Production of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by monocytes and large granular lymphocytes stimulated with Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare: activation of bactericidal activity by GM-CSF

Treatment of monocytes with recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was shown to enhance their antimycobacterial activity in an in vitro assay. Furthermore, Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare was found to induce the production of this hemopoietic growth factor. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were fractionated by plastic adherence and Percoll density centrifugation, and each population of cells was stimulated with mycobacteria. GM-CSF was produced by both monocytes and large granular lymphocytes (LGL) but not T lymphocytes. The phenotype of the GM-CSF-producing LGL was found to be CD2+, CD16+, and HLA-DR+ but negative for T-cell and monocyte markers. Kinetic studies demonstrated that GM-CSF appeared in the supernatant fluids within 2 days of culture of either monocytes or LGL and continued to be produced up to 7 days of incubation. Northern (RNA) blot analysis of RNA from both cell types demonstrated the expression of GM-CSF message within 24 h of stimulation. From these studies, LGL and monocytes are capable of responding to M. avium-M. intracellulare by producing factors that augment normal immune functions, including the antibacterial capability of monocytes.

Production of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor by large granular lymphocytes stimulated with Candida albicans: role in activation of human neutrophil function

In the present study, culture supernatants from larger granular lymphocytes (LGL) that were activated with Candida albicans antigens were shown to stimulate the ability of neutrophils to inhibit fungal growth. Identification of the activation factors showed that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a hematopoietic growth factor, was involved. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were fractionated by Percoll density centrifugation and each subpopulation of cells was stimulated with C albicans yeast cells. GM-CSF was produced in those fractions enriched for LGL, but not T lymphocytes or adherent monocytes. Additionally, the phenotype of the GM-CSF-producing cell was found to be CD2+, CD16+, HLA-DR+, and negative for CD4, CD8, and CD15. Kinetic studies demonstrated that GM-CSF appeared in the supernatants within 2 days of culture and continued to be produced up to 7 days. Optimal stimulation of LGL was seen at a ratio of 3 heat-killed C albicans yeast cells per LGL. Thus, LGL play an important role in host defense against this opportunistic pathogen by producing cytokines, including GM-CSF, which in turn activates the fungicidal activity of neutrophils.

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare induces interleukin-6 from human monocytes and large granular lymphocytes

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients, whose immune systems are severely compromised. However, normal responses to this bacterium are apparently sufficient to prevent disseminated infection because disease is rarely found unless an immunocompromised state is present. Because interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine with a multitude of activities, we investigated the potential of MAI to induce IL-6 from normal human leukocytes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were fractionated into monocytes (Mo), large granular lymphocytes (LGL), and T cells and stimulated with bacteria. Culture supernatants were collected and assayed for IL-6 activity by bioassay. Mo and LGL, but not T cells, were found to release IL-6 within 12 hours of stimulation, with optimal production occurring by 2 days of culture. Production of IL-6 from human leukocyte subsets was confirmed by Northern blot analysis and by neutralization of biologic function of the culture supernatants with specific antisera. Taken together, these results indicate that production of IL-6 is a key response of Mo and LGL to MAI. The role of IL-6 in MAI infection, therefore, needs to be further investigated.

Tumor necrosis factor and Candida albicans

Analysis of defense mechanisms against C. albicans, which causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts, indicates that a complex interaction of human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) that exhibit natural killer activity and neutrophils via cytokines takes place to control fungal growth, LGL respond rapidly upon exposure to C. albicans by releasing cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which then act immediately upon polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) to stimulate their antifungal activity. We also found that C. albicans can induce TNF from PMN. TNF was measured by a 18 h 51Cr release assay using the highly-sensitive WEHI 164 tumor cells. Exposure of PMN to C. albicans for 3 h was sufficient to detect TNF release and peak induction was observed at 8-18 h. This release was inhibitable by Actinomycin D, an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, as well as by emetine and cycloheximide, which block protein synthesis. The TNF from PMN was characterized by neutralization with a specific monoclonal antibody against human TNF. To assess the role of TNF in PMN function, recombinant TNF was added to PMN with C. albicans in a highly-sensitive 3H-glucose incorporation assay to measure antifungal activity in PMN. Less than 1 unit/ml of TNF was able to significantly enhance PMN activity against C. albicans. These results represent a new finding that TNF production is a normal response of PMN to stimulation by fungi and suggest that release of TNF may be related to autocrine activation of PMN effector function to control fungal growth.

Suppression of human monocyte function against Candida albicans by autologous IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer cells

We have previously reported that IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells have the capacity to lyse autologous and allogeneic monocytes. To understand the biologic significance of this interaction, we investigated the function of human monocytes against the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, subsequent to a short exposure to autologous LAK cells. A highly sensitive radiolabel assay, which makes use of the incorporation of [3H]glucose into residual Candida after their incubation with monocytes, was developed to measure antifungal activity. Cultured monocytes, after 2 to 6 h exposure to LAK cells, were found to be substantially suppressed in their ability to control fungal growth. Moreover, monocytes cultured in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage (GM)-CSF or IL-3, were even more suppressed in function after a short incubation with LAK cells. The effect of GM-CSF was both time and dose dependent, with peak susceptibility induced after 4 days of culture with as little as 10 U/ml of the cytokine. These GM-CSF-cultured monocytes, however, were relatively resistant to inhibition by freshly isolated large granular lymphocytic NK cells. Therefore, IL-2 induces in large granular lymphocytic cells the capacity to inhibit monocyte function. In contrast to GM-CSF and IL-3, IFN-gamma was found to have a protective effect on monocytes, because monocytes cultured 4 days in IFN-gamma were not significantly inhibited by LAK cells. These results indicate that LAK cells may be involved in regulation of monocyte function and suggest that the state of differentiation induced by different cytokines may dictate the level of control of the monocytes by LAK cells.

Suppression of human monocyte function against Candida albicans by autologous IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer cells

We have previously reported that IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells have the capacity to lyse autologous and allogeneic monocytes. To understand the biologic significance of this interaction, we investigated the function of human monocytes against the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, subsequent to a short exposure to autologous LAK cells. A highly sensitive radiolabel assay, which makes use of the incorporation of [3H]glucose into residual Candida after their incubation with monocytes, was developed to measure antifungal activity. Cultured monocytes, after 2 to 6 h exposure to LAK cells, were found to be substantially suppressed in their ability to control fungal growth. Moreover, monocytes cultured in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage (GM)-CSF or IL-3, were even more suppressed in function after a short incubation with LAK cells. The effect of GM-CSF was both time and dose dependent, with peak susceptibility induced after 4 days of culture with as little as 10 U/ml of the cytokine. These GM-CSF-cultured monocytes, however, were relatively resistant to inhibition by freshly isolated large granular lymphocytic NK cells. Therefore, IL-2 induces in large granular lymphocytic cells the capacity to inhibit monocyte function. In contrast to GM-CSF and IL-3, IFN-gamma was found to have a protective effect on monocytes, because monocytes cultured 4 days in IFN-gamma were not significantly inhibited by LAK cells. These results indicate that LAK cells may be involved in regulation of monocyte function and suggest that the state of differentiation induced by different cytokines may dictate the level of control of the monocytes by LAK cells.

Calcium-dependent natural killer and calcium-independent natural cytotoxic activities in an IL-2-dependent killer cell line

Using a cloned murine cell line, NKB61A2, that concomitantly exhibits both NK and natural cytotoxic (NC) activities, we investigated the biochemical mechanisms involved in natural cell mediated cytotoxicity against NK-sensitive YAC-1 tumor cells and against the NC-sensitive WEHI-164 tumor cells. Recent reports have suggested that target cell lysis by cytotoxic lymphocytes occurs by either a calcium dependent and/or a calcium-independent mechanism(s). To determine the role of calcium in NK and NC activities of the NKB61A2 cell line, we evaluated the effect of: 1) extracellular Ca2+ depletion by the divalent cation chelator, EGTA, 2) Ca2+ influx blockade by the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil, and 3) blocking of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization by 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)octyl ester (TMB-8). We found that EGTA, verapamil, and TMB-8 were all capable of inhibiting NK activity, but they had little effect on NC activity of the NKB61A2 cells. Using 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide which are inhibitors of protein kinase C and calmodulin respectively, we determined that protein kinase C and calmodulin do play a role in the NK activity of NKB61A2 cells. 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalanesulfonamide, similar to Verapamil and TMB-8, had no effect on NC activity. Thus, the data indicate that the NK activity of NKB61A2 cells is calcium dependent whereas NC activity is not. These results may explain the disparate reports seen in the literature of calcium-dependent and -independent lysis of tumor cells.

Calcium-dependent natural killer and calcium-independent natural cytotoxic activities in an IL-2-dependent killer cell line

Using a cloned murine cell line, NKB61A2, that concomitantly exhibits both NK and natural cytotoxic (NC) activities, we investigated the biochemical mechanisms involved in natural cell mediated cytotoxicity against NK-sensitive YAC-1 tumor cells and against the NC-sensitive WEHI-164 tumor cells. Recent reports have suggested that target cell lysis by cytotoxic lymphocytes occurs by either a calcium dependent and/or a calcium-independent mechanism(s). To determine the role of calcium in NK and NC activities of the NKB61A2 cell line, we evaluated the effect of: 1) extracellular Ca2+ depletion by the divalent cation chelator, EGTA, 2) Ca2+ influx blockade by the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil, and 3) blocking of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization by 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)octyl ester (TMB-8). We found that EGTA, verapamil, and TMB-8 were all capable of inhibiting NK activity, but they had little effect on NC activity of the NKB61A2 cells. Using 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide which are inhibitors of protein kinase C and calmodulin respectively, we determined that protein kinase C and calmodulin do play a role in the NK activity of NKB61A2 cells. 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalanesulfonamide, similar to Verapamil and TMB-8, had no effect on NC activity. Thus, the data indicate that the NK activity of NKB61A2 cells is calcium dependent whereas NC activity is not. These results may explain the disparate reports seen in the literature of calcium-dependent and -independent lysis of tumor cells.

A rapid [3H]glycerol radioassay for determination of monocyte-mediated growth inhibition of Mycobacterium avium

[3H]glycerol was used to radiolabel Mycobacterium avium (MA) bacteria after interaction with human monocytes in a rapid in vitro assay for determination of the growth inhibition of the mycobacteria by monocytes. Monocytes and MA were co-cultured in 96-well microtiter plates for 1-5 days, and [3H]glycerol was added for an additional 3 days of incubation to radiolabel residual bacteria. The results indicate that monocytes inhibited mycobacterial growth within 24 h of co-culture, an activity which increased during incubation until optimal growth inhibition was noted by 3-4 days. A comparison with conventional plate counting methodology demonstrated similar responses between the two assays except that the conventional assay required 2-3 weeks of culture before visible MA colonies could be detected and enumerated. Thus, the development of a rapid radiolabel assay to quantitate the interaction between monocytes and MA will facilitate the investigation of normal host responses to this opportunistic pathogen.

Release of tumor necrosis factor by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Evidence is presented that human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) can be induced to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Other investigators have previously reported that TNF has been induced from macrophages by bacteria and, more recently, from natural killer cells by certain tumor cells. Our laboratory has reported that the opportunistic fungi, Candida albicans, can induce TNF, not only from human monocytes, but also from Percoll-fractionated large granular lymphocytes. We now report that incubation of PMN with C albicans for 3 hours was sufficient for detection of TNF release, and peak induction was observed at 8 to 18 hours. This release was inhibitable by actinomycin D, an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, as well as by emetine and cycloheximide, which block protein synthesis. The TNF produced by PMN was neutralized by specific monoclonal antibodies against human TNF. These results represent an important finding that TNF production is a normal response of PMN to stimulation by fungi such as C albicans and suggest that the release of TNF may be related to autocrine activation of PMN effector function to control Candida growth.

Production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and lymphotoxin (TNF-beta) by murine pre-B and B cell lymphomas

Media from murine pre-B and B lymphoma cell cultures, but not from myeloma cell cultures, was cytotoxic to WEHI 164 cells, causing these TNF-sensitive targets to release 51Cr. The cytotoxic activity in the culture medium reached maximum levels approximately 4 days after the cell culture was initiated. The constitutive production of the factors was not influenced by depletion of serum from the medium or by the addition of either phorbol ester or bacterial endotoxin. The factor has a Mr greater than 10 kDa, and its cytotoxicity was abolished by anti-serum against murine TNF. Northern blot analysis with the use of cDNA probes to murine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and lymphotoxin (LT, TNF-beta) showed high levels of TNF-mRNA in the pre-B cell lines, lower levels in the mature B cell lines and no TNF-mRNA in the myeloma cell lines. LT mRNA was present in pre-B cell lines, at a much lower concentration in only one of the B cell lines, and was not present in three other B lymphomas or in the myelomas tested. The results show a positive correlation between the presence of TNF and/or LT mRNA and the 51Cr-releasing activity present in the cell culture medium. Our data indicate that TNF and LT can be produced by murine B cells and that the synthesis of these cytokines may be restricted to certain differentiation stages of the B cell lineage.

Production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and lymphotoxin (TNF-beta) by murine pre-B and B cell lymphomas

Media from murine pre-B and B lymphoma cell cultures, but not from myeloma cell cultures, was cytotoxic to WEHI 164 cells, causing these TNF-sensitive targets to release 51Cr. The cytotoxic activity in the culture medium reached maximum levels approximately 4 days after the cell culture was initiated. The constitutive production of the factors was not influenced by depletion of serum from the medium or by the addition of either phorbol ester or bacterial endotoxin. The factor has a Mr greater than 10 kDa, and its cytotoxicity was abolished by anti-serum against murine TNF. Northern blot analysis with the use of cDNA probes to murine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and lymphotoxin (LT, TNF-beta) showed high levels of TNF-mRNA in the pre-B cell lines, lower levels in the mature B cell lines and no TNF-mRNA in the myeloma cell lines. LT mRNA was present in pre-B cell lines, at a much lower concentration in only one of the B cell lines, and was not present in three other B lymphomas or in the myelomas tested. The results show a positive correlation between the presence of TNF and/or LT mRNA and the 51Cr-releasing activity present in the cell culture medium. Our data indicate that TNF and LT can be produced by murine B cells and that the synthesis of these cytokines may be restricted to certain differentiation stages of the B cell lineage.

Functional activation of human neutrophils by recombinant monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor/IL-8

Monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (MDNCF)/IL-8, a novel cytokine, distinct from IL-1 and TNF was recently purified and cloned. This study was performed to investigate the biologic effect of recombinant MDNCF/IL-8 on human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) by assessment of their growth inhibitory activity against Candida albicans. The chemoattractant, FMLP was used as a positive control. We demonstrated that MDNCF/IL-8, similar to FMLP, effectively enhanced PMN-mediated anti-Candida activity. MDNCF/IL-8, from 1.0 to 1000 ng/mol, enhanced PMN-mediated anti-Candida activity, whereas FMLP was effective from 10(-10) to 10(-7) M. The optimal dose of MDNCF/IL-8 for PMN stimulation was 10 ng/ml which equalled the optimal chemoattractant dose. MDNCF/IL-8 itself, like FMLP, had no direct effect on Candida growth at any concentration and it stimulated antifungal activity only in PMN but not in monocytes. Interestingly, MDNCF/IL-8 failed to stimulate directly the production of superoxide from PMN or prime the respiratory burst of PMN exposed to FMLP. However, MDNCF/IL-8 was capable of releasing azurophilic enzymes from cytochalasin B-treated PMN into the extracellular space. Enhancement of PMN anti-Candida activity and release of azurophilic enzymes from PMN by MDNCF/IL-8 were inhibited in the presence of colchicine, which is a known inhibitor of degranulation. These results suggest that MDNCF/IL-8 induced antifungal action of PMN via oxygen-independent pathways. Furthermore, MDNCF/IL-8 induction of anti-Candida action by PMN was inhibited by pretreatment with Bordetella pertussis toxin, suggesting that enhancement of PMN antifungal activity by MDNCF/IL-8, as well as by FMLP, may be mediated by a GTP-binding protein.

Functional activation of human neutrophils by recombinant monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor/IL-8

Monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (MDNCF)/IL-8, a novel cytokine, distinct from IL-1 and TNF was recently purified and cloned. This study was performed to investigate the biologic effect of recombinant MDNCF/IL-8 on human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) by assessment of their growth inhibitory activity against Candida albicans. The chemoattractant, FMLP was used as a positive control. We demonstrated that MDNCF/IL-8, similar to FMLP, effectively enhanced PMN-mediated anti-Candida activity. MDNCF/IL-8, from 1.0 to 1000 ng/mol, enhanced PMN-mediated anti-Candida activity, whereas FMLP was effective from 10(-10) to 10(-7) M. The optimal dose of MDNCF/IL-8 for PMN stimulation was 10 ng/ml which equalled the optimal chemoattractant dose. MDNCF/IL-8 itself, like FMLP, had no direct effect on Candida growth at any concentration and it stimulated antifungal activity only in PMN but not in monocytes. Interestingly, MDNCF/IL-8 failed to stimulate directly the production of superoxide from PMN or prime the respiratory burst of PMN exposed to FMLP. However, MDNCF/IL-8 was capable of releasing azurophilic enzymes from cytochalasin B-treated PMN into the extracellular space. Enhancement of PMN anti-Candida activity and release of azurophilic enzymes from PMN by MDNCF/IL-8 were inhibited in the presence of colchicine, which is a known inhibitor of degranulation. These results suggest that MDNCF/IL-8 induced antifungal action of PMN via oxygen-independent pathways. Furthermore, MDNCF/IL-8 induction of anti-Candida action by PMN was inhibited by pretreatment with Bordetella pertussis toxin, suggesting that enhancement of PMN antifungal activity by MDNCF/IL-8, as well as by FMLP, may be mediated by a GTP-binding protein.

Role of CD18 in lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cell-mediated lysis of human monocytes: comparison with other LAK targets

The role of CD18, identified as the beta chain of the CD11 family of adhesion glycoproteins, in the lysis of normal autologous monocytes by interleukin-2-activated killer (LAK) cells was explored. The addition of several preparations of anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the incubation mixture of LAK cells and various target cells indicated that lysis of autologous monocytes, K562 erythroleukemia tumor cells, FMEX melanoma tumor cells, and fresh ovarian tumor cells were readily inhibited by all anti-CD18 antibodies tested. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that significant inhibition of lysis occurred if RH1-38 antibody was added up to 2 hr after LAK cells were added to target cells. By the use of selective coating of targets and effector cells with RH1-38, it was determined that anti-CD18 antibody inhibited lysis at the effector cell level but not at the target cell level, although CD18 was detectable on the surface of monocyte targets by FACS analysis and immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, specific binding of LAK cells to all targets tested was not affected by the presence of anti-CD18, indicating that lysis of target cells was blocked at a post-binding event. Finally, of the 3 alpha chains associated with CD18, only antibodies to LFA-1 (CD11a) partially blocked binding of LAK cells to monocytes and tumor cells. It is possible, then, that both CD11a and CD18 may work in concert to effect the lysis of target cells by LAK cells.

Induction of human monocyte susceptibility to lymphokine-activated killer cell lysis by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

We have recently reported that cultured human monocytes are susceptible to lysis by autologous lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. In an attempt to modulate the sensitivity of monocytes to LAK-mediated lysis, monocytes were cultured in the presence of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). GM-CSF was found to enhance the susceptibility of monocytes to lysis by LAK cells by 2- to 5-fold over that of untreated cells in a dose-dependent manner. As little as 10 units of GM-CSF per milliliter was sufficient to induce increased sensitivity. In a kinetics study, susceptibility of monocytes increased after 2 days of incubation with GM-CSF, with peak sensitivity occurring from 4 to 6 days of culture. The effect of GM-CSF appeared to be specific for monocytes within the circulating peripheral blood cells because nonadherent cells (NAC) and granulocytes, which are normally resistant to LAK-mediated lysis, did not become susceptible after treatment with GM-CSF. In cold-target inhibition experiments, unlabeled GM-CSF-treated monocytes, but not untreated monocytes, could block the lysis of FMEX, a human melanoma tumor cell line, as well as freshly isolated tumor cells. Finally, LAK cells specifically bound to GM-CSF-treated monocytes in significantly higher percentages than to control monocytes. In summary, our results indicate that GM-CSF was capable of enhancing the susceptibility of monocytes to LAK lysis possibly via increased binding or expression of target structure(s).

Enhancement of human monocyte function against Candida albicans by the colony-stimulating factors (CSF): IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage-CSF, and macrophage-CSF

The effect of IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF and macrophage (M)-CSF on Candida albicans growth inhibition by human peripheral blood monocytes was investigated. By using a radiolabel microassay developed in our laboratory that makes use of the incorporation of [3H]glucose into residual C. albicans, we demonstrated that rGM-CSF and rIL-3 effectively enhanced human monocyte-mediated anticandidal activity. Incubation for 24 h with either GM-CSF or IL-3 significantly enhanced monocyte antifungal responses down to 0.01 U/ml. M-CSF, at higher concentrations of 10 U/ml, could also enhance monocyte function but to a smaller degree. None of the CSF interfered directly with fungal growth, even up to 1000 U/ml. Because IFN-gamma is also a known monocyte activator, its effect on monocytes was also assessed. Monocytes were first cultured in medium for several days and then further incubated with each of the cytokines. Monocytes aged in medium were found to lose their spontaneous anticandidal activity. Such aged monocytes did not develop anticandidal activity in response to IFN-gamma but did in response to GM-CSF or IL-3. To further elucidate this difference, fresh monocytes were continuously cultured with or without cytokines for 1 to 5 days before assessing their anticandidal activity. Monocytes cultured in IFN-gamma progressively lost their activity by 2 days but monocytes in GM-CSF or IL-3 maintained their high level of anticandidal activity throughout the whole length of culture. Therefore, GM-CSF and IL-3 not only enhanced fresh monocyte anticandidal activity, but maintained monocyte function for a longer period. These results suggest that GM-CSF and IL-3 may act on monocytes via a different pathway than does IFN-gamma.

Enhancement of human monocyte function against Candida albicans by the colony-stimulating factors (CSF): IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage-CSF, and macrophage-CSF

The effect of IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF and macrophage (M)-CSF on Candida albicans growth inhibition by human peripheral blood monocytes was investigated. By using a radiolabel microassay developed in our laboratory that makes use of the incorporation of [3H]glucose into residual C. albicans, we demonstrated that rGM-CSF and rIL-3 effectively enhanced human monocyte-mediated anticandidal activity. Incubation for 24 h with either GM-CSF or IL-3 significantly enhanced monocyte antifungal responses down to 0.01 U/ml. M-CSF, at higher concentrations of 10 U/ml, could also enhance monocyte function but to a smaller degree. None of the CSF interfered directly with fungal growth, even up to 1000 U/ml. Because IFN-gamma is also a known monocyte activator, its effect on monocytes was also assessed. Monocytes were first cultured in medium for several days and then further incubated with each of the cytokines. Monocytes aged in medium were found to lose their spontaneous anticandidal activity. Such aged monocytes did not develop anticandidal activity in response to IFN-gamma but did in response to GM-CSF or IL-3. To further elucidate this difference, fresh monocytes were continuously cultured with or without cytokines for 1 to 5 days before assessing their anticandidal activity. Monocytes cultured in IFN-gamma progressively lost their activity by 2 days but monocytes in GM-CSF or IL-3 maintained their high level of anticandidal activity throughout the whole length of culture. Therefore, GM-CSF and IL-3 not only enhanced fresh monocyte anticandidal activity, but maintained monocyte function for a longer period. These results suggest that GM-CSF and IL-3 may act on monocytes via a different pathway than does IFN-gamma.

Induction of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor by Legionella pneumophila: augmentation of human neutrophil bactericidal activity

We have previously reported that Legionella pneumophila antigens can induce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in vitro and in vivo in mice. Furthermore, treatment of murine polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) cultures with these cytokines resulted in augmented killing of the bacteria in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to determine if these findings could be extended to human responses. Here we report that Legionella antigens induced IFN-gamma and TNF in nonimmune human leukocytes cultures, and that these cytokines were able to stimulate the bactericidal activity of isolated PMN against L. pneumophila in vitro. Furthermore, optimal production of IFN-gamma was found in cultures which were enriched for large granular lymphocytes (LGL). The phenotype of IFN-producing cells was determined to be CD11+, CD16+, CD2+, and negative for CD4, CD8, CD14, and Leu 7. Additionally, Legionella-infected monocytes were found to produce TNF in a dose-dependent response to the number of infecting bacteria, and the addition of recombinant IFN-gamma to infected monocytes resulted in augmented production of TNF in a synergistic manner. Finally, treatment of PMN with recombinant IFN-gamma and recombinant TNF augmented their bactericidal activity against Legionella in a dose-dependent response. Thus, cytokines which can be induced by L. pneumophila antigens are able to stimulate PMN function in vitro, suggesting that resistance to infection results from a complex interaction of cytokines and cell responses.

Susceptibility of monocytes to lymphokine-activated killer cell lysis: effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-3

Cultured human monocytes have been shown to be susceptible to lysis by autologous lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. To determine factors that might modulate the sensitivity of monocytes to lysis, we cultured adherent peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or interleukin-3 (IL-3) since these cytokines have been reported to affect both functional and physical characteristics of monocytes. Both recombinant human GM-CSF and IL-3 were found to significantly enhance the susceptibility of monocytes to lysis by LAK cells in a dose-dependent manner, with GM-CSF being slightly more effective. In a kinetics study, the lysability of monocytes increased after two days of incubation with either cytokine, with maximal susceptibility occurring after four to six days of culture. The effects of GM-CSF and IL-3 appeared to be specific for monocytes since culture of either nonadherent cells or granulocytes, which are normally resistant to LAK-mediated lysis, did not induce sensitivity. While the effects of GM-CSF and IL-3 have been shown to be synergistic in some cases, they did not act synergistically to induce monocyte susceptibility to LAK lysis. In cold target experiments cytokine-treated monocytes reciprocally blocked lysis, suggesting that similar target structures were modulated with either factor. FACS analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) demonstrated comparable modulation of surface antigens with either GM-CSF or IL-3. Thus, these cytokines can serve to augment susceptibility of monocytes to LAK cells, emphasizing the complex interactions that occur in the immune system.

Lysis of mycobacteria-infected monocytes by IL-2-activated killer cells: role of LFA-1

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) is a ubiquitous soil contaminant that rarely causes disseminated disease in adults regardless of immunological status. In AIDS patients, however, this organism invades virtually every tissue and organ, and most conventional chemotherapeutic agents are usually ineffective against MAI. We report here that monocytes, in which MAI has established an intracellular parasitic stage, are under the control of natural killer (NK) cells. Autologous large granular lymphocytes (LGL), purified from human peripheral blood leukocytes, were capable of efficiently lysing autologous MAI-infected monocytes in a 5-hr 51Cr release assay. More importantly, interleukin 2 (IL-2) was able to activate the LGL to a higher degree of lysis of infected monocytes. LGL cultured in medium alone could not kill normal monocytes, but showed some degree of lysis of MAI-infected cells. IL-2 activated killer (LAK) cells, on the other hand, lysed normal monocytes to a moderate degree and this activity was makedly enhanced if the monocytes were infected with MAI. The sensitivity of monocytes was directly proportional to the inoculating number of bacteria, indicating that increased bacterial burden would enhance susceptibility to LAK-mediated lysis. Finally, the addition of monoclonal antibodies to LFA-1 (both alpha and beta chains), but not LFA-2 or LFA-3, blocked lysis of both infected and uninfected monocytes when added directly to the cytotoxicity assays, indicating that this adhesion protein is involved in the lysis of autologous, infected monocytes. Thus, NK/LAK cells may be important in containment of infection by lysis of infected monocytes before the bacteria can multiply and spread to other sites.

Tumor necrosis factor induction by Candida albicans from human natural killer cells and monocytes

Other investigators have previously reported that TNF has been induced from macrophages by bacteria and, more recently, from NK cells by certain tumor cells. Sendai virus has also been reported to induce TNF from macrophages. We report here that an opportunistic fungi, Candida albicans, can also induce TNF, not only from human monocytes, but also from Percoll-fractionated large granular lymphocytes (LGL) which mediate NK function. Incubation of monocytes of LGL with C. albicans for 8 h was sufficient for detection of TNF release and peak induction was observed at 24 h. Induction of TNF from LGL did not require the participation of monocytes or T cells because treatment of the LGL with CD14 or CD15 to eliminate contaminating monocytes and CD3, CD4, or CD8 to eliminate contaminating T cells did not decrease the level of TNF produced from the treated LGL. Small T cells recovered from the denser fractions of the Percoll gradient had no ability to produce TNF, even when 10% monocytes were added to the T cells to provide accessory function. The phenotype of the TNF-producing LGL was CD2+, CD11+, CD16+, NKH1+, LEU7-. The TNF produced by both monocytes and LGL was neutralized by specific monoclonal and polyclonal anti-TNF but not by monoclonal antilymphotoxin. These results indicate that TNF production is a normal response of monocytes and LGL to stimulation by fungi such as C. albicans and that the release of TNF may be related to its ability to activate effector function to control Candida growth, which we have shown earlier for neutrophils with TNF.

Protection of cultured human monocytes from lymphokine-activated killer-mediated lysis by IFN-gamma

We have recently reported that IL 2-activated killer (LAK) cells are capable of lysing cultured human monocytes. In an effort to protect autologous monocytes from lysis, we treated monolayer cultures of adherent PBMC with various doses of human rIFN-gamma and assessed their susceptibility to LAK cells. IFN-gamma was shown to lessen the sensitivity of monocytes to lysis in a dose-dependent manner. Similar treatment of FMEX, an NK-resistant melanoma tumor cell line, with IFN-gamma did not affect its susceptibility to LAK lysis. Kinetic studies demonstrated that as little as 2 h incubation with IFN-gamma was sufficient for the protective effects to take effect. Additionally, monocytes that were pulsed with IFN-gamma for 2 h, washed, and then cultured in medium alone retained their resistance to lysis for at least 3 days. Cold target inhibition studies showed that IFN-treated and untreated monocytes could effectively compete with each other for binding sites on LAK cells. Furthermore, binding studies demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the number of conjugates formed by using either IFN-treated or untreated monocytes. This indicates that resistance to lysis induced by IFN treatment affects a post-binding event and not an initial recognition signal. From these studies, it was apparent that treatment of monocytes with IFN-gamma lessened their sensitivity to LAK-mediated lysis. Thus, it may be possible through a specific sequence of IFN-gamma and IL-2 treatment that LAK activity could be manipulated against some tumor cells, but not normal cells, to abrogate some of the toxicity seen with this type of cancer therapy.