Effect of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to class I and class II HLA antigens on lectin- and MoAb OKT3-induced lymphocyte proliferation

Activated peripheral T lymphocytes undergo apoptosis when cultured with monocytes activated by HLA class II ligation

We treated PBMC with anti-MHC class II mAb known to inhibit T lymphocyte proliferation. Adherent cells from mAb-treated PBMC showed increased metabolic activity by the MTS assay that was not due to cell proliferation. PBMC cultured with solid-phase anti-class II mAb in chamber inserts inhibited, across a membrane, the proliferation of PBMC cultured with soluble anti-CD3 mAb. PBMC treated with both soluble mAb underwent apoptosis as shown by nucleosomal DNA fragmentation. The monocytes formed multinucleated giant cells as shown by fluorescent microscopy, and contained apoptotic bodies as shown by the TUNEL method and by electron microscopy. The apoptotic cells were identified as T cells by double-staining with anti-CD4/CD8-PE and annexin-V-FITC. Thus, MHC class II ligation stimulates monocytes to increase their metabolic activity, induce apoptosis of activated T lymphocytes, and phagocytize the apoptotic cells. TCR-mediated ligation of MHC class II may play a role in the downregulation of immune responses.

Regulation of T cell response to leishmania antigens by determinants of histocompatibility leukocyte class I and II molecules

It has been shown that HLA class I molecules play a significant role in the regulation of the proliferation of T cells activated by mitogens and antigens. We evaluated the ability of mAb to a framework determinant of HLA class I molecules to regulate T cell proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production against leishmania, PPD, C. albicans and tetanus toxoid antigens in patients with tegumentary leishmaniasis and healthy subjects. The anti-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mAb (W6/32) suppressed lymphocyte proliferation by 90% in cultures stimulated with alpha CD3, but the suppression was variable in cultures stimulated with leishmania antigen. This suppression ranged from 30-67% and was observed only in 5 of 11 patients. IFN-gamma production against leishmania antigen was also suppressed by anti-HLA class I mAb. In 3 patients IFN-gamma levels were suppressed by more than 60%, while in the other 2 cultures IFN-gamma levels were 36 and 10% lower than controls. The suppression by HLA class I mAb to the proliferative response in leishmaniasis patients and in healthy controls varied with the antigens and the patients or donors tested. To determine whether the suppression is directed at antigen presenting cells (APCs) or at the responding T cells, experiments with antigen-primed non-adherent cells, separately incubated with W6/32, were performed. Suppression of proliferation was only observed when the W6/32 mAb was added in the presence of T cells. These data provide evidence that a mAb directed at HLA class I framework determinants can suppress proliferation and cytokine secretion in response to several antigens.

The human Fc receptor for mouse IgG2b on monocytes and EBV-B cells is functionally inhibited by anti-HLA class II antibodies

We have recently described a polymorphic Fc receptor for murine IgG2b (mIgG2b), present on human monocytes and EBV-transformed B lymphocytes. The present study shows that anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibody (MoAb) completely inhibits both the (Fc receptor-dependent) T-cell proliferation, induced by mIgG2b anti-CD3 MoAb, and rosetting with mIgG2b-sensitized erythrocytes. This inhibition is also observed with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-HLA class II MoAb, and is therefore not Fc mediated. The Fc receptor for mIgG2b is also present on EBV-transformed B cells obtained from a patient with 'bare lymphocyte syndrome', that completely lack HLA class II antigens. Therefore, the Fc receptor for mIgG2b and HLA class II antigens are not identical. Since the low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon II; CD23) was reported to be associated at the cell surface with HLA class II antigens, we have compared both types of Fc receptor, and observed that human IgE strongly inhibits the mitogenic effect of murine IgE anti-CD3 but not of mIgG2b anti-CD3 MoAb. We conclude that the human Fc receptor for mIgG2b is strongly inhibited by anti-HLA class II MoAb, but is not identical to HLA class II or Fc epsilon RII.

Induction of strong homotypic adhesion in human T cell lines positive with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 by monoclonal antibodies to MHC class I and beta 2-microglobulin

To identify the cellular receptors and other cell surface molecules playing essential roles in the transmission of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), we have been isolating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are capable of inhibiting HTLV-1-induced syncytium formation. In the present study, we isolated two mAbs, H11 (IgM) and H14 (IgG1), inhibitory to syncytium formation in the coculture of TOM-1 or C91/PL (both HTLV-1-positive human T-cell lines) and MOLT-4/8 (HTLV-1-negative human T-cell line) by immunizing the membrane fraction of human osteosarcoma line HOS. By immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, H11 and H14 were found to be specific for MHC class I heavy chain and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2 M), respectively. Among the four commercially obtained mAbs, two mAbs for MHC class I antigen and two mAbs to beta 2 M, one mAb to MHC class I antigen and one mAb to beta 2 M were also found to be inhibitory to the syncytium formation. The functional comparison of these mAbs revealed that the syncytium-inhibitory mAbs induced strong homotypic cell adhesion particularly in the HTLV-1-positive T-cell lines. This cell adhesion was dependent on temperature, energy metabolism, and microfilament function but not on the activity of protein kinase C or divalent cations. These results suggest a novel type of LFA-1-independent cell adhesion induced by signal transduction via MHC class I antigen.

Differential inhibition of mitogenic responsiveness by monoclonal antibodies to beta 2-microglobulin

A panel of 10 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to human beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) was used to evaluate the modulation of lymphocyte activation induced by different mitogenic stimuli. All 10 MoAbs inhibited proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and allogeneic cells in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), although some MoAbs were inhibitory at much lower concentrations than others. No enhancement or direct mitogenicity was observed, but at low MoAb concentrations a delayed peak response sometimes occurred. Differentiation of B cells in PWM-stimulated PBMC cultures was also inhibited as measured by reduced accumulation of supernatant IgM and IgG. Anti-beta 2m MoAb did not interfere with the binding of PHA or PWM to PBMC, and membrane mobility as judged by subsequent capping of these lectins also appeared to be normal. Furthermore, anti-beta 2m was inhibitory when added 24 hr prior to peak responsiveness, and proliferative responses to the phorbol ester PMA in combination with ionomycin were also inhibited by MoAb, indicating that membrane-mediated events were not the target of inhibition. A comparison of the inhibitory effects of anti-beta 2m MoAb on activation by different stimuli revealed that PWM and MLC responses were much more sensitive to inhibition followed by, in order of decreasing inhibition, Con A, PHA, ionomycin alone, and PMA/ionomycin. A MoAb to a monomorphic determinant of HLA-A, B, C exhibited the same inhibitory trend, suggesting that the mechanism of inhibition was the same as for anti-beta 2m MoAbs. No inhibition was observed when PBMC were stimulated by PMA alone, suggesting that the MoAbs have little effect on activation mediated by protein kinase C but may preferentially affect the calcium-dependent pathway of activation. Thus, this differential inhibition observed with different stimuli may reflect the relative contribution of class I antigens to lymphocyte activation by a particular mitogen.

Immune recognition of HLA molecules downmodulates CD8 expression on cytotoxic T lymphocytes

An HLA-A2+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) line restricted by HLA-A2 in recognition of an influenza B virus nucleoprotein (BNP) peptide uses the CD8 coreceptor in the recognition of this viral peptide. Incubation of these CTL with BNP peptide in the absence of antigen-presenting cells downmodulates CD8 alpha and CD8 beta expression and reduces their ability to lyse target cells without inducing self-lysis. CD8 downmodulation was dependent on peptide concentration, time of exposure, and T cell receptor specificity. Another viral peptide from the influenza A virus matrix protein interacting with HLA-A2 had no effect on CD8 expression. Upon further investigation, an anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibody (mAb), anti-HLA class II mAb, and HLA alloantisera were found to downmodulate CD8 alpha and CD8 beta expression and induce CTL nonresponsiveness without causing degranulation. When CD8 alpha and CD8 beta expression was modulated by viral peptide or anti-HLA mAbs, other cell surface molecules were unchanged. Finally, incubation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with these anti-HLA mAbs induced no change in CD8 expression on resting cells but did downmodulate it on mitogen-activated cells. These results suggest that T cell recognition of the HLA-A2-BNP peptide complex on neighboring CTL may be the mechanism for CD8 downmodulation induced by the BNP viral peptide. This mechanism may be important in clonal anergy.

Mitogenic activity of anti-CD28 MoAb CLB-CD28/1 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and its cooperation with other anti-T cells MoAb in the activation of purified T lymphocytes

Human T lymphocyte proliferative response induced via CD28 molecule is analyzed. An anti CD28 MoAb, CLB-CD28/1, induces the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the absence of other stimuli, indicating that CD28 molecule can directly mediate a mitogenic signal in this system. The mitogenic activity of MoAb CLB-CD28/1 on PBMC does not require MoAb interaction with monocyte Fc receptors, since F(ab')2 fragments from the MoAb are mitogenic to the same extent as whole IgG. Nevertheless, the activity depends on the presence of accessory cells, since purified T lymphocytes require addition of irradiated monocytes and interleukin 2 to proliferate when incubated with MoAb CLB-CD28/1. On the other hand, MoAb CLB-CD28/1 induces response to IL-2 in thymocytes in the absence of accessory cells. Cooperation of MoAb CLB-CD28/1 with three other MoAbs, recognizing CD3, CD5 and HLA Class I antigens, respectively, induces Tac antigen expression and IL-2 responsiveness in purified T lymphocytes. This effect is obtained without cross-linking of the MoAb. It does not rely on a physical association between CD28 and CD3, CD5 or HLA Class I molecules, as demonstrated by co-modulation experiments. These data indicate that expression of IL-2 receptor on T lymphocytes can result from interaction of multiple activation pathways and that some of them, such as those mediated by CD5 and HLA Class I antigens, previously reported to serve as modulatory circuits, can instead act as essential elements in the onset of T lymphocyte proliferation.

Flow cytometry resonance energy transfer suggests an association between low-affinity interleukin 2 binding sites and HLA class I molecules

Using flow cytometry energy transfer we have studied the sterical proximity of interleukin 2 receptors and the heavy chain of the major histocompatibility complex at the surface of normal lymphocytes. Our data suggest that class I molecules may be part of a low-affinity interleukin 2 receptor multimolecular complex, where the MHC class I heavy chain is in close proximity to the actual interleukin 2 binding site, in contrast to the light chain (beta 2-microglobulin).

An early postinfection signal mediated by monoclonal anti-beta 2 microglobulin antibody is responsible for delayed production of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

We recently found (C. Devaux, J. Boucraut, G. Poirier, P. Corbeau, F. Rey, M. Benkirane, B. Perarneau, F. Kourilsky, and J.C. Chermann, submitted for publication) a latency in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 cytopathic effect in the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I immortalized T-cell line MT4 that was mediated by anti-beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) monoclonal antibodies (MAb). Here we describe a delay in viral particle production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that was mediated by three (B1-1G6, B2-62-2, and HC11-151-1) of four anti-beta 2m MAb tested, the nonefficient MAb (C21-48A) being specific for an epitope on beta 2m that was masked by association with the human leukocyte antigen class I heavy chain. Experiments were designed to determine the mechanism of interference. PBMC incubated with anti-beta 2m MAb before viral exposure were not protected from HIV infection. In addition, anti-beta 2m MAb were not efficient in preventing syncytium formation between HIV-infected PBMC and CD4-positive MT4 cells. In contrast, anti-beta 2m MAb treatment of freshly infected PBMC significantly delayed HIV production in these cells. The window of cell sensitivity to anti-beta 2m MAb treatment took place during a very early post-HIV-binding stage. The possible mechanism of anti-beta 2m MAb action is discussed.

Inhibition by anti-HLA class I mAb of IL-2 and IL-2 receptor synthesis in lymphocytes stimulated with PHA-P

Inhibition by anti-HLA Class I monoclonal antibody (mAb) Q6/64 of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-P-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PMBC) proliferation is associated with a reduction of Tac expression and interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion. To analyze the mechanism(s) underlying the latter phenomena, the Tac gene and IL-2 gene transcription was analyzed by a nuclear transcription assay. No synthesis of Tac and IL-2 mRNA was detected in PBMC stimulated with PHA-P in the presence of mAb Q6/64. In conjunction with our recently published data, these results indicate that the blocking by anti-HLA Class I mAb of PHA-P-induced PBMC proliferation reflects an inhibitory effect within the signal transduction pathway leading to transcriptional activation of IL-2 and IL-2 receptor genes.

Monoclonal antibody OKT3-induced T cell proliferation: differential role of HLA class II determinants expressed by T cells and monocytes

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to monomorphic determinants of HLA Class II antigens inhibit monocyte-dependent T cell proliferation induced by MAb OKT3 to a different extent, suggesting a differential regulatory role of the corresponding determinants in T cell proliferation. To elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying this pattern, the MAb CR10-343 and Q5/6 with high inhibitory effect and MAb CR11-462 and CR12-356 with low inhibitory effect were characterized. Cross-inhibition studies showed that the four MAb recognize distinct determinants. The determinants recognized by MAb CR10-343 and CR12-462 are spatially close. The determinants recognized by the four MAb appear to be functionally independent in MAb OKT3-induced T cell proliferation, since the inhibitory effect of the combination of MAb CR10-343 and Q5/6 and of the MAb CR11-462 and CR12-356 was additional but not synergistic. To compare the functional activity of HLA Class II determinants expressed by monocytes and by activated T cells in MAb OKT3-induced T cell proliferation, the effect of the four MAb on MAb OKT3-induced T cell proliferation in a monocyte-dependent and in a monocyte-free system was studied. Dose-response and proliferation kinetics studies showed that the four MAb display a similar inhibitory effect on MAb OKT3-induced T cell proliferation in a monocyte-free system. These results suggest fine differences in the role played by monocyte- and T cell-bound HLA Class II determinants in the regulation of MAb OKT3-induced T cell proliferation. This functional heterogeneity may enhance the flexibility of HLA Class II antigens to mediate cell-cell interactions involved in the proliferative response to a variety of mitogenic stimuli.

Signal transduction in lymphocyte activation through crosslinking of HLA class I molecules

The inhibitory effect of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies on lymphocyte proliferation has been well documented. However, recent data suggest that anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies can enhance lymphocyte proliferation via both anti-CD3-induced (1,2) and anti-CD2-induced (3) activation pathways. Here we demonstrate that both inhibition and activation can be regulated by the degree of aggregation of HLA class I antigens. Crosslinking of monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-A, HLA-B, or monomorphic determinants (using anti-IgG2 and/or anti-Ig kappa "second step" monoclonal antibodies) increased the capacity of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies to inhibit phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferation. However, the cytosolic free calcium concentration was increased in CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, B cells, and CD16+ cells when anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies were crosslinked, suggesting that an activation signal was generated by aggregation of the corresponding antigens. Indeed, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate could be detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes following crosslinking of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies. Class I aggregation also induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of submitogenic doses of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Strong conditions of crosslinking (monomorphic monoclonal antibody plus both anti-IgG2 and anti-Ig kappa) induced CD25 expression and responsiveness to recombinant interleukin 2. Our results suggest that aggregation of HLA class I antigens primed cells to become activated in the presence of progression signals including phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, recombinant interleukin 2, or anti-CD5 plus anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies.

Lack of a role of monocytes in the inhibition by monoclonal antibodies to monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA class I antigens of PHA-P-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation

This study aimed at characterizing the mechanism(s) underlying the regulatory role of distinct determinants of HLA Class I antigens in PHA-P-induced T cell proliferation and the involvement of monocytes in this phenomenon. The anti-HLA-A2,A28 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) CR11-351, the MoAb Q6/64 to a determinant restricted to the gene products of the I antigens HLA-B locus, and the MoAb CR10-215 and W6/32 to distinct monomorphic determinants of HLA Class I antigens were found to inhibit PHA-P-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibition is specific and reflects neither inhibition of PHA-P binding to cells nor a toxic effect of the anti-HLA Class I MoAb. The latter differed in the concentration required to induce inhibition, in the influence of the concentration of PHA-P used as mitogen, in the differential effect on the donors used as a source of PBMC, and/or in the requirement of the Fc portion to induce inhibition. At variance with the information in the literature, the inhibitory effect of anti-HLA Class I MoAb on PHA-P-induced PBMC proliferation neither reflected their interaction with accessory cells nor was mediated by suppressor factors released by monocytes stimulated with PHA-P in the presence of anti-HLA Class I MoAb. Therefore, the regulatory role of HLA Class I antigens in T cell proliferation is not likely to be mediated by monocytes and/or factors released from them, but may reflect an involvement of these molecules in T cell activation pathways.

Antiproliferative mechanism of anti-class II monoclonal antibodies

The function of Class II molecules in proliferation was explored by treating human cell lines with three distinct anti-DR monoclonal antibodies (MABs). Dose-dependent, specific inhibition of eight DR+ cell lines of different origin and lineage was found. Inhibition was durable (i.e., cells did not become resistant to the anti-DR MABs despite prolonged treatment) yet reversible. The mechanism of inhibition was not due to differentiation or killing but was cytostatic. Inhibition was temporally associated with decreases in nuclear size and irregularity and appeared to be due to a non-phase-specific cell cycle arrest.

Proliferation of human CD4+45R+ and CD4+45R- T helper cells is promoted by both IL-2 and IL-4 while interferon-gamma production is restricted to IL-2 activated CD4+45R- T cells

Recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) and IL-4 (rIL-4) promote proliferation of human CD4+ T cells activated in the presence of PHA, TPA or OKT-3 monoclonal antibody (MAb), whereas the production of interferon-gamma (IFN) can be induced only by rIL-2. rIL-4 induced strong proliferative responses both in accessory cell independent assays and in the presence of autologous monocytes, but has failed to induce IFN production in any of these systems. The ability of rIL-2 to induce IFN production was strongly enhanced by the addition of monocytes, although a similar proliferative response was recorded in the absence or presence of monocytes. The MAb anti-Tac inhibited the proliferative response and the production of IFN by CD4+ T cells activated in the presence of rIL-2, whereas the proliferative response to rIL-4 was unaffected. CD4+45R+ and CD4+45R- T helper cell subsets proliferated in response to both IL-2 and IL-4. A kinetic analysis demonstrated that the production of IFN throughout a five day activation period was restricted to stimulation of CD4+45R- T cells with rIL-2. This report clearly demonstrates a dissociation of IFN production and T cell proliferation in man. While proliferation can be induced by both IL-2 and IL-4 in both the helper T cell subsets studied, IFN production was induced only in the CD4+45R- subsets and only in response to IL-2.

Regulatory role of monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA class I antigens in the proliferation of T cells stimulated by autologous and allogeneic B and T lymphoid cells

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb's) to monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA Class I antigens were shown to inhibit proliferation of T cells stimulated with autologous and allogeneic B and T lymphocytes. Inhibition of proliferative responses was lower when T cells were used as stimulators than when B cells were used. The inhibitory activity was similar for mAb's to monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA Class I antigens, suggesting that the density of antigen-antibody complexes on the cell membrane does not play a major role in the phenomenon. The anti-HLA Class I mAb's exerted their inhibitory effect at the level of both the responding and the stimulating cells. Addition of exogenous interleukin 2 to the mixed cultures did not affect the mAb-mediated inhibition.

Interleukin-1-independent activation of human T lymphocytes stimulated by anti-CD3 and a Hodgkin's disease cell line with accessory cell activity

Antibodies directed against the human T cell receptor or the closely associated CD3 molecule stimulate polyclonal T cell proliferation via mechanisms that mimic a primary immune response. We have investigated the requirement for IL-1 production in anti-CD3 (OKT3)-mediated mitogenesis using a Hodgkin's disease cell line (L428) as the accessory cell. L428 cells did not produce detectable IL-1 following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or phorbol ester (PMA), nor did they transcribe detectable levels of mRNA for IL-1 alpha or beta after such treatment. Despite their inability to produce IL-1, as few as 1 X 10(4) L428 cells reconstituted the proliferative response of accessory cell-depleted T cells to anti-CD3. Although larger numbers of non-rosette-forming (E-) cells were required for maximal responsiveness to anti-CD3, the maximal degree of proliferation was higher with E- cells than with L428 cells. L428-mediated T cell proliferation did not result from residual accessory cells in the responding population or an allogeneic effect since L428 cells were also capable of providing accessory cell activity for the anti-CD3-dependent generation of IL-2 by the Jurkat T cell line. Although the mechanism by which L428 cells provide accessory functions remains incompletely characterized, the ability of anti-HLA-DR F(ab')2 fragments to completely abrogate L428 and monocyte-mediated anti-CD3 mitogenesis, despite the addition of exogenous IL-1, provides evidence for the participation HLA-DR molecules in this response. These data indicate that anti-CD3-induced proliferation of unprimed human T lymphocytes can occur independently of IL-1 production by accessory cells and may involve the participation of HLA-DR molecules.

Differential effect of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies on resting and in vivo-induced B lymphocytes

The role of HLA class I antigens in B cell triggering was investigated by analyzing the effect of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed to such molecules on the in vitro function of resting and in vivo-induced lymphoblastoid (LB) B cells. Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC)-induced proliferation of high-density B lymphocytes was markedly inhibited by W6/32 MAb (reactive with a monomorphic determinant contributed by an alpha-chain and beta 2-microglobulin) but not by FG2/2 MAb (reactive with beta 2-microglobulin). The inhibition was not due to either a toxic effect or a change in the response kinetics. In contrast, LB B cells' spontaneous DNA synthesis and IgG production was not altered by such MAb, although these cells possessed surface HLA class I antigens. These findings suggest that HLA class I molecules are involved in the activation process of resting but not mature B lymphocytes.

CD3 pathway of T-cell activation. II. Role of HLA-class I molecules in early events

The role of distinct regions of HLA class I molecules in regulating T-cell activation via the CD3-antigen receptor complex was investigated. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) which recognize monomorphic and polymorphic epitopes on HLA Class I molecules were shown to inhibit T-cell proliferation to OKT3. These MoAbs have differential effects on the synthesis of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-2 receptor expression. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that these MoAbs function both in inhibiting cell cycle entry (G0-G1 shift) and in blocking cell cycle progression (G1-S shift) of activated T cells. Furthermore, these MoAbs have regulatory effects on the alternate pathway of T-cell activation via the CD2 molecule, T-cell activation induced by PHA, and activation induced by the phorbol ester PMA in conjunction with the calcium ionophore Ionomycin. Thus these MoAbs have different effects depending upon the pathway of T-cell activation. The results indicate that HLA class I molecules are selectively involved in the sequence of intracellular events leading to T-cell activation and proliferation.

The required interaction between monocytes and peripheral blood T lymphocytes (T-PBL) upon activation via CD2 or CD3. Role of HLA class I molecules from accessory cells and the differential response of T-PBL subsets

Previously, we have shown that paraformaldehyde-fixed monocytes are able to fully complement, in terms of [3H]dThd incorporation, a primary stimulus delivered to purified T cells by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reacting with CD3 or CD2 molecules. Here, we show that depending on the stimulus used (CD3 mAb or different pairs of CD2 mAb) HLA class I molecules from monocytes are directly involved in complementary signals provided to T cells. This was evidenced by the following observations: (a) mAb reacting with the heavy or light chain of class I molecules, or their Fab fragments, completely blocked proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) activated by CD3 mAb; (b) mAb against the heavy chain of HLA class I but not against beta 2-microglobulin partially blocked (approximately equal to 50%) PBL activation by the CD2 "GT2 + T111" mAb pair but did not block activation by CD2 "D66 + T111" mAb; (c) this pattern of inhibition was observed when anti-class I mAb were used in the soluble phase or when they were bound to monocytes subsequently fixed with paraformaldehyde and cultivated with purified autologous T cells; (d) fixed monocytes are able to restore interleukin (IL) 2 receptor expression on purified T cells stimulated by CD3 mAb or CD2 "GT2 + T111", contrary to anti-HLA class I mAb-pretreated monocytes. The inhibitory effects of anti-HLA class I mAb bound to monocytes were not found to be reversed by recombinant IL2 or recombinant IL1. We assume that HLA class I would be involved in two or more signals delivered to T cells by monocytes, the requirement in those signals depending on the initial stimulus applied to T cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition by anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibodies of monocyte-dependent T cell proliferation induced by monoclonal antibody OKT3

The inhibitory effect of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to monomorphic (locus-restricted and locus-shared) and polymorphic determinants of HLA class II antigens on the monocyte-dependent proliferation of T cells stimulated with mAb OKT3 has been studied. The effect appears to be specific, dose dependent, is not mediated by the Fc portion of mAb and reflects their interaction with the corresponding determinants. The anti-HLA class II mAb do not have to be present in the culture throughout the incubation period, but are essential in early phases of mAb OKT3 T cell activation. Both monocytes and T cells are the targets of the inhibition exerted by the anti-HLA class II mAb. Their inhibitory effect involves several steps in the sequence of events which leads to T cell proliferation, including interleukin (IL) 1 and 2 secretion, and IL2 receptor expression.

Role in T-cell activation for HLA class I molecules from accessory cells: further distinction between activation signals delivered to T cells via CD2 and CD3 molecules

The immunological function of major histocompatibility complex molecules, including HLA class I molecules, is to present antigens and/or their processed peptides to various lymphocyte subpopulations. Thus, they play a pivotal role in regulatory interactions between cells of the immune system, which can result in the activation and function of T cells. We looked for a role of major histocompatibility complex molecules during T-cell activation induced by monoclonal antibody (mAb) or combinations of mAb recognizing the two well-characterized T-cell surface molecules CD3 and CD2. To activate T-cell peripheral blood lymphocytes, we used a CD3 mAb or two different pairs of CD2 mAb, CD2 "GT2 + T11(1)" and CD2 "D66 + T11(1)," which, as we have previously shown, deliver different signals of activation to T cells. Anti-HLA class I mAb blocked the activation induced by CD3 mAb or by CD2 GT2 + T11(1), but it did not block activation induced by CD2 D66 + T11(1). We observed this pattern of inhibition according to the stimulus used to activate T cells both when the anti-HLA class I mAbs were added to cultures of whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells and when they were fixed to monocytes only. In the latter case, purified monocytes were first incubated with the anti-HLA mAb (whether whole immunoglobulin or Fab fragment) and then fixed with paraformaldehyde before culture with autologous purified T cells. Anti-HLA class I fixed on monocytes prevented both interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor expression and IL-2 synthesis on T cells. The inhibitory effects of anti-class I mAb bound to monocytes were not reversed by adding large amounts of recombinant IL-2 or recombinant IL-1, a finding consistent with the observations that accessory cells surface components can fully complement the signals directly delivered to T cells by CD2 or CD3 mAb. We conclude that HLA class I from accessory cells plays an important role in the early phase of T-cell activation when direct contacts between accessory cells and T cells are required.

Role of HLA class I and class II antigens in activation and differentiation of B cells

The monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) CR10-214, CR11-115, and Q1/28 to distinct monomorphic determinants of HLA class I antigens, the MoAb CL413 and PTF29.12 recognizing monomorphic determinants of HLA-DR antigens, the anti-HLA-DQw1 MoAb KS11, the anti-HLA-DPw1 MoAb B7/21, and the anti-HLA-DR,DP MoAb CR11-462 were tested for their ability to modulate human B-lymphocyte proliferation and maturation to IgM-forming cells. Purified tonsillar B cells were stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria of the Cowan first strain (SAC) or anti-human mu-chain xenoantibodies, as well as in growth factor- or T-cell-dependent activation cultures. The B-cell proliferative responses induced by SAC or by mitogenic concentrations of anti-mu-chain xenoantibodies were inhibited by some of the anti-HLA class I and anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibodies tested. The same antibodies were effective inhibitors of the proliferation of B cells stimulated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or interleukin-2 (IL-2) and with submitogenic concentrations of anti-mu-chain xenoantibodies. The proliferation induced by IL-2 of SAC-preactivated B cells was inhibited by some of the anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibodies, but not by the anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies tested. This inhibition appeared to reflect at least in part a direct effect on later events of the B-cell activation cascade, since some anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibodies still exerted considerable inhibitory activity when added together with IL-2 to SAC-preactivated B cells after the third day of culture. Anti HLA-DR, DQ, and DP monoclonal antibodies consistently inhibited the IgM production induced in B cells by T cells alone, T cells plus pokeweed mitogen (PWM), SAC plus IL-2, or IL-2 alone. In contrast, two of the three anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies tested inhibited the IgM production in cultures stimulated with SAC plus IL-2 and one the IgM production induced by IL-2 alone, but none of them had inhibitory effects on T-cell dependent IgM production. The results reported herein indicate that HLA class II molecules directly participate in different phases of the B-cell activation cascade. In addition, our data also suggest that HLA class I molecules can be involved in the events leading to B-cell proliferation and differentiation into immunoglobulin-secreting cells.

Anti-HLA-class II monoclonal antibodies inhibit polyclonal B cell differentiation in vitro at the accessory cell level

We produced and characterized a panel of anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to study the inhibition of T cell-dependent B cell differentiation. The newly produced mAb belonged to different isotypes and subclasses, and recognized at least two different nonpolymorphic HLA class II determinants. We found that anti-HLA class II mAb inhibited the pokeweed mitogen (PWM)- and interleukin 2-driven T cell-dependent IgM synthesis, but did not affect the phorbol myristate acetate-, phytohemagglutinin-, anti-T3- or PWM-induced T cell proliferation. Moreover, when the mAb were tested in a monocyte-independent B cell differentiation assay in which T cells are activated by insoluble anti-T3 mAb in the absence of accessory cells, no effect was seen on IgM synthesis. These data indicate that inhibition of T cell-dependent B cell differentiation by anti-HLA class II mAb is caused by interference with an accessory cell function essential for B cell differentiation.