Probing the structure of processed antigen by using biotin and avidin. MHC-dependent inhibition of responses to selected biotinyl-insulin derivatives

Current models suggest that Ag undergoes proteolytic cleavage in APC and that resultant peptide fragments associate with class II histocompatibility glycoproteins before recognition by helper T cells. Little direct information is available concerning the physical structure and membrane association of Ag processed under physiologic conditions. A model system, employing a series of biotinylated insulin derivatives, was used to examine the domains of Ag that are presented by APC. We reasoned that avidin should block the response of T cells to a given derivative only if biotin is retained on the functionally relevant form of Ag after processing. By utilizing derivatives modified at selected sites one should be able to determine whether specific sites remain after processing. By using F1 APC pulsed with biotinyl-insulin derivatives modified through the free amino groups of the A1, B1, or B29 amino acids, and T cell hybridomas restricted to I-Ad or I-Ab, we found that avidin inhibited the I-Ad-restricted response to A1, but not B1 or B29 derivatives. By contrast, specific inhibition of the I-Ab-restricted response was observed by using all three derivatives. These results suggest that the processed form of insulin recognized in association with I-Ab is largely intact and includes residues from both chains (A1, B1, and B29). The differential inhibition observed by using T cells restricted to different class II alleles demonstrates that processed Ag associated with I-Ab differs in conformation or structure from that associated with I-Ad. This experimental approach should prove valuable in characterizing the actual structure of processed Ag recognized by T cells.

Stable association of processed antigen with antigen-presenting cell membranes

Th cells recognize a processed form of Ag in association with class II histocompatibility molecules expressed on the surface of APC. The physical nature of the cell surface association of physiologically processed Ag was investigated by using membranes isolated from Ag-pulsed APC. Such membranes were sufficient to directly activate class II-restricted T cell hybridomas without further Ag processing. T cell-stimulating activity remained after treatment of membranes in harsh conditions, including pH 4.0, pH 9.0, high salt, and chaotropic solvents. Activity was lost after exposure to pH 2.0 or protease. The capacity of pH 2.0 (but not protease) treated membranes to present artificially processed, peptide Ag to T cells suggests that exposure to pH 2.0 results in the selective dissociation of processed Ag from membranes. Similar results were obtained in parallel experiments with peptide-pulsed membranes. No qualitative differences were found between physiologically processed Ag and peptide Ag with respect to their remarkably stable association with the APC plasma membrane.

Stable association of processed antigen with antigen-presenting cell membranes

Th cells recognize a processed form of Ag in association with class II histocompatibility molecules expressed on the surface of APC. The physical nature of the cell surface association of physiologically processed Ag was investigated by using membranes isolated from Ag-pulsed APC. Such membranes were sufficient to directly activate class II-restricted T cell hybridomas without further Ag processing. T cell-stimulating activity remained after treatment of membranes in harsh conditions, including pH 4.0, pH 9.0, high salt, and chaotropic solvents. Activity was lost after exposure to pH 2.0 or protease. The capacity of pH 2.0 (but not protease) treated membranes to present artificially processed, peptide Ag to T cells suggests that exposure to pH 2.0 results in the selective dissociation of processed Ag from membranes. Similar results were obtained in parallel experiments with peptide-pulsed membranes. No qualitative differences were found between physiologically processed Ag and peptide Ag with respect to their remarkably stable association with the APC plasma membrane.

The effect of intracapsular pressure and extension of the hip on oxygenation of the juvenile femoral epiphysis. A study in the goat

We have investigated the effect of joint tamponade and of traction in extension on the oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions in the femoral head of the immature goat, using mass spectrometry. Tamponade of 75 mmHg caused the oxygen tension in the femoral head to drop from 48 +/- 4 mmHg to 29 +/- 3 mmHg. Traction in extension further decreased the oxygen tension. Both these changes were highly significant. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased, but to a lesser extent and only effusion together with traction gave a statistically significant effect. Our study showed that joint effusion can produce hypoxia in the bone as a result of impaired blood flow to the femoral head. The application of traction increases this haemodynamic effect.

Protein synthesis in antigen processing

Recent studies indicate that Ag pass through a chloroquine-sensitive intracellular pathway in accessory cells before they are recognized by class II-restricted T cells. Our results indicate that this is also true for insulin. Unexpectedly, we find that protein synthesis is required for optimal accessory cell-dependent processing of insulin and other proteins by adherent macrophages. Treatment of APC with inhibitors of protein synthesis, before and during exposure to Ag, inhibits their subsequent ability to activate murine T cell hybridomas. Experiments are described which suggest that this effect is localized to intracellular processing of Ag rather than uptake or presentation, per se. Inhibition is reversible, and is not observed in special situations where intracellular processing of Ag is not required. A distinct lag period is required for inhibition of processing after inhibition of macrophage protein synthesis. One possible interpretation is that protein synthesis is necessary for maintenance of a labile protein crucial for intracellular processing of Ag. Alternatively, the susceptibility of processing to inhibitors of protein synthesis may reflect an obligate intracellular association of Ag and newly synthesized class II histocompatibility molecules.

Protein synthesis in antigen processing

Recent studies indicate that Ag pass through a chloroquine-sensitive intracellular pathway in accessory cells before they are recognized by class II-restricted T cells. Our results indicate that this is also true for insulin. Unexpectedly, we find that protein synthesis is required for optimal accessory cell-dependent processing of insulin and other proteins by adherent macrophages. Treatment of APC with inhibitors of protein synthesis, before and during exposure to Ag, inhibits their subsequent ability to activate murine T cell hybridomas. Experiments are described which suggest that this effect is localized to intracellular processing of Ag rather than uptake or presentation, per se. Inhibition is reversible, and is not observed in special situations where intracellular processing of Ag is not required. A distinct lag period is required for inhibition of processing after inhibition of macrophage protein synthesis. One possible interpretation is that protein synthesis is necessary for maintenance of a labile protein crucial for intracellular processing of Ag. Alternatively, the susceptibility of processing to inhibitors of protein synthesis may reflect an obligate intracellular association of Ag and newly synthesized class II histocompatibility molecules.

Intersubunit cross-linking by cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) stabilizes an alpha 2-macroglobulin "nascent" state: evidence that thiol ester bond cleavage correlates with receptor recognition site exposure

Treatment of human alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) with proteinase results in cleavage of the alpha 2M subunits and subsequently in a conformational change in the inhibitor. This change irreversibly traps the proteinase and is accompanied by the generation of four thiol groups as well as exposure of receptor recognition sites. cis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) causes extensive intersubunit cross-linking of alpha 2M. Incubation of alpha 2M or cis-DDP-treated alpha 2M with trypsin results in complete subunit cleavage; however, trypsin treatment of cis-DDP-alpha 2M does not result in a conformational change as determined by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), receptor recognition site exposure, or appearance of thiol groups from the inhibitor. These results are in marked contrast to previous studies which demonstrated that incubation of cis-DDP-treated alpha 2M with CH3NH2 resulted in thiol ester bond cleavage and receptor recognition site exposure. cis-DDP-treated alpha 2M bound only 0.13 mol of 125I-trypsin/mol of cis-DDP-alpha 2M. Incubation of trypsin-treated cis-DDP-alpha 2M with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), a potent chelator of platinum compounds, results in the removal of the intersubunit cross-links and completion of the alpha 2M conformational change as determined by nondenaturing PAGE. Complete receptor recognition site exposure and the appearance of 3.3 thiol groups/mol of alpha 2M also occur following this treatment. These results demonstrate that cross-linking of alpha 2M by cis-DDP prevents a conformational change in the inhibitor which is necessary for thiol ester bond activation and cleavage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Primary structure of human alpha 2-macroglobulin. Complete disulfide bridge assignment and localization of two interchain bridges in the dimeric proteinase binding unit

The disulfide bridge pattern of human alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) given earlier (Sottrup-Jensen, L., Stepanik, T. M., Kristensen, T., Wierzbicki, D. M., Jones, C. M., Lønblad, P. B., Magnusson, S., and Petersen, T. E. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 8318-8327) has been revised by showing that Cys255 and Cys408 in one subunit are bridged to Cys408 and Cys255, respectively, in the adjacent subunit of the proteinase binding dimer. Thus, the alpha 2M-dimer contains two interchain disulfide bridges, and the individual subunits are arranged in an antiparallel fashion. These results are the outcome of partial reduction experiments, where reduction of methylamine-treated alpha 2M with 1-8 mM mercaptoethanesulfonate at pH 8.0 resulted in the appearance of 2.6 mol of SH-groups per mol of free subunit. Apart from reduction of the two interchain bridges, the intrachain bridges Cys228-Cys276, Cys572-Cys748, Cys798-Cys826, and Cys824-Cys860 are reduced to a minor extent under these conditions. The disulfide bridge pattern of alpha 2M has been completed by showing that the alpha 2M subunit contains 11 intrachain bridges, including a bridge connecting Cys447 with Cys540.

Bystander help in primary immune responses in vivo

We evaluated the requirement for hapten-carrier linkage in the primary, T cell-dependent antibody response in vivo. Mice immunized with mixtures containing nonimmunogenic and immunogenic proteins developed antibody that was specific for determinants present on the nonimmunogenic carrier. Therefore, hapten-carrier linkage was not necessary for the generation of primary antibody responses. The magnitude of the bystander response was a function of the immunogenicity of the coimmunogen and the quantity of determinant-specific B cells available for activation. Interestingly, the kinetics of the bystander response, in contrast to the cognate response, were not accelerated in the presence of primed Th cells. Adoptive recipients reconstituted with primed Th cells developed accelerated cognate but not bystander antibody response, as compared with unprimed recipients. This phenomenon may reflect a regulatory mechanism invoked to limit the potentially harmful effects of nonspecific help. It was observed that while animals are tolerant to immunization with mouse (self) hemoglobin, immunization with a mixture containing mouse hemoglobin plus fowl gamma globulin resulted in the production of hemoglobin-binding autoantibodies. Thus bystander help induced by coimmunization may serve as a model for the induction of autoantibodies during normal immune responses in vivo.

Insulin-specific suppressor T cell factors

Murine antibody responses to heterologous insulins are controlled by MHC-linked immune response genes. Although nonresponder mice fail to make antibody when injected with nonimmunogenic variants of insulin, we have recently shown that nonimmunogenic variants stimulate radioresistant, Lyt- 1+2- helper T cells that support secondary antibody responses. However, the helper activity can not be detected unless dominant, radiosensitive Lyt-1-2+, I-J+ suppressor T cells are removed. In this paper we report that extracts of primed Lyt-2+ suppressor T cells contain insulin-specific suppressor factors (TsF) that are capable of replacing the activity of suppressor T cells in vitro. The activity of these factors is restricted by MHC-linked genes that map to the I-J region, and immunoadsorption studies indicated that they bind antigen and bear I-J-encoded determinants. Insulin-specific TsF consists of at least two chains, one-bearing I-J and the other the antigen-binding site. Furthermore, mixing of isolated chains from different strains of mice indicates that the antigenic specificity is determined by the antigen-binding chain and the MHC restriction by the H-2 haplotype of the source of the non-antigen-binding, I-J+ chain. Moreover, mixtures containing antigen-binding chain from allogeneic cell donors and I-J+ chain from responder cell donors have activity in cultures containing responder lymphocytes. This suggests that preferential activation of suppressor T cells, rather than differential sensitivity to suppression, results in the nonresponder phenotype to insulin.

Genetics of insulin-specific helper and suppressor T cells in nonresponder mice

The role of insulin-specific helper and suppressor T cells in the H-2-linked genetic control of antibody responses to heterologous insulins was examined in vitro. These data demonstrate that pork insulin stimulates both primed helper T cells and dominant suppressor T cells in all nonresponder strains tested. Thus, the nonresponder phenotype is attributed to the activation of specific suppressor T cells rather than to an absence of helper T cell activity. Examination of the antigenic cross-reactivity patterns of pork insulin-primed helper and suppressor T cells in various strains demonstrates that fine specificity of the helper T cells differs from that of the suppressor T cells and that the patterns of antigenic cross-reactivity of these subpopulations are controlled by the H-2 gene complex. Furthermore, in a given strain of mice variants of insulin that stimulate helper T cells that cross-react with mouse insulin also stimulate dominant suppressor T cells that cross-react with mouse insulin. Such variants of insulin are perceived as nonimmunogenic. These observations raise the possibility that nonresponsiveness that is controlled by H-2 linked genes results from the activation of regulatory mechanisms involved in maintaining self-tolerance.

Genetics of insulin-specific helper and suppressor T cells in nonresponder mice

The role of insulin-specific helper and suppressor T cells in the H-2-linked genetic control of antibody responses to heterologous insulins was examined in vitro. These data demonstrate that pork insulin stimulates both primed helper T cells and dominant suppressor T cells in all nonresponder strains tested. Thus, the nonresponder phenotype is attributed to the activation of specific suppressor T cells rather than to an absence of helper T cell activity. Examination of the antigenic cross-reactivity patterns of pork insulin-primed helper and suppressor T cells in various strains demonstrates that fine specificity of the helper T cells differs from that of the suppressor T cells and that the patterns of antigenic cross-reactivity of these subpopulations are controlled by the H-2 gene complex. Furthermore, in a given strain of mice variants of insulin that stimulate helper T cells that cross-react with mouse insulin also stimulate dominant suppressor T cells that cross-react with mouse insulin. Such variants of insulin are perceived as nonimmunogenic. These observations raise the possibility that nonresponsiveness that is controlled by H-2 linked genes results from the activation of regulatory mechanisms involved in maintaining self-tolerance.

Insulin-specific tolerance induction. II. Tolerant helper T cells can be rescued by insulin complexed to Brucella abortus

Murine antibody responses to heterologous insulins are under H-2-linked immune response (Ir) gene control. We previously demonstrated that the immune response to insulin in Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) can be specifically inhibited by prior injection of soluble insulin i.v. Unresponsiveness requires at least 4 days after i.v. injection to develop, and once induced, it lasts 4 wk or more. Unresponsiveness is caused by T cell, but not B cell, tolerance; furthermore, we have been unable to demonstrate any role for suppressor T cells in this unresponsiveness. The following experiments examine the nature of the T cell tolerance induced by i.v. injection of insulin, and the data suggest that helper T cells were not clonally deleted by this procedure. The functional activity of the tolerized T cells can be rescued by stimulation with insulin covalently complexed to the type 1 T-independent (TI-1) antigen, Brucella abortus. This observation suggests that tolerance induced by soluble insulin is due to clonal anergy rather than clonal deletion of helper T cells; thus, this system could provide a model for determining the cellular events involved in tolerance induction and reversal in helper T cells.

Insulin-specific tolerance induction. II. Tolerant helper T cells can be rescued by insulin complexed to Brucella abortus

Murine antibody responses to heterologous insulins are under H-2-linked immune response (Ir) gene control. We previously demonstrated that the immune response to insulin in Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) can be specifically inhibited by prior injection of soluble insulin i.v. Unresponsiveness requires at least 4 days after i.v. injection to develop, and once induced, it lasts 4 wk or more. Unresponsiveness is caused by T cell, but not B cell, tolerance; furthermore, we have been unable to demonstrate any role for suppressor T cells in this unresponsiveness. The following experiments examine the nature of the T cell tolerance induced by i.v. injection of insulin, and the data suggest that helper T cells were not clonally deleted by this procedure. The functional activity of the tolerized T cells can be rescued by stimulation with insulin covalently complexed to the type 1 T-independent (TI-1) antigen, Brucella abortus. This observation suggests that tolerance induced by soluble insulin is due to clonal anergy rather than clonal deletion of helper T cells; thus, this system could provide a model for determining the cellular events involved in tolerance induction and reversal in helper T cells.

Regulatory mechanisms in immune responses to heterologous insulins. II. Suppressor T cell activation associated with nonresponsiveness in H-2b mice

Murine antibody responses to insulins are controlled by MHC-linked Ir genes. Although mice of the H-2b haplotype do not make antibody in response to pork insulin, we demonstrate in this communication that immunization with pork insulin stimulates radioresistant, Lyt-1+2- helper T cells that are capable of stimulating secondary antibody responses to pork insulin in vitro, but that this activity is masked by radiosensitive, Lyt-1-2+, I-J+ suppressor T cells. The suppressor T cells, present after immunization with pork insulin but not beef insulin, suppress the secondary response to pork but not beef insulin. The amino acid sequences of pork and beef insulins differ only at the A-chain loop; thus, pork insulin-specific suppressor T cells appear to recognize the A-chain loop determinant of pork insulin. The amino acid sequences of mouse and pork insulin are identical in the A-chain loop, which suggests that these suppressor T cells may be self-reactive. If this interpretation is correct, these suppressor T cells could be involved in the maintenance of self-tolerance to insulin. Nevertheless, these data clearly demonstrate that genetically determined nonresponsiveness in H-2b mice is conferred by activation of dominant, insulin-specific suppressor T cells (Ts), rather than by a defect in the stimulation of insulin-specific helper T cells (Th).

Regulatory mechanisms of the immune response to heterologous insulins. I. Development and regulation of plaque-forming cell responses in vitro

We, as well as many other investigators, have been studying the regulation of immune responses to insulin as a model system of H-2 linked immune response (Ir) gene control. Although antibody responses by mice to heterologous insulins are qualitatively controlled, antibodies that are generated to one species of heterologous insulin cross react extensively with other species. The exquisite control of responsiveness is regulated by T cells that appear to recognize differences in the amino acid sequences of the A-chain loop of insulin. Our previous studies of the mechanism(s) by which Ir genes regulate T cell activity to insulin have been confined to an adoptive transfer model because traditional cell culture techniques using normal or insulin-primed spleen cells have failed to generate insulin-specific plaque-forming cell responses in vitro. In this communication we demonstrate that more vigorous immunization protocols and the use of lymph node T cells as a source of helper T cells can circumvent this problem. More importantly, all of the major features of the regulation of responses to insulin that have been observed in vivo are reflected in this in vitro system. Thus, these experiments provide the essential foundation for future dissection of the mechanism of Ir gene control of responses to insulin.

Insulin-specific tolerance induction. I. Abrogation of helper T cell activity is controlled by H-2-linked Ir genes

Murine antibody responses to heterologous insulins are under H-2-linked immune response (Ir) gene control. We have found that the immune response to insulin in adjuvant can be inhibited by prior i.v. injection of soluble insulin. The effect of i.v. injection of insulin is antigen-specific and dose-dependent and requires the same doses of insulin that are immunogenic if administered with adjuvant. In addition, the inhibitory effect of soluble insulin is dependent upon the route of injection; if soluble insulin is injected i.p., the subsequent response to insulin in adjuvant is augmented rather than inhibited. Unresponsiveness requires at least 4 days after i.v. injection to develop and once induced, it is maintained for 4 wk or more. Unresponsiveness is caused by T cell, but not B cell, tolerance, and we have been unable to demonstrate any role for suppressor T cells in this unresponsiveness. More importantly, analysis of the ability of numerous insulin variants to induce unresponsiveness in several H-2k and H-2b strains of mice has demonstrated that only the variants that were immunogenic in a given strain when administered with adjuvant were able to cause tolerance. This report is, to our knowledge, the first describing that induction of helper T cell tolerance, like the induction of immunity, is controlled by H-2-linked Ir genes.

Insulin-specific tolerance induction. I. Abrogation of helper T cell activity is controlled by H-2-linked Ir genes

Murine antibody responses to heterologous insulins are under H-2-linked immune response (Ir) gene control. We have found that the immune response to insulin in adjuvant can be inhibited by prior i.v. injection of soluble insulin. The effect of i.v. injection of insulin is antigen-specific and dose-dependent and requires the same doses of insulin that are immunogenic if administered with adjuvant. In addition, the inhibitory effect of soluble insulin is dependent upon the route of injection; if soluble insulin is injected i.p., the subsequent response to insulin in adjuvant is augmented rather than inhibited. Unresponsiveness requires at least 4 days after i.v. injection to develop and once induced, it is maintained for 4 wk or more. Unresponsiveness is caused by T cell, but not B cell, tolerance, and we have been unable to demonstrate any role for suppressor T cells in this unresponsiveness. More importantly, analysis of the ability of numerous insulin variants to induce unresponsiveness in several H-2k and H-2b strains of mice has demonstrated that only the variants that were immunogenic in a given strain when administered with adjuvant were able to cause tolerance. This report is, to our knowledge, the first describing that induction of helper T cell tolerance, like the induction of immunity, is controlled by H-2-linked Ir genes.

Prostatic crystalloids: association with adenocarcinoma

With review of 393 consecutive cases of previously documented prostatic adenocarcinoma, the coexistence of intraglandular crystalloids was confirmed. The various morphologic appearances of these structures are described. Unequivocal crystalloids were identified in 10% of cases. They were most often located in the acini of malignant glands but occasionally were observed in benign glands adjacent to carcinoma. Of available clinical and demographic parameters analyzed, several unexplained statistical relationships were observed, but none of the variables could be used to characterize the patients with crystalloids. This paper suggests that these structures may be useful in the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma when only inadequate or equivocal biopsy material is available.

Congenital anomalies of the optic disk

Six patients had congenital anomalies of the optic disk: epipapillary fibrous tissue, peripapillary pigmentary disturbance, and anomalies in the size of the optic disk and in the retinal vessels. Congenital anomalies of the optic disk form a spectrum in which many of the ophthalmoscopic features are shared and in which visual function varies.

Effect of decreased O2 supply to tissue on the lactate: pyruvate ratio in blood

Experiments were performed with trained conscious dogs with permanently implanted intravascular catheters. With the dogs in a basal resting state, the concentrations of lactate (L) and pyruvate (P) in arterial blood fluctuated widely from day to day, whereas their concentration ratio (L/P) remained relatively constant. By contrast, decrease in tissue O(2) supply induced by severe chronic anemia increased the arterial blood L/P, specifically, with only random accompanying changes in the lactate or pyruvate concentrations themselves. When systemic O(2) consumption was increased acutely by muscular exercise, cardiac output increased, and the changes in blood L/P were small and not consistent between different dogs. But when O(2) supply to the tissues was simultaneously limited by anemia, L/P increased during exercise, and the magnitude of the increase was proportional to the severity of the anemia. These results suggest that changes in blood L/P during exercise are related specifically to tissue O(2) supply.