Showing papers in "Journal of Immunology in 1984"

Cell cycle analysis of a cell proliferation-associated human nuclear antigen defined by the monoclonal antibody Ki-67.

Abstract: The monoclonal antibody Ki-67 detects a nuclear antigen that is present only in proliferating cells. The aim of the present investigation was to clarify whether the Ki-67 nuclear antigen is restricted in its expression to certain phases of the cell cycle. All experiments consistently showed that the Ki-67 nuclear antigen is present in S, G2, and M phase, but is absent in G0. However, the results concerning Ki-67 antigen expression in G1 phase varied: cells passing the early events of mitogen triggered transition from G0 to G1, i.e., G1T and first G1A, lacked the Ki-67 nuclear antigen, whereas G1 cells after mitosis were constantly Ki-67-positive. This result suggests that after mitosis cells might not follow the same metabolic pathways as G0 cells do when entering G1 for the first time. Therefore, we suggest that the early stages of mitogen stimulation represent initial sequences of proliferation and not parts of the cell cycle. Because our data show that the Ki-67 nuclear antigen is present throughout the cell cycle, immunostaining with monoclonal antibody Ki-67 provides a reliable means of rapidly evaluating the growth fraction of normal and neoplastic human cell populations.

Glucocorticoid activation of a calcium-dependent endonuclease in thymocyte nuclei leads to cell death.

Abstract: Dexamethasone and corticosterone kill mouse thymocytes, as measured by eosin uptake, after several hours of in vitro incubation. This killing requires RNA and protein synthesis, because it is inhibited by cycloheximide, emetine, or actinomycin D. An earlier event than cell death is the extensive fragmentation of nuclear DNA into oligonucleosomal subunits; this fragmentation also requires RNA and protein synthesis. The DNA cleavage results from the action of an endonuclease that preferentially cleaves DNA in the linker regions between nucleosomes. This endonuclease is found constitutively in the nuclei of thymocytes and some other cells, and requires calcium and magnesium ions for its activation; if isolated fresh thymocyte nuclei are incubated with these ions, as much as 77% of their DNA is cleaved within 90 min. Thus, the protein for which synthesis is necessary for glucocorticoid-induced thymocyte death is not the endonuclease itself, but is in some way involved in its activation; we suggest that it may be part of a system for transporting calcium into the nucleus. The endonuclease is inhibited by zinc, which also prevents thymocyte death. It appears that glucocorticoids cause thymocyte death by activating an enzyme that rapidly and extensively degrades DNA. This "death from within" is biochemically and morphologically different from toxic or accidental cell death, such as that induced by azide, heat, or antibody and complement treatment. Although mature T cells also contain the endogenous endonuclease, they lack the glucocorticoid-inducible mechanism for activating it, and are thus glucocorticoid-resistant.

Antigenic analysis of hematopoiesis. III. A hematopoietic progenitor cell surface antigen defined by a monoclonal antibody raised against KG-1a cells.

Abstract: The anti-My-10 mouse monoclonal antibody was raised against the immature human myeloid cell line KG-1a and was selected for nonreactivity with mature human granulocytes. Anti-My-10 immunoprecipitated a KG-1a cell surface protein with an apparent Mr of approximately 115 kD. We describe the binding of this antibody to human hematopoietic cell types and show that My-10 is expressed specifically on immature normal human marrow cells, including hematopoietic progenitor cells. My-10 is also expressed by leukemic marrow cells from a subpopulation of patients. Thus, this antibody allows the identification and purification of hematopoietic progenitor cells from normal human marrow and the subclassification of leukemia.

Isolation of cDNA clones encoding T cell-specific membrane-associated proteins.

Abstract: Of 10 distinct cloned DNA copies of mRNAs expressed in T lymphocytes but not in B lymphocytes and associated with membrane-bound polysomes, one hybridizes to a region of the genome that has rearranged in a T-cell lymphoma and several T-cell hybridomas. These characteristics suggest that it encodes one chain of the elusive antigen receptor on the surface of T lymphocytes.

Purification and some properties of streptococcal protein G, a novel IgG-binding reagent.

Abstract: Protein G, a bacterial cell wall protein with affinity for immunoglobulin G (IgG), has been isolated from a human group G streptococcal strain (G148). Bacterial surface proteins were solubilized by enzymatic digestion with papain. Protein G was isolated by sequential use of ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, gel filtration on Sephadex G-100, and affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B-coupled IgG. The presence of protein G in various pools and fractions during the isolation was followed by their ability to inhibit the binding of radio-labeled IgG to G148 bacteria. A highly purified protein G was obtained. On polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate, the apparent m.w. was 30,000, and on agarose gel electrophoresis the purified protein gave rise to a single band in the alpha 1-region. Protein G was found to bind all human IgG subclasses and also rabbit, mouse, and goat IgG. On the IgG molecule, the Fc part appears mainly responsible for the interaction with protein G, although a low degree interaction was also recorded for Fab fragments. IgM, IgA, and IgD, however, showed no binding to protein G. This novel IgG-binding reagent promises to be of theoretical and practical interest in immunologic research.

The immune system as a sensory organ.

Abstract: La neuro-immuno-endocrinologie est supposee depuis longtemps. En effet, le systeme nerveux innerve les organes et tissus varies du systeme immunitaire et leur stimulation a des effets sur la reponse immunitaire. Les auteurs tentent de repondre a 3 questions: est-ce que les lymphokines et les hormones peptidiques d'origine neuroendocrine ont des fonctions communes? Est-ce que les cellules des systemes immunitaire et neuroendocrine ont des recepteurs communs pour les signaux peptidiques? Les peptides sont-ils communs a ces 2 systemes?

Growth of a cloned helper T cell line induced by a monoclonal antibody specific for the antigen receptor: interleukin 1 is required for the expression of receptors for interleukin 2.

Abstract: By using as an experimental system the induction of growth of a cloned, antigen:Ia-reactive helper T cell line by an antigen receptor-specific monoclonal antibody, we demonstrated that growth requires two essential co-factors, exogenously produced IL 1 and endogenously produced IL 2. The primary role of the IL 1 is in the expression of receptors on the T cell surface for IL 2, rather than for promoting the synthesis of IL 2. The use of a clone-specific activating monoclonal antibody at nanogram amounts to activate a cloned helper T cell should allow a detailed characterization of T cell activation via antigen receptor cross-linking.

Generalized systemic and mucosal immunity in mice after mucosal stimulation with cholera toxin.

Abstract: Cholera toxin (CT) has been found to be an extremely potent immunogen for mucosal IgA responses when administered via the intestine. This study has examined both mucosal and systemic immune responses after feeding CT and compared these responses with those obtained after feeding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), another protein that is strongly immunogenic in mice. Feeding CT to mice resulted not only in IgA antibody in intestinal secretions but also resulted in substantial plasma IgG and IgA antibody levels. Feeding KLH in much larger quantity resulted in little or no antibody response in intestinal secretions or plasma. Lymphoid cells from various tissues of mice fed CT were cultured in vitro for 10 days and the supernatant was tested for antibody to CT. Spontaneous antibody synthesis (no antigen added to cultures) was present in cultures of each cell type, but IgG anti-CT was found mainly in cultures of spleen and mesenteric lymph node cells and IgA anti-CT mainly in cultures of Peyer's patch and lamina propria cells. Peyer's patch cells cultured with CT as antigen synthesized both IgG and IgA anti-CT, suggesting that the antibody response to both isotypes originated in this site. Helper T cell activity for both IgA and IgG anti-CT was detected in spleens, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. Lastly, when KLH and CT were fed to mice at the same time, an intestinal IgA anti-KLH and plasma IgG anti-KLH response was stimulated, a response pattern similar to that occurring to CT after CT was fed alone. We conclude that mucosal stimulation by CT generates both a systemic IgG and mucosal IgA response to this antigen, and that CT can cause a similar pattern of response to an unrelated protein antigen when both are administered into the intestine at the same time. The data favor the idea that both the IgG and IgA responses originate in GALT and then disseminate to other tissues. We propose that CT accomplishes these effects by altering the regulatory environment within GALT.

Glycoproteins of 210,000 and 130,000 m.w. on activated T cells: cell distribution and antigenic relation to components on resting cells and T cell lines.

Abstract: A glycoprotein complex of 210,000 and 130,000 m.w., found on mitogen or alloantigen-stimulated human T cells and not on other hematopoietic cells, has been defined by a monoclonal antibody (Mab). The components of this complex are a subset of a larger family of proteins (210,000, 165,000 and 130,000 m.w.) defined by a second Mab. In a panel of hematopoietic cell lines and cell types, only activated T cells (including the cell line HUT-102) express the 210,000/130,000 complex and these cells also express the IL 2 receptor, a characteristic marker for activated T cells. The 210,000/130,000 m.w. complex (reactive with the Mab TS2/7) is present on all long-term activated T cells, including both the OKT4 and OKT8 subsets. The 210,000 m.w. subunit is expressed only on activated T cells. Other lymphoid cells express either the 130,000 m.w. subunit alone (unactivated lymphocytes, thymocytes, HUT-78) or the 130,000 subunit together with a 165,000 subunit (MOLT-4, HSB, and other leukemic T cell lines). The 210,000/130,000 m.w., 165,000/130,000 m.w. and 130,000 m.w. complexes are antigenically related in that all share reactivity with the Mab A- 1A5 . Among non-lymphoid hematopoietic cells and cell lines, none express the 210,000 m.w. chain; adherent cells (monocytes) and myeloid cell lines each express single proteins of 130,000 to 155,000 m.w. Granulocytes and red blood cells are negative and platelets express multiple bands (165,000 and 140,000 m.w.). Immunoperoxidase staining of tissue sections showed that a broad range of tissues and cell types had material cross-reactive with the lymphoid 130,000 m.w. protein. However, only a discrete subset of those tissues and cells including blood vessel walls, connective tissue, smooth muscle, kidney mesangial cells, and some non-cellular matrix tissue, had material cross-reactive with the 210,000 m.w. protein on activated T lymphocytes.

Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies reactive with porcine PBL.

Abstract: Partially inbred miniature swine have been developed in this laboratory as a large animal model for immunologic studies. For many of these studies, a source of large quantities of well standardized antibodies to lymphocyte cell surface markers would be extremely helpful. Screening of a large panel of murine anti-human monoclonal antibodies (MAb) for anti-pig cross-reactions was nonproductive. We have therefore prepared a panel of MAb from mice immunized with pig thymocytes. Twenty-six stable MAb were produced that reacted with Ficoll/Hypaque-purified porcine lymphocytes. Reactivity was detected by complement-mediated cytotoxicity and/or cell surface binding ELISA. FMF analysis was performed on unseparated, glass-adherent, nylon wool-adherent, or nylon wool-nonadherent PBL and on cell preparations from lymphoid organs. In addition, the m.w. of the antigens detected by certain of these MAb were determined by immunoprecipitation of extracts of 125I surface-labeled cells. The majority of the MAb were not subpopulation specific. Included in these were 74-11-10 (IgG2b), which was specific for a polymorphic class I MHC determinant, and 76-3-2 (IgG1), which reacted with either a monomorphic class I MHC determinant or beta 2-microglobulin. Another MAb, 74-9-3 (IgM), precipitated a high m.w. complex of three polypeptide chains that appeared similar to that of the common leukocyte antigen. Of special interest were six MAb that were specific for various subpopulations of PBL: 76-7-4 (IgG2a) reacts with peripheral B cells, and 60% of thymocytes but not peripheral T cells, a pattern consistent with the murine ThB antigen; 74-22-15 (IgG1) and 76-5-28 (IgM) react with macrophages and granulocytes; 76-6-7 (IgM) reacts with T cells, macrophages, and granulocytes but not B cells, a combination of reactivities not previously reported in other species; 74-12-4 (IgG2b) and 76-2-11 (IgG2a) react specifically with T cells. 74-12-4 precipitated an antigen of 55,000 m.w., and 76-2-11 precipitated an antigen of 35,000 m.w. The m.w. and tissue distributions suggest that 74-12-4 recognizes porcine T helper cells, whereas 76-2-11 recognizes cytotoxic and/or suppressor T cells.

Induction of various autoantibodies by mutant gene lpr in several strains of mice.

Abstract: The effect of the autosomal mutant gene lpr (lymphoproliferation) on the development of various autoantibodies and immune complex (IC) glomerulonephritis was investigated in four genetically distinct strains of mice: MRL/ MpJ , C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, and AKR/J The presence of the lpr gene not only enhanced the production of autoantibodies in the autoimmune MRL/ MpJ strain, but also induced the formation of various kinds of autoantibodies in the three other strains of mice without any apparent predisposition to autoimmune disease Autoantibodies induced by the lpr gene included anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-single-stranded DNA, anti-IgG, anti-thymocyte, and anti-serum glycoprotein gp70 This indicates that the action of the lpr gene on the development of autoantibody response does not require the particular abnormalities of the MRL genome The differences in amounts and types of autoantibodies among the lpr strains reflect the difference in the background genome of each strain, suggesting the participation of other genes or factors determining the quantity and/or specificity of autoantibodies In addition to the development of autoantibodies, the three nonautoimmune strains of mice produced high levels of unidentified IC in the presence of the lpr gene, detectable by the C1q and the conglutinin binding tests Their glomerular lesions, however, were relatively limited when compared with MRL/ MpJ -lpr/lpr mice, which developed severe glomerulonephritis early in their life These results suggest that the lpr gene is able to induce the formation of various autoantibodies and IC at significant concentrations in nonautoimmune mice, but for the full manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus there may be a requirement for supplemental genetic abnormalities or factors

Interleukin 3: A differentiation and growth factor for the mouse mast cell that contains chondroitin sulfate E proteoglycan.

Abstract: Mouse mast cells were differentiated and grown by culturing bone marrow cells in medium containing 2 X 10(-10) M purified interleukin 3 (IL 3). The cells obtained were similar in ultrastructure, membrane antigen phenotype, proteoglycan type, and lipid products generated upon immunologic activation to mast cells differentiated in culture by WEHI-3-conditioned medium (WEHI-3-CM) and by concanavalin A (Con A) splenocyte-conditioned medium. Phenotypically, these cells expressed IgE receptors and H-2 antigens and were recognized by a monoclonal antibody (B23.1) that did not react with mouse serosal heparin-containing mast cells. The classic phenotypic markers of mouse T cells or macrophages were not detected. The mouse mast cells differentiated with IL 3 as well as those differentiated in WEHI-3-CM incorporated [35S]sulfate into a nonheparin proteoglycan of 150,000 to 200,000 m.w. Most of the 35S-labeled macromolecules were degraded by chondroitinase ABC to yield only two disaccharides, which co-chromatographed on ascending thin layer chromatography with delta Di-4S and delta Di-diSE; thus, the proteoglycan in these cells is composed of chondroitin sulfate E glycosaminoglycans. After sensitization with monoclonal IgE, washing, and antigen activation, the IL 3 differentiated cells released the preformed mediator beta-hexosaminidase and generated and released two major classes of lipid mediators. The quantities of leukotriene C4 (LTC4), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and platelet-activating factor (PAF-acether) generated/10(6) cells were 17, 3.0, and 3.1 ng, respectively. The ratio of these three lipid mediators was similar to that obtained from mast cells differentiated in WEHI-3-CM and in Con A-conditioned medium. Thus, T cell-derived IL 3 is the component present in the conditioned media that is required for differentiation and growth of the subclass of mast cells containing chondroitin sulfate E proteoglycan, designated E-MC. The IL 3-dependent E-MC may represent the in vitro counterpart of the T-cell-dependent mucosal mast cell, suggesting in turn that the production of LTC4 and LTB4 and of PAF-acether may play a role in adaptive intestinal immunity to helminthic parasites.

Dexamethasone-mediated inhibition of human T cell growth factor and gamma-interferon messenger RNA.

Abstract: Glucocorticoids suppress the proliferation of human T lymphocytes. Activated T lymphocytes require T cell growth factor (TCGF) for proliferation. TCGF is produced by a subset of T lymphocytes, and this production is regulated at the TCGF mRNA level. Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, strongly inhibits the synthesis of TCGF mRNA in human normal peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated in culture with phytohemagglutinin. It also inhibits the accumulation of gamma-interferon mRNA in these cells. This dual effect may in part explain some of the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids.

Glioblastoma cells release interleukin 1 and factors inhibiting interleukin 2-mediated effects.

Abstract: Studies were designed to investigate whether the cellular immunodeficiency state observed in human glioblastoma patients could be due to inhibitory factors released by the tumor cells. Cultured human glioblastoma cells were found to secrete an interleukin 1-like factor (m.w. 22,000) and a factor (m.w. 97,000) that inhibits interleukin 2 (IL 2)-dependent T cell mechanisms. This is demonstrated by its inhibitory effect on the IL 2-induced proliferation of T cell clones and on the induction of alloreactive cytotoxic T cells in mixed lymphocyte cultures. Additionally the glioblastoma cell-derived 97,000-m.w. factor inhibited growth of neuroblasts but not of fibroblasts and thus shares the characteristics of the neuroblast growth inhibition factor (NGIF) previously detected in the supernatant of fetal rat glia cell cultures. If released by glioblastoma cells in vivo, the factor may contribute to impaired immunosurveillance and to the cellular immunodeficiency state detected in the patients.

Antigen recognition by H-2-restricted T cells. II. A tryptic ovalbumin peptide that substitutes for processed antigen.

Abstract: A 17-amino acid tryptic peptide of chicken ovalbumin, designated P323-339, that substituted for processed antigen when presented by glutaraldehyde prefixed accessory cells to specific I-restricted T hybridomas was characterized. The peptide antigen could not be demonstrated to have any specific or stable interactions with accessory cell Ia antigens by either direct binding or functional assays for inhibition of specific T cell activation. In addition, the T cell receptor for I-restricted antigen had no affinity for free antigen alone. A rabbit antibody specific for the antigenic peptide inhibited presentation when introduced before but not after binding of the peptide to accessory cells. These results extend our earlier finding that accessory cell-mediated processing of chicken ovalbumin can be completely explained by the fragmentation of the native molecule into smaller m.w. peptides, and suggests that if an antigen/Ia complex is important in T cell activation, it forms significantly only in the presence of the T cell receptor for I-restricted antigen.

A human hybrid myeloma for production of human monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: We produced somatic cell hybrids between human myeloma cells and a lymphoblastoid cell line that is hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase-deficient and ouabain-resistant. These hybrids were phenotypically similar to the human myeloma parental cells and grew as well as the human lymphoblastoid parental cells. After counterselection in 6-thioguanine, mutants that were 6-thioguanine-and ouabain-resistant were obtained, one of which was used as a fusion partner with lymphoblastoid B cells that produce anti-tetanus toxoid (TT) antibodies. These hybrids secreted human anti-TT monoclonal antibodies in much larger amounts than the parental lymphoblastoid cells, and were stable for a period of over 10 mo until the present time. Thus, by hybridizing plasmacytomas with lymphoblastoid cells, we constructed a fusion partner that secretes large amounts of immunoglobulin (Ig), grows at a fast rate, has a high fusion frequency, and supports the production of monoclonal antibodies over long periods of time. Moreover, anti-TT antibody-producing hybrids have been grown as solid tumors in irradiated BALB/c nude mice and then adopted to ascites growth, producing 1 to 8 mg of human immunoglobulin per 1 ml of ascites fluid.

Cholera toxin feeding did not induce oral tolerance in mice and abrogated oral tolerance to an unrelated protein antigen

Abstract: The feeding of protein antigens to mice results in a state of tolerance when feeding is followed by parenteral immunization. Cholera toxin (CT) is a protein that has been used extensively as a potent oral immunogen for mucosal IgA responses, but CT feeding also stimulates a substantial plasma IgG antibody response. This latter finding prompted us to study whether or not CT induces oral tolerance. Mice were fed 5 mg keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or 10 micrograms CT at least twice before parenteral immunization with 1 microgram KLH or CT in alum i.p. Plasma and intestinal secretions were collected at intervals. The specific IgG or IgA antibody in the samples was measured by ELISA. Although KLH feeding did induce oral tolerance, CT feeding did not induce oral tolerance in any of three mouse strains tested or at any dose of CT given orally. The feeding of the B subunit of CT did not result in oral tolerance either. When both CT and KLH were fed together, CT was able to abrogate oral tolerance to KLH, an antigenically unrelated protein. Moreover, feeding CT along with KLH stimulated secretory IgA anti-KLH responses, whereas no such IgA responses were found when KLH was given alone. Thus, in these experiments with protein antigens, IgA immunization and oral tolerance were reciprocally linked and did not occur simultaneously. CT appears to abrogate oral tolerance and to stimulate secretory IgA responses by altering the regulatory environment in gut-associated lymphoid tissue, shifting it toward responsiveness.

The Fc receptor for IgG on human natural killer cells: phenotypic, functional, and comparative studies with monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: We compare five monoclonal antibodies ( B73 .1, 3G8 , Leu- 11a , Leu- 11b , and VEP13 ) that react with natural killer (NK) cells and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). We show that all of these antibodies are directed against and inhibit the functional properties of the receptor for the Fc portion of IgG (FcR). Modulation of the FcR on NK cells after reaction with immune complexes induces the disappearance of the antigen(s) recognized by each of the five antibodies. Conversely, the antibodies block binding of IgG-sensitized erythrocytes to the NK cells and PMN and inhibit their ability to mediate cytotoxicity against antibody-sensitized tumor target cells. By using two-color immunofluorescence techniques, we characterize directly the lymphocyte population recognized by these antibodies and show that it is a homogeneous subset that does not bear markers of either B or T cells, with the exception of the 33,000 dalton antigen characteristic of suppressor/cytotoxic T cells present in 20 to 50% of the cells, and the 45,000 dalton receptor for sheep erythrocytes present on 80 to 90% of the cells. The phenotype of the cells reacting with the monoclonal antibodies corresponds to that of NK cells. Cross-competition experiments indicate that these antibodies detect at least two distinct epitopes on FcR, one ( B73 .1) preferentially expressed on NK cells and one or more ( 3G8 /Leu- 11a /Leu- 11b / VEP13 ) preferentially expressed on PMN. The lack of reactivity of these antibodies with B cells suggests that human B cells bear a different FcR from that on NK cells and PMN.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits antigen-induced T cell activation

Abstract: The proliferative response of murine spleen and thymus cells to antigen but not to lectin was inhibited by the active metabolite of vitamin D3, 1,25-(OH)2D3. To directly examine the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on T cell activation in the absence of other complicating interactions, we utilized a panel of cloned Ia-restricted T cell hybridomas that secrete IL 2 on activation by cloned Ia-bearing stimulator cells (TA3) or when stimulated by mitogen. Physiologic concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (0.01 to 0.1 nm) inhibited the antigen-induced secretion of IL 2 by several of these T cell hybridomas. This inhibition was dependent on the concentration of the free hormone and could be overcome by increasing the number of Ia-bearing stimulator cells used. Pretreatment of the T hybridoma but not the TA3 stimulator cell with 1,25-(OH)2D3 resulted in inhibition of activation. These results are consistent with the finding that specific 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors are present on the T cell hybridomas but are lacking in TA3 cells. 1,25-(OH)2D3 failed, however, to inhibit the activation of the T cell hybridomas by lectin or by an anti-Thy-1 antibody. These findings suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 may be interfering with early events of antigen-induced T cell activation, perhaps by hindering T cell recognition of the relevant antigen on stimulator cell surfaces. This system should prove useful in studying the molecular mechanisms by which 1,25-(OH)2D3 acts to inhibit T cell activation and subsequent IL 2 production.

A rat anti-mouse T4 monoclonal antibody (H129.19) inhibits the proliferation of Ia-reactive T cell clones and delineates two phenotypically distinct (T4+, Lyt-2,3-, and T4-, Lyt-2,3+) subsets among anti-Ia cytolytic T cell clones.

Abstract: Hybridoma H129 .19 was derived by fusion between spleen cells of a Lou / Ws1 rat immunized with an Lyt-1+,2- anti-I-Ak cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone and the nonsecreting myeloma X63-Ag8.653. The monoclonal antibody (mAb) H129 .19 (IgG2a, kappa) was selected for its capacity to inhibit the lytic potential of the immunizing clone. H129 .19 identified a monomorphic determinant on a 55 m.w. murine T cell differentiation antigen, which appeared to be homologous to the human T4 molecule in that: 1) H129 .19 reacted with 80% adult thymocytes, with a subset of splenic T cells, and with the interleukin 2 (IL 2)-producing EL4 thymoma; 2) The mAb bound to and inhibited the IL 2 production and the proliferation of various allo- or soluble antigen-reactive T cell clones that recognized restriction or activating determinants on the I-A or I-E molecules, respectively; 3) H129 .19 did not inhibit the proliferation and/or cytolysis of Lyt-2,3+ T cells specific for class I MHC antigen; and 4) Among six anti-Iak CTL clones examined in this study, the mAb H129 .19 reacted with two I-Ak-specific, Lyt-2,3- clones on which it exerted strong cytolysis inhibiting effect at the effector cell level. By contrast, two other anti-I-Ak and two anti-I-Ek CTL clones were found to express the Lyt-2,3+,T4- cell surface phenotype. The cytolytic potential of the latter clones was not inhibited by anti-Lyt-2,3 mAb. These studies strongly suggest that the mouse T4 molecule facilitates the recognition of class II MHC antigen by most but not all T cells.

Effects of natural and recombinant IL 2 on regulation of IFN gamma production and natural killer activity: lack of involvement of the Tac antigen for these immunoregulatory effects.

Abstract: Highly enriched populations of human large granular lymphocytes (LGL), natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells were obtained from low and high density fractions, respectively, of discontinuous Percoll gradients. The NK cells were composed of 75 to 90% LGL, with the majority of the contaminating cells being monocytes. The T cells were greater than 95% OKT3+. The proliferative and cytotoxic progenitors in both fractions were examined by using a limiting dilution assay with interleukin 2 (IL 2) from four sources: 1) crude supernatant of a gibbon lymphoma (MLA-144), 2) purified (150,000-fold) MLA-144 IL 2, 3) partially purified human IL 2, and 4) purified recombinant human IL 2. The proliferative capacity was measured at day 7 by [3H]thymidine incorporation, whereas the progenitors of cells with NK-like activity were evaluated by assessing cytotoxic activity against K562 cells at day 8 in a 4-hr 51Cr-release assay. The frequency of proliferative progenitors among T cells was approximately 1/5 and was approximately 1/60 with LGL. Titration of the highly purified IL 2 preparation demonstrated that LGL proliferated with as little as 2 U of IL 2. The frequency of detectable cytotoxic progenitors in the LGL population, however, fell sharply when less than 40 U of IL 2 were employed. The T cells failed to demonstrate cytotoxic activity against the NK-susceptible target cells at any concentration of IL 2 tested. The IL 2 preparations also were examined for their ability to directly and rapidly enhance the cytotoxic activity of highly purified NK cells. All four preparations of IL 2 enhanced the cytotoxic activity of LGL without any detectable accessory requirement after incubation for as little as 6 hr, even though the MLA-144 IL 2 preparations were devoid of detectable interferons (IFN). These data indicate that IL 2 has dual effects on NK cells, regulating their activity was well as promoting their proliferation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that highly purified IL 2, devoid of other detectable lymphokines, is capable of supporting the growth of human NK cells and augmenting their in vitro activity. In parallel experiments, these same IL 2 preparations were quite active in causing the proliferation of T lymphocytes, clearly demonstrating a role of IL 2 in promoting the proliferation of NK cells as well as T cells. The mechanism of IL 2 boosting appears to be a direct interaction with LGL, resulting in the production of IFN gamma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin stimulate human peripheral blood mononuclear cell chemotaxis.

Abstract: The neuropeptides beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin are potent analgesics and have a broad spectrum of biologic activities including the recently described alterations of lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production. The current study demonstrates that beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin stimulate human mononuclear cell chemotaxis, as measured by the in vitro leading front assay for migration. The response to both beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin was bimodal, with peak activities occurring at 10(-12) M and 10(-8) M. The distance migrated in response to optimal concentrations of beta-endorphin or met-enkephalin was approximately 80% of that obtained with 10(-8) M formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-MLP) and was blocked by prior incubation with 10(-8) M naloxone. Removal of glass adherent cells resulted in a loss of the response to beta-endorphin. Quantitation of the number of cells responding to beta-endorphin showed that only about 50% as many cells responded to beta-endorphin as compared with f-MLP. Human neutrophils showed some migration in response to beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin, although the average optimal migration was less than 30% of that observed with 10(-8) M f-MLP. Studies of the in vivo infusion of beta-endorphin into the cerebral ventricle of the rat resulted in the immigration of macrophage-like cells and are consistent with the in vitro evidence for a chemotactic effect of beta-endorphin.

Cross-linking of B lymphocyte Fc gamma receptors and membrane immunoglobulin inhibits anti-immunoglobulin-induced blastogenesis.

Abstract: The Fc portion of rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies interferes with anti-Ig-induced B lymphocyte activation as measured by DNA synthesis on day 3 of culture or maturation to Ig-secreting cells in the presence of soluble helper factors on day 4 or 5. To investigate this Fc-dependent effect at an earlier stage in B cell activation, rabbit IgG anti-mouse mu-chain- or delta-chain-specific antibodies were compared with their F(ab')2 fragments for the ability to induce mouse B cells to undergo blast transformation, as defined by an increase in cell volume during the first 24 hr of culture. Both F(ab')2 anti-Ig reagents induce blast transformation, although F(ab')2 anti-mu antibodies induce a greater size change than F(ab')2 anti-delta antibodies. Whole anti-mu or anti-delta antibodies do not induce blast transformation; however, in the presence of a monoclonal anti-mouse Fc gamma receptor antibody that blocks IgG binding to Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma R), whole anti-mu or anti-delta antibodies induce blast transformation as well as their F(ab')2 fragments. Because the anti-Fc gamma R antibody alone has no effect on blast transformation, it appears that the simultaneous binding of membrane IgM (or IgD) and Fc gamma R by whole anti-Ig antibodies prevents this early event in membrane Ig-induced B cell activation.

Inhibition of entry of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax sporozoites into cultured cells: an in vitro assay of protective antibodies

Abstract: Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax sporozoites were observed to invade cultured human hepatoma cells in vitro. Monoclonal antibodies to the circumsporozoite (CS) protein of each of these malarial species blocked invasion. Inhibition was species-specific, but was independent of the geographic origin of each strain. Because these monoclonal antibodies have been shown to diminish or abolish sporozoite infectivity to susceptible primate hosts, it is suggested that inhibition of invasion of sporozoites (ISI) into cultured cells may represent in in vitro assay for protective antibodies. This was confirmed by the finding that serum taken from volunteers immune to sporozoite challenge also totally blocked sporozoite invasion. The ISI assay also detected naturally acquired invasive-neutralizing antibodies in areas endemic for malaria. This ISI assay may therefore be useful in determining the incidence of inhibitory anti-sporozoite antibodies in general populations, and allow the monitoring of the effect of an anti-malarial vaccine using sporozoite-derived antigens.

Rapid killing of actinomycin D-treated tumor cells by human mononuclear cells. I. Effectors belong to the monocyte-macrophage lineage

Abstract: Preincubation of tumor cells with actinomycin D (Act D) rendered various murine and human lines susceptible to killing by unstimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) in a 6-hr 51Cr-release assay. The murine WEHI 164 sarcoma was selected for analysis of drug-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (DDCC) because high levels of killing were detected with this tumor, and it was considerably resistant to natural killer (NK) cell activity. Optimal conditions for induction of susceptibility to lysis included a 3-hr preincubation with 1 microgram/ml Act D. Effector cells of cytotoxicity against Act D-treated WEHI 164 cells were plastic adherent (greater than 85% monocytes). Cells nonadherent to plastic and nylon wool (less than or equal to 1% monocytes) had no appreciable DDCC activity. In contrast NK activity against K562 cells was mediated by nonadherent cells. When PBM were fractionated on a one step discontinuous gradient of Percoll designed to enrich for monocytes (greater than 90% pure), DDCC activity was found in the monocyte fraction, and the lymphoid cell-enriched fraction had no cytotoxicity against Act D-treated WEHI 164 cells. In contrast, NK activity against K562 was recovered with lymphoid cells, and monocytes had no NK cytotoxicity. Upon fractionation on a six step Percoll gradient designed to enrich for large granular lymphocytes (LGL), the denser lymphocytes (fraction 4-6) and the less dense LGL with NK activity (fraction 2-3) had no cytotoxicity against Act D-treated WEHI 164 sarcoma cells. DDCC activity sedimented in fraction 1 in association with monocytes. PBM were fractionated according to monoclonal antibody-defined surface markers by using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Effector cells of DDCC were positive for monocyte markers (Mo2, UCHM1) and were negative for NK cell (B73.1, HNK1), T cell (T11), and B cell (Leu-10) markers. Macrophages obtained by culturing blood monocytes in vitro for 5 to 10 days had DDCC activity. Similarly, peritoneal and bronchoalveolar macrophages had considerable cytotoxicity against Act D-treated target cells, whereas minimal or no NK activity was found at these anatomic sites. Cells of human or murine origin, preincubated with Act D for 3 hr, were heterogeneous in their susceptibility to monocyte killing in a 6-hr 51Cr-release assay. High levels of cytotoxicity were observed with the murine WEHI 164 sarcoma and 3T3 "fibroblast" line and with the human CEM leukemia. Monocytes were weakly (but significantly) cytotoxic against the ALAB breast carcinoma (human) and the 8387 sarcoma (human).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A permanent rat T cell line that mediates experimental allergic neuritis in the Lewis rat in vivo.

Abstract: A rat T cell line of the "helper" phenotype (W3/25-positive, OX 8-negative) has been derived from Lewis rats inoculated with P2 protein isolated from bovine PNS myelin. The line LiP2/A is exquisitely specific for P2 protein, exhibiting no reactivity to bovine basic protein or to PPD. In addition to responding strongly to the intact P2 protein, the line cells show some response to a synthetic peptide containing the neuritogenic amino acid sequence of P2 protein (SP-B, residues 66-78). Intravenous inoculation of naive rats with as few as 10(4) activated LiP2/A cells leads to the onset of mild clinical signs of experimental allergic neuritis. Higher doses of cells lead to more severe clinical disease. Histologic examination of clinically ill animals confirmed the disease as EAN. The pathologic lesions were confined to the PNS and spared the central nervous system. The lesions consisted of marked perivascular cuffs and infiltrates of inflammatory cells associated with marked degenerative changes--demyelination and some axonal degeneration.