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Showing papers on "Immune system published in 1984"


Journal ArticleDOI
04 May 1984-Science
TL;DR: Serum samples from 88 percent of patients with AIDS and from 79 percent of homosexual men with signs and symptoms that frequently precede AIDS, but from less than 1 percent of heterosexual subjects, have antibodies reactive against antigens of HTLV-III, and the major immune reactivity appears to be directed against p41, the presumed envelope antigen of the virus.
Abstract: In cats, infection with T-lymphotropic retroviruses can cause T-cell proliferation and leukemia or T-cell depletion and immunosuppression. In humans, some highly T4 tropic retroviruses called HTLV-I can cause T-cell proliferation and leukemia. The subgroup HTLV-II also induces T-cell proliferation in vitro, but its role in disease is unclear. Viruses of a third subgroup of human T-lymphotropic retroviruses, collectively designated HTLV-III, have been isolated from cultured cells of 48 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The biological properties of HTLV-III and immunological analyses of its proteins show that this virus is a member of the HTLV family, and that it is more closely related to HTLV-II than to HTLV-I. Serum samples from 88 percent of patients with AIDS and from 79 percent of homosexual men with signs and symptoms that frequently precede AIDS, but from less than 1 percent of heterosexual subjects, have antibodies reactive against antigens of HTLV-III. The major immune reactivity appears to be directed against p41, the presumed envelope antigen of the virus.

1,145 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The primary immunodeficiency disorders reflect abnormalities in the development and maturation of cells of the immune system, which result in an increased susceptibility to infection; recurrent pyogenic infections occur with defects of humoral immunity, and opportunistic infections with defect of cell-mediated immunity.
Abstract: The primary immunodeficiency disorders reflect abnormalities in the development and maturation of cells of the immune system. These defects result in an increased susceptibility to infection; recurrent pyogenic infections occur with defects of humoral immunity, and opportunistic infections with defects of cell-mediated immunity. These two broad categories of illness correspond roughly to defects in the two principal types of immunocompetent cells, B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. Defective development of B cells results in abnormalities in humoral immunity, whereas defects in the development of T cells cause problems with cellular immunity. When pathogens are taken up by macrophages or dendritic cells, . . .

1,126 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that macrophages stimulated with supernatant from activated T cells release large amounts of neopterin into culture supernatants, indicating that a metabolic pathway so far exclusively known in context with the generation of an essential cofactor of neurotransmitter-synthesis during immune responses is also activated in M phi under stringent control by immune IFN-like lymphokines.
Abstract: Neopterin, a compound derived from GTP, represents a precursor molecule of biopterin that is an essential cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis. We have recently reported that in vivo as well as in vitro immune responses are accompanied by an increased release of neopterin and that this phenomenon can be used for the biochemical monitoring of diseases accompanied by hyperimmune stimulation. This article deals with the cellular origin and the control of this immune response-associated neopterin release in vitro. Using highly purified or monoclonal cellular reagents we demonstrate that macrophages (M phi) stimulated with supernatants from activated T cells release large amounts of neopterin into culture supernatants. Further experiments involving induction of neopterin release from M phi with various human recombinant interferons (IFNs) or neutralization of the effect of T cell supernatants with various monoclonal anti-IFN antibodies revealed immune IFN as the active principle. It thus appears that a metabolic pathway so far exclusively known in context with the generation of an essential cofactor of neurotransmitter-synthesis during immune responses is also activated in M phi under stringent control by immune IFN-like lymphokines.

1,083 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
15 Jun 1984-Science
TL;DR: The expression of T and TnAntigens has pathogenic and clinical consequences, and the antigens themselves are powerful histological markers in carcinoma diagnosis and frequently in prognosis.
Abstract: Primary and metastatic carcinomas are epithelial in origin and comprise by far the largest group of malignant tumors in humans. In most of these tumors, T and Tn antigens, whose epitopes have been synthesized, are uncovered and immunoreactive. In all other tissues T and Tn antigens are masked and not accessible to the immune system; they are generally precursors in normal complex carbohydrate chains. Thus, carcinomas have antigens recognized as foreign by the patients' immune system. The expression of T and Tn antigens has pathogenic and clinical consequences, and the antigens themselves are powerful histological markers in carcinoma diagnosis and frequently in prognosis. Most patients distinguish their carcinoma from all other cells, as shown by strong autoimmune responses to T antigen. These responses are readily measured by assays, and they allow detection of carcinomas with greater sensitivity and specificity frequently earlier than previously possible. Moreover, the extent of T and Tn expression often correlates with carcinoma differentiation; on a molecular level, clustered T- and Tn-active structures on carcinoma cell surfaces may be involved in invasion.

976 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
06 Dec 1984-Nature
TL;DR: It is shown here that unmodified monoclonal antibodies can be extremely effective at depleting cells in vivo and can be used for the selective manipulation of different aspects of the immune response.
Abstract: A major aim in immunology has been to understand how the immune system evokes characteristic responses to infection, foreign tissue grafts and tumours. The current view of immunoregulation is based mainly on studies of lymphocyte subsets, either in vitro or by adoptive transfer to irradiated recipients. Many reagents are available for defining T-cell subsets, but only recently have there been helper T-cell-specific antibodies against the mouse equivalent of the Leu3/T4 (man) and W3/25 (rat) antigens. It is clear that monoclonal antibodies will eventually replace antilymphocyte globulin for immunosuppression in organ grafting, but although there has been some clinical success, most monoclonal reagents cause only transient reductions in their target cells in vivo. This uncertainty in the potency of monoclonal antibodies has led some workers to consider them as targeting agents for such highly cytotoxic drugs as ricin A (ref. 21). We show here that unmodified monoclonal antibodies can be extremely effective at depleting cells in vivo and can be used for the selective manipulation of different aspects of the immune response.

867 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Cytotoxic T cells induced by purified alloantigen are found to be as susceptible to antibody blockade as are effectors from conventional mixed lymphocyte culture, where the antibody is directed against a T-cell surface antigen reputed to strengthen target cell adhesion through an interaction independent of major histocompatibility antigens.
Abstract: Phospholipid vesicles containing the transmembrane protein H-2Kk spontaneously fuse to form planar membranes when incubated on treated glass surfaces. Pattern photobleaching of fluorescent lipid probes indicates that these planar membranes are continuous and that the lipids are as mobile as they are in conventional fluid bilayers or monolayers. H-2Kk molecules in these planar membranes are immobile. These membranes stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocytes when cultured with immune spleen cells. The response to H-2Kk in planar membranes is greatly enhanced by the addition of supernatant from concanavalin A-stimulated spleen cells, indicating that relatively little antigen processing or presentation by accessory cells occurs. Cytotoxic T cells induced by purified alloantigen are found to be as susceptible to antibody blockade as are effectors from conventional mixed lymphocyte culture, where the antibody is directed against a T-cell surface antigen reputed to strengthen target cell adhesion through an interaction independent of major histocompatibility antigens.

791 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 1984-Nature
TL;DR: This article showed that IFN-γ induces a dramatic increase in the expression of H−2 antigens on the cells of the brain, including most surviving cells including most astrocytes, oligodendrocyte, microglia and at least some neurones.
Abstract: Cells in the brain express unusually low levels of antigens encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)1,2. This is somewhat surprising as class I (H−2) and class II (Ia) MHC antigens have critical roles in immune responses3. The activation of T lymphocytes is associated with the enhanced expression of these antigens and this effect is mediated by a specific T-cell lymphokine, γ-interferon (IFN-γ)4–17. Here we show that IFN-γ induces a dramatic increase in the expression of H–2 antigens on the cells of the brain. After exposure to IFN-γ in vitro, all surviving cells, including most astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and at least some neurones, express H–2 antigens. Direct injection of IFN-γ into the brains of mice indicated that H–2 antigens were also induced in vivo. Furthermore, IFN-γ induced Ia antigens on a subpopulation of astrocytes. The induction of H–2 antigens by IFN-γ may render brain cells competent to initiate and participate in immune reactions and may therefore contribute to both immunoprotective and immunopathological responses in the brain.

614 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is reported that IFN-gamma induces parallel expression of two other class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, SB and DC, which may be important in conferring immune accessory function on vascular and stromal cells.
Abstract: Immune interferon (IFN-gamma) increases the surface expression of HLA-A,B antigens and induces the surface expression of HLA-DR antigens on vascular endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts. Here we report that IFN-gamma induces parallel expression of two other class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, SB and DC. Maximal surface expression of all three antigens is reached in 4-6 days, and HLA-DR and -SB are induced to a higher level of expression than HLA-DC. For all three class II antigens, induction is marked by the de novo appearance of detectable transcripts of class II heavy and light chains and of the non-MHC-encoded invariant chain, suggestive of the transcription of multiple previously silent genes. Class I message levels and antigen expression are also increased by IFN-gamma at similar rates but from initial levels that are 50% of maximal. After removal of IFN-gamma, class II antigen expression persists for at least 4 days, while mRNA levels decrease rapidly. The parallel induction and persistence of the several class II MHC antigens may be important in conferring immune accessory function on vascular and stromal cells.

527 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
15 Nov 1984-Nature
TL;DR: It is concluded that somatic mutation of germ-line encoded genes plays a major role in the generation of antibodies with increased affinity for oxazolone with time after immunization.
Abstract: Studies on the development of the immune response suggest that the repertoire of expressed antibody specificities is strongly influenced by antigen (reviewed in ref. 1). One way in which this influence is manifested is by a progressive increase in the affinity of antibody for antigen with time after immunization. This phenomenon, termed the 'maturation' of the immune response, must be due to a change in the structure of the antibody being synthesized. However, the precise nature of the changes involved and the genetic mechanisms used to produce them have not been clearly defined. We have now investigated the maturation of the immune response to the hapten 2-phenyloxazolone by mRNA sequencing of specific hybridomas. We conclude that somatic mutation of germ-line encoded genes plays a major role in the generation of antibodies with increased affinity for oxazolone with time after immunization.

514 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that impaired lymphokine production may predispose patients with AIDS to opportunistic infections, and they provide a rationale for using gamma interferon as immunotherapy.
Abstract: To examine the cellular immune defect that predisposes patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to opportunistic infections, we tested T lymphocytes from 16 patients for the capacity to secrete macrophage-activating products (lymphokines) including gamma interferon. Mononuclear cells from 10 of 11 patients did not generate an effective lymphokine in response to mitogen, and 11 of 16 produced subnormal levels of gamma interferon (less than 300 U per milliliter). In addition, upon stimulation with specific microbial antigen, cells from none of 14 patients generated active lymphokines, and cells from 13 to 14 completely failed to secrete gamma interferon. However, the antimicrobial function of monocytes from the patients was intact, and once stimulated with normal lymphokines or gamma interferon alone, macrophages derived from patients' monocytes responded with enhanced and effective intracellular antimicrobial activity. These results suggest that impaired lymphokine production may predispose patients with AIDS to opportunistic infections, and they provide a rationale for using gamma interferon as immunotherapy.

488 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: It is concluded 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.
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.

Journal ArticleDOI
13 Dec 1984-Nature
TL;DR: It is shown that recombinant IL-2, derived from Escherichia coli expressing the human gene8, is able to promote strong proliferation of human B cells activated with protein-A-rich Staphylococcus aureus Cowans strain I2.
Abstract: Human interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a glycoprotein of relative molecular mass (Mr) 15,000, which is released by T lymphocytes on stimulation with antigen or mitogen and functions as a T-cell growth factor (TCGF) by inducing proliferation of activated T cells. It is generally accepted that resting or activated B cells do not respond directly to IL-2 but require for their proliferation other T-cell-derived lymphokines usually referred to as B-cell growth factors (BCGFs). Recently, however, a monoclonal antibody reacting with the IL-2 receptor molecules expressed by activated T cells (anti-Tac) was shown to react also with certain B tumour cells; in addition, murine B cells proliferate in response to pure human IL-2. We now show that recombinant IL-2, derived from Escherichia coli expressing the human gene, is able to promote strong proliferation of human B cells activated with protein-A-rich Staphylococcus aureus Cowans strain I. Moreover, we demonstrate that the anti-Tac antibody also reacts with S. aureus-activated normal B cells and inhibits sharply the proliferative response of such cells to IL-2. Finally, immunoprecipitation experiments reveal that anti-Tac defines similar molecules on activated T and B cells.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Further research is needed to identify agents that would prevent fetal rejection while permitting adequate defense against infection and malignancy; to identify strains particularly dangerous during gestation; and to develop vaccines against the nonshared antigens of such strains.
Abstract: Pregnancy has been known for some time to be associated with depressed aspects of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) that permit fetal retention but that also may interfere with resistance to specific infectious and neoplastic agents. Clinical and laboratory findings of loss of resistance have been extensively documented. Gestation appears to be associated with depression of selective aspects of CMI. Levels of hormones and other serum factors that may modulate lymphocyte or macrophage synthesis, activation, and/or function shift considerably during pregnancy. The induction and maintenance of pregnancy-associated immune deficiency probably rely on a multifactorial mechanism. Further research is needed to identify agents that would prevent fetal rejection while permitting adequate defense against infection and malignancy; to identify strains particularly dangerous during gestation; and to develop vaccines against the nonshared antigens of such strains.

Journal Article
TL;DR: 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.
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)

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The immune abnormality in AIDS, previously thought to involve only the T-, B-, and natural killer lymphocytes, extends to the monocyte-macrophage andective monocyte migratory function may contribute to the depressed inflammatory response to certain organisms and to the apparent unrestricted growth of certain neoplasms in patients with AIDS.
Abstract: The ineffective immune response in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) contributes to severe and widespread infections and unrestricted growth by certain tumors. To determine whether monocyte dysfunction contributes to this immunosuppressed condition, we investigated monocyte chemotaxis in patients with AIDS. Using three different chemotactic stimuli, N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine, lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor, and C5a des Arg, we studied the chemotactic responses of monocytes from seven homosexual men with AIDS, three homosexuals with lymphadenopathy and an abnormal immunological profile, seven healthy homosexual men, and 23 heterosexual control individuals. Monocytes from each of the AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma and/or opportunistic infection exhibited a marked reduction in chemotaxis to all stimuli compared with the healthy control subjects. The reduced chemotactic responses were observed over a wide range of concentrations for each stimulus. Monocytes from AIDS patients who had clinically apparent opportunistic infection(s) exhibited a greater reduction in monocyte migration to all three stimuli than monocytes from the AIDS patient with only Kaposi's sarcoma. Monocytes from each of three homosexuals with lymphadenopathy and an abnormal immunological profile exhibited decreased chemotactic responses that were intermediate between those of the AIDS patients and the healthy heterosexual control subjects. In contrast to these findings, monocytes from each of seven healthy homosexuals exhibited normal chemotactic responses to the same stimuli. In addition, monocytes from AIDS patients exhibited reduced chemotaxis to soluble products of Giardia lamblia, one of several protozoan parasites prevalent in AIDS patients. Thus the immune abnormality in AIDS, previously thought to involve only the T-, B-, and natural killer lymphocytes, extends to the monocyte-macrophage. Defective monocyte migratory function may contribute to the depressed inflammatory response to certain organisms and to the apparent unrestricted growth of certain neoplasms in patients with AIDS.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Identification of decrease in the number of T helper cells as an alteration that occurs independently of numerical change in other lymphoid subpopulations, such as T suppressor/cytotoxic cells and B cells, and the close association of the decrease with AIDS are consistent with a distinct pathogenesis (and cause) for AIDS.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1984-Nature
TL;DR: The results show that the systemic secretion of RMCP II coincides with the immune expulsion of these nematodes, demonstrating clearly for the first time that rat MMC are functionally active during the immune elimination of primary nematode infections.
Abstract: Infestation of the gastrointestinal tract by parasitic nematodes is invariably associated with mucosal mastocytosis1,2, which is a thymus-dependent phenomenon in parasitized rats3, and is adoptively transferable with a T cell-enriched population of thoracic duct lymphocytes4. When derived by in vitro culture, mucosal mast cells (MMC) arise from a bone marrow precursor after stimulation by T cell-derived factors5. In rats infected with the nematode Trichinella spiralis, mucosal mastocytosis is temporally associated with the immune expulsion of the adult worms6 whereas in the case of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, mastocytosis is frequently observed to occur after worm expulsion has been completed7–9. Consequently, there has been doubt as to whether MMC are active and serve a functional role in the expulsion of rat intestinal nematodes. MMC contain and secrete a neutral proteinase, rat mast cell protease II (RMCPII)10–13; detection and assay of secreted RMCPII therefore provides a direct measurement of MMC activity. Here we describe the release of this enzyme into the blood of rats infected with N. brasiliensis or T. spiralis. Our results show that the systemic secretion of RMCP II coincides with the immune expulsion of these nematodes, demonstrating clearly for the first time that rat MMC are functionally active during the immune elimination of primary nematode infections.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the progressive growth of an immunogenic tumor results in the generation of Ly-1-2+-sensitized effector T cells that fail to reach a number sufficient to destroy the tumor because their generation is down- regulated by tumor-induced Ly- 1+2- suppressing T cells.
Abstract: It was shown that the progressive growth of the immunogenic meth A fibrosarcoma in its semisyngeneic host results in the generation of concomitant immunity to the growth of a tumor implant. The generation of immunity occurred between days 6 and 9 of tumor growth and was associated with the generation of sensitized T cells that were capable, on passive transfer, of causing regression of a 3-d tumor in gamma-irradiated recipients. After day 9 of tumor growth, concomitant immunity and the T cells able to passively transfer it were progressively lost, and this was associated with the generation of splenic suppressor T cells able to suppress the expression of adoptive immunity against an established tumor in T cell-deficient ( TXB ) recipients. The T cells that passively transferred concomitant immunity were shown to be of the Ly-1-2+ phenotype, in contrast to the T cells that transferred suppression, which were shown with the same reagents to be Ly-1+2-. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the progressive growth of an immunogenic tumor results in the generation of Ly-1-2+-sensitized effector T cells that fail to reach a number sufficient to destroy the tumor because their generation is down-regulated by tumor-induced Ly-1+2- suppressor T cells.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The experimental data reviewed herein suggests that the NS cells may play an important role in the development of host-vs-graft and graft- vs-host tolerance in allogeneic bone marrow chimeras during the "window" of tolerance in which neonate and TLI-treated mice accept the infused allogeneIC cells.
Abstract: Although several laboratories have shown that the appearance of naturally occurring suppressor cells in the spleens of neonatal or irradiated mice is temporarily related to the ease of induction of tolerance, the characteristics of these cells and their regulatory functions have been poorly understood until recently. The experimental data reviewed herein suggests that these cells are related to NK cells with regard to surface phenotype but differ with regard to function. The natural suppressor (NS) cells appear only briefly during the early maturation of the lymphoid tissues but can be induced in adults by manipulation of the lymphoid tissues with certain treatment regimens such as total lymphoid irradiation (TLI). In addition, the NS cells can be propagated and cloned in long-term tissue culture, thereby allowing a more detailed investigation of their properties. The cells have the unique feature of inhibiting the antigen-specific cytolytic arm of alloreactive immune responses but leaving intact the antigen-specific suppressive arm. In this way, alloreactions in the regulatory milieu of NS cells generate large numbers of antigen-specific suppressor cells that can maintain tolerance in vivo. Thus the NS cells may play an important role in the development of host-vs-graft and graft-vs-host tolerance in allogeneic bone marrow chimeras during the "window" of tolerance in which neonate and TLI-treated mice accept the infused allogeneic cells.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that IgG anti-endothelial antibodies are present in the sera of patients with active SLE and these sera may also contain IgG complexes that are capable of binding to endothelial cells.
Abstract: Vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with the deposition of IgG and complement in blood vessel walls. However, it is not known whether immune injury to endothelial cells is a part of this process. Therefore, we used a solid phase radioimmunoassay to study the ability of IgG from normal human sera and sera from patients with SLE to bind to endothelial cells. In this assay, cultured human umbilical venous endothelial cells were sequentially incubated with normal or SLE sera, goat anti-human IgG, and 125I-labeled staphylococcal protein A (*SPA). After exposure to normal sera, 2.5 +/- 0.5% (mean +/- SD) of the added *SPA bound to the cells, whereas after exposure to SLE sera 13.8 +/- 7.6% of the added *SPA bound to these cells. This difference in binding was highly significant (P less than 0.001). Binding was partially reduced when SLE sera were preincubated with B-lymphocytes or monocytes, but not after exposure to erythrocytes, platelets, or T lymphocytes. Incubation of endothelial cells with the 7S fraction of SLE sera or with the F(ab')2 fragment of SLE-IgG resulted in the deposition of greater than 80% as much IgG as was deposited on endothelial cells by whole serum. However, since higher molecular weight fractions (greater than 7S) of SLE sera were also active, we tested the capacity of endothelial cells to bind IgG complexes. Endothelial cells bound heat-aggregated IgG (HA-IgG) in a saturable manner at one log concentration below the binding of normal monomeric IgG. Binding of HA-IgG to endothelial cells was markedly enhanced by preincubation with a serum source of complement. Both HA-IgG and SLE-IgG also bound to freshly obtained endothelial cells in suspension, as detected by automated fluorescence flow cytometry. Binding of SLE-IgG and HA-IgG to endothelium initiated complement activation, deposition of the third component of complement, and disruption of the monolayer. In addition, SLE-IgG and HA-IgG caused endothelial cells to secrete prostacyclin and caused the adherence of platelets, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. These studies demonstrate that IgG anti-endothelial antibodies are present in the sera of patients with active SLE. These sera may also contain IgG complexes that are capable of binding to endothelial cells. The association of IgG and complement with endothelial cells may initiate vascular injury in SLE and other human disorders.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is indicated, that DTH and protective anti-tuberculous immunity are dissociable phenomena, mediated by separate populations of T lymphocytes.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 1984-Nature
TL;DR: It is shown that murine IFN-γ produced by recombinant DNA technology shows similar biological effects to BMFs from two other sources, and may be one of several molecules with a direct role in driving the maturation of resting B cells to active immunoglobulin secretion.
Abstract: Two classes of molecules often released after the interaction of T lymphocytes, macrophages and antigen are B-cell maturation factors (BMF)1-3 and immune (gamma) interferon (IFN-gamma)4-7. BMFs directly induce the maturation of resting B lymphocytes to the state of active immunoglobulin secretion, while IFN-gamma is defined by the reduction of viral infectivity in vitro. However, interferons have been shown to have a variety of effects and they have also been reported both to increase and decrease B-cell differentiation in intact animals and complex cellular mixtures in vitro. Here we show that murine IFN-gamma produced by recombinant DNA technology shows similar biological effects to BMFs from two other sources. All three preparations induce immunoglobulin secretion by both normal resting murine splenic B cells and the comparable B-cell tumour line WEHI-279.1 (refs 1, 3). IFN-gamma and the other two BMFs are not identical, however, as anti-IFN-gamma antibodies block the effects on B cells of IFN-gamma, but not those of the other two lymphokines. IFN-gamma may be one of several molecules with a direct role in driving the maturation of resting B cells to active immunoglobulin secretion.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Oct 1984-Nature
TL;DR: It is reported that a vaccinia virus recombinant, expressing the influenza HA, primes and stimulates a specific murine cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response and Histocompatible cells infected with this recombinant also serve as targets for CTLs.
Abstract: The ability of vaccinia virus to accept and express cloned genes encoding immunologically important proteins of unrelated viruses and malarial parasites has suggested a novel approach to the development of live vaccines. Vaccinia virus recombinants retain infectivity and stimulate synthesis of specific antibodies to the cloned gene products in vaccinated animals. Moreover, animals inoculated with recombinants expressing the influenza virus haemagglutinin (HA), the hepatitis B virus surface antigen, and type 1 herpesvirus glycoprotein D were protected against subsequent challenge with the corresponding virus. For maximal effectiveness, vaccines should produce cellular as well as humoral immunity. We now report that a vaccinia virus recombinant, expressing the influenza HA, primes and stimulates a specific murine cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. Histocompatible cells infected with this recombinant also serve as targets for CTLs. These properties make vaccinia virus a unique tool for studying cell-mediated immunity and enhance the attractiveness of this vector for production of live vaccines.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is reported that murine recombinant IFN‐γ activates macrophages to cytotoxicity also when applied in vivo and can protect mice in vivo against the intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in a local as well as in a systemic infection model.
Abstract: Immune interferon, available at high specific activity through recombinant DNA technology, is known to activate macrophages to intra- and extracellular cytotoxicity. We now report that murine recombinant IFN-gamma activates macrophages to cytotoxicity also when applied in vivo. Furthermore, recombinant IFN-gamma can protect mice in vivo against the intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in a local as well as in a systemic infection model. The role of T lymphocyte-produced lymphokines in acquired resistance to facultative intracellular pathogens and their possible involvement in novel immunotherapy are discussed.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The data suggest that female cells are superior to male cells in immunologic functions that are known to be associated with reactions to and recognition of histocompatibility antigens, i.e., antigen presentation and MLR.
Abstract: The immunologic potential of T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APC) from male and female mice were compared. Lymphocytes from female mice or from male mice that cannot produce and respond to testosterone (Tfm/y) were more reactive than male lymphocytes to alloantigens in MLR. Spleen cells from Tfm/y mice equipped with estrogen implants showed a higher responsiveness than control Tfm/y to alloantigens. The removal of suppressive adherent cells or the addition of T cell growth factor (TCGF) enhanced the proliferative activity of the cells in the MLR. The responsiveness of female cells to alloantigens, however, remained superior to that observed in male cells. Similarly, in the presence of TCGF, thymocytes from female mice react more effectively than male cells in MLR. In addition, Con A-stimulated spleen cells from female mice produce more interleukin 2 (IL 2) than do spleen cells from males or female mice treated with testosterone. Lymphocytes from immunized mice were tested for their ability to respond to soluble antigens (KLH and OVA) in vitro. Again, female immunocompetent cells respond more vigorously than male cells or cells originating in female mice with testosterone implants. APC from female spleen were more efficient than male APC in initiating a secondary response in primed lymphocytes from either males or female mice. Moreover, castration of male mice enhanced, and treatment of female mice with androgen reduced, the efficiency of antigen presentation. In conclusion, these data suggest that female cells are superior to male cells in immunologic functions that are known to be associated with reactions to and recognition of histocompatibility antigens, i.e., antigen presentation and MLR. Furthermore, our present data indicate that the differential reactivity of immunocytes between male and female mice depends on the hormonal balance of the animal.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The structure and function of the M cell, its role in macromolecular uptake, and its interaction with the immune system are discussed.
Abstract: Membranous epithelial (M) cells are specialized epithelial cells overlying the subepithelial lymphoid follicles in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Antigens, including some viruses and bacteria, penetrate the mucosal barrier via the M cell, which endocytoses and transports antigens and microorganisms into the Peyer's patch or bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue. Here antigens may initiate an immune response and/or disseminate and induce disease. This review discusses the structure and function of the M cell, its role in macromolecular uptake, and its interaction with the immune system.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated for the first time that feeding a weight related dose of ovalbumin within the first week of life results in priming for both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, despite the profound tolerance found in adult animals when treated in the same way.
Abstract: Summary: The normal effect of feeding an antigen, such as ovalbumin (hens' egg albumin), to adult animals is the induction of a state of specific nonreactivity of the lymphoid tissues when the same antigen is presented again (oral tolerance). We have carried out feeding experiments in neonatal mice to investigate subsequent immune responses after physiologic antigen exposure and to examine the role of the neonatal intestine. We demonstrate for the first time that feeding a weight related dose of ovalbumin within the first week of life results in priming for both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, despite the profound tolerance found in adult animals when treated in the same way. When the time scale of antigen exposure was extended into the prenatal period, the enhancement of the immune response was even more pronounced. These effects are long lasting and effects on cell-mediated immune responses are still demonstrable 14 wk after the initial priming feed. We postulate that after an antigen feed in the neonatal period, immunologic and digestive immaturity lead to a net gain in T help which prevents the induction of systemic hyporesponsiveness (oral tolerance).

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1984-Nature
TL;DR: It is demonstrated here that cloned murine IFN-γ can also substitute for a late-acting helper factor which acts synergistically with other helper factors in the stimulation of B-cell antibody responses in vitro.
Abstract: Interferon preparations, especially those containing γ-interferon (IFN-γ), have long been known to modulate immune responses1–3 However, because many studies used only partially purified interferons, it has been difficult to separate the immunoregulatory effects of the interferons from those of other biologically active molecules contaminating the preparations Recently, with the cloning of the Interferon genes in mouse and man, it has become possible to use these cloned interferons directly to test their effects in assays other than those involving the protection of cells from viruses For example, cloned IFN-γ has been shown to be a potent inducer of Ia antigen expression on macrophages4,5 Similarly, cloned IFN-γ has been reported to act as a macrophage activation factors, as judged by the ability of activated macrophages to kill tumour cells in vitro6 We demonstrate here that cloned murine IFN-γ can also substitute for a late-acting helper factor which acts synergistically with other helper factors in the stimulation of B-cell antibody responses in vitro

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Observations indicate that recrudescent lesions appear in the presence of cell populations normally associated with rapid virus clearance; cellular immune mechanisms may be rendered ineffective owing to the lack of recruitment to the site of recrudescence until tissue breakdown instigates an inflammatory response.
Abstract: During the development of a zosteriform rash, which occurs after flank inoculation of BALB/c mice with herpes simplex virus, clinically normal skin becomes infected via nerve endings. This is analogous to the final step in the development of a recrudescent lesion, which may occur after reactivation of latent virus. Therefore, the zosteriform reaction has potential as a model with which to study the modification of such a recrudescent infection by immune processes. Using an adoptive transfer system, we confirmed that immune lymph node cells are potent in accelerating the clearance of virus from the primary site of replication (the inoculation site). This effect was T cell dependent. However, if injection of the same cell population was delayed until ganglionic infection was established, the appearance of the zosteriform rash was not prevented, and the virus titer recovered from the lower flank was not reduced. Immunoperoxidase studies showed that virus is at first highly localized to the epidermis after it emerges from nerves. As determined by conventional histology, little cellular infiltration was seen until clinical lesions were apparent. These observations indicate that recrudescent lesions appear in the presence of cell populations normally associated with rapid virus clearance; cellular immune mechanisms may be rendered ineffective owing to the lack of recruitment to the site of recrudescence until tissue breakdown instigates an inflammatory response.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Data from a prospective study are consistent with a major role of polyclonal B cell activation in the induction of IC during visceral leishmaniasis.
Abstract: In a prospective study, serum and plasma samples from 17 patients with kala-azar were collected in Rio de Janeiro High levels of immune complexes (IC) were detected in serum by means of 125I-Clq and conglutinin binding assays The Clq binding material had a sedimentation coefficient of 19-25S, as determined by ultracentrifugation on sucrose gradient Plasma levels of C3 and C3 breakdown products were measured and the C3d levels were increased in six out of 11 patients The occurrence of polyclonal B cell activation was suggested by (a) a marked increase of serum IgG and IgM levels and (b) of the presence of antibodies against various proteins and haptens (SRBC, DNP-BSA, FITC-BSA,KLH) There was a close association between the presence of IC and anti-immunoglobulin antibodies Anti-smooth muscle antibodies were also observed These data are consistent with a major role of polyclonal B cell activation in the induction of IC during visceral leishmaniasis