Subunit structure of cell surface proteins: disulfide bonding in antigen receptors, Ly-2/3 antigens, and transferrin receptors of murine T and B lymphocytes

An ACAP1 coat complex acting in endocytic recycling

A key function of coat proteins is the sorting of protein cargoes into intracellular transport pathways. For many years, however, it has been unclear whether this role of coat proteins would apply to pathways of endocytic recycling. This issue has been clarified in recent years through the identification of multiple coat complexes acting in the recycling pathways. Leading this charge have been studies on a coat complex defined by ACAP1 (adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor GTPase-activating proteins with Coiled-coil, Ankryin repeat and PH domains 1), which acts in the sorting of cargoes at the recycling endosome for their return to the plasma membrane. This chapter describes the methods used to characterize this role of ACAP1.

Identification of an intra-molecular disulfide bond in the sodium channel β1-subunit

The sodium channel β1 subunit is non-covalently associated with the pore-forming α-subunits, and has been proposed to act as a modulator of channel activity, regulator of channel cell surface expression and cell adhesion molecule. Its importance is evident since mutations of the β1 subunit cause neurologic and cardiovascular disorders. The first described β1 subunit mutation is the C121W, that is related to generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), a childhood genetic epilepsy syndrome. This mutation changed a conserved cysteine residue in position 121 into a tryptophan, putatively disrupting a disulfide bridge that should normally maintain the β1 extracellular immunoglobulin-like fold. Using the 2-D-diagonal-SDS-PAGE technique, we demonstrated the existence of this putative disulfide bridge in the Ig-like extracellular domain of the β1 subunit and its disruption in the epileptogenic C121W mutant.

ACAP1 promotes endocytic recycling by recognizing recycling sorting signals

Cargo sorting that promotes the transport of cargo proteins from a membrane compartment has been predicted to be unlikely in the endocytic recycling pathways. We now show that ACAP1 binds specifically and directly to recycling cargo proteins. Reducing this interaction for TfR inhibits its recycling. Moreover, ACAP1 binds to two distinct phenylalanine-based sequences in the cytoplasmic domain of TfR that function as recycling sorting signals to promote its transport from the recycling endosome. Taken together, these findings indicate that ACAP1 promotes cargo sorting by recognizing recycling sorting signals.

Cysteine residues required for the attachment of the light chain in human IgA2

In humans, there are two subclasses of IgA, IgA1 and IgA2, with IgA2 existing as three allotypes, IgA2m(1), IgA2m(2) and IgA2(n). In IgA1, Cys(133) in C(H)1 forms the disulfide bond to the L chain. Our previous studies indicated that in IgA2 lacking Cys(133), a disulfide bond forms between the alpha-chain and the L chain when Cys(220) is followed by Arg(221), but not when Cys(220) is followed by Pro(221), suggesting that the Cys in C(H)1 might be involved in disulfide bonding to the L chain. However, here we show that covalent assembly of the H and L chains in IgA2(n) requires hinge-proximal Cys(241) and Cys(242) in C(H)2 and not Cys(196) or Cys(220) in C(H)1. Using pulse-chase experiments, we have demonstrated that wild-type IgA2(n) with Arg(221) and Cys(241) and Cys(242) assembles through a disulfide-bonded HL intermediate. In contrast, the major intermediate for IgA2 m(1) with Pro(221) assembly was H(2) even though both Cys(241) and Cys(242) were present. Only a small fraction of IgA2 m(1) assembles through disulfide-bonded HL. Overall, our studies indicate that for IgA2 covalent assembly of the H and L chains requires the hinge-proximal cysteines in C(H)2 and that the structure of C(H)1 influences the efficiency with which this covalent bond forms.

Autophosphorylation of PC-1 (alkaline phosphodiesterase I/nucleotide pyrophosphatase) and analysis of the active site

PC-1 is an ecto-enzyme possessing alkaline phosphodiesterase I (EC 3.1.4.1) and nucleotide pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.9) activities. It has also been proposed to be an ecto-protein kinase capable of phosphorylating itself as well as exogenous proteins. We have investigated the phosphorylation capability of PC-1 and have developed a novel method for its detection and characterization based on autophosphorylation, which allows detection without the use of antibodies. When cells expressing membrane PC-1 were held on ice with [gamma-32P]ATP, SDS/PAGE of whole cell lysates showed a single band which was PC-1; this band was absent in cells not expressing PC-1. Immunoprecipitates of soluble PC-1 isolated from culture supernatants of cells expressing PC-1 were also capable of autophosphorylation, and the size of the labeled protein was the same as previously reported for soluble PC-1. PC-1 was also labeled with [alpha-32P]ATP and [35S]dATP[alpha S]. We found no evidence that PC-1 was capable of phosphorylating proteins other than itself, and conclude that it is not a true kinase, and that the observed labeling with [gamma-32P]ATP, [alpha-32P]ATP and [35S]dATP[alpha S] reflect transient covalent adducts that are part of the catalytic cycle of phosphodiesterase/pyrophosphatase activity rather than intrinsic kinase activity. Mutation of the active-site threonine to tyrosine, serine or alanine reduced the 5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity of PC-1 and its ability to autophosphorylate to undetectable levels. Together, these data suggest that both activities depend on the same site.

A novel monoclonal antibody recognizing human thymocytes and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

This paper describes a new murine monoclonal antibody, UN5, raised against human thymocytes. This antibody recognizes a molecule of approximately 45 kDa on thymocytes. Flow cytometric analysis reveals a high intensity of labeling with the majority of thymocytes, whereas only CD20+ cells from peripheral whole-blood samples are weakly stained. Peripheral T cells, granulocytes, platelets and red blood cells do not express this antigen, while monocytes are only weakly labeled by UN5. Furthermore, the UN5 antibody discriminates between different types of B-cell malignancies, reacting with a subgroup of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemias and hairy cell leukemias, but not with the other kinds of hematopoietic malignancies tested. Antibody UN5 should prove a useful tool for the study of T-cell precursors and for analysis of both normal and neoplastic B cells.

Human CD2 is functional in CD2 transgenic mice

We aimed to study the biochemical consequences of T-cell activation via the CD2 antigen in mouse T cells. The lack of stimulatory monoclonal antibodies against the mouse CD2 antigen led us to analyse this problem in transgenic mice carrying and expressing the human CD2 gene. Monoclonal antibodies to the human CD2 antigen that were mitogenic for human T cells induced proliferation of mouse T cells from the CD2 transgenic mice. Stimulation was accompanied by rapid phosphorylation of the murine CD3 gamma chain and T-cell receptor zeta chain. These results demonstrate that the human CD2 antigen is functional in the CD2 transgenic mice and indicate a considerable conservation of the signal transducing processes and also the activation mechanisms between mouse and man.

Hog cholera virus: molecular composition of virions from a pestivirus

Virions from hog cholera virus (HCV), a member of the genus Pestivirus, were analyzed by using specific antibodies. The nucleocapsid protein was found to be a 14-kDa molecule (HCV p14). An equivalent protein could also be demonstrated for virions from another pestivirus, bovine viral diarrhea virus. The HCV envelope is composed of three glycoproteins, HCV gp44/48, gp33, and gp55. All three exist in the form of disulfide-linked dimers in virus-infected cells and in virions; HCV gp44/48 and gp55 each form homodimers, whereas gp55 is also found dimerized with gp33. Such complex covalent interactions between structural glycoproteins have not been described so far for any RNA virus.

Structural proteins of hog cholera virus expressed by vaccinia virus: further characterization and induction of protective immunity

A cDNA fragment covering the genomic region that encodes the structural proteins of hog cholera virus (HCV) was inserted into the tk gene of vaccinia virus. Expression studies with vaccinia virus/HCV recombinants led to identification of HCV-specific proteins. The putative HCV core protein p23 was demonstrated for the first time by using an antiserum against a bacterial fusion protein. The glycoproteins expressed by vaccinia virus/HCV recombinant migrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-gels identically to glycoproteins precipitated from HCV-infected cells. A disulfide-linked heterodimer between gp55 and gp33 previously detected in HCV-infected cells was also demonstrated after infection with the recombinant virus. The vaccinia virus system allowed us to identify, in addition to the heterodimer, a disulfide-linked homodimer of HCV gp55. The vaccinia virus/HCV recombinant that expressed all four structural proteins induced virus-neutralizing antibodies in mice and swine. After immunization of pigs with this recombinant virus, full protection against a lethal challenge with HCV was achieved. A construct that lacked most of the HCV gp55 gene failed to induce neutralizing antibodies but induced protective immunity.

CD3 zeta subunit can substitute for the gamma subunit of Fc epsilon receptor type I in assembly and functional expression of the high-affinity IgE receptor: evidence for interreceptor complementation

The high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) is a four-subunit structure consisting of three distinct polypeptides: the IgE-binding alpha chain, the four-fold membrane-spanning beta chain, and the disulfide-linked gamma-gamma homodimer. cDNAs encoding each subunit have previously been isolated. Here we show that microinjection of Xenopus oocytes with a mixture of in vitro transcribed RNAs encoding each subunit results in expression of IgE receptors at the oocyte surface as detected by binding of IgE or anti-Fc epsilon RI alpha subunit monoclonal antibody to intact oocytes. Surface expression of Fc epsilon RI requires injection of all three subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) RNAs. In particular, omission of Fc epsilon RI gamma RNA from the mixtures abolishes surface binding of either IgE or anti-Fc epsilon RI alpha monoclonal antibody to microinjected oocytes. However, addition of CD3 zeta RNA to Fc epsilon RI alpha and Fc epsilon RI beta RNAs restores IgE receptor surface expression when this combination is microinjected into oocytes. Metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation of oocyte microinjected with a mixture of CD3 zeta plus Fc epsilon RI alpha and Fc epsilon RI beta RNAs reveals a noncovalent association between the CD3 zeta-zeta disulfide-linked homodimer and Fc epsilon RI alpha-beta. These results provide direct evidence for the functional relatedness of CD3 zeta and Fc epsilon RI gamma.

Two types of mu chain complexes are expressed during differentiation from pre-B to mature B cells

Immunoglobulin mu chains synthesized in murine pre-B cells are known to be associated with surrogate light chains designated as omega (omega), iota (iota) and B34. In addition to these molecules, we identified the complexes of polypeptides (50, 40, 27 and 15.5 kd) associated with surface or intracellular mu chains of pre-B cell lines. Most of these polypeptides were continuously synthesized and associated with mu chains in virgin B cells lines, although some of them scarcely bound to the mu kappa dimer or mu 2 kappa 2 tetramer concomitantly present in the same clone or population. However, in mature B cells they were no longer detectable except B34. Cross-linking of micron chains on the surface of pre-B cells resulted in an increase in intracellular free Ca2+, indicating that the micron chain complex on the surface of pre-B cell lines acted as a signal transduction molecule. However, the receptor cross-linkage of pre-B cell lines did not induce the increased inositol phospholipid metabolism usually observed in virgin and mature B cell lines. These results suggest that, during the differentiation from pre-B to mature B cells, the cells express two types of mu chain complexes which exhibit different structures as a whole and possess different signal transducing capacities.

Distinct gamma/delta T cell receptors define two subsets of circulating porcine CD2-CD4-CD8- T lymphocytes

The species swine provides the only example for CD2+ and CD2- subsets of Ig-CD4-CD8- lymphocytes with the propensity for homing to lymphoid tissue (Saalmüller et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 1989. 19: 2011). That the CD2-CD4-CD8- lymphocytes are bare of marker molecules that typify T lymphocytes raised the question of whether or not this cell type is descended from the T lymphocyte differentiation lineage. It is documented that expression of a phylogenetically conserved external epitope of T cell receptor gamma/delta subdivides porcine CD2- lymphocytes into an epitope 86D+ minor and an 86D- major subset. Expression of distinct forms of the T cell receptor gamma/delta, disulfide-bonded N-glycosylated surface heterodimers of under reducing conditions 38/40 and 37/40 kDa, respectively, hallmarks the CD2-86D+ and CD2-86D- subsets both as T lymphocytes.

CD4 and CD8 molecules can physically associate with the same T-cell receptor

The expression of the cell-surface glycoproteins CD4 and CD8 on functionally mature T cells is usually mutually exclusive and correlates with class II and class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction, respectively. CD4 and CD8 function by binding to class II and class I MHC molecules on the antigen-presenting cell (APC), thereby increasing the adhesion between the T cell and the APC. From antibody-blocking studies and from cocapping and comodulation experiments, CD4 and CD8 come into close physical contact with their appropriately restricted T-cell receptor (TCR) at the time of antigen recognition. By the use of affinity chromatography followed by two-dimensional diagonal gel electrophoresis, we have identified a Mr 43,000 disulfide-bonded heterodimer copurifying with CD4. This protein was identified as the TCR by its removal after preclearing with the anti-TCR antibody F23.1 and by its generation after protease digestion of the same peptides as the TCR from this clone. When CD4 and CD8 were similarly isolated from an unusual CD4+ CD8+ class II-restricted T-cell clone, the TCR was identified as associating with either accessory molecule in the absence of activation. Therefore, CD4 and CD8 do not distinguish between class I- and class II-restricted TCRs in their ability to form membrane complexes, indicating a need for both the TCR and its associated accessory molecule to recognize the same individual MHC molecule on the APC to optimize TCR triggering.

Mitogenic lectins bind to the antigen receptor on human lymphocytes

The specificity of interactions between mitogenic and non-mitogenic lectins and disulfide-linked cell surface receptors on human lymphocytes was explored. Lysates (Nonidet-P40) of surface-radioiodinated tonsil lymphocytes and T lymphoblastoid cells (HPB-ALL) were absorbed with lectin-agarose derivatives (or bovine serum albumin, BSA-agarose) or immunoprecipitated with appropriate monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Lectin eluates and solubilized immunoprecipitates were analyzed by two-dimensional (nonreduced/reduced) sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Radiolabeled polypeptides were visualized by autoradiography. Among the various lectin-binding polypeptides, two disulfide-linked heterodimers (II and III) and two apparent homodimers (I and IV) are bound by pea lectin, concanavalin A and lentil lectin on tonsil lymphocytes; II, III and IV are bound both leukoagglutinating (L)- and erythroagglutinating (E)-phytohemagglutinins from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA). Pokeweed mitogen recognizes only II and III. These molecules are weakly bound by peanut agglutinin, soybean agglutinin, Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, Vicia villosa agglutinin and Sophora japonica agglutinin, but are not bound by Helix pomatia agglutinin or BSA-agarose. Heterodimer II (82-88 kDa), comprised of 50-55-kDa and 40-43-kDa subunits, probably represents the alpha/beta T cell antigen receptor (TcR alpha/beta). Heterodimer III (64-72 kDa), comprised of 41-kDa and 37-kDa subunits, may represent TcR gamma. The homodimers, I (120-130 kDa) and IV (55-61 kDa), comprised of 55-60-kDa and 30-kDa polypeptides, respectively, have apparently not been previously described. Evidence that H1-2D4, a mAb directed against the antigen receptor on HPB-ALL cells, and E-PHA interact with a common molecule includes: (a) immunoprecipitation of TcR with H1-2D4 from the glycopeptide fraction specifically eluted from insolubilized lectin with N-acetylgalactosamine; and (b) adsorption of TcR from a solubilized H1-2D4 immunoprecipitate by E-PHA-agarose. Recognition of CD3 by E-PHA is indicated by immunoprecipitation of CD3 protein by UCHT1 from the glycopeptide fraction specifically eluted from E-PHA. The results are consistent with the view that mitogenic lectins interact with certain disulfide-linked molecules on human lymphocytes, including the TcR alpha/beta and perhaps TcR gamma; while some nonmitogenic lectins also recognize these receptors, the interaction is of low affinity.

Protection from experimental allergic encephalomyelitis conferred by a monoclonal antibody directed against a shared idiotype on rat T cell receptors specific for myelin basic protein

Immunizing Lewis rats with guinea pig myelin basic protein (MBP) yielded an encephalitogen specific, Ia-restricted, rat-mouse T cell hybridoma 5.10, which was used to establish a clonotypic mAb (10.18) that binds to and precipitates the rat TCR. By two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, the rat TCR was shown to consist of two disulfide-linked peptide chains with mol wt of 48,000 and 39,000. 10.18 binds the majority of cells in MBP-specific T cell lines that are capable of transferring experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) to Lewis rat recipients, but does not bind to either a purified protein derivative of tuberculin-specific cell line or an OVA-specific line. Furthermore, soluble 10.18 can block antigen-specific stimulation of hybridoma 5.10 but cannot control hybridomas, while immobilized 10.18 stimulates 5.10, but cannot control the hybrids. Though 10.18+ cells are very rare in normal rats, increase of 10.18+ cells is observed in MBP-primed paralyzed rats. Finally, when 10.18 is injected into MBP-primed Lewis rats, EAE is abrogated. We have thus characterized EAE as a "mono-idiotypic" autoimmune disease.

Disulfide-linked receptors for mitogenic lectins on piglet lymphocytes

The interaction between leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin (L-PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), soybean agglutinin (SBA) and lentil lectin (LcH) with disulfide-linked cell surface receptors on lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph nodes of 3-day piglets (PMLN) was investigated. Surface radioiodinated PMLN lymphocytes were lysed with buffer containing Nonidet-P40. The lysates were adsorbed on lectin-agarose derivatives (or bovine serum albumin-agarose). Eluates from the lectin-agarose derivatives were analyzed by one-dimensional or two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis both under reducing and nonreducing conditions. Among the various-lectin-binding polypeptides, L-PHA recognizes a single 92-kDa disulfide-linked moiety in piglet lymphocyte lysate, comprised of polydisperse 52-kDa subunits. In addition to this apparent homodimer, SBA, Con A and LcH bind a much less prominent 82-kDa heterodimer comprised of 47-kDa and 37-kDa polypeptides; these molecules are not observed in eluates of L-PHA. Binding of the 92- and 82-kDa molecules by LcH is inhibited by methyl-alpha-D-mannoside. These results indicate that there are two lectin-binding disulfide-linked glycoproteins on lymphocytes from 3-day piglets which bind preferentially to potent mitogens. The electrophoretic properties of these molecules, under both reducing and nonreducing conditions, as well as their lectin-binding properties are very similar to those observed for antigen receptor molecules on lymphocytes from other species.

Identification of transcripts of the T cell antigen receptor beta chain gene and major histocompatibility complex class II genes in antigen-presenting cloned BK-BI-2.6.C6 cells

The cloned murine cell line BK-BI-2.6.C6 has previously been shown to exhibit T cell characteristics, to synthesize and express MHC class II molecules, and to present protein antigens to antigen-dependent T cell clones. As a more definitive proof of the T-cell nature of these cells, transcripts of the rearranged T cell antigen receptor (TcR) beta gene were assessed by Northern blot analysis. BK-BI-2.6.C6 cells constitutively transcribe mRNA for the light chain of TcR and express the disulphide-linked alpha, beta TcR heterodimer at the cell surface. In addition mRNA for the polymorphic MHC class II subunits A alpha and A beta as well as for the invariant gamma chain were detected. BK-BI-2.6.C6 T cells effectively stimulated bovine insulin-reactive T hybridoma cells to lymphokine production in the presence of this antigen. Since the antigen-presenting and the responding T cell populations are maintained in culture in the absence of feeder cells, contamination by conventional accessory cells is excluded. These data unequivocally demonstrate that cloned murine Ia-expressing T cells can act as antigen-presenting accessory cells.

T gamma protein is expressed on murine fetal thymocytes as a disulphide-linked heterodimer

During the search for genes coding for the mouse alpha and beta subunits of the antigen-specific receptor of mouse T cells we encountered a third gene, subsequently designated gamma. This gene has many properties in common with the alpha and beta genes, somatic assembly from gene segments that resemble the gene segments for immunoglobulin variable (V), joining (J) and constant (C) regions; rearrangement and expression in T cells and not in B cells; low but distinct sequence homology to immunoglobulin V, J and C regions; other sequences that are reminiscent of the transmembrane and intracytoplasmic regions of integral membrane proteins; and a cysteine residue at the position expected for a disulphide bond linking two subunits of a dimeric membrane protein. Despite these similarities the gamma gene also shows some interesting unique features. These include a relatively limited repertoire of the germ-line gene segments, more pronounced expression at the RNA level in immature T cells such as fetal thymocytes and an apparent absence of in-frame RNA in some functional, alpha beta heterodimer-bearing T cells or cultured T clones and hybridomas. To understand the function of the putative gamma protein it is essential to define the cell population that expresses this protein. To this end we produced a fusion protein composed of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase and the gamma-chain (hereafter referred to a beta-gal-gamma) using the phage expression vector lambda gt11 and raised rabbit antisera against the gamma determinants. Using the purified anti-gamma antibody we detected a polypeptide chain of relative molecular mass 35,000 (Mr 35K) on the surface of 16-day old fetal thymocytes. The gamma-chain is linked by a disulphide bridge to another component of 45K. No such heterodimer was detected on the surface of a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone 2C from which an in-phase gamma cDNA clone was originally isolated.

Loss of antigen recognition and impaired cytolytic function in most hybrids between cytotoxic T cells and BW5147

In this paper we demonstrate that the generation of cytotoxic T-cell hybridomas (CTH) that retain classically H-2 restricted and antigen-specific lytic activity is not generally feasible by fusion of cytotoxic T cells (CTL) with the AKR thymoma BW5147. However, CTH that express a nonspecific lytic activity are readily generated, as revealed by lectin-dependent assays. We analyse several such hybridomas for the nature of their lytic activity and for the expression of various function-associated T-cell molecules. We show that the lytic activity retained by CTH is atypical in that only P815 mastocytoma cells, and no other tumour targets, are lysed in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). However, in other respects this lytic activity resembles that of normal CTL: it requires cellular contact, results in a reduction of the viability of the target cells, and is sensitive to both EDTA and low temperature. Lytic CTH express low amounts of T-cell antigen receptor (TCR), whereas non-lytic CTH have no detectable TCR on their surface. Most CTH, lytic or non-lytic, fail to express Lyt 2. We conclude that the loss of antigen specificity in CTH is due to reduced expression of T-cell antigen receptor as well as of other functionally relevant molecules. We further conclude from this work that a search for a better fusion partner may be indicated to facilitate the reliable production of cytotoxic T-cell hybridomas.

Phosphorylation of T-cell antigen receptor-associated proteins: correlation with activation for killing and/or for gamma-interferon production by a cytolytic T-cell clone

The activation-induced phosphorylation of T-cell antigen receptor (Ti)-associated proteins was investigated in order to analyse possible signal-transduction mechanisms leading to two distinct effector functions of a mouse cytolytic T-cell clone (KB5.C20): target cell killing (independent of protein synthesis) and de novo production of gamma interferon (gIFN; dependent on gIFN gene expression). Ti-associated T3-like proteins were first identified by immunoprecipitation of 125I-labelled cell surface proteins from 1% digitonin lysates of clone KB5.C20 by 1- and 2-dimensional (non-reduced (NR)/reduced (R)) gel electrophoresis. In addition to the alpha and beta chains of the Ti (NR: 80-Kd; R: 43 and 40 Kd), two doublets of 35-37 Kd (NR) and 32-34 Kd (NR) leading to bands of 25, 16 and 14 Kd (R) were identified, as well as three bands (25, 23 and 22 Kd (NR)) leading to 27-, 25- and 21-Kd bands (R). Activation of clone KB5.C20 (prelabelled with 32P-orthophosphate) with either anti-Ti mAb or exposure to both ionomycin and phorbol myristic acetate (PMA) induced the phosphorylation of 21- and 25-27-Kd (R) Ti-associated proteins, whereas exposure to either ionomycin or PMA alone induced only weak phosphorylation of 21-Kd (R) components. A weak phosphorylation of 32- and 34-Kd Ti-associated proteins was sometimes observed after stimulation with anti-Ti mAb. Functional studies suggested that activation for gIFN production was observed only when both the 21- and 25-27-Kd proteins were phosphorylated, whereas activation for killing (when measured by PMA-induced non-specific killing) could occur in conditions where no phosphorylation of the 25-27-Kd protein was detected.

Sequence and expression of transcripts of the T-cell antigen receptor alpha-chain gene in a functional, antigen-specific suppressor-T-cell hybridoma

We have detected rearrangement and expression of a gene encoding a T-cell antigen receptor alpha chain in the keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific, inducible suppressor-T-cell (Ts) hybridoma 34S-281 (BW5147 lymphoma-C57BL/6Ts) by using alpha-chain cDNA clones isolated from this Ts hybridoma. The cDNA clones have a restriction length polymorphism in the constant region that identifies them as being of C57BL/6 origin. The cDNA sequence has an ATG start codon for an open reading frame including variable, joining, and constant gene segments. Furthermore, the Ts alpha-chain gene transcripts were detected on membrane-bound polysomes by RNA blot analysis using a variable-region fragment from one of the alpha-chain cDNA clones as probe, suggesting that they are actively translated in the Ts hybridoma. As the beta-chain gene is deleted in all Ts hybridomas analyzed, and since a disulfide-linked dimer is detectable by two-dimensional NaDodSO4/PAGE of lysates of surface-radioiodinated Ts, we suggest that Ts antigen receptors are either alpha-chain homodimers or heterodimers composed of the alpha chain in association with an undefined chain.

Stable expression of Lyt-2 homodimers on L3T4+ T cell clones

The murine T lymphocyte antigen Lyt-2 is considered to act as an accessory molecule to the class I-restricted T cell receptor during antigen recognition. We have previously described two unusual Lyt-2+L3T4+ class II-restricted T cell clones whose activation by antigen is inhibited by antibodies to L3T4 but not to Lyt-2 (B. Fazekas de St. Groth et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1986. 83: 2594). The Lyt-2 immunoprecipitated from one of these clones was indistinguishable from the molecule found on splenic T cells, as analyzed under reducing conditions on polyacrylamide gels, in two-dimensional charge/size separations and in peptide mapping. The molecule from the second clone showed slightly more extensive glycosylation but was within the range described for functional Lyt-2 on cytotoxic T cell lines. Lyt-2 mRNA from both clones showed no abnormalities on Northern analysis. Lyt-2 is normally expressed on thymocytes and peripheral T cells as a heterodimer disulfide bonded to the Lyt-3 glycopeptide, yet Lyt-3 could not be detected on the cell membranes of our clones; Lyt-2 existed as stable homodimers without Lyt-3. Thus Lyt-3 is not required structurally for the spontaneous expression of Lyt-2 on lymphoid cells.

A phosphorylated, disulfide-linked membrane protein in murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The previously determined sequence of the murine T-cell gamma gene and its transcription in cloned T lymphocytes suggests that the polypeptide encoded by this gene is generally present in cytotoxic T cells as a 33-kDa monomer in a disulfide-bonded dimer. The gamma chain is also expected to be phosphorylated because a sequence in its cytoplasmic domain is homologous to an active site for serine phosphorylation in the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. We describe here a cytotoxic-T-cell-associated phosphorylated protein, many of whose properties suggest that it may be the product of the T-cell gamma gene. Its phosphorylation is greatly enhanced by interleukin 2 stimulation.

A novel approach for preparing anti-T cell receptor constant region antibodies

To obtain antibodies against the individual chains of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex, we have produced chimeric proteins containing domains from immunoglobulin (Ig) and TCR polypeptide chains. Basically, the Ig light chains were used as carriers for the TCR constant (C) region domains. The exons which encode the main body of the C regions of the alpha, beta and the related gamma polypeptide chains were "engineered" into the intronic region between the rearranged Ig variable (V) region and C kappa region genes. All three chimeric genes were expressed in myeloma cells, and the proteins of expected apparent molecular weight were produced. Secreted proteins containing the C beta domain were purified from the culture supernatant by using anti-kappa antibody affinity columns, and two rabbits were then immunized with the purified protein. Both rabbits produced antibodies able to immunoprecipitate the heterodimeric TCR protein.

Hapten-specific cytotoxic T cell clones undergo somatic variation of their antigen recognition specificity

Two experimental systems have demonstrated somatic variation of antigen recognition specificity of long-term cytotoxic T cell (CTL) clones. System 1 used CTL clone BT7.4.1 with strict specificity for Kb/TNP, which had been continuously cultured for 15 months in the presence of H-2b/TNP stimulator cells and interleukin 2. Upon removal of the TNP antigen from the cultures, 99% of the clone cells within about 10 cell divisions lost their ability to grow in the presence of antigen and interleukin 2 (lethal variants). Of the surviving 1%, about 60% retained the ability to lyse target cells in the presence of lectins but only 12% could be considered as "wild type" BT7.4.1 cells, i.e. they still specifically lysed H-2b/TNP-bearing target cells. The majority of the growing cells, thus, had to be considered as specificity loss variants. Several specificity loss variants were established in culture and were shown to express membrane-bound T cell "receptor" heterodimer similar to their TNP-specific ancestor, BT7.4.1. Principally the same types of variants were generated in cultures growing in the presence of TNP antigen, although in quantitatively reduced numbers. Under these conditions the specific stimulator cells appeared to impose a significant selective advantage for "wild type" CTL since even after 15 months the cultures fully retained their specificity for the nominal antigen. In system 2, the development of cytolytic fine specificity of a panel of 42 individual Kb/TNP-specific CTL clones was followed over a period of 8 months of in vitro culture. At the beginning of the test, 37 of these clones exhibited significant cross-reactivity for lysis of H-2k/TNP target cells. This number of cross-reactive clones continuously diminished with time and dropped to only 4 clones after 8 months in culture. All 42 clones retained their original Kb/TNP specificity and after losing their reactivity for H-2k/TNP usually showed no decrease but rather an increase in their cytotoxic activity towards Kb/TNP target cells. Loss of H-2k/TNP cross-reactivity was not accompanied by loss of Lyt-2 or of LFA-1 surface antigens or by loss of sensitivity of the cytotoxicity to inhibition by anti-Lyt-2 or by anti-LFA-1 antibody. We conclude from these observations that in vitro cultivated CTL clones, at least those of C57BL/6 anti-TNP-C57BL/6 specificity, are not stable in terms of their antigen recognition specificity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Differentiation of human mature thymocytes: existence of a T3+4-8- intermediate stage

A T3 complex-bearing subpopulation was characterized within an in vivo cycling T4-8- early thymocyte compartment which contains cells constitutively expressing interleukin 2 and transferrin receptors. We show differentiation in vitro of both mature subsets of thymocytes (T3+4+8- and T3+4-8+) from the above T4-8- compartment, their appearance being preceded by cells in a T3+4-8- intermediate stage. Furthermore, those mature thymocytes generated in vitro contain functionally competent cells which use T3, T4 and T8 structures for their cytolytic activity. The finding of T3+4-8- thymocytes in vivo, together with the observation that T3 antigen expression precedes that of T4 or T8 molecules in vitro, shows that T3 (and presumably Ti) is present early in ontogeny, and suggests that T3+4-8- cells constitute an "intermediate" stage relevant to the connection between early precursors and mature thymocytes during T lymphocyte ontogeny.

Involvement of the T cell antigen receptor and of Lyt-2 in the cytotoxic function of aged killer (AK) T cells

Aged killer (AK) T cells are antigen-independent, IL-2-requiring variants of antigen-dependent CTL clones that have lost their original antigen specificity and have acquired, instead, specific cytotoxicity for P815 target cells. In this report we study whether AK cells use a similar or a different target cell recognition system than that of bona fide CTL. To this end, we selected from a cloned AK line variants that are partially or completely deficient in specific target recognition and/or in cytotoxic function, and analyzed these variants for expression of the T cell antigen receptor and of Lyt-2. Variants were selected from the prototype AK line (Cl 96) with specific, as well as lectin-facilitated, cytotoxicity for P815 tumor cells. Variants could be grouped into four types with increasing degrees of functional deficiency, which correlated with loss of T cell receptor and/or loss of Lyt-2. In short, loss of Lyt-2 was reflected in loss of specific target recognition, and loss of the T cell antigen receptor was reflected in loss of all cytotoxic activity. We conclude from these results that both Lyt-2 and the T cell antigen receptor are required for specific target cell recognition and the T cell antigen receptor is, in addition, required for cytotoxic function. Moreover, since AK cells express a somatically acquired specificity that differs from that of their clonal precursors, it appears that cytotoxic T cells may change their antigen receptor from one specificity to another during tissue culture.

Cell surface thiols, but not intracellular glutathione, are essential for cytolysis by a cloned murine natural killer cell line

Cell surface thiols are required for a line of cloned murine natural killer lymphocytes to bind to and lyse tumor target cells. These lymphocytes neither bound to nor killed YAC-1 or G1Tc cells when the effector lymphocyte cell surface thiols were covalently coupled with the non-penetrating reagent, monobromotrimethylammoniobimane (qBBr). A limited number of thiol-bearing proteins were identified by gel electrophoresis on the cell surface using the fluorescence of the group that remains associated with the sulfur molecule. These results indicate that either one or more of these reactive proteins or different cell surface thiol-bearing molecules present at low frequencies are crucial to lymphocyte binding and killing. In contrast, we found little evidence that intracellular thiols are required for natural killer cell activity. Killing was relatively unimpaired when over 90% of lymphocyte glutathione was depleted with DL buthionine-S,R-Sulfoximine (BSO). Blocking the intracellular or the extracellular thiols of tumor targets had no effect on their ability to be lysed. Based on these data, we suggest that infrequently expressed extracellular thiols are required either for the conformation or for the disulfide crosslinking of proteins that participate in lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis.

Production and characterization of antibody probes directed at constant regions of the alpha and beta subunit of the human T cell receptor

To generate antibodies directed at constant regions of the human T cell receptor, purified alpha and beta subunits of a human T cell antigen/major histocompatibility complex receptor from the REX tumor (Ti-REX) were isolated by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and utilized to immunize rabbits. H36 (anti-alpha subunit) and H38 (anti-beta subunit) antisera were strongly reactive with the denatured subunits and also immunoprecipitated the Ti heterodimer from 125I surface-labeled lysates of REX, inducer, suppressor and cytotoxic T cell clones, peripheral T lymphocytes and thymocytes. Moreover, immunodepletion experiments showed that such antisera recognized antigenic determinant(s) shared by all Ti molecules expressed in the thymus. Several observations were made with these anticonstant region antibodies. First, peptide map analysis showed that the T cell receptor molecules recognized by the anti-clonotype and the anti-constant region heteroantisera on a given T cell clone are identical, thus supporting the view that the T cell receptor undergoes allelic exclusion. Second, since the individual antisera were weakly cross-reactive with the other denatured subunit, such subunits probably share conserved sequences. Third, the absence of antisera reactivity with intact cells implies that most of these constant region epitopes must be obscured by associated molecules, perhaps including one or more of the 20-25-kDa T3 subunits. Fourth, the extensive difference in two-dimensional peptide maps of Ti alpha subunits from clones of differing specificities makes it likely that the subunit contributes in a major way to antigen/major histocompatibility complex binding.

Disulfide-linked surface molecules of monoclonal antigen-specific suppressor T cells: evidence for T cell receptor structures

By two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis under nonreducing/reducing conditions, five proteins with interchain disulfide bridges are revealed on the surface of the suppressor T cell lymphoma line LH8-105 obtained by radiation leukemia virus-induced transformation of hen egg-white lysozyme-specific suppressor T lymphocytes. Two disulfide-linked surface proteins expressed by LH8-105 cells have been positively identified by immunoprecipitation with specific antisera. The major labeled membrane protein of LH8-105 cells is the murine leukemia virus env glycoprotein gp70. The second disulfide-linked molecule identified on LH8-105 cells has a molecular mass of 84 kDa under nonreducing conditions and 42 kDa after reduction, and is immunoprecipitated by an antiserum which recognizes the T cell receptor for antigen. A disulfide-linked molecule of a similar molecular mass is also immunoprecipitated from surface-labeled LH8-105 cells by a rabbit antiserum directed against a synthetic peptide predicted from the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone encoding the beta chain constant region of a helper T cell hybridoma. Therefore, a dimeric structure comparable to the T cell receptor expressed by cytotoxic and helper T cells is present on the cell surface of these monoclonal antigen-specific suppressor T cells.

Synthesis and turnover of the putative T-lymphocyte antigen receptor

Cells of an antigen-specific T-cell clone, A37.4, were treated with the proteolytic enzymes trypsin or pronase to remove the T-cell antigen receptor. Removal of the receptor, analysed by surface labelling and non-reduced/reduced gel electrophoresis, stimulated the cells to synthesize new protein rapidly. New membrane protein was readily detectable within 3 h after reculture, and it was able to interact with antigen-presenting cells, since the T cells could be stimulated to produce interferon. Treatment of cells with metabolic inhibitors demonstrated that there was only a small cytoplasmic pool of protein, and de novo synthesis of mRNA was necessary for quantitative replacement of the membrane protein. The protein also required glycosylation for transport and insertion into the membrane. Despite rapid resynthesis of new receptor, when surface-labelled cells were recultured either with or without antigen-presenting cells, there was not a rapid turnover of the receptor. There was also no evidence of any loss of receptor from the membrane of antigen-stimulated cells or of any shedding of receptor into the culture medium.

A microbore high-performance liquid chromatography strategy for the purification of polypeptides for gas-phase sequence analysis. Structural studies on the murine transferrin receptor

We describe herein the use of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with the novel application of short (10 cm or less) microbore columns (2 mm internal diameter) to fractionate and purify a number of tryptic peptides generated from approximately 200 pmol purified murine transferrin receptor. The use of reversed-phase microbore columns permits the recovery of submicrogram amounts of purified polypeptides in high yield (greater than 90%) in small eluent volumes (20-60 microliter). In this manner, purified polypeptides can be loaded directly onto the gas-phase sequencer without further manipulation. This procedure avoids sample loss, which frequently occurs with other forms of concentration (e.g. lyophilization, evaporation). The application of second-order-derivative ultraviolet spectroscopy, using a diode array detector, for the analysis of aromatic aminoacid-containing peptides in complex tryptic digests is described. N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses were performed on six tryptic peptides, yielding 105 unique assignments; this corresponds to approximately 14% of the molecule. A comparison of this amino acid sequence information with the primary structure of human transferrin receptor deduced from the mRNA sequence [Nature (Lond.) 311, 675-678 (1984); Cell 39, 267-274 (1984)] reveals, with the exception of one tryptic peptide, a very close sequence homology between the murine and human transferrin receptors.

Ontogeny of the T-cell antigen receptor within the thymus

The expression of T-cell antigen receptors during T-cell ontogeny is an important issue that bears directly on such questions as where T-cell tolerance is acquired, at what stage T cells become susceptible to repertoire selection, and why most thymocytes die within the thymus. The thymus rudiment is colonized during days 11 and 12 of gestation, but it is not until day 19 that significant numbers of functional thymocytes are present. Although much is known about the ontogeny of function- and specificity-associated surface molecules such as Ly2 and MT4 (the murine equivalent of human T4) during this period, the ontogeny of the T-cell antigen receptors remains obscure. We have now addressed this question on three levels: DNA rearrangement, messenger RNA transcription and expression of cell-surface receptor-like proteins. Our results suggest that T-cell receptors are first expressed within the thymus around day 17 of gestation, independently of and probably before the expression of Ly2 and MT4. Furthermore, these data suggest that all major adult thymocyte subpopulations, including the small cortical cells, most of which die within the thymus, express receptors.

Immunochemical analysis of the released Leu-2 (T8) molecule

We recently have found that the human T cell antigen Leu-2 was specifically released from Leu-2-bearing cells. The preliminary study showed that the released Leu-2 (RLeu-2) from HPB-ALL cells was composed of a single polypeptide chain of 27,000 molecular weight (mol wt), which was smaller than the subunit of the homodimeric molecule found on the cell surface. In the present study, RLeu-2 was further characterized and compared with cellular Leu-2 (CLeu-2). Metabolically radiolabeled Leu-2 was released from HPB-ALL cells and this released Leu-2 molecule had a mol wt of 27,000. Cell surface radioiodinated HPB-ALL cells were found to release radioactive Leu-2 molecules and this antigen also had the same mol wt of 27,000. In both experiments, the CLeu-2 was reconfirmed to be composed of a 33,000-mol wt subunit under reducing conditions. These experiments establish that the 27,000-mol wt single polypeptide chain of Leu-2 released from the cell is derived directly from the homodimeric Leu-2 molecule on the cell surface, presumably by a specific proteolytic cleavage. Two-dimensional gel analysis showed that CLeu-2 exhibited extensive charge heterogeneity with predominantly basic isoelectric points, whereas RLeu-2 was a group of more acidic proteins with less charge heterogeneity. Although CLeu-2 and RLeu-2 showed several different immunochemical characteristics, the homology between these two antigens was confirmed by the following results: CLeu-2 and RLeu-2 were found to share at least three different antigenic determinants, Leu-2a and Leu-2b, and those which were detected by a polyvalent rabbit antiserum. Significant similarities between CLeu-2 and RLeu-2 were demonstrated by peptide mapping analysis of these antigens. Therefore, RLeu-2 appears to be the specific, physiological product of the CLeu-2 protein.

Immunoprecipitation of cell surface structures of cloned cytotoxic T lymphocytes by clone-specific antisera

Clones of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) differ in their specific reactivity with diverse target cell antigens. To learn about the uniqueness of individual CTL clones we injected rats and mice with cloned CTL in an effort to prepare clone-specific antisera and to analyze the CTL surface molecules that were immunoprecipitated by these antisera. Three clones were studied. They were all derived from BALB.B mice and were specific for antigens encoded by the major histocompatibility complex of the H-2d haplotype. Antisera raised in rats against individual clones contained antibodies to lymphocyte function-associated antigen type 1 (LFA-1) and inhibited the cytotoxic activity of all of the clones. In contrast, BALB/c and BALB.K mice injected with individual clones consistently yielded alloantisera that were clone specific in their ability to inhibit CTL-mediated lysis of target cells (P815). In addition, these alloantisera immunoprecipitated from extracts of 125I-radiolabeled CTL a disulfide-bonded dimer consisting of approximately equal to 45-kilodalton subunits. This dimer resembles the putative T-cell antigen-recognition receptor recently identified in several laboratories. The alloantisera also immunoprecipitated CTL surface molecules that were associated with beta 2-microglobulin and that differed in apparent molecular mass (37-38 kilodaltons) in different clones.

Molecular nature of the W3/25 and MRC OX-8 marker antigens for rat T lymphocytes: comparisons with mouse and human antigens

The mouse monoclonal antibodies W3/25 and MRC OX-8 have been used to distinguish rat T lymphocyte subpopulations. In the peripheral T lymphocyte population, W3/25 antibody recognizes an antigen on the Thelper (Th) subset, while MRC OX-8 antibody recognizes an antigen on the Tsuppressor/cytotoxic (Ts/c) subset. To determine the nature of these antigens, rat thymocytes were either metabolically labeled with [35S]L-methionine or surface-labeled at sialic acid residues by periodate oxidation followed by [3H]NaBH4 reduction. Thymocytes were solubilized with nonionic detergent, the antigens immunoprecipitated and the molecular weights determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. Using metabolically labeled cells, W3/25 antibody immunoprecipitated an antigen that electrophoresed under reducing conditions as a broad band between 48 000-53 000 Mr. Unreduced samples migrated between 46 000-50 000 Mr. Surface-labeled W3/25 antigen, electrophoresed under reducing conditions, separated into two bands of 44 000 and 52 000 Mr. Metabolically labeled MRC OX-8 antigen was identified as a protein of at least two chains of 39 000 and 34 000 Mr. There was also a fainter band at approximately 67 000 Mr. Unreduced samples indicated a more complex structure with bands at 70 000, 110 000 and 165 000 Mr. Surface-labeled MRC OX-8 antigen was of similar nature. These data, when considered with functional and tissue distribution data, suggest that W3/25 antigen is equivalent to T4 in man and MRC OX-8 antigen is equivalent to T8 in man, and Lyt-2 in mouse.

The major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen receptor on T cells. I. Isolation with a monoclonal antibody

An antibody-secreting B cell hybridoma, KJ1-26.1, has been prepared from mice immunized with the T cell hybridoma DO-11.10, which recognizes chicken ovalbumin in association with I-Ad (cOVA/I-Ad). KJ1-26.1 blocks I-restricted antigen recognition by DO-11.10 and a subclone of this T cell hybridoma, DO-11.10.24, which has the same specificity for cOVA/I-Ad as its parent. KJ1-26.1 does not block I-restricted antigen recognition by any other T cell hybridoma tested, including a number of T cell hybridomas closely related to DO-11.10, with similar, but not identical, specificities for antigen/I. Moreover, KJ1-26.1 binds to DO-11.10 and DO-11.10.24, but not to any other T cell hybridomas tested, including three subclones of DO-11.10 that have lost the ability to recognize cOVA/I-Ad. Thus, in every regard KJ1-26.1 appears to be binding to all or part of the receptors for antigen/I on the T cell hybridoma DO-11.10. KJ1-26.1 appears to bind to approximately 15,000 molecules/cell on the surface of DO-11.10. The antibody precipitates an 80,000 dimer from the cells, which on reduction migrates as 40-44,000 monomers. The receptor(s) for antigen/I on DO-11.10 therefore includes molecules with these properties.

Lymphoid cell surface interaction structures detected using cytolysis-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies

We screened monoclonal antibodies obtained by xenogeneic immunization for their capacity to inhibit T cell-mediated cytolysis. These antibodies fell into two classes according to the cell structures they recognized, of 30-35 K and 94-180 K apparent molecular weight, respectively. The main features of these structures and of their interaction with the corresponding antibodies were reviewed. The inhibition of cytolysis by these antibodies was shown to occur mainly at the effector cell level, at the recognition stage of cytolysis, and to depend on the nature of target cells, effector cells, and link between these cells. T cell functions other than cytolysis were also inhibited by some of these antibodies. We considered various possible mechanisms to account for the inhibition of cytolysis by these mAb. We favor an hypothesis based on inhibition by these mAb of lymphoid cell surface interaction structures. This hypothesis was discussed within the general framework of cell interaction structures in immunological and non-immunological experimental systems.