Affinity-purified antigen-specific products produced by T cells share epitopes recognized by heterologous antisera raised against several different antigen-specific products from T cells

Ovine osteopontin: I. Cloning and expression of messenger ribonucleic acid in the uterus during the periimplantation period

Trophoblast-derived interferon tau (IFNtau) acts on the endometrium to increase secretion of several proteins during the pregnancy recognition period in ruminants. One of these is a 70-kDa acidic protein that has not been identified. Our hypothesis was that the 70-kDa acidic protein is osteopontin (OPN). OPN is an acidic glycoprotein that fragments upon freezing and thawing or treatment with proteases including thrombin. OPN contains a Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) sequence that binds to cell surface integrins to promote cell-cell attachment and cell spreading. Using antisera to recombinant human OPN, both 70-kDa and 45-kDa proteins were identified in uterine flushings from pregnant ewes by Western blotting. A clone containing the entire ovine OPN cDNA coding sequence was isolated by screening a Day 15 pregnant ovine endometrial cDNA library with a partial ovine OPN cDNA. In pregnant ewes, steady-state levels of OPN endometrial mRNA increased (P < 0. 01) after Day 17. In both cyclic and pregnant ewes, in situ hybridization analysis showed that OPN mRNA was localized on unidentified immune cells within the stratum compactum of the endometrium. In pregnant ewes, OPN mRNA was also expressed by the glandular epithelium. Results suggest that progesterone and/or IFNtau induce expression and secretion of OPN by uterine glands during the periimplantation period and that OPN may induce adhesion between luminal epithelium and trophectoderm to facilitate superficial implantation.

The immunology of Eta-1/osteopontin

The cytokine Eta-1/osteopontin is secreted by activated macrophages and may constitute the most abundant molecule secreted by activated T-lymphocytes. It causes macrophages to migrate and suppress production of reactive oxygen species. It enhances generation of immunoglobulins or proliferation of B-lymphocytes. Its biochemical characteristics suggest that Eta-1/osteopontin may be the T-lymphocyte suppressor factor. The apparently conflicting effects on individual immune functions may reflect homeostatic mechanisms.

Specific antigen binding by proteins secreted by an antigen-specific T cell hybrid

Antigen-specific molecules secreted by a murine T cell hybrid specific for azobenzene arsonate (ABA) were purified from ascites fluid by ion exchange chromatography and affinity for antigen. The antigen-specific proteins were purified 250 fold and were resolved predominantly as Mr 110,000 polypeptides by reduction and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The ability of these molecules to bind antigen was analyzed by an ELISA using antigen-coated microtiter trays. Binding of the T cell proteins to antigen was detected with antisera specific for the proteins. Antigen binding to ABA-ovalbumin but not ovalbumin was optimal at 37 degrees C and protein derived from another T cell hybrid did not bind ABA-ovalbumin. Solid phase antigen binding was inhibited specifically by soluble ABA-ovalbumin, indicating that these T cell-derived proteins bind nominal antigen in the solid or liquid phase. It is suggested that these proteins represent a soluble, antigen specific manifestation of some T cell function.

T cell non-MHC-restricted antigen-binding molecules secreted or associated with the cell membrane are antigenically distinct

Some T cells produce membrane-associated or soluble molecules which bind nominal antigen specifically (TABM) and effect immunoregulation or events similar to cell-mediated hypersensitivity. We have used polyclonal antisera raised against an azobenzene arsonate (ABA)-specific TABM secreted by an ABA-specific T cell hybrid or against TNP-specific polypeptides produced by immunoregulatory T cells to identify the expression of soluble (secreted) or membrane-associated TABM. Ascites fluid or culture medium containing a T cell hybrid or T cell lines, respectively, contain TABM recognized only by an antiserum specific for the secreted T cell hybrid (ABA-specific) derived TABM. Conversely, an antiserum that recognized the TNP-specific polypeptides detected cell-membrane associated TABM but did not bind TABM secreted by the T cell hybrid or cell lines.

T cell derived proteins from normal human sera and their relationship to T cell antigen binding molecules

We have used procedures which have been developed to isolate murine T cell antigen binding molecules (TABM) in order to isolate TABM from normal human sera. To begin purification, ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 was added to human serum and precipitated protein was dissolved in low salt buffer and resolved by ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose (CM). The most strongly CM nonadherent fraction was absorbed with anti-human albumin and anti-human immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies conjugated to Sepharose beads. The resulting nonadsorbed 110,000, 70,000 and 45,000 Mr polypeptides were reactive in ELISA with a rabbit antiserum produced against non-Ig, anti-specific molecules of rhesus monkeys. These proteins possess alpha mobility upon immunoelectrophoresis and represent 0.02 to 0.05% of total serum protein. In addition, these proteins are bound by an antiserum made against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the J region of the TcR beta chain. We have made R28, a rabbit antiserum against these serum proteins which binds specifically to tetanus-specific polypeptides obtained from the culture supernatant of human T cell lines specific for tetanus. This antiserum also binds to proteins isolated from T cell but not B cell lines, and T cell proteins are able to inhibit the binding of R28 to the human serum polypeptides. The results suggest that the proteins isolated from normal human sera are T cell antigen binding molecules.

Ontogeny and expression of non-MHC-restricted T cell antigen-binding molecules by thymocytes and peripheral T cell subsets

The ontogeny of T cells which express major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted T cell antigen-binding molecules (TABM) on the cell membrane was investigated. We used a rabbit anti-mouse TABM antiserum to investigate the expression of TABM by subsets of adult thymocytes, peripheral T cells, and thymocytes during gestation. TABM are expressed by CD4+, CD8-, CD4+, CD8+ thymocytes and single-positive thymocytes. During gestation, TABM are expressed as early as Day 16, and at birth the expression of TABM on thymocytes has reached adult levels. Data are also presented which suggest that the expression of membrane TABM (mTABM) on peripheral T cells can be upregulated during T cell activation. The results suggest that TABM are expressed by different T cell subsets and that TABM+ cells may utilize the same intrathymic developmental pathway as that of T cells which express the alpha/beta T cell receptor.

Expression of non-MHC-restricted T cell antigen-binding molecules by thymic lymphocytes

Heterologous antisera which recognize non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T cell antigen-binding molecules (TABM) were used to characterize the expression and structure of TABM on thymic lymphocytes. Approximately 70% of thymocytes express membrane molecules bound by anti-TABM antibodies (mTABM). Antibody activity for thymocyte TABM could be removed by adsorption to splenic T cells, but not by adsorption to splenic B cells. Similarly, adsorption of the antiserum to thymocytes or splenic T cells removed antibody activity to a purified TABM whereas adsorption with B cells had no effect. Radioiodinated thymic and splenic T cell mTABM were resolved by 2D-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and when reduced, both populations of mTABM migrated primarily as Mr 23,000 proteins with an isoelectric point range of 6.8-7.8. Multimers of this protein were also observed at Mr 85-97,000 and 130-150,000 on both thymocytes and splenic T cells. These data indicate that MHC-unrestricted antigen-binding molecules are expressed by a majority of thymocytes and these thymic TABM are structurally and antigenically similar to mTABM on peripheral cells. This suggests an ontogenic relationship between thymic TABM and peripheral TABM.

A monoclonal antigen-binding T cell immunoprotein: antigenic relatedness to T cell receptor beta chain FR1 V and J peptide segments: physicochemical distinctiveness from classical immunoglobulins and T cell receptor heterodimers

The monoclonal murine T cell hybridoma, 51H7D, was previously shown to bind the arsazobenzene hapten and to produce a soluble antigen-binding molecule. In this paper we characterize this antigen-binding immunoprotein for its relationship to known T cell receptors serologically, using antibodies specific for variable region framework, or joining region peptides predicted from gene sequence and by biochemical means. The 51H7D cell expresses a protein with subunit size of approximately 31,000, that reacts antigenically with affinity-purified antibodies directed against synthetic first framework and joining segment peptides, corresponding to the gene sequence of the T cell receptor beta chain, YT35. This molecule does not react with affinity-purified antibodies directed against murine immunoglobulin, framework 1 sequences of alpha and gamma T cell receptors, or with antibodies against synthetic heavy chain joining segments. The subunit of mol. wt. 31,000 can form higher aggregates, notably in the mol. wt range of 60,000-70,000, depending upon extraction conditions. The soluble form of the antigen-binding molecule bears the J beta cross-reactive determinant and occurs predominantly as a charge restricted molecular species of approximate mol. wt 60,000-70,000. The purified molecule has a blocked N-terminus, but quantitative statistical analysis of its amino acid composition indicates a closer relatedness to T cell receptor beta chains and other antigen-binding T cell products, than it has to alpha, gamma or delta TCR chains. No evidence for more than one type of polypeptide chain was found and the polymerization is not dependent upon the formation of disulfide bonds. These studies raise the possibility that antigen-binding soluble T cell molecules might belong to a new family of immunoproteins, that is related to, but distinct from, classical immunoglobulins and alpha beta or gamma delta heterodimers.

Immune serum from mice contact-sensitized with picryl chloride contains an antigen-specific T cell factor that transfers immediate cutaneous reactivity

This report describes an activity in serum from mice that were contact-sensitized with picryl chloride (PCl) 1 to 4 days earlier. Immune serum, when given i.v., transfers the ability to elicit an immediate hypersensitivity-like ear swelling reaction in naive recipients following local challenge with PCl. This serum activity is due to an antigen-binding T cell factor that shares some properties with IgE antibody. The activity is antigen specific, and due to an antigen-binding moiety that is heat labile (56 degrees C, 4 h). However, unlike IgE antibody the serum activity is resistant to reduction and alkylation, and is retained by columns of Sepharose beads coupled with polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that react with antigen-specific T cell factors from other systems. These columns did not retain IgE antibody activity in our experiments. Importantly, the serum activity was not retained by columns linked with antibodies directed to mouse immunoglobulins, which do retain IgE activity. We conclude from these data that the activity in PCl immune serum is not caused by IgE antibody, and is due to the presence of the previously described antigen-specific T cell factor (PCl-factor), that can activate serotonin-containing cells, such as mast cells, to release the vasoactive amine serotonin. PCl-factor transfers the ability to elicit an immediate hypersensitivity-like reaction that is an early component of delayed-type hypersensitivity. The presence of this T cell factor in the serum of actively sensitized mice provides a means to sensitize tissues throughout the body for this required, initial, serotonin-dependent component of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.

Isolation of antigen-binding membrane molecules from an antigen-specific T-cell hybrid

Cell surface-radioiodinated proteins of a murine T-cell hybrid specific for and able to bind azobenzenearsonate were isolated by adsorption to Sepharose beads conjugated with a rabbit antiserum to murine T-cell antigen-binding molecules. These isolated proteins, Mr 72,000, were found to bind specifically azobenzenearsonate while proteins isolated in this manner from the tumor parent BW5147 did not bind azobenzenearsonate. Similar cell surface proteins were isolated by affinity for antigen and immunoprecipitated with an antiserum to T-cell antigen-binding molecules. The results suggest that antigen-binding T cells express T-cell antigen-binding molecules as membrane receptors for antigen.

Antibodies to synthetic joining segment peptide of the T-cell receptor beta-chain: serological cross-reaction between products of T-cell receptor genes, antigen binding T-cell receptors, and immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulin light and heavy chains show sequence homology to one another and to the polypeptide chains of putative T-cell receptors in the J (joining) segment of the variable region. Antibodies produced against synthetic peptides corresponding to the entire JH1 region and part of the diversity segment region cross-react serologically with products of normal T cells and monoclonal T-cell lines. In this study we generate immune affinity-purified rabbit antibodies to a synthetic 16-mer peptide consisting of the entire JT sequence and part of the T-cell diversity sequence corresponding to these segments of the human putative T-cell receptor beta gene YT35. Both free peptide and peptide coupled to bovine serum albumin as carrier were found to stimulate the production of antibody. The immune affinity-purified anti-JT peptide antibodies bound to intact immunoglobulin and to light and heavy chain as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by immunoblot transfer. The antibody reacted by these techniques with membrane components of the human monoclonal amplifier T-cell MOLT-3 and the murine suppressor T-cell WEHI-7. The component detected in the MOLT-3 cell corresponded to the beta-chain of the alpha/beta heterodimer putative T-cell receptor; whereas the molecule detected in the WEHI-7 line had properties corresponding to those of antigen-specific T-cell suppressor receptors. The molecular size of this component under reducing conditions was approximately 68 kDa and the intact form had an apparent mass of 140 kDa. These results provide direct proof of serological cross-reaction among products of putative T-cell receptor genes, antigen-binding T-cell receptors, and immunoglobulins, thereby supporting the concept that antigen receptors of T lymphocytes all represent new immunoglobulin translocons.

Antigen-binding molecules of T-cells charge heterogeneity and structural lability

T-cell products released by immune cells during culture and which bind specifically the nominal antigens, trinitrophenol (TNP) or oxazalone, were isolated from culture media by hapten-affinity chromatography and compared by isoelectric focusing and 2D-gel analysis. These proteins and an azobenzenearsonate-specific T-cell product synthesized in vitro by translation of mRNA from an azobenzenearsonate-specific T-cell hybrid were also compared for structural lability of the polypeptides. Polyclonal T-cell antigen-binding molecules (TABM) specific for TNP or oxazalone showed marked charge heterogeneity and distinctions in isoelectric focusing in an acidic pH gradient, while the azobenzenearsonate-specific, clonal T-cell product displayed restricted focusing. All TABM studied showed dissociation of Mr 70,000 polypeptides to Mr 45,000 and 25,000 polypeptides after treatment with guanidine. The results provide further evidence for distinctions and similarities between TABM.

Surface expression and partial characterization of an arsonate hapten-specific idiotype-bearing T-cell receptor

Anti-idiotype antibodies raised against the arsonate hapten idiotype have been used to detect arsonate-binding receptors on the surface of peripheral T cells of A/J mice and to isolate this material after biosynthetic labeling for partial chemical characterization. It was found that 2-3% of splenic T cells from arsonate-immune mice specifically bound the hapten using immunofluorescent keyhole limpet hemocyanin as a carrier. In double-immunofluorescence labeling experiments, a high proportion (approximately equal to 70%) of these cells also bound the (Fab')2 fragment of rabbit anti-idiotype antibody in exactly the same patches on the cell as the arsonate hemocyanin antigen. In addition, the anti-idiotype antibody inhibited the binding of the hapten-carrier complex to T cells by approximately equal to 70%. In parallel experiments, fowl antibodies against mouse (Fab')2 fragments bound to 100% of arsonate-binding T cells in the same cell-surface patches as the hapten, and were capable of inhibiting 100% of the hapten-binding cells. Capping, shedding, and resynthesis experiments indicated that the T cells synthesized their antigen-binding idiotype-bearing receptors. Immunoblots of unreduced detergent extracts of purified splenic T cells developed with anti-idiotype antibodies showed bands at 150,000 and 94,000 Da. Equal amounts of protein extracted from liver and analyzed in the same gels as the T-cell material failed to show any reactivity with anti-idiotype antibodies. To confirm the biosynthetic origin of the idiotype-positive materials, detergent extracts from 75Se-methionine- or [3H]leucine-labeled Con A-treated splenic T cells were reacted with anti-idiotype antibodies and the bound material was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol the major band was at 68,000 Da, with variable minor levels of material at 45,000 Da, while when hapten was used to isolate the receptor a dominant 25,000- to 30,000-Da band was seen. We believe that the higher-molecular-weight materials are multimers of the 25,000-30,000 subunit.

Production and purification of monoclonal T lymphocyte antigen binding molecules (TABM)

T lymphocyte antigen binding molecules are distinct from B cell immunoglobulins. These proteins were produced by an antigen-specific T cell hybrid as monoclonal products and these cells were successfully grown as an ascites. The T cell antigen binding proteins in ascites were harvested and purified in milligram amounts. The procedure we describe should provide a valuable source of large quantities of pure T lymphocyte antigen binding molecules. This method will allow for studies into their mechanisms of function in regulation of the immune response, biochemistry and molecular biology as B cell myelomas and monoclones provided for the study of immunoglobulins.

The molecular basis of T helper cell function--I. Allotype- and MHC-linked determinants on antigen-specific, H-2-restricted T cell lines, hybridomas and lymphomas

A T-cell hybridoma clone, which produces antigen-specific helper factors and a T-cell lymphoma clone which produces non-specific helper factors was used to study the expression of T-cell allotypes and Ia antigens. Use was made of rabbit antisera against isolated T-cell receptor material and of monoclonal mouse antibodies against isolated rat Ia antigen. The rabbit antisera detected endogenously produced determinants both on the membrane and on intracellular polypeptides of these cells. The monoclonal mouse anti-rat-Ia antibodies detected polymorphic determinants on mouse Ia antigens and reacted with endogenously produced molecules on the membrane and on intracellular molecules of the hybridoma and lymphoma cells. The molecules carrying Tcr allotypes were single-chain polypeptides with mol. wts of 60,000-70,000 and the molecules carrying Ia-like antigenic determinants were single-chain polypeptides with mol. wts of 40,000-50,000. Thus T-cell allotypes and Ia antigens were found on separate polypeptide chains. The role and genetic localization of allotype-like and Ia-like molecules in T-cell products is discussed.

Partial characterization of T cell components related to defined VH (VT) markers

Certain antigen-binding surface molecules and factors of T cells possess serological determinants related to immunoglobulin (Ig)-heavy-chain-variable regions (VH). We obtained sufficient quantities (greater than 100 micrograms) of homogenous VH-related T-cell molecules (VTM) for biochemical studies from normal murine thymocytes and by growing large quantities of monoclonal T-cell leukemia lines expressing the determinants. A solid phase immune adsorbent prepared from the IgG fraction of rabbit anti-IgT serum was used to isolate VTM from formic acid-solubilized T cells. The VTM from murine thymocytes and T-cell lines had Mr of 65,000-68,000. The VTM from distinct cell lines differ by isoelectric focusing and resolution of tryptic peptides indicating clonal restriction. VTM lack conventional light- or heavy-chain-constant region determinants but cross-react with antisera directed against defined VHa allotypes and JH peptides. The detection of a cross-reaction with a synthetic JH peptide is consistent with recently published data identifying JH-related sequences in putative T-cell receptor genes. The amino acid compositions of the VTM were distinct from those of mammalian Ig, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, and viral glycoproteins, but significant similarities occur with Ig V regions or heavy chains of primitive vertebrates. The results indicate that the VH-bearing T-cell products are not classical Ig, but bear limited VH-cross-reactive determinants.

Messenger RNA for an antigen-specific binding molecule from an antigen-specific T-cell hybrid

The T-cell hybridoma 51H7D specifically binds the hapten azobenzenearsonate (ABA). An antiserum (anti-PCIF) specific for antigenic determinants shared by antigen-binding molecules of T cells (TABM) was used to precipitate polyribosomes containing mRNA for TABM from this T-cell hybridoma. The resultant mRNA was translated in vitro. The translated product (TrP51H7D) bound specifically ABA and was bound by both anti-PCIF and anti-T-cell suppressor factor. The parent lymphoma BW5147 yielded a similar translated product with the same antiserum used to isolate specific mRNA containing polysomes. This product (TrPBW) was bound by the antiserum used but did not bind ABA. The specific translated protein from both cells had a pI of approximately equal to 5.0, and apparent molecular weight of 71,000 (reduced) or 145,000 (nonreduced). Both protein products, when treated with guanidine to break down all noncovalent bonds, revealed an elemental peptide of Mr 23,500. The cDNA made from the isolated mRNA had 600-900 bases. mRNA of this size is expected for a protein of Mr 25,000. Our data indicate that a TABM specific for ABA is composed of peptides of Mr 23,500.