Immunomodulation by cells of mononuclear phagocyte lineage in acute cold-stressed or cold-acclimatized mice

Immunoregulatory states in acute cold-stressed or cold-acclimatized mice were investigated. When male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to environmental temperature of 5 degrees for 24 hr (acute cold stress), the spleen cells showed depressed proliferative responses to stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) compared with control mice (reared at 25 degrees). The proportion of Thy-1.2+ cells increased significantly in spleens from these acute cold-stressed mice. The Con A responses of T-enriched cells from acute cold-stressed mice were restored to the normal level by adding plastic-adherent cells from control mice. Further, adherent cells from acute cold-stressed mice markedly suppressed the Con A responses of control spleen cells. Thus, the plastic-adherent cells appeared to be responsible for the suppressed Con A responses. On the other hand, proliferative responses to Con A or LPS were elevated in spleen cells from mice exposed to 5 degrees for 3 weeks (cold acclimatization). A significant decrease of Thy-1.2+ cells was detected in these spleens. It was shown that the enhanced proliferative responses were attributable to functional alterations of the plastic adherent cell population but not to those of lymphoid cell population. These findings indicate that the low or high responsiveness of spleen cells to Con A observed in cold-stressed or cold-acclimatized mice, respectively, may be due to a mechanism including the contrary modulations of functions of cells of mononuclear phagocyte lineage.

Monoclonal anticardiolipin autoantibodies established from the (New Zealand white x BXSB)F1 mouse model of antiphospholipid syndrome cross-react with oxidized low-density lipoprotein

OBJECTIVE

Autoimmunity-prone (New Zealand white x BXSB)F1 ([NZW x BXSB]F1) mice have been shown to be useful as a model of antiphospholipid syndrome with myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to examine the cross-reactivity of anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) derived from (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), which is closely associated with atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Six monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against CL were established from (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice, and reactivity of aCL with ox-LDL was examined by micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Higher titers of anti-ox-LDL autoantibodies were found in adult (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice compared with other autoimmunity-prone mouse strains (P < 0.01) or a control strain (P < 0.005). There was a significant positive correlation between titers of aCL and those of anti-ox-LDL in (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice (r = 0.79, P < 0.001). Of the 6 MAb against CL, 2 clones that showed beta 2-glycoprotein 1-dependent reactivity also cross-reacted with ox-LDL. Binding of monoclonal aCL to solid-phase cardiolipin was inhibited by ox-LDL, but not by native LDL.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that aCL derived from (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice can cross-react with ox-LDL. This result suggests that aCL, which is closely associated with lupus-associated thrombosis, may also play an important role in atherosclerotic complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Bone marrow transplantation for Fanconi anemia

Fanconi anemia is a genetic disorder associated with diverse congenital abnormalities, progressive bone marrow failure, and increased risk of leukemia and other cancers. Affected persons often die before 30 years of age. Bone marrow transplantation is an effective treatment, but there are few data regarding factors associated with transplant outcome. We analyzed outcomes of HLA-identical sibling (N = 151) or alternative related or unrelated donor (N = 48) bone marrow transplants for Fanconi anemia performed between 1978 and 1994 and reported to the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry. Fanconi anemia was documented by cytogenetic studies in all cases. Patient, disease, and treatment factors associated with survival were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression. Two-year probabilities (95% confidence interval) of survival were 66% (58% to 73%) after HLA-identical siblings transplants and 29% (18% to 43%) after alternative donor transplants. Younger patient age (P .0001), higher pretransplant platelet counts (P = .04), use of antithymocyte globulin (P = .005), and use of low-dose (15 to 25 mg/kg) cyclophosphamide plus limited field irradiation (P = .009) for pretransplant conditioning and cyclosporine for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis (P = .002) were associated with increased survival. Bone marrow transplants are effective therapy for Fanconi anemia. The adverse impact of increasing age and lower pretransplant platelet count on transplant outcome favors earlier intervention, especially when there is an HLA-identical sibling donor.

Presence of eosinophilic precursors in the human thymus: evidence for intra-thymic differentiation of cells in eosinophilic lineage

The distribution of myeloid cells in the human thymus was investigated by light and electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and/or flow cytometry. A series of 74 thymic samples, from newborn to 37 year old patients, were studied. By light microscopy, aggregates of mononuclear cells were frequently present in intralobular septa and outer medulla. Among those cells, eosinophilic precursors (promyelocyte, myelocytes and metamyelocytes) were readily identified. These immature granular cells were present in all pre-involutional thymi, and were particularly frequent in the thymi of patients who were younger than 5 years of age. The cells made up 30-50% of the total eosinophilic population and were frequently observed as a group of cells at various stages of differentiation, suggesting that they differentiate from pre-existing precursors in the thymus. These eosinophilic precursors were mostly located in the intralobular septa and fibroreticular network at the corticomedullary junction, while mature eosinophils were scattered throughout the thymus. Flow cytometric analyses, using stem cell-enriched preparations, showed that cells expressing CD33 or CD34 constituted on average 2.55% and 3.33% (0.09% and 0.12% of the total cells), respectively. CD33+/CD34+ coexpressors were also identified, and they constituted 0.36% of the analyzed cells (0.01% of the total cells). No statistical difference in the proportions of CD33+ and/or 34+ cells was noted between any age groups. It is concluded that eosinophilic precursors present in the thymus differentiate into cells in the eosinophilic lineage in particular areas such as the intralobular septa and fibroreticular network of the outer medulla in preinvolutional human thymi.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome associated with hypogammaglobulinemia and growth hormone deficiency

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a rare congenital disorder of unknown etiology. Characteristic abnormalities of this disease include pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal anomalies, growth retardation, recurrent infections, and hematologic abnormalities. Significant morbidity and mortality in these patients result from respiratory infections, which are not well explained on the basis of neutrophil defects. We have had the opportunity to perform an in-depth clinical immunologic and endocrinologic evaluation of a patient with this syndrome with recurrent respiratory tract infections. She was found to have profound humoral immunologic defects, and serum thymulin was absent. In addition, endocrinologic evaluation for growth retardation revealed growth hormone deficiency. The patient responded to treatment with supplemental growth hormone and intravenous gammaglobulin with accelerated growth and cessation of infections. This case is unique in that it links growth hormone deficiency and hypogammaglobulinemia in a non-X-linked manner and may provide the basis for treatment of other patients with this rare syndrome.

Dietary lipids and calorie restriction affect mammary tumor incidence and gene expression in mouse mammary tumor virus/v-Ha-ras transgenic mice

We have studied the effects of food restriction (FR) and substitution of fish oil (FO; omega 3) for corn oil (CO; omega 6) on breast tumor incidence and survival in mouse mammary tumor virus/v-Ha-ras transgenic (Onco) mice. The diets were as follows: group 1, 5% (wt/wt) CO fed ad libitum (AL); group 2, 5% CO, restricted calories (40% fewer calories than AL; FR); group 3, 20% CO fed AL; and group 4, 20% FO fed AL. After 3 years, 40% of FR Onco (group 2) mice were alive, whereas there were no survivors in the other three groups. Similarly, tumor incidence was reduced to 27% (5 out of 18) in FR animals (group 2), whereas it was 83% (11 out of 13) in group 1 mice, 89% (16 out of 18) in group 3 mice, and 71% (10 out of 14) in group 4 mice. These protective effects of FR on survival and tumor incidence were paralleled by higher expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 (wild type) and free-radical scavenging enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) in breast tumors. Immunoblotting showed less ras gene product, p21, and increased p53 levels in the tumors of FR mice. In addition, FR decreased RNA levels of c-erbB-2, interleukin 6, and the transgene v-Ha-ras in tumors. In contrast, analysis of hepatic mRNA from tumor-bearing FR mice revealed higher expression of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Survival and tumor incidence were not influenced significantly by dietary supplementation with FO in place of CO. Taken together, our studies suggest that moderate restriction of energy intake significantly inhibited the development of mammary tumors and altered expression of cytokines, oncogenes, and free-radical scavenging enzymes.

Gamma delta T cells play an important role in hsp65 expression and in acquiring protective immune responses against infection with Toxoplasma gondii

Previously, we reported that the expression of hsp65 within and on host macrophages correlates closely with protection against infection with Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Herein, we propose that gamma delta T cells play a crucial role in the induction of hsp65 and also in the protective immune response to T. gondii. Intraperitoneal inoculation with this protozoan resulted in hsp65 being expressed on and in host peritoneal macrophages and resulted in an increase of T cells bearing the gamma delta receptor with Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes in the peritoneal cavity and spleen. When mice were depleted of gamma delta T cells by the administration of a mAb, hsp65 expression was markedly decreased. In contrast, the expression of this protein was rather enhanced and gamma delta T cells were prominently expanded in mice depleted of alpha beta T cells. The protection in mice treated with the mAb paralleled the magnitude of hsp65 expression. Mice depleted of gamma delta T cells died most frequently in the early stages of infection, whereas most of those depleted of alpha beta T cells survived the early stages of lethal infection with T. gondii. However, the latter group of mice did not definitely control the T. gondii infection in its late stages. IFN-gamma was not essential for either the expression of hsp65 or the resistance induced by gamma delta T cells, as demonstrated in mice treated with mAb to murine IFN-gamma. These findings indicated that gamma delta T cells having both the Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes contribute to hsp65 expression within and on macrophages in an IFN-gamma-independent manner. This, in turn, plays a role in the development of protective immunity during the early stage of this parasitic infection.

Gastrointestinal vasculitis in autoimmune-prone (NZW X BXSB)F1 mice: association with anticardiolipin autoantibodies

Gastrointestinal vasculitis is a fatal aspect of systemic lupus erythematosus. Whether lupus-prone strains of mice develop gastrointestinal vasculitis, and whether it is accompanied by elevated titres of anticardiolipin autoantibody is not known. Lupus-prone (NZW X BXSB)F1 (W/BF1) mice, and other strains were examined immunohistologically. Levels of anticardiolipin autoantibody and circulating immune complexes were determined by microELISA. Reciprocal haploidentical marrow transplantations between W/BF1 and autoimmune-resistent B6C3F1 mice were made. Young adult W/BF1 mice had the highest incidence of gastrointestinal vasculitis (61%), and the highest mean titre of anticardiolipin autoantibody. Lesions consisted of subintimal fibrinoid degeneration in arterioles of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and were prevented, or alternatively induced by reciprocal marrow transplantations between W/BF1 and B6C3F1 mice. Mice engrafted with W/BF1 marrow which developed vasculitis had higher titres of anticardiolipin autoantibodies than engrafted mice free of vasculitis (P < 0.005). This represents the first report of gastrointestinal vasculitis as an aspect of systemic autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice. The concurrent elevation of anticardiolipin autoantibody and development of vasculitis suggests that anticardiolipin autoantibodies, and their proposed thrombogenic and vascular injury consequences, contribute to development of microvasculitis in lupus-prone mice.

Gamma delta T cells play an important role in hsp65 expression and in acquiring protective immune responses against infection with Toxoplasma gondii

Previously, we reported that the expression of hsp65 within and on host macrophages correlates closely with protection against infection with Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Herein, we propose that gamma delta T cells play a crucial role in the induction of hsp65 and also in the protective immune response to T. gondii. Intraperitoneal inoculation with this protozoan resulted in hsp65 being expressed on and in host peritoneal macrophages and resulted in an increase of T cells bearing the gamma delta receptor with Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes in the peritoneal cavity and spleen. When mice were depleted of gamma delta T cells by the administration of a mAb, hsp65 expression was markedly decreased. In contrast, the expression of this protein was rather enhanced and gamma delta T cells were prominently expanded in mice depleted of alpha beta T cells. The protection in mice treated with the mAb paralleled the magnitude of hsp65 expression. Mice depleted of gamma delta T cells died most frequently in the early stages of infection, whereas most of those depleted of alpha beta T cells survived the early stages of lethal infection with T. gondii. However, the latter group of mice did not definitely control the T. gondii infection in its late stages. IFN-gamma was not essential for either the expression of hsp65 or the resistance induced by gamma delta T cells, as demonstrated in mice treated with mAb to murine IFN-gamma. These findings indicated that gamma delta T cells having both the Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes contribute to hsp65 expression within and on macrophages in an IFN-gamma-independent manner. This, in turn, plays a role in the development of protective immunity during the early stage of this parasitic infection.

Long-term repopulation of hematolymphoid cells with only a few hemopoietic stem cells in mice

A PCR-based assay has been devised for the detection and semiquantitation of cells originating from a few donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in a background of recipient cells. Upon sequencing a segment of murine Y chromosome contained in the plasmid pY2, oligonucleotide primers were designed for specific amplification of the Y chromosome-restricted segment. The HSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of mice on day 4 following a single i.v. injection of 5-fluorouracil and were readily distinguished from other bone marrow elements by the characteristics of low density, absence of lineage-specific surface markers, lack of expression of transferrin receptor, and a high expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigen. Injection of as few as four such HSCs was shown to produce donor-derived cells (including lymphoid cells) for at least 8 months after transplantation into syngeneic female recipients. Retransplantation, employing 10(6) bone marrow cells from the initial recipients, also yielded clear evidence of repopulation with detectable levels of male donor cells. On statistical grounds, it is clear that long-term repopulation in vivo may result from even a single HSC having the characteristics defined herein.

Induction of intracellular cAMP by a synthetic retroviral envelope peptide: a possible mechanism of immunopathogenesis in retroviral infections

A synthetic heptadecapeptide, CKS-17, represents the highly conserved amino acid sequences occurring within the transmembrane envelope protein of many animal and human retroviruses. CKS-17 has been demonstrated to exhibit suppressive properties for numerous immune functions. We have recently shown that CKS-17 acts as an immunomodulatory epitope causing an imbalance of human type 1 and type 2 cytokine production and suppression of cell-mediated immunities. cAMP, an intracellular second messenger, plays an important role in regulation of cytokine biosynthesis--i.e., elevation of intracellular cAMP levels selectively inhibits type 1 cytokine production but has no effect or enhances type 2 cytokine production. Here, we demonstrate that CKS-17 induces dramatic rises in the intracellular cAMP levels of a human monocyte cell line and of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A peptide corresponding to the reverse sequence of CKS-17, used as control, has no effect on intracellular cAMP levels. The cAMP-inducing ability of CKS-17 is significantly blocked by SQ-22536, an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase. These results indicate that CKS-17, a highly conserved component of the transmembrane proteins of immunosuppressive retroviruses, induces increased intracellular levels of cAMP via activation of adenylate cyclase and suggest that this retroviral envelope peptide may differentially modulate type 1 and type 2 cytokine production through elevation of intracellular cAMP levels.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits replication of feline immunodeficiency virus in chronically infected cells

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that serves as an intermediary in sex steroid synthesis. DHEA is produced in abundance by humans and most other warm-blooded animals. Based upon previous reports demonstrating the antiviral and immunostimulatory activities of DHEA and DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) we sought to determine whether introduction of these compounds would affect replication of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in chronically infected cells. When cell number, cell viability, cellular DNA synthesis, and levels of FIV reverse-transcriptase (RT) were measured in cell cultures treated with various dilutions of DHEA or DHEAS it was found that the production of FIV RT was inhibited by DHEA at levels where cellular viability and DNA synthesis were not affected. At the concentrations tested DHEAS did not inhibit FIV replication or impact on cellular viability or proliferation.

Life-span, T-cell responses, and incidence of lymphomas in congenic mice

Survival, T-cell functions, and postmortem histopathology were studied in H-2 congenic strains of mice bearing H-2b, H-2k, and H-2d haplotypes. Males lived longer than females in all homozygous and heterozygous combinations except for H-2d homozygotes, which showed no differences between males and females. Association of heterozygosity with longer survival was observed only with H-2b/H-2b and H-2b/H-2d mice. Analysis using classification and regression trees (CART) showed that both males and females of H-2b homozygous and H-2k/H-2b mice had the shortest life-span of the strains studied. In histopathological analyses, lymphomas were noted to be more frequent in females, while hemangiosarcomas and hepatomas were more frequent in males. Lymphomas appeared earlier than hepatomas or hemangiosarcomas. The incidence of lymphomas was associated with the H-2 haplotype--e.g., H-2b homozygous mice had more lymphomas than did mice of the H-2d haplotype. More vigorous T-cell function was maintained with age (27 months) in H-2d, H-2b/H-2d, and H-2d/H-2k mice as compared with H-2b, H-2k, and H-2b/H-2k mice, which showed a decline of T-cell responses with age.

Differential modulation of Th1- and Th2-related cytokine mRNA expression by a synthetic peptide homologous to a conserved domain within retroviral envelope protein

The influence of a synthetic retroviral peptide, CKS-17, on T helper type 1 (Th1)- or Th2-related cytokines was investigated in human blood mononuclear cells. Cells were stimulated with staphylococcal enterotoxin A, anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies, or lipopolysaccharide to induce cytokine mRNA. mRNA was detected by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or Northern blot analysis. CKS-17 down-regulated stimulant-induced mRNA accumulation for interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-2, and p40 heavy and p35 light chains of IL-12, a cytokine that mediates development of Th1 response. CKS-17 up-regulated stimulant-induced mRNA accumulation of IL-10 and did not suppress Th2-related cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, or IL-13) mRNA expression. A reverse sequence of CKS-17 peptide, used as a control, showed no such action. Anti-human IL-10 monoclonal antibody blocked ability of CKS-17 to inhibit mRNA accumulation for IFN-gamma but not the CKS-17 suppressive activity of IL-12 p40 heavy chain mRNA. Thus, CKS-17-mediated suppression of IFN-gamma mRNA expression is dependent upon augmentation of IL-10 production by CKS-17. This conserved component of several retroviral envelope proteins, CKS-17, may act as an immunomodulatory epitope responsible for cytokine dysregulation that leads to suppression of cellular immunity.

Mammary and submandibular gland epidermal growth factor expression is reduced by calorie restriction

Calorie restriction reduces mammary mitogenesis and tumorigenesis. To test whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels are influenced by calorie intake, 72 four-week-old C3H/HeOu mice were separated into two groups and either fed ad libitum (group AL) or calorie-restricted at a mean 19% (group CR). Three mice from each group were evaluated when 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks old for submandibular gland transcription of EGF and beta-actin RNA for levels of EGF protein in the submandibular gland, mammary gland, and serum and for immunohistological evidence of EGF protein within the submandibular and mammary glands. Submandibular levels of EGF RNA and protein and mammary and serum levels of EGF protein were similar between dietary groups when mice were 6 and 8 weeks old. Mean EGF:beta-actin RNA transcription in submandibular glands of 12-week-old mice were approximately 10-fold greater in AL compared to CR mice (ratio means, 1.499 versus 0.157, respectively; P < 0.01). Mean submandibular levels of EGF protein were greater in 10-week-old AL compared to CR mice (7017.4 versus 4098.5 ng/mg protein, respectively; P < 0.05) and even greater in 12-week-old AL compared to CR mice (4342.6 versus 137.9 ng/mg protein; P < 0.001). Mean mammary levels of EGF protein were greater among 12-week-old AL compared to CR mice (7.8 versus 5.0 ng/mg protein; P < 0.05). Serum levels of EGF did not differ between dietary cohorts. More anti-EGF immunoprecipitate was present in submandibular and mammary gland sections of 10- and 12-week-old AL compared to CR mice. Lowered EGF levels may contribute to the antiproliferative and antineoplastic effects of calorie restriction.

Predominance of sterile immunoglobulin transcripts in a female phenotypically resembling Bruton's agammaglobulinemia

The transcription pattern of the heavy chain immunoglobulin gene locus was analyzed in a 6-month-old female with agammaglobulinemia characterized by the absence of mature B cells in peripheral blood, arrested B cell development in the bone marrow and lack of germinal center development. DNA sequencing provided no evidence of mutations within the coding region of the Bruton's tyrosine kinase gene. Polymerase chain reaction-generated cDNA libraries from blood and bone marrow were screened initially using JH and CH oligodeoxynucleotide probes and VH family-specific probes. Only 10% of the transcripts constituted mature VDJC mu recombinations. Ninety percent of the cDNA were sterile immunoglobulin transcripts comprised of: DJC mu (DH-JHC mu), JC mu (JH-C mu), EC mu (enhancer spliced to C mu), SC mu and IC mu [corresponding to switch (S) and intron (I) regions spliced to C mu]. In the mature immunoglobulin transcripts, VH use indicated germline expression with little evidence of somatic mutation. All cDNA were of the C mu type. Different D segments, D-D joining events and unknown D-like elements were noted in the DJC mu and VDJC mu transcripts. This pattern of immunoglobulin rearrangements, along with the phenotypic cell surface antigen characteristics (CD19-), suggest that an earlier arrest in B cell development than is characteristic of Bruton's X-linked agammaglobulinemia has occurred in this patient.

Immunology of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the family of picornaviruses. Intracranial inoculation of susceptible mouse strains with TMEV results in biphasic disease, consisting of early acute disease that resembles poliomyelitis, followed by late chronic demyelinating disease that is characterized by the appearance of chronic inflammatory demyelinating lesions. Susceptibility to TMEV infection is genetically controlled by three loci: one that maps to the H-2D region of the major histocompatibility complex, one to the beta-chain constant region of the T-cell antigen receptor, and one located on chromosome 3. Both early acute and chronic late demyelinating diseases are immunologically mediated. T cells appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. TMEV-induced demyelinating disease in mice has extensive similarities with multiple sclerosis, and it is considered one of the best experimental animal models for multiple sclerosis.

Defective T cells from gld mice play a pivotal role in development of Thy-1.2+B220+ cells and autoimmunity

The gld mouse represents a fascinating animal model of autoimmune disease, which is characterized by massive development of Thy-1.2+B220+ CD4-CD8- cells. These cells thus have double positive markers for T and B cells, but are double negative for CD4 and CD8 markers and are thus designated DN cells in the present context. An additional important feature in gld mice is a defect in expression of Fas ligand. To investigate the regulatory role of bone marrow-derived cells for the development of these DN cells and of gld autoimmunity, we constructed chimeric mice transplanted with fetal liver cells or fetal thymus from gld mice into nonirradiated severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. These chimeric mice regenerated, developed both these DN cells and the gld autoimmune syndrome and also generalized lymphoproliferative disorders. However, when fetal liver cells from both gld and non-gld mice (C57BL/10 Thy-1.1 mice) were co-transplanted into SCID mice, the development of DN cells was apparently inhibited. Further, this inhibition was also seen in SCID mice that had been grafted with both gld and non-gld fetal thymus revealing the pivotal role played by T cells in development of DN cells. When B cells purified from non-gld (C3H+/+) mice were transplanted into SCID mice grafted with gld fetal thymus, the development of DN cells was not inhibited. Taken together, these findings indicate that T cells from non-gld mice inhibit the expression of gld features, e.g., lymphoproliferation, immune-based nephritic disease, and autoantibody production. These findings also suggest that the Fas ligand is selectively expressed on T cells.

Defective T cells from gld mice play a pivotal role in development of Thy-1.2+B220+ cells and autoimmunity

The gld mouse represents a fascinating animal model of autoimmune disease, which is characterized by massive development of Thy-1.2+B220+ CD4-CD8- cells. These cells thus have double positive markers for T and B cells, but are double negative for CD4 and CD8 markers and are thus designated DN cells in the present context. An additional important feature in gld mice is a defect in expression of Fas ligand. To investigate the regulatory role of bone marrow-derived cells for the development of these DN cells and of gld autoimmunity, we constructed chimeric mice transplanted with fetal liver cells or fetal thymus from gld mice into nonirradiated severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. These chimeric mice regenerated, developed both these DN cells and the gld autoimmune syndrome and also generalized lymphoproliferative disorders. However, when fetal liver cells from both gld and non-gld mice (C57BL/10 Thy-1.1 mice) were co-transplanted into SCID mice, the development of DN cells was apparently inhibited. Further, this inhibition was also seen in SCID mice that had been grafted with both gld and non-gld fetal thymus revealing the pivotal role played by T cells in development of DN cells. When B cells purified from non-gld (C3H+/+) mice were transplanted into SCID mice grafted with gld fetal thymus, the development of DN cells was not inhibited. Taken together, these findings indicate that T cells from non-gld mice inhibit the expression of gld features, e.g., lymphoproliferation, immune-based nephritic disease, and autoantibody production. These findings also suggest that the Fas ligand is selectively expressed on T cells.

Calorie intake during mammary development influences cancer risk: lasting inhibition of C3H/HeOu mammary tumorigenesis by peripubertal calorie restriction

To test for a relationship between peripubertal calorie intake, mammary development, and tumorigenesis, weanling C3H/HeOu mice were separated into 3 groups: fed diet either ad libitum (AL) and designated group AL (n = 60); fed a similar, calorie-restricted (CR) diet only during mammary development when 4-12 weeks old and then subsequently fed ad libitum when > or = 13 weeks old (group CR4-12, n = 24); or continuously calorie restricted (group CR, n = 60). Eight weeks of peripubertal calorie restriction provided CR4-12 mice with lasting protection from mammary tumorigenesis (P = 0.004) and lowered cumulative tumor incidence by 33% compared to AL mice. Sustained calorie restriction of group CR mice further reduced mammary tumor incidence compared to both AL (P = 0.000001) and CR4-12 mice (P = 0.009). Calorie intake significantly influenced mammary development and cellular proliferation. Compared to the mammary development of AL mice, calorie restriction reduced the diameter of ductal end buds (189 microns compared to 146 microns; P < 0.01), lowered the end bud [3H]thymidine labeling index from > or = 20 to < or = 13% (P < 0.001), delayed end bud migration and mammary glandular growth (P < 0.01), reduced alveolar budding (P < 0.001), reduced the proportion of alveoli containing at least one [3H]thymidine labeled cell from > or = 50 to < or = 22% (P < 0.001), and lowered the alveolar [3H]thymidine labeling index of labeled alveoli from > or = 14 to < or = 7% (P < 0.001). These findings link peripubertal calorie intake, mammary development, and carcinogenic risk, and show that the abrogation of mammary tumorigenesis by calorie restriction is partially attributable to influences on mammary development.

Comparative analyses of thymocyte and thymic low-density adherent cell functions

Thymocytes which have developed in the C3H thymus showed depressed proliferative responses to stimulation with anti-CD3 antibody as compared with those which have developed in the thymus of other strains of mice (i.e. AKR). The present study was conducted to analyze immunological functions of the thymic stromal cell population (low-density adherent cells, LDAC) in the C3H mice using allogeneic bone marrow (BM) chimeras established by BM transplantation in the reciprocal combination of AKR and C3H mice as donor or recipient. The thymic LDAC from C3H mice or the [AKR(donor)-->C3H(recipient)] chimeras contained a high proportion of Mac-1+ cells as compared to AKR mice or the [C3H-->AKR] chimeras. The proportion of Mac-1+ cells paralleled the IL-1- and PGE2-secreting ability of the LDAC cultured either in the presence or absence of LPS and also paralleled the antigen-presenting cell functions of the LDAC. Furthermore, after anti-CD3 stimulation the PGE2 inhibited more profoundly proliferative responses of [AKR-->C3H] or normal C3H thymocytes than those of the [C3H-->AKR] chimera or normal AKR thymocytes. A PGE2 inhibitor, indomethacin, reversed the depressed responses of the thymocytes which had developed in the C3H thymus. These findings suggest that the lower responsiveness of thymocytes from [AKR-->C3H] chimeras to anti-CD3 stimulation may be attributable to large amounts of PGE2 secreted by LDAC and/or to increased sensitivity of thymocytes themselves to PGE2.

[Relation between age of mice and activity and characteristics of serum alkaline phosphatase]

Characteristics of serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) were investigated in five strains of young and old mice (C57BL/6, BALB/c, C3H/Bi, MRL/Ipr, Ipr, NZB). SAP activity was measured and SAP kinetics was automatically measured by a spectrophotometer. The heat stability and the inhibitor, beta-bromotetramisole, sensitivity of SAP were also determined. Activity of SAP in old mice was significantly lower compared to young mice of the same strain (P < 0.01). SAP of young mice was more heat labile and was more sensitive to inhibitor as compared to SAP of old mice.

Energy restriction prevents and reverses immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and increases life span of ITP-prone (NZW x BXSB) F1 mice

Male (NZW x BXSB)F1 (W/BF1) mice develop immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which involves antiplatelet autoantibodies and shortened platelet life span. To determine whether reduction of dietary energy can prevent the development or reverse the progression of ITP, male W/BF1 mice were separated into five experimental groups and either given free access to semipurified diet (designated Group A, n = 50) or consumed 32% less energy from an otherwise comparable diet (Group B6, n = 20), or were initially allowed free access to diet then switched to energy restriction at ages 14, 17 or 22 wk (Groups B14, n = 10; B17, n = 20; B22, n = 20). Thrombocytopenia was prevented by energy restriction in Group B6 mice. Platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) autoantibody levels and the number of splenic antiplatelet antibody-forming cells were low (P < 0.01) and the survival of injected IgG-coated RBC was extended in energy-restricted Group B6 mice (P < 0.01) compared with mice in Group A. Group A mice became progressively thrombocytopenic, with platelet counts as low as 34 x 10(10)/L. Progression of thrombocytopenia was reversed when energy restriction was initiated in Groups B14, B17 and B22, with platelet counts > or = 88 x 10(10)/L and reduction of PAIgG. Life span was extended among early onset energy-restricted Group B6 and Group B14 mice (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.005) but not among late onset energy-restricted Group B17 and Group B22 mice (P = 0.06 and P = 0.35) compared with Group A mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A potential peptide vaccine against two different strains of influenza virus isolated at intervals of about 10 years

We have developed a strategy for making synthetic peptide vaccines, in which a peptide, HA127-133, derived from the hemagglutinin (HA) of A/Aichi/2/68(H3N2) influenza virus (Aichi/68) is introduced into the Ab binding component consisting of 43-46 and 54-58 residues of a pigeon cytochrome c analogue peptide, 46F50V54A. Indeed, this hybrid peptide, 46F/HA127-133/54A, induced impressive T-cell responses and antibody production neutralizing infectivity of Aichi/68 in vitro. In a subsequent study we found that 46F/HA127-133/54A(18mer) peptide antigen, which had been prepared by substitution at the central five residues of 46F50V54A with HA127-133, generated T-cell responses and neutralizing antibody responses as well. On the basis of these prior findings, in the present study we analyzed immunopotency of 46F/HA127-133/54A(18mer) in vivo administered in several ways to I-Ab mice. We show herein that this peptide vaccine loaded in multilamellar liposomes without adjuvant protects the mice against infection with Aichi/68 within 2 weeks after final immunization. Further, this peptide vaccine was shown to be effective in preventing infection with a naturally occurring antigenic variant, A/Texas/1/77(H3N2), carrying the same sequence at 127-133 of the HA as Aichi/68 virus. Since this part of the HA is relatively conserved among H3 subtype influenza viruses, our peptide vaccine may become the basis for a new strategy to prepare effective vaccines that will overcome the ineffectiveness of classical vaccines attributable to antigenic drift of influenza viruses.

Genomic organization and structure of Bruton agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase: localization of mutations associated with varied clinical presentations and course in X chromosome-linked agammaglobulinemia

X chromosome-linked agammaglobulinemia is a life-threatening disease that involves a failure in normal development of B lymphocytes and is associated with missense mutations in BTK, a gene encoding a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (Bruton agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase, EC 2.7.1.112), a member of the Tec family of protein-tyrosine kinases. The genomic organization has been determined by using conventional restriction fragment mapping, extended DNA sequencing, and PCR fragment-sizing approaches. The DNA sequences of the 18 coding exons composing BTK and their flanking-region sequences are reported; an additional exon(s) encodes a 5' untranslated segment. Single-base-pair substitutions and 4-nt deletions resulted in amino acid replacement, premature termination, frameshift, and exon deletion in a group of X chromosome-linked agammaglobulinemia patients exhibiting different clinical presentations and courses. The nature of the mutations is interpreted in terms of the genomic organization of the BTK gene and the disease course in individual patients. Several examples are found in which the same mutation occurs in unrelated patients, and one of these mutations occurs at the same codon that is substituted in the murine form of BTK, resulting in X chromosome-linked immunodeficiency disease. Considerable variation in presentation and disease course in X chromosome-linked agammaglobulinemia appears associated with the nature and position of different missense mutations.

Common major histocompatibility complex class II markers in clinical variants of cicatricial pemphigoid

Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disease affecting multiple mucous membranes derived from stratified squamous epithelium and occasionally the skin. CP has a wide spectrum of disease manifestations. Patients with oral pemphigoid (OP) have a benign self-limited disease in which pathological changes are restricted to the oral mucosa. On the other hand, patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), a chronic condition marked with relapses and remissions, have ocular involvement and also perhaps involvement of other mucous membranes. All clinical subsets are characterized by the presence of a similar anti-basement zone autoantibody. The factors that determine the development of one form of CP or the other are not known. In a previous study, we described the association between OCP and the DQB1*0301 allele (P = 0.006). In this study, we have analyzed 22 Caucasian patients with OP and their family members for major histocompatibility complex DRB generic, DQA1, and DQB1 allele associations by PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization. The results were compared to those obtained from 17 Caucasian patients with OCP and to control Caucasian alleles and haplotypes. The DQB1*0301 allele frequency was 38.6% in OP, 52.9% in OCP, and 17.8% in controls. Statistically significant associations were detected between the DQB1*0301 allele and both OP (P = 0.0047) and OCP (P < 0.0001). In addition, DRB1*04 showed a statistically significant association (P = 0.005) with OCP when compared to controls. Analysis of major histocompatibility complex class II haplotypes showed significant statistical associations between both OCP and OP and the HLA-DRB1*04, DRB4*0101, DQA1*03, DQB1*0301 haplotype (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0012, respectively). Our results indicate that DQB1*0301 is a marker of both oral and ocular forms of CP. The analysis of the amino acid sequence of the DQB1 alleles present in both OP and OCP suggested that amino acid residues at position 57 and positions 71-77 may also be markers of CP.

Analysis of epitopic residues introduced into the hybrid peptide vaccines prepared according to the cassette theory

In our previous study, we prepared a synthetic peptide vaccine (46F/HA127-133/54A) against influenza strain A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) virus by introducing haemagglutinin (HA) 127-133 to an I-Ab,b binding component that consisted of residues 43-46 and 54-58 of an I-Ab,d binding peptide, 46F50V54A. This hybrid peptide vaccine induced considerable immunological responses against A/Aichi/2/68 as well as against the peptide vaccine in I-Ab mice. In the present study, we have attempted to increase the immunogenicity of the peptide vaccine by introducing HA peptides of various lengths into the I-Ab,d binding components consisting of residues 43-46 and 54-58 or 43-47 and 53-58 of 46F50V54A. We demonstrate here that, among the peptide vaccines prepared, 46F/HA127-133/54A (18 mer) consisting of HA127-133 and the I-Ab,d binding component constructed from 43-47 and 53-58 of 46F50V54A induces the most vigorous T-cell responses and neutralizing antibodies against A/Aichi/2/68 in both I-Ab and I-Ad mice.

Contribution of host radioresistant T cells to the clonal elimination of minor lymphocyte stimulatory-1a reactive T cells in mouse bone marrow chimeras

When bone marrow (BM) cells from I-E+ and minor lymphocyte stimulatory (Mls) antigen (Ag) disparate mice (Mls-1b) were transplanted to lethally irradiated Mls-1a mice, Mls-1a reactive T cells were found to be completely deleted from the developing thymocyte population in these [Mls-1b-->Mls-1a] radiation chimeras. It has been shown that BM-derived class II (Ia) positive cells play an essential role in this clonal deletion. Thus, Mls-1a Ag appeared to have been transferred from recipient cells to the Ia+ cells derived from donor BM. These Mls-1a-Ia complexes appear to be responsible for elimination of the Mls-1a reactive T cells that have also been derived from donor BM. However, definition of the cells of the recipient that generate the Mls-1a Ag and transfer them to the BM-derived Ia+ cells has remained unclear to date. In the analysis described herein, we have investigated the tolerogenicity of Mls-1a Ag derived from host T cells which represent a major population of radioresistant cells in the [Mls-1b-->Mls-1a] chimeras. When recipient T cells that had been collected and purified from spleens of [Mls-1b-->Mls-1a] chimeras were administered i.v. into [Mls-1b] chimeras, Mls-1a reactive V beta 6+, V beta 8.1+, or V beta 9+ T cells were completely eliminated. Thus, residual radioresistant host T cells present in the radiation BM chimeras are the cells which produce the Mls-1a Ag. These Mls-1a Ags ultimately contribute to the clonal elimination of Mls-1a reactive T cells from the developing thymocyte population. The present findings indicate that recipient T cells which can survive lethal irradiation and produce intrinsic superantigens alter eventually the T cell repertoire in the thymus which have been developing from precursors of donor BM.

Calorie restriction prevents the occlusive coronary vascular disease of autoimmune (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice

Male (NZW x BXSB)F1 (W/BF1) mice develop systemic autoimmunity involving autoantibodies, thrombocytopenia, lupus nephritis, and coronary vascular disease (CVD) with myocardial infarction. To determine whether this murine lupus-associated CVD can be prevented by the reduction of dietary calories, male W/BF1 mice were separated into five experimental groups and fed either ad libitum (designated group A, n = 50), fed 32% fewer calories of an otherwise comparable diet (designated group B6, n = 20), or initially fed ad libitum and then switched to reduced calorie intake (RCI) feeding at ages 14, 17, or 22 weeks (designated B14, n = 10; B17, n = 20; or B22, n = 20). Occlusive CVD was prevented by RCI. Life-span was significantly extended among the early onset RCI cohorts, B6 and B14 (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.005), compared to group A mice. Mean anti-cardiolipin autoantibody titers and mean levels of circulating immune complexes were also lowered in RCI mice when all RCI mice were compared to ad libitum fed group A mice. Histological grades of both coronary vascular and glomerular lesions were significantly less than those of group A mice (P < 0.001). Immunoprecipitates indicative of immunoglobulin deposition within coronary or glomerular vascular walls were also substantially less than those of group A mice. These findings indicate a possible causal role for anti-cardiolipin autoantibody in development of autoimmune CVD in W/BF1 mice and suggest that regulating dietary calories can influence the mechanism involved in pathogenesis of autoimmune-associated CVD development.

Successful hematopoietic reconstitution with transplantation of erythrocyte-depleted allogeneic human umbilical cord blood cells in a child with leukemia

Cord blood, a potent source of hematopoietic stem cells, has been shown to successfully reconstitute hematopoiesis following allogeneic transplantation in a variety of disorders. A major drawback of cord blood has been the risk of transfusion reactions in ABO blood group incompatibility and drastic reduction in the stem cell pool if the cord blood is manipulated to remove red cells prior to cryopreservation or after thawing. This report describes an erythrocyte depletion method employing 3% gelatin-induced erythrocyte sedimentation for the selective removal of red cells from cord blood. The red cell-depleted fraction was shown to be enriched in progenitor cells and in cells secreting hematopoietic cytokines interleukin 3, granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin 6; a major source for cytokines was from cord T cells. This preparative technique was employed to separate out red cells from cord blood of an infant delivered by cesarean section who had an 8-year-old sibling with leukemia. Histocompatibility testing of cord cells revealed complete matching with the patient. A cord cell transplant of cryopreserved and thawed cells consisting of 4 x 10(7) nucleated cells per kg was administered to the patient following myeloablative chemotherapy. The patient's quick hematologic recovery and 9-month disease-free period to date suggest that 3% gelatin separation of erythrocytes is a simple method that can be successfully used for transplanting cord cells for malignant/nonmalignant diseases.

The murine c-fgr gene product associated with Ly6C and p70 integral membrane protein is expressed in cells of a monocyte/macrophage lineage

The c-fgr gene is a member of the Src family of protooncogene tyrosine kinases. A monoclonal antibody (2H2) that recognizes the specific region of the N-terminal domain of the murine c-fgr gene product (Fgr) has been established. With an immune complex kinase assay in a monocytic leukemia cell line, 2H2 monoclonal antibody was shown to precipitate a 59-kDa protein that corresponds in molecular mass to murine Fgr. Fgr was expressed highly in lymph nodes, slightly in spleen and peripheral blood leukocytes, and barely in the thymus and was not detected in bone marrow. In the presence of a mild detergent, Fgr was coimmunoprecipitated with a 70-kDa protein (p70) or with p70 plus several other molecules that were expressed on the cell-surface membrane of macrophage tumor cell lines PU5-1.8 and J774.1, respectively. By contrast, Fgr was not coimmunoprecipitated with a low-affinity receptor for the Fc portion of IgG that is associated with human Fgr. The molecule was also coimmunoprecipitated with the Ly6C molecule from a macrophage cell line (J774.1) that showed protein-tyrosine kinase activity. Peptide mapping revealed that this kinase activity was derived from Fgr. The similarity of relationship between this intramembrane p70 and/or Ly6C and cytoplasmic Fgr to relationships previously reported between T-cell antigen receptor complex, including CD4 and CD8 coreceptors, and Lck or Fyn in T cells and between surface IgM and Lyn or Blk in B cells, suggests that the Fgr and p70 or Ly6C are, indeed, associated with each other and in the murine system may be responsible for recognition of extracellular substances (either cellular or noncellular) and for signal transduction in cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage.

Requirement of donor-derived stromal cells in the bone marrow for successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Complete prevention of recurrence of autoimmune diseases in MRL/MP-Ipr/Ipr mice by transplantation of bone marrow plus bones (stromal cells) from the same donor

MRL/MP-Ipr/Ipr (MRL/Ipr) mice possess radioresistant (9.5 Gy) abnormal stem cells and show a recurrence of autoimmune diseases within 5 mo of conventional allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. We recently have found that the MHC preference exists between hemopoietic stem cells and stromal cells; when bones are engrafted, donor-derived stromal cells present in the engrafted bones can migrate into the recipient bone marrows, which are replaced with both donor-derived stromal cells and hematopoietic cells. Based on these findings, we attempted to prevent the recurrence of autoimmune diseases in MRL/Ipr mice by the transplantation of both bone marrow cells and bone (as a source of stromal cells). MRL/Ipr mice were irradiated (8.5 Gy) and then reconstituted with C57BL/6 bone marrow cells plus bone grafts. The mice survived more than 48 wk after this treatment. Immunohistologic studies revealed that the mice were completely free from both lymphadenopathy and autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sera from these mice showed normal levels of circulating immune complexes and rheumatoid factors. Normal functions of both T cells and B cells were noted. Abnormal T cells such as Thy-1+B220+ cells present in nontreated MRL/Ipr mice could not be seen in the thus-treated mice. In addition, to our surprise, spleen cells from treated mice showed completely normal in vitro primary anti-SRBC responses. These results indicate that stromal cells in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation play a crucial role not only in the prevention of graft failure but also in the successful cooperation among APCs, T cells, and B cells. Although MRL/Ipr mice are radiosensitive and usually die of interstitial pneumonia or fatty liver due to the side effects of radiation, it should be noted that this strategy allows a reduction in the radiation dose (9.5 Gy-->8.5 Gy), and that these mice can survive more than 48 wk without showing any symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Requirement of donor-derived stromal cells in the bone marrow for successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Complete prevention of recurrence of autoimmune diseases in MRL/MP-Ipr/Ipr mice by transplantation of bone marrow plus bones (stromal cells) from the same donor

MRL/MP-Ipr/Ipr (MRL/Ipr) mice possess radioresistant (9.5 Gy) abnormal stem cells and show a recurrence of autoimmune diseases within 5 mo of conventional allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. We recently have found that the MHC preference exists between hemopoietic stem cells and stromal cells; when bones are engrafted, donor-derived stromal cells present in the engrafted bones can migrate into the recipient bone marrows, which are replaced with both donor-derived stromal cells and hematopoietic cells. Based on these findings, we attempted to prevent the recurrence of autoimmune diseases in MRL/Ipr mice by the transplantation of both bone marrow cells and bone (as a source of stromal cells). MRL/Ipr mice were irradiated (8.5 Gy) and then reconstituted with C57BL/6 bone marrow cells plus bone grafts. The mice survived more than 48 wk after this treatment. Immunohistologic studies revealed that the mice were completely free from both lymphadenopathy and autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sera from these mice showed normal levels of circulating immune complexes and rheumatoid factors. Normal functions of both T cells and B cells were noted. Abnormal T cells such as Thy-1+B220+ cells present in nontreated MRL/Ipr mice could not be seen in the thus-treated mice. In addition, to our surprise, spleen cells from treated mice showed completely normal in vitro primary anti-SRBC responses. These results indicate that stromal cells in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation play a crucial role not only in the prevention of graft failure but also in the successful cooperation among APCs, T cells, and B cells. Although MRL/Ipr mice are radiosensitive and usually die of interstitial pneumonia or fatty liver due to the side effects of radiation, it should be noted that this strategy allows a reduction in the radiation dose (9.5 Gy--&gt;8.5 Gy), and that these mice can survive more than 48 wk without showing any symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Detection of cell specific cluster determinant expression by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

We describe a new, rapid, sensitive, and reproducible method for examining gene expression of several cell specific surface cluster determinants, CD2, CD3-gamma, CD4, CD8-beta, CD14, CD19, CD20, CD23, and CD25-alpha, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase which heretofore have been commonly detected by flow cytometry. The method presented uses the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to analyze CD gene expression in stable human cell lines, peripheral blood lymphocytes, bone marrow, and lymph node cells. Polymerase chain reaction products were quantitated by incorporation of radiolabeled nucleotide during PCR and the amount of nucleotide incorporated into DNA was measured by ion exchange filter chromatography. The usefulness of this methodology is demonstrated in an analysis of peripheral blood samples from a patient who presented with B cell deficiency. Results of analyses of peripheral blood samples from this patient by flow cytometry and RT-PCR are similar except that the increased sensitivity of RT-PCR permitted the detection of CD19, CD20, and CD23 in the blood samples of this patient who otherwise appeared to be lacking in all markers of B cell development.

Alteration of in vivo cytokine gene expression in mice infected with a molecular clone of the defective MAIDS virus

The discovery of T helper type 1 (Th1) and T helper type 2 (Th2) phenotypes within the CD4+ T-lymphocyte population has allowed for further elucidation of the roles the T cells play in regulation of humoral and cellular immunity. It is suggested that differential activation of the CD4+ subsets, particularly up-regulation of the Th2 cell and down-regulation of the Th1 cell, may be associated with diseases as diverse as AIDS and asthma. We report herein that by using the polymerase chain reaction to analyze the kinetics of in vivo cytokine- and virus-specific gene expression, we can show that mice infected with the molecularly cloned MAIDS defective virus 1/27/A BM5 exhibit an alteration in cytokine gene expression that closely parallels an increase in spleen cell numbers, an increase in IgM production, a decrease in the stimulation index, and an increase in defective-virus gene expression in these mice. As has been suggested to be true for human AIDS, the observed alteration of cytokine gene expression suggests that a pattern of expression similar to that produced by Th2 cells may also have a role in the development of MAIDS.

Bone marrow transplantation therapy using resistant donors for retrovirus-induced leukaemia in mice

Infection with Rauscher leukaemia virus (RLV) causes erythroleukaemia, anaemia, viraemia, and splenomegaly, features which develop very quickly in mice of strains susceptible to RLV but more slowly or not at all in strains resistant to RLV. We compared the effects of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) of donor cells obtained from a mouse strain resistant to the virus with the effects of BMT of donor cells obtained from strains susceptible to the virus, in recipient virus-susceptible mice which had previously been inoculated with RLV. Our results indicated that bone marrow transplantation from a marrow-resistant donor, but not from a susceptible donor, delayed the expression of leukaemia and delayed death, although such treatment did not appear to inhibit viral infection in susceptible recipients.

Determination of amino acids on agretopes of pigeon cytochrome c-related peptides specifically bound to I-A allelic products

In our prior study it was demonstrated that residues 46 and 54 on a synthetic peptide, AEGFSYTVANKNKGIT (50V), work as an agretope (site contacts with major histocompatibility complex molecules) and residues 50 and 52 function as an epitope (site contacts with T cell receptor), when tri-molecular complexes are formed among 50V,I-Ab and the T cell receptor. 50V was composed of residues 43 to 58 of pigeon cytochrome c (p43-58) except that the aspartic acid (D) at residue 50 was substituted by valine (V). Substitution of agretopic residues on 50V changed this I-Ab-binding peptide to an I-Ak-binding peptide, suggesting that positions 46 and 54 work as an agretope in I-Ak-restricted T cell responses. In the present study we examined whether residues 46 and 54 of 50V worked as agretopes in T cell responses restricted to other I-A haplotypes. The 50V-related peptides with phenylalanine (F) at position 46 and alanine (A) at position 54 bound tightly to I-Ab, I-Ad, I-Aq and I-As molecules and stimulated T cells most potently in mice bearing these I-A haplotypes. In contrast, 50V-related peptides carrying D at position 46 and A at position 54 bound most potently to I-Ak molecules, and the peptides with arginine (R) at position 46 and A at position 54 bound most efficiently to I-Av molecules. The present findings, thus, demonstrate that the agretopic positions on the p43-58 related peptides are preserved in T cell responses restricted to each I-A haplotype studied, and that the specific amino acids on the agretopic positions exist a priori for each I-A allele-specific structure.

Induction of immunological tolerance in full major and multiminor histocompatibility-disparate mice using a mixed bone marrow transplantation model

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has been used to induce and maintain immunological tolerance. Such tolerance could facilitate tissue and organ transplantation between the donor and the recipient without need for continuous immune suppression. A protocol employing transplantation of a mixture of T-cell depleted (TCD) syngeneic plus TCD-allogeneic bone marrow cells has been successfully used for induction of transplantation tolerance between mice that differ at components of the major histocompatibility barrier (MHC), or for crossing the xenogenic barrier. We examined the production of specific immunological tolerance using mixed syngeneic plus allogeneic TCD-BMT to cross the entire major plus multiminor histocompatibility barriers. The transplanted mice were repopulated in a stable manner with a mixture of both donor and recipient phenotypes. On histological examination, the mice were reconstituted with hemopoietic and immunocompetent lymphocytes as assayed by their responses to the thymus-dependent cellular antigen, sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in an in vivo plaque-forming cell assay. The transplanted mice were found to be stable chimeras and expressed long lasting tolerance of both donor and recipient cells and yet they were fully reactive to third party cells in mixed lymphocyte culture. These results provide evidence that "supportive" or accessory cells in the syngeneic marrow facilitate maturation of donor marrow cells into fully functioning immunocytes in an allogeneic environment crossing the MHC barrier, which represents the greatest known challenge to allogeneic marrow transplantation in mice. The MHC-mismatched mixed allogeneic transplantation method may improve organ engraftment in human recipients of BMT from a partially mismatched donor or from a cadaver donor, and may significantly improve graft acceptance from a fully matched sibling donor.

Development of T cells in SCID mice grafted with fetal thymus from AKR mice or F344 rats

To examine the development of T cells within an allogeneic or xenogeneic environment, we engrafted the fetal thymus from AKR mice or F344 rats under the kidney capsule of SCID mice (mTG and rTG mice). T lymphopoiesis developed in SCID mice 2 months after transplantation, although the ratio of CD4/CD8 in both experimental groups was different from that of normal control. T cells in mTG mice did not show in vitro proliferation or cytotoxicity against either host-type C.B-17 (H-2d) or donor-type AKR (H-2k) cells, while they exerted potent activities against third-party B10 (H-2b) cells. In contrast, T cells in rTG mice exhibited proliferation against both host-type C.B-17 and donor-type F344 rat cells. Consistently, graft-vs.-host disease symptoms developed in these mice and histological examination showed impressive infiltration of lymphocytes into the skin or into the mucosal layers of the stomach. Activated state of T cells in rTG mice was also evidence by the positive expression of interleukin-2 receptor. Taken together, fetal thymus appears to contain progenitor cells which are sufficient for in vivo reconstitution of T lymphopoiesis, but species-specific environment is important for the induction of tolerance. In mTG mice, V beta 6+ T cells reactive to donor Mlsa determinants and V beta 3+ T cells reactive to host Mlsc determinants were deleted, suggesting that tolerance was regulated mainly by clonal deletion. By contrast, V beta 11+ T cells reactive to Mlsf determinants were not deleted possibly due to the lack of their ligands.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding feline interleukin-6

With the discovery that the cat is susceptible to infection by a lentivirus quite similar to the virus that causes the human acquired immune deficiency syndrome, the cat has become an important animal model with which the interactions between host and immunodeficiency virus can be studied. To facilitate investigation of the feline immune response and the response of cytokine expression to infection by feline immunodeficiency virus, our laboratory has focused on the isolation and molecular cloning of cDNA representative of feline lymphokines, cytokines, and monokines. Herein, we describe the molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding feline interleukin (IL)-6. The nucleotide sequence of feline IL-6 was found to exhibit 81%, 76%, 63%, and 61% homology with pig, human, rat, and mouse IL-6, respectively, while the predicted amino acid sequence exhibits 66%, 53%, 37%, and 30% homology with pig, human, rat, and mouse IL-6, respectively.

Prevention and induction of occlusive coronary vascular disease in autoimmune (W/B)F1 mice by haploidentical bone marrow transplantation: possible role for anticardiolipin autoantibodies

Male (NZW x BXSB)F1 (W/BF1) mice develop systemic autoimmunity involving autoantibodies, thrombocytopenia, lupus nephritis, and coronary vascular disease with myocardial infarction (CVD). To determine whether this murine lupus-associated CVD could be transferred to otherwise autoimmune-resistant (C57BL/6 x C3H/He)F1 (B6C3F1) mice via W/BF1 T-cell-depleted marrow (TCDM) transplants, or conversely whether the CVD of W/BF1 mice could be prevented by the reciprocal transplant, reciprocal haploidentical transplants of TCDM were performed. CVD developed only in mice with systemic autoimmunity. Mice that developed lupus had glomerulonephritis and thrombocytopenia and also had elevated titres of autoantibodies to double-strand DNA, cardiolipin, and platelets and elevated levels of circulating immune complexes. Of control W/BF1 mice, 80% developed lupus, and of these, 81% developed CVD with a mean grade of 2.5 +/- 0.8. Engraftment of W/BF1 mice with B6C3F1 marrow protected 90% of the recipients from the development of lupus, and none developed CVD. Engraftment of B6C3F1 mice with W/BF1 marrow induced lupus in 60% of the recipients, and of those, 33% developed CVD with a mean grade of 1.3 +/- 0.3. The B6C3F1 recipients of W/BF1 marrow which developed CVD had significantly higher titres of autoantibodies to cardiolipin (aCL; P < .01). These findings show that genetic abnormalities present in the W/BF1 hematopoietic stem cells contribute to autoantibody development, including aCL, and suggest that thrombogenic mechanisms induced by aCL may contribute to the development of CVD in this form of murine lupus erythematosus.

Production of minor lymphocyte stimulatory-1a antigen from activated CD4+ or CD8+ T cells

Minor lymphocyte stimulatory (Mls) Ag are super Ag that stimulate a high proportion of T cells of a specific TCR V beta family. One of the super Ag, Mls-1a, which is recognized mainly by TCR V beta 6+ and V beta 8.1+ T cells, has recently been linked to the response to product of the open reading frame in 3'-long terminal repeat of endogenous mammary tumor virus, MTV-7. It is quite certain that B cells are able to produce and also to present the Mls-1a Ag. However, it remains to be determined whether other cell types, especially T cells, produce Mls-1a Ag. In this study using highly purified T cell subpopulations, capacity to produce Mls-1a Ag was analyzed by calculating the proportion of Mls-1a reactive V beta 6+ or V beta 8.1+ T cells in responding cell populations. We found that nonstimulated CD8+ T cells produced a low amount of Mls-1a Ag, and the capacity to do so was considerably increased by stimulation with immobilized anti-TCR mAb. By contrast, nonstimulated CD4+ T cells did not produce Mls-1a Ag at all. Even when CD4+ T cells were activated via TCR signaling with immobilized anti-TCR mAb, CD4+ T cells did not produce Mls-1a Ag. However, CD4+ T cells primed with conventional Ag in vivo produced Mls-1a Ag on restimulation with that specific Ag in vitro. These findings indicate that not only CD8+ T cells but also CD4+ T cells can produce Mls-1a Ag on appropriate stimulation, although different mechanisms for Mls-1a production may operate between the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.