Showing papers in "International Immunology in 1989"

Many of the IgA producing plasma cells in murine gut are derived from self-replenishing precursors in the peritoneal cavity

Abstract: Long term B lineage chimeras are used here to study the origin of plasma cells in the mouse. Chimeric mice are constructed by reconstituting lethally irradiated mice with peritoneal cells (PerC) and bone marrow cells from congenic pairs of mice differing in Igh-C allotype. All conventional B cells in these mice express the allotype of the bone marrow donor and nearly all Ly-1 B lineage cells express the allotype of the PerC donor. FACS analysis and immunohistology of these mice shows that virtually all (sig+) B cells in peripheral lymphoid organs are derived from the bone marrow donor. However, despite this overwhelming number of bone marrow-derived B cells in these animals, immunohistological staining of lymphoid organs and gut shows that nearly half of the IgM, IgG, and IgA plasma cells derive from the PerC donor. These data demonstrate that the peritoneal cavity contains a major reservoir of self-replenishing cells that play a significant role in the mucosal immune response. The possibility that these are B cells that belong to the Ly-1 B lineage is discussed.

Stress proteins may provide a link between the immune response to infection and autoimmunity

Abstract: Stress proteins are frequently the target of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to infection. These proteins belong to highly conserved gene families and there is substantial sequence homology between antigens produced by pathogenic organisms and the corresponding proteins from mammalian cells. Human T cells from sites of infectious and autoimmune lesions proliferate in response to stress proteins, and mapping of antigenic determinants on a mycobacterial stress protein shows that both species specific and highly conserved, 'self-like', regions of the molecule can take part in immune recognition. It is proposed that the lymphocyte population induced in response to stress proteins of pathogens during infection includes cells capable of autoimmune recognition of the corresponding self protein. Local accumulation of self stress proteins--in response to viral infection, for example--may subsequently provide a stimulus for proliferation of such autoreactive lymphocytes, thereby triggering a cycle of events which may contribute to the pathological damage associated with autoimmune disease.

Frequencies of CD4+ T cells reactive with Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi: distinct response kinetics for cells with Th1 and Th2 characteristics during infection

Abstract: The functional heterogeneity of the CD4+ T cell response to Plasmodium chabaudi has been evaluated. Using a limiting dilution assay system and a variety of assays to detect gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-3, and T helper (Th) cells for malaria-specific antibody production, the precursor frequencies of P. chabaudi-reactive T cells have been calculated. The patterns of lymphokines produced by individual microcultures of the limiting dilution assay generally supported the idea of two functionally distinct CD4+ subsets: one which produces IFN-gamma and IL-2 (Th1) and one which is an effective helper cell for antibody production (Th2). However, it could not be determined whether the overlapping functions observed in some cultures represented T cells which could produce all factors or separate clones which were developing in the same wells. During the first 14 days of an erythrocytic infection of P. chabaudi the predominant T cell response was of the Th1-type. The frequency of these cells decreased after 14 days. By 3 weeks after infection the CD4+ T cell response was characterized by Th2 cells, as defined by their ability to act as helper cells in the production of malaria-specific antibody. These data support the hypothesis that early clearance of P. chabaudi may be antibody-independent but that the final clearance mechanism coincides with the appearance of helper cells and antibody.

A large proportion of bovine T cells express the γδ T cell receptor and show a distinct tissue distribution and surface phenotype

Abstract: The numbers, phenotype, and tissue distribution of gamma delta T cells in cattle were studied using two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which react with the bovine gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR). Both mAbs stained 20-40% of T cells in peripheral blood, and immunoprecipitated molecules of 44 and 36 kd (reduced) and 70-80 kd (non-reduced). In cattle the majority of circulating gamma delta T cells showed a distinct surface phenotype; they expressed T19, a 215 kd molecule described in sheep and cattle which marks only gamma delta T cells. Bovine gamma delta T cells were also CD2-, CD4-, and mostly CD8-, and failed to express CD6, a molecule possibly involved in T cell activation. The distribution of gamma delta T cells in cattle lymphoid tissues differed markedly from that in humans, in that bovine gamma delta T cells were concentrated around lymph node trabeculae and were usually sparse or absent from the B cell and T cell domains of lymph nodes. Like most other species studied, gamma delta T cells in cattle were localized to epithelial surfaces, particularly within the skin and intestine, indicating that it was at these sites where gamma delta T cells functioned. Our results provide further evidence for the unusual localization, recirculation pattern, and phenotype of gamma delta T cells, and also show that some features of gamma delta T cells can differ quite markedly from species to species.

A novel membrane glycoprotein capable of inhibiting membrane attack by homologous complement

Abstract: Neuraminidase-treated human erythrocytes become sensitive to haemolysis by heterologous serum via activation of the alternative complement pathway (ACP), while remaining insensitive to homologous serum because of the presence of inhibitors on the cell membrane. We obtained a monoclonal antibody which renders the neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes sensitive to haemolysis by homologous human serum via the ACP. This antibody reacts with a 20 KDa membrane glycoprotein which interferes with the terminal stage of complement action on cell membranes. The 20 KDa protein is anchored to the membrane via phosphatidylinositol.

IL-7 is a growth and maintenance factor for mature and immature thymocyte subsets.

Abstract: The specific signals inducing the growth and maturation of thymocytes remain undefined. We show here that recombinant IL-7 induces growth of fetal and adult mouse CD4-8- thymocytes. IL-7 also induces a lower but significant response in CD4+8- and CD4-8+ thymocytes. Day 14 fetal thymic lobes cultured in IL-7 for 6 days show a 2-fold increase in cell number when compared to control cultures. The thymocyte subsets that proliferate in response to IL-7 can be maintained in culture for extended periods of time. CD4-8- thymocytes maintained in IL-7 did not change their phenotype with respect to CD4 and CD8 expression. In addition, we show that the combination of IL-7 plus IL-6 provides a potent growth stimulus for CD4+8- and CD4-8+ thymocytes. A cloned thymic epithelial cell, that can be induced to express MHC class II molecules, transcribes both IL-7 and IL-6 mRNA. A cloned thymic macrophage cell line produces IL-6 but no detectable IL-7 mRNA. The pattern of biological activities present in the supernatants of these cell lines is also presented. These observations suggest that the thymic epithelial and macrophage cell types may be an in vivo source of signals which mediate thymocyte development.

Flow cytometric analysis of cell proliferation dynamics in the B cell compartment of the mouse.

Abstract: Using a method which allows simultaneous flow cytometric detection of cell surface markers and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, the distribution and proliferative behavior of B lineage subpopulations was studied in intact adult mice. In the bone marrow we could define two subsets of B cells on the basis of differential expression of the pan-B cell marker B220 and of membrane-associated mu and delta immunoglobulin heavy chains. B220dull mu+ delta- B cells were found to emerge from rapidly dividing cells and probably represent B cells recently generated from B220dull mu- pre-B cells. In contrast, only few, if any, of the B220bright mu+ delta+ B cells were labeled with BrdU after a period of 8 days, suggesting that these cells represent long-lived B cells residing in the bone marrow. Analysis of BrdU-incorporation into splenic B cells showed that only 20% of these cells had gone through cell division during the preceding 8 days. Almost none of the B cells in the peritoneum, a large fraction of which belongs to the Ly1 B subset, were labeled with BrdU over a period of 7 days in 8-month-old animals.

Evidence for differential expression of CD45 isoforms by precursors for memory-dependent and independent cytotoxic responses: human CD8 memory CTLp selectively express CD45R0 (UCHL1)

Abstract: On the basis of differential CD45 expression, human T cells can be separated into approximately reciprocal populations. The mAb UCHL1 detects a 180 kd molecular mass isoform, CD45R0. The CD45RA cluster of mAbs reacts with CD45 isoforms of 205 and 220 kd molecular mass. These reagents subdivide both CD4 and CD8 T cell populations. CD4 T cells that proliferate in response to memory-dependent (recall) antigens have been shown to selectively express CD45R0. We extend these observations to a model for cytotoxic responses that allows the functional analysis of CD8 T cells with differential CD45 expression. Precursors for allo-specific CTL responses are readily detectable in CD45R0 as well as CD45RA populations. In contrast, we find memory CTLp greatly enriched among CD45R0 cells. In combination with earlier work, these results suggest that differential expression of CD45 isoforms is associated with memory formation for different classes of immune responses in both major T cell lineages.

Immunoglobulin VH gene expression in human B cell lines and tumors: biased VH gene expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract: We have studied frequencies of VH gene utilization in a panel of monoclonal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cell lines derived from human adult and fetal tissues as well as in monoclonal B cells obtained from fresh chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) samples. The results show that IgM-secreting EBV cell lines from both fetal and adult tissues utilize VH genes from particular families roughly in proportion to estimated family size, suggesting that the repertoire of sigM-positive B cells in both fetal and adult organs is 'normalized' with respect to the V(H) gene family. In contrast, we find a highly biased pattern of VH gene expression in CLLs. The significance of these findings is discussed in the context of mechanisms that could be involved in normal B cell repertoire development and in the process of malignant transformation of precursors of CLL.

SP-40,40 is an inhibitor of C5b-6-initiated haemolysis.

Abstract: This study examines the function of SP-40,40, a newly identified component of the SC5b-9 complement complex, in the regulation of the terminal complement pathway. Purified SP-40,40 was shown to inhibit, in a dose-dependent manner, C5b-6-initiated haemolysis. Apparently additive inhibition was also demonstrated in conjunction with complement S-protein, although SP-40,40 appears to be the more potent inhibitor on an equimolar basis. The data suggest that SP-40,40, like S-protein, probably combines with the nascent C5b-7 complex, forming a cytolytically inactive SC5b-7 - SP-40,40 complex. Preparations of S-protein, purified by an established technique, were shown to be contaminated with SP-40,40. Preparations of affinity-purified SP-40,40 were also shown to contain S-protein, suggesting that these proteins may be partially complexed in plasma.

Production of sterile transcripts of Cγ genes in an IgM-producing human neoplastic B cell line that switches to IgG-producing cells

Abstract: A human neoplastic B cell line SSK41 that expresses IgM on its surface switches spontaneously to IgG-producing cells. The SSK41 line contains a single immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus, the constant region (C) genes of which retain the germline configuration. The IgG-producing SSK41 line was purified by sorting, and shown to have undergone S-S recombination with deletion of the C mu gene. This line produced secretory and membrane-bound forms of gamma-chain mRNA. From cDNA libraries of a mixed population of IgM+/IgG+ SSK41 cells, we have isolated cDNA clones encoding the mature membrane-bound and secretory forms of the mu and gamma 1 heavy chains, all of which share the same variable region sequence. cDNA clones containing the mature gamma 3 chain were identified as well. We also isolated cDNA clones containing C gamma 1 and C gamma 3 sterile transcripts from the SSK41 line. These sterile transcripts contained additional exon sequences designated 'I' which were localized upstream of the C gamma 1 and C gamma 3 switch regions and homologous to murine counterparts. The I sequences were precisely spliced to the 5' ends of the corresponding C gamma exon sequences. These features of germline CH transcripts, i.e. the isotype specificity to class switching, location of exons, and sequences per se, are highly conserved between man and mouse.

Mu heavy chains can associate with a pseudo-light chain complex (psi L) in human pre-B cell lines.

Abstract: In pre-B cells, the earliest identifiable stage of B cell differentiation, there is an asynchrony of immunoglobulin chain expression in that mu heavy chains are synthesized in the absence of light chain synthesis. These mu chains largely remain intracellular and are degraded. Here we demonstrate that a fraction of mu chains in human pre-B cell lines can reach the surface in association with three pre-B-specific proteins with relative molecular masses of 22, 18, and 16 kd, which we term collectively the pseudo-light chain complex, psi L. This association generates a multimeric complex, mu 2-psi L. Two of the psi L proteins (22 and 16 kd) are lambda-immunoreactive and form disulfide bonds with mu chains, suggesting that they are closely related to conventional lambda light chains. The 18 kd psi L species is a non-covalently-associated member of the complex. The expression of mu-psi L complexes on the surface of pre-B cells could have a functional role in the control of pre-B growth and differentiation by the hematopoietic microenvironment.

Development of autoimmune insulitis is prevented in Eαd but not in Aβk NOD transgenic mice

Abstract: Two lines of E alpha d-expressing NOD mice were established by continuously backcrossing [E alpha d B6 transgenic mice x NOD] F1 to parental NOD or directly microinjecting the E alpha d gene into fertilized NOD eggs. Similarly, A beta k-expressing transgenic NOD mice were produced. Subsequent histological examination of pancreatic tissues revealed that autoimmune insulitis was prevented in E alpha d backcross and transgenic mice but not in A beta k transgenic mice.

Transition in CD45 isoform expression during differentiation of normal and abnormal B cells

Abstract: We have demonstrated a transition in the expression of CD45 isoforms, from the expression of the high molecular weight CD45R to the low molecular weight CD45 p180 isoform on normal and on monoclonal (possibly malignant) B cells undergoing differentiation into plasma cells. The differentiation into plasma cells was shown by the loss of CD20 and CD21 surface antigens, a reduced expression, but in our system not a complete loss, of CD19, and the expression of the plasma cell marker PCA-1. We used three-color immunofluorescence to demonstrate the shift from CD45R to CD45 p180 on CD19+CD20-CD21- cells in cultures of normal cells stimulated by pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Furthermore, tissue sections of extramedullary plasmacytomas, where plasma cells were defined by morphology and expression of cytoplasmic Ig, showed a complete loss of CD45R and CD45 p180 antigens, although the cells retained expression of CD45 common determinants. Finally, we have analysed PBMC from patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) at various stages of disease, and demonstrated that the monoclonal B cell subset present in their peripheral blood is heterogeneous in the expression of CD45 isoforms, including cells bearing only CD45R, those with a transitional CD45R+CD45 p180+ phenotype, and those expressing only CD45 p180. Upon stimulation in vitro these cells show greatly increased expression of CD45 p180. The differential expression of CD45 isoforms within a clonal B cell subset in the blood of these patients suggests that the monoclonal B cells in WM represent a continuously differentiating lineage of CD45R+ mature B cells giving rise to CD45 p180+ pre-plasma cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

T cell multideterminant regions in the human immunodeficiency virus envelope: toward overcoming the problem of major histocompatibility complex restriction.

Abstract: Helper T cell determinants should be an important component of an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine aimed at either antibody or cytotoxic T cell immunity. However, model protein studies have raised concern about the usefulness of any single determinant, because a given determinant is likely to be seen by only a small subset of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) types within the population. Here, we use 44 peptides, including ones predicted and not predicted on the basis of amphipathicity to be potential T cell sites, to locate T cell antigenic determinants recognized by mice of four MHC haplotypes immunized with the whole gp 160 envelope protein. Although the preselection of peptides necessitates caution in a statistical analysis, alpha-amphipathic peptides predominated among sites eliciting the strongest response. Although we have not tested the entire sequence, we have identified six multideterminant regions, in which overlapping peptides are recognized by mice of either three or all four MHC types. Four of the six regions have sequences relatively conserved among HIV-1 isolates. The existence of such multideterminant regions recognized by multiple MHC haplotypes suggests the possibility that use of peptides longer than a minimal determinant and containing several overlapping determinants may be a possible approach to circumvent the serious problem of MHC restriction in peptide vaccines aimed at eliciting T cell immunity.

Cloning and expression of a gamma-interferon-inducible gene in monocytes: a new member of a cytokine gene family.

Abstract: To define activation-specific sequences in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), a cDNA library was constructed by subtractive hybridization using resting and stimulated PBL pairs. Stimulation of PBL was achieved by triggering with mitogenic anti-CD2 (T11) monoclonal antibodies. Differential library screening with cDNA probes derived from stimulated versus resting PBL led to identification of two novel sequences, termed HC11 and HC14. The predicted primary and secondary structure of HC11 deduced from the translated nucleotide sequence suggests that the gene encodes a secreted protein of 99 amino acids (aa), including a 23 aa residue leader sequence. Surprisingly, Northern blot analysis demonstrated that HC11 mRNA is induced predominantly in peripheral blood non-T cells. Subsequently, we observed that the HC11 mRNA is induced in macrophages and the monocytic line U-937 by gamma-IFN, raising the possibility that T cell-derived gamma-IFN induced upon anti-CD2 stimulation activated monocytes to express HC11 RNA. In support of this notion, neutralizing anti-gamma-IFN monoclonal antibody inhibits the induction of HC11 mRNA in PBL activated through anti-CD2 antibodies. These findings suggest that there is a molecular cascade involving T cell-produced lymphokines and monokines which serve as a means for intercellular communication. Transient expression of HC11 cDNA results in a readily detectable specific set of protein bands in SDS-PAGE analysis of supernatants from radio-labeled COS cells, consistent with HC11 encoding a secreted product(s). Protein sequence comparison reveals homology with other members of a recently described inducible cytokine family whose functions are yet to be defined.

A high incidence of C9 deficiency among healthy blood donors in Osaka, Japan.

Abstract: By the use of sucrose gelatin veronal buffer (SGVB), a simple screening test was developed by us to detect sera with low complement activity, including C9-deficient sera. Using this screening test, we were able to identify sera with low complement activity including C9-deficient sera among a large number of samples. Further examinations, estimation of the protein concentration of C9, C4, C3, etc., enabled classification of serum with low complement activity into C9-deficient serum, serum deficient in the other components, and serum with low complement activity caused by non-specific activation of complement through the classical pathway by low temperature in vitro. Among 145,640 sera from Osaka donors, 138 sera were found to be deficient in C9 by these methods. The whole complement activity (CH50) of the 138 sera was 13.1 +/- 3.0 U/ml. The C9 protein in these sera was undetectable, not only by the single radial immunodiffusion method, but also by the sensitive ELISA method. C9 activities in these sera were less than 0.1% of the level in pooled normal human serum. These findings and the family studies revealed that 138 blood donors unquestionably had a hereditary C9 deficiency. The incidence of C9 deficiency among Osaka donors was calculated to be 0.095%.

Expression of antibody V-regions is genetically and developmentally controlled and modulated by the B lymphocyte environment

Abstract: In this study we performed a comprehensive analysis of VH family usage in the emergent, available and actual repertoires of neonatal and adult BALB/c and C57BL/6 (B6) mouse strains. For this purpose we used an in situ hybridization technique that allows the detection of VH-gene expression at a single cell level. We have found that VH gene expression in neonatal mice is determined by a non-random position-dependent process which favours the utilization of the most D-proximal VH 7183 family. The preferential usage of the 7183 family is also characteristic of early differentiating bone marrow B cells of adult BALB/c mice. At different stages of ontogeny and B cell development VH family repertoires evolve in a strain-specific manner, with significantly higher utilization of the VH J558 family in B6 mice. In the peripheral immunocompetent cell pool, local environmental factors can further modulate VH family expression and lead to increased representation of the VH J558 family in peripheral lymph nodes and of the VH X-24 family in intestinal Peyer's patches. In conclusion, our present results indicate that VH family usage is controlled by genetic, developmental and environmental factors and suggest that selection of antibody repertoires can occur at multiple stages in B cell development.

Preferential expansion of Ly-1 B and CD4- CD8- T cells in the polyclonal lymphocyte responses to murine T. cruzi infection.

Abstract: Acute murine infection with T. cruzi results in polyclonal lymphocyte responses manifested by blast transformation of a large fraction of B, CD4+, and CD8+ cells. We describe here the finding of significant increases in the splenic representation of minor populations, Ly-1 + B cells and CD4-CD8- T cells. These lymphocyte populations might play an important role in the host response, as shown by T. cruzi infection of hosts that had been lethally irradiated and reconstituted with autologous bone marrow. Under these conditions, the splenic polyclonal PFC responses are nearly abrogated, and not restored by the transfer of syngeneic peritoneal cells which, however, reconstitute T15 idiotype production in the same hosts. Control levels of PFC responses, however, are reconstituted by transfer of syngeneic splenic T cells. Since bone marrow-reconstituted animals contain normal numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells which are actually activated by infection, these results suggest the participation of other T cell populations in the host response to infection, as also suggested by the marked increases in T cell receptor gamma and delta messages detected in the spleen of infected animals. The implications of these findings in immunopathology of Chagas' disease are discussed.

Structural analysis of a peptide-HLA class II complex: identification of critical interactions for its formation and recognition by T cell receptor

Abstract: An assay for the binding of peptides to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II proteins on the surface of cells has been used to determine the relative importance of the amino acids composing an influenza haemagglutinin T cell determinant in binding. The important contact residues were identified by the effect substitution of each residue with biotinylated lysine had on the ability of the peptide to bind. The spacing of the critical residues within the peptide sequence was consistent with the central core, of approximately eight amino acids, adopting a helical conformation. The terminal residues were less constrained and might not be part of a regular conformation. Increasing the helical propensity of the determinant, by simply acetylating and amidating the peptide, resulted in an analogue that was able to stimulate a specific T cell clone at significantly lower concentrations than the natural sequence. A potential location for the peptide in the binding site was postulated based on the presence of complementary amino acids in the class II molecule and supported by screening a large number of peptide analogues for their ability either to bind the restriction element or to stimulate T cell proliferation.

Evolutionary comparison of the avian IgL locus: combinatorial diversity plays a role in the generation of the antibody repertoire in some avian species.

Abstract: Immunoglobulin light chain (IgL) diversity is generated in the chicken by recombination between the single functional variable (VL) and joining (JL) gene segments and subsequent somatic diversification of the rearranged VL region. In order to determine whether these events are a general feature of avian IgL genes, we analyzed the organization and recombinatorial characteristics of the IgL loci of several other avian species. Southern blot analysis of bursal and germline DNA using chicken VL and constant (CL) probes revealed that the IgL loci of quail, mallard duck, pigeon, turkey, cormorant, and hawk consist of a family of VL elements, but undergo a single major rearrangement event similar to that observed in chickens. In contrast, several rearrangements were observed in the Muscovy duck locus. A phage clone containing a 26 kb insert that hybridized to VL and CL probes was isolated from a Muscovy duck erythrocyte DNA genomic library. Nucleotide sequencing revealed that the clone contained a single JL-CL region flanked on the 5' side by five VL segments. Unlike the chicken, two of the VL segments (VL1, VL5) appear to be functional. The remaining three VL segments are pseudogenes that lack promoter and leader sequences, but one of these (psi VL3) has recombination signal sequences. Overall, these data indicate that rearrangement of one VL gene segment is a general feature of the IgL locus in many avian species. In these species, the presence of a family of VL elements that do not rearrange suggests that a pseudogene pool may be available for somatic diversification by gene conversion. The organization of the Muscovy duck IgL locus suggests that additional combinatiorial diversity has evolved independently in some avian species.

Predominant use of a particular α-chain in suppressor T cell hybridomas specific for keyhole limpet hemocyanin

Abstract: We isolated and sequenced the rearranged genomic variable (V) and joining (J) gene segments of T cell receptor alpha-chain gene from two independent keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific suppressor T cell (Ts) hybridomas (BW5147 x C57BL/6 KLH-Ts). These nucleotide sequences were compared with those of germline DNA from kidney and also with cDNA of alpha-chain (VJ alpha 281) previously isolated from Ts hybridoma (34S-281) with KLH/H-2b Ts activity. The entire V alpha and J alpha sequences of all three Ts hybridomas were exactly identical and were encoded by the germline V alpha and J alpha gene segments without any mutations, except for 2-nucleotide deletions from both the 3' end of V alpha and 5' end of J alpha gene segments, respectively, and a 1-nucleotide (guanine) insertion in the junctional (N) region which was not encoded by the germline gene. Six additional KLH-Ts hybridomas, further analyzed, also possessed the same alpha-chain, indicating the preferential usage of the particular alpha-chain in these hybridomas. As chromosome analysis demonstrated a different pattern in each clone, these hybridomas appear to be independent. More surprisingly, 0.5-1.5% of the total functional T cell alpha-chain mRNA in the thymus and spleen of unprimed C57BL/6 mice was found to be of this particular alpha-chain. These results suggest that the repertoire of KLH-Ts is strictly limited.

A neutralizing epitope of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 has homologous amino acid sequences with the active site of inter-α-trypsin inhibitor

Abstract: A neutralizing epitope (epitope beta) of the HTLV-IIIB strain of HIV-1 was mapped to 24 amino acids of an external envelope glycoprotein (gp120) using a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (0.5 beta) and hetero-antisera against synthetic peptides encoding gp120. Proteins that have homologous sequences with epitope beta were sought from a databank of protein sequences to assess biological features of epitope beta. The results showed that epitope beta was found to have homologous sequences to inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (ITI). The homologous region of ITI included the active site of the protein. Synthesized peptides including epitope beta were good substrates for trypsin, because these peptides inhibited trypsin activities in a competitive manner (Ki = 24.5 microM). Human urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI), a protein indistinguishable from ITI, as well as synthetic peptides including epitope beta inhibited syncytium formation caused by the LAV-1-infected CCRF-CEM and uninfected Molt-4 cells in a dose-dependent manner (0.1-1 mM). These findings suggest that epitope beta of HIV-1 could be substrate of protease upon HIV-1 infection and also suggest that protease inhibitory activity of epitope beta may play a role in the pathophysiology of HIV-1-infected individuals.

The acquisition of CD4 and CD8 during the differentiation of early thymocytes in short-term culture

Abstract: Subpopulations of thymocytes known to represent early stages of T cell development were isolated from the adult mouse thymus, and their ability to differentiate during short periods of culture was assessed by their acquisition of surface CD4 and CD8. Virtually all cells of the most mature of the CD4-CD8- thymocyte subpopulations (other surface markers CD3- HSA++ IL-2R-Pgp-1-) and of the immature CD4-CD8+ thymocyte subpopulation (other surface markers also CD3- HSA++ IL-2R- Pgp-1-) became CD4+CD8+ in less than 1 day of culture without added stimuli or growth factors. This suggested they had already received signals initiating CD4 and CD8 acquisition. However, stimulation of these precursor cells with phorbyl ester and ionomycin prevented this acquisition of CD4 and CD8. No distinct CD4-CD8+ intermediate was detected as the CD4-CD8- cells became CD4+CD8+ in the non-stimulated cultures, thus questioning the assumption that these three groups of cells are sequential steps in one lineage. In contrast to this pre-programmed acquisition of CD4 and CD8, the less mature CD4-CD8- IL-2R+ subpopulation did not progress to the CD4+CD8+ stage in culture, although it is able to develop further on intrathymic transfer. It is likely that this subpopulation represents a control point requiring specific differentiation signals for further development.

Reversal of HLA restriction by a point mutation in an antigenic peptide.

Abstract: The HLA restriction of a human T cell clone specific for residues 307-319 of influenza haemagglutinin was changed by the introduction of a point substitution in the peptide. Cells expressing HLA Dw1, DR4 Dw4, Dw13, Dw14, or Dw15 could present the natural haemagglutinin peptide to varying extents to the clone, but DR4 Dw10 could not. Replacement of glutamine-312 of the peptide with arginine produced an analogue that was recognized by the T cell clone only in the context of DR4 Dw10; neither DR1 nor any of the other DR4 alleles could present this peptide to the clone. The inability to bind either the natural or modified peptide was shown not to be the cause of the non-responsiveness. Rather, the differential stimulation of the clone appeared to arise from sequence variations between the DR alleles in residues comprising the beta-chain helix, which either affected recognition by directly contacting the T cell receptor or modified the conformation of the bound peptide. The latter effects were sufficiently subtle to modulate recognition by changing the fine details of the bound peptide but not to eliminate the capacity of the restriction element to bind the peptide.

Involvement of a common transcription factor in the regulated expression of IL-2 and IL-2 receptor genes

Abstract: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays an essential role in the clonal expansion of antigen-activated T lymphocytes (T cells). In fact, the expression of both IL-2 and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R, p55, CD25) genes is transiently induced upon T cell activation through the interaction of antigen/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and T cell receptor complex. To elucidate the mechanism(s) of the induced gene expression for IL-2 and IL-2R, we have investigated for the presence of potential transcription factors that specifically interact with regulatory cis-elements. Here, we demonstrate that one such factor mediates the induced expression of both genes. Interestingly, the recognition sequences by this factor are significantly diverse in these two genes and are related to those of immunoglobulin (Ig) kappa chain and MHC class I genes. We provide evidence that this factor indeed binds to the IL-2, IL-2R, and Ig sequence elements with different affinities, thereby affecting the magnitude of gene expression. Interestingly, this factor also binds to other cytokine genes, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and HIV-1 and HTLV-1 LTR sequences.

Elevated plasma glutamate concentrations in HIV-1-infected patients may contribute to loss of macrophage and lymphocyte functions

Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that the loss of immunological reactivity in HIV-1-infected persons may result partly from a virus-induced metabolic disorder. Patients who are infected with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated human immunodeficiency virus 1 were found to have, on average, markedly elevated and highly variable plasma glutamate concentrations. A similar elevation of the extracellular glutamate concentration was found to inhibit DNA synthesis in cultures of mitogenically stimulated lymphocytes. An even stronger inhibition was seen with the structural analogue quisqualate, and a moderate inhibition was seen with N-methyl-D-aspartate and kainate, i.e. with well established pharmacological probes for the excitatory glutamate receptors in the vertebrate central nervous system. The inhibitory effect of glutamate was compensated by adding cysteine or relatively large numbers of 'splenic adherent cells' to the culture. Elevated extracellular glutamate levels were also found to reduce the capacity of murine macrophages, human blood monocytes, and murine fibroblastoid cells (L929 cells) to release acid-soluble thiol (cysteine) into the extracellular space. The three cell types differed, however, with respect to their sensitivity against the three structural analogues of glutamate. The elevated glutamate concentration was not non-specifically toxic for cultured macrophages, since glycolytic activity and arginase activity were not inhibited. Implications of these observations for the pathogenetic mechanism of AIDS are discussed.

The human immunoglobulin C mu-C delta locus: complete nucleotide sequence and structural analysis.

Abstract: The entire nucleotide sequence (approximately 20 kbp) spanning the human immunoglobulin IgM (mu) and IgD (delta) heavy chain constant region genes has been determined from DNA of mu-delta producing chronic lymphocytic leukemic B cells. As in the murine IgM + IgD double-producing B cells, no rearrangement has occurred in the C mu-C delta region in the leukemic cells. The C mu locus is highly conserved between mouse and human with the exception of the nucleotide sequence between the C mu 4 and mu M1 exons, which has diverged dramatically. The intergenic sequence between human C mu and C delta is three times larger than the analogous region in the mouse and contains notable features absent from the mouse, including a 443 bp segment that is 96% identical to a 442 bp sequence that occurs just 3' to the heavy chain enhancer, a 366 bp sequence that is directly repeated with 76% homology, and 12 tandem copies of a 35 bp sequence. The human C delta gene contains two additional exons relative to mouse C delta, but shares with the mouse the unique distal location of both secreted and membrane coding segments. Several polymorphisms in the human population have been identified in the intergenic region and in C delta but not in C mu.

Effects of the deregulated expression of human interleukin-2 in transgenic mice

Abstract: We constructed transgenic mice that carry the cDNA of human interleukin-2 (IL-2) under the control of the H-2Kd promoter. The IL-2 transgenic mice expressed human IL-2 mRNA in the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lung, muscle and skin. Human IL-2 protein was also detected in their sera. The IL-2 transgenic mice suffered from alopecia and pneumonia, but no typical autoimmune reactions seemed to be involved in these lesions. In the epidermis of the IL-2 transgenic mice there was an increase in Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells (DEC), which might be involved in the skin lesion. Immune responses of their spleen cells against antigens were significantly impaired whereas their spleen cells responded well to polyclonal lymphocyte activators.

On the mechanism of human T cell suppression.

Abstract: Previous evidence from several laboratories suggests that CD8+ T suppressor cells may be important regulatory elements governing specific unresponsiveness of lepromatous lepromatous leprosy patients to M.leprae. To analyse the mechanism of suppression, CD8+ Ts clones were established from lesions and peripheral blood of lepromatous patients and tested for ability to suppress antigen-responsive CD4+. Th clones or PBL. Suppression required induction by specific M.leprae antigen, but was effected in an antigen-non-specific fashion. The Ts clones failed to exhibit cytotoxicity of four antigen-exposed MHC-matched target cells: (i) an ori-SV40 transformed macrophage line; (ii) EBV transformed B cell lines; (iii) primary macrophages; and (iv) M.leprae responsive CD4+ cells. The possibility that Ts clones induce functional inactivation of CD4+ clones in vitro was investigated. M.leprae-responsive CD4+ clones were preincubated with Ts CD8+ clones, APC, and antigen for 16 h, after which the CD8+ cells were removed. The CD4+ clones with M.leprae and APC remained unresponsive to restimulation with APC and antigen for at least 10 days, although they responded to IL-2. Addition of IL-2 to the pre- or post-incubation cultures neither prevented the induction of unresponsiveness, nor reversed it. Earlier models of tolerance have suggested that receptor occupancy in the absence of second signals induces tolerance in B and T cells. Under conditions in which antigen responses of Th clones were HLA-DR-restricted, the Ts clones were able to suppress the response of DR mismatched Th clones. Thus, the effect of the Ts cells, like mechanisms requiring antigen presentation without a second signal, appears to be induction of clonal anergy in Th cells, perhaps by a novel mechanism.