LFA-1 but not Lyt-2 is associated with killing activity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte hybridomas

Superresolution imaging of the cytoplasmic phosphatase PTPN22 links integrin-mediated T cell adhesion with autoimmunity

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that play a fundamental role in the migration of leukocytes to sites of infection or injury. We found that protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) inhibits signaling by the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in effector T cells. PTPN22 colocalized with its substrates at the leading edge of cells migrating on surfaces coated with the LFA-1 ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Knockout or knockdown of PTPN22 or expression of the autoimmune disease-associated PTPN22-R620W variant resulted in the enhanced phosphorylation of signaling molecules downstream of integrins. Superresolution imaging revealed that PTPN22-R620 (wild-type PTPN22) was present as large clusters in unstimulated T cells and that these disaggregated upon stimulation of LFA-1, enabling increased association of PTPN22 with its binding partners at the leading edge. The failure of PTPN22-R620W molecules to be retained at the leading edge led to increased LFA-1 clustering and integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Our data define a previously uncharacterized mechanism for fine-tuning integrin signaling in T cells, as well as a paradigm of autoimmunity in humans in which disease susceptibility is underpinned by inherited phosphatase mutations that perturb integrin function.

'Nonspecific' MHC-unrestricted killer cells and their receptors

The receptors involved in apparently nonspecific, MHC- unrestricted effector cell-target cell interaction and lysis continue to raise controversy. They bind to distinct ligands on their target cells and activate diverse cellular functions such as gene expression, lymphokine production, proliferation and/or cytolytic activity by the effector cells. Several distinct receptors may mediate MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity. Here, Peter Hersey and Reinder Bolhuis review evidence that the four main receptors involved in triggering this form of lytic activity are the CD2 molecule (the sheep red cell receptor), CD3-associated αβ chain T-cell receptor (TCR), the γδ chain TCR-CD3 complex and the CD16 molecule (the IgG0Fc receptor). The apparent non-specificity specificity of killing is a reflection of the widespread expression of natural ligands for these receptors on target cells.

Adhesion molecules on murine lymphokine-activated killer cells responsible for target cell killing: a role of CD2

Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were induced from C57BL/6 mouse spleen cells and the effects of culture time on the expression of cell surface phenotypes and cytotoxic activity of LAK cells were determined. The expression of CD2 remarkably decreased after culture of LAK cells for 30 days, while LFA-1, a principal adhesion molecule in LAK cells, and CD3 were not changed by the culture. LAK cells cultured for 90 days completely lost CD2. In accordance with the decrease of CD2, the cytotoxic activity of LAK cells declined but a certain leven was retained even after the complete loss of CD2. The established LAK cell clones were also strongly positive for the expression of LFA-1 but negative for CD2. When the LAK cell clones were transfected with the CD2 cDNA, they started to express CD2 on their cell surface and to show greater binding ability and stronger cytotoxicity to target tumor cells. These results indicated that CD2 plays a role as an adhesion molecule responsible for target cell killing in murine LAK cells.

CD4 and CD8 accessory molecules function through interactions with major histocompatibility complex molecules which are not directly associated with the T cell receptor-antigen complex

Both the subset-specific, CD4 and CD8 T cell accessory molecules and the antigen-specific T cell receptor (TcR) interact with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. We analyzed whether the CD4/CD8 molecules exert their accessory function through binding with the same MHC molecules which participate in the TcR-antigen-MHC complex. We utilized a CD4-, CD8-, class I-allospecific T cell hybridoma which functionally manifests both cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and T helper1 (Th1) phenotypes, and rendered it bispecific by transfecting it with genes encoding either a class II-restricted, 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-I-Ad-specific TcR or a non-MHC-restricted chimeric TcR, composed of a variable part of an anti-TNP antibody. Expression of either CD4 or CD8 transgenes in these hybridomas enhanced and augmented their reactivity towards the appropriate target cells regardless of the type of TcR-MHC interaction. Thus, class I-specific responses could be enhanced through CD4-class II interactions, and class II-restricted responses could be augmented through CD8-class I interactions. Furthermore, these accessory molecules also potentiated TNP-specific responses by the chimeric TcR which is MHC unrestricted. The accessory molecules facilitated both interleukin 2 (IL2) production and cytolytic activity by shortening the activation time and rendering the cells responsive to lower antigenic stimuli. The degree of activity of the T cell hybridomas correlated with the level of accessory molecule expression and was not related to the effector function mediated by the cells. Anti-CD4 or -CD8 antibodies completely inhibited the activity of transfectants expressing the corresponding accessory molecule, regardless of the MHC type of the TcR interaction. Such antibodies blocked direct TcR stimulation provided by either anti-T3/Ti antibodies or lectins, but could not inhibit the activation through agents that bypass the TcR such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus ionophore. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the CD8/CD4 molecules can exert their accessory function through interactions with MHC molecules which are not directly associated with the TcR-Ag-MHC complex, and that this accessory effect is associated with TcR-mediated triggering at an early stage of the signaling process and is not related to the effector mechanism assigned to the CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets.

Anti-idiotype antibody reactive with a target molecule for mouse lymphokine-activated killer cells

A rat monoclonal antibody (MoAb), termed KBA, against mouse lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells recognizes a LAK cell surface molecule termed LAA responsible for the binding between LAK and target cells. In order to identify a target molecule of LAK cells, we prepared anti-KBA idiotype antibodies (anti-KBA-Id) from rabbit anti-KBA sera. Immunoglobulins were separated by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by sequential affinity column chromatographies using Affi-gel coupled with rat MoAbs other than KBA and KBA-coupled gel. An immunoglobulin(s) in a KBA-gel-bound fraction showed the selective reactivity to KBA, comprising anti-KBA-Id character. This anti-KBA-Id inhibited the binding of KBA to LAK. Moreover, it bound with a portion of mouse leukemia cells sensitive to LAK cells, but not with normal mouse cells, and inhibited the binding of LAK cells to a target leukemia. These findings indicate that the anti-KBA-Id contain anti-Id which possess a three-dimensional structure that mimics a mirror image of the antigen (LAA)-combining site in KBA or the structure of LAA. The antigen reactive with anti-KBA-Id was characterized as a glycoprotein.

The role of lymphokine-activated cell-associated antigen. II. Distribution and correlation with cell cycle

It has previously been shown that killer-blocking monoclonal antibody (KBA MAb) recognizes lymphokine-activated cell-associated antigen (LAA) involved in broad-reactive killer. (BRK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We now report that LAA is expressed on all lymphoid cells, though the amount of LAA on unstimulated lymphocytes is low. In contrast, lymphocytes activated in vitro with either concanavalin A, alloantigens, lipopolysaccharide, or recombinant interleukin 2 express high levels of LAA. In addition, in vivo activated lymphocytes, such as OK-432-activated lymphocytes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes express higher levels of LAA than unstimulated lymphocytes. We also demonstrate that the expression of LAA is restricted in T-cell lymphomas and a M phi cell line, while myelomas, fibrosarcomas, and carcinomas do not express LAA. Cell cycle analysis using propidium iodide and KBA MAb showed that LAA expression was closely correlated with the transition of cells from G1a to G1b phase.

The requirement for lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 in homotypic leukocyte adhesion stimulated by phorbol ester

Lymphocytes become adherent and aggregate after stimulation with phorbol esters such as PMA. Time-lapse video showed that aggregating cells were motile and exhibited vigorous pseudopodial movements. Adhesion sites were initiated between pseudopodia of neighboring cells, and then moved to the uropod. PMA-stimulated aggregation by EBV-transformed B cell lines, SKW-3 (a T cell line), differentiated U937 (a monocytic line), and blood lymphocytes was inhibited by mAbs to LFA-1. A number of different mAb to the LFA-1 alpha and beta subunits and F(ab')2 and Fab' fragments inhibited aggregation. Furthermore, lymphoblasts from normal individuals, but not from LFA-1-deficient patients, aggregated in response to PMA. These findings suggest LFA-1 is critically involved in stimulated lymphocyte adhesion. LFA-1 expression was not increased by PMA stimulation, showing that other mechanisms regulate LFA-1-dependent adherence. LFA-1-deficient patient cells were able to coaggregate with LFA-1+ cells, showing that aggregation is not mediated by like-like interactions between LFA-1 molecules on opposite cells. Aggregation was Mg+2-dependent, inhibited by cytochalasin B, and was reversed when LFA-1 mAb was added to preformed aggregates. Previous findings suggesting that LFA-1 is important in a wide variety of leukocyte functions are elucidated by this work, which shows that LFA-1 is a general leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, the activity of which is regulated by cell activation.

Identification of a previously unrecognized polypeptide associated with lymphocyte function associated antigen one (LFA-1)

In lymphocyte function associated antigen one (LFA-1) preparations from metabolically labeled lymphocytes we have observed a new polypeptide component of 86-kilodalton additional to the already described alpha- and beta-chains. This chain is cosynthesized with the alpha- and beta-chains and can be covalently cross-linked with them, resulting in a three-chain complex. This complex is recognized by the H35-89.9 anti-LFA-1 monoclonal antibody. Cleveland peptide mapping analysis indicates that the new chain is structurally different from the alpha- and beta-chains of the LFA-1 complex. The chain has been observed in B-cells as well as in T-cells. Labeling properties of the 86-kilodalton chain suggest that this molecule is not exposed on the membrane.

Antigen/mitogen induced cytolytic activity and IL-2 secretion in memory-like CTL-hybridomas

Memory-like monoclonal CTL hybridomas, derived from fusion of the AKR thymoma BW5147 with secondary CTL generated in vivo or in MLC cultures, have been used to study the mechanism whereby antigen/mitogen induces anamnestic CTL responses. Specifically, we have asked whether induction of cytolytic activity can be promoted by an antigenic/mitogenic signal without involvement of IL-2 receptors, IL-2, or other extrinsic factors. We have found that antigen/lectin alone can trigger the cytolytic potential of the hybridomas and induce IL-2 secretion. Pure IL-2 and conditioned medium were ineffective inducers of cytotoxicity. Moreover, IL-2 receptors were not detected on the hybrid cells before and after antigenic stimulation, demonstrating that expression of IL-2 receptors and induction of specific killing activity are not genetically linked. Non-activated and activated cells conjugated with target cells equally well, suggesting that induction of cytolytic activity involves a post target cell binding step. Close linkage between cytotoxicity and IL-2 secretion has been observed: induction of killing was consistently associated with IL-2 secretion and stimulation of both activities could be blocked by Cyclosporin A. IL-2 was secreted by the CTL hybrids as early as 3 h following stimulation. We propose that the immediate supply of IL-2 by such memory CTL enhances antigenic response of other, IL-2-dependent T cells.

Inhibition of proliferative and cytotoxic activities of human T lymphocytes with rabbit antibodies directed against leucoagglutinin-reactive T cell surface components

Three rabbit antisera (870, 872 and 873) were raised against leucoagglutinin-reactive components from the surface of human T cells. The antibodies reacted with two major glycoproteins of 175 kDa and 105 kDa. None of the antibodies triggered peripheral blood lymphocytes or T cells to proliferation when tested under different culture conditions. All antibodies inhibited the proliferative response to concanavalin A or to allogeneic lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte culture when whole IgG fractions were used. Complete inhibition of cytotoxic activity was obtained in cell-mediated lympholysis and in natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NK) when fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes were used as effector cells. Weak inhibition was also obtained in NK when mixed lymphocyte culture-activated effector cells were used. The inhibition was stronger, when NK activity was determined against MOLT4 target cells as compared to K562. Whereas F(ab')2 fragments of 873 IgG inhibited cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity completely, Fab fragments of 873 IgG neither inhibited proliferation nor cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, but gave some inhibition of NK against MOLT4 targets. The results indicate that antibodies against these leucoagglutinin-reactive structures reacted with polypeptides similar to or identical with the human "leukocyte function-associated antigen-1" (LFA-1) considered to be an important mediator of cell-cell interactions and nonspecific adherence.

Eukaryotic chromosome transfer: linkage of the murine major histocompatibility complex to an inserted dominant selectable marker

We have developed an approach for genetic analysis of the murine H-2 complex that has broad general applicability to the study of eukaryotic genome organization. We have used a retroviral vector to introduce a selectable marker into the mouse genome close to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Chromosomal segments containing large portions of the MHC from these donor cells have been transferred both to hamster and monkey cell recipients. The procedure involved the following steps. First, a murine cell line was multiply infected with a defective recombinant murine leukemia virus that contains the neomycin-resistance gene (a gene that confers resistance to G418). In this way, the neomycin-resistance gene was introduced at multiple sites in the mouse genome. Second, metaphase chromosomes, prepared from this infected cell population, were transferred to hamster cell recipients. Third, two G418-resistant transferents were identified that expressed murine H-2 antigens on their cell surface. These transferents were shown to contain a large segment of the murine MHC (H-2K and I regions) by DNA hybridization. The neomycin-resistance gene and the mouse MHC genes must be physically linked in these cells since they could be cotransferred from the hamster cells to monkey cells. Fourth, the murine cell carrying the neomycin-resistance gene near the MHC was identified from the original donor cell population. This cell will serve as a useful source of chromosome fragments for analysis of larger portions of the MHC. This series of steps can serve as a paradigm for the first steps in a detailed genetic analysis of any specific region of a mammalian genome to which one or more genes have already been mapped.

The major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen receptor on T cells. II. Role of the L3T4 product

We have examined the role of the murine homologue of Leu-3 T4, L3T4, in recognition of antigen in association with products of the major histocompatibility complex (Ag/MHC) by murine T cell hybridomas. A series of ovalbumin (OVA)/I-Ad-specific T cell hybridomas were ranked in their sensitivity to Ag/I by measuring their ability to respond to low doses of OVA, or their sensitivity to inhibition by anti-I-Ad antibodies. T cell hybridomas with low apparent avidity for OVA/I-Ad, i.e. that did not respond well to low concentrations of OVA and were easily inhibited by anti-I-Ad, were also easily inhibited by anti-L3T4 antibodies. The reverse was true for T cell hybridomas with apparent high avidity for Ag/MHC. We found that the presence of low doses of anti-L3T4 antibodies caused T cell hybridomas to respond less well to low doses of Ag, and to be more easily inhibited by anti-I-Ad antibodies. These results suggested that the role of the L3T4 molecule is to increase the overall avidity of the reaction between T cells and Ag-presenting cells. In support of this idea was the discovery of several L3T4- subclones of one of our L3T4+ T cell hybridomas, D0.11.10. The L3T4- subclones had the same amount of receptor for OVA/I-Ad as their L3T4+ parent, as detected by an anti-receptor monoclonal antibody. The L3T4- subclones, however, responded less well to low doses of OVA, and were more easily inhibited by anti-I-Ad antibodies than their L3T4/ parent. These results showed that the L3T4 molecule was not required for surface expression of, or functional activity of, the T cell receptor for Ag/MHC. The L3T4 molecule did, however, increase the sensitivity with which the T cell reacted with Ag/MHC on Ag-presenting cells.

Spontaneous release of the Leu-2 (T8) molecule from human T cells

Sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for the detection of human T cell antigens in soluble form have been developed. The assays use mouse monoclonal antibodies and specific anti-Leu sera prepared in rabbits by immunizing with Leu antigens absorbed to monoclonal antibody affinity columns. With these assays, Leu-1, -2, and -3 antigen signals from extracts of as few as 5 X 10(3) cells could be detected. When culture supernatants from various cell lines were tested, Leu-2 antigen, but not Leu-1 or Leu-3, was found to be present. Leu-2 antigen was present only in supernatants from T cell lines that expressed Leu-2 on their cell surface. Leu-2 antigen accumulated progressively in the supernatant of low density culture and its presence did not depend on cell proliferation or on fetal calf serum in the culture medium. The Leu-2 antigen in the supernatant was found to have only one Leu-2a determinant, whereas Leu-2 antigen from cell extracts had at least two determinants. The Leu-2 molecule was effectively purified from supernatant with an anti-Leu-2a affinity column. The purified Leu-2 antigen from supernatant of HPB-ALL cells was a single polypeptide chain of 27,000 mol wt, whereas Leu-2 antigen present on HPB-ALL cell surface was composed of two or more identical polypeptide chains of 33,000 mol wt linked by disulfide bonds. Normal human sera and sera from leukemia patients were also examined for the presence of the Leu-2 antigen. Normal human sera contained low levels of Leu-2 antigen but sera from Leu-2-positive leukemia patients had high levels. These results indicate that Leu-2 antigen is released from human T cells under physiological conditions.

Cell-surface molecules involved in T-cell functions

A complete understanding of immune response mechanisms requires both identification of the cellular subpopulations participating in a given response and elucidation of the antigen-specific receptors employed by these cells. A great deal of recent study has been directed at the characterization of T-cell subpopulations and the receptor structures expressed by these cells. Perhaps the most powerful tools so far employed have been the serological reagents which distinguish cell-surface molecules on lymphoid populations. In this review, Jeffrey Bluestone and Richard Hodes summarize our understanding of the surface molecules expressed on functionally distinct T-cell subpopulations, and the role of these molecules in antigen-specific T-cell activation.

Mapping of antigenic and functional epitopes on the alpha- and beta-subunits of two related mouse glycoproteins involved in cell interactions, LFA-1 and Mac-1

Mouse Mac-1, a complement receptor-associated surface structure on macrophages, and LFA-1, a function-associated structure on lymphocytes, comprise a novel family of leukocyte differentiation antigens participating in adhesive cell interactions. Mac-1 and LFA-1 contain alpha-subunits of 170,000 and 180,000 Mr, respectively, and beta-subunits of 95,000 Mr noncovalently associated in alpha 1 beta 1 complexes. The structural relation between the alpha- and between the beta-subunits, and the location of functionally important sites on the molecules, have been probed with antibodies. Both non-cross-reactive and cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies (MAb) and antisera prepared to the purified molecules or the LFA-1 alpha-subunits were used. Reactivity with individual subunits was studied by immunoprecipitation after dissociation induced by high pH treatment, or by immunoblotting after SDS-PAGE. Cross-reactive epitopes on Mac-1 and LFA-1 were found to be present on the beta-subunits, which were immunologically identical. Non-cross-reactive epitopes that are distinctive for Mac-1 or LFA-1 were localized to the alpha-subunits. MAb to LFA-1 alpha-subunit epitopes inhibited CTL-mediated killing. Two MAb to Mac-1 alpha-subunit epitopes but not a third MAb to a spatially distinct alpha-epitope inhibited complement receptor function. Neither function was inhibited by a MAb binding to a common beta-subunit epitope. Therefore, sites of Mac-1 and LFA-1 involved in their respective adhesion-related functions, as well as distinctive structural features, have been localized to the alpha-subunits.

Characterization of the cytolytic activity of a cloned antigen-specific T suppressor cell derived from a tolerant CBA/J mouse

The antigen-specific T suppressor cell clone HF1 isolated from a CBA/J mouse made tolerant by low doses of bovine serum albumin has suppressive and cytolytic activity. The analysis of the latter gave the following results. Natural killer (NK)-sensitive YAC-1 (H-2a) and RBL-5 (H-2b) target cells are lysed whereas other NK targets, like EL4 (H-2b) or the human K562 cell line are resistant. Cytolytic activity is not antibody mediated. Its inhibition by sugar phosphate or monoclonal antibodies against LFA-1 antigens is such that HF1 can neither by typed as T killer nor as NK cells. It seems to represent a distinct T lymphocyte type.