Evidence that the Thy-1 molecule is the target for T cell mitogenic antibody against brain-associated antigens

Th2 allergic immune response to inhaled fungal antigens is modulated by TLR-4-independent bacterial products

Allergic airway disease is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and increased airway resistance. Fungal antigens are ubiquitous within the environment and are well known triggers of allergic disease. Bacterial products are also frequently encountered within the environment and may alter the immune response to certain antigens. The consequence of simultaneous exposure to bacterial and fungal products on the lung adaptive immune response has not been explored. Here, we show that oropharyngeal aspiration of fungal lysates (Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus) promotes airway eosinophilia, secretion of Th2 cytokines and mucus cell metaplasia. In contrast, oropharyngeal exposure to bacterial lysates (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) promotes airway inflammation characterized by neutrophils, Th1 cytokine secretion and no mucus production. More importantly, administration of bacterial lysates together with fungal lysates deviates the adaptive immune response to a Th1 type associated with neutrophilia and diminished mucus production. The immunomodulatory effect that bacterial lysates have on the response to fungi is TLR4 independent but MyD88 dependent. Thus, different types of microbial products within the airway can alter the host's adaptive immune response and potentially impact the development of allergic airway disease to environmental fungal antigens.

The tick salivary protein, Salp15, inhibits the development of experimental asthma

Activation of Th2 CD4(+) T cells is necessary and sufficient to elicit allergic airway disease, a mouse model with many features of human allergic asthma. Effectively controlling the activities of these cells could be a panacea for asthma therapy. Blood-feeding parasites have devised remarkable strategies to effectively evade the immune response. For example, ticks such as Ixodes scapularis, which must remain on the host for up to 7 days to feed to repletion, secrete immunosuppressive proteins. Included among these proteins is the 15-kDa salivary protein Salp15, which inhibits T cell activation and IL-2 production. Our objective for these studies was to evaluate the T cell inhibitory properties of Salp15 in a mouse model of allergic asthma. BALB/cJ mice were Ag sensitized by i.p. injection of OVA in aluminum hydroxide, with or without 50 mug of Salp15, on days 0 and 7. All mice were challenged with aerosolized OVA on days 14-16 and were studied on day 18. Compared with control mice sensitized with Ag, mice sensitized with Ag and Salp15 displayed significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, Ag-specific IgG1 and IgE, mucus cell metaplasia, and Th2 cytokine secretion in vivo and by CD4(+) T cells restimulated with Ag in vitro. Our results demonstrate that Salp15 can effectively prevent the generation of a Th2 immune response and the development of experimental asthma. These studies, and those of others, support the notion that a lack of ectoparasitism may contribute to the increasing prevalence of allergic asthma.

Aspergillus fumigatus generates an enhanced Th2-biased immune response in mice with defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by persistent airway inflammation and airway infection that ultimately leads to respiratory failure. Aspergillus sp. are present in the airways of 20-40% of CF patients and are of unclear clinical significance. In this study, we demonstrate that CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-deficient (CFTR knockout, Cftr(tm1Unc-)TgN(fatty acid-binding protein)CFTR) and mutant (DeltaF508) mice develop profound lung inflammation in response to Aspergillus fumigatus hyphal Ag exposure. CFTR-deficient mice also develop an enhanced Th2 inflammatory response to A. fumigatus, characterized by elevated IL-4 in the lung and IgE and IgG1 in serum. In contrast, CFTR deficiency does not promote a Th1 immune response. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CD4+ T cells from naive CFTR-deficient mice produce higher levels of IL-4 in response to TCR ligation than wild-type CD4+ T cells. The Th2 bias of CD4+ T cells in the absence of functional CFTR correlates with elevated nuclear levels of NFAT. Thus, CFTR is important to maintain the Th1/Th2 balance in CD4+ T cells.

IL-4 promotes airway eosinophilia by suppressing IFN-gamma production: defining a novel role for IFN-gamma in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation

Airway eosinophilia in asthma is dependent on cytokines secreted by Th2 cells, including IL-5 and IL-4. In these studies we investigated why the absence of IL-4 led to a reduction in airway, but not lung tissue, eosinophils. Using adoptively transferred, in vitro-generated TCR-transgenic Th2 cells deficient in IL-4, we show that this effect is independent of IL-5 and Th2 cell generation. Airway eosinophilia was no longer inhibited when IL-4(-/-) Th2 cells were transferred into IFN-gammaR(-/-) mice, indicating that IFN-gamma was responsible for reducing airway eosinophils in the absence of IL-4. Intranasal administration of IFN-gamma to mice after IL-4(+/+) Th2 cell transfer also caused a reduction in airway, but not lung parenchymal, eosinophils. These studies show that IL-4 indirectly promotes airway eosinophilia by suppressing the production of IFN-gamma. IFN-gamma reduces airway eosinophils by engaging its receptor on hemopoietic cells, possibly the eosinophil itself. These studies capitalize on the complex counterregulatory effects of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in vivo and clarify how IL-4 influences lung eosinophilia. We define a new regulatory role for IFN-gamma, demonstrating that eosinophilic inflammation is differentially regulated at distinct sites within the respiratory tract.

T helper 1 cells and interferon gamma regulate allergic airway inflammation and mucus production

CD4 T helper (Th) type 1 and Th2 cells have been identified in the airways of asthmatic patients. Th2 cells are believed to contribute to pathogenesis of the disease, but the role of Th1 cells is not well defined. In a mouse model, we previously reported that transferred T cell receptor-transgenic Th2 cells activated in the respiratory tract led to airway inflammation with many of the pathologic features of asthma, including airway eosinophilia and mucus production. Th1 cells caused inflammation with none of the pathology associated with asthma. In this report, we investigate the role of Th1 cells in regulating airway inflammation. When Th1 and Th2 cells are transferred together into recipient mice, there is a marked reduction in airway eosinophilia and mucus staining. To address the precise role of Th1 cells, we asked (i), Are Th2-induced responses inhibited by interferon (IFN)-gamma? and (ii) Can Th1 cells induce eosinophilia and mucus in the absence of IFN-gamma? In IFN-gamma receptor(-/-) recipient mice exposed to inhaled antigen, the inhibitory effects of Th1 cells on both airway eosinophilia and mucus production were abolished. In the absence of IFN-gamma receptor signaling, Th1 cells induced mucus but not eosinophilia. Thus, we have identified new regulatory pathways for mucus production; mucus can be induced by Th2 and non-Th2 inflammatory responses in the lung, both of which are inhibited by IFN-gamma. The blockade of eosinophilia and mucus production by IFN-gamma likely occurs through different inhibitory pathways that are activated downstream of Th2 cytokine secretion and require IFN-gamma signaling in tissue of recipient mice.

Th2-Induced Airway Mucus Production Is Dependent on IL-4Rα, But Not on Eosinophils

Mucus hyperproduction in asthma results from airway inflammation and contributes to clinical symptoms, airway obstruction, and mortality. In human asthmatics and in animal models, excess mucus production correlates with airway eosinophilia. We previously described a system in which TCR transgenic CD4 Th2 cells generated in vitro were transferred into recipient mice and activated in the respiratory tract with inhaled Ag. Th2 cells stimulated airway eosinophilia and a marked increase in mucus production, while mice that received Th1 cells exhibited airway inflammation without eosinophilia or mucus. Mucus could be induced by IL-4−/− Th2 cells at comparable levels to mucus induced by IL-4+/+ Th2 cells. In the current studies we dissect further the mechanisms of Th2-induced mucus production. When IL-4−/− Th2 cells are transferred into IL-4Rα−/− mice, mucus is not induced, and BAL eosinophilia is absent. These data suggest that in the absence of IL-4, IL-13 may be critical for Th2-induced mucus production and eosinophilia. To determine whether eosinophils are important in mucus production, IL-5−/− Th2 cells were transferred into IL-5−/− recipients. Eosinophilia was abolished, yet mucus staining in the epithelium persisted. These studies show definitively that IL-5, eosinophils, or mast cells are not essential, but signaling through IL-4Rα is critically important in Th2 cell stimulation of mucus production.

Stability of Naive and Memory Phenotypes on Resting CD4 T Cells In Vivo

The reliable identification of naive and memory CD4 T cells is critical to understanding the cellular basis of immunological memory. However, it has long been a controversial issue whether naive and memory phenotypes are stable among resting CD4 T cells in the absence of overt stimulation or whether the proposed memory phenotype is a transient, reversible one that represents recently activated cells. In this study, adoptively transferred, purified populations of naive or memory phenotype CD4 T cells are monitored over time to assess the stability of phenotypes and the functional capabilities of transferred cells. Studying both TCR transgenic and nontransgenic CD4 T cell populations allows one to control for the capacity to respond to environmental Ags in vivo. Several findings are reported. The first is that in the absence of Ag, both naive and memory phenotypes remain unchanged over time. Second, when changes are seen in populations of transferred naive phenotype CD4 T cells, they take place only when there is a potential for antigenic challenge, suggesting that it is an Ag-driven event. Furthermore, when a change from naive to memory phenotype is observed, these transferred donor cells also function as memory cells. Third, the ability of memory CD4 T cells to retain the memory phenotype is independent of specific Ag.

Induction of airway mucus production By T helper 2 (Th2) cells: a critical role for interleukin 4 in cell recruitment but not mucus production

Airway inflammation is believed to stimulate mucus production in asthmatic patients. Increased mucus secretion is an important clinical symptom and contributes to airway obstruction in asthma. Activated CD4 Th1 and Th2 cells have both been identified in airway biopsies of asthmatics but their role in mucus production is not clear. Using CD4 T cells from mice transgenic for the OVA-specific TCR, we studied the role of Th1 and Th2 cells in airway inflammation and mucus production. Airway inflammation induced by Th2 cells was comprised of eosinophils and lymphocytes; features found in asthmatic patients. Additionally, there was a marked increase in mucus production in mice that received Th2 cells and inhaled OVA, but not in mice that received Th1 cells. However, OVA-specific Th2 cells from IL-4-deficient mice were not recruited to the lung and did not induce mucus production. When this defect in homing was overcome by administration of TNF-alpha, IL-4 -/- Th2 cells induced mucus as effectively as IL-4 +/+ Th2 cells. These studies establish a role for Th2 cells in mucus production and dissect the effector functions of IL-4 in these processes. These data suggest that IL-4 is crucial for Th2 cell recruitment to the lung and for induction of inflammation, but has no direct role in mucus production.

Are primed CD4+ T lymphocytes different from unprimed cells?

Primed and unprimed lymphocytes are usually classified as separate subsets of cells, based on phenotypic and functional distinctions. In the case of CD4+ T lymphocytes, primed cells are thought to proliferate more vigorously, quickly and easily, and to release a different profile of cytokines, than their naive equivalent. However, most of these data were obtained from studies in which populations of lymphocytes were compared before and after antigenic stimulation, and therefore did not distinguish between the effects resulting from the clonal expansion of specific precursor cells within such populations and those due to cell differentiation per se. We have investigated the contribution of precursor cell frequency to some of the functional changes observed in populations of CD4+ T cells following antigenic stimulation, using approaches in which antigen-specific precursor frequencies are high in both primary and secondary stimulations: mixed leukocyte reaction responses and cells from alpha beta T cell receptor transgenic mice. Our data suggest that when equivalent numbers of antigen-specific naive and previously primed CD4+ responder T cells are compared, there is no difference in their potency to proliferate but only the previously activated subset can generate cytokines such as interferon-gamma.

The relationship of IL-4- and IFN gamma-producing T cells studied by lineage ablation of IL-4-producing cells

Subsets of CD4 T cells are defined by the cytokines that they produce; these cytokines determine the effector function of these cells. Cloned CD4 T cells fall into two subsets, producing either interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) or interleukin-4 (IL-4) in combination with other cytokines, and are called Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. The lineage relationship between naive T cells and effector Th1- and Th2-type cells is unclear. We generated transgenic mice in which IL-4-producing cells express herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase and are eliminated by ganciclovir (GANC). Activation of transgenic T cells in the presence of GANC eliminates IL-4 and IFN gamma production, showing that IL-4- and IFN gamma-producing cells express or have expressed IL-4. These results show that effector cells producing either IL-4 or IFN gamma have a common precursor, which expresses the IL-4 gene.

Induction of autoreactive B cells allows priming of autoreactive T cells

A novel mechanism for breaking T cell self tolerance is described. B cells induced to make autoantibody by immunization of mice with the non-self protein human cytochrome c can present the self protein mouse cytochrome c to autoreactive T cells in immunogenic form. This mechanism of breaking T cell self tolerance could account for the role of foreign antigens in breaking not only B cell but also T cell self tolerance, leading to sustained autoantibody production in the absence of the foreign antigen.

Identification of Thy-1 homologue in rabbit brain by immunoblot, immunohistochemistry and DNA/DNA hybridization

A membrane glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 26,000 reacted on immunoblot with a monoclonal antibody (HB-3S-17) directed toward human Thy-1. At cellular level, HB-3S-17 reacted with both rabbit and human cerebral cortexes in a similar manner as demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. Screening of a rabbit brain expression cDNA library with HB-3S-17 resulted in the isolation of a clone designated RBT-2A-1. The rabbit cDNA insert of RBT-2A-1 hybridized in Southern blot with an oligonucleotide probe derived from the mouse Thy-1.2 gene. These data strongly indicate the existence of a glycoprotein in rabbit brain which is the counterpart of human and mouse Thy-1.

Molecular analysis of T cell receptor gamma gene expression in allo-activated splenic T cells of adult mice

Northern analysis, hybridization in situ and cDNA sequence analysis have been used to demonstrate that the induction of T cell gamma-gene expression is a general occurrence when primary splenic T cells of adult mice are cultured in short-term mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR). Splenic T cells from nine strains of mice examined in eleven different MLR all showed significant induction of gamma-RNA, even when the primary T cell response was to only a three amino acid mismatch in a major histocompatibility complex class I antigen. In MLR examined in detail, the expression is highly enriched for in CD3+ "double-negative" T cells (lacking both CD4 and CD8 expression). A cDNA sequence analysis, constituting the first such analysis of any size of gamma-gene transcripts from circulating, peripheral cells of adult mice, revealed transcription to be frequently of productively rearranged genes. These genes display extensive junctional diversity.

Tissue-specific and cell surface expression of human major histocompatibility complex class I heavy (HLA-B7) and light (beta 2-microglobulin) chain genes in transgenic mice

We introduced the human genes HLA-B7 and B2M encoding the heavy (HLA-B7) and light [beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m)] chains of a human major histocompatibility complex class I antigen into separate lines of transgenic mice. The tissue-specific pattern of HLA-B7 RNA expression was similar to that of endogenous class I H-2 genes, although the HLA-B7 gene was about 10-fold underexpressed in liver. Identical patterns of RNA expression were detected whether the HLA-B7 gene contained 12 or 0.66 kilobase(s) (kb) of 5' flanking sequence. The level of expression was copy number dependent and as efficient as that of H-2 genes; gamma interferon enhanced HLA-B7 RNA expression in parallel to that of H-2. In addition to the mechanism(s) responsible for gamma interferon-enhanced expression, there must be at least one other tissue-specific mechanism controlling the constitutive levels of class I RNA. Tissue-specific human beta 2m RNA expression was similar to that of mouse beta 2m, including high-level expression in liver. Cell surface HLA-B7 increased 10- to 17-fold on T cells and on a subset of thymocytes from HLA-B7/B2M doubly transgenic mice compared to HLA-B7 singly transgenic mice. The pattern of expression of HLA-B7 on thymocytes resembled that of H-2K as opposed to H-2D. These results confirm that coexpression of both human chains is required for efficient surface expression and that HLA-B7 may share a regulatory mechanism with H-2K, which distinguishes it from H-2D.

Production of a rat T cell hybridoma that stably expresses the T cell differentiation marker RT6.2

The rat T cell alloantigen RT6.2 shows a slow rate of synthesis in isolated T cells which hampers studies on the metabolism of RT6.2 in these cells (1). In order to facilitate further molecular and functional characterization of this molecule we have established a T-T hybridoma cell line which stably expresses RT6.2. Only 1 of 102 T cell hybridomas obtained upon fusion of the rat thymoma C58NT with DA rat lymph node cells expressed this antigen. This clone--EpD3--initially showed a relatively slow rate of cell division and a highly unstable pattern of expression of RT6.2. Thus, the relative number of RT6.2 bearing cells consistently decreased during cultivation of EpD3 and of EpD3-derived subclones. Cell separation studies suggest that the switch in RT6.2 phenotype of EpD3 cultures was due to the appearance of variant cells of RT6.2- phenotype with a higher proliferative capacity and was not induced by factors in the culture medium. By repeated panning and subcloning procedures to select for RT6.2 expressing cells, a subline of EpD3--EpD3/87--was obtained which stably expresses high levels of RT6.2. Metabolic labeling studies of RT6.2 in EpD3 show that it is synthesized very efficiently in these cells and support our previous suggestion that RT6.2 does not bear any classic oligosaccharide side chains. Moreover, RT6.2 can be released almost completely from EpD3 cells by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC).

The developmental appearance of Thy-1 in the avian cerebellum

The cellular localization of the Thy-1 antigen during development of the chick cerebellum has been investigated using a monoclonal antibody SB1-20.11. Improved cellular morphology and retention of both membrane and intracellular antigenicity was achieved by the immunohistochemical labelling of polyester wax sections using an indirect peroxidase visualization protocol. A parallel histological investigation was carried out using a modified silver staining procedure based on that of Bodian. Immunoreactivity was found throughout development in the soma and dendritic tree of the Purkinje cell, in the internal granular layer, white matter and elements of the deep cerebellar nuclei. The antigen's expression closely correlates to the morphological maturation of Purkinje cell population. Furthermore, it appears to reflect the formation of glomeruli and the basket cell interaction with the Purkinje cell. An association of Thy-1 with climbing fibres, as reported previously in rodent species, cannot be unambiguously shown in the chick because of the high levels of Thy-1 expressed throughout development on the Purkinje cell dendrites in the molecular layer. The spatial and temporal pattern of expression in the chick cerebellum suggests that Thy-1 contributes to the definition of synaptic fields.

Genetics and strain distribution of concanavalin A-reactive Ly-2-, L3T4- peripheral precursors of autoreactive T cells

Cytotoxic treatment of BALB/c cells from different peripheral lymphoid tissues by a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies against Thy-1, Ly-1, L3T4 and Ly-2 differentiation markers (anti-T cocktail) plus complement eliminates all mature T lymphocytes. Yet a population of dull Thy-1+, Ly-1-, L3T4-, Ly-2-, corresponding to about 1% of the initial population, can be detected by flow cytometry which proliferate under concanavalin A stimulation. These anti-T killing-resistant cells (TKR) were previously shown to be capable of differentiating in culture into class II-restricted autoreactive T helper cells. We demonstrate here that such cells can be detected in mice of BALB/c and DBA/2 genetic background but are absent in C57BL/6 and B10 animals. The presence of TKR cells is dominant in (BALB/c x C57BL/6)F1 hybrids and genetically controlled by two genes which are neither H-2 nor Igh linked. TKR cells are also detected in young NZB mice but disappear with the development of the systemic autoimmune disease in old animals. Thy-1+, L3T4-, Ly-2- cells from MRL lpr/lpr mice also respond to concanavalin A but are removed by the anti-T treatment. Altogether, arguments are presented suggesting that TKR cells represent a particular subset of double-negative peripheral T cells which may correspond to autoreactive T cell recursors that would escape the thymic selection. We postulate that these cells are present in all mouse strains but their susceptibility to killing by anti-Thy-1 antibodies differs depending on background genes.

Neural membrane glycoproteins associated with chicken Thy-1: an anti-idiotypic antibody study

In order to investigate the possible binding of Thy-1 to other neuronal cell surface proteins, anti-idiotypic antibodies were raised using a panel of anti-Thy-1 monoclonal antibodies. Anti-idiotypic antibodies were selected for their ability to bind to day-old chick brain membrane components in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and to bind to membrane glycoproteins as determined by Western transfer immunoblotting assays. The 5 monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies bind to a membrane glycoprotein component of 70 kDa, and one of the antibodies also binds to 3 higher molecular weight components of 160 kDa, 120 kDa and 90 kDa. These antibodies bind to areas of the chicken cerebellum known to be rich in Thy-1. It is postulated that these molecules are associated with Thy-1, and that the role of Thy-1 on the neuronal cell surface, may be to form complexes with, and/or to stabilise these higher molecular weight glycoproteins during synaptic development.

A Thy-1.1-specific monoclonal alloantibody activates both mouse and rat T cells

In an attempt to further evaluate the role of Thy-1 in the antigen-independent triggering of mouse T cells, we have examined the activating properties of two Thy-1.1-specific mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb). These reagents were established from an (A.TH X A.TL)F1 hybrid mouse (Thy-1b) immunized with IL-2 producing (BALB/c (Thy-1b) X BW5147 (Thy-1a)) T hybridoma cells. Although both mAb recognized the same Thy-1.1 determinant, one mAb of the gamma 3,kappa class (H171-146) was found to induce several T hybridoma cells to produce IL-2, and AKR thymocytes or cloned helper T cells to proliferate, whereas another mAb of the gamma 1,kappa class (H171-112) failed to do so even in the presence of phorbol myristic acetate (PMA). Increased IL-2 responses of T hybridoma cells were observed when the cell bound Thy-1.1-specific mAb were crosslinked by goat anti-mouse Ig (GaMIg) antibodies. Both a T-cell activating rat anti-Thy-1.2 mAb and the anti-Thy-1.1 mAb H171-146, although directed at distinct cell surface molecules, synergistically stimulated IL-2 production by T hybridoma cells. In addition, the mouse mAb H171-146 was found to stimulate LOU/M rat thymocytes to proliferate in the presence of exogenous IL-2. These data demonstrate that T cells can use Thy-1 as a signal-transducing molecule in both mouse and rat species, and support the notion that the activating properties of Thy-1.1-specific mAb are influenced by their heavy chain isotypes.

LFA-1 and other accessory molecules functioning in adhesions of T and B lymphocytes

Adhesions of lymphocytes, among themselves or with other cell types, are necessary for most steps in immune responses including both induction and effector phases. Among adhesions of T cells involving specific immunological recognition, CTL-target adhesions have been the most studied. Although CTL-mediated killing is highly specific (specific/nonspecific lytic activity 50-fold), CTL-target adhesion (conjugation) is less so. In the mouse, specificity of conjugation has typically been four to eightfold. Two recent studies with cloned human CTL found much less specificity of conjugation, from one-fold (no specificity) to 1.5-fold. Thus, with cloned human CTL, adhesion may occur promiscuously with any potential target; recognition following adhesion is necessary for lethal hit delivery. The fact that antibodies to the antigen receptor (Ti or CD3) inhibit killing without inhibiting CTL-target conjugation supports this view. The ability of lymphocytes to form nonspecific adhesions, plus the dependence of even the specific mouse adhesions on temperature, metabolic energy, magnesium, and an intact cytoskeleton suggest that the bulk of the strength of T lymphocyte adhesions are not simply the sum of the bonds between antigen receptors (Ti) and antigen. Lymphocytes evidently possess separate "adhesion strengthening" mechanisms. The similarities in the properties of CTL-target adhesions and antigen-independent homotypic B lymphocyte adhesions (Table 2) suggest that at least some of these mechanisms are widely used among cells of hematopoietic origin. MoAbs to most lymphocyte surface molecules, when bound to the living lymphocyte membrane, have no evident functional effects on lymphocyte function. However, a minority can either activate or inhibit lymphocyte functions. Such antibodies identify "leukocyte (or lymphocyte) function-associated antigens," or LFAs (not all of which happen to have "LFA" in their names, Table 1). Most of the inhibitory antibodies inhibit lymphocyte adhesions, and this appears to account for their inhibitory effects on functions such as killing or proliferation. The fact that the binding of antibodies to a particular membrane glycoprotein inhibits adhesion does not guarantee that the glycoprotein in question is a direct participant in adhesion (one of the "glue" molecules). However, there is scanty evidence in support of indirect "negative signals" that may be induced by such antibodies, and direct participation of most LFAs in adhesion seems likely.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Release of Thy-1 from human and murine T-cell lines by a specific phospholipase

Proteins on the outer surface of cultured human and murine lymphoblastoid T cells were labelled with 125I. The labelled cells were incubated with the enzyme phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Proteins cleaved from the cell membrane by the enzyme were immunoprecipitated with anti-Thy-1 antibodies, separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and identified by autoradiography. A doublet of Thy-1 bands of approximately 16,000 daltons were detected. The result suggests that: Thy-1 is present on the human and murine T cells which we tested, and Thy-1 is attached to the cell membrane via a phosphatidylinositol domain.

Transcripts of functionally rearranged gamma genes in primary T cells of adult immunocompetent mice

The T-cell specific, rearranging gamma-chain genes bear striking resemblance to T-cell receptor and immunoglobulin genes, but the role of gamma remains unknown. A central problem is to understand the conditions under which gamma RNA is expressed in cells. The transcription of gamma is abundant in T cells of fetal thymi, but is negligible in peripheral T cells of adults, suggesting that gamma is involved in development of the T-cell repertoire. However, gamma RNA was originally cloned from established lines of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) derived from adult mice and this expression has been ascribed to non-physiological cell growth. Possibly consistent with this, most of the gamma RNA derives from genes rearranged abortively at the V gamma-J gamma junction of immunoglobulin genes, where V is the variable segment and J the joint segment. Here, we report the detailed analysis of gamma transcription in T cells of adult mice, and find that transcription may occur in T cells with a broad range of surface phenotypes; that it is predominantly of a single V gamma-C gamma unit (where C is the constant region); and that in cells freshly explanted from animals it can be of productively rearranged genes.

Functional expression of the murine Thy-1.2 gene in transfected human T cells

The interaction of certain mAbs with the Thy-1 molecules of murine T lymphocytes leads to cell activation and proliferation. To examine the signal transduction mechanism underlying this process and to determine what, if any, relationship exists between Thy-1-dependent triggering and T cell activation mediated through the T3-antigen receptor (T3-Ti) complex, a genomic clone of murine Thy-1.2 was isolated and transfected into the human T cell tumor, Jurkat. The transfected gene was actively transcribed in these human cells and high levels of Thy-1.2 glycoprotein were found on the cell membrane. Although certain mAbs to Thy-1.2 failed to bind to the Thy-1 transfected Jurkat cells, several known mitogenic anti-Thy-1 mAbs did react, and in the presence of phorbol ester, induced IL-2 secretion. One Thy-1+ transfectant out of five failed to produce IL-2 in response to anti-T3/Ti antibodies even though it retained the ability to increase intracytoplasmic calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i) in response to these ligands. A Thy-1 negative revertant of this cell regained anti-T3/Ti reactivity, suggesting a regulatory defect in signal transmission via T3/Ti in the original transfectant. These data confirm the ability of Thy-1 to act as an activation receptor for T cells. They reveal a potential role for changes in [Ca2+]i in this process, in common with other pathways of T cell activation, but also indicate a more complex series of events is involved.

Direct interactions between B and T lymphocytes bearing complementary receptors

A murine cloned Th cell line specific for the antigen conalbumin in the context of self I-A molecules can be activated by low concentrations of soluble antireceptor mAb. By using an antireceptor mAb to shared antigenic determinants on T cell receptors, we have shown that the ability to be activated by soluble antireceptor mAb is an unusual, although not unique, feature of this cloned T cell line. This activation does not involve occult APC, FcR, or interaction between individual cloned T cells, as limiting-dilution analysis shows that individual cells of this clone will grow in the presence of the antireceptor antibody and IL-1 as stimulus. This cloned T cell line is highly immunogenic in vivo, giving rise to antireceptor antibodies that stimulate its growth in both mice and rats. This response is not dependent upon exogenous T cells. Rather, the clone directly interacts with complementary B cells, as shown by the production of mAb in nude mice, and by production of stimulating antireceptor antibodies by purified B cells cultured with cloned Th cells in vitro. Several features of this cloned Th cell line, most especially its ability to be activated, rather than inhibited, by antireceptor antibodies, may account for its striking ability to directly activate B cells bearing complementary receptors. The direct interaction of the cloned Th cell with B cells bearing complementary receptors may serve as a model for receptor-receptor interactions in the generation of both T and B cell repertoires.

Analysis of the Thy-1 pathway of T cell hybridoma activation using 17 rat monoclonal antibodies reactive with distinct Thy-1 epitopes

Seventeen monoclonal anti-Thy-1 antibodies (mAb) derived from LOU/M rats immunized with mouse T cell clones were used to study the role of Thy-1 in antigen-independent T cell activation. These mAb identified Thy-1.2 or monomorphic determinants and immunoprecipitated a molecule of 25-28 kDa from detergent-solubilized, 125I-labeled T cell surface proteins. Competitive cross-inhibition binding assays demonstrated that these reagents defined 3 epitope groups including either Thy-1.2 (group A) or Thy-1 monomorphic (groups B and C) determinants. Experiments using high titered culture supernatants revealed that all 6 IgG mAb defining the epitope group C, and one IgG2c mAb directed at a determinant in group A were capable of stimulating the terpolymer-L-glutamic acid60-L-alanine33-Ltyrosine10 (GAT) plus I-Ad-reactive BALB/c T cell hybridoma T14-117.9 to produce interleukin 2 (IL2) in the absence of accessory cells. Cross-linking of cell-bound rat mAb by a BALB/c anti-rat kappa chain mAb, or the presence of B cell lymphomas in the culture resulted in an increase of the Thy-1-mediated IL2 responses of this hybridoma. Some mAb from group B required antibody doses exceeding 80 micrograms/ml in order to activate T cells, while others remained nonstimulatory at any dose tested. Striking synergy in mAb-mediated T cell activation was observed when nonmitogenic doses of mAb group groups A and C were mixed in the same culture. Analysis of a panel of GAT plus I-Ad-specific T cell hybridomas revealed that these cells markedly differed in the magnitude of their IL2 responses induced by a given amount of stimulating anti-Thy-1 mAb. Such reagents also stimulated normal thymocytes to express IL2 receptor on their surface. These studies show that the epitopic specificity and the amount of anti-Thy-1 mAb, and the susceptibility of the T cell examined represent important parameters for the triggering of the Thy-1 pathway of T cell activation.

Production and characterization of monoclonal anti-Thy-1 antibodies that stimulate lymphokine production by cytolytic T cell clones

In an effort to derive monoclonal antibodies (mAb) which can induce production of macrophage-activating factor (MAF) by cloned murine cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines, we have fused spleen cells from a rat immunized with a CTL clone with the nonsecreting mouse myeloma X63-Ag8.653. Three mAb (designated I-22, III-5 and V-8) were found to stimulate MAF production by the immunizing CTL clone and (with a single exception) two other unrelated CTL clones. However, none of these mAb inhibited the cytolytic activity of the clones. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the three mAb reacted primarily with a 25-30-kDa protein which could not be distinguished from that precipitated by either a reference anti-Thy-1.2 mAb or a polyclonal rabbit anti-Thy-1 antiserum. Moreover, competition binding experiments demonstrated that the three mAb competed with each other and with the reference anti-Thy-1.2 mAb. Flow cytofluorometric analysis of the strain distribution of the molecules defined by the mAb revealed that two of the antibodies (I-22 and III-5) were directed against nonpolymorphic determinants of Thy-1, whereas V-8 mAb reacted only with Thy-1.2+ lymphocytes. One of the mAb (III-5) was also able to stimulate proliferation and interleukin 2 secretion by normal splenic T cells. Since mAb directed against a number of other surface structures on CTL clones did not stimulate MAF production, it thus appears that Thy-1 (or molecules associated with Thy-1) may play a functional role in T lymphocyte triggering.

Assignment of the gene coding for the T3-delta subunit of the T3-T-cell receptor complex to the long arm of human chromosome 11 and to mouse chromosome 9

The gene encoding the 20-kDa glycoprotein of the T3-T-cell receptor complex (T3-delta chain) has been mapped to human chromosome 11 by hybridization of a T3-delta cDNA clone (pPGBC#9) to DNA from a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids. In Southern blotting experiments with DNAs of somatic cell hybrids that contained segments of chromosome 11, we were able to assign the T3-delta gene to the distal portion of the long arm of human chromosome 11 (11q23-11qter). By use of a newly developed cDNA clone (pPEM-T3 delta) that codes for the murine T3-delta chain, the mouse T3-delta gene was mapped on chromosome 9. The importance of the T3-delta map position and its relationship to the other genes on the long arm of human chromosome 11 and to those on mouse chromosome 9 is discussed.

Isolation of cDNA clones encoding the 20K T3 glycoprotein of human T-cell receptor complex

The complete amino acid sequence of one of the polypeptide chains of the human T3/T-cell receptor complex, the T3 glycoprotein (T3-delta-chain) of relative molecular mass 20,000, was deduced from cDNA clones derived from HPB-ALL cells and a human T-cell clone. Inspection of the 171-amino acid sequence reveals a signal peptide, a 79-amino acid extracellular domain, one transmembrane region and a 44-amino acid intracellular domain which show no sequence homology with members of the T-cell receptor/immunoglobulin/MHC multi-gene family. The T3 delta-chain is coded for by a single-copy gene the expression of which is restricted to T lymphocytes in humans and mice.

Cloned helper T cells can kill B lymphoma cells in the presence of specific antigen: Ia restriction and cognate vs. noncognate interactions in cytolysis

Cloned, Lyt-1+,2-, antigen-specific, Ia-restricted T cell lines can inhibit the growth of Ia-bearing B lymphoma cells in the presence of specific antigen. This effect is due to cytolysis of the B lymphoma cells in an antigen-specific, Ia-restricted manner by the cloned T cell lines. These cloned T cell lines can also kill lipopolysaccharide-activated normal B cells, while they activate resting B cells to divide and secrete immunoglobulin and are thus helper T cells as well as cytolytic T cells. The mechanism of cytolysis was examined in detail. Killing was mediated by a nonspecific mechanism after specific stimulation of the T cells with antigen presented in the context of the appropriate Ia glycoprotein complex, possibly implying a role for a soluble mediator. This simple system involving two clonal populations allows a detailed analysis of T-B interactions. Our studies are consistent with the view that both cognate and noncognate interactions of Ia-restricted T cells with B cells are mediated by nonspecific factors. Thus, the difference between interactions that appear to be cognate and those that appear to be noncognate may be quantitative rather than qualitative. That two cloned populations of cells can show either pattern of interaction depending on T-B ratio provides strong support for this view. Finally, that cloned helper T cells can kill activated B cells in an antigen-specific fashion may provide a new mechanism of immune regulation that would be especially important in responses to self antigens in vivo.

Cell surface structures involved in T cell activation

We have discussed four specific models which provide different kinds of information about the requirements for T cell activation. The first utilized a CTL clone designated L3, which is reactive specifically with Ld alloantigen, to study the involvement of the associative recognition structure Lyt-2 in cytolysis. The apparent requirements for activation of this CTL clone differ depending on whether the target cells bear specific alloantigen or are hybridoma cells which express on their cell surface a clonotypic antibody which reacts specifically with the L3 T cell receptor for antigen. When the antigen receptor reacts with alloantigen on the allogeneic target cell, cytolysis is inhibited by anti-Lyt-2 antibody. However, when the clonotypic antibody of the target cell reacts with the antigen receptor of the T cell, cytolysis is much less inhibited by anti-Lyt-2 antibody. The antigen receptor seems to be responsible for the specificity of both these interactions but the avidity of the interaction between CTL and target cell seems to differ in the two situations. Evidence that participation of the L3T4 associative recognition structure on HTL is less important for cloned T cells which have higher affinity antigen receptors was provided by the second model system which used cloned HTL selected for optimal responses to different concentrations of nominal antigen. Proliferative responses of those clones which responded to lower antigen concentrations were less readily inhibited by anti-L3T4 mAb. Evidence provided by these two model systems is consistent with the concept that associative recognition structures are of lesser importance for T cell activation for those T cells which have higher affinity antigen receptors. In the third model system, we have identified several monoclonal antibodies which augment proliferative response of cloned T cells to sub-optimal amounts of IL-2, probably by reacting with the antigen receptor or with the associated Leu-4/T3 structure. The reactivity patterns of these antibodies indicate that several different epitopes are being recognized. Some appear to be clonotypic although they do not block functional activity of the clone with which they react. Others react with all T clones which we have tested. Several of these react with a cell surface antigen which is expressed at about the same level as the clonotypic structures: these antibodies may react with the murine equivalent of the human Leu-4/T3 molecular complex. One of the "pan-T cell" antibodies which augments IL-2-induced T cell proliferation appears to react with Thy-1; this antibody is similar to one described recently by Gunter et al. (1984).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The role of B cell surface Ia antigen recognition by T cells in B cell triggering. Analysis of the interaction of cloned helper T cells with normal B cells in differing states of activation and with B cells expressing the xid defect

Two discrete mechanisms of T-B cell collaboration appear to exist. In cognate recognition, B cell triggering results from a direct recognition of antigen and MHC determinants at the B cell surface. Alternatively, B cells can be triggered by transstimulation, in which the Th cell is activated by an antigen-presenting cell to produce soluble factors which in turn trigger the B cell. This report addresses the question of whether antigen recognition at the B cell surface in association with Ia determinants delivers a signal to the B cell, which is qualitatively different from the signals delivered by the soluble mediators released by the activated Th cell. Previous reports from a number of laboratories suggest that cognate recognition is obligatory for the triggering of small resting B cells and B cells of the Lyb-5- phenotype, whereas enlarged B cell blasts and the Lyb-5+ subset can be triggered solely by soluble mediators. Contrary to these findings, the experiments described here indicate that B cells isolated in different states of activation from normal spleens on the basis of their buoyant density in Percoll density gradients, or unfractionated B cells from mice differing genetically due to the xid defect [Lyb-5- B cells from (CBA/N X BALB/c)F1 male mice], do not discriminate between the two modes of Th cell function. In both stimulation modes, the high density B cells, and the B cells from xid mice made very poor immunoglobulin secretory responses measured in terms of reverse plaque formation on protein A-coupled erythrocytes. When the responses of different density fractions of B cells were compared under conditions where stimulation occurred either directly or indirectly via transstimulation, the following hierarchy of responsiveness in both the proliferative and plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses was observed in the density fractions 60% greater than 65% greater than 70% greater than 75%. The hierarchy was the same in both modes of interaction and the deficiency of the high density, small B cells was far more marked in the PFC assay than in the proliferative assay. We conclude that the initial proliferative response of the resting B cell can be triggered comparably in vitro under conditions of direct or transstimulation. Thus, recognition of B cell surface Ia by Th cells is not obligatory for B cell activation and does not transfer an essential transmembrane signal to the B cell.

The Fab fragment of a directly activating monoclonal antibody that precipitates a disulfide-linked heterodimer from a helper T cell clone blocks activation by either allogeneic Ia or antigen and self-Ia

We characterize a monoclonal antibody directed against the antigen/Ia receptor of a cloned helper T cell line that induced T cell clone proliferation and T cell clone-dependent B cell proliferation at antibody concentrations as low as 10(-11) M. A Fab fragment of this antibody was not stimulatory, implicating cross-linking of antigen receptors as the primary signal for T cell activation. The Fab fragment inhibited activation of this clone by both allogeneic Ia and antigen plus self-Ia, but not by the nonspecific stimulators concanavalin A and rabbit anti-mouse brain serum. This strongly supports the hypothesis that a single molecule mediates both self-Ia plus antigen and non-self-Ia recognition. This molecule is presumably the disulfide-linked heterodimer comprised of 42,000 mol wt acidic and basic subunits precipitated by this monoclonal antibody. The cell surface and internal precursor forms of this protein are also identified. In addition, the response to allogeneic Ia stimulation was more readily inhibited by the Fab fragment than was the response to antigen plus self-Ia, suggesting that alloreactivity reflects a low affinity interaction with a ligand represented at high frequency on the stimulatory cell.