Injection of detergent-denatured ovalbumin primes murine class I-restricted cytotoxic T cells in vivo

Colloidal characteristics and formulation of pure protein particulate vaccines

Objectives

We recently reported that dense gas processing of the protein ovalbumin (OVA) resulted in the formation of particles that were insoluble in water and which retained their immunogenicity in vivo. In the present study, the colloidal properties of these pure protein particles were investigated to in part inform rational formulation approaches.

Methods

The colloidal properties of the particles, in terms of size, zeta potential and pH-dependent surface and solution properties, were examined.

Key findings

In phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4), flocculation of the particles was observed, which was prevented when particles were suspended in acetate buffer at pH lower than 4. The resulting particle size was 300 nm with low polydispersity and zeta potential of 22.9 ± 3.1 mV (mean ± SEM, n = 3) at pH 3. Dense gas OVA particles were also prevented from flocculation using steric stabilisation with Pluronic F127. In this form the particles were stable in Krebs–Henseleit solution for 48 h at room temperature.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that insoluble pure protein particles produced by dense gas processing have desirable characteristics as particulate vaccines, including consistency of particle size under controlled conditions and high colloid stability.

Rapid T cell-based identification of human tumor tissue antigens by automated two-dimensional protein fractionation

Identifying the antigens that have the potential to trigger endogenous antitumor responses in an individual cancer patient is likely to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, but current methodologies do not efficiently identify such antigens. This study describes what we believe to be a new method of comprehensively identifying candidate tissue antigens that spontaneously cause T cell responses in disease situations. We used the newly developed automated, two-dimensional chromatography system PF2D to fractionate the proteome of human tumor tissues and tested protein fractions for recognition by preexisting tumor-specific CD4+ Th cells and CTLs. Applying this method using mice transgenic for a TCR that recognizes an OVA peptide presented by MHC class I, we demonstrated efficient separation, processing, and cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells by DCs of OVA expressed by the OVA-transfected mouse lymphoma RMA-OVA. Applying this method to human tumor tissues, we identified MUC1 and EGFR as tumor-associated antigens selectively recognized by T cells in patients with head and neck cancer. Finally, in an exemplary patient with a malignant brain tumor, we detected CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against two novel antigens, transthyretin and calgranulin B/S100A9, which were expressed in tumor and endothelial cells. The immunogenicity of these antigens was confirmed in 4 of 10 other brain tumor patients. This fast and inexpensive method therefore appears suitable for identifying candidate T cell antigens in various disease situations, such as autoimmune and malignant diseases, without being restricted to expression by a certain cell type or HLA allele.

Murine polyomavirus-like particles induce maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and proliferation of T cells

We analysed the effects of murine polyomavirus-like particles (PLPs) on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and T cells in vitro. BMDCs activated with PLPs up-regulated CD40, CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II surface markers and produced proinflammatory cytokines. Chimeric PLPs [expressing the ovalbumin (OVA)-peptides OVA(257-264) or OVA(323-339)], but not wildtype PLPs, activated OVA-specific CD8 T cells and OVA-specific CD4 T cells, respectively, indicating both MHC class I and II presentation of the peptides by antigen-presenting cells. Our results suggest that PLPs may be used as vaccine adjuvants priming dendritic cells to induce potent T cell responses.

Antigen degradation or presentation by MHC class I molecules via classical and non-classical pathways

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules usually present endogenous peptides at the cell surface. This is the result of a cascade of events involving various dedicated proteins like the peptide transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and the ER chaperone tapasin. However, alternative ways for class I peptide loading exist which may be highly relevant in a process called cross-priming. Both pathways are described here in detail. One major difference between these pathways is that the proteases involved in the generation of peptides are different. How proteases and peptidases influence peptide generation and degradation will be discussed. These processes determine the amount of peptides available for TAP translocation and class I binding and ultimately the immune response.

Paraflagellar rod protein-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes target Trypanosoma cruzi-infected host cells

Our previous studies show that in mice immunized with the paraflagellar rod (PFR) proteins of Trypanosoma cruzi protective immunity against this protozoan parasite requires MHC class I-restricted T cell function. To determine whether PFR-specific CD8+ T cell subsets are generated during T. cruzi infection, potential CTL targets in the PFR proteins were identified by scanning the amino acid sequences of the four PFR proteins for regions of 8-10 amino acids that conform to predicted MHC class I H-2b binding motifs. A subset of the peptide sequences identified were synthesized and tested as target antigen in 51Cr-release assays with effector cells from chronically infected T. cruzi mice. Short-term cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines specific for two of the peptides, PFR-1(164-171) and PFR-3(123-130), showed high levels of lytic activity against peptide-pulsed target cells, secreted interferon (IFN)-gamma in response to parasite-infected target cells, and were found to be CD8+, CD4-, CD3+, TCRalphabeta+ cells of the Tc1 subset. Challenge of PFR immunized CD8-/- and perforin-deficient (PKO) mice confirmed that while CD8+ cells are required for survival of T. cruzi challenge infection, perforin activity is not required. Furthermore, while lytic activity of PFR-specific CD8+ T cell lines derived from PKO mice was severely impaired, the IFN-gamma levels secreted by CTLs from PKO mice were equivalent to that of normal mice, suggesting that the critical role played by CD8+ T cells in immunity to the parasite may be secretion of type 1 cytokines rather than lysis of parasite infected host cells.

Vaccination with the T cell antigen Mtb 8.4 protects against challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The development of an effective vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a research area of intense interest. Mounting evidence suggests that protective immunity to M. tuberculosis relies on both MHC class II-restricted CD4(+) T cells and MHC class I-restricted CD8(+) T cells. By purifying polypeptides present in the culture filtrate of M. tuberculosis and evaluating these molecules for their ability to stimulate PBMC from purified protein derivative-positive healthy individuals, we previously identified a low-m.w. immunoreactive T cell Ag, Mtb 8.4, which elicited strong Th1 T cell responses in healthy purified protein derivative-positive human PBMC and in mice immunized with recombinant Mtb 8.4. Herein we report that Mtb 8.4-specific T cells can be detected in mice immunized with the current live attenuated vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis-bacillus Calmette-Guérin as well as in mice infected i.v. with M. tuberculosis. More importantly, immunization of mice with either plasmid DNA encoding Mtb 8.4 or Mtb 8.4 recombinant protein formulated with IFA elicited strong CD4(+) T cell and CD8(+) CTL responses and induced protection on challenge with virulent M. tuberculosis. Thus, these results suggest that Mtb 8.4 is a potential candidate for inclusion in a subunit vaccine against TB.

Bacterial proteins can be processed by macrophages in a transporter associated with antigen processing-independent, cysteine protease-dependent manner for presentation by MHC class I molecules

MHC class I molecules present peptides derived primarily from endogenously synthesized proteins on the cell surface as ligands for CD8+ T cells. However, CD8+ T cell responses to extracellular bacteria, virus-infected, or tumor cells can also be elicited because certain professional APC can generate peptide/MHC class I (MHC-I) complexes from exogenous sources. Whether the peptide/MHC-I complexes are generated because the exogenous proteins enter the classical cytosolic, TAP-dependent MHC-I processing pathway or an alternate pathway is controversial. Here we analyze the generation of peptide/MHC-I complexes from recombinant Escherichia coli as an exogenous Ag source that could be delivered to the phagosomes or directly into the cytosol. We show that peritoneal and bone marrow macrophages generate peptide/MHC-I complexes by the classical as well as an alternate, but relatively less efficient, TAP-independent pathway. Using a novel method to detect proteolytic intermediates we show that the generation of the optimal MHC-I binding peptide in the alternate pathway requires cysteine as well as other protease(s). This alternate TAP-independent pathway also operates in vivo and provides a potential mechanism for eliciting CD8+ T cell responses to exogenous Ags.

Alternative pathways for processing exogenous and endogenous antigens that can generate peptides for MHC class I-restricted presentation

The concept of distinct endogenous and exogenous pathways for generating peptides for MHC-I and MHC-II-restricted presentation to CD4+ or CD8+ T cells fits well with the bulk of experimental data. Nevertheless, evidence is emerging for alternative processing pathways that generate peptides for MHC-I-restricted presentation. Using a well characterized, particulate viral antigen of prominent medical importance (the hepatitis B surface antigen), we summarize our evidence that the efficient, endolysosomal processing of exogenous antigens can lead to peptide-loaded MHC-I molecules. In addition, we describe evidence for endolysosomal processing of mutant, stress protein-bound, endogenous antigens that liberate peptides binding to (and presented by) MHC-I molecules. The putative biological role of alternative processing of antigens generating cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-stimulating epitopes is discussed.

Induction of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis by heat-denatured porcine thyroglobulin: a Tc1-mediated disease

Recent studies have shown that denatured exogenous antigens can prime cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). To assess the contribution of CTL to experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT), porcine thyroglobulin (pTg) was heat-denatured (hdpTg) and injected i.v. into CBA/J mice, without the aid of adjuvants. Both lymphocytic infiltrations of the thyroid glands and levels of Tg-specific CTL were similar to those found in conventional EAT induced by Tg and adjuvants. In contrast, proliferative responses could not be detected, and titers of antibodies to pTg were 20 times lower. These EAT-inducer CTL belong to the CD8+ cell subset and exerted their thyroiditogenic potential through release of IFN-gamma. We conclude that hdpTg-induced EAT is mediated by type 1 cytotoxic T cells (Tc1).

Partial protection of mice against Trypanosoma cruzi after immunizing with the TcY 72 antigenic preparation

A 72 kDa Trypanosoma cruzi glycoprotein recognized by the 164C11 monoclonal antibody (IgM isotype) was purified by preparative electrophoresis. The antigenic preparation obtained, named TcY 72, was used to immunize C57Bl/10 mice. The following results were observed after immunization: (1) induction of higher titres of IgG than IgM antibodies, as evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence; (2) significant DTH after injection of epimastigotes in mice footpads; (3) peak parasitemia in immunized mice was significantly reduced and animals were negative by 13 days post-infection, although the mice still succumb to infection; (4) the phenotypic analysis of spleen cell populations showed a decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio in immunized mice. Taken as a whole, these findings indicate that TcY 72 is immunogenic and potentially important for protective immunity.

Dissociation of Proteasomal Degradation of Biosynthesized Viral Proteins from Generation of MHC Class I-Associated Antigenic Peptides

To study the role of proteasomes in Ag presentation, we analyzed the effects of proteasome inhibitors Cbz-Leu-Leu-Leucinal and lactacystin on the ability of mouse fibroblast cells to present recombinant vaccinia virus gene products to MHC class I-restricted T cells. The effects of the inhibitors depended on the determinant analyzed. For influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP), presentation of the immunodominant Kk-restricted determinant (NP50–57) was marginally inhibited, whereas presentation of the immunodominant Kd-restricted determinant (NP147–155) was enhanced, particularly by lactacystin. Biochemical purification of peptides confirmed that lactacystin enhanced the generation of Kd-NP147–155 complexes fourfold. Lactacystin also enhanced the recovery of one Kd-restricted vaccinia virus determinant from HPLC fractions, while inhibiting recovery of another. The inhibitors were used at sufficient concentrations to block presentation of biosynthesized full-length OVA and to completely stabilize a rapidly degraded chimeric ubiquitin-NP fusion protein. Strikingly, presentation of antigenic peptides from this protein was unaffected by proteasome inhibitors. We also observed that proteasome inhibitors induced expression of cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum stress-responsive proteins. These data demonstrate first that the processes of protein degradation and generation of antigenic peptides from cytosolic proteins can be dissociated, and second that effects of proteasome inhibitors on Ag presentation may reflect secondary effects on cellular metabolism.

Relationship Among Immunodominance of Single CD8+ T Cell Epitopes, Virus Load, and Kinetics of Primary Antiviral CTL Response

The primary CTL response of BALB/c mice infected with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus strain WE is directed exclusively against one major epitope, n118, whereas a viral variant, ESC, that does not express n118 induces CTL against minor epitopes. We identified one minor epitope, g283, that induces primary lytic activity in ESC-infected mice. Infections of mice with WE and ESC were used to study the hierarchical control of a T cell response. Presentation of minor epitopes is not reduced in WE-infected cells. Generation of CTL against n118 does not suppress the generation of minor epitope-specific CTL systemically, as mice coinfected with WE and ESC developed CTL against n118 and g283. However, elimination of ESC and development of minor epitope-specific CTL in ESC infection were slower than elimination of WE and development of CTL against n118. CD8+ T cells against the minor epitope were activated in ESC and WE infection, but did not expand in the latter to show lytic activity in a primary response. We explain the absence of minor epitope-specific lytic activity in WE infection by the fast reduction of virus load due to the early developing n118-specific CTL. Immunodominance of CTL epitopes in primary virus infections thus can be explained as a kinetic phenomenon composed of 1) expansion of CD8+ T cells specific for individual epitopes, 2) stimulatory effect of virus load, and 3) negative feedback control on virus load by the fastest CTL population.

Biochemical, cell biological and immunological issues surrounding the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP94/gp96

The past year has born witness to compelling demonstrations of the utility of peptide complexes with glucose regulated protein 94 (GRP94, also known as gp96) in cancer immunotherapy. Insights into the structural basis of peptide binding to GRP94 have been obtained and the role of the transporter for antigen presentation in defining the GRP94-bound peptide composition has been determined.

Priming of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by five heat-aggregated antigens in vivo: conditions, efficiency, and relation to antibody responses

Mice were immunized i.p. with soluble or heat-denatured protein antigens [ovalbumin, beta-galactosidase, or recombinant E7 protein of human papilloma virus type 16 (HBV)]. Heat-denatured (100 degrees C) preparations of these proteins were able to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) that recognize cells expressing the respective genes, whereas native protein was either inefficient or required up to 30-fold higher doses. If the heat-treated proteins were separated into aggregated and soluble fractions by ultracentrifugation, only the aggregated fractions were able to induce specific CTL; this is probably because of the easier access to one of the major histocompatibility complex class I loading pathways for exogenous antigen. Addition of the adjuvant aluminium hydroxide (alum) to aggregated proteins abolished their ability to induce CTL; thus, a condition leading to a strong antibody response appeared to inhibit CTL induction. Interestingly, immunization with heat-denatured ovalbumin plus alum increased the IgM/IgG1 ratio compared to immunization with native ovalbumin and alum. Immunization of B6 mice transgenic for an HLA-A2/H-2K(b) hybrid gene with heat-denatured, recombinant HPV 16-E7 protein induced D(b)-restricted CTL specific for the peptide 49-57 of E7, indicating that this epitope is immunodominant over any A2-restricted E7 epitope in these mice. A whole influenza virus preparation heated to 100 degrees C or even autoclaved was still able to induce virus-specific CTL and BALB/c spleen cells heated to 100 degrees C could still cross-prime minor H-specific CTL in B6 mice, although with lower efficiency than fresh spleen cells. Thus, aggregated proteins can be considered as components for future vaccines.

Activation of CD8 T cells with specificity for mycobacterial heat shock protein 60 in Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated mice

Heat shock protein 60 (hsp60)-specific CD8 T cells lysed Mycobacterium bovis BCG-infected macrophages in vitro and adoptively transferred protection against mycobacterial infection. Moreover, CD8 T cells with this hsp60 specificity were activated in vivo by BCG vaccination. Our studies suggest there is participation of hsp60-specific CD8 T cells in BCG-induced immunity.

Presentation of Exogenous Protein Antigens on Major Histocompatability Complex Class I Molecules by Dendritic Cells: Pathway of Presentation and Regulation by Cytokines

Several recent studies have shown that dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with soluble proteins can present peptide epitopes derived from these exogenous antigens on major histocompatability complex (MHC) class I molecules and induce an antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. We provide evidence here that DC use macropinocytosis to capture soluble antigens that are then presented on MHC class I molecules. The presentation of an epitope derived from soluble ovalbumin was transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP)-dependent, brefeldin A-sensitive, blocked by inhibitors of proteasomes, and resistant to chloroquine. These data suggest that exogenous antigens access the cytosol of DC and are proccessed for presentation via the same pathway described for conventional MHC class I-restricted cytosolic antigens. Proinflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduced the efficiency of ovalbumin presentation via this pathway. This reduced presentation was not due to impaired expression of class I molecules because these substances upregulated the cell surface expression of Kb-molecules comparable to levels induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) treatment. The addition of IFN-γ increased ovalbumin presentation even in the presence of TNF-α or LPS. These results show that DC might be involved in the cross-priming phenomenon. This could offer the immune system an additional pathway for effective priming of cytotoxic T cells and provide the possibility to activate both CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses.

Presentation of Exogenous Protein Antigens on Major Histocompatability Complex Class I Molecules by Dendritic Cells: Pathway of Presentation and Regulation by Cytokines

Several recent studies have shown that dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with soluble proteins can present peptide epitopes derived from these exogenous antigens on major histocompatability complex (MHC) class I molecules and induce an antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. We provide evidence here that DC use macropinocytosis to capture soluble antigens that are then presented on MHC class I molecules. The presentation of an epitope derived from soluble ovalbumin was transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP)-dependent, brefeldin A-sensitive, blocked by inhibitors of proteasomes, and resistant to chloroquine. These data suggest that exogenous antigens access the cytosol of DC and are proccessed for presentation via the same pathway described for conventional MHC class I-restricted cytosolic antigens. Proinflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduced the efficiency of ovalbumin presentation via this pathway. This reduced presentation was not due to impaired expression of class I molecules because these substances upregulated the cell surface expression of Kb-molecules comparable to levels induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) treatment. The addition of IFN-γ increased ovalbumin presentation even in the presence of TNF-α or LPS. These results show that DC might be involved in the cross-priming phenomenon. This could offer the immune system an additional pathway for effective priming of cytotoxic T cells and provide the possibility to activate both CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses.

TAP-dependent major histocompatibility complex class I presentation of soluble proteins using listeriolysin

Immunization of mice with mixtures of listeriolysin, a pore-forming hemolysin secreted by the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, together with soluble ovalbumin, nucleoprotein of influenza virus, or beta-galactosidase of Escherichia coli, resulted in strong cytotoxic CD8 T cell responses to each of the respective passenger proteins in vivo. Also, the concomitant addition of either protein with listeriolysin to target cells elicited efficient sensitization of these cells which could be attributed to the pore-forming activity of listeriolysin. This response was dependent upon a functional TAP transporter and was inhibitable by brefeldin A, indicating the transfer of the soluble proteins into the cytosol and the classical major histocompatibility (MHC) class I presentation pathway. The treatment of target cells with listeriolysin under our experimental conditions did not affect cell viability and the pores generated by listeriolysin treatment were repaired within 60 min. Introduction of soluble proteins into the MHC class I presentation pathway by listeriolysin provides a powerful system to study the cytotoxic response towards intracellular pathogens and would allow for rapid screening of potential antigens in vaccine formulations.

Spontaneous priming for anti-viral envelope cytotoxic T lymphocytes in mice transgenic for a murine leukaemia virus envelope gene (Fv4)

Compared with non-transgenic controls, mice bearing an Fv4 murine retroviral env transgene resist infection and do not become immunosuppressed when inoculated with Friend virus (FV). When immunized with FV antigens in the absence of infectious virus, they make antibodies and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) to FV comparably to non-transgenic controls. Unimmunized transgenic mice were found to have CTL precursors, which could be activated by in vitro stimulation, specific for viral (and self) envelope protein (Env). This "spontaneous priming' for antiviral CTL is surprising because the transgene Env is present on the surface of thymocytes and in serum from before birth. Our experiments demonstrate that T cells reactive with self-thymic and serum antigens sometimes avoid clonal elimination or inactivation.

In vivo CTL immunity can be elicited by in vitro reconstituted MHC/peptide complex

The use of peptides as a vaccine is a potentially powerful immunization strategy. We explored the possibility of inducing an efficient cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) mediated immune response in mice, using in vitro reconstituted major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I/peptide complexes as the immunogen. Recombinant derived H-2Kb and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) were properly folded into an MHC class I complex using the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-8mer from the natural nucleocapsid proteinN52-59 (RGYVYQGL), an immunodominant Kb epitope in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. After immunizing mice with the H-2Kb class I/VSV peptide complex and a subsequent in vitro stimulation with the VSV peptide alone, a specific CTL response was demonstrated. The method was also applicable to other peptides, for example, the Sendai virus (SV) peptideN324-332 (FAPGNYPAL). The CTL response was mediated by CD3+/CD8+ T cells and was shown to be allele specific, as only peptide loaded target cells expressing the H-2Kb allele could be recognized. It is of interest that extremely small amounts of injected MHC class I/peptide complex (i.e. 500 pg) could generate a measurable CTL response. The MHC class I/peptide complex had to be intact and properly folded to elicit an immune response, suggesting that the complex protected the peptide for internalization by antigen presenting cells (APCs) or for delivering to the proper site for peptide exchange on the cell surface of APCs. The described immunizing method can be routinely used to prime a CTL response by employing in vitro folded MHC class I/peptide complexes, without the use of adjuvants. It appears to be efficient, sensitive and specific. By using the recombinant protein system, unlimited amounts of MHC class I/peptide complex can be produced for immunization. Moreover, this protocol permits different in vitro combinations of allelic MHC class I molecules and peptide variants.

Establishment and characterization of alpha s1-casein-specific T-cell lines from patients allergic to cow's milk: unexpected higher frequency of CD8+ T-cell lines

To study cow's milk allergy at the cellular level, we assessed the reactivity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients allergic to cow's milk to alpha s1-casein, which is one of the major allergens in cow's milk. Proliferation of the cells to alpha s1-casein activation showed a rather weak response. Therefore to understand T-cell reactivity to alpha s1-casein in more detail, we prepared alpha s1-casein-specific T-cell lines from patients allergic to cow's milk and established 26 T-cell lines. These T-cell lines could be classified into three groups by analyzing their surface marker expression: those containing predominantly CD4+ CD8- T cells, those containing both CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ T cells, and those containing predominantly CD4- CD8+ T cells. The CD8+ T cells were obtained at an unexpectedly higher frequency from the patients. These T-cell lines produced interferon-gamma and IL-4. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells specific for alpha s1-casein and CD4+ T cells were primed by the stimulation with alpha s1-casein in patients allergic to milk and that both T cells may play a key role in the onset, progression of, or recovery from cow's milk allergy.

Stimulation of protective CD8+ T lymphocytes by vaccination with nonliving bacteria

Infectious diseases caused by intracellular microbes are responsible for major health problems, and satisfactory control will ultimately depend on efficient vaccination strategies. The general assumption is that activation of protective immune responses against intracellular microbes dominated by CD8+ T cells are achieved only by live vaccines. In contrast, we here demonstrate stimulation of protective immunity in mice against the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes by vaccination with heat-killed listeriae. Vaccine-induced immunity comprised cytolytic and interferon gamma-producing CD8+ T lymphocytes. CD8+ T cells from vaccinated donor mice transferred protection against listeriosis. Moreover, vaccination with heat-killed listeriae induced production in CD4+ T-cell-deficient, H2-A beta gene-disrupted mutant mice. We conclude that antigens from killed listeriae are introduced into the major histocompatibility complex class I pathway and thus are recognized by CD8+ T cells. The practicability of killed vaccines against human infectious diseases therefore should be reevaluated.

Listeriolysin generates a route for the presentation of exogenous antigens by major histocompatibility complex class I

We have exploited the pore forming activity of listeriolysin, the hemolysin of Listeria monocytogenes, to activate CD8+ T cells with soluble proteins in vivo and in vitro. Immunization with soluble, hemolytically active listeriolysin induces both cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells, and the CD8+ T cells can be propagated with soluble listeriolysin in vitro. Moreover, conventional antigens like ovalbumin mixed together with listeriolysin are also efficiently introduced into the MHC class I pathway in vitro and in vivo. Hence, listeriolysin effectively directs itself and passenger molecules into the intracellular compartment that leads to the cytotoxic T cell response. In this way, we circumvent the bias of CD8+ T cells to recognize intracellular antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. As cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are of pivotal importance in eliminating viral and microbial pathogens, the findings reported here could prove to be useful in vaccine development.

TAP1-independent loading of class I molecules by exogenous viral proteins

Presentation of peptides derived from endogenous proteins on class I molecules needs functional TAP peptide transporters. To reveal whether class I-associated presentation of exogenous proteins also required the presence of TAP transporters, we assessed in vitro the ability of spleen cells and macrophages from TAP1-deficient mice (TAP1-/-) to present peptides derived from exogenous recombinant viral proteins on their class I molecules. We found that recombinant glyco- and nucleoprotein from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and nucleoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus were presented as efficiently by TAP1-/- cells as by control cells. Peptide regurgitation was not involved. Since particulate, non-replicating antigens can efficiently prime anti-viral cytotoxic T cells in vivo, this new, TAP-independent pathway of class I-associated antigen presentation may be applicable for vaccine strategies.