The SJL/J T cell response to both spontaneous and transplantable syngeneic reticulum cell sarcoma is mediated predominantly by the V beta 17a+ T cell clonotype

Expression of mouse mammary tumor virus superantigen accelerates tumorigenicity of myeloma cells

To investigate whether superantigen (SAG) from endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus functions as an immunogenic or a tumorigenic factor in tumor development, the BALB/c myeloma cell line FO was transfected with the SAG gene from the 3' Mtv-50 long terminal repeat (LTR) open reading frame (ORF), the product of which was specific for Vbeta6. All five transfectants expressing Mtv-50 LTR ORF mRNA showed stimulatory activity for Vbeta6 T-cell hybridomas in vitro; this activity was inhibited by the addition of anti-Mtv-7 monoclonal antibody (MAb) or anti-major histocompatibility complex class II I-A(d) and I-E(d) MAb. All transfectants with the SAG gene grew more rapidly than did mock transfectants in BALB/c mice after subcutaneous inoculation, whereas all clones, including mock transfectants, grew equally well in athymic nude mice. A significant fraction of Vbeta6 T cells selectively expressed activation markers, including CD44(high), CD62L(low), and CD69(high), and produced large amounts of interleukin 5 (IL-5) and IL-6 in BALB/c mice inoculated with transfectants. These results suggested that the expression of viral SAG enhances the tumorigenicity of a myeloma cell line through the stimulation of SAG-reactive T cells.

Molecular cloning and expression of a unique rabbit osteoclastic phosphotyrosyl phosphatase

Tyrosyl phosphorylation plays an important regulatory role in osteoclast formation and activity. Phosphotyrosyl phosphatases (PTPs), in addition to tyrosyl kinases, are key determinants of intracellular tyrosyl phosphorylation levels. To identify the PTP that might play an important regulatory role in osteoclasts, we sought to clone an osteoclast-specific PTP. A putative full-length clone encoding a unique PTP (referred to as PTP-oc) was isolated from a 10-day-old rabbit osteoclastic cDNA library and sequenced. A single open reading frame predicts a protein with 405 amino acid residues containing a putative extracellular domain, a single transmembrane region, and an intracellular portion. PTP-oc is structurally unique in that, unlike most known transmembrane PTPs, it has a short extracellular region (eight residues), lacks a signal peptide proximal to the N-terminus, and contains only a single 'PTP catalytic domain'. The PTP catalytic domain shows 45-50% sequence identity with the catalytic domain of human HPTP beta and with the first catalytic domain of LCA. The PTP-oc gene exists as a single copy in the rabbit genome. The corresponding mRNA (3.8 kb) is expressed in osteoclasts but not in other bone-derived cells (e.g. osteoblasts and stromal cells). The 3.8 kb PTP-oc mRNA transcript was also expressed in the rabbit brain, kidney and spleen. However, the brain and kidney, but not osteoclasts or spleen, also expressed a larger transcript (6.5 kb). The PTP catalytic domain of PTP-oc was expressed as a GST-cPTP-oc fusion protein. In vitro phosphatase assays indicated that the purified fusion protein exhibited phosphatase activities at neutral pH values toward p-nitrophenyl phosphate, phosphotyrosyl Raytide, and phosphotyrosyl histone, whereas it had no appreciable activity toward phosphoseryl casein. In summary, we have: (a) cloned and sequenced the putative full-length cDNA of a unique PTP (PTP-oc) from rabbit osteoclasts; (b) shown that the mature 3.8 kb PTP-oc mRNA was expressed primarily in osteoclasts and the spleen; and (c) shown that the PTP-oc fusion protein exhibited a phosphotyrosine-specific phosphatase activity. In conclusion, PTP-oc represents a structurally unique subfamily of transmembrane PTPs.

Superantigens and retroviral infection: insights from mouse mammary tumor virus

Superantigens induce a vigorous immune response by stimulating T cells that express particular T-cell receptor V beta chains. Mouse mammary tumor virus is a milk-transmitted retrovirus that encodes such a superantigen. Paradoxically, as discussed by Werner Held and colleagues, the strong superantigen-induced immune response permits the survival of the virus via T-cell dependent clonal expansion of infected B cells.

MPTP delta, a putative murine homolog of HPTP delta, is expressed in specialized regions of the brain and in the B-cell lineage

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), together with protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), are involved in the regulation of cell activation, growth, and differentiation. To further elucidate the fine tuning of cell growth and differentiation through tyrosine phosphorylation, we tried to isolate mouse receptor-type PTP (RPTP) cDNA clones by screening mouse brain cDNA libraries with mouse CD45 PTP domain probes under reduced-stringency conditions. Characterization of isolated cDNA clones for RPTP showed that the cytoplasmic region contains two tandem repeats of PTP domain of about 230 amino acids with intrinsic phosphatase activity. The extracellular region was composed of immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains and fibronectin type III (FN-III)-like domains. The gene was highly homologous to human PTP delta (HPTP delta) and thus was named MPTP delta (murine counterpart of HPTP delta). The MPTP delta gene appeared to generate at least three species of mRNA, which differ in the composition of the extracellular domain: type A, one Ig-like and four FN-III-like domains; type B, one Ig-like and eight FN-III-like domains; and type C, three Ig-like and eight FN-III-like domains. Interestingly, the 5' untranslated region and the leader peptide of types A and B were completely different from those of type C. Northern (RNA) blot analysis demonstrated that brain, kidney, and heart cells express three mRNA species of about 7 kb. Antibody directed against part of the extracellular domain of type A MPTP delta recognized a 210-kDa protein in brain and kidney lysates. In situ hybridization of brain samples revealed that MPTP delta mRNA is present in the hippocampus, thalamic reticular nucleus, and piriform cortex, where some Src family PTKs have been also demonstrated to exist. Although MPTP delta mRNA was not detected in lymphoid tissues, all of the pre-B-cell lines tested and one of three B-cell lines tested expressed MPTP delta mRNA, whereas antibody-producing B-cell hybridomas and T-cell and macrophage lines did not. Finally, the MPTP delta locus was tightly linked to the brown (b) locus on mouse chromosome 4.

MPTP delta, a putative murine homolog of HPTP delta, is expressed in specialized regions of the brain and in the B-cell lineage

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), together with protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), are involved in the regulation of cell activation, growth, and differentiation. To further elucidate the fine tuning of cell growth and differentiation through tyrosine phosphorylation, we tried to isolate mouse receptor-type PTP (RPTP) cDNA clones by screening mouse brain cDNA libraries with mouse CD45 PTP domain probes under reduced-stringency conditions. Characterization of isolated cDNA clones for RPTP showed that the cytoplasmic region contains two tandem repeats of PTP domain of about 230 amino acids with intrinsic phosphatase activity. The extracellular region was composed of immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains and fibronectin type III (FN-III)-like domains. The gene was highly homologous to human PTP delta (HPTP delta) and thus was named MPTP delta (murine counterpart of HPTP delta). The MPTP delta gene appeared to generate at least three species of mRNA, which differ in the composition of the extracellular domain: type A, one Ig-like and four FN-III-like domains; type B, one Ig-like and eight FN-III-like domains; and type C, three Ig-like and eight FN-III-like domains. Interestingly, the 5' untranslated region and the leader peptide of types A and B were completely different from those of type C. Northern (RNA) blot analysis demonstrated that brain, kidney, and heart cells express three mRNA species of about 7 kb. Antibody directed against part of the extracellular domain of type A MPTP delta recognized a 210-kDa protein in brain and kidney lysates. In situ hybridization of brain samples revealed that MPTP delta mRNA is present in the hippocampus, thalamic reticular nucleus, and piriform cortex, where some Src family PTKs have been also demonstrated to exist. Although MPTP delta mRNA was not detected in lymphoid tissues, all of the pre-B-cell lines tested and one of three B-cell lines tested expressed MPTP delta mRNA, whereas antibody-producing B-cell hybridomas and T-cell and macrophage lines did not. Finally, the MPTP delta locus was tightly linked to the brown (b) locus on mouse chromosome 4.

Superantigens and their potential role in human disease

In the past few years, there has been a virtual explosion of information on the viral and bacterial molecules now known as superantigens. Some structures have been defined and the mechanism by which they interact with MHC class II and the V beta region of the T cell receptor is being clarified. Data are accumulating regarding the importance of virally encoded superantigens in infectivity, viral replication, and the life cycle of the virus. In the case of MMTV, evidence also suggests that superantigens encoded by a provirus may be maintained by the host to protect against future exogenous MMTV infection. Experiments in animals have also begun to elucidate the dramatic and variable effects of superantigens on responding T cells and other immune processes. Finally, the role of superantigens in certain human diseases such as toxic shock syndrome, some autoimmune diseases like Kawasaki syndrome, and perhaps some immunodeficiency disease such as that secondary to HIV infection is being addressed and mechanisms are being defined. Still, numerous important questions remain. For example, it is not clear how superantigens with such different structures, for example, SEB, TSST-1, and MMTV vSAG, can interact with MHC and a similar region of the TCR in such basically similar ways. It remains to be determined whether there are human equivalents of the endogenous murine MMTV superantigens. The functional role of bacterial superantigens also remains to be explained. Serious infection and serious consequences from toxin-producing bacteria are relatively rare events, and it is questionable whether such events are involved in the selection pressure to maintain production of a functional superantigen. Hypotheses to explain these molecules, which can differ greatly in structure, include T cell stimulation-mediated suppression of host responses or enhancement of environments for bacterial growth and replication, but substantiating data for these ideas are mostly absent. It also seems likely that only the tip of the iceberg has been uncovered in terms of the role of superantigens in human disease. Unlike toxic shock syndrome, other associations, especially with viral superantigens, may be quite subtle and defined only after considerable effort. The definition of these molecules and mechanisms of disease may result in new therapeutic strategies. Finally, it is apparent that superantigens have dramatic effects on the immune system. One wonders whether these molecules or modifications of them can be used as specific modulators of the immune system to treat disease.

MAPKAP kinase-2; a novel protein kinase activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase

A novel protein kinase, which was only active when phosphorylated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase), has been purified 85,000-fold to homogeneity from rabbit skeletal muscle. This MAP kinase activated protein kinase, termed MAPKAP kinase-2, was distinguished from S6 kinase-II (MAPKAP kinase-1) by its response to inhibitors, lack of phosphorylation of S6 peptides and amino acid sequence. MAPKAP kinase-2 phosphorylated glycogen synthase at Ser7 and the equivalent serine (*) in the peptide KKPLNRTLS*VASLPGLamide whose sequence is similar to the N terminus of glycogen synthase. MAPKAP kinase-2 was resolved into two monomeric species of apparent molecular mass 60 and 53 kDa that had similar specific activities and substrate specificities. Peptide sequences of the 60 and 53 kDa species were identical, indicating that they are either closely related isoforms or derived from the same gene. MAP kinase activated the 60 and 53 kDa forms of MAPKAP kinase-2 by phosphorylating the first threonine residue in the sequence VPQTPLHTSR. Furthermore, Mono Q chromatography of extracts from rat phaeochromocytoma and skeletal muscle demonstrated that two MAP kinase isoforms (p42mapk and p44mapk) were the only enzymes in these cells that were capable of reactivating MAPKAP kinase-2. These results indicate that MAP kinase activates at least two distinct protein kinases, suggesting that it represents a point at which the growth factor-stimulated protein kinase cascade bifurcates.

Characterization of hematopoietic intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatases: description of a phosphatase containing an SH2 domain and another enriched in proline-, glutamic acid-, serine-, and threonine-rich sequences

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) are a family of enzymes important in cellular regulation. Characterization of two cDNAs encoding intracellular PTPases expressed primarily in hematopoietic tissues and cell lines has revealed proteins that are potential regulators of signal transduction. One of these, SHP (Src homology region 2 [SH2]-domain phosphatase), possesses two tandem SH2 domains at the amino terminus of the molecule. SH2 domains have previously been described in proteins implicated in signal transduction, and SHP may be one of a family of nonreceptor PTPases that can act as direct antagonists to the nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases. The SH2 domains of SHP preferentially bind a 15,000-Mr protein expressed by LSTRA cells. LSTRA cells were shown to express SHP protein by immunoprecipitation, thus demonstrating a potential physiological interaction. The other PTPase, PEP (proline-, glutamic acid-, serine-, and threonine-rich [PEST]-domain phosphatase), is distinguished by virtue of a large carboxy-terminal domain of approximately 500 amino acids that is rich in PEST residues. PEST sequences are found in proteins that are rapidly degraded. Both proteins have been expressed by in vitro transcription and translation and in bacterial expression systems, and both have been demonstrated to have PTPase activity. These two additional members of the PTPase family accentuate the variety of PTPase structures and indicate the potential diversity of function for intracellular tyrosine phosphatases.

Characterization of hematopoietic intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatases: description of a phosphatase containing an SH2 domain and another enriched in proline-, glutamic acid-, serine-, and threonine-rich sequences

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) are a family of enzymes important in cellular regulation. Characterization of two cDNAs encoding intracellular PTPases expressed primarily in hematopoietic tissues and cell lines has revealed proteins that are potential regulators of signal transduction. One of these, SHP (Src homology region 2 [SH2]-domain phosphatase), possesses two tandem SH2 domains at the amino terminus of the molecule. SH2 domains have previously been described in proteins implicated in signal transduction, and SHP may be one of a family of nonreceptor PTPases that can act as direct antagonists to the nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases. The SH2 domains of SHP preferentially bind a 15,000-Mr protein expressed by LSTRA cells. LSTRA cells were shown to express SHP protein by immunoprecipitation, thus demonstrating a potential physiological interaction. The other PTPase, PEP (proline-, glutamic acid-, serine-, and threonine-rich [PEST]-domain phosphatase), is distinguished by virtue of a large carboxy-terminal domain of approximately 500 amino acids that is rich in PEST residues. PEST sequences are found in proteins that are rapidly degraded. Both proteins have been expressed by in vitro transcription and translation and in bacterial expression systems, and both have been demonstrated to have PTPase activity. These two additional members of the PTPase family accentuate the variety of PTPase structures and indicate the potential diversity of function for intracellular tyrosine phosphatases.

A novel endothelial cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase with extracellular epidermal growth factor homology domains

Endothelial cell surfaces play key roles in several important physiological and pathological processes such as blood clotting, angiogenic responses, and inflammation. Here we describe the cloning and characterization of tie, a novel type of human endothelial cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase. The extracellular domain of the predicted tie protein product has an exceptional multidomain structure consisting of a cluster of three epidermal growth factor homology motifs embedded between two immunoglobulinlike loops, which are followed by three fibronectin type III repeats next to the transmembrane region. Additionally, a cDNA form lacking the first of the three epidermal growth factor homology domains was isolated, suggesting that alternative splicing creates different tie-type receptors. Cells transfected with tie cDNA expression vector produce glycosylated polypeptides of 117 kDa which are reactive to antisera raised against the tie carboxy terminus. The tie gene was located in chromosomal region 1p33 to 1p34. Expression of the tie gene appeared to be restricted in some cell lines; large amounts of tie mRNA were detected in endothelial cell lines and in some myeloid leukemia cell lines with erythroid and megakaryoblastoid characteristics. In addition, mRNA in situ studies further indicated the endothelial expression of the tie gene. The tie receptor tyrosine kinase may have evolved for multiple protein-protein interactions, possibly including cell adhesion to the vascular endothelium.

A novel endothelial cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase with extracellular epidermal growth factor homology domains

Endothelial cell surfaces play key roles in several important physiological and pathological processes such as blood clotting, angiogenic responses, and inflammation. Here we describe the cloning and characterization of tie, a novel type of human endothelial cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase. The extracellular domain of the predicted tie protein product has an exceptional multidomain structure consisting of a cluster of three epidermal growth factor homology motifs embedded between two immunoglobulinlike loops, which are followed by three fibronectin type III repeats next to the transmembrane region. Additionally, a cDNA form lacking the first of the three epidermal growth factor homology domains was isolated, suggesting that alternative splicing creates different tie-type receptors. Cells transfected with tie cDNA expression vector produce glycosylated polypeptides of 117 kDa which are reactive to antisera raised against the tie carboxy terminus. The tie gene was located in chromosomal region 1p33 to 1p34. Expression of the tie gene appeared to be restricted in some cell lines; large amounts of tie mRNA were detected in endothelial cell lines and in some myeloid leukemia cell lines with erythroid and megakaryoblastoid characteristics. In addition, mRNA in situ studies further indicated the endothelial expression of the tie gene. The tie receptor tyrosine kinase may have evolved for multiple protein-protein interactions, possibly including cell adhesion to the vascular endothelium.

Cloning and characterization of a receptor-class phosphotyrosine phosphatase gene expressed on central nervous system axons in Drosophila melanogaster

We have cloned and characterized cDNAs coding for a receptor-class phosphotyrosine phosphatase gene from Drosophila melanogaster. The gene maps to the polytene chromosome bands 99A7-8. The cDNA clones code for a polypeptide of 1301 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 145 kDa. The extracellular domain includes two fibronectin-type III-like domains. The cytoplasmic region contains two tandemly repeated phosphotyrosine phosphatase-like domains. Residues shown crucial for catalytic activity are absent in the second domain. This Drosophila receptor-class phosphotyrosine phosphatase polypeptide is expressed on axons of the embryonic central nervous system.

PCR walking from microdissection clone M54 identifies three exons from the human gene for the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (CAM-L1)

Microdissection has proved to be a powerful tool in the construction of libraries from specific chromosome segments (11) which are poorly covered by existing RFLP markers. Microclones also represent starting points for finding genes of interest. However, their length (100 to 200 bp) can make their use as probes problematic and identifying them as coding sequence is difficult. We report here that microclones can be extended in vitro by a modified version of our original PCR walking method (10) which utilises oligo-cassettes and the solid phase biotin/streptavidin separation system. We have extended the microclone M54, derived by dissection from Xq27.2 to proximal Xq28 (12), in both directions for approximately 700 bp. Direct sequencing of these products revealed that M54 was located within an intron of the human gene encoding the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (CAM-L1) which has been recently mapped to Xq28 (13). The extension of M54 also identified three exons of this gene. This information allowed subsequent amplification of a 2.4 kb cDNA molecule from fetal human brain mRNA which encodes most of human CAM-L1. Sequencing of this cDNA revealed a high degree of sequence conservation with the mouse homologue (14). This is the first description of extension of a human derived microclone by PCR mediated walking within total human genomic DNA. These results show that anonymous DNA sequences may be extended into coding or any sequence.

CD8+ T-cell clones deficient in the expression of the CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase have impaired responses to T-cell receptor stimuli

CD45 is a high-molecular-weight transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase expressed only by nucleated cells of hematopoietic origin. To examine function, mouse CD8+ cytolytic T-cell clones were derived that had a specific defect in the expression of CD45. Northern (RNA) blot analysis indicates that the CD45 deficiency is due to either a transcriptional defect or mRNA instability. The CD45-deficient cells were greatly diminished in their ability to respond to antigen. All functional parameters of T-cell receptor signalling analyzed (cytolysis of targets, proliferation, and cytokine production) were markedly diminished. A CD45+ revertant was isolated, and the ability to respond to antigen was restored. These results support a central and immediate role for this transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase in T-cell receptor signalling.

I-E expression does not by itself influence growth of or T cell unresponsiveness to SJL lymphomas

The nature of the antigen on SJL lymphoma (reticulum cell sarcomas, RCS) cells that is strongly stimulatory to syngeneic CD4+ T cells is still elusive. Previously, we showed that the response to RCS of T cells from F1 hybrids of SJL by strains expressing I-Ak,d and/or I-Ek,d was much lower than that of T cells from SJL mice or from F1 hybrids of SJL by H2b- or H2s-bearing strains. We now show that removal of CD8+T cells from the responding cell population of (SJL x BALB/c)F1 or (SJL x A.TL)F1 mice does not enhance their responses, suggesting that the negative effect of H2k,d is not due to suppressor cells. Moreover, repeated injections of RCS cells into such F1 mice also fail to enhance the response, suggesting that these mice lack responder cells. T cells from I-E alpha transgenic (C57BL x SJL)F1 mice backcrossed to SJL respond to RCS as do T cells from I-E alpha- littermates or SJL mice. Similarly, I-E alpha+ SJL mice support RCS growth in vivo to the same (LN + spleen)/body weight ratio as do I-E- littermates. Thus, while I-E appears to have a negative influence on T cell responsiveness and RCS growth in F1 mice, it does not have such an effect when present, by itself, on a SJL background. The role of V beta 17 a+ T cells in the response of SJL T cells to RCS was also examined, because such cells are known to be responsive to I-E. The responses of V beta 17a(+)-depleted (0.3% V beta 17 a+) and V beta 17 a(+)-enriched (25.3% V beta 17a+) SJL T cell populations to RCS were examined by limiting dilution. We found the incidence of responding cells to be slightly higher in the depleted (0.016%) than in the (0.006%) enriched population. Furthermore, lymph node blast cell populations responding to RCS do not exhibit a higher percentage of cells staining for V beta 17a than do blast cells responding to Con A or unstimulated lymph node cells.

CD8+ T-cell clones deficient in the expression of the CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase have impaired responses to T-cell receptor stimuli

CD45 is a high-molecular-weight transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase expressed only by nucleated cells of hematopoietic origin. To examine function, mouse CD8+ cytolytic T-cell clones were derived that had a specific defect in the expression of CD45. Northern (RNA) blot analysis indicates that the CD45 deficiency is due to either a transcriptional defect or mRNA instability. The CD45-deficient cells were greatly diminished in their ability to respond to antigen. All functional parameters of T-cell receptor signalling analyzed (cytolysis of targets, proliferation, and cytokine production) were markedly diminished. A CD45+ revertant was isolated, and the ability to respond to antigen was restored. These results support a central and immediate role for this transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase in T-cell receptor signalling.

Molecular characterization of a protein-tyrosine-phosphatase enriched in striatum

A cDNA clone encoding a neural-specific putative protein-tyrosine-phosphatase (protein-tyrosine-phosphate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.48) has been isolated from a rat striatal cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence predicts a protein of approximately 369 amino acids with a strong homology to other members of the family of protein-tyrosine-phosphatases. In vitro translation produces a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 46 kDa. A potential attachment mechanism to the cytoplasmic membrane is suggested by a myristoylation amino acid-consensus sequence at the N terminus of the protein. RNA analyses of various regions of rat brain reveal a 3-kilobase (kb) and a 4.4-kb mRNA. The 3-kb mRNA is highly enriched within the striatum relative to other brain areas and has been termed a "striatum enriched phosphatase" (STEP). In contrast, the 4.4-kb message is most abundant in the cerebral cortex and rare in the striatum. These two messages appear to be alternatively processed RNA transcripts of a single gene.

Evidence for the involvement of CD56 molecules in alloantigen-specific recognition by human natural killer cells

In recent reports we have described the generation of natural killer (NK) lines devoid of CD3/TCR structures but with apparent specificity for allogeneic target cells. Using one such NK line as an immunogen, we now report the generation of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), designated 2-13 and 5-38, which bind selectively to the majority of CD3-, CD16+, CD56+ lymphocytes and inhibit the lysis of specific allogeneic target cells by a panel of alloreactive NK lines. By contrast, these mAbs had no effect on classical NK cell mediated lysis of K562 cells or major histocompatibility-restricted T cell-mediated cytolysis. Immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled NK lines followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that the target molecules of both mAbs have a molecular mass of approximately 180 kD. Leu 19, a well-described anti-CD56 mAb, precipitated a 180 kD protein from NK cells, and the binding of Leu 19 to NK cells was blocked by pretreatment with both 2-13 and 5-38. However, in contrast to these mAbs, Leu 19 had no effect on the cytolytic activity of allospecific NK cells. Sequential immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that all three mAbs recognized distinct molecular species of CD56. We interpret these findings as indicating that multiple isoforms of CD56 are differentially expressed on NK lines and play critical roles in the recognition/interaction of these cells with their specific allogeneic targets.

A periodicity in the response of SJL/J thymocytes to isoproterenol. Simulation by cell lines

Thymocytes from SJL/J mice exhibit a periodicity in their response to hormonal stimulation with isoproterenol. This periodicity (5-9 days) is expressed in large changes in the intensity of the response (peak levels of intracellular cAMP which vary approximately 6-fold), and in the response pattern, i.e., in the occurrence or non-occurrence of an immediate hormone-induced desensitization. In contrast, C57BL/6 thymocytes have a homogeneous response pattern (in all cases there was an immediate desensitization). Their response does change with the same periodicity, but these changes are restricted to the intensity of response (the peak of cAMP levels varies only approximately 2-fold). Using T, B and pre-B shown that these periodic changes may be due to fluctuations in T cell subpopulations in the thymus and possibly also the infiltration of B cells into it. These observations provide a useful system for studying at the cellular and molecular level the known correlation between endocrine disorders and neoplasia in mice. On the other hand, the set of cell lines with such different response patterns to a single hormone may be used for the identification and isolation of additional cellular constituents involved in the cellular response to hormones and its immediate desensitization.

Identification of an additional member of the protein-tyrosine-phosphatase family: evidence for alternative splicing in the tyrosine phosphatase domain

Protein-tyrosine-phosphatases (protein-tyrosine-phosphate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.13.48) have been implicated in the regulation of cell growth; however, to date few tyrosine phosphatases have been characterized. To identify additional family members, the cDNA for the human tyrosine phosphatase leukocyte common antigen (LCA; CD45) was used to screen, under low stringency, a mouse pre-B-cell cDNA library. Two cDNA clones were isolated and sequence analysis predicts a protein sequence of 793 amino acids. We have named the molecule LRP (LCA-related phosphatase). RNA transfer analysis indicates that the cDNAs were derived from a 3.2-kilobase mRNA. The LRP mRNA is transcribed in a wide variety of tissues. The predicted protein structure can be divided into the following structural features: a short 19-amino acid leader sequence, an exterior domain of 123 amino acids that is predicted to be highly glycosylated, a 24-amino acid membrane-spanning region, and a 627-amino acid cytoplasmic region. The cytoplasmic region contains two approximately 260-amino acid domains, each with homology to the tyrosine phosphatase family. One of the cDNA clones differed in that it had a 108-base-pair insertion that, while preserving the reading frame, would disrupt the first protein-tyrosine-phosphatase domain. Analysis of genomic DNA indicates that the insertion is due to an alternatively spliced exon. LRP appears to be evolutionarily conserved as a putative homologue has been identified in the invertebrate Styela plicata.

Cloning and expression of a protein-tyrosine-phosphatase

A rat brain cDNA library was screened by using a mixture of oligonucleotides whose sequences were deduced from the amino acid sequence of a human placental protein-tyrosine-phosphatase (PTPase; EC 3.1.3.48) reported by Charbonneau et al. [Charbonneau, H., Tonks, N. K., Walsh, K. A. & Fischer, E. H. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 7182-7186]. The isolated clones encode a PTPase of 432 amino acids having a mass of 49,679 daltons and showing 97% sequence identity to the corresponding 321 residues of the placental enzyme. The coding sequence of the PTPase was placed behind a bacteriophage T7 promoter and the protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein had a molecular weight of 50,000 by SDS/PAGE analysis and showed an absolute specificity for phosphotyrosine-containing substrates. Northern analysis documented that there were two sizes of RNA, 4.3 and 2.0 kilobases, which encode the PTPase. Both transcripts were present in a number of tissues, and the smaller RNA appears to arise by the use of an alternative polyadenylylation signal. The PTPase was also localized by in situ hybridization in the rat central nervous system. A diffuse pattern of hybridization signal is seen in a number of brain areas, with the hippocampus showing the highest levels of mRNA. Sequences located at the C terminus of the rat brain PTPase contain possible sites for phosphorylation as well as signals which could serve for membrane attachment.

A spontaneous sarcoma dependent on host tumor-specific immune lymphocytes

The immune surveillance theory postulates that spontaneous tumors are normally rejected by the immune system and appear only when they override host-immune recognition and rejection mechanisms. The present mini-review describes a spontaneous tumor system, the reticulum cell sarcomas (RCS) in SJL/J mice, that is dependent on host tumor-specific immune lymphocytes for growth. This continuous tumor-specific response results in tumor progression and death of the host. This tumor system contradicts the basic concept of immune surveillance. We propose as an explanation that some highly antigenic tumors, like the RCS, may have evolved in a non-autonomous fashion but, nevertheless, have lost regulatory controls of cell proliferation. In the RCS system, the tumor expresses Class II MHC I-E like specificities that are not expressed on the host cells and which selectively stimulate a subpopulation of I-E specific T cells, the V beta 17 a+ clonotype, leading to their expansion and continuous nurturing of the tumor via secreted lymphokines. This neoantigenic stimulation bypasses the tumor regulatory response that might have resulted if the tumor had not expressed neoantigens. Furthermore, passive administration of anti-clonotypic antibody to tumor-bearing mice results in tumor regression and long-term survival through removal of the tumor reactive T cells. Thus, in this tumor system, immunosuppressive treatments are the prescription for tumor rejection.

Role of MHC, Mls and TCR in immune tolerance

MHC class II molecules and self antigens, such as Mls, influence T-cell selection by clonal deletion of potentially self-reactive T cells. In order to examine the role of various class II molecules in the T-cell receptor-self antigen interaction, class II transgenic and recombinant mice were analysed for TCR expression. Our studies indicate that the A alpha and E alpha chains can present Mls gene products for the clonal deletion of V beta 6-bearing T cells, and that the A alpha q chain is defective in this process. We have also shown that E alpha A beta heterodimer in transgenic and recombinant mice is expressed and functions to delete I-E reactive V beta llT cells, demonstrating again the role of the E alpha molecule.

A detailed structural model of cytotactin: protein homologies, alternative RNA splicing, and binding regions

A combination of cDNA sequencing of the complete coding region, protein comparisons, binding site mapping, and electron microscopic imaging has permitted the formulation of a structural model of cytotactin. Cytotactin is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein that displays a restricted tissue distribution during development. Although there appears to be a single cytotactin gene, multiple cytotactin polypeptides and mRNAs are detected in a variety of tissues. We report here the sequences and relationships of cDNAs that encode the complete amino acid sequences of two cytotactin polypeptides in chicken brain. The translated cDNA sequences agree with those obtained by direct analysis of cytotactin and fragments of the molecule. All regions of the polypeptides appear to be identical except for a 273 amino acid segment found in the larger but not in the smaller. At their amino termini, both polypeptides contain a cysteine-rich segment that probably includes those residues that link monomers into hexamers. This segment is followed by 13 epidermal growth factor-like (EGFL) repeats and then 8 consecutive segments that each resemble the type III repeats found in fibronectin. At their carboxyl termini, the polypeptides are similar to the beta and gamma chains of fibrinogen, including a calcium-binding segment. The additional sequence in the large polypeptide is inserted after the fifth type III repeat and includes three additional type III repeats. On RNA transfer blot analyses, cytotactin cDNA probes detected a 6.4-kilobase (kb) component in both brain and gizzard and larger mRNAs in both tissues, but those in gizzard were larger by about 1 kb than those in brain. A probe specific to the insert did not hybridize to the 6.4-kb mRNA in either tissue but detected the larger mRNAs in both tissues. At least a portion of the insert is thus present in both tissues, but there may be additional inserts in the gizzard mRNAs. The proposed model of cytotactin specifies the orientation of the polypeptides, the localization of interchain disulfide bonds, the structural elements constituting the thin and thick segments (EGFL repeats and type III repeats, respectively), the terminal fibrinogen-like nodular region, and the relative location of the cell-binding region.