Inhibition of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by colchicine and other microtubule disrupting drugs

Colchicine has been shown to act as an antiinflammatory agent. In this study, we examined whether colchicine and other microtubule-depolymerizing drugs affected the production of TNF-alpha. When rat peritoneal macrophages were stimulated by LPS, addition of colchicine, vincristine, vinblastine or nocodazole was found to inhibit TNF-alpha release in a concentration-dependent manner. Suppression of TNF-alpha release was not due to interference with secretion as the cytokine did not accumulate intracellularly following colchicine treatment. Colchicine markedly enhanced PGE2 release from LPS-stimulated macrophages. However, addition of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin only partially reversed the suppressive effect of colchicine on TNF-alpha production. Colchicine caused a strong reduction of LPS-induced TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation, suggesting that a pretranslational effect may represent the primary mechanism by which colchicine reduced TNF-alpha production. These observations could have clinical relevance in ameliorating undesirable effects due to excessive TNF-alpha production, for example following LPS stimulation of monocytes/macrophages in gram-negative sepsis. Furthermore, these drugs may provide useful tools to study the apparent involvement of the microtubular system in cytokine gene expression and cytokine production.

CD8+ T cells in intracellular bacterial infections of mice

In the normal course of an immune response, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells respond to each of the bacterial pathogens we have discussed and both responses may be required for the most potent immunity to infection. In this discussion, we have focused on the ability of these organisms to prime CD8+ T-cell responses in vivo and the ability of CD8+ T cells as sole mediators of acquired immunity, to protect against infection. It is clear that the vacuolar location of bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella or Mycobacteria does not prevent in vivo priming of CD8+ T-cell responses to these pathogens. However, vacuolar localization may affect the potency of CD8+ T-cell responses under experimental conditions that assess the capacity of CD8+ T cells as the sole mediators of acquired immunity. In the case of cytoplasmic L. monocytogenes, clear evidence exists that antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, in the absence of immune CD4+ T cells, can provide substantial acquired immunity to naive mice. Similar clear experimental results with Salmonella and Mycobacteria are lacking. Such results would provide stronger support for vaccines that elicit CD8+ T-cell responses to these vacuolar pathogens. Although our discussion has focused on only three specific organisms, we suggest that detection of an in vivo CD8+ T-cell response to a bacterial antigen does not ensure that the response will be protective against infection in a vaccine setting. In the case of Salmonella and Mycobacteria, this issue remains unresolved.

Rapid single-step method for flow cytometric detection of surface and intracellular antigens using whole blood

Fixation/permeabilization methods used for the detection of intracellular antigens by flow cytometry often result in the destruction of cellular morphology and surface immunoreactivity, properties useful in flow cytometry for the characterization of cells in heterogeneous populations. In addition, a majority of these methods are incompatible with whole blood and require that peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) be purified prior to fixation. This article describes a new technique for the rapid detection of both intracellular and cell surface antigens, while preserving cell morphology, through the use of a single-step fixation/permeabilization reagent, ORTHO PermeaFix (OPF). OPF is compatible with whole blood, allowing for the direct preparation of PBLs without prior cell separation. An additional red blood cell lysing reagent was not required because RBC lysis occurred upon resuspension of OPF-treated whole blood samples in isotonic solution. Discrimination of leukocyte populations by light scatter after OPF treatment was comparable to matched unfixed live cells. In addition, absolute lymphocyte and white blood cell (WBC) counts were not significantly affected when OPF-treated cells were compared with unfixed cells. Treatment of whole blood from 7 normal donors showed no significant difference in percentage of cells positive for CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, or CD19 between fixed and unfixed samples when cells were stained before fixation, and no difference in CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, or CD19 percentages when cells were stained following fixation. Monoclonal antibodies specific for intracellular antigens located at various sites within the cell were tested on fixed samples. OPF-treated peripheral blood lymphocytes showed greater than 95% reactivity for the inner mitochondrial membrane protein bcl-2, and the cytoskeletal cytoplasmic protein vimentin. TIA-1, a cytolytic granule-associated protein, showed differential reactivity within lymphocyte subsets, from a low of 8 +/- 2% in CD4+ cells to 89 +/- 6% in CD16+ cells, when whole blood from five normal donors was fixed and stained. Reh cells treated with OPF showed greater than 95% reactivity for the internuclear protein TdT. A comparison of OPF with two other fixation/permeabilization procedures, 1% paraformaldehyde followed by 45% ethanol and 0.25% paraformaldehyde followed by 0.2% Tween 20, showed that only OPF could be used both prior to or following cell surface staining with no effect on antigen detection while allowing optimal detection of all of the intracellular antigens tested.

Generation of naturally processed peptide/MHC class I complexes is independent of the stability of endogenously synthesized precursors

Proteolysis of endogenously synthesized cellular proteins is essential for constitutive display of processed peptide/MHC class I complexes on the APC surface for stimulating CD8+ T cells. However, the extent to which normal protein turnover serves as the source of processed peptides is not clear. To address this question, we used pairs of novel N-end rule substrates that varied in their intracellular stability and served as precursors for generating peptide/MHC class I (OVA257-264/Kb or influenza nucleoprotein 366-374/Db) complexes. Surprisingly, although each of three precursor pairs tested varied profoundly in their intracellular stability, they were indistinguishable in either T cell stimulation assays, or in the amounts of naturally processed peptides in the APC extracts. Our findings demonstrate that the proteolytic turnover of endogenously synthesized proteins is not directly proportional to the generation of processed antigenic peptide/MHC class I complexes.

Intracellular signaling for inducible antigen receptor-mediated Fas resistance in B cells

CD40 ligand-activated B cells are sensitive targets for CD4+ Th1 effector cells that kill in a Fas-dependent fashion. Susceptibility to apoptosis is counteracted by Ag receptor binding that produces a state of resistance to Fas engagement in otherwise sensitive targets. In the present study, protection from Th1-mediated apoptosis was found to be induced by protein kinase C and calcium signals, which in combination mimicked the level of Fas resistance produced by surface Ig engagement. Signaling for Fas resistance did not alter Fas expression. Furthermore, B cells that were protected against Th1-mediated apoptosis were also resistant to apoptosis mediated by soluble, rFas ligand. Taken together, these results indicate that signaling for protection against Fas-mediated apoptosis does not depend on alteration of the interaction between B cell target and Th1 effector populations. Instead, surface IgM-derived protein kinase C and calcium signals appear to produce an intracellular change in the Fas signaling pathway that develops over a period of hours and interferes with the apoptotic process through a mechanism that depends on protein synthesis.

Variation in the inflammatory properties of basic calcium phosphate crystals according to crystal type

OBJECTIVE

To determine the inflammatory potential of basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals, which have been identified in human joints.

METHODS

Hydroxyapatite, carbonate apatite, whitlockite, and octacalcium phosphate crystals were injected in rat air pouches. Volume and cellularity of the exudate were measured. Physicochemical properties of the injected BCP crystals were determined, and correlations with the magnitude of induced inflammatory responses were sought.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed among the volumes and white blood cell (WBC) counts of the pouch exudates, based on the various crystal types used to induce inflammation. A strong correlation was demonstrated between the specific surface (SS) area of the injected crystals and the area under the curve for induced WBC count versus time (R2 = 0.88, P = 0.05). This correlation was observed for SS area values below 50 m2/gm, but when SS area increased further, this parameter plateaued. Another parameter of inflammatory response was obtained by dividing the area under the curve figuring WBC counts versus time by the corresponding SS area for each crystal type. This parameter increased linearly with the Ca:P ratio (R2 = 0.97, P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The inflammatory potential of BCP crystals appeared to vary according to crystal features. SS area and the Ca:P ratio (which correlates with crystal solubility) influenced inflammatory properties. These results could explain the variable clinical consequences of BCP deposits, and must be taken into account in the choice of apatite ceramics for use as biomaterials.

Cell-associated IL-8 in human blood monocytes: analysis by flow cytometry

Several cell-associated cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor, exist on the cell surface and are biologically active. Although extracellular IL-8, a potent chemotactic factor for primarily neutrophils, has been studied extensively, cell-associated IL-8 has barely been studied. In this study, we analyzed the intracellular and cell-surface IL-8 in human blood monocytes in vitro by using flow cytometry and predicted the biological activity of the cell-associated IL-8 in vivo. After fixation with paraformaldehyde, mononuclear cells were divided into two subgroups. One subgroup was left untreated to study cell-associated antigens, and the other subgroup was permeabilized with saponin to detect intracellular antigens. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes, IL-8 was detected solely intracellularly, whereas both the intracellular and cell-surface IL-1 beta was detectable. In a time-course study, the intracellular IL-8 increased in response to LPS stimulation, but the cell-surface IL-8 was undetectable throughout the course. In an LPS-stimulated monocytic cell line, both ELISA and flow cytometry detected the quantitative change of the intracellular IL-8. The dissimilar localization between IL-8 and IL-1 beta within cells was confirmed by the immunohistochemical analysis. In summary, LPS stimulation induced a time-dependent increase in intracellular but not cell-surface IL-8 in monocytes. Thus, it is unlikely that the cell-associated IL-8 is functioning physiologically. The semiquantitative flow cytometric procedure may be useful for simultaneous examination for cell-surface and intracellular cytokines.

Functionally active T cell receptor/CD3 complexes are present at the surface of cloned cytotoxic T cells without fluorescence-immunological detectability

The cytotoxic T cell clone 10BK.1 is activated in response to the ovalbumin peptide OVA257-264 in a major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted manner. Following activation 10BK.1 cells proliferate, secrete lymphokines, and kill syn- and allogeneic target cells. Using immunofluorescence analysis we detected CD8, LFA-1, and ICAM-1 on the surface of 10BK.1 cells, but no CD3 or T cell receptor (TCR). In contrast, the proliferative response of 10BK.1 cells to antigen was efficiently blocked by soluble antibodies directed at CD3 epsilon or TCR alpha beta, but not by antibodies directed at TCR gamma delta. In addition, lysis of target cells was blocked by F(ab')2 fragments of antibodies directed at CD3 epsilon, and 10BK.1 cells proliferate in response to immobilized anti-CD3 epsilon or anti-TCR alpha beta antibodies. Furthermore, 10BK.1 cells lyse hybridoma cells that secrete antibodies directed at CD3 epsilon or TCR alpha beta, but not TCR gamma delta. These results demonstrate that functionally active molecules of the TCR/CD3 complex exist on the surface of 10BK.1 cells, obviously in low amounts, undetectable by immunofluorescence. In contrast, using permeabilized cells, we found high cytoplasmatic expression of TCR alpha beta, CD3 epsilon, and zeta-chain in 1OBK.1 cells, indicating that the low level of TCR/CD3 expression on the surface is not a consequence of a reduced synthesis of these molecules, but that the transport of these molecules to the surface is reduced. Our data demonstrate that the absence of TCR/CD3 complexes on the surface of cells, as detected by immunofluorescence, does not warrant the conclusion that these complexes are also functionally absent from the surface of these cells.

Detection of C5a receptors on human eosinophils and inhibition of eosinophil effector functions by anti-C5a receptor (CD88) antibodies

Eosinophils and complement activation are reported to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases. Depositions of antigens and antigen-antibody complexes lead to complement activation with the generation of anaphylatoxins, particularly C5a, which is thought to be responsible for the infiltration and activation of eosinophils in the tissue. Previous studies suggested that the eosinophil C5a receptor differs structurally from the receptor expressed on neutrophils. In this study, we investigated the expression and functional properties of C5a receptors on human eosinophils using the C5a receptor monoclonal antibody S5/1 (anti-CD88 mAb). Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the anti-CD88 mAb bound homogeneously on the surface of human eosinophils from nonatopic healthy donors. In addition, no subpopulations with respect to C5a receptor expression were identified in normodense or hypodense eosinophils of patients with hypereosinophilia. Pre-incubation of eosinophils with anti-CD88 specifically inhibited C5a-induced intracellular calcium concentration transients. C5a-induced chemotactic activity of eosinophils was significantly inhibited after pre-incubation of cells with anti-CD88 mAb in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, anti-CD88 mAb inhibited dose-dependently the release of reactive oxygen species by eosinophils following stimulation with C5a. Thus, the human eosinophil C5a receptor is homogeneously expressed on normal eosinophils from healthy donors as well as on hypodense and normodense eosinophil subpopulations from patients with hypereosinophilia. Based on the inhibitory effect of the S5/1 mAb on C5a-stimulated eosinophil effector functions, we conclude that a single C5a receptor type exists on human eosinophils. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the S5/1 mAb on C5a functions may enable a new experimental approach to the treatment of diseases that have been associated with C5a-mediated activation.

Predominant HLA-class II bound self-peptides of a hematopoietic progenitor cell line are derived from intracellular proteins

Human myeloid progenitor cells temporarily express HLA class II molecules during the differentiation pathway to granulocytes and macrophages. The significance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules at this stage of development is unknown. As a first stop of inquiry into their function, we have characterized the profile of major self-peptides bound to the HLA-DR molecules expressed by KG-1 cells, a line that shares many of the phenotypic characteristics of colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. Searches of protein data bases showed that all matching peptides bound to the HLA-DR molecules of KG-1 cells corresponded to intracellular, rather than exogenous or transmembrane, precursor proteins. Because the absence of a conventional self-peptide repertoire could be related to altered trafficking of class II molecules, the biosynthesis of HLA-DR and the invariant chain proteins was determined. The MHC class II associated invariant chain protein is synthesized normally in KG-1 cells, but processed fragments of invariant chain, class II-associated invariant chain peptides (CLIPs), occupy the antigen-binding groove of KG-1 class II molecules at a much lower frequency compared with that of mature antigen-presenting cells. Low CLIP occupancy of HLA-DR is a characteristic shared by KG-1 cells, normal CD34+ progenitor cells, and HLA-DR+ breast carcinoma cells. The unusual profile of MHC class II bound peptides and the low level of CLIP bound to HLA-DR suggest that the antigen-processing pathway of KG-1 is different from that characterized in professional antigen-presenting cells and that exogenous antigen-processing may be a developmentally acquired characteristic in the myeloid lineage.

A point mutation in interleukin-2 that alters ligand internalization

In previous studies, we have identified an interleukin-2 (IL-2) analog containing a point mutation at position 51 (T51P) that expresses nearly wild-type bioactivity, yet has approximately 10-fold lower receptor binding affinity. Since ligand-dependent receptor internalization may be the rate-limiting step controlling the duration of IL-2 receptor signaling, a reduction in the receptor internalization rate could contribute to the observed response enhancement for this analog. To evaluate this possibility, we compared the internalization of IL-2 and T51P in three separate assays. While the internalization rate for IL-2 agreed with values determined by others, the internalization of T51P was markedly reduced. The receptor binding rate constants for this analog were only slightly different; thus, altered binding kinetics could not explain the decreased internalization rate. The effects of reduced internalization were also observable in bioassays, where T51P maintained T-cell proliferation for a longer period compared with IL-2. These results indicate that the T51P point mutation reduces the receptor internalization rate compared with IL-2 in a fashion that is independent of the dissociation rate. This analog may represent a new approach to the preparation of cytokine analogs with potentiated agonist and antagonist properties.

Intracellular trafficking of CTLA-4 and focal localization towards sites of TCR engagement

T lymphocyte receptor CTLA-4 binds costimulatory molecules CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) with high avidity and negatively regulates T cell activation. CTLA-4 functions at the cell surface, yet is primarily localized in intracellular vesicles. Here, we demonstrate cycling of CTLA-4 between intracellular stores and the cell surface. Intracellular vesicles containing CTLA-4 overlapped with endocytic compartment(s) and with perforin-containing secretory granules. Cell surface expression of CTLA-4 was rapidly increased by raising intracellular calcium levels. During T cell activation, intracellular and cell surface CTLA-4 became focused towards sites of TCR activation. Cycling and directional control of CTLA-4 expression may regulate its functional interaction with APCs bearing peptide-MHC complexes of appropriate specificity and avidity.

Fas-mediated apoptosis is modulated by intracellular glutathione in human T cells

Fas antigen is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family that transduces a lethal signal to the Fas-sensitive cells. We previously established the Fas-resistant variant cell lines LAC2D1R and JKT2D1R from the parental Fas-sensitive cell lines, SUPT13 and Jurkat, respectively. Recently, we isolated the Fas-resistant variant CEM2D1R from CCRF-CEM. All of the variants were Fas+ but resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis. Further biochemical analysis revealed that the intracellular glutathione (GSH) content of the Fas-resistant variants was higher than in the original cells. When the Fas-resistant variants were incubated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) or in GSH-free/cysteine-free medium to deplete GSH, Fas resistance was reversed. Incubation of the cells with cycloheximide also decreased intracellular GSH and reversed the Fas resistance. Furthermore, incubation of activated peripheral blood lymphocytes with BSO enhanced Fas-mediated apoptosis. When the Fas-sensitive cells were incubated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), intracellular GSH was increased and Fas-mediated apoptosis was blocked. In contrast, Fas-resistant variants, as well as Fas-sensitive cells pre-treated with NAC remained susceptible to allogeneic lymphokine-activated killer cells, most likely due to perforin-dependent killing. The results suggest that Fas-mediated apoptosis, but not perforin-dependent killing, is modulated by intracellular GSH in human T lymphocytes.

Decrease in cAMP levels promoted by CD48-CD2 interaction correlates with inhibition of apoptosis in B cells

The authors recently reported that CD2 ligation rescues B cells from antigen-induced apoptosis by upregulation of intracellular Bcl-2 levels. However, the characterization of the early signals involved in apoptosis rescue by CD2 ligation has not been well established. In this context, CD2 does not promote either phosphatidylinositol turnover or CA2+ mobilization in B cells. In this paper the authors show that CD2 interaction with its ligand CD48 also reduces the apoptosis induced by forskolin and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and, to a much lesser extent, the apoptosis induced by cholera toxin in murine B splenocytes. Using a cAMP detection system sensitive to the picomolar range, the authors demonstrate that CD2-CD48 interaction decreases the intracellular cAMP concentrations induced by forskolin but not by cholera toxin. In comparison with the CD2-CD48 interaction, CD40-CD40 ligand interaction completely inhibits the apoptosis induced by cAMP increases without affecting the intracellular cAMP levels promoted by forskolin or cholera toxin. These results indicate that CD2 can also control the apoptosis at the very early steps after receptor signalling, such as the adenylate cyclase activity. Given that heterotrimeric G-proteins can mediate the adenylate cyclase activity the authors suggest that CD2 signalling could act through these small proteins, which would explain the inability of CD2 signalling to rescue from the apoptosis induced by cholera toxin, a Gs-protein activator. Conversely, CD40 seems to control apoptosis further downstream of the cAMP-PKA pathway where the survival and apoptotic signals are confluent, which might therefore render it a more efficient system to block apoptosis.

Medullary thymic epithelial cells induce tolerance to intracellular proteins

The role of the medullary thymic epithelial cells in tolerance induction to MHC class I restricted self peptides has been analyzed by studying the beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)-specific cytotoxic T cell response of a transgenic mouse expressing beta-gal in the thymus, skin, and central nervous system (Tg beta-gal mouse). Our results showed that: 1) beta-gal expression in the thymus was limited in a subpopulation of medullary epithelial cells, and bone marrow-derived thymic cells were beta-gal-1; 2) Tg beta-gal mice did not mount an anti-beta-gal CTL response even in the presence of exogenous IL-2, while Tg beta-gal-->B6 chimeras responded to beta-gal as strongly as NTg beta-gal mice; 3) Tg beta-gal mice did not generate CTL against the immunodominant Kb-restricted beta-gal 497-504 peptide; 4) tolerance was due to the thymic epithelial cells that expressed beta-gal because nude mice grafted with thymus from Tg beta-gal mice were also unable to respond to beta-gal; 5) the Tg beta-gal mouse-derived beta-gal+ medullary epithelial TEC.X10 line presented the Kb-restricted beta-gal 497-504 epitope. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that medullary thymic epithelial cells induce a complete tolerance towards class I-restricted self peptides presented on their own surface.

Distribution of plasma cell markers and intracellular IgE in cell line U266

The IgE-producing plasma cell line U266 was used to study intracellular IgE and the distribution of the plasma cell markers CD38 and PCA-1. We found two separate clusters of U266 based on the differences in their light scatter properties in the flow cytometer. One cluster displayed high scatter signals (high SS), whereas the other showed low scatter signals (low SS). Most (75%) of the cells in the low SS cluster were positive for intracellular IgE. In contrast, high SS cells had a higher expression of surface IgE and a considerably lower proportion of these cells expressed intracellular IgE. Different patterns of expression of the plasma cell antigens CD38 and PCA-1 were observed. While the low SS cluster displayed a high (76%) expression of PCA-1 and a low (5%) CD38 expression, the high SS cluster expressed 21 and 42%, respectively. About 2/3 of the cells in the low SS cluster appeared to be in the G1 phase of the cell cycle while 1/3 were in the S/G2 phase. In the high SS cluster the opposite distribution (2/3 in S/G2) was observed. Taken together our results indicate an association between cell cycle stages, expression of intracellular IgE and plasma cell markers.

Interaction of natural killer cells with extracellular matrix induces early intracellular signalling events and enhances cytotoxic functions

NK cells are endowed with a wide array of adhesion molecules which mediate their interaction with endothelium and extracellular matrix components. We have shown that cross-linking of beta 1 integrins and CD44 on human NK cells induces a signal transduction pathway involving both tyrosine kinase activation and the modulation of intracellular calcium levels. Our studies have also demonstrated the ability of beta 1 integrins and CD44 to upregulate both the spontaneous and the CD16-triggered cytotoxic activity of human NK cells. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for this costimulatory activity have not been defined yet, our studies indicate that the simultaneous cross-linking of beta 1 integrins and CD44 results in a synergistic effect on CD16-mediated enhancement of intracellular free calcium concentration, and suggest that this may be relevant for the cooperation observed.

Monoclonal antibody Po66 uptake by human lung tumours implanted in nude mice: effect of co-administration with doxorubicin

The efficacy of radioimmunotherapy of tumours with radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) depends on the amount of antibody taken up by the tumour and on its intratumoral distribution. In the case of MAbs directed against intracellular antigens, increasing the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane may augment the bioavailability of the antigen for the antibody. This raises the question whether the induction of tumour necrosis by chemotherapy can enhance the tumour uptake of radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies. In this work, the effect of doxorubicin on the biodistribution of Po66, an MAb directed against an intracellular antigen, was studied in nude mice grafted with the human non-small-cell lung carcinoma cell line SK-MES-1. After injection on day 0 of 125I-labelled Po66, tumour radioactivity increased up to days 3-5, and then remained unchanged to day 14. The combined administration of 125I-labelled Po66 with 8 mg kg-1 doxorubicin, in two doses separated by 7 days, doubled the radioactivity retained by the tumour. Histological and historadiographic analysis showed, however, that the drug induced cellular damage. In the absence of doxorubicin, the accumulation of Po66 was restricted to some necrotic areas, whereas with doxorubicin the necrosis was more extensive and the antibody more evenly distributed. These results suggest that chemotherapy and immunoradiotherapy combined would enhance tumour uptake of radioisotope and promote more homogenous distribution of the radiolabelled MAb. This would promote eradication of the remaining drug-resistant cells in tumours.

Murine CD4+ T cells undergo TCR-activated adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins but not to nonantigenic MHC class II proteins

Engagement of the TCR modulates the avidity of several receptors that play key roles in lymphocyte adhesion and/or signal transduction, including CD8, CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1), CD2, and several beta 1-integrins. Here, we investigated whether CD4+ T cells similarly undergo TCR-regulated adhesion to isolated MHC class II proteins through CD4. Strong adhesion of a number of CD4+ T cell clones to immobilized antigenic peptide/class II complexes was readily detectable. Adhesion to antigenic class II proteins was CD4 dependent and inhibited by pretreatment of T cells with the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A, suggesting that adhesion requires TCR- and/or CD4-derived signal transduction. Treatment of T cells with anti-TCR Ab strongly increased subsequent adhesion to the extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and vitronectin, but, significantly, not to immobilized nonantigenic class II proteins. Suboptimal densities of antigenic peptide/class II complexes also activated adhesion of T cells to coimmobilized fibronectin or vitronectin, and this resulted in production of IFN-gamma to levels exceeding those stimulated by optimal densities of antigenic class II complexes alone. However, no augmentation of adhesion or cytokine secretion occurred when self or third party class II proteins were coimmobilized with antigenic class II complexes. The present results, therefore, suggest fundamental differences in the mechanism by which the TCR regulates coreceptor adhesion in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Evaluation of red blood cell lysing solutions for the detection of intracellular antigens by flow cytometry

When analyzing leukocyte cell surface antigens by flow cytometry, leukocytes are usually first labeled in whole blood and the red blood cells are finally lysed with lysing solutions. The erythrocytes are lysed, but the leukocytes are expected to remain intact. Six commercial red blood cell lysing methods were investigated for possible leukocyte permeabilization effect. The effectiveness of permeabilization was studied by propidium iodide staining, and the detectability of intracellular antigens was studied by using monoclonal antibodies toward two model antigens. Most of the lysing methods caused permeabilization of at least part of the leukocytes, but only one method, already found in our previous studies, was applicable for complete permeabilization of leukocytes and for detection of intracellular antigens alone or simultaneously with the cell surface antigens.

Intracellular antibodies: development and therapeutic potential

Single-chain antibodies, synthesized by the cell and targeted to a particular cellular compartment, can be used to interfere in a highly specific manner with cell growth and metabolism. Recent applications of this technology include the phenotypic knockout of growth-factor receptors, the functional inactivation of p21ras and the inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Intracellular antibodies are likely to have a widespread impact in biological research as a simple and effective alternative to other forms of gene inactivation; they demonstrate clear potential as reagents for cancer therapy and for the control of infectious diseases.

Intercellular and lymphatic pathways of the canine palatine tonsils

The palatine tonsils play a key role in initiating immune responses against antigenic material entering the mouth and their lymphatic pathways are important in disseminating immunological information to the lymph nodes and other mucosal surfaces. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Mercox casts were used to examine the intercellular and lymphatic pathways of the palatine tonsil in dogs. Intercellular fluid within the intraepithelial passageways of the reticular epithelium flows through pores in the basement membrane and intermingles with that of the subepithelial intercellular spaces. From there, tissue fluid enters initial lymphatics which form a plexus surrounding each follicle. No lymphatic vessels are seen entering or leaving the follicles but intercellular pathways of the follicles are continuous with those of the adjacent initial lymphatics. These pathways appear to provide the only route for lymphocytes leaving the follicles and directly entering the lymphatic pathway. Lymph then flows into sinuses adjacent to, and incompletely surrounding, the base of follicles; or it may enter a network of sinuses between and beneath the lymphoid follicles which convey lymph throughout the parafollicular tissue. Lymphoid cells enter the parafollicular sinuses which may be a major entry site of lymphocytes emigrating from the lymphoid parenchyma. Some lymph may bypass these sinuses by entering septal lymphatic vessels oriented perpendicular to the central connective tissue lamina of the palatine tonsil. All lymph is collected into basal lymphatic vessels where valves prevent retrograde flow. Basal vessels course within the central lamina and converge to form efferent lymphatic vessels which emerge at the caudal region of the palatine tonsil and convey lymph to the medial retropharyngeal lymph node.

Identification and intracellular location of MAGE-3 gene product

The human MAGE-3 gene encodes a melanoma antigenic epitope recognized by specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, but its gene product has not been identified thus far. We produced a recombinant MAGE-3 gene product by expression cloning of the entire reading frame in the context of a fusion protein characterized by a 10-histidine tail, allowing purification by metal chelation on a nickel Sepharose column. The semipurified product was used to generate MAGE-3-specific monoclonal antibodies. One reagent could identify by immunoblotting the native MAGE-3 gene product as a M(r) 48,000 protein in lysates of cell lines showing evidence of MAGE-3 gene expression. No apparent cross-reactivity with recombinant or native MAGE-1 gene product was observed. Immunohistochemistry shows that, closely resembling the MAGE-1 gene product, MAGE-3 is a cytoplasmic protein.

Single-cell observation of calcium signals in T cells and antigen-presenting cells during antigen presentation

Intracellular calcium ion mobilization in T-cell hybridomas and antigen-presenting cells (APC) during the interaction was observed using confocal fluorescence microscopy. No calcium signal was detected in non-activated T-cell hybridomas by antigen presentation. However, in activated T-cell hybridomas, intracellular calcium ion concentration rapidly increased by antigen presentation and thereafter apoptosis was induced. On the contrary, during the interaction with T-cell hybridomas, calcium signal was induced in APCs irrespective of the activation of T-cell hybridomas. Chemical modification of APCs with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide, which is known to induce T-cell unresponsiveness during antigen presentation, inhibited cap formation of surface MHC class II molecules and suppressed calcium signals during the interaction with T-cell hybridomas.