MLR3 molecule is an activation antigen shared by human B, T lymphocytes and T cell precursors

Stepwise Isolation of Diverse Metabolic Cell Populations Using Sorting by Interfacial Tension (SIFT)

We present here a passive and label-free droplet microfluidic platform to sort cells stepwise by lactate and proton secretion from glycolysis. A technology developed in our lab, Sorting by Interfacial Tension (SIFT), sorts droplets containing single cells into two populations based on pH by using interfacial tension. Cellular glycolysis lowers the pH of droplets through proton secretion, enabling passive selection based on interfacial tension and hence single-cell glycolysis. The SIFT technique is expanded here by exploiting the dynamic droplet acidification from surfactant adsorption that leads to a concurrent increase in interfacial tension. This allows multiple microfabricated rails at different downstream positions to isolate cells with distinct glycolytic levels. The device is used to correlate sorted cells with three levels of glycolysis with a conventional surface marker for T-cell activation. As glycolysis is associated with both disease and cell state, this technology facilitates the sorting and analysis of crucial cell subpopulations for applications in oncology, immunology and immunotherapy.

B cell activation and proliferation increase intracellular zinc levels

Zinc ions serve as second messengers in major cellular pathways, including the regulation pathways of proliferation and their proper regulation is necessary for homeostasis and a healthy organism. Accordingly, expression of zinc transporters can be altered in various cancer cell lines and is often involved in producing elevated intracellular zinc levels. In this study, human B cells were infected with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) to generate immortalized cells, which revealed traits of tumor cells, such as high proliferation rates and an extended lifespan. These cells showed differentially altered zinc transporter expression with ZIP7 RNA and protein expression being especially increased as well as a corresponding increased phosphorylation of ZIP7 in EBV-transformed B cells. Accordingly, free zinc levels were elevated within these cells. To prove whether the observed changes resulted from immortalization or rather high proliferation, free zinc levels in in vitro activated B cells and in freshly isolated B cells expressing the activation marker CD69 were determined. Here, comparatively increased zinc levels were found, suggesting that activation and proliferation, but not immortalization, act as crucial factors for the elevation of intracellular free zinc.

Similar activation state of neutrophils in sputum of asthma patients irrespective of sputum eosinophilia

Inflammatory phenotypes of asthma are associated with differences in disease characteristics. It is unknown whether these inflammatory phenotypes are reflected by the activation status of neutrophils in blood and sputum. We obtained peripheral blood and induced sputum from 21 asthma patients and stratified our samples based on sputum eosinophilia resulting in two groups (>3% eosinophils: n = 13, <3%: n = 8). Eosinophils and neutrophils from blood and sputum were analysed for expression of activation and degranulation markers by flow cytometry. Data were analysed by both classical, non-parametric statistics and a multi-dimensional approach, using principal component analysis (PCA). Patients with sputum eosinophilia were characterized by increased asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) scores and blood eosinophil counts. Both sputum neutrophils and eosinophils displayed an activated and degranulated phenotype compared to cells obtained from blood. Specifically, degranulation of all granule types was detected in sputum cells, combined with an increased expression of the activation markers (activated) Mac-1 (CD11b), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) (CD274) and a decreased expression of CD62L. CD69 expression was only increased on sputum eosinophils. Surface marker expression of neutrophils was similar in the presence or absence of eosinophilia, either by single or multi-dimensional analysis. Sputum neutrophils were highly activated and degranulated irrespective of sputum eosinophilia. Therefore, we conclude that differences in granulocyte activation in sputum and/or blood are not associated with clinical differences in the two groups of asthma patients. The finding of PD-L1 expression on sputum granulocytes suggests an immunomodulatory role of these cells in the tissue.

CD8+ T Cell Fate and Function Influenced by Antigen-Specific Virus-Like Nanoparticles Co-Expressing Membrane Tethered IL-2

A variety of adjuvants fostering humoral immunity are known as of today. However, there is a lack of adjuvants or adjuvant strategies, which directly target T cellular effector functions and memory. We here determined whether systemically toxic cytokines such as IL-2 can be restricted to the site of antigen presentation and used as ‘natural adjuvants’. Therefore, we devised antigen-presenting virus-like nanoparticles (VNP) co-expressing IL-2 attached to different membrane-anchors and assessed their potency to modulate CD8⁺ T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. Efficient targeting of IL-2 to lipid rafts and ultimately VNP was achieved by fusing IL-2 at its C-terminus to a minimal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor acceptor sequence. To identify optimal membrane-anchor dimensions we inserted one (1Ig), two (2Ig) or four (4Ig) immunoglobulin(Ig)-like domains of CD16b between IL-2 and the minimal GPI-anchor acceptor sequence of CD16b (GPI). We found that the 2IgGPI version was superior to all other evaluated IL-2 variants (IL-2v) in terms of its i) degree of targeting to lipid rafts and to the VNP surface, ii) biological activity, iii) co-stimulation of cognate T cells in the absence of bystander activation and iv) potency to induce differentiation and acquisition of CD8⁺ T cell effector functions in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the GPI version rather favored memory precursor cell formation. These results exemplify novel beneficial features of membrane-bound IL-2, which in addition to its mere T cell stimulatory capacity include the induction of differential effector and memory functions in CD8⁺ T lymphocytes.

In vitro Production of IL-6 and IFN-γ is Influenced by Dietary Variables and Predicts Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Incidence and Severity Respectively in Young Adults

Assessment of immune responses in healthy adults following dietary or lifestyle interventions is challenging due to significant inter-individual variability. Thus, gaining a better understanding of host factors that contribute to the heterogeneity in immunity is necessary. To address this question, healthy adults [n = 36, 18-40 years old, body mass index (BMI) 20-35 kg/m(2)] were recruited. Dietary intake was obtained via 3-day dietary recall records, physical activity level was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood. Expression of activation markers on unstimulated immune subsets was assessed by flow cytometry. T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion was assessed following in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3 or lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, the incidence and severity of cold or flu symptoms were obtained from self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) questionnaires. The relationship between activation marker expression on T cells and T-cell effector functions; and in vitro cytokine secretion and URTI was determined by linear or logistic regression. CD69 and CD25 expression on unstimulated T cells was significantly associated with T-cell proliferation and interleukin-2 secretion. Incidence and severity of cold or flu symptoms was significantly associated with in vitro interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma secretion, respectively. Furthermore, host factors (e.g., age, BMI, physical activity, and diet) contributed significantly to the relationship between activation marker expression and T-cell effector function, and cytokine secretion and cold and flu status. In conclusion, these results suggest that lifestyle and dietary factors are important variables that contribute to immune responses and should be included in human clinical trials that assess immune endpoints.

CD69 does not affect the extent of T cell priming

CD69 is rapidly upregulated on T cells upon activation. In this work we show that this is also the case for CD69 expression on dendritic cells (DC). Thus, the expression kinetics of CD69 on both cell types is reminiscent of the one of costimulatory molecules. Using mouse models of transgenic T cells, we aimed at evaluating the effect of monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based targeting and gene deficiency of CD69 expressed by either DC or T cells on the extent of antigen (Ag)-specific T cell priming, which could be the result of a putative role in costimulation as well as on DC maturation and Ag-processing and presentation. CD69 targeting or deficiency of DC did not affect their expression of costimulatory molecules nor their capacity to induce Ag-specific T cell proliferation in in vitro assays. Also, CD69 targeting or deficiency of transgenic T cells did not affect the minimal proliferative dose for different peptide agonists in vitro. In in vivo models of transgenic T cell transfer and local Ag injection, CD69 deficiency of transferred T cells did not affect the extent of the proliferative response in Ag-draining lymph nodes (LN). In agreement with these results, CD69 MAb targeting or gene deficiency of Vaccinia-virus (VACV) infected mice did not affect the endogenous formation of virus-specific CD8(+) T cell populations at the peak of the primary immune response. Altogether our results argue against a possible role in costimulation or an effect on Ag processing and presentation for CD69.

Allopurinol reduces antigen-specific and polyclonal activation of human T cells

Allopurinol is the most popular commercially available xanthine oxidase inhibitor and it is widely used for treatment of symptomatic hyperuricaemia, or gout. Although, several anti-inflammatory actions of allopurinol have been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, there have been few studies on the action of allopurinol on T cells. In the current study, we have assessed the effect of allopurinol on antigen-specific and mitogen-driven activation and cytokine production in human T cells. Allopurinol markedly decreased the frequency of IFN-γ and IL-2-producing T cells, either after polyclonal or antigen-specific stimulation with Herpes Simplex virus 1, Influenza (Flu) virus, tetanus toxoid and Trypanosoma cruzi-derived antigens. Allopurinol attenuated CD69 upregulation after CD3 and CD28 engagement and significantly reduced the levels of spontaneous and mitogen-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species in T cells. The diminished T cell activation and cytokine production in the presence of allopurinol support a direct action of allopurinol on human T cells, offering a potential pharmacological tool for the management of cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Activation of human T lymphocytes under conditions similar to those that occur during exposure to microgravity: A proteomics study

A number of experiments, conducted under microgravity conditions, i.e. in space shuttle biolaboratories or in ground based systems simulating the conditions occurring in microgravity, show that in hypogravity, in vitro human lymphocyte activation is severely impaired. However, very early stimulation steps of T lymphocytes are not compromised, since CD69 receptor, the earliest membrane activation marker, is expressed by T cells at a level comparable to that observed on 1 g activated lymphocytes. Since CD69 engagement, together with submitogenic doses of phorbol esters, transduces an activation signal to T lymphocytes, we undertook a comparative study on the stimulation mediated through this receptor on human CD3+ cells cultured under conditions similar to those which occur during exposure to microgravity, i.e. in clinorotation, or at 1 g. During the early hours of activation, increased levels of intracellular calcium and increased mitochondrial membrane potential were detectable in clinorotating as well as in 1 g cells. However, after 48 hours clinorotation, interleukin 2 production by T lymphocytes was significantly reduced and cell proliferation was greatly decreased. By means of a differential proteomics approach on T cells activated in clinorotation or at 1 g for 48 hours, we were able to detect statistically significant quantitative protein alterations. Seven proteins with modified expression values were identified; they are involved in nucleic acids processing, proteasome regulation and cytoskeleton structure.

Bcl-2-mediated regulation of CD69-induced apoptosis of human eosinophils: identification and characterization of a novel receptor-induced mechanism and relationship to CD95-transduced signalling

Elimination of the eosinophils from the airways by selective induction of apoptosis represents a therapeutic approach for asthma. Here we report on a possible target molecule, the surface receptor CD69. To simulate an asthmatic response, segmental allergen challenge in mild asthmatics was performed. Eosinophil numbers increased in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at 18 h. In contrast to blood cells, BAL eosinophils expressed the activation marker CD69. Purified blood eosinophils stimulated with granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) expressed CD69 and showed prolonged viability. Only IFN-gamma enhanced constitutive CD95 expression. Coincubation with anti-CD69 or anti-CD95 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) induced apoptosis, as revealed by propidium iodide incorporation, membrane blebbing and nuclear fragmentation. Additionally, both anti-CD69 and anti-CD95 MoAb reduced cytokine-enhanced Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, CD69 transduces a Bcl-2-dependent death signal when ligated by a specific antibody. As, in contrast to the ubiquitous death-inducer CD95, the function of CD69 appears to be restricted to activated eosinophils, it represents an ideal target for therapeutic intervention in asthma.

Cloning of bovine CD69

CD69 is rapidly inducible on various hematopoietic cells upon stimulation and is detectable as an early activation antigen. Although CD69 is well characterized in human and mouse, no information is available on bovine CD69. We report here that, bovine CD69 was cloned from a cDNA expression library prepared from activated peripheral blood lymphocytes. The full-length cDNA contained an 80bp 5' untranslated region, followed by a 600bp coding region and AU-rich motifs in a 3' untranslated region (GenBank accession number AF272828). Comparison of the bovine CD69 coding sequence reveals 69.4 and 78.2% nucleotide sequence identities with mouse and human CD69, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequence of bovine CD69 shares 56.3 and 62.3% sequence identity when compared with mouse and human CD69, respectively. Bovine CD69 has the highly conserved amino acid sequences found in the C-type lectin family, suggesting that the conserved residues may be important for conformation and binding to the, as yet unidentified ligand. In addition, the cytoplasmic tail of bovine CD69 has two casein kinase-2 (CK-2) phosphorylation sites. These data suggest that bovine CD69 plays an important role in the activation of lymphocytes.

Increased CD69 expression on peripheral blood eosinophils after specific inhalation challenge

BACKGROUND

CD69 is a molecule expressed on human eosinophils after cytokine-activation. Different studies have described the eosinophil activation, evaluated by CD69 expression, at the site of an allergic inflammation. In this study we evaluated the expression of CD69 on peripheral blood eosinophils after a specific inhalation challenge (SIC), in order to better define the state of activation of peripheral blood eosinophils after exposure to sensitizers.

METHODS

CD69 expression was evaluated by flow cytometry in nine asthmatic patients before and after a positive SIC with high or low molecular weight agents (pollens, house dust mites, Penicillia, isocyanates) and in 11 asthmatic patients who underwent an inhalation challenge with placebo. CD69 expression was evaluated at baseline, 120 min, and 240 min after the SIC or the placebo.

RESULTS

Baseline (before challenge) CD69 expression was comparable between the group of SIC positive patients and the placebo group. CD69 expression on peripheral eosinophils significantly increased 240 min after the challenge in positive SIC patients compared to placebo. In patients with a positive SIC the percentage of peripheral blood eosinophils significantly decreased at 120 and 240 min after the inhalation challenge with respect to the baseline.

CONCLUSION

CD69 expression on peripheral blood eosinophils is significantly increased in asthmatic patients after exposure to the sensitizing agent. These data show that the effects of a bronchial stimulation are also detectable on peripheral blood eosinophils.

WIP deficiency reveals a differential role for WIP and the actin cytoskeleton in T and B cell activation

WIP stabilizes actin filaments and is important for filopodium formation. To define the role of WIP in immunity, we generated WIP-deficient mice. WIP(minus sign/minus sign) mice have normal lymphocyte development, but their T cells fail to proliferate, secrete IL-2, increase their F-actin content, polarize and extend protrusions following T cell receptor ligation, and are deficient in conjugate formation with superantigen-presenting B cells and anti-CD3 bilayers. In contrast, WIP-deficient B lymphocytes have enhanced proliferation and CD69 expression following B cell receptor ligation and mount normal antibody responses to T-independent antigens. Both WIP-deficient T and B cells show a profound defect in their subcortical actin filament networks. These results suggest that WIP is important for immunologic synapse formation and T cell activation.

Differentially induced expression of C-type lectins in activated lymphocytes

The human NK gene complex encodes for the leucocyte C-type lectins, CD69, AICL (activation-induced C-type lectin), LLT1 (lectin-like transcript), CD161/NKR-P1A, CD94, and for NKG-2 molecules. These gene products have been implicated in the regulation of the function of natural killer (NK) cells and other lymphocytes. In this study the expression of C-type lectins during the early activation of PMA-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes was examined. To investigate the influence of de novo protein synthesis on activation-dependent expression of C-type lectins, cells were cultured in presence of cycloheximide (CHX) and mRNA levels were analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Upregulated levels of CD69, AICL, and LLT1, but less pronounced changes of CD161/NKR-P1A and CD94 mRNA were found at early time points of cellular activation. CD69 was superinduced by CHX at the nuclear precursor transcript and the mRNA level suggesting that regulation of transcriptional activity and mRNA stability contribute to extent of CD69 mRNA accumulation. CHX treatment resulted also in an overexpression of AICL, LLT1, and CD161/NKR-P1A mRNAs. Conversely, CHX blocked CD94 mRNA expression in PMA-stimulated cells, demonstrating that this process is dependent on new protein synthesis. Expression kinetics in context with susceptibility to CHX indicate that the mechanisms responsible for upregulated CD69, AICL, and LLT1 expression are distinct from those which control CD161/NKR-P1A or CD94 expression. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 36: 201-208, 2001.

Quantitative, rather than qualitative, differences in CD69 upregulation in human blood eosinophils upon activation with selected stimuli

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to investigate whether CD69 expression on granulocytes is subject to specific regulation by inflammatory mediators, and, if so, to identify these factors in relation to eosinophil activity markers such as the EG2 epitope and ECP release.

METHODS

Peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy donors were used. The surface and intracellular distribution of CD69 was investigated with a whole-blood cell-membrane permeabilization technique, the FOG method, and flow cytometry. In vitro stimulation was performed with GM-CSF, IL-5, IL-5 plus eotaxin, LPS, and fMLP.

RESULTS

A preformed intracellular pool of CD69 was demonstrated in both eosinophils and neutrophils, but not in monocytes. Almost no resting eosinophils, neutrophils, or monocytes expressed CD69 on the cell surface. However, in vitro stimulation with selected stimuli increased the proportion of CD69-positive eosinophils to various extents, with GM-CSF being the most and fMLP the least efficient stimulus. The neutrophils did not respond under these conditions. Increased expression of the EG2 epitope and initiation of degranulation preceded CD69 upregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Eosinophils and neutrophils from healthy donors have a preformed intracellular pool of CD69, which is mobilized on the cell surface on eosinophils, but not on neutrophils, to various extents by selected stimuli. Monocytes, however, do not have a preformed intracellular pool of CD69. Our data indicate that a kinetic order exists among the EG2 expression, the degranulation process, and CD69 upregulation. Due to a quantitative, rather then a qualitative, upregulation of CD69 by stimuli associated with both allergic and bacterial inflammation, CD69 may be a potential activity marker of clinical value.

Mitogen-induced T-cell CD69 expression is a less sensitive measure of T-cell function than [(3)H]-thymidine uptake

The most widely used in vitro measure of T-cell function has been the assessment of mitogen induced proliferation by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. Mitogens also induce T-cell surface expression of a number of molecules associated with activation, including CD69. Recent reports have suggested that flow cytometric analysis of CD69 expression may be a simpler and faster means of measuring T-cell function. Most studies have been on normal subjects, and the sensitivity of CD69 expression as an in vitro measure of clinical immunodeficiency remains unknown. We address this issue by concurrently measuring mitogen-stimulated T-cell CD69 expression and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in a normal population and five immunocompromised patients negative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All patients had recurrent infections and had known causes of immunodeficiency. Whole blood cultures were setup to measure phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA)- and superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced CD69 expression at 5, 24, and 72 h, and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation at 72 h. All immunodeficient patients had lower than normal PHA responses and 3 of 4 had low SEB responses. However in 7 out of 8 of the patient tests, mitogen-induced T-cell CD69 expression was within the normal range. Similar results were found with CD4(+) T-cell CD69 expression. This study indicates that measurement of mitogen-induced T-cell CD69 expression lacks sensitivity in determining T-cell dysfunction in HIV-negative immunodeficient patients.

Distinct signal thresholds for the unique antigen receptor-linked gene expression programs in mature and immature B cells

Although it is well established that immature B lymphocytes are exquisitely sensitive to tolerance induction compared with their mature counterparts, the molecular basis for this difference is unknown. We demonstrate that signaling by B cell antigen receptors leads to distinct and mutually exclusive biologic responses in mature and immature B cells: upregulation of CD86, CD69, and MHC class II in mature cells and receptor editing in immature cells. These responses can be induced simply by elevation of intracellular free calcium levels, as occurs after receptor aggregation. Importantly, induction of immature B cell responses requires much smaller increases in intracellular free calcium than does induction of mature B cell responses. These differences in biologic response and sensitivity to intracellular free calcium likely contributes to selective elimination at the immature stage of even those B cells that express low affinity for self-antigens.

The CD69 early activation molecule is overexpressed in human bone marrow mast cells from adults with indolent systemic mast cell disease

We have analysed the quantitative expression of surface CD69 antigen on human mast cells (MC), from both normal and pathological bone marrow (BM) samples, using flow cytometry. Our major aim was to analyse whether CD69 is constitutively expressed by normal BMMC and to explore the possible differences between CD69 expression by BMMC from normal controls and patients suffering from different pathological conditions. The constitutive expression of surface CD69 was clearly demonstrated in BMMC; however, systemic mast cell disease (SMCD) patients showed significantly higher levels of surface CD69 expression than healthy controls (P < 0.001), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (P = 0.001), monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (P < 0.001), multiple myeloma (P < 0.001) patients, and myelodysplastic syndromes (P = 0.002). Furthermore, almost no overlap between the levels of CD69 expression on BMMC was observed between SMCD cases and the remaining groups of individuals except for the paediatric mastocytosis group (P > 0.05). From the other groups of patients, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (P = 0.04), myelodysplastic syndromes (P = 0.03) and paediatric mastocytosis (P = 0.003) cases showed a significantly higher expression of surface CD69 as compared to normal subjects. In summary, our findings show that the CD69 antigen is overexpressed in SMCD patients.

CD69 and regulation of the immune function

CD69, also known as activation inducer molecule, very early activation antigen, MLR-3 and Leu-23, is a member of the natural killer (NK) cell gene complex family of signal transducing receptors. CD69 is as a type II transmembrane glycoprotein with a C-type lectin binding domain in the extracellular portion of the molecule. CD69 expression is induced in vitro on cells of most hematopoietic lineages, including T and B lymphocytes, NK cells, murine macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils, while it is constitutively expressed on human monocytes, platelets and epidermal Langerhans cells. Although a specific ligand for CD69 has not been identified, its wide cellular distribution and the induction of intracellular signals upon CD69 crosslinking suggest a role for the receptor in the biology of hematopoietic cells. Moreover, certain results indicate that CD69 may be involved in the pathogenesis of such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory liver diseases, mild asthma, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Expression of CD69 activation marker by endometrial granulated lymphocytes throughout the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy

Flow cytometry studies of first-trimester normal human decidua have proposed that a proportion of endometrial granulated lymphocytes (eGL), the predominant leucocyte population in early human pregnancy, co-express CD69. The purpose of this study was to investigate CD69 expression by immunohistochemistry throughout the menstrual cycle and in first-trimester human decidua and to determine whether CD69 expression by eGL is an in vivo characteristic or whether the antigen is acquired in vitro after tissue disaggregation and cell purification. Single immunoenzymatic and double immunofluorescence labelling of tissue sections, supplemented with double immunoenzymatic staining of purified eGL and flow cytometry, indicated that eGL do not co-express CD69 in situ but that they acquire the molecule in vitro after cell purification and culture.

Ouabain effects on activated lymphocytes: augmentation of CD25 expression on TPA-stimulated cells and of CD69 on PHA-and TPA-stimulated cells

Ouabain (OUA) was capable of inhibiting peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation induced by phyothaemagglutinin (PHA) of phorbol ester (TPA), as measured by thymidine incorporation or cell cycle analysis. In this latter case it was possible to detect a block in the progression from G1 to S phase. This inhibition could not be reversed by interleukin (IL)-2 and was not due to an effect on CD 25 expression, as this molecule was only reduced in PHA cultures treated with OUA. Conversely, cultures activated by TPA and OUA showed an increased expression of CD25. The activation antigen CD69 was increased in both situation, suggesting that despite the absence of proliferative response the cells were being activated. The possibility that these cells were being deviated to the activation pathway leading to apoptosis is now under investigation. This study also suggested that CD25 induction may occur via different pathways, and that the selective effect of OUA for PHA-activated cells may become a useful tool for the understanding of the process.

The natural killer gene complex: a genetic basis for understanding natural killer cell function and innate immunity

The natural killer gene complex encodes proteins, some of which are structurally unrelated, that impact on NK-cell function. Detailed analyses have indicated that these molecules are involved in NK-cell recognition, activation, and inhibition. The importance of this genomic region is highlighted by studies indicating that NKC-associated genes significantly influence NK cell-mediated innate host defense against life-threatening pathogens and that the NKC is conserved among diverse species. Thus, further elucidation of the NKC and its gene products will provide a genetic basis for understanding innate immunity and NK-cell activity at the molecular level.

Genomic structure, chromosome location, and alternative splicing of the human NKG2A gene

A cosmid containing the human NKG2A gene was isolated. The gene was partially sequenced, revealing 7 exons, including one 5' untranslated exon. The 54 base pair exon 5 was missing in the published cDNA clone NKG2B, consistent with the existence of differential splicing. This was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of total RNA from normal lymphocytes. The NKG2A gene was mapped by FISH to chromosome 12p12. 3-p13.1 in proximity to the CD69 and Prp genes. These data support the presence of a human lectin-like NK gene complex, analogous to the NK complex on mouse chromosome 6.

CD69 expression on primitive progenitor cells and hematopoietic malignancies

CD69 is an early activation antigen of peripheral blood lymphocytes and is constitutively expressed on a wide variety of bone marrow-derived cells. To further characterize the distribution and understand the potential biological role of the molecule in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, we used a novel high affinity anti-CD69 mAb (UN6) and analyzed hematopoietic progenitor cells together with a panel of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. We report that mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells display detectable levels of CD69 and that the density of membrane expression correlates with the immature phenotype CD34bright Thy-1bright cells. Furthermore, during cytokine-induced differentiation, the expression of CD69 is moderately down-regulated. Analysis of hematopoietic malignancies revealed that CD69 expression correlates with the immature myeloid phenotype. Taken together these data suggest a role of CD69 during the early phase of hematopoiesis and in the leukemic transformation.

The CD69 receptor: a multipurpose cell-surface trigger for hematopoietic cells

CD69 was initially described as being restricted to recently activated lymphoid cells, but is now known to be expressed on the surface of all hematopoietically derived leukocytes. Crosslinking of CD69 generates intracellular signals in all cell lineages studied, both mouse and human, and results in a variety of cellular end responses. Since a specific ligand has not yet been identified, a definite functional identity for CD69 is still missing. However, as discussed here by Roberto Testi and colleagues, the broad expression of CD69 and its conserved ability to generate intracellular signals suggests a general role for the CD69 receptor in the biology of hematopoietic cells.

The activation antigen CD69

One of the earliest cell surface antigens expressed by T cells following activation is CD69, which is detectable within one h of ligation of the T cell receptor/CD3 complex. Once expressed, CD69 acts as a costimulatory molecule for T cell activation and proliferation. In addition to mature T cells, CD69 is inducibly expressed by immature thymocytes, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, and is constitutively expressed by mature thymocytes and platelets. Recently, cDNA clones encoding human and mouse CD69 were isolated and showed CD69 to be a member of the C-type lectin superfamily. Gene mapping studies have placed CD69 on distal mouse chromosome 6 and human chromosome 12p13, close to, if not in, the NK gene complex. The structure, chromosomal localization, expression and function of CD69 suggest that it is likely a pleiotropic immune regulator, potentially important not only in NK cell function but also in the activation and differentiation of a wide variety of hematopoietic cells.

Characterization of a cyclosporin A-sensitive activation pathway in cultured T and natural killer cells

Previously, the authors have described a molecule, identified by the LD6 monoclonal antibody (MoAb), present at the cell surface of long-term cultured T and Natural Killer (NK) cells which is involved in cell triggering. In the study described here the authors used biotin surface labelling and immunoprecipitation to show that LD6 MoAb recognizes a surface protein of approximately 65 kDa. In combination with submitogenic concentrations of phorbol esters (PMA); LD6 MoAb was able to induce accumulation of mRNA specific for GM-CSF, gamma-IFN and TNF-alpha and release of these cytokines by LD6+ T-cell lines. Both lymphokine production and lymphokine-specific mRNA accumulation induced by the LD6 MoAb were blocked totally by Cyclosporin A (CsA). To investigate the mechanism(s) of signal transduction through this activatory pathway, the authors performed Ca++ mobilization experiments. The results of these experiments suggested a role for Ca++ in signal transduction. The Ca++ mobilization induced by LD6 MoAb cross-linking could be inhibited totally by the use of pertussis toxin, indicating a possible role for G proteins in signalling through the LD6 MoAb-reactive molecule. Western blot analysis performed with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody did not suggest that tyrosine kinase activation has a role.

Modulation of the phenotype and function of bovine afferent lymph cells during infection with Trypanosoma congolense

Alterations in the phenotype and function of cells isolated from bovine afferent lymph were studied following tsetse-transmitted Trypanosoma congolense infection. Little alteration was observed in the output of the CD2+ T cells in the lymph, and within this population the CD4:CD8 ratio remained relatively constant. By contrast, a marked decrease was observed in the output of gamma delta T cells over the first 7 days following infection. The number of B cells increased between 2 and 6 days post-infection, and thereafter returned to pre-infection values. Little change was observed within the afferent lymph veiled cell population. Examination of activation markers on the lymphocyte fraction of afferent lymph revealed a decrease in the number of cells expressing the Interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain from Day 5 post-infection. At this time the expression of ACT 1, another early activation marker, was seen to increase. Afferent lymph cells collected pre-infection and on the first 4 days post-infection proliferated in response to stimulation with Concanavalin A in vitro. This response to mitogenic stimulation was completely abrogated from day five post-infection. However, these cells were not capable of suppressing the capacity of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells to respond to mitogenic stimulus in co-culture assays. These studies suggest that although a degree of lymphocyte activation occurs in the afferent lymph following tsetse-transmitted infection with T. congolense, this may be sub-optimal owing to the immunosuppression which appears to operate at the level of the skin and the lymph nodes.

Molecular cloning, expression, and chromosomal localization of the human earliest lymphocyte activation antigen AIM/CD69, a new member of the C-type animal lectin superfamily of signal-transmitting receptors

The activation of T lymphocytes, both in vivo and in vitro, induces the expression of CD69. This molecule, which appears to be the earliest inducible cell surface glycoprotein acquired during lymphoid activation, is involved in lymphocyte proliferation and functions as a signal transmitting receptor in lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and platelets. To determine the structural basis for CD69 function, the cDNA coding for CD69 was isolated by a polymerase chain reaction-based strategy using oligonucleotides deduced from peptide sequences of the purified protein. The isolated cDNA exhibited a single open reading frame of 597 bp coding for CD69, and predicted a 199-amino acid protein of type II membrane topology, with extracellular (COOH-terminal), transmembrane, and intracellular domains. The CD69 clone hybridized to a 1.7-kb mRNA species, which was rapidly induced and degraded after lymphocyte stimulation, consistent with the presence of rapid degradation signals at the 3' untranslated region. Transient expression of the polypeptide encoded by CD69 cDNA in COS-7 cells demonstrated that it presented properties comparable to native CD69 protein. The CD69 gene was regionally mapped to chromosome 12 p13-p12 by both somatic cell hybrid DNA analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization coupled with GTG banding (G bands by trypsin using Giemsa). Protein sequence homology search revealed that CD69 is a new member of the Ca(2+)-dependent (C-type) lectin superfamily of type II transmembrane receptors, which includes the human NKG2, the rat NKR-P1, and the mouse NKR-P1 families of NK cell-specific genes. CD69 also has a structural homology with other type II lectin cell surface receptors, such as the T cell antigen Ly49, the low avidity immunoglobulin E receptor (CD23), and the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptors. The CD69 protein also shares functional characteristics with most members of this superfamily, which act as transmembrane signaling receptors in early phases of cellular activation.

Molecular characterization of the early activation antigen CD69: a type II membrane glycoprotein related to a family of natural killer cell activation antigens

CD69 is a disulfide-linked homo-dimer expressed on the surface of activated T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils and platelets. Antibody crosslinking of CD69 in the presence of phorbol ester results in cellular activation events including proliferation and the induction of specific genes. Using an expression cloning strategy we have isolated cDNA encoding human CD69 from a CD4+ T cell clone. Transfection of the cDNA clone in CV-1/EBNA cells results in the expression of a covalently linked homodimer. The cDNA insert hybridizes to a 1.7-kb mRNA in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- or phytohemoagglutinin-stimulated human T cells. Using the human clone we have isolated cDNA encoding mouse CD69, which, when expressed in human T cells allowed those cells to respond to anti-mouse CD69 antibodies by secreting interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma. Sequence analysis showed that both mouse and human CD69 are type II membrane glycoproteins related to the NKR-P1 and Ly-49 families of natural killer cell activation molecules.

Regulation of CD69 expression on human natural killer cells: differential involvement of protein kinase C and protein tyrosine kinases

Human peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells (CD56+, CD16+, CD3 epsilon- lymphocytes) express CD69 after their stimulation by interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha). This activation antigen represents a triggering surface molecule in NK cell clones as its stimulation triggers the cytolytic machinery of these cells. However, the mechanisms regulating the expression of CD69 in NK cells are unknown despite the functional relevance of CD69 in NK cell activation. Thus, we have analyzed the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) in the expression of CD69 on purified NK cells activated by IL-2, IFN-alpha, anti Fc gamma RIII (CD16) monoclonal antibodies or by K562 target cells. We found that CD69 is induced on NK cells not only by IL-2 and IFN-alpha but also by activation of the CD16 pathway, the interaction with NK target cells and the direct activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), indicating that CD69 induction is associated to different NK activation pathways. The treatment with the PKC inhibitor staurosporine abolished the induction of CD69 induced by PMA or K562. However, it did not significantly affect CD69 induction by IL-2, IFN-alpha or CD16 cross-linking. This demonstrates that whereas PKC can play a central role in the regulation of CD69 expression in some instances (response to K562 cells or PMA), it does not participate in others (response to IL-2, IFN-alpha or anti CD16 monoclonal antibodies). On the other hand genistein, a competitive inhibitor of PTK enzymes, blocked the expression of CD69 induced by activation of NK cells via IL-2 or IFN-alpha receptors, CD16 and K562 receptor(s), indicating that stimulation of PTK is a common step in the signal transduction events leading to the induction of CD69 antigens after the activation of NK cells via these receptors.

Identification of two distinct CD5- B cell subsets from human tonsils with different responses to CD40 monoclonal antibody

This study investigated the response of different CD5- B cell subsets to CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in various combinations with interleukin (IL)-4 or rabbit anti-human mu chain antibody (a-mu-Ab). The different CD5- B cell subsets were isolated from tonsillar B cell suspensions depleted of CD5+ B cells and subsequently fractionated on Percoll density gradients. While resting CD5+ B cells proliferated and produced IgM molecules in response to a-mu-Ab, IL-4 and CD40 mAb as well as to Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain I (SAC) and IL-2, resting CD5- B cells, which were co-purified in the same 60% Percoll fractions, consistently failed to respond. These cells were, however, activated by the stimuli employed, as demonstrated by their capacity to express the surface activation markers CD69, CD25 and CD71. Resting CD5+ B cells had the typical phenotype of mantle zone B cells (IgM+ IgD+ CD39+ CD38- CD10- CDw75dim), whereas resting CD5- B cells were CD38- CD39- CD10- CDw75 intermediate and expressed surface IgM but relatively little surface IgD and could not be classified as mantle zone or germinal center cells. The finding that purified germinal center cells (CD38+ CD10+ CD39- CDw75bright, IgG+) responded to CD40 mAb and IL-4 and also to SAC plus IL-2 further underlined the differences to resting CD5- B cells. However, some of the data collected suggest possible relationships between CD5- B cells and germinal center cells. The CD5- B cells isolated from the 50% Percoll fraction proliferated in response to a-mu-Ab, CD40 mAb and IL-4 as well as to SAC and IL-2. These cells had the same mantle zone B cell phenotype as the CD5+ B cells, but their capacity to respond to the stimuli in vitro was unrelated to a possible contamination with CD5+ B cells, as documented by the appropriate controls. Furthermore, upon exposure to SAC or phorbol esters, the large majority of CD5- B cells from the 50% Percoll fraction did not express surface CD5 and there was very little if any accumulation of CD5 mRNA. Finally, most of the cycling cells in the stimulated CD5- B cells did not express CD5. The CD5- B cells from the 50% Percoll fraction were comprised of a consistent proportion of cells that expressed surface activation markers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Constitutive expression of CD69 in interspecies T-cell hybrids and locus assignment to human chromosome 12

In this study we describe the generation and characterization of interspecies somatic cell hybrids between human activated mature T cells and mouse BW5147 thymoma cells. A preferential segregation of human chromosomes was observed in the hybrids. Phenotypic analysis of two hybrids and their clones demonstrated coexpression of CD4 and CD69 antigens in the same cells. Segregation analysis of an informative family of hybrids followed by molecular and karyotype studies clearly demonstrated that the locus encoding CD69 antigen mapped to human chromosome 12. Although the expression of CD69 antigen is an early event after T-lymphocyte activation and rapidly declines in absence of exogenous stimuli, in the hybrids described in this study the expression was constitutive, similarly to what was previously found in early thymocyte precursors and mature thymocytes. In this respect it was important to note that the behavior of the hybrids in culture strongly suggested a dominant influence of the thymus-derived mouse tumor cell genome in controlling the constitutive expression of human CD69. These hybrids may thus provide a system to study the genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling the expression and function of this activation antigen.

CD69 molecule in human neutrophils: its expression and role in signal-transducing mechanisms

The CD69 glycoprotein is an early activation antigen of T and B lymphocytes and it is constitutively expressed on thymocytes and platelets. Here we report its presence on neutrophils and on bone marrow-derived myeloid precursors. Indeed, promyelocytic cells are CD69+ on the cell membrane, while in resting neutrophils this molecule is located inside the cell. However, intracellular CD69 molecules are rapidly mobilized to the cell surface upon activation by PMA or fMLP. This translocation is independent on a new protein synthesis, as it is not inhibited by cycloheximide; furthermore, CD69 molecules are likely stored in a trans-Golgi structure since their expression is not affected by brefeldin A, a drug that blocks molecular trafficking from ER to Golgi vesicles. Immunoprecipitation of CD69 molecules either from activated neutrophils or from bone marrow cells showed that this protein has the same molecular size (28-34 kDa) as observed in platelets, T and B lymphocytes, and thymocytes. This similarity is reflected also in the functional role played by this molecule: in neutrophils as well as in lymphocytes and platelets, CD69 stimulation induced Ca2+ influx through cellular membrane; furthermore, the perturbation of the CD69 antigen on PMA-activated neutrophils enhances the lysozyme release, suggesting a role of this molecule in the regulation of granule exocytosis, probably through a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism.

Structure-function relationship and immunochemical mapping of external and intracellular antigenic sites on the lymphocyte activation inducer molecule, AIM/CD69

Human activation inducer molecule (AIM/CD69), a dimeric glycoprotein structure of 33 and 27 kDa, is the earliest inducible cell surface antigen expressed during lymphocyte activation and is implicated in the induction of T and B cell proliferative responses. Cross-competition monoclonal antibodies (mAb) binding assays have allowed the definition of four antigenic epitopes. Three of them (antigenic sites E1-3) are extracellular while the fourth (site I) is a sequential epitope localized intracellularly and highly conserved interspecies. Site E1 is shown to be an immunodominant antigenic determinant closely related to a functional domain of AIM important for triggering of T cell proliferation. Studies of peptide fragmentation of the two isolated AIM subunits with different proteases have demonstrated that both AIM chains are differentially glycosylated forms of a single 24-kDa core protein. Moreover, the two denatured and isolated AIM chains share common epitope(s) as demonstrated by their reactivity with an mAb by both Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation of the separated AIM subunits. Biosynthesis studies revealed the rapid appearance of two intermediate precursor forms of 29 and 26 kDa which arise from the 24-kDa unglycosylated AIM polypeptide. This 24-kDa unglycosylated form could be also precipitated from iodinated cells pretreated with tunicamycin, indicating that glycosylation of the protein was neither required for AIM cell surface expression nor for acquisition of external epitopes E1-E3. Cell treatment with pronase resulted in the loss of the external epitopes E1-3 and the generation of a proteolytic peptide of 16 kDa that could be precipitated by the anti-AIM mAb specific for the internal site I. This proteolytic fragment retained the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of the molecule where both epitope I and phosphorylation sites reside. These results demonstrate that AIM is an integral membrane homodimeric glycoprotein with a large cytoplasmic domain probably involved in the activation signals transduced through this molecule to lymphocytes.

A novel surface molecule expressed by long-term cultured T and natural killer cells is involved in cell activation

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb), termed ED6 and LD6, were obtained by immunizing mice with cytotoxic T cell lines expressing the T cell receptor (TcR) gamma/delta. These mAb were selected according to their ability to trigger the cytolytic program of the immunizing cell lines in a redirected killing assay. Both mAb recognized molecule(s) expressed on the surface of most long-term cultured TcR gamma/delta +, TcR alpha/beta + and CD3-CD16+ lymphocytes, while it was absent on resting peripheral blood lymphocytes. In addition both mAb reacted with neoplastic B cell lines, Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell lines, small cell lung cancer and glioma cell lines, while no surface reactivity was detected on ovarian, breast, colon and non-small cell lung cancer lines. The functional activity of these mAb was studied by two cytolytic assays. Both mAb were able to trigger the cytolytic program of CD3+TcR gamma/delta + polyclonal cell lines and of a CD3-CD16+ NK cell clone against the murine mastocytoma target cell line P815 (Fc receptor+) in a 4-h 51Cr-release assay. In addition, ED6 and LD6 hybridomas were lysed by TcR gamma/delta + effector cells while other hybridomas (obtained from the same fusion) were not lysed. ED6 and LD6 mAb (in the presence of submitogenic doses of the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) also induced the secretion of interleukin 2 by ED6/LD6+ T cell clones expressing TcR gamma/delta or alpha/beta. mAb-induced surface antigen modulation experiments showed that the antigenic determinant recognized by ED6 and LD6 co-modulated, thus indicating that the two mAb probably recognize the same or closely associated molecules. The molecular characteristics of the antigen recognized by the mAb were investigated by Western blot analysis. The LD6 mAb recognized a major band of approximately 65 kDa, both under nonreducing and reducing conditions. These data indicate that ED6 and LD6 mAb recognize a novel non-lineage-specific activation antigen which is involved in the induction of the functional program of long-term cultured T or natural killer cells.

Inflammatory response induced with an isolated syngeneic activation antigen shared by normal lymphoblasts and YAC lymphoma cells

An immunogenic protein with an identical Mr (64 kDa) was isolated from syngeneic concanavalin A-induced lymphoblasts (syn-Con A-blasts) and YAC lymphoma cells, both derived from A mice. The 64-kDa protein was purified by a sequence of biochemical steps: Sephadex G-100 gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography in a fast protein liquid chromatography system, Con A-Sepharose affinity chromatography, and preparative gel electrophoresis. The immunogenic fraction isolated in each step was moved to the next one, and so on. The immunogenicity of the separated fractions was measured by a lymph node proliferation (LNP) assay, which is indicative of a delayed-type hypersensitivity response. For instance, the final 64-kDa isolated protein of the syn-Con A-blasts induced an efficient LNP response in A mice which was detected after challenge with the final 64-kDa isolated protein of YAC cells. In addition to their identical molecular weight, both proteins were eluted at the same ionic strength and both expressed affinity to Con A-Sepharose beads, suggesting that they were glycosilated. Similar 64-kDa proteins were isolated by a different purification procedure, which was performed in the presence of protease inhibitors, excluding the possibility that the final antigen was an autodigested product. As the 64-kDa protein is immunogenic in the syngeneic host, it may be employed as a immunotherapeutic reagent against the original tumor and perhaps against other tumors expressing the same antigen.

Evidence for differential responsiveness of human CD5+ and CD5- B cell subsets to T cell-independent mitogens

Tonsillar resting B cells were separated into CD5+ and CD5- cell subsets and stimulated with the thymus-independent mitogens, Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain I (SAC) or insolubilized anti-mu monoclonal antibodies (a mu Ab). CD5+ cells incorporated [3H]thymidine more efficiently than unfractionated cells when stimulated with SAC and their response was augmented by the addition of interleukin (IL) 2 to the cultures. CD5+ cells also proliferated in response to a mu Ab provided that IL 2 was present, SAC-, but not a mu Ab-stimulated CD5+ cells produced IgM and IgG molecules when IL 2 was added to the cultures and also secreted autoantibodies with rheumatoid factor activity and sometimes also with anti-single-stranded, but not double-stranded, DNA activity. The efficient response of CD5+ cells was not explained by the fact that they contained cells already activated in vivo. Thus, they did not express the CD23, CD69, CD71 and CD39 activation markers, failed to incorporated [3H]thymidine and to secrete Ig spontaneously or in response to IL 2 and were found to be in a quiescent state by cell cycle flow cytometric analysis. In contrast to CD5+ cells, CD5- cells displayed very little or no [3H]thymidine incorporation in response to SAC or to a mu Ab and their poor responsiveness was not altered by changing either the doses of the stimulants, the timing of the cultures, by co-culturing the cells together with CD5+ cells, or by adding IL 2 or IL 4. Immunofluorescence studies showed that freshly prepared CD5- cells did not have surface activation markers but that they expressed them following SAC stimulation. Thus, unlike that observed for CD5+ cells, SAC seems to be capable of activating CD5- cells but does not appear to be a sufficient stimulus for driving the cells into the subsequent phases of the cell cycle. The above findings, that demonstrate marked differences in the response to CD5+ and CD5- cells to thymus-independent stimuli, may bear relevance for the understanding of the normal clonal expansion of CD5+ cells as well as for the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Structural analysis of the CD69 early activation antigen by two monoclonal antibodies directed to different epitopes

The biochemical structure of CD69 early activation antigen has been characterized by means of two newly isolated mAb, namely C1.18 and E16.5. Upon analysis by SDS-PAGE, C1.18-reactive molecules immunoprecipitated from 125I-surface labeled PMA activated PBL consisted of a 32 + 32 kD dimer, a 32 + 26 kD dimer, a 26 + 26 kD dimer and a 21 + 21 kD dimer. E16.5-reactive molecules consisted of a 26 + 26 kD dimer and a 21 + 21 kD dimer. Cross absorption experiments showed that E16.5 mAb reacts with an epitope of the CD69 molecule distinct from the one recognized by C1.18 mAb and present only on a subpopulation of the CD69 molecular pool. The patterns of migration of C1.18- and E16.5-reactive molecules in two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, under reducing conditions before and after treatment with Endoglycosidase F enzyme suggest that the two mAb recognize the same glycoprotein structure, but in two distinct glycosylation forms, both expressed on the cell surface membrane. Finally, p32, p26 and p21 of CD69 complex obtained from three distinct normal donors did not show appreciable structural polymorphism, by two-dimensional peptide mapping, not only among single subunits within the same individual, but also among homologous subunits in distinct individuals. Further, it was found that CD69 complex is expressed at the cell surface of resting PBL, although at a very reduced level in comparison to PMA activated cells. C1.18 and E16.5 mAb induced comparable cell proliferation and IL-2 production in PBL in the presence of PMA. C1.18 mAb increased intracellular free calcium concn in PMA activated PBL after cross-linking with goat anti mouse Ig, while the effect induced by E16.5 mAb after cross-linking was consistently lower. Finally, it was found that Sepharose-linked C1.18 mAb, in the presence of rIL-2 or PMA, did not induce TNF release from 6 NK cell clones.

Activation of lymphocytes after platelet allotransfusion possessing only class I MHC product

After platelet allotransfusion, we found a characteristic increase in the expression of interleukin-2 receptor, dipeptydilpeptidase IV (CD26), activation-inducer molecule (AIM, CD69) and transferrin receptors (CD71) on day 3 indicating that important functional molecules expressed on the activation of lymphocytes by allogeneic platelets. At the same time, no consistent increase of other activation molecules such as Ki-l (CD30), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1, CD54) and Ki-24 (CDw70) antigen expression was detected, probably as a result of the selective activation of some lymphocyte subsets. In order to obtain further evidence for the in vivo activation triggered by allogeneic platelets, subsequent step of T cell activation towards differentiation was investigated with monoclonal antibodies to leucocyte common antigens. A sharp expression of the UCHL1, coupled with a decrease of the CD45R molecule was detected on day 7 or 14, suggesting a T cell priming.

CD69 is expressed on platelets and mediates platelet activation and aggregation

CD69, a surface dimer so far considered an early activation antigen restricted to lymphocytes, was found constitutively expressed on human platelets. Biochemical analysis revealed that platelet CD69 appears on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a broad 55-65-kD band, in which three 55-, 60-, and 65-kD components were detectable when nonreduced, and as two 28- and 32-kD bands when reduced, corresponding to the two disulfide-linked chains of the dimer. It therefore closely resembles lymphoid CD69, although the resolution of the three bands under nonreducing conditions is not usually seen in lymphoid cells. Moreover, as CD69 expressed on activated lymphocytes and CD3bright thymocytes, both chains are constitutively phosphorylated. CD69 stimulation by anti-Leu-23 monoclonal antibodies induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was associated with Ca2+ influx and platelet degranulation, as revealed by adenosine triphosphate release. In addition, CD69 stimulation in platelets induced production of thromboxane B2 and PGE2, suggesting activation of arachidonic acid metabolism by cycloxygenase. As observed for CD69-mediated T cell activation, platelet activation through CD69 requires molecular crosslinking. These results suggest that CD69 may function as an activating molecule on platelets, as on lymphocytes, and point toward a more general role of this surface dimer in signal transduction.

Expression of early activation antigen (CD69) during human thymic development

The novel early activation antigen, EA1, has been shown to be induced by mitogens, antigens and the tumour promoter, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), on human lymphocytes. This antigen has been designated to be CD69. EA1 has also been shown to be expressed on thymocytes without exogenous activation stimuli. In order to characterize further the expression of EA1 on thymocytes, the ontogeny of its expression was studied. EA1 appeared between 7 and 9.5 weeks of gestation, after colonization of the thymic rudiment with CD7+ T cell precursors, but before the onset of compartmentalization of the thymus into cortical and medullary zones. After cortico-medullary differentiation, the majority of medullary thymocytes expressed EA1 while only a fraction of the cortical thymocytes expressed this antigen. In the fetal and post-natal cortex, EA1 expression appeared to cluster in the subcapsular cortex. EA1+ cells were also scattered throughout the inner cortex. By two-colour fluorocytometric analysis of post-natal thymocytes, it was shown that EA1 was expressed on 30 to 65% of thymocytes. EA1 was expressed on CD4+ CD8+ as well as on the more immature CD4- CD8- thymocytes. In contrast to circulating T cells, thymocytes were much less responsive to PMA stimulation for the expression of EA1. Molecular characterization showed that EA1 on thymocytes had the same structure as that of activated peripheral T cells. In addition, thymic EA1 was constitutively phosphorylated. Thus, EA1 expression is acquired early during thymic development after colonization of the thymic rudiment by CD7+ T cell precursors. However, the specific role that EA1 may play in the activation and function of developing thymocytes remains to be determined.