ig were identified by one of two VH family probes, 7183 and VHJ558, none of the anti-laminin antibodies (Ab) examined were recognized by these probes. Subsequent V region sequence analysis of three of the anti-laminin Ab revealed that they in fact utilized a J558 VH gene (VH50). Furthermore, FR2 and CDR2 oligonucleotide probes complementary to VH50 recognized multiple anti-laminin Ab by Northern blot analysis; the FR2 probe recognized two control anti-DNA Ab, but neither probe recognized anti-DNA Ab from the same mouse. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of MRL-lpr/lpr genomic liver DNA using primers generated from VH50 and Vk50 sequences indicated that all three anti-laminin Ig have a single replacement mutation in both their VH and Vk genes. Search of the nucleic acid databases revealed that both germline VH and Vk genes are expressed unmutated by murine lupus anti-dsDNA autoAb, previously sequenced in other laboratories. Sequence comparisons suggest that differences in anti-DNA and anti-laminin reactivity may be dependent upon somatically generated differences in the CDR3 regions of the H and L chains. The results indicate that lupus anti-laminin Ab can arise from distinct B cell populations but express the same unmutated germline V region genes as lupus anti-dsDNA autoAb. They further raise the possibility that these distinct B cell populations may be activated and expanded either: independently, by distinct Ig receptor ligands such as the Ag, laminin and DNA; or simultaneously, by a common ligand such as an anti-Id recognizing a common V region epitope.
Restrictions in the repertoire of allospecific T cells. Contribution of the alpha-helical sequence polymorphism of HLA-DR molecules.
Authors: Goronzy J J , Xie C , Hu W , Lundy S K , Weyand C M
Published: January 2023

We have studied the molecular diversity of the allogeneic TCR repertoire specific for the HLA-DR4 variant, DRB1*0404, by analyzing the V beta gene segment usage of CD4+ T cell clones from nine different donors and comparing the V beta repertoire in allospecific and unselected T cell populations. To investigate the forces shaping the repertoire of the alloreactive T cell response we compared the diversity of TCR specificities utilized in very similar and in disparate responder/stimulator combinations. Six of the responders shared the HLA-DRB1*0401 allele, which differs from the HLA-DRB1*0404 allele by only two amino acid substitutions at positions 71 and 86 of the HLA-DR beta 1 chain; three responders expressed HLA-DRB1 alleles with extensive polymorphisms compared with the stimulator HLA-DRB1 allele. In all nine responders, TCR specificities recruited to recognize HLA-DRB1*0404 were strongly biased toward the dominant usage of one to three V beta elements. Despite some degree of heterogeneity between different responders, the overall pattern was very similar with a hierarchy of TCR V beta elements expressed by HLA-DRB1*0404 specific T cells. A core group of V beta elements (V beta 6, 5, 2, 13.2, 18, and 7) was preferentially used, whereas other V beta elements including V beta 3, 4, and 8 were infrequently used or not used at all. Sequencing of the VDJ beta region from selected T cell clones showed no junctional bias associated with the preferential V beta gene segment usage. Surprisingly, the T cell diversity in focused and in complex alloreactive responses were equally biased. The finding that HLA-DR4+ and DR4- donors exhibited a similar bias supports the interpretation that the alpha-helical HLA-DR structure of the stimulator cell has a dominant contribution in shaping the alloreactive repertoire.
Fixation of C3 to IgG attenuates neutrophil HOCl generation and collagenase activation.
Authors: Chatham W W , Blackburn W D
Published: January 2023

Neutrophils stimulated with surface-associated monomeric IgG (SAIgG) release an activated collagenase in association with significant generation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). To determine whether these neutrophil responses are modulated by IgG C fixation, neutrophils were incubated with SAIgG pretreated with normal or C-deficient sera. Treatment of SAIgG with normal sera did not attenuate neutrophil superoxide production, H2O2 generation, or extracellular release of latent collagenase and lactoferrin; however, serum treatment resulted in significant attenuation of SAIgG-induced HOCl generation (75%) and extracellular release of the azurophilic granule constituents myeloperoxidase and cathepsin G. Collagenase activity in supernatants of neutrophils incubated with SAIgG pretreated with normal sera (9.5 +/- 0.8 ng/min) was significantly less than activity in supernatants of neutrophils incubated with SAIgG not treated with sera (15.3 +/- 1.2 ng/min). Treatment of surface adherent monoclonal IgG1 and IgG2 with sera resulted in significantly greater attenuation of HOCl generation compared to serum treatment of IgG4. Attenuation of HOCl generation was not observed when SAIgG was pretreated with heat-inactivated sera, EDTA-chelated sera, or sera depleted of C3; treatment of SAIgG with C5-depleted sera yielded results comparable to treatment with intact sera. These results indicate that C3-derived ligands fixed to adherent Ig alter IgG-induced release of azurophilic granule constituents and HOCl generation by neutrophils.
In vitro maturation of neonatal human CD8 T lymphocytes into IL-4- and IL-5-producing cells.
Authors: Byun D G , Demeure C E , Yang L P , Shu U , Ishihara H , Vezzio N , Gately M K , Delespesse G
Published: January 2023

Naive CD8 T cells isolated from umbilical cord blood were examined for cytokine production and for surface phenotype before and after priming with anti-CD3 mAb in the presence of selected cytokines. On stimulation with anti-CD3 immobilized on CD32-B7-transfected L cells, naive and primed CD8 T cells release high levels of IFN-gamma but no IL-2, IL-4, or IL-5. IL-12-primed cells, and to a lesser extent IL-2-primed cells, have an increased capacity to produce IFN-gamma but display the same restricted pattern of cytokine production. Cells primed in the presence of IL-4 or IL-4 + IL-2 are capable of producing high levels of IL-5 but no IL-4, and their IFN-gamma-producing capacity is much reduced. Cells primed with both IL-4 + IL-12 produce high levels of IL-5 and IFN-gamma but no IL-4. IL-4-producing CD8 T cells are obtained only if IL-4- or IL-4 + IL-2-primed cells are subjected to a second cycle of activation in the presence of IL-2; restimulation of IL-4 + IL-12-primed cells under identical conditions fails to generate IL-4-producing cells but leads to the development of high IFN-gamma and IL-5 producers. Thus, unlike in CD4 T cells, IL-12 completely inhibits IL-4-induced capacity of CD8 T cells to produce IL-4. However, IL-4 and IL-12 synergize to promote the expression of IL-5. Regardless of the priming conditions, primed CD8 T cells are CD45ROhigh/RA-, CD31high and more than 50% are CD4+/CD8+; activated naive or primed CD8 T cells do not express CD40 ligand.
Reactivity of hybridomas derived from T cells activated in vivo during graft-versus-host disease.
Authors: Leibnitz R R , Lipsky P E , Thiele D L
Published: January 2023

To examine the specificity of T helper cells activated during murine graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), T cell hybridomas from GVHD spleens and livers were generated and analyzed. CTL-depleted C57BL/6 (B6) donor cells were injected into irradiated (B6 x bm12)F1 or (bm1 x bm12)F1 recipient mice. Five or fourteen days later, cells from livers and spleens were fused directly with the TCR-deficient (alpha beta)- BW5147 thymoma line. The in vivo-activated T cells produced hybridomas as efficiently as either T cells activated in a primary mixed lymphocyte reaction or expanded in vitro after isolation from GVHD mice. Overall, 91% (396 of 437) of hybridomas generated from GVHD animals responded to immobilized anti-CD3 and 56% (220 of 396) of these hybridomas responded specifically to APC expressing host bm1 or bm12 alloantigens. More than 80% of bm12-specific hybridomas expressed CD4; all (53 of 53) of the bm12-specific hybridomas tested reacted to homozygous bm12 APC. Of the alloreactive T hybridomas generated from B6-->(bm1 x bm12)F1 GVHD mice, 7% responded to bm1 APC. Five bm1-specific hybridomas were analyzed further. One CD4+ hybridoma recognized a bm1 peptide presented by self I-Ab and was blocked by anti-Ia Ab; the other four hybridomas, two of which also expressed CD4, responded to transfected L cells expressing H-2Kbm1 and were not inhibited by anti-Ia Ab. These results indicate that a high percentage of CD4+ T hybridomas generated from freshly isolated T cells activated in vivo during GVHD are specific for host MHC class II or class I alloantigens.
Presentation of anti-idiotypic antibody is sensitive to ionizing radiation.
Authors: Johnson-Léger C A , Dean C J
Published: January 2023

We have been investigating the generation of specific immune responses using monoclonal anti-idiotypic Abs (Ab2) as surrogate tumor Ag. We have prepared a series of idiotypic mAbs (Ab1) from CBH/cbi rats bearing the syngeneic sarcoma HSN and have used these Ab1 to generate autologous Ab2. By using the autologous Ab2 as Ag, we have isolated T cell lines from CBH/cbi rats that proliferate specifically in the presence of the Ab2, with spleen cells as APC. Specific proliferation of the T cells was prevented if the spleen cells used for presentation were irradiated with conventional doses of x-rays (1000 rad) just before use. Titration of the radiation response showed that the capacity of the spleen cells to present Ag decreased exponentially with x-ray doses of up to 100 rad, at which dose presentation was virtually abolished. The same irradiated spleen cells were fully competent to present OVA to CBH/cbi-derived rat T cell lines specific for this Ag. Preincubating the APC with Ag before irradiation abrogated the effect of x-irradiation on the presentation of Ab2. We conclude that, in this rat system, the presentation of autologous Ab2 is highly sensitive to the effects of low doses of x-rays. The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.
Extrusion of the P glycoprotein substrate rhodamine-123 distinguishes CD4 memory T cell subsets that differ in IL-2-driven IL-4 production.
Authors: Witkowski J M , Li S P , Gorgas G , Miller R A
Published: January 2023

Approximately 25% of T cells in young mice are able to extrude the fluorescent P glycoprotein substrate Rhodamine-123 (R123), and these R123low cells are present within the naive and memory cell populations of both CD4 and CD8 type. The proportion of R123low T cells increases with age to approximately 60% in mice older than 18 mo of age. CD4 memory T cells from young mice secrete more IL-4 compared with cells from old donors when activated by anti-CD3 and further cultured for 7 to 10 days in the presence of IL-2. To determine whether this age-related decline in IL-4 production was related to the parallel accumulation of R123low T cells within the CD4 memory subset, we compared IL-4 production in cell preparations enriched for R123high and R123low cells by electronic cell sorting. IL-2-driven IL-4 production by CD3-activated CD4 memory cells was found to be limited almost entirely to the R123high subset, i.e., the subset that declines with age. Proliferation under these culture conditions also declined with age and was also much more vigorous in R123high than in R123low cells. Not all R123low T cells, however, were resistant to IL-2-dependent proliferation and differentiation: limit dilution analyses showed nearly equal proportions of Con A-responsive proliferative and cytotoxic clones within the R123high and R123low subsets of CD8 naive cells. These data show that P glycoprotein-mediated extrusion of R123 delineates CD4 memory T cell subsets that differ in function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Epidermal cell presentation of tumor-associated antigens for induction of tolerance.
Authors: Tan K C , Hosoi J , Grabbe S , Asahina A , Granstein R D
Published: January 2023

Intravenous administration of hapten-coupled epidermal cells (EC) induces tolerance in mice. To assess the relevance of this observation to cutaneous tumors, the ability of EC to induce tolerance to the S1509a spindle cell tumor (H-2a) was examined. ECs were prepared from CAF1 (H-2a/d) mice and the supernatant from a freeze-thaw lysate of S1509a cells was used as a source of soluble tumor-associated Ag (TAA). ECs were incubated in TAA or medium alone followed by washing. Two hundred thousand TAA-pulsed ECs, non-TAA-pulsed ECs, or TAA-pulsed ECs killed by freeze-thawing were injected i.v. into groups of CAF1 mice. To determine whether this regimen induced tolerance, a tumor-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was measured in mice subsequently immunized to the S1509a tumor. To assess the degree of immunity induced in these animals, ECs were prepared and deleted of Thy-1-bearing cells by Ab and complement-mediated lysis. These cells were then pulsed with TAA and 5 x 10(5) were injected into the right hind footpad of each mouse. Footpad swelling was assessed at 24 to 48 h as a measure of the DTH. Mice primed i.v. with viable TAA-pulsed EC but not killed TAA-pulsed EC demonstrated a greatly suppressed DTH response. Other experiments demonstrated that exposure of EC to a dose of ultraviolet radiation (200 J/m2), which inhibits the ability of these cells to induce immunity by subcutaneous injection either before or after TAA pulsing, did not prevent induction of tolerance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Role and effect of TNF-alpha in experimental visceral leishmaniasis.
Authors: Tumang M C , Keogh C , Moldawer L L , Helfgott D C , Teitelbaum R , Hariprashad J , Murray H W
Published: January 2023

TNF-alpha has been implicated in cytokine-induced macrophage activation and tissue granuloma formation, two activities linked to control of intracellular visceral infection caused by Leishmania donovani. To determine the role of TNF-alpha in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice, we measured TNF-alpha levels and treated mice with either anti-TNF-alpha antiserum or TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha activity in infected livers was increased by 2.7-fold 2 wk after challenge and by 5.5-fold at wk 8. In parallel, although control mice acquired resistance by wk 4 and resolved infection by wk 8, liver parasite burdens steadily increased in anti-TNF-alpha-treated animals. Hepatic granuloma formation, however, was not impaired by anti-TNF-alpha. Endogenous TNF-alpha levels provoked by L. donovani appeared sufficient and optimal because exogenous TNF-alpha administration had no beneficial effect on established infection and continuous high-dose treatment impaired antileishmanial activity. Thus, although not required for granuloma formation, endogenous TNF-alpha appears to be critical to both initial acquisition of resistance to L. donovani and resolution of experimental visceral infection.
Activation of protein kinase C down-regulates leukotriene C4 synthase activity and attenuates cysteinyl leukotriene production in an eosinophilic substrain of HL-60 cells.
Authors: Ali A , Ford-Hutchinson A W , Nicholson D W
Published: January 2023

An eosinophilic substrain of HL-60 cells (HL-60#7) predominantly synthesized cysteinyl leukotrienes after stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) specifically attenuated cysteinyl leukotriene production without affecting the biosynthesis of non-cysteinyl leukotrienes. The inhibition of cysteinyl leukotriene biosynthesis was prevented only by specific PKC inhibitors (staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide) but not by inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (genistein, tyrphostin 47, and herbimycin A), protein kinase A (KT5720), or the oxidative burst (apocynin). Similar results were obtained when LTC4 synthase enzymatic activity was measured directly in the presence of saturating concentrations of exogenously added substrates. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of PKC activation on cysteinyl leukotriene formation in intact cells was attributable to effects on the LTC4 synthase enzyme. The mechanism of inhibition of LTC4 synthase by PKC activation was determined by kinetic analysis to be noncompetitive in both eosinophil-like HL-60#7 cells and monocytic THP-1 cells. Contrary to the effect of PKC activation on cysteinyl leukotriene biosynthesis, the formation of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2 was elevated twofold to threefold after PMA treatment, which was prevented by the PKC inhibitor, staurosporine. We propose a regulatory model in which PKC activation shifts the profile of eicosanoid mediators produced by eosinophils from cysteinyl leukotrienes to prostanoids.
Dual regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in mast cells after cross-linking of FC epsilon-receptor.
Authors: Nakatani Y , Murakami M , Kudo I , Inoue K
Published: January 2023

We have reported previously that cultured mast cells (MC) express three discrete phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), one of which corresponds to arachidonoyl-preferential cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2). In the present study, we investigated the possible role of cPLA2 in eicosanoid synthesis by activating mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) through cross-linking of the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) with a specific Ag. BMMC released arachidonic acid within 2 min after Fc epsilon RI cross-linking. A rapid, transient phosphorylation of cPLA2 was observed after Fc epsilon RI cross-linking, reaching the maximum within 2 min, and accompanied by an increase of cPLA2 activity in the cell lysate. Exposure of BMMC to the IgE-Ag for longer periods resulted in a time-dependent increase of the cPLA2 protein. The increase was detected within 10 h after stimulation and reached the maximum within 30 h. Dexamethasone inhibited the Ag-stimulated cPLA2 induction significantly. cPLA2 activity in cells stimulated for 24 h was increased significantly, and suppressed in cells treated with dexamethasone. When the cells were exposed to IgE-Ag for 36 h and then challenged with a secondary agonist, thrombin, arachidonate release was augmented significantly in comparison with cells without the Ag pretreatment. Thus, cPLA2 activation in BMMC by short term exposure to the Ag might be regulated by post-Fc epsilon RI modification (phosphorylation) of pre-existing enzyme, whereas that observed after long term exposure might be explained by the increase in cPLA2 protein.
Definition of encephalitogenic and immunodominant epitopes of guinea pig myelin basic protein (Gp-BP) in Lewis rats tolerized neonatally with Gp-BP or Gp-BP peptides.
Authors: Vandenbark A A , Vainiene M , Celnik B , Hashim G A , Buenafe A , Offner H
Published: January 2023

Two distinct epitopes of guinea pig basic protein (Gp-BP), residues 72-89 and 87-99, possess encephalitogenic activity in Lewis rats. The purpose of this study was to determine to what degree the 87-99 epitope functions in rats that have been injected with whole Gp-BP, and whether additional epitopes in Gp-BP are encephalitogenic. To address these questions, we induced neonatal tolerance to the dominant synthetic (S)72-89 peptide or to the combination of both S72-89 and S87-99 peptides, and evaluated resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by Gp-BP, as well as T cell responses to peptides that encompassed most of the Gp-BP molecule. The results demonstrated that virtually all of the encephalitogenic activity of Gp-BP resides within the two described encephalitogenic epitopes. Moreover, deletion of responses to the dominant epitopes prompted T cell responses to other nonencephalitogenic epitopes of Gp-BP, a pattern of response observed previously in rats that had recovered from EAE and in those protected from EAE by vaccination with TCR peptides. These data may have relevance to human autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis in that naturally or immunologically regulated responses to dominant epitopes that are likely to be encephalitogenic may be obscured by increased responses to relatively innocuous determinants of basic protein. Elevated responses to potentially pathogenic autoantigens will likely involve both types of determinants, thus, underscoring the importance of distinguishing encephalitogenic from nonencephalitogenic determinants.
Identification of myocarditogenic peptides derived from cardiac myosin capable of inducing experimental allergic myocarditis in the Lewis rat. The utility of a class II binding motif in selecting self-reactive peptides.
Authors: Wegmann K W , Zhao W , Griffin A C , Hickey W F
Published: January 2023

Cardiac myosin (CM) has been implicated as an autoantigen in the induction of experimental allergic myocarditis (EAM). At the present time no myocarditogenic peptides of CM have been identified. To identify CM peptides with myocarditogenic properties we have made use of a putative binding motif for the MHC class II molecule RT1.BI in the rat. The amino acid sequence of CM alpha-chain was scanned and found to contain nine peptides that contain this binding motif, three peptides found only in the cardiac form of myosin were chosen for further study. This manuscript describes the identification of two CM peptides capable of inducing EAM in the Lewis rat. In doing so this study demonstrates the utility of an MHC class II binding motif to (correctly) predict pathogenic, autoimmunity inducing, peptides. Peptides, CM 1, and CM 2 are the first peptides described that are capable of inducing EAM in rats. The utilization of CM 2 peptide has permitted the establishment of a long term, Ag specific cell line capable of adoptively transferring EAM. Moreover, the establishment of CM 2 specific T lymphocyte lines has permitted the description of a detailed proliferative response of a myocarditogenic cell line to a specific cardiac Ag. The identification of CM 1 and 2 formally proves that CM, and not a co-purified contaminant, is an Ag in EAM. Finally, this report documents that experimentally induced giant cell myocarditis is not a separate disease entity arising from a distinct cardiac Ag or CM epitope from regular myocarditis.
Signaling via CD7 molecules on human NK cells. Induction of tyrosine phosphorylation and beta 1 integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin.
Authors: Rabinowich H , Lin W C , Herberman R B , Whiteside T L
Published: January 2023

We have previously reported that CD7 expressed on resting human NK cells is a signal-transducing molecule, which upon ligation with mAb induces a rapid increase in cytoplasmic free calcium, secretion of IFN-gamma, and augmented NK activity against K562 targets. We now demonstrate that Ab-mediated clustering of CD7 molecules on NK cells results in enhanced phosphorylation on tyrosine residues of intracellular proteins of 60, 70, 80, 97, and 120 kDa. In the presence of genistein, a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, the enhanced level of tyrosine phosphorylation was blocked, indicating that CD7 may induce signaling via activation of tyrosine kinases. Cross-linking of CD7 or CD16 molecules with primary and secondary Abs, as well as stimulation of NK cells with phorbol ester (PMA) or with calcium ionophore A23187 also induced beta 1 integrin-mediated adhesion of these cells to fibronectin (FN)-coated plastic surfaces. In contrast, cross-linking of CD2 expressed on the surface of NK cells had no significant effect on NK cell adhesion to FN. This adhesion was not associated with up-regulation of expression of alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 FN receptors on NK cells, but it required an intact cytoskeleton. The CD7-induced adhesion to FN was mediated by alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, as it was partially blocked by FN connective segment-1 peptide (EILDVPST), the alpha 4 beta 1-binding domain, as well as by RGD-containing peptides, the alpha 5 beta 1-binding domain, but not by EILEVPST or RGE control peptides. NK cell binding to FN was also partially inhibited by mAb to alpha 4, alpha 5, and beta 1 integrins. The mechanism by which cross-linking of CD7 or CD16 on NK cells induced adhesion to FN appeared to involve both protein tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C, because this adhesion was blocked in the presence of either genistein or a protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporin. Our data demonstrate that signals transduced via triggering of either CD7 or CD16 molecules are involved in the regulation of the functional activity of beta 1 integrins on NK cells.
Human IgE in SCID mice reconstituted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-sensitive patients.
Authors: Pestel J , Jeannin P , Delneste Y , Dessaint J P , Cesbron J Y , Capron A , Tsicopoulos A , Tonnel A B
Published: January 2023

SCID mice were reconstituted with purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients sensitive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt). After immunization with a low dose of the related allergen, these human (Hu)-SCID mice may develop a specific IgE response. By using an IgE-dependent platelet assay and the related allergen Dpt, the human IgE was demonstrated to be functional. Indeed a high correlation was obtained between both parameters. No rise in human IgE level was detected within 3 wk after the immunization with an unrelated Ag. When mice were reconstituted with peripheral blood cells from nonallergic donors and immunized with the Dpt allergen, no human IgE production was evidenced in the serum of SCID mice. However, in both allergic Hu-SCID mice (reconstituted with cells from allergic patients) or in nonallergic Hu-SCID mice (reconstituted with cells from healthy donors), an IgG response was detectable. Finally by radioallergosorbent test, a specific IgE Ab response was detected after the first allergen challenge only in allergic Hu-SCID mice. Thus, without ethical constraints, SCID mice represent a useful model for analyzing the IgE response occurring in allergic patients.
Polarized type 2 alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ donor T cells fail to induce experimental acute graft-versus-host disease.
Authors: Krenger W , Snyder K M , Byon J C , Falzarano G , Ferrara J L
Published: January 2023

Acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is thought to be mediated by alloreactive T cells with a type 1 cytokine phenotype. To prevent the development of acute GVHD, we have successfully polarized mature donor T cells toward a type 2 cytokine phenotype ex-vivo by incubating them with murine rIL-4 in a primary MLC. Polarized type 2 T cells were then transplanted with T cell-depleted bone marrow cells into irradiated recipients across either MHC class II (bm12-->C57BL/6) or class I (bm1-->C57BL/6) barriers, and the intensity of GVHD was measured by assessment of several in vitro and in vivo parameters. The injection of polarized type 2 T cells abrogated the mitogen-induced production of IFN-gamma by splenocytes from transplanted hosts on day 13 after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Injection of polarized type 2 T cells failed to induce secretion of the effector phase cytokine TNF-alpha by splenocytes stimulated with LPS both in vitro and in vivo, and survival of transplanted mice after i.v. injection with LPS was significantly improved. Furthermore, cell-mixing experiments revealed that polarized type 2 T cells were able to inhibit type 1 cytokine responses induced by naive T cells after BMT. These data demonstrate that both polarized CD4+ and CD8+ type 2 alloreactive donor T cells can be generated in vitro from mature T cell populations. These cells function in vivo to inhibit type 1 T cell responses, and such inhibition attenuates the systemic morbidity of GVHD after BMT across both MHC class II or class I barriers in mice.
Comparative studies of transcytosis and assembly of secretory IgA in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing human polymeric Ig receptor.
Authors: Tamer C M , Lamm M E , Robinson J K , Piskurich J F , Kaetzel C S
Published: January 2023

Epithelial transport of polymeric IgA (pIgA) from its site of synthesis to the mucosal lumen is mediated by the polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR). During transcytosis, a disulfide bond forms between pIgR and pIgA, resulting in secretion of a covalently linked complex. To dissect further the intracellular processing and functions of pIgR, we have expressed the entire coding sequence of human pIgR cDNA in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Cloned transfected cells express human pIgR, as detected by immunofluorescence and by quantification of the cleaved extracellular domain of pIgR in culture supernatants. The function of transfected pIgR was confirmed by measuring vectorial transcytosis of 125I-labeled pIgA and its disulfide bonding to pIgR. Species specificity of transcytosis was determined by comparing transport of human, rat, and mouse pIgA in MDCK cells expressing either human or rabbit pIgR. pIgA from all three species was transported by both human and rabbit pIgR, with rat pIgA being transported to the greatest extent in each case. However, disulfide bonding was observed only with human pIgR, and was found to occur mainly inside the cell. Our results suggest that conformational differences between human and rabbit pIgR may account for differences in disulfide bonding to pIgA, and show that efficient transcytosis of pIgA is correlated better with noncovalent than covalent binding to pIgR.
Induction of oral tolerance to myelin basic protein in CD8-depleted mice: both CD4+ and CD8+ cells mediate active suppression.
Authors: Chen Y , Inobe J , Weiner H L
Published: January 2023

We have previously shown that orally administered myelin basic protein (MBP) suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in both the Lewis rat and the SJL mouse. In the Lewis rat fed low doses of MBP, we found that protection can be adoptively transferred by CD8+ cells and that these cells inhibit immune responses via the secretion of TGF-beta after Ag-specific triggering. In the present study, we investigated the cellular requirements for the generation of active suppression following oral administration of MBP in SJL and (PLJ x SJL)F1 mice. We first determined the frequency of MBP cells secreting Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4/IL-10) cytokines or TGF-beta after oral administration of MBP. We found that in SJL mice, orally administered MBP (0.5 mg/feeding) led to an increased frequency of TGF-beta-, IL-4-, and IL-10-secreting cells and a decreased frequency of IFN-gamma-producing cells. This pattern was observed in both CD4+ and CD8+ populations; adoptive transfer of either CD4+ or CD8+ cells from orally tolerized mice suppressed autoimmune encephalomyelitis in recipient animals. We then studied the role of CD8+ cells on the generation of oral tolerance to MBP by depleting CD8+ cells in vivo with anti-CD8 mAb. Oral tolerance was successfully induced in such animals, as demonstrated by a decrease in clinical disease and T cell proliferative responses, although there was less TGF-beta production in vitro and less disease protection on days 20 to 22 in CD8-depleted animals. These studies demonstrate that CD4+ cells in the absence of CD8+ cells can mediate the active suppression component of oral tolerance in mice and that there is a reciprocal relationship between Th1- and Th2-type cytokine production associated with oral tolerization.
HIV gp120 inhibits T cell activation by interfering with expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 ligand and CD80 (B71).
Authors: Chirmule N , McCloskey T W , Hu R , Kalyanaraman V S , Pahwa S
Published: January 2023

One mechanism of the immune suppression in HIV infection has been postulated as being caused by the interaction of HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 with CD4 molecules. Thus, pretreatment of purified peripheral blood T cells or CD4+ T cell clones with gp120 (or an anti-CD4 mAb) results in inhibition of anti-CD3 mAb-induced proliferative responses. In this study, we have analyzed the role of the interacting pairs of costimulatory molecules, CD28-B71 (CD80) and CD40 ligand (CD40L)-CD40, to elucidate further the mechanism of HIV gp120-induced inhibitory effects on T cell functions. Interactions between CD28-B71 and CD40L-CD40 were found to be essential for the anti-CD3 mAb-induced T cell proliferation, as demonstrated by up-regulation of B71 and CD40L and the ability of anti-B71 and anti-CD40L mAbs to inhibit this response. Pretreatment of CD4+ T cells with gp120 before CD3 ligation with anti-CD3 mAb resulted in failure of up-regulation of CD40L on T cells and B71 on APC. Exogenous addition of anti-CD28 mAb overcame the inhibitory effect of gp120 on anti-CD3 mAb-induced T cell proliferation. We conclude that binding of gp120 to CD4 molecules on T cells may interrupt the sequential cascade of intercellular interaction involving 1) Ag/MHC class II-TCR/CD4, 2) CD40L-CD40, and 3) B71-CD28. These studies indicate that the CD4-gp120 interaction results in dysregulation of expression of costimulatory molecules, CD40L, and B71 expression on T cells and APC, respectively, thereby contributing to the T cell hyporesponsiveness in HIV infection.
Autoantibodies against beta-crystallins induce lens epithelial cell damage and cataract formation in mice.
Authors: Singh D P , Guru S C , Kikuchi T , Abe T , Shinohara T
Published: January 2023

One-year-old B6C3/f mice, injected with beta-crystallins emulsified with CFA, developed lens epithelial cell damage. Both serum transfer and mAb transfer studies clearly established that the autoimmune insult is induced by humoral immunity. Older mice were more susceptible to autoimmune insult than younger animals. Lens epithelial cell damage invariably proceeded to cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. This mouse model of experimental autoimmune cataract formation will facilitate the exploration of the relation between immune phenomena and human age-related cataract.
Immunostimulatory effects of a plasmid expressing CD40 ligand (CD154) on gene immunization.
Authors: Mendoza R B , Cantwell M J , Kipps T J
Published: January 2023

Interaction of CD40 with its ligand (CD154) can induce CD40-bearing APCs to express immune stimulatory accessory molecules that facilitate immune recognition. We evaluated whether a plasmid vector encoding CD154 (pCD40L) could influence the immune response to a transgene protein encoded by coinjected plasmid DNA. We found that coinjection of pCD40L in BALB/c mice enhanced the Ab response to beta-galactosidase induced by i.m. or intradermal injection of placZ, a plasmid DNA vector encoding beta-galactosidase. Furthermore, i.m. or intradermal coinjection of pCD40L with placZ enhanced the generation of CTL specific for P815 cells transfected with placZ. This study indicates that pCD40L can serve as a genetic adjuvant capable of augmenting humoral and cellular immune responses to Ags encoded by plasmid DNA expression vectors.
Resting B cells from autoimmune lupus-prone New Zealand Black and (New Zealand Black x New Zealand White)F1 mice are hyper-responsive to T cell-derived stimuli.
Authors: Jongstra-Bilen J , Vukusic B , Boras K , Wither J E
Published: January 2023

To determine whether B cells from New Zealand Black (NZB) and (New Zealand Black x New Zealand White)F1 (NZB/W) mice possess intrinsic defects that lead to altered immune responsiveness, we purified resting B cells from these mice and compared their surface phenotype and function with those of resting B cells isolated from BALB/c and DBA/2 nonautoimmune mouse strains. Flow cytometric analysis of freshly isolated resting B cells revealed that NZB and NZB/W resting B cells are conventional B2-type cells similar to their nonautoimmune counterparts. Despite this, resting B cells from young NZB and NZB/W mice express lower levels of CD23 on their surface and aberrant levels of intracellular IgM. Upon stimulation, resting B cells from young NZB and NZB/W mice demonstrate increased proliferation, IgM secretion, or enhanced expression of costimulatory molecules in response to a variety of different T cell-derived stimuli, including cytokines and signals generated through CD40. Therefore, B cell hyper-responsiveness to T cell stimuli is immunodominant or codominant in NZB/W mice. Taken together, our results suggest that intrinsic B cell hyper-responsiveness may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease in NZB and NZB/W mice. The increased clonal expansion of these B cells together with increased Ig production and enhanced costimulatory capacity serve to amplify the immune response. In the context of normal but incomplete T cell tolerance, B cell hyperresponsiveness to the limited signals provided by partially tolerant T cells may be sufficient to yield an autoantibody response.
TCR V alpha 24 and V beta 11 coexpression defines a human NK1 T cell analog containing a unique Th0 subpopulation.
Authors: Prussin C , Foster B
Published: January 2023

Murine NK1 natural T (NT) cells are a population of alphabeta T cells that express NK cell receptors and an invariant TCR rearrangement. These cells rapidly produce large amounts of IL-4 upon activation and have been suggested to promote Th2 differentiation. We sought to determine whether a human NK1 T cell analogue could be detected in PBMC, and if so, characterize the TCR usage, cytokine expression, and surface phenotype of this subset. Using flow cytometry, we have demonstrated a distinct population of V alpha24+, V beta11+, CD56+ T cells consistent with NT cells. Upon sequencing, these cells expressed an invariant V alpha24-J alphaQ TCR rearrangement, verifying their identity as a human NK1 T cell analogue. NT cells demonstrated increased frequencies of both IFN-gamma and IL-4 production. Strikingly, 30 to 45% of CD4+ NT cells expressed IL-4, a sixfold greater frequency than that seen in mainstream CD4+ alphabeta T cells. Contrary to the pattern seen with mainstream T cells, virtually all IL-4-producing NT cells coexpressed IFN-gamma, indicating that this subset of NT cells has a unique Th0 phenotype. These data establish that V alpha24+ NT cells are a potent source of IL-4 and as such, may play a role in Th2 priming in human immune responses. This work demonstrates that human NT cells can be phenotypically identified and functionally studied in the blood of healthy or diseased subjects.
Single amino acid mutations in the murine MHC class II A beta cytoplasmic domain abrogate antigen presentation.
Authors: Laufer T M , Smiley S T , Ranger A , Clements V K , Ostrand-Rosenberg S , Glimcher L H
Published: January 2023

Class II MHC molecules are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that function in the presentation of Ag to CD4+ T cells. Deletion of the cytoplasmic domains of the murine class II A alpha- and A beta-chains has previously been shown to diminish Ag presentation and abrogate rejection of class II-transfected tumor cells. To examine the contributions of individual amino acid residues of the A beta cytoplasmic domain to Ag presentation and tumor rejection, we have produced a series of cell lines expressing A beta class II molecules with site-directed mutations. An A beta(k) cDNA was constructed with mutations in the five conserved amino acid residues, Q224, K225, L235, L236, and Q237 (delta5). In addition, cDNA were produced in which alanine was individually substituted for A beta(k) cytoplasmic domain residues 224 through 237 or doubly substituted at residues G226 and P227 or L235 and L236. These mutant cDNAs were individually cotransfected with wild-type A alpha cDNA into the class II-negative M12.C3 B lymphoma and Sal sarcoma cell lines. As was previously reported for transfectants lacking the entire A beta(k) cytoplasmic domain, the delta5 M12.C3 transfectant could not effectively present Ag to an autoreactive Ak-restricted T cell hybrid, and the delta5 Sal transfectant was not rejected when inoculated into syngeneic hosts. A finer analysis revealed that alteration of the individual residue Q224 or the two residues G226 and P227 abrogated Ag presentation in vitro, while mutation of G226 diminished tumor rejection in vivo. Thus, the function of the A beta cytoplasmic domain in Ag presentation both in vitro and in vivo can be disturbed by mutation of single amino acid residues.
Role for IL-15/IL-15 receptor beta-chain in natural killer 1.1+ T cell receptor-alpha beta+ cell development.
Authors: Ohteki T , Ho S , Suzuki H , Mak T W , Ohashi P S
Published: January 2023

Mouse TCR alphabeta+ cells expressing NKR-P1 (NK1+ T cells in the C57BL/6 strain) are classified as a unique subset that require beta2m-associated, MHC class I-like molecules for development and preferentially express particular V beta and V alphaJ domains of the TCR. We show here that NK1+ T cells express the IL-2R beta/IL-15R beta that is normally present on conventional NK cells, but not T cells. In mice lacking IL-2R beta/IL-15R beta chain, the number of NK1+ T cells is dramatically reduced. However, in IL-2-deficient mice, NK1+ T cells develop normally. Moreover, NK1+ T cells proliferate upon stimulation by IL-15, and the proliferation is blocked by the addition of anti-IL-2R beta/IL-15R beta Abs. Collectively, our data indicate that NK1+ T cells require IL-2R beta/IL-15R beta chain in an IL-2-independent manner and demonstrate that IL-15 plays a crucial role during development.
Maternal immunization with a soluble TCR-Ig chimeric protein: long term, V beta-8 family-specific suppression of T cells by maternally transferred antibodies.
Authors: McKeever U , Khandekar S , Jesson M , Newcomb J , Gregory P , Naylor J , Haskins K , Jones B
Published: January 2023

Maternal transfer of TCR clonotypic Ab protected young NOD mice against the adoptive transfer of diabetes by the BDC 2.5 T cell clone. The effect of maternal anti-TCR Vbeta-8 Ab on T cell development and function has now been investigated. SJL/J mice, which lack TCR Vbeta-8, were immunized with soluble, chimeric D10 TCR-IgG1 containing Vbeta-8.2. The (SJL/J x AKR/J) F1 offspring of immunized female SJL/J mice were severely depleted of peripheral T cells bearing Vbeta-8 until 11 to 17 wk of age. The loss of Vbeta-8 expression did not appear to be due to modulation of cell surface TCR. Since the Vbeta-8+ T cell population was unperturbed in the (AKR/J x SJL/J) F1 offspring of D10 TCR-IgG1-immunized AKR/J mothers making D10 clonotypic Ab, the effect was immunologically specific. The deletion of Vbeta-8+ T cells had functional consequences. In the in vitro response to the superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, the usually observed participation of Vbeta-8.2+ T cells was largely suppressed, whereas the recruitment of Vbeta-3+ T cells remained unaltered. In control mice, T cell responses to the 134- to 146-residue peptide of conalbumin (pCA(134-146)) were biased toward use of Valpha-2/Vbeta-8.2 TCR. In D10 TCR-IgG1 maternally immunized (SJL x AKR/J) F1 mice, the T cell responses to pCA(134-146) were suppressed, and T cell lines derived from these in vitro were devoid of Vbeta-8.2 expression. With an increased understanding of TCR V gene usage in autoimmune diseases, similar strategies for the depletion of autoreactive T cells may become feasible in humans.
CD40 and IL-4 regulate murine CD27L expression.
Authors: Hartwig U F , Karlsson L , Peterson P A , Webb S R
Published: January 2023

It is well known that interactions between accessory molecules on T cells and their ligands on APC play a key role in regulating T cell effector activity. The factors controlling the expression of these molecules are thus important determinants in the outcome of T cell activation. We have examined the expression of the murine ligand for CD27, a costimulatory molecule on T cells. Evidence is shown that CD27L is expressed at a low level on resting B cells but not on T cells, and that activation of B cells by culture with LPS or anti-IgM Ab increases the expression of CD27L. Interestingly, coligation of CD40 down-regulates CD27L on LPS-activated B cells but not on anti-Ig-activated cells. These findings suggest that costimulation via the CD27-CD27L pathway may be limited to interactions involving Ag-specific B cells, i.e., B cells specifically activated via their Ig receptors. In addition, testing a spectrum of different cytokines indicated that IL-4 and TGF, but not IL-2, IL-10, or IFN-gamma, prevented up-regulation of CD27L expression on activated B cells even when activation was induced by Ig signaling. The capacity of IL-4 to prevent CD27L expression could thus serve to limit CD27-CD27L interactions to Th1-type T cell responses.