Interleukin 4 receptor: signaling mechanisms

Achsah Keegan and colleagues consider the signaling mechanisms utilized by the interleukin 4 (IL-4) receptor and review evidence suggesting that these mechanisms can account for the known responses of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells to IL-4. Most of these data have been obtained from analyses of the ability of IL-4 to regulate the growth of IL-3-dependent myeloid cell lines. These results have implicated a pathway of activation homologous to that utilized by insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). However, it is possible that the regulation of growth responses through the IL-4 receptor (and other receptors), and the differentiative events elicited in lymphocytes, may not be mediated by the same post-receptor events.

Hepatic infarction and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver with associated anticardiolipin antibodies in a young woman

An 18-year-old woman developed acute congestive hepatic infarction in the presence of a circulating anticardiolipin antibody. She subsequently developed nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRHL) with associated portal hypertension. Unlike previously reported cases of NRHL, this case offers a prospective follow-up of the development of NRHL. Its occurrence following an episode of hepatic venous impairment in an otherwise normal liver supports the hypothesis that NRHL may develop as a consequence of diminished hepatic venous drainage.

An IL-4 receptor region containing an insulin receptor motif is important for IL-4-mediated IRS-1 phosphorylation and cell growth

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) treatment of 32D cells overexpressing insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) causes prompt tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1. Transfection of truncation mutants of the human IL-4 (huIL-4) receptor into 32D-IRS-1 cells demonstrated that the region from amino acid 437-557 is important for IL-4 signaling. This region of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) contains the motif 488PL-X4-NPXYXSXSD502 (insulin/IL-4R [I4R]) found in the insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors. Mutation of Y497 to F yielded receptors that caused little or no IRS-1 phosphorylation in response to huIL-4 when expressed in 32D-IRS-1 cells. Most cell lines expressing Y497F also failed to proliferate in response to huIL-4. Furthermore, a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein containing the I4R motif-bound IRS-1, tyrosine kinase(s), and other unidentified phosphoproteins with molecular sizes of 140, 80, and 55 kd. Thus, the central tyrosine of the I4R motif has a major role in IL-4-mediated signal transduction in 32D cells.

The interleukin-4 receptor: signal transduction by a hematopoietin receptor

Over the last several years, the receptors for numerous cytokines have been molecularly characterized. Analysis of their amino acid sequences shows that some of these receptors bear certain motifs in their extracellular domains that define a family of receptors called the Hematopoietin receptor superfamily. Significant advances in characterizing the structure, function, and mechanisms of signal transduction have been made for several members of this family. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advances made for one of the family members, the interleukin (IL) 4 receptor. Other receptor systems have recently been reviewed elsewhere. The IL-4 receptor consists of, at the minimum, the cloned 140 kDa IL-4-binding chain with the potential for associating with other chains. The IL-4 receptor transduces its signal by activating a tyrosine kinase that phosphorylates cellular substrates, including the receptor itself, and the 170 kDa substrate called 4PS. Phosphorylated 4PS interacts with the SH2 domain of the enzyme PI-3'-kinase and increases its enzymatic activity. These early events in the IL-4 receptor initiated signaling pathway may trigger a series of signals that will ultimately lead to an IL-4 specific biologic outcome.

Interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain: a functional component of the interleukin-4 receptor

The interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma chain (IL-2R gamma) is an essential component of high- and intermediate-affinity IL-2 receptors. IL-2R gamma was demonstrated to be a component of the IL-4 receptor on the basis of chemical cross-linking data, the ability of IL-2R gamma to augment IL-4 binding affinity, and the requirement for IL-2R gamma in IL-4-mediated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1. The observation that IL-2R gamma is a functional component of the IL-4 receptor, together with the finding that IL-2R gamma associates with the IL-7 receptor, begins to elucidate why deficiency of this common gamma chain (gamma c) has a profound effect on lymphoid function and development, as seen in X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.

Common elements in interleukin 4 and insulin signaling pathways in factor-dependent hematopoietic cells

Interleukin 4 (IL-4), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) efficiently induced DNA synthesis in the IL-3-dependent murine myeloid cell lines FDC-P1 and FDC-P2. Although these factors could not individually sustain long-term growth of these lines, a combination of IL-4 with either insulin or IGF-I did support continuous growth. The principal tyrosine-phosphorylated substrate observed in FDC cells stimulated with IL-4, previously designated 4PS, was of the same size (170 kDa) as the major substrate phosphorylated in response to insulin or IGF-I. These substrates had phosphopeptides of the same size when analyzed by digestion with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and each tightly associated with the 85-kDa component of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase after factor stimulation. IRS-1, the principal substrate phosphorylated in response to insulin or IGF-I stimulation in nonhematopoietic cells, is similar in size to 4PS. However, anti-IRS-1 antibodies failed to efficiently precipitate 4PS, and some phosphopeptides generated by V8 protease digestion of IRS-1 were distinct in size from the phosphopeptides of 4PS. Nevertheless, IL-4, insulin, and IGF-I were capable of stimulating tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in FDC cells that expressed this substrate as a result of transfection. These findings indicate that (i) IL-4, insulin, and IGF-I use signal transduction pathways in FDC lines that have at least one major feature in common, the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of 4PS, and (ii) insulin and IGF-I stimulation of hematopoietic cell lines leads to the phosphorylation of a substrate that may be related to but is not identical to IRS-1.

IL-4 activates a distinct signal transduction cascade from IL-3 in factor-dependent myeloid cells

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) was shown to induce a potent mitogenic response in the IL-3-dependent myeloid progenitor cell line, FDCP-2. Although IL-4 could not sustain long-term growth of FDCP-2 cells, it enhanced their growth in serum-free medium containing IL-3. IL-4 triggered prominent tyrosine phosphorylation of a substrate(s) migrating at 170 kDa and less striking phosphorylation of several other proteins, including the IL-4 receptor. By contrast, IL-3 induced distinct tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins migrating at 145, 97, 70, 55 and 52 kDa in the same cell line. IL-4 treatment of FDCP-2 cells caused a dramatically strong association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) both with the 170 kDa tyrosine phosphorylated substrate and with the IL-4 receptor itself. By contrast, IL-3 triggered only weak association of PI 3-kinase activity with the 97 kDa substrate. While IL-4 did not affect cellular raf, IL-3 stimulation did induce a shift in its mobility presumably due to serine/threonine phosphorylation. Taken together, our results indicate that IL-4 and IL-3 activate distinct phosphorylation cascades in the same cell background; this may reflect a difference in the biological function of these two cytokines.

Computer assisted quantitation of terminal hepatic vein connective tissue in the rat

Computer assisted image analysis has been used to quantify the cellular and extracellular connective tissue component of rat liver terminal hepatic venules, in control animals and those exposed to 40% ethanol in drinking water. A significant relationship existed between the size of the terminal hepatic venule and the amount of connective tissue it contained in 14 of 15 controls and 17 of 18 ethanol exposed rats. Thickening of the terminal hepatic vein wall assessed to be present in ethanol treated rats by direct observation was confirmed by image analysis in all cases (p < 0.01). Significant differences between treated and control livers (p < 0.05) were detected by image analysis when not apparent to human observers. Sensitive quantitative assessment of terminal hepatic vein wall thickening was thus achieved by computerized analysis of liver sections.

Multichain immune recognition receptors: similarities in structure and signaling pathways

Cells involved in immune recognition bear characteristic and complex multichain receptors. Here, Achsah Keegan and William Paul propose, based on familial relationships in both extracellular and intracellular domains, that they be grouped in a set, designated the multichain immune recognition receptors.

Ligand stimulation of transfected and endogenous growth factor receptors enhances cytokine production by mast cells

IL-3 dependent mast cell lines produce cytokines in response to Fc receptor cross-linkage or to ionomycin. In this study we have observed that cells pre-cultured in IL-3 produce 10-100 times more cytokine after receptor cross-linkage in comparison with IL-4 pre-cultured cells. Although several hematopoietin receptors, including those for IL-3, IL-4 and EPO, do not contain tyrosine kinase domains, their occupancy with ligand causes tyrosine phosphorylation of specific cellular substrates. Therefore, the contribution of tyrosine kinase activation to the ability of an IL-3 dependent mast cell line, CFTL-15, to produce cytokines was analyzed. The CFTL-15 cells were transfected with growth factor receptors containing ligand-inducible tyrosine kinase domains (EGFR and PDGFR, and CSF-IR) or with the EPOR. All of the transfectants were able to proliferate in response to IL-3 or to their respective growth factor and to produce IL-3 in response to IgE receptor cross-linkage. Stimulation of the EGFR and PDGFR transfectants with their respective ligands resulted in the production of IL-3, IL-6, and GM-CSF. Stimulation of the CSF-1R or EPOR transfectants with growth factor alone failed to induce cytokine production. However, in co-stimulation assays each of the growth factors enhanced the amount of cytokine produced in response to Fc epsilon RI cross-linkage. The ability of these stimuli to induce tyrosine phosphorylation in the transfectants was analyzed. Fc epsilon RI cross-linkage in the transfectants routinely induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of 145, 86 and 72 kDa proteins, with occasional phosphorylation of 55, 52, and 40 kDa proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of new rat anti-mouse IgE monoclonals and their use along with chimeric IgE to further define the site that interacts with Fc epsilon RII and Fc epsilon RI

Three rat monoclonal antibodies specific for mouse IgE (C12B9, 23G3, and B1E3) were established by using monoclonal anti-DNP mouse IgE (mIgE) as immunogen. These antibodies, as well as a fourth, (R1E4) were characterized. It was found that one antibody (C12B9) recognizes an allotypic determinant (Igh-7a) found on the C epsilon chain of mIgE. Antibody cross-blocking studies and epitope mapping studies using recombinant mIgE indicated that 3 antibodies (C12B9, R1E4 and 23G3) were directed against the C epsilon 3 domain while one (B1E3) was directed against the C epsilon 4 domain. A highly specific sandwich RIA for mIgE was developed using these antibodies. Use of these monoclonal anti-mIgE antibodies in conjunction with recombinant chimeric mIgE-human IgG1 molecules, demonstrated that the C epsilon 3 domain is important in the binding of mIgE to the murine B cell Fc epsilon RII as well as to the murine mast cell F epsilon RI. The presence of the C epsilon 4 domain influenced the binding of the recombinant IgE to the Fc epsilon RII; in contrast to the C epsilon 4 domain had no effect on binding to the Fc epsilon RI.

The IL-4 receptor: biochemical characterization of IL-4-binding molecules in a T cell line expressing large numbers of receptors

Cross-linking of 125I-IL-4 to the surface of cells expressing IL-4R yields as the major IL-4-binding molecules, polypeptide chains with inferred m.w. of approximately 70,000 (p70) and approximately 120,000 to 140,000 (p120-p140). The demonstration that the functional product of the IL-4R cDNA clone has m.w. of approximately 140,000 and that no p70 product is detected in transfected COS-7 cells has led to an uncertainty regarding the nature of p70. To study this issue, we examined the relationship of the IL-4-binding molecules p120 and p70 and, in parallel, attempted to immunoprecipitate p70 from surface and internally labeled cells using IL-4 and two anti-IL-4R antibodies (M1 and M2), bound to Affigel 10, as ligands. Cross-linked complexes containing 125I-IL-4 and p70 or p120 were isolated and digested with chymotrypsin or with V8 protease. Three distinct IL-4-binding peptides could be compared; these were indistinguishable for cross-linked p70 and p120, strongly implying that p70 and p120 were structurally related. Furthermore, immunoprecipitates made with IL-4 or anti-IL-4R-Affigel did not contain p70. This led us to conclude that p70 is a breakdown product of p120. A second IL-4-binding molecule of 40,000 Da (p40) expressing the M1 and M2 epitopes of the IL-4R was detected and appears to be the product of an mRNA coding for the soluble form of the receptor. mRNA for p40 was detected in both the T cell line CT.4R and the mast cell line CFTL.12 using polymerase chain reaction primers unique to this species of message. Pulse-chase studies of IL-4R in [35S] methionine-labeled cells indicates that p40 is derived from a 42,000-Da precursor that is detectable at the end of the pulse period, and thus, further argue that p40 is an independently translated molecule and not a degradation product of p120. Although p40 has been previously shown to be a soluble, truncated form of the receptor, we failed to observe secretion of p40 into the medium by internally labeled CT.4R cells.

The IL-4 receptor: biochemical characterization of IL-4-binding molecules in a T cell line expressing large numbers of receptors

Cross-linking of 125I-IL-4 to the surface of cells expressing IL-4R yields as the major IL-4-binding molecules, polypeptide chains with inferred m.w. of approximately 70,000 (p70) and approximately 120,000 to 140,000 (p120-p140). The demonstration that the functional product of the IL-4R cDNA clone has m.w. of approximately 140,000 and that no p70 product is detected in transfected COS-7 cells has led to an uncertainty regarding the nature of p70. To study this issue, we examined the relationship of the IL-4-binding molecules p120 and p70 and, in parallel, attempted to immunoprecipitate p70 from surface and internally labeled cells using IL-4 and two anti-IL-4R antibodies (M1 and M2), bound to Affigel 10, as ligands. Cross-linked complexes containing 125I-IL-4 and p70 or p120 were isolated and digested with chymotrypsin or with V8 protease. Three distinct IL-4-binding peptides could be compared; these were indistinguishable for cross-linked p70 and p120, strongly implying that p70 and p120 were structurally related. Furthermore, immunoprecipitates made with IL-4 or anti-IL-4R-Affigel did not contain p70. This led us to conclude that p70 is a breakdown product of p120. A second IL-4-binding molecule of 40,000 Da (p40) expressing the M1 and M2 epitopes of the IL-4R was detected and appears to be the product of an mRNA coding for the soluble form of the receptor. mRNA for p40 was detected in both the T cell line CT.4R and the mast cell line CFTL.12 using polymerase chain reaction primers unique to this species of message. Pulse-chase studies of IL-4R in [35S] methionine-labeled cells indicates that p40 is derived from a 42,000-Da precursor that is detectable at the end of the pulse period, and thus, further argue that p40 is an independently translated molecule and not a degradation product of p120. Although p40 has been previously shown to be a soluble, truncated form of the receptor, we failed to observe secretion of p40 into the medium by internally labeled CT.4R cells.

Superinduction of the murine B cell Fc epsilon RII by T helper cell clones. Role of IL-4

Th cell clones are known to induce an IL-4 dependent polyclonal IgE synthesis. Because IL-4 can induce the expression of the low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon RII) the ability of Th cell clones to induce Fc epsilon RII on purified splenic B cells was analyzed. It was found that a TH2 clone could cause a 50- to 100-fold superinduction of Fc epsilon RII after 2 days in culture; after 3 days, the Fc epsilon RII levels had almost returned to base line. The superinduction was inhibited by an anti-IL-4 antibody, 11B11, indicating its dependence on IL-4. A TH1 clone could cause a modest (four fold) induction of Fc epsilon RII, and this induction was not influenced by 11B11. A similar Fc epsilon RII induction was seen when using the supernatant from activated TH1 cells. The component(s) causing this relatively low level Fc epsilon RII induction is not known; a variety of known lymphokines were tested, and only IL-4 demonstrated any capacity for Fc epsilon RII induction on LPS-activated B cells. Addition of rIL-4 at concentrations of 400 U/ml or greater to the TH1 culture was sufficient to cause a Fc epsilon RII superinduction similar to that seen with the TH2 clone, while 40 U/ml was not. In order to determine a potential role for the Fc epsilon RII or its soluble fragment on the IgE synthesis mediated by TH2, a monoclonal anti-Fc epsilon RII, B3B4, was added to the culture. The addition of B3B4 did not have an influence on IgE levels in this system.

Superinduction of the murine B cell Fc epsilon RII by T helper cell clones. Role of IL-4

Th cell clones are known to induce an IL-4 dependent polyclonal IgE synthesis. Because IL-4 can induce the expression of the low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon RII) the ability of Th cell clones to induce Fc epsilon RII on purified splenic B cells was analyzed. It was found that a TH2 clone could cause a 50- to 100-fold superinduction of Fc epsilon RII after 2 days in culture; after 3 days, the Fc epsilon RII levels had almost returned to base line. The superinduction was inhibited by an anti-IL-4 antibody, 11B11, indicating its dependence on IL-4. A TH1 clone could cause a modest (four fold) induction of Fc epsilon RII, and this induction was not influenced by 11B11. A similar Fc epsilon RII induction was seen when using the supernatant from activated TH1 cells. The component(s) causing this relatively low level Fc epsilon RII induction is not known; a variety of known lymphokines were tested, and only IL-4 demonstrated any capacity for Fc epsilon RII induction on LPS-activated B cells. Addition of rIL-4 at concentrations of 400 U/ml or greater to the TH1 culture was sufficient to cause a Fc epsilon RII superinduction similar to that seen with the TH2 clone, while 40 U/ml was not. In order to determine a potential role for the Fc epsilon RII or its soluble fragment on the IgE synthesis mediated by TH2, a monoclonal anti-Fc epsilon RII, B3B4, was added to the culture. The addition of B3B4 did not have an influence on IgE levels in this system.

Superinduction of low affinity IgE receptors on murine B lymphocytes by lipopolysaccharide and IL-4

Recent work in both the human and murine systems has demonstrated that IL-4 is capable of specifically inducing the synthesis of the low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII). In addition, in conjunction with LPS, IL-4 will induce IgG1 and IgE synthesis. To analyze the correlation between Fc epsilon RII induction and IgE secretion, Fc epsilon RII and IgE levels were measured by RIA on murine splenic B cells stimulated with LPS and IL-4 over 7 days of culture. Treatment with LPS and IL-4 gave a 20- to 50-fold (day 3) "superinduction" of Fc epsilon RII levels compared with a 3- to 5-fold induction with IL-4 alone; removal of IL-4 resulted in a rapid decline in Fc epsilon RII levels. The cells expressing high Fc epsilon RII levels were determined to be blasts. Superinduction of Fc epsilon RII occurs at 10 U/ml IL-4 and remains relatively constant in the range of 10 to 1000 U/ml. In contrast, with increasing IL-4, IgE levels increase, reaching microgram levels at day 7 with 300 U/ml IL-4. Triggering the cells with anti-Ig, as expected, gave no Ig secretion, and in addition, Fc epsilon RII superinduction by IL-4 and anti-Ig was not seen. PMA is known to block Ig secretion induced by LPS. Concentrations of PMA that totally abrogated IgE secretion had no effect on Fc epsilon RII superinduction, indicating that the latter phenomena can be separated from IL-4-induced Ig secretion. Superinduction also results in higher levels of Fc epsilon RII fragment release into the media. Thus, attempts were made to influence IgE secretion by adding additional purified Fc epsilon RII fragment to the culture. The purified fragment did not have a significant influence on IgE levels in this system.

Effect of B cell stimulatory factor-1 (interleukin 4) on Fc epsilon and Fc gamma receptor expression on murine B lymphocytes and B cell lines

Culture of murine splenic B cells with interleukin 4 (IL-4) caused the up-regulation of the lymphocyte Fc receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE) (Fc epsilon R) over a similar dose range as required for Ia up-regulation. However, the expression level of the Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G (Fc gamma R) did not increase, rather IL-4 caused a slight but consistent decrease in the Fc gamma R level on the B cells. Fc epsilon R+ B hybridoma cells also responded to IL-4 by exhibiting increased Fc epsilon R expression; with the hybridoma cells Fc gamma R levels were unaffected. IL-4 caused an increase in the number of Fc epsilon R per cell and the highest levels of expression were obtained by having both IgE and IL-4 present in the culture. The specificity of the increase was demonstrated by blocking IL-4-mediated actions with monoclonal anti-IL-4 (11B11). Experiments following the incorporation of [35S]methionine into the Fc epsilon R demonstrated that IL-4 increased the rate of Fc epsilon R biosynthesis; this provides an explanation for the IL-4-induced increase in Fc epsilon R expression. IL-4, unlike IgE, had no effect on the rate of degradation of the Fc epsilon R. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) totally abrogated IL-4-mediated Fc epsilon R up-regulation; at the same concentration of IFN-gamma Ia up-regulation is also suppressed, although not as effectively. IFN-gamma was shown to directly suppress Fc epsilon R synthesis, thereby explaining the inhibitory action on Fc epsilon R levels. Finally, it was shown that 11B11 inhibited the increased expression of Fc epsilon R on B cells obtained from mice during the early, but not the late, stages of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection. This latter finding suggests that the high Fc epsilon R levels seen early in parasite infections are dependent upon IL-4. The results overall provide further insight into the biologic activities of IL-4.

Effect of B cell stimulatory factor-1 (interleukin 4) on Fc epsilon and Fc gamma receptor expression on murine B lymphocytes and B cell lines

Culture of murine splenic B cells with interleukin 4 (IL-4) caused the up-regulation of the lymphocyte Fc receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE) (Fc epsilon R) over a similar dose range as required for Ia up-regulation. However, the expression level of the Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G (Fc gamma R) did not increase, rather IL-4 caused a slight but consistent decrease in the Fc gamma R level on the B cells. Fc epsilon R+ B hybridoma cells also responded to IL-4 by exhibiting increased Fc epsilon R expression; with the hybridoma cells Fc gamma R levels were unaffected. IL-4 caused an increase in the number of Fc epsilon R per cell and the highest levels of expression were obtained by having both IgE and IL-4 present in the culture. The specificity of the increase was demonstrated by blocking IL-4-mediated actions with monoclonal anti-IL-4 (11B11). Experiments following the incorporation of [35S]methionine into the Fc epsilon R demonstrated that IL-4 increased the rate of Fc epsilon R biosynthesis; this provides an explanation for the IL-4-induced increase in Fc epsilon R expression. IL-4, unlike IgE, had no effect on the rate of degradation of the Fc epsilon R. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) totally abrogated IL-4-mediated Fc epsilon R up-regulation; at the same concentration of IFN-gamma Ia up-regulation is also suppressed, although not as effectively. IFN-gamma was shown to directly suppress Fc epsilon R synthesis, thereby explaining the inhibitory action on Fc epsilon R levels. Finally, it was shown that 11B11 inhibited the increased expression of Fc epsilon R on B cells obtained from mice during the early, but not the late, stages of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection. This latter finding suggests that the high Fc epsilon R levels seen early in parasite infections are dependent upon IL-4. The results overall provide further insight into the biologic activities of IL-4.

The murine lymphocyte receptor for IgE. V. Biosynthesis, transport, and maturation of the B cell Fc epsilon receptor

The post-translational processing and maturation of the receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon R) on murine hybridoma B cells were studied to determine the carbohydrate content and the importance of processing events in cell surface expression and ligand (IgE) binding ability. Endo and exoglycosidase treatment demonstrated that the mature receptor is composed of two to three complex-type N-linked oligosaccharides and contains sialic acid. Pulse-chase experiments indicated that the receptor is synthesized as a 44,000 dalton precursor that begins to be processed by 1 hr to the mature 49,000 dalton form, and the latter is expressed at the cell surface by 2 hr. It was determined that the processing included the conversion of N-linked oligosaccharides to the complex type as well as an additional processing event, because in the presence of tunicamycin, the receptor is synthesized as a 36,000 dalton precursor that is processed to a 38,000 dalton species. Analysis of the effects of tunicamycin treatment and endo F digestion on soluble Fc epsilon R isolated from cell supernatants demonstrated the existence of several m.w. species of Fc epsilon R fragments, and indicated that only the higher m.w. fragments were N-glycosylated. The use of several inhibitors of the N-linked carbohydrate processing pathway demonstrated that the addition of core N-linked side-chains, but not their processing to the complex type, is required for cell surface expression of Fc epsilon R. Also, processing of N-linked carbohydrate is not required for ligand binding activity. Finally, IgE affinity chromatography indicated that the 49,000 and 38,000 dalton (tunicamycin) Fc epsilon R bind IgE more effectively than their precursor forms, 44,000 and 36,000 daltons, respectively, indicating that a processing event independent of N-linked glycosylation is necessary for optimal ligand binding activity.

The murine lymphocyte receptor for IgE. V. Biosynthesis, transport, and maturation of the B cell Fc epsilon receptor

The post-translational processing and maturation of the receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon R) on murine hybridoma B cells were studied to determine the carbohydrate content and the importance of processing events in cell surface expression and ligand (IgE) binding ability. Endo and exoglycosidase treatment demonstrated that the mature receptor is composed of two to three complex-type N-linked oligosaccharides and contains sialic acid. Pulse-chase experiments indicated that the receptor is synthesized as a 44,000 dalton precursor that begins to be processed by 1 hr to the mature 49,000 dalton form, and the latter is expressed at the cell surface by 2 hr. It was determined that the processing included the conversion of N-linked oligosaccharides to the complex type as well as an additional processing event, because in the presence of tunicamycin, the receptor is synthesized as a 36,000 dalton precursor that is processed to a 38,000 dalton species. Analysis of the effects of tunicamycin treatment and endo F digestion on soluble Fc epsilon R isolated from cell supernatants demonstrated the existence of several m.w. species of Fc epsilon R fragments, and indicated that only the higher m.w. fragments were N-glycosylated. The use of several inhibitors of the N-linked carbohydrate processing pathway demonstrated that the addition of core N-linked side-chains, but not their processing to the complex type, is required for cell surface expression of Fc epsilon R. Also, processing of N-linked carbohydrate is not required for ligand binding activity. Finally, IgE affinity chromatography indicated that the 49,000 and 38,000 dalton (tunicamycin) Fc epsilon R bind IgE more effectively than their precursor forms, 44,000 and 36,000 daltons, respectively, indicating that a processing event independent of N-linked glycosylation is necessary for optimal ligand binding activity.

The interaction of nominal antigen with T cell antigen receptors. I. Specific binding of multivalent nominal antigen to cytolytic T cell clones

In this report, we describe an experimental strategy for analyzing the interaction of nominal antigen with antigen-specific T cell clones. Our approach was based on the notion that low affinity interactions between nominal antigen and T cell antigen receptors might be detected by using a highly multivalent form of the antigen in which a large number of identical, appropriately spaced epitopes are attached to a polymer backbone. Antigens of this kind should be capable of multivalent binding to receptors on the T cell, resulting in a marked enhancement of the overall avidity of the interaction. To examine this possibility, we established a series of murine cytolytic T cell (Tc) clones specific for the readily detectable hapten fluorescein isothiocyanate (FL). These clones lysed FL-conjugated target cells in an antigen-specific fashion and also showed specificity for target cell MHC gene products. The interaction of these clones with the nominal antigen FL was assessed by flow cytometry, using a series of water-soluble FL-conjugated polymers varying in polymer backbone and FL isomer. High m.w. (600 to 2000 Kd) polymers of acrylamide, dextran, or Ficoll conjugated with 300 to 800 FL groups/molecule bound specifically to anti-FL Tc clones. There was little binding to syngeneic spleen cells, thymocytes, noncytolytic T cell clones, or T cell clones specific for other haptens such as NIP. Polymer concentrations in the 1 to 10 micrograms/ml range produced readily detectable binding within minutes at 20 degrees C, and the binding approached plateau levels at polymer concentrations of between 100 and 300 micrograms/ml. Studies with closely related FL isomers showed that the same antigen fine specificity was operative in both lysis of FL-conjugated target cells and in binding of FL-conjugated polymers. The functional significance of the observed binding was assessed by measuring the effect of FL-conjugated polymers on lymphokine secretion by the clones. High m.w. FL-conjugated polymers caused a dose-dependent increase in the production of macrophage activation factor (MAF) by anti-FL Tc clones, but did not increase MAF production by an NIP-specific clone. In contrast, concanavalin A induced MAF production by both FL-specific and NIP-specific clones. Thus, the observed binding is both specific and functionally significant. These results suggest that soluble nominal antigen, in an appropriately multivalent form, can bind specifically to antigen receptors on Tc clones.