Antigen presentation by Ia+ B cell hybridomas to H-2-restricted T cell hybridomas

A vaccine combination of lipid nanoparticles and a cholera toxin adjuvant derivative greatly improves lung protection against influenza virus infection

This is a proof-of-principle study demonstrating that the combination of a cholera toxin derived adjuvant, CTA1-DD, and lipid nanoparticles (LNP) can significantly improve the immunogenicity and protective capacity of an intranasal vaccine. We explored the self-adjuvanted universal influenza vaccine candidate, CTA1-3M2e-DD (FPM2e), linked to LNPs. We found that the combined vector greatly enhanced survival against a highly virulent PR8 strain of influenza virus as compared to when mice were immunized with FPM2e alone. The combined vaccine vector enhanced early endosomal processing and peptide presentation in dendritic cells and upregulated co-stimulation. The augmenting effect was CTA1-enzyme dependent. Whereas systemic anti-M2e antibody and CD4⁺ T-cell responses were comparable to those of the soluble protein, the local respiratory tract IgA and the specific Th1 and Th17 responses were strongly enhanced. Surprisingly, the lung tissue did not exhibit gross pathology upon recovery from infection and M2e-specific lung resident CD4⁺ T cells were threefold higher than in FPM2e-immunized mice. This study conveys optimism as to the protective ability of a combination vaccine based on LNPs and various forms of the CTA1-DD adjuvant platform, in general, and, more specifically, an important way forward to develop a universal vaccine against influenza.

Infection and Activation of B Cells by Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV) Leads to Autoantibody Production in an Infectious Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induces immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease in susceptible mice that is similar to human multiple sclerosis (MS). In light of anti-CD20 therapies for MS, the susceptibility of B cells to TMEV infection is particularly important. In our study, direct viral exposure to macrophages and lymphocytes resulted in viral replication and cellular stimulation in the order of DCs, macrophages, B cells, and T cells. Notably, B cells produced viral proteins and expressed elevated levels of CD69, an activation marker. Similarly, the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and costimulatory molecules in B cells was upregulated. Moreover, TMEV-infected B cells showed elevated levels of antigen-presenting function and antibody production. TMEV infection appeared to polyclonally activate B cells to produce autoantibodies and further T cell stimulation. Thus, the viral infection might potentially affect the outcome of autoimmune diseases, and/or the development of other chronic infections, including the protection and/or pathogenesis of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease.

BW5147 and Derivatives for the Study of T Cells and their Antigen Receptors

Like B cells, T cells can be immortalized through hybridization with lymphoma cells, a technique that has been particularly useful in the study of the T cell receptors (TCR) for antigen. In T cell hybridizations, the AKR mouse strain-derived thymus lymphoma BW5147 is by far the most popular fusion line. However, the full potential of this technology had to await inactivation of the productively rearranged TCR-α and -β genes in the lymphoma. BWα-β-, the TCR-gene deficient variant of the original lymphoma, which has become the fusion line of choice for αβ T cells, is now available with numerous modifications, enabling the investigation of many aspects of TCR-mediated responses and TCR-structure. Unexpectedly, inactivating BW's functional TCR-α gene also rendered the lymphoma more permissive for the expression of TCR-γδ, facilitating the study of γδ T cells, their TCRs, and their TCR-mediated reactivity.

Profiling the Targets of Protective CD8+ T Cell Responses to Infection

T cells are critical effectors of host immunity that target intracellular pathogens, such as the causative agents of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The development of vaccines that induce effective cell-mediated immunity against such pathogens has proved challenging; for tuberculosis and malaria, many of the antigens targeted by protective T cells are not known. Here, we report a novel approach for screening large numbers of antigens as potential targets of T cells. Malaria provides an excellent model to test this antigen discovery platform because T cells are critical mediators of protection following immunization with live sporozoite vaccines and the specific antigen targets are unknown. We generated an adenovirus array by cloning 312 highly expressed pre-erythrocytic Plasmodium yoelii antigens into adenovirus vectors using high-throughput methodologies. The array was screened to identify antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells induced by a live sporozoite vaccine regimen known to provide high levels of sterile protection mediated by CD8⁺ T cells. We identified 69 antigens that were targeted by CD8⁺ T cells induced by this vaccine regimen. The antigen that recalled the highest frequency of CD8⁺ T cells, PY02605, induced protective responses in mice, demonstrating proof of principle for this approach in identifying antigens for vaccine development.

Impaired SNX9 Expression in Immune Cells during Chronic Inflammation: Prognostic and Diagnostic Implications

Chronic inflammation is associated with immunosuppression and downregulated expression of the TCR CD247. In searching for new biomarkers that could validate the impaired host immune status under chronic inflammatory conditions, we discovered that sorting nexin 9 (SNX9), a protein that participates in early stages of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, is downregulated as well under such conditions. SNX9 expression was affected earlier than CD247 by the generated harmful environment, suggesting that it is a potential marker sensing the generated immunosuppressive condition. We found that myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which are elevated in the course of chronic inflammation, are responsible for the observed SNX9 reduced expression. Moreover, SNX9 downregulation is reversible, as its expression levels return to normal and immune functions are restored when the inflammatory response and/or myeloid-derived suppressor cells are neutralized. SNX9 downregulation was detected in numerous mouse models for pathologies characterized by chronic inflammation such as chronic infection (Leishmania donovani), cancer (melanoma and colorectal carcinoma), and an autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis). Interestingly, reduced levels of SNX9 were also observed in blood samples from colorectal cancer patients, emphasizing the feasibility of its use as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker sensing the host's immune status and inflammatory stage. Our new discovery of SNX9 as being regulated by chronic inflammation and its association with immunosuppression, in addition to the CD247 regulation under such conditions, show the global impact of chronic inflammation and the generated immune environment on different cellular pathways in a diverse spectrum of diseases.

A Role For Mitochondria In Antigen Processing And Presentation

Immune synapse formation is critical for T lymphocyte activation, and mitochondria have a role in this process, by localizing close to the immune synapse, regulating intracellular calcium concentration, and providing locally required ATP. The interaction between antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T lymphocytes is a two-way signaling process. However, the role of mitochondria in antigen presenting cells during this process remains unknown. For APCs to be able to activate T lymphocytes, they must first engage in an antigen-uptake, -processing, and -presentation process. Here we show that HEL-loaded B lymphocytes, as a type of APCs, undergo a small but significant mitochondrial depolarization by 1-2 h following antigen exposure thus suggesting an increase in their metabolic demands. Inhibition of ATP synthase (oligomycin) or mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) (Ruthenium red) had no effect on antigen uptake. Therefore, antigen processing and antigen presentation were further analyzed. Oligomycin treatment reduced the amount of specific MHC-peptide complexes but not total MHC II on the cell membrane of B lymphocytes which correlated with a decrease in antigen presentation. However, oligomycin also reduced antigen presentation by B lymphocytes that endogenously express HEL and by B lymphocytes loaded with the HEL48-62 peptide, although to a lesser extent. ATP synthase inhibition and MCU inhibition had a clear inhibitory effect on antigen processing (DQ-OVA). Taking together these results suggest that ATP synthase and MCU are relevant for antigen processing and presentation. Finally, APCs mitochondria were found to re-organize towards the APC-T immune synapse. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CD80 and CD86 differentially regulate mechanical interactions of T-cells with antigen-presenting dendritic cells and B-cells

Functional T-cell responses are initiated by physical interactions between T-cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs) and B-cells. T-cells are activated more effectively by DCs than by B-cells, but little is known about the key molecular mechanisms that underpin the particular potency of DC in triggering T-cell responses. To better understand the influence of physical intercellular interactions on APC efficacy in activating T-cells, we used single cell force spectroscopy to characterize and compare the mechanical forces of interactions between DC:T-cells and B:T-cells. Following antigen stimulation, intercellular interactions of DC:T-cell conjugates were stronger than B:T-cell interactions. DCs induced higher levels of T-cell calcium mobilization and production of IL-2 and IFNγ than were elicited by B-cells, thus suggesting that tight intercellular contacts are important in providing mechanically stable environment to initiate T-cell activation. Blocking antibodies targeting surface co-stimulatory molecules CD80 or CD86 weakened intercellular interactions and dampen T-cell activation, highlighting the amplificatory roles of CD80/86 in regulating APC:T-cell interactions and T-cell functional activation. The variable strength of mechanical forces between DC:T-cells and B:T-cell interactions were not solely dependent on differential APC expression of CD80/86, since DCs were superior to B-cells in promoting strong interactions with T-cells even when CD80 and CD86 were inhibited. These data provide mechanical insights into the effects of co-stimulatory molecules in regulating APC:T-cell interactions.

The dendritic cell receptor DNGR-1 controls endocytic handling of necrotic cell antigens to favor cross-priming of CTLs in virus-infected mice

DNGR-1 (CLEC9A) is a receptor for necrotic cells required by DCs to cross-prime CTLs against dead cell antigens in mice. It is currently unknown how DNGR-1 couples dead cell recognition to cross-priming. Here we found that DNGR-1 did not mediate DC activation by dead cells but rather diverted necrotic cell cargo into a recycling endosomal compartment, favoring cross-presentation to CD8(+) T cells. DNGR-1 regulated cross-priming in non-infectious settings such as immunization with antigen-bearing dead cells, as well as in highly immunogenic situations such as infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. Together, these results suggest that DNGR-1 is a dedicated receptor for cross-presentation of cell-associated antigens. Our work thus underscores the importance of cross-priming in immunity and indicates that antigenicity and adjuvanticity can be decoded by distinct innate immune receptors. The identification of specialized receptors that regulate antigenicity of virus-infected cells reveals determinants of antiviral immunity that might underlie the human response to infection and vaccination.

T cell hybridomas to study MHC-II restricted B-cell receptor-mediated antigen presentation by human B cells

MHC-II antigen presentation by B cells is essential in order for B cells to receive optimal costimulation from helper CD4+ T cells. This process is facilitated and focused through the extremely efficient uptake, processing, and presentation of antigen recognized by an individual B cell's unique B-cell receptor (BCR). The investigation of human B-cell antigen presentation has been limited by the varied specificity of BCR found in the mixed populations of B cells in vivo. As a result, there is no readily available method to measure BCR-mediated antigen presentation in this heterogeneous population of B cells. We have overcome this limitation by developing HLA-DR-restricted T-cell lines capable of recognizing a specific antigen taken up via the BCR and presented by the mixed B-cell population through this physiologically relevant mechanism. BCR-mediated presentation was enhanced >4 logs compared to presentation by B cells taking up the antigen through nonspecific mechanisms. The studies presented here characterize T-cell hybridoma lines developed for HLA-DRB1*0101+ and HLA-DRB1*1501+ B cells, but clones could be generated for other HLA-DR types using the methods described. These hybridomas have potential applications including study of the mechanisms of BCR-mediated enhancement of presentation, determination of adjuvant effects on presentation, and optimization of vaccine antigen preparations. Therefore, these T-cell lines could significantly facilitate the study of BCR-mediated antigen presentation required by T helper cell-dependent vaccines in humans.

Ribosomal versus non-ribosomal cellular antigens: factors determining efficiency of indirect presentation to CD4+ T cells

Proteins released from dying cells can be taken up and presented by antigen-presenting cells (APC) to T cells. While the presentation of such self antigens may lead to beneficial anti-tumour responses, in autoimmune disease it leads to pathological immune responses. The sub-set of self proteins targeted in autoimmune disease is circumscribed, and certain cellular components such as ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are often targeted. Although explanations for this antigen selectivity have been proposed, there has been little direct testing of these hypotheses. We and others previously showed that ribosomal proteins, targeted in autoimmune disease, are also targets of anti-tumour T-cell responses. We asked whether particular properties of ribosomal proteins such as incorporation into RNP complexes or sub-cellular localization enhance ribosomal protein presentation by APC to CD4(+) T cells. Ribosomal protein antigens within purified intact ribosomes or free of the ribosomes were equally well taken up and presented by APC, demonstrating that inclusion of ribosomal proteins into an RNP complex does not confer an advantage. However, antigens localized to ribosomes within apoptotic cells were less efficiently taken up and presented by APC than the same antigens localized diffusely throughout the cell. This suggests that presentation of ribosomal proteins is somehow down-regulated, possibly to facilitate presentation of other less-abundant intracellular proteins. Consequently, the explanation for the frequent targeting of ribosomal proteins by both autoimmune and anti-tumour T-cell responses is not at the level of uptake from apoptotic cells and must be sought elsewhere.

The Effect of B Cell Receptor Signaling on Antigen Endocytosis and Processing

B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated antigen processing and presentation involves both the BCR-mediated internalization and processing of cognate antigen as well as the formation and expression of antigenic peptide-MHC class II complexes. While BCR signaling is known to result in changes in the biosynthesis and intracellular trafficking of class II molecules, the effect of BCR signaling on the cell biology of antigen endocytosis and processing is less clear. Therefore, the effect of BCR signaling on the cell biology of fluid phase antigen endocytosis, processing and presentation was analyzed in both B cell lines or in normal splenic B cells. The results demonstrate that BCR signaling alters neither the global level of fluid phase antigen endocytosis nor the duration of intracellular persistence of fluid phase internalized antigen. Moreover, while BCR signal does result in an increase in the level of total cell surface MHC class II molecules as well as specific peptide-class II complexes, stimulation failed to alter the fraction of class II molecules loaded with antigen-derived peptide. These results indicate that while BCR-mediated signaling elicits an increase in the expression of antigenic peptide-class II complexes, signaling does not augment antigen presentation by profoundly altering the basic biology of antigen endocytosis and processing. These results also demonstrate that the high efficiency of BCR-mediated antigen processing (when compared to fluid phase antigen processing) is likely to occur independent of BCR signaling-induced global alterations in the biology of endocytosis, processing and presentation. This finding suggests that if BCR signaling augments the efficiency of processing of cognate antigen, it must impact unique aspects of BCR-mediated antigen processing, such as the intracellular persistence of internalized antigen-BCR complexes.

Many different Vbeta CDR3s can reveal the inherent MHC reactivity of germline-encoded TCR V regions

We have hypothesized that in the prenegative selection TCR repertoire, many somatically generated complementary-determining region (CDR) 3 loops combine with evolutionarily selected germline Valpha/Vbeta CDR1/CDR2 loops to create highly MHC/peptide cross-reactive T cells that are subsequently deleted by negative selection. Here, we present a mutational analysis of the Vbeta CDR3 of such a cross-reactive T-cell receptor (TCR), YAe62. Most YAe62 TCRs with the mutant CDR3s became less MHC promiscuous. However, others with CDR3s unrelated in sequence to the original recognized even more MHC alleles than the original TCR. Most importantly, this recognition was still dependent on the conserved CDR1/CDR2 residues. These results bolster the idea that germline TCR V elements are inherently reactive to MHC but that this reactivity is fine-tuned by the somatically generated CDR3 loops.

Syk-dependent ERK activation regulates IL-2 and IL-10 production by DC stimulated with zymosan

Zymosan is a particulate yeast preparation that elicits high levels of IL-2 and IL-10 from dendritic cells (DC) and engages multiple innate receptors, including the Syk-coupled receptor dectin-1 and the MyD88-coupled receptor TLR2. Here, we show that induction of IL-2 and IL-10 by zymosan requires activation of ERK MAP kinase in murine DC. Surprisingly, ERK activation in response to zymosan is completely blocked in Syk-deficient DC and unaffected by MyD88 deficiency. Conversely, ERK activation in response to the TLR2 agonist Pam3Cys is completely MyD88 dependent and unaffected by Syk deficiency. The inability of TLR2 ligands in zymosan to couple to ERK may explain the Syk dependence of the IL-2 and IL-10 response in DC and emphasises the importance of Syk-coupled pattern recognition receptors such as dectin-1 in the detection of yeasts. Furthermore, the lack of receptor compensation observed here suggests that responses induced by complex innate stimuli cannot always be predicted by the signalling pathways downstream of individual receptors.

T cell-induced secretion of MHC class II-peptide complexes on B cell exosomes

Antigen-specific interactions between B cells and T cells are essential for the generation of an efficient immune response. Since this requires peptide-MHC class II complexes (pMHC-II) on the B cell to interact with TCR on antigen-specific T cells, we have examined the mechanisms regulating the persistence, loss, and secretion of specific pMHC-II complexes on activated B cells. Using a mAb that recognizes specific pMHC-II, we found that activated B cells degrade approximately 50% of pMHC-II every day and release 12% of these pMHC-II from the cell on small membrane vesicles termed exosomes. These exosomes directly stimulate primed, but not naïve, CD4 T cells. Interestingly, engagement of antigen-loaded B cells with specific CD4 T cells stimulates exosome release in a manner that can be mimicked by pMHC-II crosslinking. Biochemical studies revealed that the pMHC-II released on exosomes was previously expressed on the plasma membrane of the B cells, suggesting that regulated exosome release from activated B cells is a mechanism to allow pMHC-II to escape intracellular degradation and decorate secondary lymphoid organs with membrane-associated pMHC-II complexes.

Helicobacter pylori polyclonally activates murine CD4+ T cells in the absence of antigen-presenting cells

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, such as duodenal ulcer and gastric carcinoma. The T cell response against H. pylori is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Here, we show that mouse-adapted H. pylori is able to polyclonally activate murine CD4(+) T lymphocytes, irrespective of their antigen specificity. Murine T helper cell clones as well as short-term cultured, polyclonal Th1 and Th2 cell lines and a human T cell clone, but not naive CD4(+) T cells, could be activated in this manner. The effect was independent of antigen-presenting cells and required direct contact between H. pylori and T cells. Only whole cells of H. pylori, but not lysates or sonicates were able to activate T cells. The activity was lost after long-term culture of H. pylori on agar-plates. Degradation of H. pylori proteins with specific peptidases dramatically reduced the stimulating ability, implicating that the responsible molecule is likely to be a protein. This unexpected polyclonal T cell stimulatory mechanism may contribute to the T cell-mediated pathogenicity characteristic for H. pylori-mediated diseases.

Novel cationic lipophilic peptides for oligodeoxynucleotide delivery

In search of new oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) delivery agents, we evaluated novel peptides derived from core peptide H-GLRILLLKV-OH (CP). CP is a fragment designed from the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) alpha-chain transmembrane sequence. CP was able to enter cells including T-cells and inhibited interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. To examine the effect of increased lipophilicity on cellular uptake and activity of CP, a lipoamino acid (2-aminododecanoic acid) was incorporated into peptide CP resulting in 2-aminodecanoyl-CP (LP). The toxicity of CP and LP was assessed by measuring the haemolytic activity. Neither compound caused any haemolysis of red blood cells. We have also compared the biological activities of the CP and LP. Using a T-cell antigen presentation assay, the more lipophilic LP caused greater inhibition of IL-2 production than the parent CP in the antigen stimulated T-cells. The LP also showed increased permeability than CP in the Caco-2 cell assay. We utilised the enhanced cell permeability property of LP in oligodeoxynucleotide ODN1 delivery. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) suggested that CP and LP complex with ODN1 in a 12:1 (CP:ODN1) and 15:1 (LP:ODN1) ratio. These complexes were then transfected into human retinal pigment epithelial cells. The level of transfection was measured by the decreased production of the protein human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF). The results revealed greater transfection efficiency for both CP and LP (47%, 55% more inhibition) compared to commercially available transfection agent cytofectin GSV. These results suggested that the CP and particularly its lipophilic analogue LP have the potential to be used as oligodeoxynucleotide delivery systems.

Variable influences of iodine on the T-cell recognition of a single thyroglobulin epitope

We have previously shown that iodotyrosyl formation within certain innocuous thyroglobulin (Tg) peptides confers on them immunopathogenic properties. In this report, we generated a panel of T-cell hybridoma clones specific for the immunogenic 16 mer Tg peptide p179 (amino acids 179-94) or its iodinated analogue (I-p179), with a view to examining the effects of a single iodine atom at the Y192 amino acid residue on T-cell recognition. We found that the peptide p179 was subdominant, and its binding to both A(k) and E(k) molecules was not significantly influenced by iodine. T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement was unaffected by the bulky iodine atom in two clones that responded to both analogues but it was sterically hindered in two other clones that recognized only p179. One clone was reactive only to I-p179, suggesting that the iodine atom is an integral part of its TCR ligand. Truncation analysis localized the determinant seen by all clones within the 11 mer peptide p184 (amino acids 184-194), suggesting that the cross-reactive clones were not activated by a minimal epitope lacking Y192 and that the negative influence of iodine was not the result of a flanking residue effect. These results demonstrate, at the clonal level, variable influences of a single iodine atom on the recognition of a single Tg peptide. Iodination of tyrosyl-containing, immunopathogenic Tg peptides may have unpredictable effects at the polyclonal level, depending on the extent of iodination at the particular site, and the relative number or effector function of autoreactive T-cell clones that are switched on or off by the neoantigenic determinant.

Cross-presentation of antigens from apoptotic tumor cells by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells leads to tumor-specific CD8+ T cell tolerance

Development of tumor-specific T cell tolerance contributes to the failure of the immune system to eliminate tumor cells. Here we report that hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells followed by their elimination and local removal of apoptotic tumor cells in the liver leads to subsequent development of T cell tolerance towards antigens associated with apoptotic tumor cells. We provide evidence that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) remove apoptotic cell fragments generated by induction of tumor cell apoptosis through hepatic NK1.1+ cells. Antigen associated with apoptotic cell material is processed and cross-presented by LSEC to CD8+ T cells, leading to induction of CD8+ T cell tolerance. Adoptive transfer of LSEC isolated from mice challenged previously with tumor cells promotes development of CD8+ T cell tolerance towards tumor-associated antigen in vivo. Our results indicate that hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells, followed by hepatic tumor cell elimination and local cross-presentation of apoptotic tumor cells by LSEC and subsequent CD8+ T cell tolerance induction, represents a novel mechanism operative in tumor immune escape.

Adhesion- and degranulation-promoting adapter protein is required for efficient thymocyte development and selection

Adhesion- and degranulation-promoting adapter protein (ADAP) is required in TCR-induced activation and proliferation of peripheral T cells. Loss of ADAP also impairs TCR-initiated inside-out activation of the integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18, alphaLbeta2). In this study, we demonstrate that ADAP-deficient CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) cells have a diminished ability to proliferate, and that these DP thymocytes up-regulate CD69 poorly in vivo. Moreover, in both MHC class I- and class II-restricted TCR transgenic models, loss of ADAP interferes with both positive and negative selection. ADAP deficiency also impairs the ability of transgene-bearing DP thymocytes to form conjugates with Ag-loaded presenting cells. These findings suggest that ADAP is critical for thymocyte development and selection.

Production of TH1 and TH2 cell lines and clones

This unit describes protocols for the generation of polyclonal T(H)1 and T(H)2 cell lines from naive CD4(+) T cells as well as for generation of antigen-specific cell lines from TCR-transgenic mice and antigen-specific T cell clones from primed mice. Also described are methods for the preparation and maintenance of alloreactive murine helper T (T(H)) lymphocyte and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones using the limiting dilution technique, as well as derivation of T(H) clones reactive with soluble protein antigens, including a method for the selection of either T(H)1 or T(H)2 lymphocyte subsets. These two subsets of T(H) cells exhibit helper function in different ways and can be distinguished by the patterns of cytokines they synthesize. Support protocols describe a micromanipulation method for cloning T cells and a roadmap for using protocols published elsewhere in this series to assess cytokine production by T cell clones and lines.

Iodination of tyrosyls in thyroglobulin generates neoantigenic determinants that cause thyroiditis

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is unique in its ability to incorporate and store available iodine in the form of iodotyrosyl residues. Iodination of Tg has been known to increase its immunopathogenicity in experimental animals, presumably through the formation of iodine-containing neoantigenic determinants that can elicit an autoimmune response, but defined pathogenic Tg peptides carrying iodotyrosyls have not yet been identified. We report in this study that a systematic, algorithm-based search of mouse Tg has delineated three iodotyrosyl-containing peptides that activate autoreactive T cells and cause experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in normal CBA/J mice. These peptides (aa 117-132, 304-318, and 1931-1945) were not immunogenic in their native form, and iodination of tyrosyls facilitated either peptide binding to MHC or T cell recognition of the peptide. These results demonstrate that iodotyrosyl formation in normal Tg confers pathogenic potential to certain peptides that may otherwise remain innocuous and undetectable by conventional mapping methods.

Syk-Dependent Cytokine Induction by Dectin-1 Reveals a Novel Pattern Recognition Pathway for C Type Lectins

Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) detect molecular signatures of microbes and initiate immune responses to infection. Prototypical PRRs such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signal via a conserved pathway to induce innate response genes. In contrast, the signaling pathways engaged by other classes of putative PRRs remain ill defined. Here, we demonstrate that the beta-glucan receptor Dectin-1, a yeast binding C type lectin known to synergize with TLR2 to induce TNF alpha and IL-12, can also promote synthesis of IL-2 and IL-10 through phosphorylation of the membrane proximal tyrosine in the cytoplasmic domain and recruitment of Syk kinase. syk-/- dendritic cells (DCs) do not make IL-10 or IL-2 upon yeast stimulation but produce IL-12, indicating that the Dectin-1/Syk and Dectin-1/TLR2 pathways can operate independently. These results identify a novel signaling pathway involved in pattern recognition by C type lectins and suggest a potential role for Syk kinase in regulation of innate immunity.

Mimotopes for alloreactive and conventional T cells in a peptide-MHC display library

The use of peptide libraries for the identification and characterization of T cell antigen peptide epitopes and mimotopes has been hampered by the need to form complexes between the peptides and an appropriate MHC molecule in order to construct a complete T cell ligand. We have developed a baculovirus-based peptide library method in which the sequence encoding the peptide is embedded within the genes for the MHC molecule in the viral DNA, such that insect cells infected with virus encoding a library of different peptides each displays a unique peptide-MHC complex on its surface. We have fished in such a library with two different fluorescent soluble T cell receptors (TCRs), one highly peptide specific and the other broadly allo-MHC specific and hypothesized to be much less focused on the peptide portion of the ligand. A single peptide sequence was selected by the former alphabetaTCR that, not unexpectedly, was highly related to the immunizing peptide. As hypothesized, the other alphabetaTCR selected a large family of peptides, related only by a similarity to the immunizing peptide at the p5 position. These findings have implications for the relative importance of peptide and MHC in TCR ligand recognition. This display method has broad applications in T cell epitope identification and manipulation and should be useful in general in studying interactions between complex proteins.

Lowering the affinity between antigen and the B cell receptor can enhance antigen presentation

The B cell receptor (BCR) enables antigen-specific B cells to bind, internalize and target antigens for processing into small peptide fragments. These epitopes are then expressed on the plasma membrane in association with MHC class II molecules for recognition by CD4+ T cells. The affinity of the interaction between the BCR and antigen plays an important part in determining T cell epitope generation. In this report we provide evidence that the efficiency of antigen presentation by specific B cells does not need to be directly proportional to antigen/BCR affinity. We show that increased presentation can result from lowering the affinity of the antigen/BCR interaction. This finding suggests a novel mechanism by which B cells can recruit T cell help and obtain survival signals. Activation of these cells may have consequences for the generation of the B cell repertoire.

CD40-induced aggregation of MHC class II and CD80 on the cell surface leads to an early enhancement in antigen presentation

Ligation of CD40 on B cells increases their ability to present Ag and to activate MHC class II (MHC-II)-restricted T cells. How this occurs is not entirely clear. In this study we demonstrate that CD40 ligation on Ag-presenting B cells (APC) for a short period between 30 min and 3 h has a rapid, augmenting effect on the ability of a B cell line and normal B cells to activate T cells. This is not due to alterations in Ag processing or to an increase in surface expression of CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, or MHC-II. This effect is particularly evident with naive, resting T lymphocytes and appears to be more pronounced under limiting Ag concentrations. Shortly after CD40 ligation on a B cell line, MHC-II and CD80 progressively accumulated in cholesterol-enriched microdomains on the cell surface, which correlated with an initial enhancement in their Ag presentation ability. Moreover, CD40 ligation induced a second, late, more sustained enhancement of Ag presentation, which correlates with a significant increase in CD80 expression by APC. Thus, CD40 signaling enhances the efficiency with which APC activate T cells by at least two related, but distinct, mechanisms: an early stage characterized by aggregation of MHC-II and CD80 clusters, and a late stage in which a significant increase in CD80 expression is observed. These results raise the possibility that one important role of CD40 is to contribute to the formation of the immunological synapse on the APC side.

Reduction of Glycosphingolipid Levels in Lipid Rafts Affects the Expression State and Function of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored Proteins but Does Not Impair Signal Transduction via the T Cell Receptor

Lipid rafts are highly enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. In contrast to many reports that verify the importance of cholesterol among raft lipid components, studies that address the role of sphingolipids in raft organization and function are scarce. Here, we investigate the role of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in raft structure and raft-mediated signal transduction in T lymphocytes by the usage of a specific GSL synthesis inhibitor, d-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP). Surface GM1 expression and the expression of GSLs in rafts were profoundly reduced by D-PDMP treatment, whereas the expression of other lipid and protein constituents, such as cholesterol, sphingomyelin, Lck, and linker for activation of T cells, was not affected. T cell receptor-mediated signal transduction induced by antigen stimulation or by antibody cross-linking was normal in D-PDMP-treated T cells. In contrast, the signal through glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins was clearly augmented by D-PDMP treatment. Moreover, GPI-anchored proteins became more susceptible to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C cleavage in D-PDMP-treated cells, demonstrating that GSL depletion from rafts primarily influences the expression state and function of GPI-anchored proteins. Finally, by comparing the effect of D-PDMP with that of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, we identified that compared with cholesterol depletion, GSL depletion has the opposite effect on the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C sensitivity and signaling ability of GPI-anchored proteins. These results indicate a specific role of GSLs in T cell membrane rafts that is dispensable for T cell receptor signaling but is important for the signal via GPI-anchored proteins.

Study of the mechanism of TCR antagonism using dual-TCR-expressing T cells

The mechanism of action of TCR antagonists is incompletely understood. T cells expressing two distinct TCRs have been used to test competition for TCR occupancy as a potential mechanism. Previous studies with CD4 T cells showed that an antagonist for one TCR inhibited the response to the other TCR (cross-antagonism), whereas studies with CD8 cells failed to demonstrate cross-antagonism. To determine whether CD4 and CD8 cells were intrinsically different or whether the differences were the result of the use of different effector assays, we studied both CD4 and CD8 dual-TCR-expressing T cells. In the CD4 system, consistent with previous reports, cross-antagonism of proliferation was observed. In the CD8 system, cross-antagonism was observed using proliferation as readout but not when target cell cytolysis was used. These results suggest that different mechanisms may be involved in the inhibition of proliferation and inhibition of cytotoxic effector function, the latter only involving competition for TCR occupancy. Inhibition of proliferation appears to be more complex and other mechanisms such as sequestration of signaling molecules or negative signaling may be involved. The fact that 10- to 20-fold more antagonist was needed to achieve cross-antagonism compared with inhibition of the cognate TCR is consistent with the hypothesis that competition for TCR occupancy is also a major, albeit not sole, mechanism of antagonism of the proliferative responses of CD4 and CD8 cells.

Specific stimulation of MHC-transgenic mouse T-cell hybridomas with xenogeneic APC

From the recombinant human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR1/H2-E(k) major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-transgenic mice, we have generated two CD4(+) T-cell hybridomas specific for peptides which were derived from human prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) complexed to the human class II molecule HLA-DR1. Both hybridomas strongly react to PAP-pulsed antigen-presenting cells (APC) from transgenic mice. Interestingly, these hybridomas also responded to PAP antigen presented by HLA-DR1-positive human APC. The species-mismatched T-cell stimulation occurs despite the biologic discordance in participating accessory molecules, which are required for the optimal T-cell-APC interaction. Our results demonstrate various degrees of functional interaction between coreceptors, costimulatory molecules, and integrins, which are expressed on the surface of T-cell hybridomas and heterologous APC.

Alternate interactions define the binding of peptides to the MHC molecule IA(b)

We have solved the crystal structure of the MHCII molecule, IA(b), containing an antigenic variant of the major IA(b)-binding peptide derived from the MHCII IEalpha chain. The four MHC pockets at p1, p4, p6, and p9 that usually bind peptide side chains are largely empty because of alanines in the peptide at these positions. The complex is nevertheless very stable, apparently because of unique alternate interactions between the IA(b) and peptide. In particular, there are multiple additional hydrogen bonds between the N-terminal end of the peptide and the IA(b) alpha chain and an extensive hydrogen bond network involving an asparagine at p7 position of the peptide and the IA(b) beta chain. By using knowledge of the shape and size of the traditional side chain binding pockets and the additional possible interactions, an IA(b) peptide-binding motif can be deduced that agrees well with the sequences of known IA(b)-binding peptides.

Immunosuppression by CD4+ regulatory T cells induced by chronic retroviral infection

Normal levels of CD4(+) regulatory T cells are critical for the maintenance of immunological homeostasis and the prevention of autoimmune diseases. However, we now show that the expansion of CD4(+) regulatory T cells in response to a chronic viral infection can lead to immunosuppression. Mice persistently infected with Friend retrovirus develop approximately twice the normal percentage of splenic CD4(+) regulatory T cells and lose their ability to reject certain tumor transplants. The role of CD4(+) regulatory T cells was demonstrated by the transmission of immunosuppression to uninfected mice by adoptive transfers of CD4(+) T cells. CD4(+) T cells from chronically infected mice were also immunosuppressive in vitro, inhibiting the generation of cytolytic T lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte cultures. Inhibition occurred at the level of blast-cell formation through a mechanism or mechanisms involving transforming growth factor-beta and the cell surface molecule CTLA-4 (CD152). These results suggest a possible explanation for HIV- and human T cell leukemia virus-I-induced immunosuppression in the absence of T cell depletion.

Defining T cell receptors which recognise the immunodominant epitope of the gastric autoantigen, the H/K ATPase beta-subunit

We have previously shown that autoimmune gastritis can be elicited in mice by immunisation with the gastric parietal cell H/K ATPase alphabeta heterodimer, and, furthermore, have identified the H/K ATPase beta-subunit epitope, H/Kbeta253-277 as the dominant epitope of the gastric H/K ATPase. Using gastric H/K ATPase-immunised mice, here we have generated two T cell hybridomas specific for the H/Kbeta253-277 peptide, namely 4B11.F4.5 and 1E4.C1. Hybridoma 4B11.F4.5 uses Valpha8 and Vbeta8.2 TCR chains and 1E4.C1 uses Valpha9 and V1beta8.3 chains. Although both hybridomas are specific for H/Kbeta253-277, T cell assays using overlapping 14-mers of the 25-mer epitope showed that the two autoreactive TCRs recognise different regions of the 25-mer. The TCR from 1E4.C1 has been used to generate a TCR beta-chain transgenic mouse. >80% of peripheral CD4+ T cells utilise the Vbeta8.3 transgene. As expected, 1E4-TCR beta-chain transgenic mice are susceptible to neonatal thymectomy induced autoimmune gastritis. While none of the 1E4-TCR beta chain transgenic mice spontaneously developed a destructive gastritis, a minority (20%) of the transgenic mice developed a non-invasive and non-destructive gastritis. This suggests that the pathogenic T cells are maintained in a tolerant state in the periphery of the transgenic mice.

Fc alpha receptor cross-linking causes translocation of phosphatidylinositol-dependent protein kinase 1 and protein kinase B alpha to MHC class II peptide-loading-like compartments

A20 IIA1.6 B cells cotransfected with FcalphaR and wild-type gamma-chain (wt-ITAM (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif)) or FcalphaR and gamma-chain, in which the wt-ITAM was substituted with the FcgammaRIIA ITAM (IIA-ITAM), were used to investigate cell signaling events influencing presentation of FcalphaR-targeted exogenous Ag in the context of MHC class II. wt-ITAM cells presented FcalphaR-targeted OVA more efficiently than IIA-ITAM transfectants to OVA-specific T cell hybridomas. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibition abrogated Ag presentation, suggesting that FcalphaR may trigger a PI 3-kinase-dependent signal transduction pathway, and thus phosphatidylinositol-dependent protein kinase (PDK1) and protein kinase B alpha (PKBalpha) activation. Cross-linking FcalphaR on wt-ITAM or IIA-ITAM cells triggered equivalent PI 3-kinase-dependent activation of PKBalpha. Furthermore, FcalphaR cross-linking triggered recruitment of PDK1 and serine-phosphorylated PKBalpha to capped cell surface FcalphaR irrespective of the gamma-chain ITAM. Although FcalphaR endocytosis was accompanied by translocation of PDK1 and phospho-PKBalpha to FcalphaR-containing vesicles in both transfectants, this was decreased in IIA-ITAM cells, and a significant proportion of PDK1 and PKBalpha remained at the plasma membrane. In wt-ITAM cells, PDK1 and serine-phosphorylated PKBalpha translocated to lysosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein 1- and cathepsin B-containing vesicles, consistent with MHC class II peptide-loading compartments (MIIC) described by other groups. Our data indicate that translocation of signal transduction mediators to MIIC-like compartments accompanies efficient presentation of receptor-targeted Ag, and suggest a mechanism connecting signaling to the Ag-processing pathway.

Role of natural killer cells in resistance against friend retrovirus-induced leukemia

We have previously shown that immunization with a synthetic peptide that contains a single CD4(+) T-cell epitope protects mice against immunosuppressive Friend retrovirus infection. Cells producing infectious Friend virus were rapidly eliminated from the spleens of mice that had been immunized with the single-epitope peptide. However, actual effector mechanisms induced through T-helper-cell responses after Friend virus inoculation were unknown. When cytotoxic effector cells detected in the early phase of Friend retrovirus infection were separated based on their expression of cell surface markers, those lacking CD4 and CD8 but expressing natural killer cell markers were found to constitute the majority of effector cells that lysed Friend virus-induced leukemia cells. Depletion of natural killer cells by injecting anti-asialo-ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide antibody did not affect the number of CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells in the spleen, virus antigen-specific proliferative responses of CD4(+) T cells, or cytotoxic activity against Friend virus-induced leukemia cells exerted by CD8(+) effector cells. However, the same treatment markedly reduced the killing activity of CD4(-) CD8(-) effector cells and completely abolished the effect of peptide immunization. Although the above enhancement of natural killer cell activity in the early stage of Friend virus infection was also observed in mice given no peptide, these results have demonstrated the importance and requirement of natural killer cells in vaccine-induced resistance against the retroviral infection.

Ligand motif of the autoimmune disease-associated mouse MHC class II molecule H2-A(s)

The MHC class II molecule H2-A(s), expressed in the SJL mouse strain, is the principle restriction element of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells mediating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. We deduced the H2-A(s) ligand motif from the analysis of naturally processed self peptides and from peptide binding studies. Major anchor residues were identified using various sets of substituted and truncated peptides, derived from natural peptide ligands and known H2-A(s) binders like myelin basic protein 81 - 99. The nine-residue H2-A(s) core binding motif comprises an arrangement of anchors in relative positions P1, P4, P6, P7, and P9. The P1 pocket is relatively unspecific and the P6 pocket favors hydrophobic-aliphatic side chains. The P1 pocket contributes little to peptide binding. Primary anchors were identified in P4, P7, and in particular in P9. The preferred anchor residues are Lys (P4), His/Arg (P7), and Pro (P9), respectively. Ala-polysubstituted peptides containing only one of these dominant anchor residues still retain the capacity to bind to H2-A(s). Thus, the presence of only one suitable anchor side chain in P4, P7, or P9 is sufficient for high-affinity peptide binding, at least in the absence of negatively charged side chains nearby. The identified ligand motif facilitates the analysis of immunogenic peptides interacting with H2-A(s) and will allow a better prediction of pathogenetically relevant peptide antigens in the autoimmune mouse model.

Interelationship between CD3 and CD28 pathways in a murine T cell thymoma

It is well known that the CD28 costimulatory signal is important to complement T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3-initiated T cell activation, but the mechanism by which these two distinct signaling pathways are integrated is not clearly understood. In our laboratory, we dispose of a murine T cell hybridoma transfected with human CD28 molecule which is able to produce IL-2 in response to stimulation, suggesting that the signal transduction machinery coupled to the CD28 molecule is capable of triggering effector functions. Nevertheless, the action of three immunosuppressive agents previously shown in our model, suggested an interaction between the CD3 and CD28 pathways. We confirmed here this hypothesis by transfecting the cDNA of the human CD28 molecule in the BW5147 thymoma which lacks CD3 surface expression. Stimulation of the human CD28 did not lead to IL-2 secretion while the restoration of the TCR/CD3 complex re-established the functionality of this costimulatory molecule. These data demonstrate that the IL-2 production induced by the CD28 activation pathway is dependent of the TCR/CD3 complex cell surface expression and suggest the formation of a functional membrane complex between the CD3 and CD28 molecules. The molecular basis of the functional dependence of CD28 signaling on the TCR/CD3 complex is presently unknown. Nonetheless, we showed that some early events induced by CD28 stimulation, such as PI3-kinase association, are independent of the TCR/CD3 complex expression.

Suppression of experimental myasthenia gravis by monoclonal antibodies against MHC peptide region involved in presentation of a pathogenic T-cell epitope

We have prepared monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against an antigen-binding region of I-A, region 62-76 of I-Abeta(b), which is involved in the T-cell participation in the pathogenesis of EAMG. The mAbs reacted with its parent molecules and inhibited the proliferation of disease-related T-cells. Passive transfer of these mAbs suppressed the occurrence of clinical EAMG, which was accompanied by decreased T-cell and Ab responses to tAChR. The results indicated that blocking the function of disease-related MHC by targeting a disease-associated region on MHC molecules could be an effective, straightforward and feasible strategy for immunointervention in MG.

B cells extract and present immobilized antigen: implications for affinity discrimination

Binding of antigen to B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) leads to antigen internalization and presentation to T cells, a critical process in the initiation of the humoral immune response. However, antigen internalization has been demonstrated for soluble antigen, in vivo antigen is often encountered in insoluble form or tethered to a cell surface. Here, we show that not only can B cells internalize and present large particulate antigen (requiring a signalling-competent BCR to drive antigen uptake), but they can also extract antigen that is tethered tightly to a non-internalizable surface. The form in which the antigen is displayed affects the B cell's ability to discriminate antigen-BCR affinity. Thus, arraying an antigen on a particle or surface allows efficient presentation of low affinity antigens. However, the presentation efficiency of antigen arrayed on an internalizable particle plateaus at low affinity values. In contrast, extraction and presentation of antigen from a non-internalizable surface depends on antigen-BCR affinity over a wide affinity range. The results have implications for understanding both the initiation and affinity maturation of the immune response.

Immunogenicity and arthritogenicity of recombinant CB10 in B10.RIII mice

Two major T cell determinants are recognized by I-Ar-specific T cells in CII, the immunodominant CII610-618 (GPAGT AGA R) within CB10 and the subdominant CII445-453 (GPAGP AGE R) within CB8. Although the determinants differ by only two residues, CB8 is capable of inducing collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), while CB10 is not. We, therefore, investigated the structural differences between the two determinants that are critical to inducing arthritis. When the CB10 determinant was mutated to that of CB8 using recombinant techniques, the resulting mutant rCB10T614P,A617E product became arthritogenic. Conversely, when the CB8 determinant was mutated to that of CB10, the resulting mutant CB8P449T,E452A was no longer arthritogenic. Comparison of the epitope specificity of the autoantibodies induced by wild-type CB10 and mutant rCB10T614P, A617E revealed no qualitative differences. T cells from mice immunized with either CB10 or mutant rCB10 produced predominantly Th1 cytokines when cultured with the immunizing Ag. In contrast, when cultured with mouse CII, T cells from mice immunized with the nonarthritogenic CB10 produced predominantly Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines whereas the arthritogenic mutant rCB10 induced predominantly Th1 (IFN-gamma) cytokines. We conclude that the T cell cytokine response most critical for the induction of CIA is that induced against the corresponding homologous murine T cell determinant and, further, that the structural differences between the T cell determinants in CB8 and -10 are important in breaking self tolerance and inducing autoimmune response.

On the role of high- and low-abundance class II MHC-peptide complexes in the thymic positive selection of CD4(+) T cells

The role of self-peptides bound to MHC molecules in the selection of T cells in the thymus remains controversial. Here, we have tested whether a high-abundance single class II MHC-peptide complex has a dominant effect on the repertoire of CD4(+) T cells selected by low-abundance class II MHC-peptide complexes. For these studies, we have used H-2(b) mice that lack an invariant chain (Ii) (A(b)Ii(-)) and their transgenic variant (A(b)A(b)EpIi(-)) that co-expresses A(b) molecules covalently bound with a single peptide Ep(52-68). In these latter mice, close to 50% of all A(b) molecules are occupied by Ep(52-68) peptide. Although the A(b)Ep complex was abundantly expressed in the thymus under conditions excluding negative selection on bone marrow-derived cells, no striking quantitative difference between repertoires of TCR expressed on CD4(+) T cells in A(b)Ii(-) and A(b)A(b)EpIi(-) mice was noticed. Our results are consistent with the view that diverse, low-abundance self-peptides play an important role in thymic positive selection and do not support the notion that dominant, high-abundance peptides may be critical for shaping the TCR repertoire.

Distinct Proteolytic Processes Generate the C and N Termini of MHC Class I-Binding Peptides

Most of the MHC class I peptides presented to the immune system are generated during the course of protein breakdown by the proteasome. However, the precise role of the proteasome, e.g., whether this particle or some other protease generates the carboxyl (C) and amino (N) termini of the presented 8- to 10-residue peptides, is not clear. Here, we show that presentation on Db of ASNENMETM, a peptide from influenza nucleoprotein, and on Kb of FAPGNYPAL, a peptide from Sendai virus nucleoprotein, was blocked by the proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin. Using plasmid minigene constructs encoding oligopeptides of various lengths, we found that presentation of ASNENMETM from C-terminally extended peptides that contain this antigenic peptide plus three or five additional amino acids and presentation of FAPGNYPAL from a peptide containing FAPGNYPAL plus one additional C-terminal residue required the proteasome. In contrast, the proteasome inhibitor did not reduce presentation of cytosolically expressed ASNENMETM or FAPGNYPAL or N-terminally extended versions of these peptides, suggesting involvement of aminopeptidase(s) in trimming these N-extended variants. Accordingly, when the N termini of these 3N-extended peptides were blocked by acetylation, they were resistant to hydrolysis by cellular aminopeptidases and pure leucine aminopeptidase. Moreover, if introduced into the cytosol, Ag presentation of these peptides occurred to a much lesser extent than from their nonacetylated counterparts. Thus, the proteasome is essential for the generation of ASNENMETM and FAPGNYPAL peptides from the full-length nucleoproteins. Although it generates the C termini of these presented peptides, distinct aminopeptidase(s) can trim the N termini of these presented peptides to their proper size.

Translocation of tyrosine-phosphorylated TCRzeta chain to glycolipid-enriched membrane domains upon T cell activation

Recent studies point to glycolipid-enriched membrane (GEM) microdomains as the critical sites for TCR-mediated signal transduction. However, whether the TCR complex is localized in the GEM domain is not well-defined. In the present study, we analyzed localization of the TCR-CD3 complex in the GEM domain by isolating the GEM fraction with sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Although 10% of TCRzeta chains was localized in the GEM fraction, most of the TCR complexes were excluded from the GEM before and after T cell activation, and the amount of TCRzeta in the GEM was not increased after activation. However, the tyrosine-phosphorylated form of TCRzeta was strongly concentrated in the GEM fraction upon TCR engagement. A kinetic study revealed that tyrosine phosphorylation of TCRzeta occurred initially in the Triton X-100-soluble membrane fraction followed by the accumulation of phosphorylated TCRzeta in the GEM. Thus, these results indicate that phosphorylated TCRzeta migrates into the GEM domains on T cell activation. We speculate that the GEM microdomains may function as a reservoir of activation signals from triggered TCR.

Requirement for Shc in TCR-Mediated Activation of a T Cell Hybridoma

Engagement of the TCR determines the fate of T cells to activate their functional programs, proliferate, or undergo apoptosis. The intracellular signal transduction pathways that dictate the specific outcome of receptor engagement have only been partially elucidated. The adapter protein, Shc, is involved in cytokine production, mitogenesis, transformation, and apoptosis in different cell systems. We found that Shc becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine residues upon stimulation of the TCR in DO11.10 hybridoma T cells; therefore, we investigated the role of Shc in activation-induced cell death in these cells by creating a series of stably transfected cell lines. Expression of Shc-SH2 (the SH2 domain of Shc) or Shc-Y239/240F (full-length Shc in which tyrosines 239 and 240 have been mutated to phenylalanine) resulted in the inhibition of activation-induced cell death and Fas ligand up-regulation after TCR cross-linking. Expression of wild-type Shc or Shc-Y317F had no significant effect. In addition, we found that Shc-SH2 and Shc-Y239/240F, but not Shc-Y317F, inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and production of IL-2 after TCR cross-linking. These results indicate an important role for Shc in the early signaling events that lead to activation-induced cell death and IL-2 production after TCR activation.

A Monoclonal Antibody Reactive with a 40-kDa Molecule on Fetal Thymocytes and Tumor Cells Blocks Proliferation and Stimulates Aggregation and Apoptosis

E710.2.3 is a murine thymic lymphoma cell line with an immature phenotype (CD4−CD8−) that proliferates in response to thymocytes or PMA when cultured at low density and proliferates spontaneously when grown at high density. To identify functional molecules on this cell line, we screened for mAbs that could block its proliferation. A hamster mAb, DMF10.62.3, inhibited the spontaneous, thymocyte-induced, and PMA-stimulated proliferation of E710.2.3 in vitro and induced these cells to undergo apoptosis. The mAb also caused homotypic aggregation of E710.2.3, which was inhibited by cytochalasin B, trifluoperazine, a combination of sodium azide and 2-deoxyglucose, EDTA, incubation at 4°C, or treatment with paraformaldehyde. The DMF10 62.3 mAb stained a number of immortalized murine and human cell lines and, where tested, blocked their proliferation and caused death to varying extents by apoptosis. The molecule recognized by the mAb DMF10.62.3 was expressed on day 14 fetal thymus Thy1.2-positive cells. However, it was not detected on adult murine thymocytes, splenocytes, or bone marrow cells or on splenic LPS-activated B cells or Con A-activated T cells. The Ab immunoprecipitated a 40-kDa molecule from E710.2.3 that was not glycosylphosphatidylinositol linked. The data suggest that the molecule recognized by DMF62.3 is a novel cell surface molecule that may be involved in cell proliferation and/or cell death.

IL-11 separates graft-versus-leukemia effects from graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation

We recently showed that IL-11 prevents lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in a murine bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model of GVHD directed against MHC and minor antigens. In this study, we have investigated whether IL-11 can maintain a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Lethally irradiated B6D2F1 mice were transplanted with either T cell-depleted (TCD) bone marrow (BM) alone or with BM and splenic T cells from allogeneic B6 donors. Animals also received host-type P815 mastocytoma cells at the time of BMT. Recipients were injected subcutaneously with recombinant human IL-11 or control diluent twice daily, from 2 days before BMT to 7 days after BMT. TCD recipients all died from leukemia by day 23. All control- and IL-11-treated allogeneic animals effectively rejected their leukemia, but IL-11 also reduced GVHD-related mortality. Examination of the cellular mechanisms of GVL and GVHD in this system showed that IL-11 selectively inhibited CD4-mediated GVHD, while retaining both CD4- and CD8-mediated GVL. In addition, IL-11 treatment did not affect cytolytic effector functions of T cells after BMT either in vivo or in vitro. Studies with perforin-deficient donor T cells demonstrated that the GVL effect was perforin dependent. These data demonstrated that IL-11 can significantly reduce CD4-dependent GVHD without impairing cytolytic function or subsequent GVL activity of CD8(+) T cells. Brief treatment with IL-11 shortly after BMT may therefore represent a novel strategy for separating GVHD and GVL.

Constitutive Nuclear Translocation of NF-κB in B Cells in the Absence of IκB Degradation

Members of the NF-κB/Rel family of transcription factors are involved in many aspects of B lymphocyte development and function. NF-κB is constitutively active in these cells, in contrast with most other cell types. In the inactive form, NF-κB/Rel proteins are sequestered in the cytoplasm by members of the IκB family of NF-κB inhibitors. When activated, NF-κB is translocated to the nucleus, a process that involves the phosphorylation and proteasomal degradation of IκB proteins. Thus, NF-κB activation is accompanied by the rapid turnover of IκB proteins. We show that while this “classical” mode of NF-κB activation is a uniform feature of IgM+ B cell lines, all IgG+ B cells analyzed contain nuclear NF-κB yet have stable IκBα, IκBβ, and IκBε. Furthermore, Iκβε levels are at least 10 times lower in IgG+ B cells than in IgM+ B cells, an additional indication that the regulation of constitutive NF-κB activity in these two types of B cells is fundamentally different. These data imply the existence of a novel mechanism of NF-κB activation in IgG+ B cells that operates independently of IκB degradation. They further suggest that different isoforms of the B cell receptor may have distinct roles in regulating NF-κB activity.

A Peptide Binding Motif for I-Eg7, the MHC Class II Molecule That Protects Eα-Transgenic Nonobese Diabetic Mice from Autoimmune Diabetes

The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, a model of spontaneous insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), fails to express surface MHC class II I-Eg7 molecules due a deletion in the Eα gene promoter. Eα-transgenic NOD mice express the EαEβg7 dimer and fail to develop either insulitis or IDDM. A number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the mechanisms of protection, most of which require peptide binding to I-Eg7. To define the requirements for peptide binding to I-Eg7, we first identified an I-Eg7-restricted T cell epitope corresponding to the sequence 4–13 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 65-kDa heat shock protein (hsp). Single amino acid substitutions at individual positions revealed a motif for peptide binding to I-Eg7 characterized by two primary anchors at relative position (p) 1 and 4, and two secondary anchors at p6 and p9. This motif is present in eight of nine hsp peptides that bind to I-Eg7 with high affinity. The I-Eg7 binding motif displays a unique p4 anchor compared with the other known I-E motifs, and major differences are found between I-Eg7 and I-Ag7 binding motifs. Analysis of peptide binding to I-Eg7 and I-Ag7 molecules as well as proliferative responses of draining lymph node cells from hsp-primed NOD and Eα-transgenic NOD mice to overlapping hsp peptides revealed that the two MHC molecules bind different peptides. Of 80 hsp peptides tested, none bind with high affinity to both MHC molecules, arguing against some of the mechanisms hypothesized to explain protection from IDDM in Eα-transgenic NOD mice.

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway is required for activation-induced cell death of T cells

T cells can undergo activation-induced cell death (AICD) upon stimulation of the T cell receptor-CD3 complex. We found that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is activated during AICD. Transient transfection of a dominant interfering mutant of mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated receptor protein kinase kinase (MEK1) demonstrated that down-regulation of the ERK pathway inhibited FasL expression during AICD, whereas activation of the ERK pathway with a constitutively active MEK1 resulted in increased expression of FasL. We also found that pretreatment with the specific MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 prevented the induction of FasL expression during AICD and inhibited AICD. However, PD98059 had no effect on other apoptotic stimuli. We found only very weak ERK activity during Fas-mediated apoptosis (induced by Fas cross-linking). Furthermore, preincubation with the MEK1 inhibitor did not inhibit Fas-mediated apoptosis. Finally, we also demonstrated that pretreatment with the MEK1 inhibitor could delay and decrease the expression of the orphan nuclear steroid receptor Nur77, which has been shown to be essential for AICD. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the ERK pathway is required for AICD of T cells and appears to regulate the induction of Nur77 and FasL expression during AICD.

Salt bridge residues between I-Ak dimer of dimers alpha-chains modulate antigen presentation

Class II dimers of dimers are predicted to have functional significance in antigen presentation. The putative contact amino acids of the I-Ak class II dimer of dimers have been identified by molecular modeling based on the DR1 crystal structure (Nydam et al., Int. Immunol. 10, 1237,1998). We have previously reported the role in antigen presentation of dimer of dimers contact amino acids located in the C-terminal domains of the alpha- and beta-chains of class II. Our calculations show that residues Ealpha89 and Ralpha145 in the alpha2-domain form an inter alpha-chain salt bridge between pairs of alphabeta-heterodimers. Other residues, Qalpha92 and Nalpha115, may be involved in close association in that part of the alpha-chain. We investigated the role of these amino acids on class II expression and antigen presentation. Class II composed of an Ealpha89K substituted alpha-chain paired with a wt beta-chain exhibited inhibited antigen presentation and expression of alpha-chain serologic epitopes. In contrast, mutation of Ralpha145E had less affect on antigen presentation and did not affect I-Ak serologic epitopes. Interchanging charges of the salt bridge residues by expressing both Ralpha145E and Ealpha89K on the same chain obviated the large negative effect of the Ealpha89K mutation on antigen presentation but not on the serologic epitopes. Our results are similar for those reported for mutation of DR3's inter-chain salt bridge with the exception that double mutants did not moderate the DR3 defect. Interestingly, the amino acids differences between I-A and DR change the location of the inter-chain salt bridges. In DR1 these residues are located at positions Ealpha88 and Kalpha111; in I-Ak these residues are located at position Ealpha89 and Ralpha145. Inter alpha-chain salt bridges are thus maintained in various class II molecules by amino acids located in different parts of the alpha2-domain. This conservation of structure suggests that considerable functional importance may attach to the ionic interactions.

The Extracellular Domain of the ζ-Chain Is Essential for TCR Function

The ζ-chain homodimer is a key component in the TCR complex and exerts its function through its cytoplasmic immunoreceptor-tyrosine activation motif (1). The ζ-chain extracellular (EC) domain is highly conserved; however, its functional and structural contributions to the TCR signaling have not been elucidated. We show that the EC domain of the ζ homodimer is essential for TCR surface expression. To gain a more detailed structural and functional information about the ζ-chain EC domain, we applied a cysteine scanning mutagenesis to conserved amino acids of the short domain. The results showed that the interchain disulfide bridge can be displaced by seven or eight amino acids along the EC domain. The TCR signaling efficacy was dramatically reduced during peptide/MHC engagement in the ζ mutants containing the displaced disulfide bond. These signaling defective ζ mutants produced an unconventional early tyrosine phosphorylation pattern. While the tyrosine phosphorylated forms of ζ (p21 and p23) could be observed during Ag stimulation, downstream signaling events such as the generation of phospho-p36, higher m.w. forms of phospho-ζ, and phospho-ζ/ZAP-70 complexes were impaired. Together these results suggest an important function of the phylogenetically conserved ζ-EC domain.