Monoclonal antibodies to polymorphic epitopes on Ia antigens: three independent groups of determinants expressed on DRw6 homozygous cells

A multiple transgenic mouse model with a partially humanized activation pathway for helper T cell responses

Mice expressing human CD4 and human MHC II molecules provide a valuable model both for the investigation of the immunopathogenetic role of human autoantigens and for the development of therapeutic strategies based on modulating helper T cell activation in vivo. Here we present a novel mouse model expressing HLA-DR17 (a split antigen of HLA-DR3) together with human CD4 in the absence of murine cd4 (CD4/DR3 mice). Human CD4 accurately replaces murine cd4 within T cells. In particular, the preservation of cd8(+) and CD4(+) T cell subsets distinguishes CD4/DR3 mice from other multiple transgenic models in which the alternative T cell subsets are fundamentally disturbed. Moreover, human CD4 is also faithfully expressed on antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells and monocyte/macrophages, so that the overall transgenic CD4 expression pattern resembles very closely that of humans. HLA-DR3 expression in the thymus correlates very closely to that of mouse MHC II. In contrast, only 70% of mouse MHC II positive cells in spleen, lymph node, and peripheral blood coexpress HLA-DR3. No significant bias was found with regard to particular leucocytes in this respect. The stimulation of helper T cells clearly depends on the interaction between the human transgene products, since mAbs to HLA-DR and/or CD4 completely blocked in vitro recall responses to tetanus toxoid. CD4/DR3 mice represent a partially humanized animal model which will facilitate studies of DR3-associated autoimmune responses and the in vivo determination of the therapeutic potential of mAbs to human CD4.

Impaired intracellular transport and cell surface expression of nonpolymorphic HLA-E: evidence for inefficient peptide binding

The assembly of the classical, polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum requires the presence of peptide ligands and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m). Formation of this trimolecular complex is a prerequisite for efficient transport to the cell surface, where presented peptides are scanned by T lymphocytes. The function of the other class I molecules is in dispute. The human, nonclassical class I gene, HLA-E, was found to be ubiquitously transcribed, whereas cell surface expression was difficult to detect upon transfection. Pulse chase experiments revealed that the HLA-E heavy chain in transfectants, obtained with the murine myeloma cell line P3X63-Ag8.653 (X63), displays a significant reduction in oligosaccharide maturation and intracellular transport compared with HLA-B27 in corresponding transfectants. The accordingly low HLA-E cell surface expression could be significantly enhanced by either reducing the culture temperature or by supplementing the medium with human beta 2m, suggesting inefficient binding of endogenous peptides to HLA-E. To analyze whether HLA-E binds peptides and to identify the corresponding ligands, fractions of acid-extracted material from HLA-E/X63 transfectants were separated by reverse phase HPLC and were tested for their ability to enhance HLA-E cell surface expression. Two fractions specifically increased the HLA class I expression on the HLA-E transfectant clone.

Identification of a sulfoglycolipid epitope shared by cells of neuroectodermal and hematopoietic origin

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) SNH.1 detects an epitope which is restricted to cells of neuroectodermal and hematopoietic origin. The mAb was obtained by immunization of a mouse with liposomes containing a crude extract of human melanoma acidic glycolipids. The SNH.1 antigen isolated from melanoma was identified as a sulfated glycolipid, closely related or identical to sulfogalactosyl-ceramide. When tested with different lipids, mAb SNH.1 reacted as well with other sulfoglycolipids. The staining of mAb SNH.1 is restricted to the cytoplasm and often localized to the perinuclear region. Therefore, the SNH.1 mAb epitope may be detectable only during the biosynthesis of sulfoglycolipids.

Definition of a new supertypic HLA class II determinant (LAR) associated with HLA-DR2 and -DR7

A serum from a patient (LAR), immunized by pregnancies and blood transfusions, reacted with cells carrying HLA-DR2 and/or -DR7 specificities (titer 1:200-1:1000). Absorption-elution experiments showed that the allo-serum recognized a determinant shared by DR2 and DR7 cells. The high correlation coefficients (0.90-1) with these specificities suggested that the supertypic specificity LAR was carried by the first DR molecule encoded by DRB1 gene. LAR is another example of new supertypic specificities, reflecting structural homologies between alleles at HLA class II loci.

Differential expression of MHC class II subregion products on bile duct epithelial cells and hepatocytes in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

To study the expression of MHC Class II subregion gene products on biliary epithelial cells in primary biliary cirrhosis, frozen sections from liver biopsies of 15 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis were studied immunohistochemically using HLA-D subregion specific monoclonal antibodies L243 (HLA-DR), Leu10 (HLA-DQ) and B7/21 (HLA-DP). Patients with early stages of primary biliary cirrhosis showed expression of HLA-DP, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ subregion gene products on bile duct epithelial cells. In advanced stages of disease, no MHC Class II antigens or only HLA-DR and HLA-DP were expressed on bile duct cells. While normal hepatocytes did not express detectable amounts of MHC Class II antigens, hepatocytes from liver biopsies of four patients with primary biliary cirrhosis showed a distinct staining exclusively with monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-DR. The expression of MHC Class II antigens on parenchymal cells was independent of a lymphocytic infiltration into the tissue. This study demonstrates that bile ductular cells, but not hepatocytes, express a full set of MHC Class II molecules at least during the early stages of primary biliary cirrhosis. We propose, therefore, that the expression of both HLA-DR and HLA-DQ subregion products on bile duct epithelial cells may be a necessary, although not sufficient, condition for the initiation of an autoimmune process leading to the destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Glycoprotein P3.58, associated with tumor progression in malignant melanoma, is a novel leukocyte activation antigen

The P3.58 antigen is defined by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) selected to discriminate between benign and malignant melanocytic cells. Its expression in malignant cells has been shown to correlate with an increased risk of metastasis. A survey of a wide range of tissues revealed that, on normal tissue, expression of P3.58 antigen is restricted to a subset of cells involved in the immune response. The antigen was found not only on certain endothelia, but also on activated macrophages in vivo and in vitro and as well as on activated B lymphocytes. A comparison with known B-lymphocyte and leukocyte activation antigens indicated that P3.58 is a novel leukocyte activation antigen. Biochemical analysis of the P3.58 antigen isolated from cells of different histogenic origin indicated that different molecular forms of the antigen exist, apparently depending on the cell type of origin. P3.58 molecules precipitated from tunicamycin-treated cells were identical in all cell types, suggesting that the variation observed is due to variable N-glycosylation.

Production of an HLA-DRw13 antibody in a DRw14 positive multiparous woman

A lymphocytotoxic HLA-DR alloantiserum (Ma159) which reacts with DR7, DR5 and DRw13 positive lymphocytes is described. It was non-cytotoxic against 27 DRw14 positive subjects and was not absorbed by DRw14 positive cells. The antiserum was produced by pregnancy alone in a DR4, DRw14 positive woman whose husband possesses DR7 and DRw13. Absorption and titration studies suggested that the antiserum contains separate antibodies directed towards DR7, DRw13 and a determinant shared by DR5 and DRw13. The implications of finding a specific anti-DRw13 antiserum and its production in a donor positive for the alternative subdivision of DRw6 are discussed.

Epitope analysis with monoclonal antibodies directed against class II molecules subdivides HLA-DR2, DR3 and DR4: correlations with cellularly defined Dw specificities

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) defining 14 distinct polymorphic epitopes have been produced against the class II antigens of HLA-DR3Dw3DQw2 cells. Population analysis indicates that Mab C1 is directed against the DQw2 specificity and Mab M6 against the DRw52 specificity. The remaining Mabs define epitopes shared by the class II molecules of DR3 and various other specificities. Seven DR3Dw3DQw2 haplotypes were examined and could be divided into two types based on the presence of the epitope defined by Mab M3. Analysis of DR2 and DR4 homozygous cells with these Mabs revealed several distinct patterns of epitope expression. These subdivisions were found to correlate with the cellularly defined Dw specificities.

Biochemical dissection of DRw6 related epitopes using monoclonal antibodies

Three monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) directed against polymorphic epitopes of Ia antigens were used as tools for a serological and biochemical dissection of the class II products encoded by the HLA-DRw6 haplotype. MoAb 16.23 defines an epitope common to DRw13 and DR3 haplotypes, MoAb S5 defines an epitope common to DRw13 and DR2 haplotypes, and MoAb S2 defines an epitope apparently restricted to DRw13. Not all DRw13 cells express these epitopes. Analysis of 16 DRw6 homozygous typing cells showed that expression of all three epitopes was restricted to those DRw13 cells that carried the Dw18 antigen, the DRw13 Dw19 cells being negative. The relationships among the molecules bearing these epitopes were investigated using sequential immunoprecipitation in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from genetically characterized individuals. In both DRw13 and DR2 bearing cells, the DR2 + w13 epitope was localized to a population of DQ molecules which also carried the DQw1 specificity defined by MoAb Genox 3.53. The S5 epitope is therefore a private specificity that distinguishes the DQw1 antigens encoded by the DR2 and DRw13 haplotypes from the DQw1 antigens encoded by other haplotypes. The DRw13 and the DR3 + w13 epitopes were both shown to be expressed on DR molecules that also carried a DRw52-like specificity. In a DRw13 haplotype encoding both the S2 and 16.23 epitopes, the epitopes appeared to be located on separate molecules. The antibodies described here can distinguish between DRw13 cells which carry different Dw antigens, identify a private specificity on the DQw1 antigen, and define two distinct DR molecules encoded by some DRw13 haplotypes.

Despite lack of monospecific anti-DRw13 sera, a corresponding class II determinant can be defined by a DRw13 restricted anti-influenza virus T cell clone

The study of a T3+ T4+ T8- human T cell clone COTC2 with both specific proliferative response and cytolytic activity for influenza A virus infected cells reveals that: the restricting element of this clone is strongly associated with DRw13 molecule(s) as seen by the study of a large panel of antigen presenting cells (APC) and by the observation that monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) specific for DR molecules inhibit its proliferative activity while anti-DQ MoAb do not. These results indicate that there exists a DRw13 associated determinant that can be defined at the functional level by COTC2 recognition despite the absence of monospecific anti-DRw13 serum. In contrast to the results found by other groups, the restriction of this DRw13 restricted clone follows the DRw13 serological definition irrespective of the DW type of the APC. These results indicate that the polymorphism of HLA class II molecules can be further defined at the functional level by monoclonal populations of T cells in conjunction with molecular definition.

T cells specific for different antigens express different HLA-D region products

T cell lines and clones were analyzed for surface expression of Ia antigens using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that detect monomorphic and polymorphic epitopes on Ia molecules encoded by the HLA-DR and HLA-DQ gene clusters. All mAb bound to B lymphocytes or lymphoblastoid cell lines of the same individuals from whom the T cells were derived. Three mAb detecting monomorphic epitopes, primarily associated with HLA-DR, bound to all T cells showing that each clone or line expressed some type of Ia. Three other mAb defining polymorphic epitopes associated with HLA-DR products showed differential binding patterns. Two reagents, R3 and E15/4 recognizing the supertypic specificity DRw52 (formerly MT2), bound to every alloreactive clone, whereas the 16.23 mAb, detecting a private DR3-associated epitope, failed to bind to any clone. In contrast, the 16.23 epitope was detected on high percentages of T cells specific for purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) or tetanus toxoid (TT). Biochemical studies showed that the 16.23 and DRw52-like epitopes can be present on distinct DR molecules on B cell lines and this may also be the case for T cells. Three other mAb, detecting epitopes associated with HLA-DQ, also revealed differential binding patterns when tested on various T cells. Two failed to bind to any alloreactive clone and to only low numbers of PPD- or TT-specific T cell lines, whereas the third bound distinctly to a CD4+/CD8+ alloreactive clone. Biochemical analyses have shown that these DQ epitopes can be present on different molecules. Combined, these observations indicate that differential expression of Ia molecules encoded by both HLA-DR and DQ occurs between B and activated T cells as well as among T cell populations of the same individual. Whether these differences reflect quantitative variations in expression of given DR or DQ molecules or, alternatively, are due to differential class II gene expression in activated T cells remains to be determined.

In situ analysis of antigens on malignant and benign cells of the melanocyte lineage. Differential expression of two surface molecules, gp75 and p89

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were selected for differential binding to sections of freshly frozen biopsy material of human malignant melanomas and their precursor lesions, the melanocytic nevi. Both melanomas and normal nevi expressed human Ia-like antigens, transferrin receptor and the transferrin-related molecule p97. In contrast, only 1 nevus of 21 tested expressed both glycoprotein gp75, defined by mAb 15.75, and protein p89, defined by mAb P3.58, whereas 12 of 15 melanomas tested expressed both antigens. mAb P3.58 reacted with one additional melanoma and one nevus. The expression of these two molecules therefore appears to be correlated with the appearance of the malignant phenotype of melanocytes.

Identification of two cis-encoded HLA-DQ molecules that carry distinct alloantigenic specificities

The monoclonal antibodies Genox 3.53, S1, and R1 define polymorphic epitopes localized to DQ molecules. All three antibodies showed a strong association with the HLA-DR antigens 1, 2, and w6 when tested on a panel of 68 unrelated individuals, suggesting that they all recognized the DQw1 allospecificity. However, segregation analysis and binding studies with a panel of HLA-D/DR homozygous cells indicated that these monoclonal antibodies defined two different alloantigens. Cells homozygous for DR 1, 2, or w6 expressed the epitopes defined by all three antibodies (i.e., S1, R1, and Ge) while cells homozygous for DR4 and DRw8 expressed only the S1 and R1 epitopes. Sequential immunoprecipitation analyses in S1+/R1+/Ge+ individuals, in which the three epitopes were shown by segregation analysis to be encoded by the same chromosome, revealed two distinct DQ-like molecules. While R1 and S1 appeared to reside on the same molecule, the epitope defined by Genox 3.53 was on a different molecule. Identical results were obtained with DR1-, DR2-, or DRw6-bearing cells. Thus it appears that DQw1-bearing individuals express two cis-encoded DQ-like molecules that carry distinct alloantigenic specificities.