Ia binding ligands and cAMP stimulate nuclear translocation of PKC in B lymphocytes

Positive regulation of the cAMP-responsive activator CREM by the p70 S6 kinase: an alternative route to mitogen-induced gene expression

Activation of the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway elicits the induction of genes via activators binding to cAMP-responsive elements (CREs). Nuclear factor CRE modulator (CREM) is activated by PKA-mediated phosphorylation on a serine at position 117. We show that Ser-117 is also phosphorylated by the mitogen-activated p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) in vitro. Activation of cellular p70S6K by serum factors enhances Ser-117 phosphorylation and CREM transactivation. Coexpression of p70S6K significantly increases transactivation by a GAL4-CREM fusion. The macrolide rapamycin, a potent and specific inhibitor of p70S6K in vivo, completely blocks CREM activation induced by serum and by p70S6K. Thus, CREM constitutes a target for mitogenic signaling through p70S6K and may acts as a nuclear effector in which transduction pathways may converge and cross-talk.

MHC class II signaling in B-cell activation

The cognate interaction between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), mediated by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, results in the delivery of activation signals to the APC. These signals contribute to the expression of co-stimulatory activity by APCs and have important consequences for cell effector function. MHC class II molecules also serve as receptors for B-cell stimulation by microbial superantigens. In this review, Paul Scholl and Raif Geha discuss recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms of MHC class II signaling and analyse their role in human B-cell activation.

Absence of MHC class II molecules reduces CNS demyelination, microglial/macrophage infiltration, and twitching in murine globoid cell leukodystrophy

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a severe genetic demyelinating disorder with an increased number of Ia (immune response antigen) positive brain microglia/macrophages. To assess the role of aberrant Ia expression in the central nervous system (CNS), twitcher mice, which represent the murine model for GLD, were mated with Ia- transgenic mice. Compared with the Ia+ controls, Ia- twitcher mice showed a profound reduction in the severity of demyelinating lesions correlated with significantly fewer microglia/macrophages. Most importantly, Ia- twitcher mice showed significantly reduced twitching compared with ia+ twitcher mice. In contrast with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), there was no significant amount of inflammatory T cell infiltrates, implying that T cells may not play a predominant role in this disease. These findings may have broad therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, which display enhanced Ia expression in the CNS without obvious T cell infiltrates.

Migration of murine epidermal Langerhans cells to regional lymph nodes: engagement of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens induces migration of Langerhans cells

Langerhans cells are resident dendritic cells in the epidermis. Once they are loaded with epicutaneously-delivered antigens, they leave the epidermis and migrate to the regional lymph nodes where they initiate primary T cell responses as antigen-presenting cells. However, the stimulus that initiates such migration remains unknown. Because major histocompatibility complex class II (Ia) antigens on B lymphocytes or monocytic cells have been shown to function as signal transducers, we evaluated the effect of the engagement of Ia antigens on the migration of murine epidermal Langerhans cells. The intradermal injection of an anti-Ia monoclonal antibody (mAb) reduced the density of Langerhans cells in epidermis and produced a dose- and time-dependent increase in the frequency of cells reactive with NLDC145 (Langerhans cell- and dendritic cell-specific mAb) within the regional lymph nodes. Injection of a control mAb had no effect. The NLDC145+ cells that were induced to accumulate in the regional lymph nodes were Ia+, large dendritic cells, some of which were positive for both NLDC145 and F4/80, a phenotype corresponding to that of murine epidermal Langerhans cells. Thus, the engagement of Ia antigens on Langerhans cells by mAb induces the migration of Langerhans cells from the epidermis to the regional lymph nodes. Analysis of these changes in Langerhans cells in vitro may help to reveal the biochemical sequence of events involved in the activation and differentiation of Langerhans cells.

The eta isoform of protein kinase C is localized on rough endoplasmic reticulum

The eta isoform of protein kinase C, isolated from a cDNA library of mouse skin, has unique tissue and cellular distributions. It is predominantly expressed in epithelia of the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory tract in close association with epithelial differentiation. We report here that this isoform is localized on the rough endoplasmic reticulum in transiently expressing COS1 cells and constitutively expressing keratinocytes. By the use of polyclonal antibodies raised against peptides of the diverse D1 and D2/D3 regions, we found that immunofluorescent signals were strongest in the cytoplasm around the nucleus and became weaker toward the peripheral cytoplasm. Under immunoelectron microscopic examination, electron-dense signals were located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and on the outer nuclear membrane which is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. However, no signals were detected in the nucleus, inner nuclear membrane, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, or plasma membrane. Treatment of the cells in situ with detergents suggested association of the isoform of protein kinase C with intracellular structures. By immunoblotting, a distinct single band with an M(r) of 80,000 was detected in whole-cell lysate and in rough microsomal and crude nuclear fractions, all of which contain outer nuclear membrane and/or rough endoplasmic reticulum. We further demonstrated the absence of a nuclear localization signal in the pseudosubstrate sequence. The present observation is not consistent with the report of Greif et al. (H. Greif, J. Ben-Chaim, T. Shimon, E. Bechor, H. Eldar, and E. Livneh, Mol. Cell. Biol. 12:1304-1311, 1992).

The eta isoform of protein kinase C is localized on rough endoplasmic reticulum

The eta isoform of protein kinase C, isolated from a cDNA library of mouse skin, has unique tissue and cellular distributions. It is predominantly expressed in epithelia of the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory tract in close association with epithelial differentiation. We report here that this isoform is localized on the rough endoplasmic reticulum in transiently expressing COS1 cells and constitutively expressing keratinocytes. By the use of polyclonal antibodies raised against peptides of the diverse D1 and D2/D3 regions, we found that immunofluorescent signals were strongest in the cytoplasm around the nucleus and became weaker toward the peripheral cytoplasm. Under immunoelectron microscopic examination, electron-dense signals were located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and on the outer nuclear membrane which is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. However, no signals were detected in the nucleus, inner nuclear membrane, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, or plasma membrane. Treatment of the cells in situ with detergents suggested association of the isoform of protein kinase C with intracellular structures. By immunoblotting, a distinct single band with an M(r) of 80,000 was detected in whole-cell lysate and in rough microsomal and crude nuclear fractions, all of which contain outer nuclear membrane and/or rough endoplasmic reticulum. We further demonstrated the absence of a nuclear localization signal in the pseudosubstrate sequence. The present observation is not consistent with the report of Greif et al. (H. Greif, J. Ben-Chaim, T. Shimon, E. Bechor, H. Eldar, and E. Livneh, Mol. Cell. Biol. 12:1304-1311, 1992).

Mechanisms involved in the inhibition of growth of a human B lymphoma cell line, B104, by anti-MHC class II antibodies

The mechanisms involved in the inhibition of growth of a human B lymphoma cell line, B104, by anti-MHC class II antibodies (Ab) were compared with those in anti-IgM Ab-induced B104 growth inhibition. Two anti-MHC class II Ab, L227 and 2.06, inhibited the growth of B104 cells, although 2.06, but not L227, needed to be further cross-linked with a goat anti-mouse IgG Ab (GAM) to show the effect. L227 induced an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) from the intracellular pool and little or no protein tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphatidyl inositol turnover, or expression of Egr-1 mRNA, whereas 2.06 plus GAM induced an increase in [Ca2+]i from both the intracellular and, in particular, the extracellular pools. The inhibition of B104 cell growth induced by anti-MHC class II Ab was Ca(2+)-independent and not inhibited by actinomycin D or cyclosporin A, and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M interphase was not observed. These features are very different from those observed in B104 cell death induced by anti-IgM Ab. Neither DNA fragmentation nor the morphology of apoptosis was observed. These findings demonstrate that cross-linking of MHC class II molecules transduced the negative signals through intracellular mechanisms different from those present in the cross-linking of surface IgM.

Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived superantigen induces proinflammatory monokine gene expression in the THP-1 human monocytic cell line

Soluble factors produced by Mycoplasma arthritidis play an important role in the pathology of arthritis in rodents, which closely resembles human rheumatoid arthritis. At least one of the products of these microorganisms, M. arthritidis-T cell mitogen (MAM), has biological activities in common with superantigens. These superantigens activate T cells in a V beta-restricted fashion, and this response is strictly dependent on the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-positive cells. In the present study, we have examined the ability of MAM to induce proinflammatory monokine (interleukin 1 beta [IL-1 beta] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha]) gene expression in the THP-1 monocytic cell line. Treatment of these cells (which express a very low level of HLA-DR molecules) with gamma interferon (INF-gamma) induced HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP molecules and enabled them to respond to MAM in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in an increase in the level of steady-state mRNA for IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha. Stimulation of the U937 monocytic cell line (MHC class II-negative even after INF-gamma treatment) with MAM did not induce either IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha transcription. Moreover, MAM adsorption on Raji (MHC class II-positive) cells resulted in the loss of its cytokine-inducing activity to induce monokine gene expression. These findings demonstrate clearly that MAM induces monokine gene expression following interaction with MHC class II molecules. Pretreatment of INF-gamma-treated THP-1 cells with the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D prevented the induction of monokine mRNA, whereas cycloheximide superinduced mRNA after stimulation with MAM. Finally, our results, obtained with protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antiphosphotyrosine Western blotting (immunoblotting), indicate that protein tyrosine kinase is involved in MAM-induced IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha gene expression in the THP-1 monocytic cell line. The capacity of MAM to induce proinflammatory cytokine transcription in monocytes via MHC class II molecules can be one pathway of MAM contribution to autoimmune diseases.

Regulation of the costimulator B7, not class II major histocompatibility complex, restricts the ability of murine kidney tubule cells to stimulate CD4+ T cells

The proximal segment of murine kidney tubule cells (KTC) constitutively expresses low levels of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that are upregulated during local and systemic inflammation. It is not known if KTC also express the costimulator molecules necessary for them to productively participate in immune responses and stimulate T cells. To answer this question, we studied the ability of KTC to present antigens to four Th1 clones. KTC did not induce T cell proliferation to specific antigen, superantigen, or concanavalin A. However, T cell receptors did engage the peptide/MHC ligand presented by KTC, as indicated by T cell enlargement and upregulation of interleukin-2 receptor expression. Importantly, KTC failed to express the Th1 costimulator, B7, as detected by fluorescence cytometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We directly demonstrated that lack of B7 expression accounted for at least part of the KTC presentation defect, in that a KTC line transfected with the cDNA for B7 stimulated T cell proliferation to antigen. Our results suggest that epithelial cells expressing class II MHC have developed mechanisms to prevent costimulator expression and limit parenchymal tissue destruction. Failure of class II-expressing epithelial cells to limit costimulator expression may be an important component of organ-specific autoimmunity.

Alpha-thrombin-induced nuclear sn-1,2-diacylglycerols are derived from phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis in cultured fibroblasts

Diglycerides play an important role in a number of agonist-induced signal transduction pathways. We have recently demonstrated that alpha-thrombin induces a rapid increase in the level of diglyceride mass in the nucleus and a selective increase in nuclear PKC-alpha [Leach, K.L., Ruff, V.A., Jarpe, M.B., Fabbro, D., Adams, L.D., & Raben, D.M. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 21816-21822]. In the present report, we examined the potential source of the induced nuclear diglycerides by examining the molecular species profiles of both the induced diglycerides and nuclear phospholipids by capillary gas chromatography. The molecular species profiles of the nuclear diglycerides generated resemble the species profiles of PC, and not PI species, at all times. In addition, while our previous data indicated that the molecular species of whole-cell phospholipids did not change in response to alpha-thrombin, nuclear PE was altered in a dramatic and selective manner in response to this agonist. These results demonstrate that PC hydrolysis is the predominant, if not exclusive, source of the alpha-thrombin-induced nuclear diglycerides in these fibroblasts.

A bryostatin-sensitive protein kinase C required for nerve growth factor activity

Nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulates rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) to differentiate into a neuronal-like cell that exhibits neurite extensions. The role of protein kinase C in signal transduction has been examined in PC12 cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and bryostatin, a macrocyclic lactone that activates protein kinase C at both the nuclear and the plasma membranes [Hocevar, B. A., & Fields, A. P. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 28-33]. In contrast to PMA down-regulation [Reinhold, D. S., & Neet, K. E. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 3538-3544], chronic (24 h) treatment with bryostatin blocked the formation of neurites in response to NGF or basic fibroblast-derived growth factor stimulation, but, like PMA, bryostatin did not block the induction of c-fos or c-jun protooncogenes by NGF. Chronic bryostatin treatment down-regulated protein kinase C activity in the cytosolic, membrane, and nuclear fractions. Acute (60 min) bryostatin or NGF treatment activated cytosolic and nuclear protein kinase C activity, suggesting possible translocation to the nucleus. Bryostatin did not induce neurite outgrowth, either alone or in combination with PMA. Thus, the bryostatin-sensitive protein kinase C is distinct from PMA- or K252a-sensitive kinases previously described. The bryostatin-sensitive protein kinase C is necessary, but not sufficient, for neurite outgrowth and acts in the nucleus in a manner independent of c-fos and c-jun transcription.

The role of brain-immune interactions in immunotoxicology

Certain xenobiotics (or the metabolites) can damage immunocompetence by directly interacting with one or more of the cells of the immune system and adversely affecting its function. It has also been proposed that xenobiotics may indirectly affect immune function by affecting other organ systems that will in turn affect immunocompetence. This review surveys evidence that supports the existence of a functional link between the brain and the immune system. In addition, we review data that support the concept that a xenobiotic-induced dysfunction in the neuroendocrine system may be associated with an immune dysfunction as well. Such chemicals do not necessarily interact directly with immunocompetent cells but would instead act to disrupt regulatory brain-immune interactions. This class of indirectly acting immunotoxic xenobiotics would not be detected in the typical in vitro screening assays.

HLA class II molecules transduce accessory signals affecting the CD3 but not the interleukin-2 activation pathway in T blasts

MHC class II molecules play a central role in the control of the immune response, but their biologic function and mechanism of action on the surface of activated human T lymphocytes are not entirely understood. In our study, the functional role of HLA class II molecules in T-blast proliferation was investigated by analyzing in parallel the IL-2- and CD3-driven activation pathways. The results indicate that the cross-linking of class II and CD3 molecules significantly increased the CD3-mediated T-blast proliferation, while no effect was observed on the IL-2-driven cell activation. This phenomenon was not confined to either CD4+ or CD8+ subsets nor was specifically affected by CD45 triggering. Biochemical studies showed that signaling via MHC class II molecules in T blasts led to PKC membrane translocation and IP accumulation. The simultaneous triggering of CD3 and HLA class II molecules led to a synergistic effect on IP accumulation but did not increase the CD3-mediated PKC membrane translocation. Our data suggest that HLA class II molecules are involved in T-cell-T-cell interactions and can mediate accessory signals, affecting the T-lymphocyte activation state.

Ligation of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules mediates apoptotic cell death in resting B lymphocytes

Class II major histocompatibility complex-encoded molecules expressed on the surface of primed B lymphocytes function as restriction elements for presentation of antigen to T lymphocytes, an interaction that ultimately leads to activation and differentiation of both cell types. The engagement of class II on a resting B cell, on the other hand, inhibits subsequent B-cell growth and activation. Our studies show that treatment of resting B lymphocytes with anti-class II antibodies, or with other agents (dibutyryl cAMP or isoproterenol) that increase intracellular levels of cAMP, results in the apoptotic death of most or all of the resting B cells. Conversely, treating cells with immobilized anti-immunoglobulin and interleukin 4, conditions known to prime cells, protects them from class II-mediated death and specifically from increases in nucleosomal fragments characteristic of apoptotic death. Freshly ex vivo activated B cells likewise are refractory to class II-mediated apoptosis. Treating B cells with anti-class II reagents causes an elevation of cAMP in resting, but not in activated, B cells. These results suggest that apoptotic death is a mechanism of prevention of nonspecific B-cell activation in the event that T-cell receptor and/or CD4 ligation of major histocompatibility complex class II occurs in the absence of antigen.

Structural compartmentalization of MHC class II signaling function

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules are critical restricting elements in the generation of thymus-dependent immune responses. Recent studies indicate that in addition to providing a composite epitope for recognition by T-cell antigen receptors, MHC class II molecules function in signal transduction through interaction with other cellular proteins. Mutational analyses indicate that structural information necessary for these functions is compartmentalized in different aspects of the molecular complex. Here, William Wade and colleagues review the structural basis of this MHC class II function as defined in the I-A alpha and -beta chains.

Antibodies against major histocompatibility complex class II antigens directly inhibit the growth of T cells infected with Theileria parva without affecting their state of activation

We have analyzed the effect of antibodies (Abs) directed against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II Abs on the proliferation of Theileria parva-infected (Tpi) T cells. Anti-MHC class II Abs exert a direct effect on Tpi T cells causing an acute block in their proliferation. The inhibition does not involve apoptosis and is also entirely reversible. The rapid arrest of DNA synthesis caused by anti-MHC class II Abs is not due to interference with the state of activation of the T cells since the transcriptional activator NF-kappa B remains activated in arrested cells. In addition, interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-2R, and c-myc gene expression are also unaffected. By analyzing the cell-cycle phase distribution of inhibited cells, it could be shown that cells in all phases of the cell cycle are inhibited. The signal transduction pathway that results in inhibition was shown to be independent of protein kinase C and extracellular Ca2+. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, however, partly reduced the level of inhibition and, conversely, phosphatase inhibitors enhanced it. The possible relevance of this phenomenon in other systems is discussed.

Cellular signalling mechanisms in B lymphocytes

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Agonistic and antagonistic effects of cholera toxin on human B lymphocyte proliferation

In our attempts to elucidate the mechanisms regulating the IL2- and IL4-induced proliferation of human B lymphocytes, we studied the effects of cholera toxin (CT) and other agents increasing adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels on tonsil B cells activated through their antigen receptors. CT enhanced proliferation of anti-IgM-costimulated B cells in a dose-dependent fashion (1 ng/ml to 10 micrograms/ml), a property shared in part by other agents inducing cAMP, such as forskolin, prostaglandin E2 and dibutyryl-cAMP, but not by the purified B subunit of CT. However, when cytokine-dependent proliferation was studied, CT and cAMP-increasing agents inhibited IL2-induced DNA synthesis of anti-IgM-activated B cells. This blockade was not due to a modification of the kinetics of proliferation, but was rather a consequence of partial inhibition of IL2 receptor expression. In contrast CT and cAMP-elevating agents enhanced the latest phases of the IL4-induced DNA synthesis of anti-IgM-activated B cells. These results indicate that CT displays agonistic and antagonistic effects on human B cell proliferation, most of these effects being reproduced by cAMP-elevating agents. Thus limited activation of the cAMP pathway in B cells may facilitate the development of TH2-type immune responses.

Signal transduction mechanisms of HLA-DR-mediated interleukin-1 beta production in human monocytes. Role of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase activation

The signal transduction pathways leading to the expression of IL-1 beta in human monocytes via HLA-DR stimulation were investigated. SEB, a staphylococcal enterotoxin that binds to HLA-DR molecules, induced IL-1 beta expression in human monocytes. Protein synthesis inhibition by cycloheximide did not inhibit SEB-mediated IL-1 beta signal, indicating that protein synthesis is not required for the MHC class-II-mediated IL-1 beta expression. The effect of PKC, PKA, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors on HLA-DR-mediated IL-1 beta mRNA expression was then determined. H7, a preferential PKC inhibitor, completely inhibited IL-1 beta signal induced by SEB. The role of PKC on HLA-DR-mediated IL-1 beta induction was further confirmed by the ability of SEB to activate PKC on monocytes directly when measured with labeled phorbol ester ([3H]Pbt2)-binding capacity of whole cells. HA 1004, a preferential PKA inhibitor, and isobutyl-methyl-xanthine (IBMX), which inhibits the degradation of cAMP, had no effect on SEB-induced IL-1 beta signal, excluding the role of cAMP on HLA-DR-mediated IL-1 beta expression. Two tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein and dihydroxycinnamate, both inhibited SEB-induced IL-1 beta mRNA in monocytes. SEB also induced enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins in human monocytes when determined with antiphosphotyrosine immunoblotting. Our results demonstrate that both PKC and protein tyrosine kinases are involved in HLA-DR-induced IL-1 beta expression in human monocytes.

Interferon (IFN)-alpha, IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, and arachidonic acid metabolites modulate IL-4-induced IgE synthesis similarly in healthy persons and in atopic dermatitis patients

The role of cytokines and arachidonic acid metabolites in the regulation of IgE production in healthy persons and in atopic dermatitis patients with elevated IgE levels was studied. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) induced IgE production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of all donors, and no significant difference was found between the amounts of IgE produced by healthy persons and atopic dermatitis patients. Similarly, recombinant interferon (IFN)-alpha and IFN-gamma, as well as IL-2, inhibited IL-4-induced IgE production to a similar extent in both study groups. To evaluate the role of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites in the regulation of IgE production, we added indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway, or nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an inhibitor of the lipoxygenase pathway, to IL-4-treated cultures. Both indomethacin and NDGA strongly inhibited IL-4-induced IgE production. They also inhibited IL-4-induced IgG4 synthesis. No significant difference in the amount of inhibition was found between the two study groups. We were unable to restore the NDGA-induced inhibition of IgE-production by adding leukotrienes B4, C4, D4, or 5-HETE to the NDGA-treated cultures. PGE2 also failed to restore the indomethacin-mediated inhibitory effect. Consequently, NDGA- and indomethacin-mediated inhibitory effects do not appear to be mediated by any single factor studied. Collectively, our results show IFNs and IL-2 to be similar in effect in the modulation of IL-4-induced IgE synthesis in healthy and atopic persons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuroimmune modulation: signal transduction and catecholamines

In recent years, much interest has centered on the commonalities and bi-directional interactions between the nervous system and the immune system. This review focuses on mechanisms through which, catecholamines, a class of neuro-endocrine molecules, modulate immune functions. Catecholamines can be immune suppressive and inhibit lymphocyte activation of both T and B cells as well as the generation of immune-mediated anti-tumor responses. Some of these catecholamine-regulated activities appear to be modulated through the second messenger, cyclic AMP, whereas others appear to be catecholamine-dependent but cyclic AMP independent. Further delineation of the interacting ligand-receptor complexes, populations of responding cells and signal transduction mechanisms leading to the activation of specifically involved genes and gene products, will lead to enhanced understanding of the integratory functions of the nervous system in immune responses, the biology of stress, the role of stress-associated molecular mechanisms in perturbations of physiological homeostasis and the development of a new biological psychiatry with accompanying rational therapeutic modalities.

Biochemistry of B lymphocyte activation

The activation of B lymphocytes from resting cells proceeds from the events of early activation to clonal proliferation to final differentiation into either an antibody-secreting plasma cell or a memory B cell. This is a complex activation process marked by several alternative pathways, depending on the nature of the initial antigenic stimulus. Over the past 5-10 years, there has been an explosion of studies examining the biochemical nature of various steps in these pathways. Some of that progress is reviewed here. In particular, we have described in detail what is known about the structure and function of the AgR, as this molecule plays a pivotal role in B cell responses of various types. We have also reviewed recent progress in understanding the mechanism of action of contact-dependent T cell help and of the cytokine receptors, particularly the receptors for IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6. Clearly, all of these areas represent active areas of investigation and great progress can be anticipated in the next few years.

Signalling through the MHC class II cytoplasmic domain is required for antigen presentation and induces B7 expression

Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules function as antigen-presenting elements as well as signal transducers on B lymphocytes. We previously reported that a B lymphoma cell transfectant, 5C2, expressing genetically engineered I-Ak molecules with truncated cytoplasmic domains was severely impaired in both antigen presentation and in anti-Ia-induced intracytoplasmic signalling. These two functions could be restored by preculturing 5C2 cells with cyclic AMP analogues. Here we demonstrate that impaired signal transduction by truncated class II molecules results in a deficiency in induction of the newly defined B-cell accessory molecule B7 (ref. 8), which can be reversed by restoration of B7 expression. These data imply that contact of the T-cell antigen receptor with MHC/antigen ligand results in signal transmission through the class II cytoplasmic domain. This signal, which can be mimicked by dibutyryl cAMP, induces expression of B7, resulting in effective antigen presentation. The fact that crosslinking of surface class II MHC also induces B7 expression on normal resting human B cells supports this contention.

Deletions in the regulatory or kinase domains of protein kinase C-alpha cause association with the cell nucleus

We have constructed expression plasmids carrying protein kinase C (PKC) cDNAs with deletions in the coding region. Two truncated molecules, consisting only of the kinase domain of PKC-alpha, were generated by removing parts of the cDNA coding for the regulatory region. Another mutant molecule was created by deleting 95 amino acids from the C-terminal part of the molecule. The full-length cDNA coding for PKC-alpha and its deletion constructs was expressed in COS cells. Using cell fractionation experiments and immunofluorescence staining, we demonstrate here that in contrast to the cytosolic localization of full-length PKC-alpha, the truncated forms, coding only for the kinase domain, were found exclusively in the cell nucleus. Further subfractionation of nuclei isolated from these transfected cells indicated partial association with the nuclear envelopes. Expression of the cDNA lacking the C-terminal part of the molecule in COS cells encoded a truncated molecule that was found both in the cytosol and in the nucleus. We also show that translocation of full-length PKC-alpha molecules to the cell nucleus occurred in response to phorbol ester treatment. Thus, it appears that accumulation of PKC-alpha in the nucleus results either by phorbol ester activation or by deletions of specific regions of the molecule. A molecular mechanism for the nuclear translocation of phorbol ester-activated PKC-alpha or its truncated molecules is suggested.

Signal transduction by HLA class II molecules in human T cells: induction of LFA-1-dependent and independent adhesion

Crosslinking HLA-DR molecules by monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) induces protein tyrosine phosphorylation and results in a secondary elevation of free cytoplasmic calcium concentrations in activated human T cells. Binding of bacterial superantigens or moAbs to DR molecules on activated T cells was recently reported to induce homotypic aggregation through activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and mediated by CD11a/CD54 (LFA-1/CAM-1) adhesion molecules. Here, we report that moAbs directed against framework DR, but neither DR1, 2- and DRw52- nor DQ- and DP-specific moABs induced homotypic aggregation of antigen- and alloantigen-activated T cells, antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell lines, a CD8+ T-cytotoxic cell line, and T-leukemia cells (HUT78). Protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor herbimycin A partly blocked class-II-induced aggregation responses. In contrast, phorbol ester (PMA)-induced aggregation was essentially unaffected. A potent inhibitor of PKC, staurosporin, inhibited both moAb- and PMA-induced aggregation responses. The aggregation responses were completely inhibited by low temperatures, cytochalasins B and E, and partly inhibited by EDTA and CD18 moAbs, but unaffected by aphidicolin, mitomycin C, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (2'5'-dideoxyadenosine), and moAbs against other adhesion molecules (CD2/CD58 [LFA-3], CD28/CD28 ligand B7, CD4, and CD44). In conclusion, HLA class-II-induced aggregation responses in activated T cells appear to involve PTK and PKC activation and to be mediated through CD11a-dependent and independent adhesion pathways.

Regulation of gene transcription and proliferation by parathyroid hormone is blocked in mutant osteoblastic cells resistant to cyclic AMP

We employed a cyclic AMP-resistant subclone of UMR 106-01 osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (UMR 4-7) with a regulated, dominant-negative mutation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PK-A), to examine the mechanism(s) whereby parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates growth of these cells. Expression of a transiently transfected CAT reporter gene controlled by the cAMP response element of the rat somatostatin gene ('SST-CAT') was used to monitor PK-A activation in intact cells. Agonist-stimulated SST-CAT expression was specific for agents known to activate adenylate cyclase, required an intact cAMP response element and was specifically blocked following induction of the mutant cAMP-resistant phenotype in UMR 4-7 cells. Inhibition of the proliferation of UMR 106-01 cells by PTH, which is mimicked by forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP, was blocked completely in mutant cyclic AMP-resistant UMR 4-7 cells. We conclude that control of proliferation in UMR 106-01 cells by PTH involves the cAMP messenger system and requires activation of PK-A.

Properties of protein kinase C associated with nuclear membranes

To study signal transduction directed towards the cell nucleus and at the nuclear membranes, we investigated the association of protein kinase C (PKC) with nuclear membranes obtained from nuclei isolated from bovine brain. By use of phorbol-ester-binding assays, significant amounts of PKC could be demonstrated in nuclei and nuclear membranes. Nuclear membranes are shown to be able to activate purified PKC. The PKC endogenously present in nuclear membranes appears to be a so-called 'membrane-inserted' form: it is permanently active, still binds phorbol ester, but its activity is no longer dependent on Ca2+ and cannot be activated by phorbol ester. On the other hand, this form of PKC can be inhibited by specific PKC inhibitors. By using histone HIIIS and a specific peptide substrate, it could be shown that after extraction with Triton X-100 the PKC can be stimulated by phospholipid again. Immunoblot analysis with isoenzyme-specific antibodies revealed that the alpha- and gamma-isoenzymes, but not the beta-isoenzyme, are associated with membranes derived from brain nuclei.

Phospholipids in the nucleus--metabolism and possible functions

Most of the phospholipids in the nuclear envelope are contained in the double nuclear membrane, and this has an active lipid metabolism consistent with its origins as a component of the endoplasmic reticular system. However, even after removal of the nuclear membrane with detergents, some phospholipids, mostly of unknown location and function, remain. Amongst these are all of the components of what appears to be a nuclear polyphosphoinositide signalling system, distinct from the well-established inositide pathway found in the plasma membrane. The consequences for nuclear function of the activation of these two inositide pathways are discussed, with a detailed consideration of proposed intranuclear functions for protein kinase C, and the maintenance of nuclear Ca2+ homoeostasis.

Cell proliferation and protooncogene induction in oligodendroglial progenitors

Cell proliferation and the expression of the protooncogenes c-fos and c-jun have been examined in the primary cultures of oligodendroglial (OL) progenitor cells in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), serum, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Combined [3H]thymidine autoradiography and immunocytochemistry was used to assess the mitogenic response of O4 (an oligodendrocyte-specific marker)-positive OL progenitors. In addition, the rate of DNA synthesis was measured by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into acid-precipitable material. It was found that all of the agents tested stimulated DNA synthesis in OL progenitors and induced a rapid increase in c-fos and c-jun protooncogene expression. The induction of c-fos gene expression and DNA synthesis in response to PMA was completely blocked by 1-(5-isoquinolinyl-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), thereby suggesting a role for PKC in the control of c-fos expression and cell proliferation in OL progenitors.

HLA class-II-mediated homotypic aggregation: involvement of a protein tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C

Homotypic aggregation of B-lymphocytes, B-cell lines and class-II-positive T cells via HLA class II molecules was examined. Signaling via DR antigens induced rapid aggregation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, maximum and stable aggregation was induced within 20 minutes. On the contrary, rapid signaling via DP or DQ required prestimulation with either PMA or anti-sIg. Aggregation was temperature and energy dependent. [Ca2+] and [Mg2+] concentrations and an intact cytoskeleton were required while neither mRNA or protein synthesis were required. Furthermore, FACS analysis revealed that aggregation was not directly correlated with cell surface expression of HLA class II molecules. Our results demonstrate that aggregation was mediated through a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK)-dependent pathway that preceded activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and failure to generate either the PTK signal or the PKC signal prevented aggregation. The contribution of a tyrosine kinase was further demonstrated by the total inhibition of aggregation following treatment with an anti-CD45 mAb.

Signaling to a CD5+ B-cell clone through surface Ig and MHC class II molecules

Cells of the CD5+ mouse B-cell clone CH12.LX are induced to become antibody-secreting cells by costimulatory signals delivered by binding of their surface Ig and MHC class II molecules. Class II-mediated signals can be delivered by the binding of either T cells or class II-specific monoclonal antibodies. Divalent, but not monovalent antigen-binding fragments of mAbs are effective in signalling, and cross-linking intact anti-class II mAbs with isotype-specific Ab enhance class II-mediated signaling. Class II-mediated signaling is accompanied by a rise in cAMP and is blocked by an adenyl cyclase inhibitor. The cAMP analogue dibutyryl cAMP, can partially but not completely substitute for the class II-mediated signal. The costimulatory Ig-mediated signal can be delivered by binding of either antigen or antiidiotype Ab, but anti-IgM Abs are much less effective. Antibodies specific for Ig constant regions are much more effective, however, if they engage both the mIgM and mIgD molecules; anti-kappa Abs or a combination of anti-IgM and anti-IgD Abs were more effective in signaling.

Involvement of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen in Epstein-Barr virus-mediated B cell proliferation

Five MHC class II monoclonal antibodies costimulated proliferation of cord blood leukocytes with Epstein-Barr virus. These agonistic antibodies were of different isotypes, but all of them were either specific for or cross-reacting with HLA-DR. The other MHC class II antibodies, including three that were specific for HLA-DQ and one that was specific for HLA-DP and also those that were specific for MHC class I or leukocyte common antigen, were not costimulatory. The agonistic effect of different MHC class II antibodies was additive, such that costimulation by different antibodies combined significantly exceeded that achieved by either of these antibodies alone. Spent culture media of B cell lines also costimulated B cell proliferation with the virus. Although MHC class II antibodies augmented the effects of suboptimal concentration of the conditioned media, their combined effects did not exceed the maximum costimulation achieved by either the antibodies or the spent culture media alone. These results raised the possibility that MHC class II antigen may contain distinct functional domains involved in the regulation of B cell progression.

The protein kinase C-related PKC-L(eta) gene product is localized in the cell nucleus

The tumor promoters phorbol esters are thought to induce changes in cell growth and gene expression by direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC). However, the molecular mechanisms by which PKC molecules transduce signals into the cell nucleus are unknown. In this study, we provide evidence for a direct target for phorbol esters in the nucleus. We demonstrate that the new PKC-related family member, PKC-L, recently isolated by us, is expressed specifically in the cell nucleus. Localization of PKC-L in the cell nucleus is shown both by immunofluorescence staining and by subcellular fractionation experiments of several human cell lines, including the human epidermoid carcinoma line A431. Treatment of these cells by phorbol esters does not induce the down-regulation of PKC-L, in contrast to their effect on classical PKC family members. This is the only PKC isoenzyme described so far that resides permanently and specifically in the cell nucleus. PKC-L may function as an important link in tumor promoting, e.g., as a nuclear regulator of gene expression that changes the phosphorylation state of transcriptional components such as the AP-1 complex.

The protein kinase C-related PKC-L(eta) gene product is localized in the cell nucleus

The tumor promoters phorbol esters are thought to induce changes in cell growth and gene expression by direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC). However, the molecular mechanisms by which PKC molecules transduce signals into the cell nucleus are unknown. In this study, we provide evidence for a direct target for phorbol esters in the nucleus. We demonstrate that the new PKC-related family member, PKC-L, recently isolated by us, is expressed specifically in the cell nucleus. Localization of PKC-L in the cell nucleus is shown both by immunofluorescence staining and by subcellular fractionation experiments of several human cell lines, including the human epidermoid carcinoma line A431. Treatment of these cells by phorbol esters does not induce the down-regulation of PKC-L, in contrast to their effect on classical PKC family members. This is the only PKC isoenzyme described so far that resides permanently and specifically in the cell nucleus. PKC-L may function as an important link in tumor promoting, e.g., as a nuclear regulator of gene expression that changes the phosphorylation state of transcriptional components such as the AP-1 complex.

Engagement of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules by superantigen induces inflammatory cytokine gene expression in human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Cells in the rheumatoid synovium express high levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in vivo. We have therefore examined the ability of engagement of MHC class II molecules by the superantigen Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) to activate interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 gene expression in type B synoviocytes isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. SEA had a minimal or undetectable effect on the expression of either gene in resting synoviocytes, as determined by Northern blot and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. However, induction of MHC class II molecule expression after treatment of synoviocytes with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) enabled the cells to respond to SEA in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in an increase in both the level of steady-state mRNA for IL-6 and IL-8, and the release of these cytokines into the supernatant. IFN-gamma by itself had no effect on the expression of either cytokine. Pretreatment of the cells with the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D prevented the increase in cytokine mRNA induced by SEA, whereas cycloheximide superinduced mRNA for both cytokines after stimulation by SEA. Taken together, these results indicate that signaling through MHC class II molecules may represent a novel mechanism by which inflammatory cytokine production is regulated in type B rheumatoid synoviocytes, and potentially provides insight into the manner by which superantigens may initiate and/or propagate autoimmune diseases.

Engagement of major histocompatibility complex class I and class II molecules up-regulates intercellular adhesion of human B cells via a CD11/CD18-independent mechanism

We have studied the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in the regulation of intercellular adhesion of human B cells. We found that molecules able to bind to MHC class II molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies or staphylococcal enterotoxins, induced rapid and sustained homotypic adhesion of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cell lines as well as peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Moreover, anti-MHC class I monoclonal antibodies also stimulated intercellular adherence. Adhesion induced upon MHC engagement was faster and stronger than that triggered by phorbol esters. It needed active metabolism, but divalent cations were not required. Monoclonal antibodies directed against LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) or its ligand ICAM-1 (CD54) did not inhibit MHC class II-induced homotypic adhesion of various EBV-transformed B cell lines, nor of a variant of the B cell line Raji expressing very low LFA-1 surface levels. Moreover, EBV-transformed B cells from a severe lymphocyte adhesion deficiency patient, lacking surface CD11/CD18, also aggregated in response to anti-MHC class I or class II monoclonal antibodies. Together these data indicate that engagement of MHC molecules may transduce signals to B cells resulting in up-regulation of intercellular adhesion, via an LFA-1-independent mechanism. This may play a role in the stabilization of T cell/antigen-presenting cell conjugates at the moment of antigen recognition.

Inhibition of release of arachidonic acid, superoxide, and IL-1 from human monocytes by monoclonal anti-HLA class II antibodies: effects at proximal and distal points of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis pathway

Incubation of human elutriator-purified monocytes with anti-HLA-DR or DQ antibody inhibited the release of arachidonic acid induced by serum-treated zymosan (STZ), a phagocytic stimulus that is known to induce inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and Ca2+ influx. However, only anti-HLA-DR antibody partially inhibited STZ-induced inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and concanavalin-A-induced Ca2+ influx. Incubation with anti-HLA-DR or -DQ antibody inhibited phorbol ester-induced AA release as well as superoxide production and IL-1 release. Inhibition of monocyte function by anti-class II antibodies was not accompanied by cAMP elevation. Furthermore, addition of exogenous db-cAMP and other agents (forskolin, cholera toxin, or 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine) that increase cAMP levels through different mechanisms, alone or in combination with anti-HLA antibodies, had no inhibitory effect on factor release. Our results demonstrate that perturbation of class II molecules down-modulates cell activation at more than one point of the signal transduction pathway with dominant inhibition distal to inositol phospholipid hydrolysis. They also suggest that the inhibition by anti-HLA class II antibody is probably not mediated via cAMP elevation.

CD4 binding to major histocompatibility complex class II antigens induces LFA-1-dependent and -independent homotypic adhesion of B lymphocytes

T helper cells recognize processed antigen (Ag) in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens present on the surface of B cells and other Ag-presenting cells. This interaction is mediated through the T cell receptor complex with associate recognition of class II molecules by the CD4 molecule. In this study, the binding of a soluble recombinant CD4/Ig heavy chain fusion protein (CD4-gamma 3) or monoclonal antibody (mAb) to class II antigens on human B cells was shown to induce rapid and specific homotypic adhesion of B cells and most B lymphoblastoid cell lines. mAb reactive with CD4 inhibited CD4-gamma 3-induced adhesion and a mutant B lymphoblastoid cell line deficient in class II antigens failed to respond. Induction of homotypic adhesion was dependent on energy metabolism and a functional cytoskeleton, and class II+ pre-B cells did not exhibit adhesion in response to these stimuli, suggesting that cross-linking of class II molecules generated a transmembrane signal and did not simply aggregate cells. In addition, MHC class II-induced adhesion was Fc receptor independent, as 15 mAb of different Ig isotypes reactive with HLA-D or HLA-DQ gene products induced adhesion. Anti-class II mAb and CD4-gamma 3 were able to induce adhesion at concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml, respectively. Suboptimal stimulation of B cell lines through HLA-D antigens induced homotypic adhesion that was dependent on the activation of LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), and which could be blocked by specific mAb. However, at greater signal strengths, adhesion was not blocked by mAb against the known adhesion receptors, suggesting the induction of a novel adhesion pathway. Consistent with this, homotypic adhesion induced by engagement of MHC class II antigens was observed with LFA-1-deficient B cell lines, and was independent of CD49d or CD18 expression. Thus, the direct engagement of B cell class II antigens by CD4 is likely to generate transmembrane signals which trigger both LFA-1-dependent and LFA-1-independent adhesion pathways.