bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissection of CR1, factor H, membrane cofactor protein, and factor B binding and functional sites in the third complement component.
Authors: Lambris J D , Lao Z , Oglesby T J , Atkinson J P , Hack C E , Becherer J D
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have suggested that the residues 727-768 of human (Hu) C3 contain the binding sites for CR1, factor H, and factor B. Here, we have (1) characterized further some of the C3 structural requirements for its binding to CR1, H, and B, (2) investigated the functions associated with these C3-ligand interactions, and (3) studied the relationship of MCP-binding sites in C3 with those for CR1, H, and B. Hu C3 molecules in which residues 727-768 were deleted (designated C3delta727-768) or substituted with the corresponding segment of cobra venom factor, Xenopus, or trout C3 (chimeric C3s) were expressed in the baculovirus system and analyzed for their reactivity with C3-binding proteins. In contrast to wild-type iC3 which, in the presence of CR1, is cleaved by factor I to iC3b-a and C3c-a and C3dg, all chimeric C3s were cleaved only to iC3b-a. In addition, the cleavage of deleted (C3delta727-768) iC3 to iC3b-a by factor I in the presence of CR1 was significantly reduced, whereas it remained unaltered in the presence of MCP. Cleavage of iC3 to iC3b-a by factor I and H was similar in all expressed C3s except C3delta727-768, whose cleavage was significantly reduced. All of the expressed molecules except C3delta727-768 were capable of forming the fluid-phase alternative pathway C3 convertase, and all reacted with properdin. These results suggest that during cleavage of iC3 by factor I and CR1, or H, CR1 and H bind to at least two sites on C3 and that the MCP binding site(s) on C3b are different from those for CR1. They also indicate that some or all of the C3 residues that are directly involved in, or contribute to, the structure of one of the CR1 and H binding sites are located within residues 727-768. These studies also demonstrate that, although this segment of C3 may be involved in C3-factor B interaction, other residues in addition to 736EE (previously implicated in B binding) must also contribute significantly to this interaction.
Mast cells expressing chymase but not tryptase can be derived by culturing human progenitors in conditioned medium obtained from a human mastocytosis cell strain with c-kit ligand.
Authors: Li L , Meng X W , Krilis S A
Published: December 2022

Human mast cells (MC) were derived from umbilical cord blood and bone marrow progenitors cultured in the presence of a conditioned medium from a human mastocytosis cell strain and recombinant human kit ligand. MCs were studied using a sequential double immunoenzymatic analysis to determine the heterogeneity of expression of tryptase and chymase, two MC-specific proteases. The conditioned medium and kit ligand promoted the development of distinct MC subtypes from bone marrow and umbilical cord blood progenitors. kit ligand induced MC from umbilical cord blood predominantly of two immunophenotypes, MCT positive for tryptase but negative for chymase, and MCTC positive for tryptase and chymase. In contrast, the conditioned medium induced MC subtype MCTC and a third subtype, MCC, positive for chymase but negative for tryptase from both bone marrow and umbilical cord blood progenitors. In situ hybridization analyses confirmed the existence of a chymase-positive, tryptase-negative human MC in the culture. In umbilical cord blood cultures supplemented with both conditioned medium and kit ligand, the number of MCC cells was up-regulated from 2.7 to 34.0% of the total cells in the culture. In contrast, the number of MCT cells declined from 54.3 to 21.5% on day 49 of culture. In bone marrow cultures supplemented with conditioned medium alone, the MCC subtype represented 100% of the MCs on day 10 of culture. This study clearly demonstrates that a third type of MC, MCC, expressing chymase without concomitant expression of tryptase can be induced in vitro from normal human progenitors. In addition, it shows that tryptase and chymase, two MC-specific proteases, can be differentially expressed in in vitro derived human MCs by changing the cytokine combination of the culture.
The IL-1 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) response of human neutrophils to EBV stimulation. Preponderance of IL-Ra detection.
Authors: Roberge C J , Poubelle P E , Beaulieu A D , Heitz D , Gosselin J
Published: December 2022

The present study investigated the effect of EBV on gene expression and protein synthesis of IL-1 and its natural IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) in human peripheral blood neutrophils. EBV induced a rapid accumulation of IL-1 and IL-lRa mRNA in neutrophils that was associated with the later appearance of considerable amounts of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-Ra proteins. Approximately 3200 and 610 times more IL-Ra than IL-1alpha a or IL-1beta, respectively, was secreted by neutrophils in response to EBV. The effect induced by EBV cannot reflect an overall metabolic activity of neutrophils, since EBV failed to induce granulocyte-macrophage OF synthesis. Heat-inactivated virus was unable to stimulate cytokine synthesis, whereas UV-irradiated virus retained the full IL-1- and IL-1Ra-inducing potential of the native particle. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with cycloheximide or phosphonoacetic acid did not abrogate the effect of EBV, suggesting that EBV does not penetrate the cell, but that a virion's structural molecule is required to induce such an effect. In this respect, neutralization of the viral particles with the mAb 72A1, which is known to react with glycoprotein gp350 of the viral envelope, inhibits the production of IL-1 and IL-1Ra, suggesting that gp350 could be involved in this process. Thus, the elevated levels of IL-1Ra detected for EBV-stimulated neutrophils might be part of a mechanism used by the virus to evade the immune system.
Tolerance to rat liver allografts. III. Donor cell migration and tolerance-associated cytokine production in peripheral lymphoid tissues.
Authors: Bishop G A , Sun J , DeCruz D J , Rokahr K L , Sedgwick J D , Sheil A G , Gallagher N D , McCaughan G W
Published: December 2022

The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanism of spontaneous rat liver allograft tolerance. Liver allografts from a LEW donor into DA recipient (LEW-->DA) or of PVG-->DA were spontaneously tolerated (TOL) across a complete MHC mismatch. In contrast, DA-->LEW or PVG-->LEW liver allografts were rejected in 10 to 15 days (REJ). We examined whether donor cell migration to recipient lymphoid tissues might be associated with TOL. Many donor cells were observed in draining (celiac) lymph nodes (LN) and spleen, reaching a peak on day 1 and then decreasing rapidly thereafter. Irradiation of liver donors, which we have previously shown to delete tolerance, significantly reduced the number of donor leukocytes in recipient lymphoid tissues. While this suggested an association between donor cell migration and tolerance, the number, distribution, and type of donor cells in recipient lymphoid tissues of REJ was similar to those of TOL. Expression of cytokine mRNA in LN and spleen showed an early increase in the expression of IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA on day 1 and then a rapid decrease to constitutive levels. Spleen and LN levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, or TGF-beta mRNA showed much less up-regulation than IL-2 or IFN-gamma. Paradoxically, there was greater expression of IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA in TOL lymphoid tissues than in REJ, and this superinduction was partially prevented by donor irradiation. Superinduction of IL-2 and IFN-gamma was, therefore, more closely associated with TOL than was donor cell migration. This was confirmed by treatment of TOL recipients with a short course of methylprednisolone, which reduced survival of subsequent donor strain skin grafts. This finding has implications for treatment of human liver transplants and is evidence for a novel pathway of transplant tolerance.
Release of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in experimental endotoxemia and clinical sepsis. Role of tumor necrosis factor.
Authors: von der Möhlen M A , van der Poll T , Jansen J , Levi M , van Deventer S J
Published: December 2022

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BP]) is contained within the azurophilic granules of neutrophils and is able to neutralize endotoxin and kill Gram-negative bacteria. TNF has been implicated as a mediator of endotoxin-induced neutrophil degranulation. To assess the role of TNF in the elevated BPI levels during sepsis, the following studies were performed. 1) In 31 consecutive patients with sepsis syndrome, plasma BPI levels were markedly elevated compared with those in healthy controls, but showed no correlation with simultaneously measured TNF concentrations. 2) In four healthy men, i.v. injection of recombinant human TNF (50 microg/m2) induced a rapid rise in plasma BPI levels. 3) In eight normal subjects, i.v. administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin (4 ng/kg) elicited subsequent increases in the plasma concentrations of TNF and BPI. 4) Eight healthy chimpanzees were investigated after i.v. injection of endotoxin (4 ng/kg); four animals received endotoxin only, and four animals received an anti-TNF mAb simultaneously. Although anti-TNF completely prevented the endotoxin-induced appearance of TNF activity, the rise in BPI levels remained unaltered. These results suggest that TNF is not critical for the release of BPI from neutrophils during experimental endotoxemia or clinical sepsis.
CD28 expression is not essential for positive and negative selection of thymocytes or peripheral T cell tolerance.
Authors: Walunas T L , Sperling A I , Khattri R , Thompson C B , Bluestone J A
Published: December 2022

Thymocyte development requires positive selection of clones that can recognize Ag presented by MHC molecules and negative selection of clones that are self-reactive. However, the costimulatory signals required for negative selection and cell death, or positive selection and the transition to the peripheral lymphoid system, are not well understood. Many molecular interactions that are important for T cell activation have also been found to play a role in thymocyte development. The importance of the CD28/B7 interaction in the activation of mature T cells and recent observations that CD28 may play a role negative selection of developing CD4+CD8+ thymocytes suggest that CD28 may also be involved in development and maintenance of T cell tolerance. CD28-deficient mice were crossed to alpha beta and gamma delta TCR transgenic as well as H-2k Mlsc-bearing animals and were used to address the role of CD28 in positive and negative selection of developing T cells. The CD28-deficient animals demonstrated no obvious deficiency in either positive or negative selection of developing thymocytes. However, when mixed bone marrow chimeras were created with cells derived from both CD28-deficient and wild-type mice, the CD28+ T cells had a selective advantage over the CD28-deficient T cells. Therefore, it appears that CD28, although not essential for the selection of T cells during development, may allow for additional signals that increase the efficiency of selection and/or expansion of peripheral T cell populations.
Endogenous IL-12 is necessary for rejection of P815 tumor variants in vivo.
Authors: Fallarino F , Uyttenhove C , Boon T , Gajewski T F
Published: December 2022

Although murine tumor cells have been transfected to express a multitude of different cytokines and shown to be rejected in vivo, it is unclear which of these factors might be useful to facilitate tumor Ag immunization schemes. A study of the normal immune mechanisms involved in tumor rejection when it naturally occurs should reveal critical signals for generation of antitumor CTL in vivo. The highly transfectable variant of P815, P1.HTR, was found to be rejected in the hind footpads by approximately one-third of syngeneic DBA/2 mice. Analysis of draining popliteal lymph nodes revealed a large influx of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in all mice, indicating that a failure to reject was not due to the complete absence of an inflammatory response. However, although IL-2 and IL-3 were produced by lymph node cells from all mice, only approximately one-third generated a high IFN-gamma response. IL-4 was not detected. To explore a role for IL-12 in the induction of the IFN-gamma-producing phenotype, a histidine-tagged IL-12 fusion protein was expressed in mammalian cells and purified by nickel-chelate chromatography, and a rabbit antiserum was produced. Neutralization of IL-12 in vivo eliminated the high IFN-gamma response and prevented rejection of P1.HTR tumors and also of a more immunogenic tum- variant of P815, P198. Conversely, exogenous IL-12 delivered early during challenge with P1.HTR cells induced high IFN-gamma production and resulted in tumor rejection in most mice. Therefore, endogenous IL-12 is vital for the rejection of these tumors when it naturally occurs, supporting a role for exogenous administration of this cytokine to favor a Th1-like phenotype in the immunotherapy of cancer.
Expression and growth-promoting function of the IL-8 receptor beta in human melanoma cells.
Authors: Norgauer J , Metzner B , Schraufstätter I
Published: December 2022

The chemokine GRO alpha is an autocrine growth factor for melanoma cells. Although GRO alpha has been identified as a high affinity ligand for the IL-8 receptor beta (IL-8R beta) in recombinant systems, the receptor mediating its action in melanoma cells has been a matter of debate. Here, we show by reverse transcription and PCR expression of IL-8R beta, mRNA transcripts in different melanoma cell lines and in normal human melanocytes. To characterize the role of the IL-8R beta in melanoma cells, antiserum was raised in rabbits against a fusion protein containing the NH2-terminal portion of the receptor. Its specificity was shown by flow cytometry with IL-8R beta-transfected HL60 cells. A specific epitope could be mapped with IL-8R beta mutants to the peptide sequence between ASP-4 and ASP-14 of this receptor. Binding studies with [125I]GRO alpha in IL-8R beta transfectants indicated ligand antagonistic properties of this Ab. Expression of IL-8R beta protein at the cell surface of various melanoma cell lines could be shown by flow cytometry with F(ab')2 fragments of the IL-8R beta antiserum. Moreover, anti-IL-8R beta Ab partially blocked specific binding of [125I]GRO alpha in various melanoma cell lines. Addition of F(ab')2 fragments of the IL-8R beta antiserum or of neutralizing anti-GRO alpha mAb to different melanoma cell lines identified this GRO alpha-IL-8R beta interaction as a major component required for serum-independent melanoma cell growth.
Local inflammation caused by a monoclonal antibody that blocks the function of the rat membrane inhibitor of C3 convertase.
Authors: Nishikawa K , Matsuo S , Okada N , Morgan B P , Okada H
Published: December 2022

The participation of membrane inhibitors in C-mediated inflammation in vivo was analyzed in rats with the use of mAbs against membrane inhibitors of C. 512Ag inhibits C3 convertase of homologous rat C and rat CD59 prevents the formation of homologous membrane attack complexes. The histologic distributions of 512Ag and CD59 in rat skin were essentially the same. However, although intracutaneous administration of mAb against 512Ag (anti-512Ag) in the form of F(ab')2 induced a remarkable inflammatory response visualized by exudation of Evans blue that had been previously injected i.v., the mAb against CD59 caused no inflammatory exudate. Furthermore, anti-512Ag F(ab')2 caused deposition of C3 followed by intense polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and hemorrhage at the injection sites within 24 h. This reaction was completely abrogated by depletion of C. Therefore, spontaneous C activation on self cell membranes requires amplification at the C3 convertase step, which is restricted by membrane inhibitors such as 512Ag, thus preventing inflammation. A type II allergic response might preferentially occur at sites that exhibit an impairment of membrane inhibitor(s) of C3 convertase. However, although depletion of leukocytes by preadministration of cyclophosphamide did not reduce C3 deposition by anti-512Ag. Evans blue exudation was appreciably reduced, indicating that infiltrated leukocytes play a role in enhancing and prolonging inflammation initiated by local C activation.
T cell activation is regulated by voltage-dependent and calcium-activated potassium channels.
Authors: Rader R K , Kahn L E , Anderson G D , Martin C L , Chinn K S , Gregory S A
Published: December 2022

Membrane potential (Vm) is tightly controlled in T cells through the regulated flux of ions across the plasma membrane. To investigate the functional role of voltage-dependent (Kv) and calcium-activated (KCa) potassium channels in T cell activation, we compared the effects of two K+ channel blockers, namely kaliotoxin (KTX) and charybdotoxin (CHTX), on Vm, calcium influx, and cell proliferation. KTX potently inhibited Kv (ID50 = 3 nM) but not KCa (ID50 = 5 microM) currents in T cells. Resting T cells exposed to KTX (300 nM) depolarized from -56 mV to -50 mV. KTX had no effect on the transient membrane hyperpolarization that characteristically follows receptor-mediated T cell stimulation. However, T cells stimulated in the presence of KTX subsequently depolarized to -40 mV. KTX also reduced the steady state intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in stimulated cells by 19% and inhibited T cell proliferation by 35%. CHTX potently inhibited both Kv and KCa currents (ID50 = approximately 1 nM). CHTX (300 nM) depolarized resting T cells to -48 mV, equivalent to the effect observed for KTX. In stimulated T cells, 300 nM CHTX completely blocked the induced hyperpolarization and subsequently depolarized the cells to -21 mV. These effects were associated with a 45% reduction in peak [Ca2+]i, a 60% decrease in steady state [Ca2+]i, and 63% inhibition of T cell proliferation. These results suggest that both Kv and KCa conductances contribute to the underlying mechanisms of T cell activation.
A zinc finger protein that represses transcription of the human MHC class II gene, DPA.
Authors: Scholl T , Stevens M B , Mahanta S , Strominger J L
Published: December 2022

The proximal promoters of all MHC class II genes contain a sequence element, the 19-bp X box, that is conserved in both sequence and position. Extensive analysis using a wide variety of approaches has demonstrated that the integrity of the X box is essential for transcription initiation from all class II genes studied. However, the X box is now recognized to contain two subregions, termed X1 and X2. Radiolabeled oligonucleotides corresponding to the X2 box of the MHC class II genes DPA and DQB were used to screen B cell and T cell expression libraries. A novel cDNA, termed XBR (X box repressor), encoding a putative zinc finger protein that binds specifically to the DPA X2 box was isolated from a human T cell line. The XBR gene encodes a 7-kb message that is ubiquitously transcribed, although at higher levels in tissues of the lymphocytic compartment. Southern blots indicate that this gene is single copy in primates and contains regions that are highly divergent in other species. Overexpression of XBR in a B cell line resulted in a dramatic reduction of transcription from a reporter gene construct driven by the DPA promoter, but not from similar constructs with mutations in the X2 box. Similarly, overexpression of XBR reduced induction of reporter gene activity driven from the DPA promoter in HeLa cells treated with IFN-gamma. XBR may, therefore, mediate transcriptional repression, thus preventing inappropriate MHC class II expression. XBR function may in part explain the dominant trans-acting repression of MHC class II expression reported in cell fusion experiments.
T cell-derived IL-3 induces the production of IL-4 by non-B, non-T cells to amplify the Th2-cytokine response to a non-parasite antigen in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice.
Authors: Kullberg M C , Berzofsky J A , Jankovic D L , Barbieri S , Williams M E , Perlmann P , Sher A , Troye-Blomberg M
Published: December 2022

We describe a novel amplification mechanism underlying the increased early IL-4 production observed in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice in response to a non-parasite Ag, sperm whale myoglobin (SwMb). Earlier studies have shown that splenic Fc epsilon R+ non-B, non-T (NBNT) cells from schistosome-infected mice secrete IL-4 after stimulation with parasite Ag. We now demonstrate that purified NBNT cells from SwMb-immunized S. mansoni-infected mice do not respond directly to SwMb, but produce IL-4 in response to IL-3. Accordingly, we show that the early SwMb-specific IL-4 response of spleen cells (SC) from immunized infected mice is dependent on IL-3 and on CD4+ T cells. Thus, most of the early SwMb-induced IL-4 from SC of infected mice appears to be produced by NBNT cells triggered by IL-3 synthesized by SwMb-specific CD4+ T cells. IL-3-induced IL-4 production was also observed in purified NBNT cells from immunized uninfected mice, but the frequency and/or IL-4-producing capacity of splenic IL-3-responsive cells was found to be 8 to 16 times higher in immunized infected animals. IL-4 production by purified CD4+ cells from immunized infected mice was also seen after SwMb stimulation, but this response showed slower kinetics than those of total SC, was IL-3-independent, and on average threefold greater than that by CD4+ cells from immunized uninfected controls. Thus, increased SwMb-induced IL-4 production in immunized S. mansoni-infected mice results from direct synthesis by CD4+ T cells, as well as their stimulation via IL-3 of an expanded population of NBNT cells. The latter pathway may serve as an amplification loop for Th2-cytokine responses.
CTL epitope generation is tightly linked to cellular proteolysis of a Listeria monocytogenes antigen.
Authors: Sijts A J , Villanueva M S , Pamer E G
Published: December 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic intracellular bacterium that secretes proteins into the cytosol of host cells. A major secreted protein, p60, is processed by the host cell into the nonamer peptides p60 217-225 and p60 449-457, which are presented to CTL by H-2Kd MHC class I molecules. Herein, we use two membrane permeable peptide aldehyde protease inhibitors, LLnL and Z-LLF, to inhibit cytosolic proteolysis in L. monocytogenes-infected cells. These inhibitors, which have been shown to inhibit proteasomes, completely abrogate cytosolic p60 degradation. The effect of LLnL and Z-LLF on p60 epitope generation was determined by acid-eluting, HPLC-purifying, and quantifying p60 217-225 and p60 449-457 from infected cells. We show a direct linkage between p60 degradation and epitope generation. However, the two inhibitors have quantitatively different effects on the generation of the two epitopes. Our findings implicate proteasomes in the earliest stages of Ag degradation and suggest that different CTL epitopes can be generated by distinct proteolytic processes.
Dermal microvascular endothelial cells express CD32 receptors in vivo and in vitro.
Authors: Gröger M , Sarmay G , Fiebiger E , Wolff K , Petzelbauer P
Published: December 2022

Immune complexes are thought to be the major cause of cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis, but the mechanism of immune complex targeting to specific vessels is largely unknown. In myelomonocytic cells, immune complex binding and receptor-mediated endocytosis are mediated by Fc gamma R. We asked whether dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMEC) express Fc gamma Rs. In cryostat sections of normal human skin, mAb IV.3 or AT10, both recognizing CD32 (Fc gamma RII), localizes to the luminal surface of DMEC of the superficial but not of the deep vascular plexus. All DMEC do not express CD16 (Fc gamma RIII) or CD64 (Fc gamma RI) molecules. Adult skin-derived DMEC in culture express CD32 (Fc gamma RII) molecules, as measured by FACS, but are negative for CD16 or CD64. HUVEC, tested for comparison, do not express CD16, 32, or 64 proteins. By reverse-transcriptase PCR and subsequent Southern blot analysis, the isoform of the CD32 molecule expressed on DMEC is determined as Fc gamma RIIa. HUVEC do not contain Fc gamma RIIa or Fc gamma RIIb mRNA. In DMEC, Fc gamma RIIa cross-linking results in immediate intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) concentration fluxes and in rapid internalization of the occupied receptors. We conclude that DMEC are equipped with fully functional Fc gamma RIIa molecules.
In vitro culture of human peripheral blood monocytes induces hyaluronan binding and up-regulates monocyte variant CD44 isoform expression.
Authors: Levesque M C , Haynes B F
Published: December 2022

CD44 is a cell surface proteoglycan homologous to cartilage link protein that serves as a receptor for hyaluronan (HA). CD44 isoforms include an unspliced 80- to 90-kDa standard form (CD44S) and isoforms derived from alternative splicing of nine CD44 variant exons (CD44V). Ligation of CD44 isoforms on monocytes induces the production of IL-1 and TNF-alpha. In addition, CD44 mAbs and HA inhibit HIV infection of monocytes by monocytotropic HIV, but do not inhibit T cell tropic HIV infectivity of T cells. To determine the ability of PB lymphocytes and monocytes to bind HA and to define and compare CD44 isoforms present on PB monocytes and lymphocytes, we studied PBMC using a panel of CD44 mAbs, HA-FITC, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis. We found that freshly isolated PB monocytes and lymphocytes did not bind soluble HA. However, in vitro culture of PBMC for 8 to 16 h resulted in CD44-dependent HA-FITC binding to monocytes, but not to lymphocytes. Western blot and flow cytometry analyses using CD44 mAbs demonstrated selective expression of high m.w. CD44V isoforms on cultured monocytes, but not on lymphocytes. Finally, tissue macrophages and multinucleated giant cells from patients with inflammatory lesions expressed CD44V6- and CD44V9-containing CD44 isoforms in vivo, suggesting that CD44V expression is associated with differentiation of monocytes to tissue macrophages in vivo in inflammatory sites. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PB monocytes, but not T or B lymphocytes, acquire the ability to bind HA and up-regulate CD44V expression after in vitro culture.
Evidence for distinct contributions of heavy and light chains to restriction of antibody recognition of the HIV-1 principal neutralization determinant.
Authors: Watkins B A , Davis A E , Fiorentini S , di Marzo Veronese F , Reitz M S
Published: December 2022

We have used phage Ab display technology to analyze two mAbs to HIV-1 envelope proteins gp120 and gp41. From the data obtained we are able to demonstrate that the recognition of the principal neutralization determinant of different strains of HIV-1 by neutralizing mAb M77 is restricted by its heavy and light chains in different ways. Native M77 is able to recognize and neutralize HIV-1 strain IIIB through binding to the gp120 V3 loop. M77 is unable to recognize strains of HIV-1 that differ on either the left or right side of the V3 loop tip. A chain-switched Fab fragment containing the M77 Fd fragment and a different light chain was able to recognize HIV-1 strains that differ from IIIB on the left side but not the right side of the V3 loop tip.
IgM rheumatoid factors react with human class I HLA molecules.
Authors: Williams R C , Malone C C , Kao K J
Published: December 2022

Half of 30 human polyclonal IgM rheumatoid factors (RF) showed positive ELISA reactions with affinity-isolated human class I molecules (A2 and B7). Positive RF reactivity with isolated class I heavy chains indicated that anti-class I RF interaction did not merely reflect RF anti-beta 2m specificity. Cross-reactions between antigenic determinants on human IgG, class I molecules, and beta 2m reacting with RF could be demonstrated by ELISA inhibition. When gene products of A2 alpha 2 exons 2, 3, and 4 were synthesized as overlapping heptamers on polypropylene pins, six RF-reactive epitopes within solvent accessible class I HLA regions were identified: EPRAPWI, QEGPEYW, QTHRVDL (second A2 exon), EQLRAYL, GTCVEWL, and WLRRYLE (third A2 exon). Glycine-alanine substitution for each residue within these RF-reactive sites identified R48, W51, E55, Y107, R108, W147, Q155, and E172 as immunodominant residues for RF reactivity. Many of these RF-reactive class I regions also showed positive ELISA reactions with monoclonal human IgM RFs derived from rheumatoid arthritis synovial B cells. Whole serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed a spectrum of IgM, IgA, and IgG Abs that adsorbed to and could be eluted from monomeric IgG or HLA A2 affinity columns. Normal serum similarly analyzed showed only trace reactions with IgG, A2, or beta 2m. Flow cytometry using RF incubated with A2 cell lines showed definite immunofluorescence reactivity with cell membranes not observed with normal non-RF IgM. Reactivity of human IgM RF with determinants on class I molecules may reflect antigenic overlap within several members of Ig gene superfamily products.
Unresponsiveness to 2,4-dinitro-1-fluoro-benzene after treatment with monoclonal antibodies to leukocyte function-associated molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 during sensitization.
Authors: Scheynius A , Camp R L , Puré E
Published: December 2022

We have investigated whether hapten-specific unresponsiveness could be induced if the interaction between LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) was disrupted by blocking mAbs given to mice during sensitization with 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene. An extended period of more than 11 days between the last i.p. injection of mAb and challenge was chosen to ensure that the mAb did not persist in the animals at the time of hapten challenge, as analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. The contact sensitivity response was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) when a combination of mAb FD441.8 against LFA-1 and mAb YNI/1.7.4 against intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was given during the sensitization phase compared with normal rat IgG-treated control animals. Furthermore, the animals were resistant to resensitization to the same hapten. This hyporesponsiveness was hapten specific, since the contact sensitivity reaction of mAb-treated mice to oxazolone was the same as that of normal rat IgG-treated control animals. Together these data indicate that inhibition of LFA-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mediated interactions between APCs and T cells during sensitization induced long term, Ag-specific, hyporesponsiveness of mice to the hapten 2,4-dinitro-1-fluoro-benzene.
Mutations in human CD4 impair the functional interaction with different human and mouse class II isotypes and alleles.
Authors: Fleury S , Huang B , Zerbib A , Croteau G , Long E O , Sekaly R P
Published: December 2022

The structure-function of the CD4-class II MHC interaction was investigated. Two functional assays were used to assess the responses of the 3DT52.5.8 murine T cell hybridoma expressing human CD4 (h-CD4) or murine CD4 (m-CD4). First, we determined the responses of the CD4+ and CD4-effector cells toward DAP-3 cells co-expressing the cognate alloantigen H-2Dd together with several human (DRw52b, DR4-Dw4, DR2A, and DPw2) and murine (I-Ab, I-Ak, IA alpha b I-A beta k and I-Ek) class II alleles and isotypes. We found that h-CD4 and m-CD4 strongly enhance the T cell response to H-2Dd, demonstrating that interspecies CD4/class II interactions occur efficiently. Furthermore, mutations in h-CD4 at positions 19, 89, and 165 markedly reduced the interaction with both human class II and mouse class II, indicating that the structural features of this cross-species interaction are strongly conserved. This was further supported by the finding that a h-CD4 deletion mutant (deletion F43-S49) interacted with both human and murine class II. Moreover, as 3DT cells express the responsive V beta element for the bacterial superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B, a co-receptor assay was conducted. DAP-3 cells expressing only class II molecules were used as APCs to present staphylococcal enterotoxin B to h-CD4+ and m-CD4+ T cells. h-CD4 and m-CD4 were able to enhance the T cell response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B, further demonstrating the conservation of the CD4-class II MHC interaction.
Characterization of an intronless CD4 minigene expressed in mature CD4 and CD8 T cells, but not expressed in immature thymocytes.
Authors: Salmon P , Boyer O , Lorès P , Jami J , Klatzmann D
Published: December 2022

The expression of the CD4 gene undergoes a complex pattern of regulation during T cell development. Results obtained in transgenic mice suggest that a combination of proximal enhancer and a silencer from the CD4 gene is sufficient to obtain a developmentally controlled expression along T cell maturation. We generated transgenic mice expressing the human CD4 cDNA under the control of the human CD4 promoter and the murine CD4 minimal proximal enhancer. No other regulatory sequences, including the silencer, were included. The pattern of expression of this transgene is restricted to mature peripheral T cells, to the only mature heat-stable Ag(HSA)low/- single positive thymocytes, and to some NK cells. Surprisingly, no expression was found in double positive or in immature HSAhigh single positive thymocytes. These results suggest that additional, yet uncharacterized genomic sequences are necessary for CD4 expression in immature thymocytes and that there is a change in transcription factors occurring at the late states of T cell development. Finally, since this is the first combination of regulatory sequences that possess such a T mature specific pattern of expression, it should provide a novel tool to address several immunologic questions or for therapeutic purposes.
The anti-inflammatory mechanism of sulfasalazine is related to adenosine release at inflamed sites.
Authors: Gadangi P , Longaker M , Naime D , Levin R I , Recht P A , Montesinos M C , Buckley M T , Carlin G , Cronstein B N
Published: December 2022

The anti-inflammatory mechanism of sulfasalazine is not well understood. It has recently been shown that sulfasalazine inhibits 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamidoribonucleotide (AICAR) transformylase, an enzyme involved in de novo purine biosynthesis. We recently demonstrated that methotrexate promotes intracellular AICAR accumulation, thereby increasing adenosine release and diminishing inflammation, so we tested the hypothesis that sulfasalazine similarly promotes intracellular AICAR accumulation. We studied adenosine release and the state of inflammation in in vitro and in vivo models of the inflammatory process. The adhesion of stimulated neutrophils (FMLP) to endothelial cells preincubated with sulfasalazine was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Elimination of extracellular adenosine by addition of adenosine deaminase or inhibition of adenosine by the adenosine A2 receptor antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX) completely reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of sulfasalazine (at concentrations <1 microM in this in vitro model. To determine whether this phenomenon was relevant to inhibition of inflammation in vivo, we studied the effect of sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg/day by gastric gavage for 3 days) on leukocyte accumulation in the murine air pouch model of inflammation. Treatment with sulfasalazine markedly decreased the number of leukocytes that accumulated in the inflamed (carrageenan, 2 mg/ml) air pouch. Injection of either adenosine deaminase or DMPX, but not the A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-dipropylxanthine, significantly reversed the anti-inflammatory effects of sulfasalazine treatment. Sulfasalazine increased the exudate adenosine concentration from 127 +/- 64 nM to 869 +/- 47 nM. Moreover, sulfasalazine treatment promoted a marked increase in splenocyte AICAR concentration from 35 +/- 6 to 96 +/- 3 pmols/10(6) splenocytes, which is consistent with the in vitro observation that sulfasalazine inhibits AICAR transformylase. These results indicate that sulfasalazine, like methotrexate, enhances adenosine release at an inflamed site and that adenosine diminishes inflammation via occupancy of A2 receptors on inflammatory cells. Our studies provide evidence that sulfasalazine and methotrexate may be described as a newly recognized family of anti-inflammatory agents that share the property of using adenosine as an antagonist of inflammation.
TNF-alpha renders human neutrophils responsive to platelet factor 4. Comparison of PF-4 and IL-8 reveals different activity profiles of the two chemokines.
Authors: Petersen F , Ludwig A , Flad H D , Brandt E
Published: December 2022

Platelet factor 4 (PF-4), like IL-8, is a member of the chemokine superfamily of proinflammatory cytokines. However, although the capacity of IL-8 to stimulate functions in neutrophils is well established, reports on PF-4 are still contradictory. In the present study, we have prepared highly purified PF-4 and examined its ability to induce chemotaxis, degranulation, adhesion to gelatin and plasma proteins, and changes in intracellular calcium levels. Even over a broad range of concentrations, PF-4 alone was unable to induce functional changes in PMN. However, neutrophils pre- or co-incubated with physiologically relevant concentrations of TNF-alpha responded to PF-4 by the selective mobilization of the secondary granule marker lactoferrin but not of the primary granule marker elastase. Contrary to IL-8, PMN did not require pretreatment with cytochalasin B for PF-4-induced exocytosis of lactoferrin. The synergistic effect of PF-4 with TNF-alpha was not a priming phenomenon because the cooperative response remained unchanged even when TNF-alpha was added 5 min after the chemokine. In contrast, TNF-alpha-treated PMN did not respond to PF-4 by chemotaxis or by an increase of intracellular calcium levels, and no competition of PF-4 for IL-8 receptors was observed. Our results suggest a mechanism as well as a biologic role of PF-4 in the regulation of neutrophil function, which is different from that of IL-8 and other alpha-chemokines.
Epitope mapping of C1 inhibitor autoantibodies from patients with acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency.
Authors: He S , Tsang S , North J , Chohan N , Sim R B , Whaley K
Published: December 2022

We report six patients with acquired C1 inhibitor (C1-inh) deficiency associated with serum C1-inh autoantibodies and circulating cleaved (96 kDa), functionally inactive C1-inh. In three patients, all of whom had IgG-kappa paraproteins in their sera, the Abs were IgG-kappa. In the remaining three patients, the Abs were IgM (2 kappa, 1 lambda). These data suggest that all the Abs were monoclonal. The autoantibodies recognized two synthetic peptides (peptides 2 and 3), which spanned the reactive center of C1-inh. Binding to peptide 3 (residues 448-459) was greater than to peptide 2 (residues 438-449), suggesting that the epitope recognized by the autoantibodies was expressed principally by peptide 3. Both peptides inhibited the binding of the autoantibodies to C1-inh. None of the autoantibodies recognized peptide 1 (residues 428-440), and this peptide did not inhibit the binding of the autoantibodies to C1-inh. The use of substituted peptides suggested that residues Q452 and Q453 made significant contributions to the epitope, and computer modeling studies showed their side chains to be surface exposed in the intact molecule. However, computer modeling also showed that none of the side chains of the polar residues in peptide 2 were sufficiently close to Q452 and Q453 to be able to contribute to a shared epitope. As peptide 2 could inhibit the binding of C1-inh autoantibodies to peptide 3 and vice versa, we conclude that an autoepitope also exists in peptide 2. Computer modeling and the use of substituted peptides suggested that the sequence LLVF (residues 446-449) in peptide 2 is structurally similar to the sequence QQPF (residues 452-455) in peptide 3. We therefore conclude that there are two potential epitopes in the intact C1-inh molecule that are capable of binding to C1-inh autoantibodies.
Greatly accelerated lymphadenopathy and autoimmune disease in lpr mice lacking tumor necrosis factor receptor I.
Authors: Zhou T , Edwards C K , Yang P , Wang Z , Bluethmann H , Mountz J D
Published: December 2022

Fas and TNF receptor I (TNF-RI) share homology at their cytoplasmic death domain and belong to the same gene family, but utilize different pathways to signal activation-induced cell death. To determine the combined effects of defective TNF-RI and Fas signaling on lymphadenopathy and autoimmune disease, we backcrossed TNF-RI knockout mice (Tnfr1(0/0)) with Fas-deficient C57BL/6-lpr/lpr mice. Tnfr1(0/0)lpr/lpr mice developed greatly accelerated lymphadenopathy and autoantibody production compared with C57BL/6-lpr/ lpr mice. Tnfr1(0/0)-lpr/lpr mice also exhibited high mortality and early onset autoimmune disease characterized by massive mononuclear cell infiltration in liver, kidney, lung, and knee joints. These results indicate that the Fas-mediated apoptosis defect in lpr mice is accelerated in the absence of TNF-RI and that normal expression of TNF-RI might partially compensate for the Fas-mediated apoptosis defect of mononuclear cells in lpr mice.
The EMT/ITK/TSK (EMT) tyrosine kinase is activated during TCR signaling: LCK is required for optimal activation of EMT.
Authors: Gibson S , August A , Kawakami Y , Kawakami T , Dupont B , Mills G B
Published: December 2022

Functional T lymphocyte activation requires concurrent stimulation of the TCR complex and an accessory molecule, most frequently CD28. We have previously demonstrated that the TEC family tyrosine kinase EMT/ITK/TSK (EMT) is activated following cross-linking of CD28. We demonstrate herein that cross-linking of the CD3 component of the TCR complex also leads to EMT activation as indicated by a rapid and transient increase in EMT tyrosine phosphorylation and kinase activity in anti-EMT immunoprecipitates. However, although concurrent cross-linking of the TCR and CD28 results in a marked increase in production of the T cell growth factor IL-2, it does not result in a significant alteration in the magnitude or duration of EMT activation. Somatic cell mutants of the Jurkat T cell line, which lack the SRC family kinase LCK (JCaM1.6), fail to produce IL-2 when stimulated through the TCR complex. EMT activation, as evidenced by increased EMT tyrosine phosphorylation and EMT-associated kinase activity, was also greatly reduced following stimulation of the TCR in the JCaM1.6 Jurkat T cell mutants that lack LCK. In support of a role for LCK in EMT activation, reconstitution of the LCK-negative Jurkat T cell line by enforced expression of LCK restored TCR-mediated EMT activation. Taken together, the data indicate that the EMT tyrosine kinase is activated following cross-linking of the TCR, a process in which LCK likely plays an important role.
Requirements of a costimulus for IL-4-induced IgE class switching in murine B cells activated via antigen receptors: effectiveness of 8-mercaptoguanosine.
Authors: Hikida M , Takai T , Ohmori H
Published: December 2022

In the present paper, we investigated the requirements for the induction of IgE responses in murine B cells stimulated via surface Ig receptors by trinitrophenyl (TNP)-LPS or F(ab')2 of anti-mouse IgM (anti-mu) Abs. When murine B cells were cultured with 0.2 microgram/ml TNP-LPS, the secretion of anti-TNP IgM, but not that of IgG1 or IgE, was induced. It should be noted that IL-4, alone or in combination with IL-2 or IL-5, was not sufficient for inducing IgE class switching in these B cells, in contrast to the cells activated polyclonally with 20 micrograms/ml LPS, suggesting that an additional signal is required under the former conditions. After extensive screening of costimuli for inducing IgE in cooperation with IL-4, we found that 8-mercaptoguanosine (8-SGuo), a potent B cell activator, was effective. The addition of 8-SGuo to TNP-LPS-stimulated B cell cultures resulted in the secretion of both anti-TNP IgM and IgG1, but not anti-TNP IgE. Anti-TNP IgE formation was induced only when 8-SGuo was added in combination with IL-4, whereas 8-SGuo plus IL-4 failed to induce IgE secretion in the absence of TNP-LPS. Similar requirements for 8-SGuo and IL-4 for IgE formation were observed when B cells were stimulated with anti-mu. It was revealed that induction of the IgE responses was accompanied by increased frequency of surface IgE+ B cells and the expression of germline and productive epsilon transcripts. In B cells stimulated with anti-mu plus IL-4, 8-SGuo was shown to enhance the expression of the B cell-specific activator protein gene that is thought to be required in IL-4-dependent germline epsilon transcription.
Herpesvirus saimiri immortalized gamma delta T cell line activated by IL-12.
Authors: Klein J L , Fickenscher H , Holliday J E , Biesinger B , Fleckenstein B
Published: December 2022

IL-12 is a novel heterodimeric cytokine important for the regulation and differentiation of lymphocytes and NK cells. Like other cytokines, IL-12 mediates its biologic activity through high-affinity receptors expressed on responsive cells. To date, a large number of receptors for IL-12 have been found only on PBMC following activation with PHA or IL-2. To gain further knowledge of the IL-12R complex and the IL-12 signal transduction pathway in cytotoxic T cells, we studied a number of human T cell lines that had been transformed to permanent growth with Herpesvirus saimiri, an oncogenic virus of nonhuman primates. This paper reports the expression of IL-12R on a human gamma delta T cell line that responds to IL-12 with enhanced cytolytic activity and increased expression of cytolytic effector molecules granzyme B and perforin. Using these T cells as a model of IL-12 signal transduction, we confirmed that these events involve members of the Janus kinase family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases JAK2, TYK2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 4.
Antigen presentation by T cells inhibits IL-2 production and induces IL-4 release due to altered cognate signals.
Authors: Lombardi G , Hargreaves R , Sidhu S , Imami N , Lightstone L , Fuller-Espie S , Ritter M , Robinson P , Tarnok A , Lechler R
Published: December 2022

Conflicting results of the effects of Ag presentation by MHC class II-expressing T cells have been described. In some studies class II-expressing T cells have been shown to act as effective APCs, while others have reported that the recognition of Ag on the surface of another T cell inactivates IL-2 production. In this study we have investigated the mechanisms involved in Ag presentation by T cells. The results obtained suggest that 1) lack of costimulation is not responsible for the inhibitory effects of T cell Ag presentation on IL-2 production; the provision of costimulation by immobilized anti-CD28 Ab or by the addition of accessory cells failed to reverse the effects of T cell Ag presentation, but restored the response to immobilized anti-CD3; 2) T cell Ag presentation induced a minimal increase in intracellular Ca2+ compared with that induced by antigen-pulsed B cells; this difference in the calcium response is not explained by quantitative differences in ligand density between B cells and T cells; and 3) despite the weak calcium signal, T cell presentation supported IL-4 release in the absence of IL-2 production. Taken together these data suggest that T cell Ag presentation leads to altered TCR/CD3-transduced signals, which biases the T cell towards a Th2 phenotype.