Isolation and characterization of natural human IgG with a morphine-like activity

Although naturally occurring antibodies have been associated with numerous biological activities, their functional relevance is still a matter of debate. The presence of natural autoantibodies towards immune-related molecules such as cytokines and antibodies suggests a physiological immunomodulatory role. The neuroendocrine opioid system participates in the immune homeostasis. We report here the presence of antibodies with an agonist-like activity towards the human mu-type opioid receptor within a normal human IgG pool. Starting from an IgG pool, autoantibodies were affinity purified using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human mu-opioid receptor. Their specificity was assessed by cytofluorometry and pharmacological analyses. The potency of these antibodies to recognize the mu-opioid receptor was similar to mu-opioid selective agonists. Furthermore, the functional opioid-like activity of the anti-opioid receptor IgG was demonstrated by their ability to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity by a Gi/o-protein-mediated mechanism as indicated by abrogation of the effect by either opioid antagonist or pertussis toxin. Five IgG pools, each from four unrelated healthy blood donors, and single IgG preparations from six other donors were prepared. Antibodies directed against the mu-opioid receptor were found in all IgG samples.

A genome-wide search identifies two susceptibility loci for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis on rat chromosomes 4 and 10

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that exhibits many pathologic similarities with multiple sclerosis. The genetic loci that contribute to mononuclear cell infiltration of the central nervous system and clinical manifestations of EAE in the rat were investigated in the F2 progeny of the highly susceptible Lewis and resistant Brown Norway strains. The data confirmed that the Lewis allele of a MHC-linked gene is necessary, but not sufficient, to confer EAE susceptibility in the F2 progeny. Subsequent analyses were thus restricted to the subset of the F2 animals with EAE-predisposing MHC genotypes. A genome-wide scan approach was performed using 103 microsatellite markers covering 85% of the genome. Two non-MHC regions were identified, one near the centromere of chromosome 4 and the other on the long arm of chromosome 10, that significantly contributed to the disease. In addition, three regions on chromosomes 9, 13, and 17 were suggestive for linkage. Congenic mapping is now needed to reduce the support intervals encoding the loci of interest to sizes amenable to physical mapping and to eventually demonstrate the involvement of some of the candidate genes of immunologic importance localized in these regions.

Flow cytometric analysis of intracellular interferon-gamma synthesis in rat CD4 T cells

To date the techniques used to analyse cytokine expression by rat T cells do not give information about the simultaneous production of different cytokines from individual cells. Recently, a method for analysing the intracellular production of cytokines at the single cell level using flow cytometry has been developed. It is well established that the most critical requirement for successful intracellular cytokine staining is the availability of appropriate antibodies. In rat, it is possible to stain for intracellular IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2 cytokines) using the commercially available antibodies but not for Th1 cytokines. In the present work, we show that DB1, a mouse anti-rat IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody, could be used for intracytoplasmic staining of IFN-gamma producing rat CD4 T cells. The specificity of the staining was confirmed using a molar excess of unlabelled antibodies or recombinant cytokine. Finally, intracellular staining for IFN-gamma correlates with cytokine production in culture supernatant as evaluated by ELISA analysis.

Beta 2-microglobulin-dependent T cells are not necessary for alloantigen-induced Th2 responses after neonatal induction of lymphoid chimerism in mice

We have analyzed the requirement for beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m)-dependent T cells in the generation of allogeneic Th2 responses in vivo. A neonatal injection of semiallogeneic cells in BALB/c mice induces a state of chimerism that promotes the differentiation of donor-specific CD4+ T cells toward the Th2 phenotype. Polyclonal T-B cell interactions occur in this model between host Th2 and donor B cells, resulting in the production of IgE Abs. IgE production and Th2-priming are critically dependent upon the early production of IL-4. Our data in the present paper demonstrate that: 1) IgE synthesis and the up-regulation of MHC class II and CD23 molecules on B cells are independent of beta 2m expression in the host, 2) no difference in the induction of CD4 alloreactive Th2 cells could be observed between beta 2m-/- and their wild-type control littermates when Th2-priming was measured in adult mice, and 3) the Th2 response and IgE production is induced in the complete absence of beta 2m-dependent T cells both in the host and in the inoculum. Therefore, using a variety of assays, we could not demonstrate diminished responses in mice with a disrupted beta 2m gene in this model of Th2-mediated allogeneic interaction, indicating that beta 2m-dependent NK1.1+ and CD8+ T cells are not required for the generation of alloreactive Th2 responses in vivo.

Immunologic and renal markers among photogravure printers exposed to toluene

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed immunologic and early renal effects of chronic toluene exposure.

METHODS

In a longitudinal study of 92 printers and 74 referents, 145 subjects had pre- and poststudy samples of blood and urine taken for the following measurements: immunoglobulin E (IgE), antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) and antilaminin (anti-LAM) antibodies in blood; creatinine and beta2-microglobulin in blood and urine; and microalbumin, N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and alanine-aminopeptidase in urine. Creatinine clearance was calculated according to the Cockroft-Gault formula. Eight-hour personal air samples were collected twice to assess present exposure to toluene. A job-exposure matrix was developed to estimate past cumulative exposure. Information about potential confounders was recorded by questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was performed to study dose-effect relations adjusted for age and smoking.

RESULTS

No subject was positive for anti-GBM antibodies, and only 12 were positive for anti-LAM. No relation was observed between the markers studied and present exposure to toluene except that creatinine clearance was higher among the exposed subjects than among the referents. A dose-response relation was observed between cumulative toluene exposure and both IgE and NAG excretion. No interaction was observed between hypertension and exposure, but the relationship with NAG did not persist when subjects with hypertension were excluded. Past or present exposure did not alter the 2-year trend of any marker studied.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, toluene at 50 ppm is not related to detectable renal dysfunction. The increased IgE levels associated with present and past exposure require further investigation.

Non-immunoglobulin serum proteins prevent the binding of IgG from normal rats and from rats with Th2-mediated autoimmune glomerulonephritis to various autoantigens including glomerular antigens

It is now well established in normal humans and mice that purification of IgG from serum unmasks their autoantibody activity. Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induces in Brown-Norway (BN) rats a Th2-dependent polyclonal B cell activation, a huge increase in serum IgE and IgG1 concentrations, the production of numerous autoantibodies and an autoantibody-mediated glomerulonephritis. In the present study we have compared the IgG autoantibody activity in the serum and in the purified IgG fraction from normal and HgCl2-injected BN rats. IgG autoantibodies were found to be masked in normal serum by non-immunoglobulin (nonIg) serum proteins and, provided these IgG did not encounter normal serum proteins, they could bind to glomerular antigens as assessed by immunofluorescence in a unilateral perfused kidney model. As a consequence of HgCl2-induced polyclonal activation of B cells, IgG autoantibodies were no longer complexed to non-Ig serum proteins, they were easily detected in the serum and could therefore reach their glomerular target. However, these autoantibodies could still be blocked by normal non-Ig serum proteins not only in vitro but also in a unilateral perfused kidney model so that their binding to glomerular antigens could be prevented. These findings indicate that the ratio between autoantibody level and the amount of non-Ig serum proteins may be crucial in autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

HgCl2-induced interleukin-4 gene expression in T cells involves a protein kinase C-dependent calcium influx through L-type calcium channels

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induces T helper 2 (Th2) autoreactive anti-class II T cells in Brown Norway rats. These cells produce interleukin (IL)-4 and induce a B cell polyclonal activation that is responsible for autoimmune disease. In Brown Norway rats, HgCl2 triggers early IL-4 mRNA expression both in vivo and in vitro by T cells, which may explain why autoreactive anti-class II T cells acquire a Th2 phenotype. The aim of this study was to explore the transduction pathways by which this chemical operates. By using two murine T cell hybridomas that express IL-4 mRNA upon stimulation with HgCl2, we demonstrate that: 1) HgCl2 acts at the transcriptional level without requiring de novo protein synthesis; 2) HgCl2 induces a protein kinase C-dependent Ca2+ influx through L-type calcium channels; 3) calcium/calcineurin-dependent pathway and protein kinase C activation are both implicated in HgCl2-induced IL-4 gene expression; and 4) HgCl2 can activate directly protein kinase C, which might be one of the main intracellular target for HgCl2. These data are in agreement with an effect of HgCl2 which is independent of antigen-specific recognition. It may explain the T cell polyclonal activation in the mercury model and the expansion of pathogenic autoreactive anti-class II Th2 cells in this context.

Autoantibodies against a kidney--liver protein associated with quinolone-induced acute interstitial nephritis or hepatitis

In the present study we report on four cases of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) and two cases of hepatitis induced by quinolone. We show by immunoblotting analysis that all sera from these patients contained autoantibodies that recognize a 65-kDa protein expressed in normal human kidney and liver microsomes. Only 6% of sera from healthy individuals who did not ingest quinolone recognized the same protein. These findings suggest that the presence of autoantibodies could be used as a sensitive marker and that a modification of microsomal proteins by quinolone itself or by a metabolite could generated an autoimmune response.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-dependent inhibition of T helper cell 2 (Th2)-induced autoimmunity by self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-specific, regulatory CD4(+) T cell lines

Autoreactive anti-MHC class II T cells are found in Brown Norway (BN) and Lewis (LEW) rats that receive either HgCl2 or gold salts. These T cells have a T helper cell 2 (Th2) phenotype in the former strain and are responsible for Th2-mediated autoimmunity. In contrast, T cells that expand in LEW rats produce IL-2 and prevent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a cell-mediated autoimmune disease. The aim of this work was to investigate, using T cell lines derived from HgCl2-injected LEW rats (LEWHg), the effect of these autoreactive T cells on the development of Th2-mediated autoimmunity. The five LEWHg T cell lines obtained protect against Th2-mediated autoimmunity induced by HgCl2 in (LEW x BN)F1 hybrids. The lines produce, in addition to IL-2, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta, and the protective effect is TGF-beta dependent since protection is abrogated by anti-TGF-beta treatment. These results identify regulatory, TGF-beta-producing, autoreactive T cells that are distinct from classical Th1 or Th2 and inhibit both Th1- and Th2-mediated autoimmune diseases.

Evidence for heterogeneous TCR V beta repertoire expression in mercury-induced immune disorders in rats

Administration of subtoxic doses of HgCl2 affects differentially the immune system depending on the strain of rats tested. Susceptible Brown-Norway (BN) rats exhibit a CD4+ T cell-dependent polyclonal activation of B cells; in contrast, Lewis (LEW) rats are resistant and develop an immunosuppression mediated by CD8+ T cells recruited by CD4+ T cells. The mechanisms by which mercury induces immune disorders are poorly understood. We were interested in analyzing the diversity and mercury-mediated changes of the TCR Vbeta repertoire in the BN and LEW strains of rats at different times of HgCl2 exposure. Our results obtained after analysis of lymph node T cells by RNase protection assay, flow cytometry or immunoscope assay (i) were not consistent with a superantigen-like stimulus since we observed neither a V beta-selective expansion nor deletion that would have been expected and (ii) showed that in BN rats, as well as in LEW rats, an increase in the number of T cells was associated with the heterogeneous TCR V beta repertoire, thus supporting a polyclonal T cell activation. However, in BN rats the total number of T cells increased very rapidly, whereas in LEW rats only CD8+ T cells accumulated.

Th1/Th2 cytokine gene expression after mercuric chloride in susceptible and resistant rat strains

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) has contrasting effects on different rat strains: susceptible strains, e.g. Brown Norway (BN) develop polyclonal B cell activation, multiple autoantibodies and widespread tissue injury. Lewis (LEW) rats are resistant: no autoimmune response occurs after HgCl2; instead, there is immunosuppression. We have previously shown, by fully quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), up-regulation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene expression in HgCl2-treated BN rats, implicating Th2 cells in the autoimmune syndrome. Involvement of the reciprocal Th1 subset, producing interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), in resistance of LEW rats to HgCl2 has been suggested. We now report extensive analysis of Th1 and Th2 cytokine gene expression in spleen and lymph nodes of susceptible (BN) and resistant (LEW) rats after HgCl2. IL-4 and IFN-gamma were analyzed by quantitative PCR, other cytokines were assessed using semiquantitative PCR: the relative merits of these two techniques are discussed. We show pronounced up-regulation of IL-4 and more modest up-regulation of IFN-gamma in BN rats, but no up-regulation of either in LEW rats. Baseline levels of IFN-gamma were higher in Lew rats. Semiquantitative PCR showed increased expression of IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 in BN; in LEW rats only IL-10 was increased. There was no marked change in IL-5, IL-13 or transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in either strain. These data further support the key role of IL-4 in HgCl2-induced autoimmunity, and suggest that failure of up-regulation of IL-4, together with higher baseline IFN-gamma expression, accounts for resistance of LEW rats to HgCl2. However, neither IFN-gamma nor TGF-beta can be implicated in HgCl2-induced immunosuppression in the LEW rat in vivo: our data suggest a role for IL-10 in this phenomenon.

Recombinant IL-4 aggravates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in rats

IL-4 is the critical regulatory cytokine that preferentially promotes a Th2 type of immune response. In certain models of organ-specific autoimmune diseases in which Th1 cells are implicated in the disease process, treatment with IL-4 has been shown to confer protection by deviating the immune response toward a Th2 type. In this study, we addressed the role of IL-4 in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, a prototypic Th1-dependent disease induced in susceptible animals following immunization with soluble retinal Ag. Interestingly, treatment of Lewis rats with IL-4 exacerbated experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, and simultaneous treatment with neutralizing anti-IL-4 Abs attenuated this increase in the severity of the disease. Ex vivo analysis of cytokines produced in response to the immunizing Ag showed an enhancement in the levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide following IL-4 treatment. In vitro, IL-4 augmented the production of IFN-gamma by Con A-stimulated splenocytes in a dose-dependent manner. At low concentrations of IL-4, IFN-gamma production was enhanced, while at higher concentrations this production was inhibited. The specificity of the induction of IFN-gamma by IL-4 was confirmed by neutralizing the activity of IL-4 with anti-IL-4. Taken together, the results herein reported demonstrate that IL-4 can induce the production of IFN-gamma and of inflammatory cytokines under certain conditions, and indicate that IL-4 can exert a dose-dependent differential effect on the induction of immune responses and on autoimmunity.

Recombinant IL-4 aggravates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in rats

IL-4 is the critical regulatory cytokine that preferentially promotes a Th2 type of immune response. In certain models of organ-specific autoimmune diseases in which Th1 cells are implicated in the disease process, treatment with IL-4 has been shown to confer protection by deviating the immune response toward a Th2 type. In this study, we addressed the role of IL-4 in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, a prototypic Th1-dependent disease induced in susceptible animals following immunization with soluble retinal Ag. Interestingly, treatment of Lewis rats with IL-4 exacerbated experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, and simultaneous treatment with neutralizing anti-IL-4 Abs attenuated this increase in the severity of the disease. Ex vivo analysis of cytokines produced in response to the immunizing Ag showed an enhancement in the levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide following IL-4 treatment. In vitro, IL-4 augmented the production of IFN-gamma by Con A-stimulated splenocytes in a dose-dependent manner. At low concentrations of IL-4, IFN-gamma production was enhanced, while at higher concentrations this production was inhibited. The specificity of the induction of IFN-gamma by IL-4 was confirmed by neutralizing the activity of IL-4 with anti-IL-4. Taken together, the results herein reported demonstrate that IL-4 can induce the production of IFN-gamma and of inflammatory cytokines under certain conditions, and indicate that IL-4 can exert a dose-dependent differential effect on the induction of immune responses and on autoimmunity.

Th2 and Th1 autoreactive anti-class II cell lines in the rat suppress or induce autoimmunity

It is now currently thought that Th1 autoreactive cells may induce organ specific autoimmune disease and in these situations Th2 cells are considered as regulatory cells. However, in other situations Th2 cells may be pathogenic. Thus, some chemicals (HgCl2, gold salts or D-penicillamine) may induce Th2-mediated systemic autoimmune disorders in susceptible Brown-Norway (BN) rats. In contrast, HgCl2 induces non antigen specific immunosuppression in Lewis (LEW) rats and protects this strain against organ-specific autoimmune diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Anti-self MHC class II T cells have been detected in both susceptible and resistant strains upon exposure with these chemicals. Autoreactive T cell lines that recognize self MHC class II molecules have been derived from gold salt-injected BN rats (BNAu lines) and from HgCl2-injected LEW rats (LEWHg lines). BNAu T cell lines produced IL-4 and transferred antibody-mediated autoimmunity in BN rats deprived of CD8+ cells. In contrast, HgCl2 protects susceptible rats from Th1-mediated autoimmunity, (autoimmune uveoretinitis). LEWHg lines produced IL-2, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta and were able to protect LEW rats against cell-mediated autoimmunity (EAE) and (LEW x BN)F1 hybrids from antibody-mediated, HgCl2-induced autoimmunity. Several points will be discussed: the specificity of these autoreactive T cells, the mechanisms by which chemicals may induce these cells and the mechanisms by which the immune system maintains or reestablishes self tolerance in rats exposed to these agents.

Serum IgE concentration and other immune manifestations of treatment with gold salts are linked to the MHC and IL4 regions in the rat

A subset of patients with rheumatoid arthritis occasionally develops skin reactions and glomerulonephritis and exhibits an increase in serum IgE concentration when treated with gold salts. Brown-Norway (BN) rats injected with aurothiopropanolsulfonate (ATPS) also manifest an autoimmune glomerulonephritis and increased serum IgE concentration, whereas Lewis (LEW) rats are resistant to complications. Here, we show linkage between responses to ATPS in a (BN x LEW) F2 cohort and the major histocompatibility complex (RT1) on rat chromosome 20 and between markers in the region of IL4 and other candidate genes on rat chromosome 10. Recently, human serum IgE concentration has been reported to be linked to the IL-4 region. Taken together, these findings raise the possibility that homologous genes could be implicated in ATPS manifestations in the rat and in the regulation of IgE levels in the human.

Genetic study of gold-salt-induced immune disorders in the rat

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with gold salts occasionally develop a glomerulonephritis and an increase in serum IgE concentration. Brown-Norway (BN) rats injected with aurothiopropanolsulphonate (ATPS) exhibit an increase in serum IgE concentration, produce antilaminin antibodies (Abs) and develop glomerular linear immunoglobulin (Ig) deposits, occasionally a membranous glomerulopathy and vascular granular Ig deposits. Lewis (LEW) rats are resistant.

METHODS

The genetic requirements governing the appearance of these manifestations were studied in congenic rats, and in F1 hybrids injected with ATPS.

RESULTS

Non-MHC-linked genes from the BN strain were absolutely required for all the traits to be observed. The RT1n (BN) or RT1(1) (LEW) haplotypes at the MHC were permissive for all the manifestations to appear and two RT1(1) alleles were associated with the highest response. However, granular Ig deposits were only observed in RT1n rats. The high serum IgE concentration and the antilaminin Ab level were associated with the presence of glomerular Ig deposits but were not associated with the presence of vascular Ig deposits.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that susceptibility to ATPS was mainly dependent upon non-MHC-linked BN genes and that the involvement of MHC-linked genes differed depending upon the character considered. There is an epistatic effect between the various genes.

Mechanism of allergic cross-reactions. V. High incidence of unanticipated cross-stimulation by natural allergens of rat basophilic leukemia cells sensitized with monoclonal IgE antibodies

The incidence of cross-stimulations by natural allergens was investigated using RBL-2H3 cells sensitized with five different mouse monoclonal anti-DNP IgEs and four mercury-induced rat monoclonal IgEs. Cells sensitized with 3 of the 5 monoclonal anti-DNP IgEs (clones SPE-7, SRT-1, LB4) responded by serotonin release upon stimulation by natural allergens such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, horse dander and mugwort extracts. Serotonin release could be inhibited by monovalent DNP-lysine, indicating the involvement of DNP-binding sites of IgEs. Two of the clones (LO-DNP-30 and LA2) were negative on all tests with allergens. All but one (Hg32) of the mercury-induced rat IgE monoclonal antibodies tested positive with DNP-BSA, and with at least one of the six allergen extracts. IgE clone Hg12 mediated serotonin release with 5 of the 6 allergens tested.