T cell inducing determinants contain a hierarchy of residues contacting the T cell receptor

T cells through their antigen specific T cell receptor recognize a bi-molecular ligand composed of an antigenic peptide bound to a MHC molecule. Several T cell inducing determinants have been extensively characterized by single amino acid substitutions. In this review, we have summarized our characterization of four immunodominant determinants. Each of these determinants possessed a single amino acid residue which was absolutely critical for the recognition by T cells. From these data we propose a hypothesis that there is a hierarchy in the T cell contact residues of a determinant, composed of a single primary residue, and a few secondary residues.

Separation of IL-4 production from Th cell proliferation by an altered T cell receptor ligand

In the presence of antigen presenting cells, a murine T helper (Th) cell specific for murine hemoglobin (Hb) responded to its immunogenic peptide by both cytokine (interleukin-4) secretion and proliferation. An altered Hb peptide with a single amino acid substitution induced only cytokine secretion and did not induce proliferation. Interleukin-1 costimulated and restored the Th proliferative response to normal levels. The altered peptide also supported cognate T cell-B cell interactions indicative of T cell helper function. Thus, this result suggests that the T cell receptor has the capacity of differential signaling.

Effects of pH and polysaccharides on peptide binding to class II major histocompatibility complex molecules

The binding of immunogenic peptides to class II major histocompatibility molecules was examined at various pH values. We studied binding of peptides containing residues 52-61 from hen egg lysozyme (HEL) to I-Ak on fixed peritoneal macrophages or to solubilized affinity-purified I-Ak. Optimum binding occurred at pH 5.5-6.0 with accelerated kinetics relative to pH 7.4; equilibrium binding was also higher at pH 5.5-6.0 than at 7.4. Similar enhancement at pH 5-6 was observed for the binding of hemoglobin-(64-76) to I-Ek and of ribonuclease-(41-61) to I-Ak. In contrast, the binding of HEL-(34-45) to I-Ak was minimally enhanced at acid pH. Dissociation of cell-associated or purified peptide-I-Ak complexes was minimal between pH 5.5 and 7.4, with increased dissociation only at or below pH 4.0 [HEL-(46-61)] or pH 5.0 [HEL-(34-45)]. Thus, optimum peptide binding occurs at pH values similar to the endosomal environment, where the complexes appear to be formed during antigen processing. In addition, we examined the effect of a number of polysaccharides on the binding of peptide to I-Ak. None of these competed with the HEL peptide 125I-labeled YE52-61 for binding to I-Ak. [3H]Dextran also failed to bind purified I-Ak. Polysaccharides do not appear to bind to class II major histocompatibility complex molecules, which explains the T-cell independence of polysaccharide antigens.

The recognition of self-antigens and autoimmune disease

Recent studies have increased our understanding of the nature of autoimmune recognition and of the identity of autoantigens, at least in model systems. Knowledge of the autoantigens and the process of recognition is suggesting new therapies for autoimmune disease.

Constitutive competition by self proteins for antigen presentation can be overcome by receptor-enhanced uptake

The cells recognize a bimolecular ligand composed of a self Ia molecule and a fragment of foreign Ag that has been processed by an APC. The effect of self proteins on the processing and presentation of foreign Ag was examined in order to ascertain the mechanisms for competition between foreign and self Ag. How this competition can be overcome to allow an efficient immune response was also examined. Normal mouse serum proteins (NMS) compete for the processing and presentation of the foreign Ag bovine RNase by APC. This competition could have occurred at any of three levels in the APC: 1) Ag uptake, 2) Ag processing, or 3) the binding of Ag to an Ia molecule. No competition for either the uptake or the processing of RNase by self proteins could be demonstrated. However, self peptides do compete with foreign Ag by binding directly to Ia molecules, as has been shown previously. Thus, the observed inhibition by NMS of Ag presentation occurred because of competition for binding to the Ia molecule. We hypothesized that during the generation of an immune response this competition is overcome by enhanced uptake of foreign Ag. To test this, we compared the ability of NMS to compete for the presentation of RNase when it entered the APC via fluid-phase pinocytosis or through receptor-mediated uptake via the mannose receptor. When the RNase entered the APC through the mannose receptor, the ability of NMS to compete was dramatically reduced. Thus, self proteins constitutively compete for the presentation of foreign Ag at the level of binding to an Ia molecule, and this competition can be overcome by receptor-mediated uptake of the Ag.

Constitutive competition by self proteins for antigen presentation can be overcome by receptor-enhanced uptake

The cells recognize a bimolecular ligand composed of a self Ia molecule and a fragment of foreign Ag that has been processed by an APC. The effect of self proteins on the processing and presentation of foreign Ag was examined in order to ascertain the mechanisms for competition between foreign and self Ag. How this competition can be overcome to allow an efficient immune response was also examined. Normal mouse serum proteins (NMS) compete for the processing and presentation of the foreign Ag bovine RNase by APC. This competition could have occurred at any of three levels in the APC: 1) Ag uptake, 2) Ag processing, or 3) the binding of Ag to an Ia molecule. No competition for either the uptake or the processing of RNase by self proteins could be demonstrated. However, self peptides do compete with foreign Ag by binding directly to Ia molecules, as has been shown previously. Thus, the observed inhibition by NMS of Ag presentation occurred because of competition for binding to the Ia molecule. We hypothesized that during the generation of an immune response this competition is overcome by enhanced uptake of foreign Ag. To test this, we compared the ability of NMS to compete for the presentation of RNase when it entered the APC via fluid-phase pinocytosis or through receptor-mediated uptake via the mannose receptor. When the RNase entered the APC through the mannose receptor, the ability of NMS to compete was dramatically reduced. Thus, self proteins constitutively compete for the presentation of foreign Ag at the level of binding to an Ia molecule, and this competition can be overcome by receptor-mediated uptake of the Ag.

Peripheral tolerance to allogeneic class II histocompatibility antigens expressed in transgenic mice: evidence against a clonal-deletion mechanism

To examine the effects of aberrant expression of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins on tolerance development, transgenic mice expressing the I-Ad genes under control of the pancreatic elastase promoter were produced. Such transgenic mice express I-Ad exclusively on exocrine pancreas, without expression in thymus or by lymphocytes. No spontaneous development of autoimmune reactivity toward exocrine pancreas was found in transgene-expressing mice of an H-2b background even though such mice could produce in vitro allogeneic responses against I-Ad. When T cells from nontransgenic H-2b mice as well as transgenic H-2b mice were activated in vitro by I-Ad allogeneic stimulator cells and transferred to transgenic mice, an intense, destructive lymphocytic infiltrate specific for exocrine pancreas developed. These findings suggest that aberrant class II MHC expression alone may not trigger autoimmune reactions. Rather, the unresponsiveness to allogenic class II MHC may result from the inability of exocrine pancreas to initiate primary responses by T cells.

Thymic cortical epithelial cells lack full capacity for antigen presentation

Several recent studies have suggested that interactions between thymocytes and thymic stromal cells are essential for the development and elimination of antigen-reactive T lymphocytes. It is important, therefore, to characterize the stromal cells involved in presentation of antigen in the thymus. In a previous report, we demonstrated, using T-cell hybridomas, that three distinct types of antigen presenting cells in the thymus (cortical epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells) constitutively expressed self haemoglobin/Ia complexes. Here we report that one of these cell types, the cortical epithelial cell, does not induce stimulation of T-lymphocyte clones even though the antigen/Ia complex required for antigen-specific recognition is present. This lack of response occurs with both TH1 and TH2 clones. Responsiveness of the TH2 clone can be restored by adding the murine lymphokine interleukin-1 beta to the culture system.

Reconstruction of the immunogenic peptide RNase(43-56) by identification and transfer of the critical residues into an unrelated peptide backbone

The involvement of each of the amino acid residues of the I-Ak-restricted T cell determinant RNase(43-56) was examined in detail using a series of peptides containing single amino acid substitutions. Four positions were identified as being essential for the formation of the determinant, Phe-46, Val-47, His-48, and Leu-51. When these four residues were substituted into the backbone of the unrelated peptide HA(130-144), a nonstimulatory peptide was obtained. The inclusion of an additional residue, Val-54, resulted in a chimeric peptide, RN/HA2, which was nearly as active as the native molecule. The peptide RN/HA2 was able to prime in vivo for RNase reactivity, confirming that these five residues contained all of the specificity of the RNase(43-56) determinant. The role of three of these critical residues was examined using both a functional competition assay and an in vivo priming assay. It was ascertained that the Phe-46 was directly involved in contacting the TCR, while the His-48 and Leu-51 were either involved in binding to the I-Ak molecule or in determining the conformation of the peptide. Thus, by critically evaluating the contribution of each of the amino acid residues in a T cell determinant, we were able to generate a chimeric peptide only containing 5 of 15 residues from the RNase(43-56) sequence that was functionally identical to the native RNase(43-56) molecule both in vitro and in vivo.

T cell receptor gene segment usage in a panel of hen-egg white lysozyme specific, I-Ak-restricted T helper hybridomas

We have studied the relationship between MHC-restricted, Ag-specific recognition and TCR structure in a panel of seven Th-hybridomas specific for the foreign protein Ag, hen egg-white lysozyme, and the I-Ak class II MHC molecule. The fine specificity of these Th cells had been determined previously by their reactivity to a panel of APC lines bearing mutant I-Ak molecules and to proteolytic fragments of HEL. TCR gene segment composition was determined by cDNA cloning and DNA sequencing. A heterogeneous, yet repetitive usage of gene segments was observed within the panel. The same V alpha C10-J alpha MD13 rearrangement was used in three of the hybridomas, two with identical Ag and MHC-restriction fine specificities. The prevalent usage of the V beta 14 gene segment and members of J beta 2 cluster was noted. Inasmuch as gene segment usage did not correlate with MHC-restriction or Ag fine specificity alone, these results favor an interactive Ag model of T-cell recognition, in which Ag and MHC are recognized as a bimolecular complex.

A novel member of the integrin receptor family mediates Arg-Gly-Asp-stimulated neutrophil phagocytosis

Human neutrophils (PMN) express a heterodimeric receptor that has ligand binding specificity for the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence within many adhesive proteins. A monoclonal antibody, B6H12, which binds to this receptor, inhibits both RGD-mediated ligand binding and stimulation of IgG-mediated phagocytosis by fibronectin, fibrinogen, vitronectin, von Willebrand's factor, and collagen type IV. By several criteria this receptor is neither a known very late antigen, a known cytoadhesin (gp IIb/IIIa-vitronectin receptor), nor a member of the LFA-1, Mac-1, p150,95 group of integrin receptors. Ligand binding via this receptor is rapidly inactivated by products of the myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-halide system of PMN. We conclude that this receptor, for which we propose the name leukocyte response integrin, is a signal-transducing molecule on PMN which may have a significant early role in modulation of PMN function at inflammatory sites.

T cell receptor gene segment usage in a panel of hen-egg white lysozyme specific, I-Ak-restricted T helper hybridomas

We have studied the relationship between MHC-restricted, Ag-specific recognition and TCR structure in a panel of seven Th-hybridomas specific for the foreign protein Ag, hen egg-white lysozyme, and the I-Ak class II MHC molecule. The fine specificity of these Th cells had been determined previously by their reactivity to a panel of APC lines bearing mutant I-Ak molecules and to proteolytic fragments of HEL. TCR gene segment composition was determined by cDNA cloning and DNA sequencing. A heterogeneous, yet repetitive usage of gene segments was observed within the panel. The same V alpha C10-J alpha MD13 rearrangement was used in three of the hybridomas, two with identical Ag and MHC-restriction fine specificities. The prevalent usage of the V beta 14 gene segment and members of J beta 2 cluster was noted. Inasmuch as gene segment usage did not correlate with MHC-restriction or Ag fine specificity alone, these results favor an interactive Ag model of T-cell recognition, in which Ag and MHC are recognized as a bimolecular complex.

Binding to Ia protects an immunogenic peptide from proteolytic degradation

A 34 amino acid hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) peptide was designed and synthesized to investigate if an immunogenic peptide once bound to an Ia molecule becomes proteolytically inaccessible. The determinant recognized by T cells, HEL(52-61) was composed of L-amino acids whereas the 12 amino acid extension on each side of this core were composed of D-epimers. This peptide, HEL(40-73) was resistant to proteolysis, except in the core region, where any cleavage would destroy the determinant. Initially HEL(40-73) was shown to be able to stimulate the HEL specific T cell, 3A9, indicating that an I-Ak molecule can bind and present large peptides that extend beyond the theoretical binding groove. HEL(40-73) was then used to examine the proteolytic sensitivity of determinants recognized by T cells. If HEL(40-73) was treated with chymotrypsin before binding to I-Ak, the determinant was totally destroyed; however, if HEL(40-73) was allowed to first bind to I-Ak, then the determinant became resistant to chymotrypsin cleavage. Thus an Ia molecule can protect a determinant from proteolytic degradation, a finding that has important implications for proposed pathways of Ag processing.

Binding to Ia protects an immunogenic peptide from proteolytic degradation

A 34 amino acid hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) peptide was designed and synthesized to investigate if an immunogenic peptide once bound to an Ia molecule becomes proteolytically inaccessible. The determinant recognized by T cells, HEL(52-61) was composed of L-amino acids whereas the 12 amino acid extension on each side of this core were composed of D-epimers. This peptide, HEL(40-73) was resistant to proteolysis, except in the core region, where any cleavage would destroy the determinant. Initially HEL(40-73) was shown to be able to stimulate the HEL specific T cell, 3A9, indicating that an I-Ak molecule can bind and present large peptides that extend beyond the theoretical binding groove. HEL(40-73) was then used to examine the proteolytic sensitivity of determinants recognized by T cells. If HEL(40-73) was treated with chymotrypsin before binding to I-Ak, the determinant was totally destroyed; however, if HEL(40-73) was allowed to first bind to I-Ak, then the determinant became resistant to chymotrypsin cleavage. Thus an Ia molecule can protect a determinant from proteolytic degradation, a finding that has important implications for proposed pathways of Ag processing.

Thymic cortical epithelial cells can present self-antigens in vivo

Antigens present during neonatal life are recognized as self and individuals are tolerant to these antigens. In normal individuals T cells are tolerant to most self proteins but we still know little of the mechanism(s) by which tolerance is established. A requisite part of the current negative selection model of self tolerance is the expression of self proteins complexed with major histocompatibility complex molecules in the thymus. As MHC proteins bind antigens and present them to the receptor on the antigen-specific T cell, then for tolerance to self to occur, it is possible that each self protein must be processed and presented by an MHC molecule. As a result of the development of a unique T-cell hybrid reactive to the self protein murine haemoglobin, we have shown that in normal animals this self protein is continuously processed and potentially presented in an MHC-restricted manner. Here we show that self haemoglobin is being processed and presented by thymic antigen-presenting cells as early as gestational day 14. We also demonstrate that three types of thymic stromal cells, namely macrophages, dendritic cells and cortical epithelial cells, can present the haemoglobin self antigen in vivo. This surprising presentation of a self antigen by thymic cortical epithelial cells implies that they could be involved in T-cell development and negative selection.

Enhanced immunogenicity of a T cell immunogenic peptide by modifications of its N and C termini

The modification of the terminal ionizable charges of an immunogenic peptide, HEL (46-61), was found to greatly increase the immunogenicity of the peptide. The modified peptide had 100- to 1000-fold enhanced activity in both in vitro and in vivo T cell assays. The mechanism of the enhancement was investigated by determining the binding affinities to I-Ak as well as circular dichroism (CD) studies. The native and enhanced peptides had indistinguishable binding affinities, as well as similar kinetics. The CD studies revealed that in aqueous solution, neither peptide had any detectable helicity; however, the addition of trifluoroethanol did result in significant helicity; with the two peptides being indistinguishable. These same modifications were also shown to enhance other immunogenic peptides if they contained a basic carboxy-terminal amino acid residue. Thus, by modifying the termini of T cell epitopes, their immunogenicity can be dramatically increased, but the molecular basis for this enhancement is still unclear.

T cell recognition of bovine ribonuclease. Self/non-self discrimination at the level of binding to the I-Ak molecule

Bovine RNase A specific T-cell hybridomas were generated to study the recognition of foreign Ag by T lymphocytes. One hybrid, TS12, was shown to recognize RNase in association with I-Ak. This hybridoma required bovine RNase to be processed before recognition. The immunogenic determinant on the RNase molecule recognized by TS12 was localized to the tryptic fragment RNase(40-61). All of the stimulatory ability of this determinant was shown to be contained within the synthetic 14mer RNase(43-56). When this segment of bovine RNase was compared with the self murine sequence, only one amino acid difference was found, a substitution of a proline residue at position 50 for a serine residue. This substitution completely abolishes binding to the I-Ak molecule, as shown by both functional and direct binding assays. This finding shows that self/non-self discrimination not only occurs at the level of the T cell, but also can be caused by an inability of the self peptide to associate with a class II molecule.

T cell recognition of bovine ribonuclease. Self/non-self discrimination at the level of binding to the I-Ak molecule

Bovine RNase A specific T-cell hybridomas were generated to study the recognition of foreign Ag by T lymphocytes. One hybrid, TS12, was shown to recognize RNase in association with I-Ak. This hybridoma required bovine RNase to be processed before recognition. The immunogenic determinant on the RNase molecule recognized by TS12 was localized to the tryptic fragment RNase(40-61). All of the stimulatory ability of this determinant was shown to be contained within the synthetic 14mer RNase(43-56). When this segment of bovine RNase was compared with the self murine sequence, only one amino acid difference was found, a substitution of a proline residue at position 50 for a serine residue. This substitution completely abolishes binding to the I-Ak molecule, as shown by both functional and direct binding assays. This finding shows that self/non-self discrimination not only occurs at the level of the T cell, but also can be caused by an inability of the self peptide to associate with a class II molecule.

Direct evidence for functional self-protein/Ia-molecule complexes in vivo

Through the development of a panel of murine hybridomas reactive to murine hemoglobin, we have been able to study the processing and presentation of self antigens by antigen-presenting cells. Our results demonstrate that peritoneal macrophages in vivo can process and potentially present the self-antigen hemoglobin. We have extended this finding to show that, directly after removal from the mouse, antigen-presenting cells from a variety of tissues stimulate our hemoglobin-specific hybridomas without any manipulation or addition of exogenous antigen. This constitutes direct functional proof that in a nondisease state self proteins are processed constitutively and can be presented in a fashion similar to that in which foreign antigens are presented. Our demonstration that antigen-presenting cells can process and potentially present self as well as foreign molecules implies that self-tolerance occurs at the level of the T cell. This constitutive processing and presentation of self antigens has potentially far-reaching implications in self-tolerance, autoimmunity, and alloreactivity.

T cell recognition of fibrinogen. A determinant on the A alpha-chain does not require processing

Murine T cell hybridomas were used to examine the requirements for processing and presentation of human fibrinogen. In contrast to most protein Ag, fibrinogen (Mr 340,000) did not need to be processed by an APC, inasmuch as intact fibrinogen was presented by both pre-fixed and chloroquine-treated macrophages. Through the use of a variety of protease inhibitors, no involvement of proteases either on the macrophage surface or in the culture medium in the presentation of fibrinogen was observed. The epitope recognized by two T cell hybridomas was localized to the peptide, A alpha (551-578), which was located on the carboxy portion of the A alpha-chain. This portion of the A alpha-chain has no defined secondary structure and must possess the conformational flexibility which allows it to directly associate with an I-Ek molecule. Thus conformational flexibility may be a major factor in determining the processing requirements of a protein Ag.

T cell recognition of fibrinogen. A determinant on the A alpha-chain does not require processing

Murine T cell hybridomas were used to examine the requirements for processing and presentation of human fibrinogen. In contrast to most protein Ag, fibrinogen (Mr 340,000) did not need to be processed by an APC, inasmuch as intact fibrinogen was presented by both pre-fixed and chloroquine-treated macrophages. Through the use of a variety of protease inhibitors, no involvement of proteases either on the macrophage surface or in the culture medium in the presentation of fibrinogen was observed. The epitope recognized by two T cell hybridomas was localized to the peptide, A alpha (551-578), which was located on the carboxy portion of the A alpha-chain. This portion of the A alpha-chain has no defined secondary structure and must possess the conformational flexibility which allows it to directly associate with an I-Ek molecule. Thus conformational flexibility may be a major factor in determining the processing requirements of a protein Ag.

Binding of photoreactive lysozyme peptides to murine histocompatibility class II molecules

We have studied the interaction of six photoreactive conjugates of the immunogenic hen egg-white lysozyme peptides HEL(46-61) or HEL(49-61) with the murine histocompatibility class II molecules I-Ak, I-Ad, I-Ek, and I-Ed. All compounds tested selectively labeled the alpha chain of the class II molecules. This was true when testing class II molecules on cell membranes or solubilized in detergents. The COOH-terminal conjugate of HEL(49-61) with (4-azidobenzoyl)cystine preferentially labeled I-Ak. However, addition of hydroxyl or iodine substituents to the photoreactive moiety increased the labeling efficiency and resulted in labeling of the other class II molecules. The data suggest that the photoreactive groups enhanced the binding affinities of these peptides to class II molecules, reflected by the increased labeling efficiencies. Conversely, introduction of an iodine substitution into the tyrosine residue of HEL(46-61) or HEL(49-61) strongly decreased the photoaffinity labeling, possibly due to steric interference with ligand binding to class II molecules. Judicious use of photoaffinity probes that conserve binding specificity of the peptide should be useful for mapping the antigen-binding site of a class II molecule.

Plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of Klebsiella sp. rcs genesable to induce colanic acid capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis in Escherichia coli

Regulation of capsular biosynthesis (rcs) genes, encoding the ability to induce the production of a colanic acid polysaccharide capsule, were transferred to Escherichia coli by conjugation with Klebsiella pneumoniae (aerogenes) of capsular serotype K36. Transfer was mediated by a 58.4-MDa conjugative plasmid of incompatibility group IncM, which carried a copy of Tn7 (specifying resistance to trimethoprim and streptomycin) together with determinants for several further resistances. This plasmid did not carry the rcs genes itself, but mediated the conjugative recA-dependent transfer of part of the Klebsiella chromosome to E. coli. Once resident in E. coli, the rcs gene(s) could not be mobilised to other strains of E. coli, and the mobilising plasmid could be cured from capsulate transconjugants without loss of the ability to produce colanic acid. All such cured transconjugants contained an insertion of Tn7 in the chromosome, suggesting that the transposon might be involved in mobilisation of the rcs genes from Klebsiella sp. to E. coli. These findings explain previous observations that the ability to manufacture capsular polysaccharide could be transferred by plasmids between Klebsiella sp. and E. coli.

The role of capsular polysaccharide K21b of Klebsiella and of the structurally related colanic-acid polysaccharide of Escherichia coli in resistance to phagocytosis and serum killing

The behaviour of strains of Klebsiella aerogenes of capsular serotype K21 and strains of Escherichia coli producing a structurally related polysaccharide (colanic acid) was analysed by phagocytic and serum-killing assays. The cell-surface characteristics of these strains and of non-capsulate strains derived from them were also investigated by partitioning experiments in aqueous two-polymer phase systems. The possession of K21-type capsule by K. aerogenes or colanic-acid polysaccharide by E. coli conferred a strong negative charge on capsulate bacteria. Negatively charged bacteria of E. coli producing colanic-acid capsules, however, like non-capsulate K. aerogenes, were susceptible to uptake by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In contrast, K21 polysaccharide conferred on klebsiellae considerable resistance to phagocytic uptake. The finding that ingested non-capsulate derivative strains of K. aerogenes were less rapidly degraded by phagocytes than E. coli strains suggested that other components of the cell surface of Klebsiella, notably lipopolysaccharide, may be involved in protection against phagocytic killing. The presence of colanic-acid capsules on E. coli conferred little resistance to the bactericidal activity of human serum or phagocytic uptake and did not protect against intracellular killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Contribution of capsular polysaccharide and surface properties to virulence of Escherichia coli K1

We examined the surface properties, susceptibility to the bactericidal activity of serum, and susceptibility to phagocytosis of Escherichia coli K1, a laboratory strain of E. coli (LE392), and strain LE392 carrying a plasmid (pKT274) incorporating a 17-kilobase insert of DNA that encodes the ability to produce surface K1 antigen. As determined by electron microscopy, LE392 was nonencapsulated but both E. coli K1 and LE392(pKT274) possessed a thin capsule. By using charged aqueous two-phase polymer systems, both E. coli K1 and LE392(pKT274) were shown to be significantly more negatively charged than LE392. E. coli K1 was resistant to the bactericidal activity of serum, but both LE392 and LE392(pKT274) were completely inhibited by neonatal serum at a concentration of 20% (vol/vol). As measured by counting endocytosed and nonendocytosed bacteria and by chemiluminescent response, E. coli K1 was highly resistant to phagocytic uptake by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, whereas LE392 was rapidly taken up by such cells; LE392(pKT274) was resistant to endocytosis, although less so than E. coli K1. Most intraphagocytic E. coli LK1 remained structurally intact for up to 60 min, whereas both LE392 and LE392(pKT274) were rapidly degraded.

Identification of the T-cell and Ia contact residues of a T-cell antigenic epitope

The precise molecular structure of the antigenic determinant recognized by the T-cell receptor of the CD4-positive cell has not been completely resolved. A major advance in our understanding of this issue has been made by our demonstration of a direct association between an immunogenic peptide and a purified Ia molecule. The most likely and economical hypothesis is that antigen binds directly to an Ia molecule creating the antigenic determinant and that this antigen-Ia complex is recognized by the T-cell receptor. We examined in detail a determinant of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) contained in the tryptic fragment HEL(46-61), recognized by T cells in H-2k strains of mice. This peptide binds with a Kd of approximately 3 microM to I-Ak molecules. We have already ascertained that (1) the 10-mer HEL(52-61) is the shortest stimulatory peptide; (2) the Leu56 residue, the only residue different from mouse lysozyme, is responsible for the immunogenicity; (3) the Leu56 and Tyr53 residues are critical for recognition by the T-cell receptor and (4) HEL(46-61) generates multiple determinants when it associated with the I-Ak molecule. If antigen and Ia interact, the antigen must have two features: it must bind to an Ia molecule and also interact with the T-cell receptor. The two sites do not appear to be laterally separable in this peptide and are therefore probably composed of distinct but interspersed amino-acid residues. We have now identified the three residues of HEL(52-61) that contact the T-cell receptor and three other residues that contact the I-Ak molecule. From modelling studies we also propose that HEL(52-61) assumes an alpha-helical conformation as it is bound to I-Ak and recognized by the T-cell receptor.

The basis for the immunoregulatory role of macrophages and other accessory cells

Macrophages handle extracellular proteins and secrete diverse bioactive molecules and, therefore, influence the physiology of many tissues. They also have an important immunoregulatory role. The immune response to proteins involves the activation of the T helper subset of lymphocytes. The T helper cell is activated only when it interacts with the protein displayed on the surface of a macrophage or other accessory cell. This interaction involves restrictive proteins encoded in the major histocompatibility gene complex as well as growth-differentiating proteins.

Identification of two chemical types of K21 capsular polysaccharide from klebsiellae

Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae of serotype K21 are frequently involved in outbreaks of nosocomial infections. The type strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae K21 (which we have renamed K21a) produces capsular polysaccharide that contains mannose, galactose and glucuronic acid in the ratio 2:2:1. In contrast, all eight of the randomly chosen isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae that were initially typed as K21 were shown by paper chromatography and NMR spectroscopy to produce a different capsular polysaccharide. We have designated this new polysaccharide K21b. The K21b capsular material appears to have a closely similar immunodominant side chain to K21a. However, K21b polysaccharide has two molecules of rhamnose in the polysaccharide backbone replacing the two molecules of mannose found in the K21a capsule. Our results suggest that the K21b Klebsiella serotype may be more frequently distributed than the classical K21a type.

Antigenic competition at the level of peptide-Ia binding

We examined the direct binding of a hen egg white lysozyme peptide, HEL(46-61), to membrane I-Ak (protein encoded in the A locus of the I region) molecules in the presence of detergent. A number of synthetic peptide derivatives, which did not stimulate our T-cell reactive hybridomas, competed for the binding of HEL(46-61) to I-Ak and also inhibited the functional presentation of HEL(46-61). Inhibitors included a peptide lacking a tyrosine at position 53 and a peptide corresponding to the autologous lysozyme peptide. Presentation was examined with cells or with supported planar phospholipid membranes bearing only I-Ak and HEL(46-61). Other peptides that did not compete for the binding did not inhibit functional presentation. We concluded that the binding of an immunogenic peptide to I-A is critical for presentation, that the I-A molecule does not discriminate between autologous and foreign related determinants but does recognize structurally different peptides. Our evidence suggests that our immunogenic peptide bears noncontiguous amino acids critical for contact I-A binding interspersed with amino acids critical for interaction with T cells.

Biochemistry and biology of antigen presentation by macrophages

The presentation of antigen by macrophages has been studied. We have shown that globular proteins must be processed in endocytic vesicles of low pH prior to presentation. Some of the structural requirements of one such processed peptide have been determined, as has the affinity for Ia of that peptide. Finally, we have shown that a membrane-associated form of interleukin-1 is also required for presentation of processed antigen to T cells.

Direct evidence that a class II molecule and a simple globular protein generate multiple determinants

We have examined the individual contributions of the I-A kappa alpha chain, the I-A kappa beta chain, and the foreign antigen hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) in the formation of the determinant being recognized by the T cell receptor. As functional probes we have used (a) a panel of 10 HEL-specific T cell hybridomas, (b) a panel of antigen-presenting cells (APC) possessing mutations in either the I-A kappa alpha or I-A kappa beta chains, and (c) proteolytic fragment of HEL and related synthetic peptides. The ability of the I-A kappa beta and I-A kappa alpha mutant cell lines to present antigen to the 10 T cell hybridomas divided these T cells into six distinct groups. These HEL-specific T cells therefore appear to recognize several distinct domains on the I-A kappa molecule. The 10 T cell hybrids were then shown to recognize at least three distinct determinants on the HEL molecule, with 8 of the 10 hybrids recognizing one of two major determinants HEL(46-61) or HEL(34-45). Combining the response patterns to the panel of I-A kappa mutant APC lines with the antigen specificity revealed that the 10 T cell hybrids recognized at least eight unique determinants formed by the I-A kappa alpha chains, I-A kappa beta chains, and HEL peptides. This analysis provides direct evidence that a large number of different determinants or T cell receptor ligands can be generated from a single Ia molecule and a simple globular protein.

Binding of immunogenic peptides to Ia histocompatibility molecules

Most cellular interactions essential for the development of an immune response involve the membrane glycoproteins encoded in the major histocompatibility gene complex. The products of the I region, the class II histocompatibility molecules (Ia molecules), are essential for accessory cells such as macrophages to present polypeptide antigens to helper T cells. This interaction, antigen presentation, is needed for T-cell recognition of the antigen and its consequent activation. How the Ia molecules regulate the immune response during antigen presentation is not known, although it is commonly thought to result from their association with the presented antigen. Recent studies, including the elucidation of the structure of the T-cell receptor, favour recognition of a single structure, an antigen-Ia complex. Here we report attempts to determine whether purified Ia glycoproteins have an affinity for polypeptide antigens presented by intact cells in an Ia-restricted manner. We first identified the epitope of a peptide antigen involved in presentation. Several laboratories have shown that globular proteins are altered (processed) in intracellular vesicles of the antigen-presenting cell before antigen presentation. A major component of the T-cell response is directed toward determinants found in the unfolded or denatured molecule, and our laboratory has shown that the determinant of the hen-egg lysozyme protein (HEL), presented in H-2k mice to T cells, is a sequence of only 10 amino acids. This portion resides in an area of the native molecule partially buried inside the molecule, in a beta-sheet conformation. To be presented, intact or native HEL must first be processed in acidic intracellular vesicles. Having isolated the peptide responsible for T-cell recognition of HEL, we sought a physical association of this peptide with purified, detergent-solubilized I-Ak molecules from B-hybridoma cells. We have found such an association, which may explain the role of the Ia glycoproteins in cellular interactions.

Specificity of the T cell receptor: two different determinants are generated by the same peptide and the I-Ak molecule

The determinants recognized by two I-Ak-restricted hen egg-white lysozyme-specific T cell hybridomas were differentiated with a series of truncated or substituted peptides. The 10mer 52-61 was the smallest peptide that was immunogenic for both T cells. This peptide differed by a single residue, Leu56, from the corresponding autologous lysozyme peptide, which was nonimmunogenic. The addition of amino acids to the amino terminus of 52-61 increased the immunogenicity of the peptides for 3A9 T cells and decreased the immunogenicity for 2A11 T cells. By deleting or diiodinating Tyr53, the resulting peptides were rendered totally nonimmunogenic. In contrast, the 3-NO2-Tyr derivative was fully immunogenic for the 3A9 cells but completely nonimmunogenic for the 2A11 cells. Thus, two different, but very similar, determinants were generated by the same HEL peptide and the I-Ak molecule.

Specificity of the T cell receptor: two different determinants are generated by the same peptide and the I-Ak molecule

The determinants recognized by two I-Ak-restricted hen egg-white lysozyme-specific T cell hybridomas were differentiated with a series of truncated or substituted peptides. The 10mer 52-61 was the smallest peptide that was immunogenic for both T cells. This peptide differed by a single residue, Leu56, from the corresponding autologous lysozyme peptide, which was nonimmunogenic. The addition of amino acids to the amino terminus of 52-61 increased the immunogenicity of the peptides for 3A9 T cells and decreased the immunogenicity for 2A11 T cells. By deleting or diiodinating Tyr53, the resulting peptides were rendered totally nonimmunogenic. In contrast, the 3-NO2-Tyr derivative was fully immunogenic for the 3A9 cells but completely nonimmunogenic for the 2A11 cells. Thus, two different, but very similar, determinants were generated by the same HEL peptide and the I-Ak molecule.

Processing and presentation of hen egg-white lysozyme by macrophages

The processing and presentation by macrophages of the well-defined protein hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) was analyzed using two HEL-specific T cell hybridomas. The processing studies revealed that both clones required that native HEL be processed, while neither clone required any processing of a tryptic digest of lysozyme. A differential requirement for processing was found for the intact, denatured lysozyme (CM-HEL) with one clone (2A11) requiring processing, and a second clone (3A9) did not require any processing. The determinant on the HEL molecule that both clones recognized was localized to a tryptic fragment containing residues 46 to 61. By testing the immunogenicity of fragments of the 46-61 peptide, mouse lysozyme, and human lysozyme, we were able to localize the T cell determinant to either of two residues, Gly-49 or Leu-56.

Antigen processing and presentation by macrophages

The classical macrophage is one of the most important cells involved in presenting antigen to helper T cells, because of its ability to regulate its expression of Ia molecules and to encounter and process particulate and soluble antigens. We have summarized in this report studies examining the handling by macrophages of two different antigens, the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and the protein hen egg white lysozyme (HEL). The purpose was to identify potential sources of immunogenic peptides. Presentation of Listeria required an intracellular processing stage sensitive to lysosomotropic drugs. The Listeria required internalization and processing, after which immunogenic molecules were recognized by T cells on the macrophage surface. Metabolic studies showed that Listeria-derived peptides were released by macrophages that had phagocytosized the bacteria. The release of these peptides was a temperature-dependent process, unaffected by inhibiting lysosomal catabolism by treatment with chloroquine. Listeria-derived peptides were also detected on the surface of the macrophage. These peptides behaved like integral membrane proteins, some of which persisted for at least 24 hr at the macrophage surface. When tested for immunogenicity, the released peptides were very weakly immunogenic. The membrane-associated peptides alone could not stimulate Listeria-specific T cells, but could be reprocessed by additional macrophages and subsequently stimulate the T cells. A defined antigen system using HEL-specific T-cell hybridomas was used to examine the processing of HEL. Presentation of HEL required a chloroquine-sensitive intracellular processing stage. In examining two T-cell hybridomas, a differential requirement for antigen processing was determined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Processing of lysozyme by macrophages: identification of the determinant recognized by two T-cell hybridomas

The purpose of this study was to identify the fragment of the hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) molecule presented by macrophages to helper T cells. This was investigated by using T-cell hybridomas and macrophages prefixed in paraformaldehyde. We previously had shown that such prefixed macrophages could present a tryptic digest of HEL. The tryptic peptides were separated by HPLC and tested for their ability to stimulate the T-cell hybridomas. Only one tryptic peptide was found to be immunogenic. This immunogenic peptide was identified as the tryptic peptide T-8, containing amino acids 46-61. The precise determinant on the peptide T-8 being recognized was further defined by testing the response of the two T-cell hybridomas to human lysozyme. Neither clone responded to human lysozyme. From the amino acid sequence of human lysozyme, the determinant was localized to the four amino-terminal residues. Cleavage of the immunogenic peptide with either chymotrypsin or protease V-8 completely abolished the immunogenicity. This suggested that the T-cell determinant is located in the hydrophilic amino-terminal residues and that it must be associated with a hydrophobic stretch of amino acids, which allows the peptide to associate with the macrophage plasma membrane.