Stimulation of CD5 enhances signal transduction by the T cell antigen receptor

T-cell modulatory properties of CD5 and its role in antitumor immune responses

The destruction of tumor cells by the immune system is under the control of positive and negative receptors that tightly regulate T-cell effector functions. The T-cell receptor (TCR) inhibitory molecule CD5 critically contributes to the regulation of antitumor immune responses. Indeed, the modulation of CD5 within the tumor microenvironment corresponds to a strategy adopted by tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to optimize their cytotoxic and cytokine secretion functions. In this review, we provide insights into the immunobiology of CD5 and its role in regulating antitumor CD8 T-cell responses, and suggest the possibility of targeting CD5 to improve the efficacy of current immunotherapeutic approaches against cancer.

CD6 as a therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases: successes and challenges

The transmembrane surface glycoprotein CD6 was one of the first antigens identified on T lymphocytes. The recognition of its involvement in T-cell signaling processes heralds the potential of CD6 as a target for therapy in a number of pathologies associated with imbalances in T-cell function. Its tissue distribution, cellular expression, and overall molecular structure are well described, and the interaction with its physiological ligand CD166 has been determined to the amino-acid level. Nevertheless, the involvement of CD6 in signaling pathways remains poorly characterized and its biological function is controversial; still unresolved are whether CD6 is a co-stimulatory molecule in T-cell activation or, similar to the related CD5 antigen, a modulator of intracellular signaling. Here we revisit the earliest attempts of modulating immune function using CD6 monoclonal antibodies, and review the current thinking behind the recent developments in immunotherapy targeting CD6. Notwithstanding the promises and hopes brought by monoclonals already in clinical trials, the fact is that very little is known about the mechanism of action of these reagents, whether they enhance the physiological role of the receptor or whether they may induce a completely novel biochemical response that might, nevertheless, be beneficially used to treat human immune pathology.

CD6 attenuates early and late signaling events, setting thresholds for T-cell activation

The T lineage glycoprotein CD6 is generally considered to be a costimulator of T-cell activation. Here, we demonstrate that CD6 significantly reduces early and late T-cell responses upon superantigen stimulation or TCR triggering by Abs. Measuring calcium mobilization in single cells responding to superantigen, we found that human T cells expressing rat CD6 react significantly less well compared with T cells not expressing the exogenous receptor. When the cytoplasmic domain of rat CD6 was removed, calcium responses were recovered, indicating that the inhibitory properties of CD6 are attributable to its cytoplasmic domain. Calcium responses, and also late indicators of T-cell activation such as IL-2 release, were also diminished in TCR-activated Jurkat cells expressing human CD6, compared with CD6-deficient cells or cells expressing a cytoplasmic deletion mutant of human CD6. Similarly, calcium signals triggered by anti-CD3 were enhanced in human T lymphocytes following morpholino-mediated suppression of CD6 expression. Finally, the proliferation of T lymphocytes was increased when the CD6-CD166 interaction was blocked with anti-CD166 Abs, but inhibited when anti-CD6 Abs were used. Our data suggest that CD6 is a signaling attenuator whose expression alone, i.e. in the absence of ligand engagement, is sufficient to restrain signaling in T cells.

CD5 does not regulate the signaling triggered through BCR in B cells from a subset of B-CLL patients

CD5 is a transmembrane protein expressed on all T lineage cells and a subset of B cells. It is known that CD5 is physically associated with the T-cell receptor and B-cell receptor (BCR), inhibiting the signaling triggered by both of them. CD5 is also characteristic of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) B cells, although its implication in the development of this lymphoproliferative disorder has not been studied. In the present study, we examined the effect of CD5 in apoptosis, cell viability and global protein tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by BCR in B cells from B-CLL patients. As opposed to tonsil B cells, we did not observe an increase in the apoptotic or viability signals induced by anti-immunoglobulin M or SAC/interleukin-2 when CD5 was dissociated from BCR in leukemic cells of the majority of patients. We also observed that CD5 did not regulate the BCR-induced phosphotyrosine pattern in B-CLL B cells. These findings suggest that CD5 does not inhibit properly the BCR-mediated signaling in leukemic cells. This defect in inhibiting the BCR might contribute to the enhanced survival of B-CLL B cells.

Environmental contaminant and disinfection by-product trichloroacetaldehyde stimulates T cells in vitro

It had been shown previously that MRL+/+ mice exposed to occupationally relevant doses of the environmental contaminant trichloroethylene in their drinking water developed lupus-like symptoms and autoimmune hepatitis in association with activation of Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing CD4+ T cells. Since trichloroethylene must be metabolized in order to promote the T-cell activation associated with autoimmunity, the present study was initiated to determine whether the immunoregulatory effects of trichloroethylene could be mimicked by one of its major metabolites, trichloroacetaldehyde (TCAA). At concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 1 mM TCAA co-stimulated proliferation of murine T-helper type 1 (Th1) cells treated with anti-CD3 antibody or antigen in vitro. TCAA at similar concentrations also induced phenotypic alterations commensurate with activation (upregulation of CD28 and downregulation of CD62L) in both cloned memory Th1 cells, as well as naïve CD4+ T cells from MRL+/+ mice. TCAA-induced Th1 cell activation was accompanied by phoshorylation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2) and c-Jun, two components of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor. TCAA at higher concentrations was also shown to form a Schiff base on T cells, and inhibition of Schiff base formation suppressed the ability of TCAA to phosphorylate ATF-2. Taken together, these results suggest that TCAA promotes T-cell activation via stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway in association with Schiff base formation on T-cell surface proteins. By demonstrating that TCAA can stimulate T-cell function directly, these results may explain how the environmental toxicant trichloroethylene promotes T-cell activation and related autoimmunity in vivo.

Absence of CD5 dramatically reduces progression of pulmonary inflammatory lesions in SHP-1 protein-tyrosine phosphatase-deficient 'viable motheaten' mice

Mice homozygous for the viable motheaten (Hcph(me-v)) mutation are deficient in SHP-1 protein-tyrosine phosphatase, resulting in severe systemic autoimmunity and immune dysfunction. A high percentage of B-cells in viable motheaten mice express the cell surface glycoprotein CD5, in contrast to wild type mice that express CD5 on only a small percentage of B-cells. CD5(+) B-cells have been associated with autoantibody production. To determine the role of CD5 in the development of the inflammatory disease in me(v)/ me(v) mice, we created a stock of CD5(null)me(v)/ me(v) mice. The longevity of CD5(null)me(v)/ me(v) mice was increased 69% in comparison to me(v)/ me(v) mice on a similar (B6;129) background. The increased lifespan was associated with a marked reduction in pulmonary inflammation. Flow cytometry analysis of spleen cells from CD5(null)me(v)/ me(v) mice at 9-12 weeks of age revealed significant decreases in percentages of IgM/B220 double positive B-cells, Mac-1/Gr-1 double positive cells and CD4(+) T-cells compared with me(v)/ me(v) mice. CD5(null)me(v)/ me(v) mice also had significantly lower serum IgM levels in comparison to me(v)/ me(v) mice. Study of CD5(null)me(v)/ me(v) mice may provide further insight into the role of CD5 in cell signaling and may help explain the observed association of CD5(+) B-cells with autoimmune disease.

CD5 (OKT1) augments CD3-mediated intracellular signaling events in human T lymphocytes

CD5 is expressed on thymocytes, all mature T cells, and a subset of mature B cells, and probably contributes to T-cell-B-cell adhesion. We assessed whether CD5-crosslinking by mAb augments T-cell stimulation. Plate-bound anti-CD5 or anti-CD3 mAb alone had no effect on any of the assessed activation parameters of resting T cells. However, concomitant signaling through both CD5 and CD3 by plate-bound antibodies resulted in marked increases in T-cell surface CD69 expression and T-cell metabolism, as assessed by the T cell's ability to reduce 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxylmethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulphophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) to formazen. In addition, simultaneous cross-linking of CD5 and CD3 caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in resting T cells compared to stimulation with anti-CD3 mAb alone or anti-CD3 mAb plus anti-CD5 isotype control antibody. These results indicate that CD5 augments signaling through CD3 and consequently functions as a costimulatory molecule for resting T cells.

Fine tuning of TCR signaling by CD5

Current data indicate that CD5 functions as an inhibitor of TCR signal transduction. Consistent with this role, thymocyte selection in TCR transgenic/CD5(-/-) mice is altered in a manner suggestive of enhanced TCR signaling. However, the impact of CD5 deletion on thymocyte selection varies depending on the transgenic TCR analyzed, ranging from a slight to a marked shift from positive toward negative selection. An explanation for the variable effect of CD5 on selection is suggested by the observation that CD5 surface expression is regulated by TCR signal intensity during development and CD5 surface levels on mature thymocytes and T cells parallel the avidity of the positively selecting TCR/MHC/ligand interaction. In this study, we generated mice that overexpress CD5 during thymocyte development (CD5-tg), and then examined the effect of CD5 overexpression or CD5 deletion (CD5(-/-)) on selection of thymocytes that express the same TCR transgenes. The results demonstrate that the effect on thymocyte selection of altering CD5 expression depends on the avidity of the selecting interaction and, consequently, the level of basal (endogenous) CD5 surface expression. Substitution of endogenous CD5 with a transgene encoding a truncated form of the protein failed to rescue the CD5(-/-) phenotype, demonstrating that the cytoplasmic domain of CD5 is required for its inhibitory function. Together, these results indicate that inducible regulation of CD5 surface expression during thymocyte selection functions to fine tune the TCR signaling response.

The identification and characterization of a ligand for bovine CD5

CD5, a type I glycoprotein expressed by T cells and a subset of B cells, is thought to play a significant role in modulating Ag receptor signaling. Previously, our laboratory has shown that bovine B cells are induced to express this key regulatory molecule upon Ag receptor cross-linking. To date, a ligand has not been described for bovine CD5. Given the importance ligand binding presumably plays in the functioning of CD5 on this B cell subset and on T cells, we sought to characterize the ligand for this protein using a bovine CD5-human IgG1 (CD5Ig) fusion protein produced by both mammalian and yeast cells. As determined by CD5Ig binding, expression of this ligand is negative to low on freshly isolated lymphocytes, with low-density expression being limited to activated B cells. Activation with LPS, PMA, and calcium ionophore, or ligation of CD40 alone or in combination with anti-IgM, resulted in B cell-specific expression of this ligand. Interestingly, activation through B cell Ag receptor cross-linking alone, although able to induce CD5 expression, did not result in expression of CD5 ligand (CD5L). In addition, we demonstrate a functional role for CD5L as a costimulatory molecule that augments CD40L-stimulated B cell proliferation. Finally, immunoprecipitation with CD5Ig suggests that the ligand characterized in this study has a molecular mass of approximately 200 kDa. The data reported herein, as well as future studies aimed at further characterizing this newly identified bovine CD5L, will undoubtedly aid in understanding the role that the CD5-CD5L interaction plays in immune responses.

CD5 is dissociated from the B-cell receptor in B cells from bovine leukemia virus-infected, persistently lymphocytotic cattle: consequences to B-cell receptor-mediated apoptosis

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a retrovirus related to human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2, can induce persistent nonneoplastic expansion of the CD5(+) B-cell population, termed persistent lymphocytosis (PL). As in human CD5(+) B cells, we report here that CD5 was physically associated with the B-cell receptor (BCR) in normal bovine CD5(+) B cells. In contrast, in CD5(+) B cells from BLV-infected PL cattle, CD5 was dissociated from the BCR. In B cells from PL cattle, apoptosis decreased when cells were stimulated with antibody to surface immunoglobulin M (sIgM), while in B cells from uninfected cattle, apoptosis increased after sIgM stimulation. The functional significance of the CD5-BCR association was suggested by experimental dissociation of the CD5-BCR interaction by cross-linking of CD5. This caused CD5(+) B cells from uninfected animals to decrease apoptosis when stimulated with anti-sIgM. In contrast, in CD5(+) B cells from PL animals, in which CD5 was already dissociated from the BCR, there was no statistically significant change in apoptosis when CD5 was cross-linked and the cells were stimulated with anti-sIgM. Disruption of CD5-BCR interactions and subsequent decreased apoptosis and increased survival in antigenically stimulated B cells may be a mechanism of BLV-induced PL.

Role of two conserved cytoplasmic threonine residues (T410 and T412) in CD5 signaling

CD5 is a transmembrane coreceptor that modulates activation and differentiation signals mediated by the Ag-specific receptor present on both T and B1a lymphocytes. CD5 lacks intrinsic catalytic activity, and its immunomodulatory properties result from intracellular interactions mediated by the CD5 cytoplasmic tail. The nature of these interactions is currently a matter of investigation. Here, we present a selective mutagenesis analysis of two conserved threonine residues (T410 and T412) located at the membrane-proximal cytoplasmic region of CD5. These residues are contained within consensus phosphorylation motifs for protein kinase C and are shown here to be critical for in vivo protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of CD5. Functional studies revealed that the integrity of T410 and T412 is also critical for CD5-mediated phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) activation and phorbol ester-mediated inhibition of Ab-induced internalization of CD5. These results strongly argue in favor of a role for T410 and T412 in the signaling mediated by CD5.

Negative Regulation of CD4 Lineage Development and Responses by CD5

CD5 deficiency results in a hyper-responsive phenotype to Ag receptor stimulation. Here we show that the development and responses of CD4 lineage T cells are regulated by the function of CD5. Thymocytes expressing the I-Ad-restricted DO11.10 TCR undergo abnormal selection without CD5. In H-2d mice, the absence of CD5 causes deletion of double-positive thymocytes, but allows for efficient selection of cells expressing high levels of the DO11.10 clonotype. By contrast, there is enhanced negative selection against the DO11.10 clonotype in the presence of I-Ab. T cell hybridomas and DO11.10 T cells are more responsive to TCR stimulation in the absence of CD5. Such hypersensitivity can be eliminated by expression of wild-type CD5, but not by a form of CD5 that lacks the cytoplasmic tail. Finally, CD5 deficiency partially suppresses the block of CD4 lineage development in CD4-deficient mice. Taken together, the data support a general role for CD5 as a negative regulator of Ag receptor signaling in the development and immune responses of CD4 lineage T cells.

Negative regulation of antigen receptor-mediated signaling by constitutive association of CD5 with the SHP-1 protein tyrosine phosphatase in B-1 B cells

CD5, a membrane-associated glycoprotein, has been shown to negatively regulate antigen receptor-mediated growth responses in peritoneal B lymphocytes, thymocytes and mature T cells. The CD5-expressing peritoneal B cells (B-1) that are normally unresponsive to B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated growth signals mount a proliferative response to BCR cross-linking if the CD5 gene is deleted or if the CD5 molecule is sequestered away from the BCR. SHP-1, a cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase, has also been implicated in the negative regulation of antigen receptor-mediated signaling. The present study shows that SHP-1 is constitutively associated with the BCR in B-1 cells. This association is mediated in part by CD5, as it is reduced substantially after antigen receptor ligation in CD5(-/-) B-1 cells, and upon sequestration of CD5 from the antigen receptor complexes in wild-type B-1 cells. Prior cross-linking of CD5 also restores a normal calcium mobilization response as well as NF-kappaB activation in B-1 cells. These data support a model whereby CD5 negatively regulates antigen receptor-mediated growth signals by recruiting SHP-1 into the BCR complex in B-1 cells.

Identification of a natural soluble form of human CD5

CD5 is a 67 kDa type I glycoprotein which belongs to the Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich (SRCR) family of receptors. This family includes either cell-surface (e.g. CD6) or secreted (e.g. Spalpha) proteins implicated in the development of the immune system and the regulation of immune responses. In this study, we purified and characterised a circulating natural soluble CD5 form (nsCD5) which is indistinguishable (in apparent molecular mass, glycosylation pattern, and antibody reactivity) from a recombinant soluble CD5 form (rsCD5) composed of the three extracellular SCRC domains. The nsCD5 is a N-glycosylated 52 kDa molecule present in normal human serum and in supernatants of in vitro phorbol ester- and CD3-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The nsCD5 concentration in sera from healthy donors is relatively low (median 1.75 ng/ml, rn=166) and is similar to that found in sera from patients suffering of various autoimmune (systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis) and non-autoimmune (chronic renal failure, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia) disorders. In vitro experiments indicate that nsCD5 is released by proteolytic cleavage of the membrane form. These results represent the first evidence of proteolytic release of a transmembrane SRCR family member following cell activation.

Relevance of individual CD5 extracellular domains on antibody recognition, glycosylation and co-mitogenic signalling

CD5 is a type I glycoprotein which modulates T- and B-cell receptor-mediated signals and is expressed by thymocytes, mature T cells and a subset of mature B cells. The extracellular region of CD5 is composed of three scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains (D1, D2, D3) for which only limited functional and structural data are available. Using cell transfectants expressing ectodomain-deficient CD5 molecules or CD5 immunoglobulin fusion proteins, we analysed individual CD5 domains with respect to monoclonal antibody binding specificity, glycosylation, and co-mitogenic signalling. Our results show the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides on D1 and D2, but not on D3. D1, the most amino-terminal domain, is predicted to be the most appropriately placed domain for an interaction with a ligand. This domain is recognised by a large panel of well characterised CD5 mAbs, reflecting its higher immunogenicity. In an attempt to develop mAbs with specificity for the more conserved membrane-proximal domains, we generated a unique mAb, named 83-C4, whose binding mapped to D3. Co-stimulatory studies revealed no significant differences between anti-D1 and anti-D3 mAbs. The high interspecies conservation of D3 implies a conserved role of this domain in CD5 function and the 83-C4 mAb promises to be a valuable tool in exploring this.

Interaction of recombinant and natural soluble CD5 forms with an alternative cell surface ligand

CD5, a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) receptor family, plays a role in the thymocyte maturation, T cell activation and T cell-antigen-presenting cell interactions. To date only CD5 ligands (CD5L) compatible with a T-B co-stimulatory role have been described (CD72, gp40-80 and IgV(H) framework region) so the existence of alternative CD5L involved in other aspects of T cell biology warrants further exploration. Here we characterize the cell binding properties of a recombinant soluble human CD5 extracellular domain glycoprotein (rsCD5). In contrast to previously characterized ligands, this molecule binds to a broadly distributed cell surface receptor expressed on monocytes, lymphocytes and various cell lines of lymphoid, myelomonocytic and epithelial origin. The cell binding of rsCD5 is divalent cation independent and inhibited by high molar concentrations of certain monosaccharides. Both human CD5 Ig fusion proteins and a natural soluble CD5 form (present in human serum and resulting from proteolytic cleavage following lymphocyte activation) reproduce the cell binding pattern of rsCD5 and block its binding in a competitive form. The involvement of the most N-terminal CD5 SRCR domains (D1 and D2) in binding is deduced from competition cell binding assays with CD5 Ig fusion proteins. These results imply a novel CD5/CD5L interaction model recalling some aspects of the interaction of CD6 with activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM).

Signaling Through CD5 Involves Acidic Sphingomyelinase, Protein Kinase C-ζ, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase, and c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase

The CD5 lymphocyte surface glycoprotein is a coreceptor involved in the modulation of Ag-specific receptor-mediated activation and differentiation signals. The molecular basis for its modulatory properties is not yet well understood. In the present study we describe early biochemical events triggered by CD5 stimulation, which include the phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC)-dependent activation of acidic sphingomyelinase (A-SMase) in normal and lymphoblastoid T and B cells. The functional coupling of PC-PLC and A-SMase is demonstrated by the abrogation of A-SMase activation by 1) xanthogenate tricyclodecan-9-yl (D609), a selective inhibitor of PC-PLC, and 2) replacement of several C-terminal serine residues (S458, S459, and S461) present in the cytoplasmic tail of CD5 that are known to be critical for PC-PLC activation. Additionally, we demonstrate that activation of protein kinase C-ζ (PKC-ζ) and members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (MAPK kinase and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase), but not the NF-κB, are downstream events of the CD5 signaling pathway. A-SMase, PKC-ζ, and MAPK family members are key mediators of cell responses as diverse as proliferation, differentiation, and growth arrest and may contribute to CD5-mediated modulation of TCR or BCR signaling.

Cutting Edge: Differential CD5-Dependent Regulation of CD5-Associated CK2 Activity in Mature and Immature T Cells: Implication on TCR/CD3-Mediated Activation

CD5 attenuates TCR-induced signals in immature thymocytes but functions as a costimulatory molecule potentiating TCR/CD3-mediated activation in mature, peripheral T cells. We have recently shown that the serine/threonine kinase, casein kinase 2 (CK2), a major regulator of cell growth and signaling, associates with and is activated by CD5. Therefore, we tested the possibility that differential regulation of CK2 activity by CD5 may be associated with these differences in CD5 modulation of TCR signaling. Consistent with our hypothesis, CD5-specific cross-linking activated associated CK2 in thymocytes but not active in mature splenocytes. Differential regulation of CD5-associated CK2 provides, for the first time, a potential mechanism for the differential effects of CD5 signaling in immature and mature cells. We propose that CD5 modulates Ag receptor activity through developmentally regulated activation of CD5-associated CK2.

Regulation of casein kinase 2 by direct interaction with cell surface receptor CD5

The transmembrane protein CD5, expressed on all T cells and the B1 subset of B cells, modulates antigen receptor-mediated activation. We used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that interact with its cytoplasmic domain and play a role in CD5 proximal signaling events. We found that the beta subunit of the serine/threonine kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) interacts specifically with the cytoplasmic domain of CD5. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed activation-independent association of CK2 with CD5 in human and murine B and T cell lines and murine splenocytes. The interaction of CK2 holoenzyme with CD5 is mediated by the amino terminus of the regulatory subunit beta. CK2 binds and phosphorylates CD5 at the CK2 motifs flanked by Ser459 and Ser461. Cross-linking of CD5 leads to the activation of CD5-associated CK2 in a murine B-lymphoma cell line and a human T-leukemia cell line and is independent of net recruitment of CK2 to CD5. In contrast, CK2 is not activated following cross-linking of the B cell receptor complex or the T cell receptor complex. This direct regulation of CK2 by a cell surface receptor provides a novel pathway for control of cell activation that could play a significant role in regulation of CD5-dependent antigen receptor activation in T and B cells.

Characterization of porcine CD5 and CD5+ B cells

Evidence strongly supports a role for the lymphocyte transmembrane glycoprotein CD5 in intracellular signalling events, whereby antigen-dependent growth and differentiation signals are augmented. Apart from its role in activation-related signalling, CD5 has been regarded as a possible B cell lineage marker differentiating subsets, CD5+ B cells (also termed B1 cells) and conventional B cells (or B2 cells). To extend these investigations to the study of pigs, porcine B cells were examined for evidence of CD5 expression. The influence of cellular activation on CD5 expression and CD5's role in signal transduction events and lymphocyte proliferation were examined. Using an anti-porcine CD5 MoAb (b53b7), porcine B cells were shown to be heterogeneous for CD5 expression. As in other species, B lymphocyte CD5 expression is low (dull), while IgM is high (bright). Ten to 30% of pig blood B lymphocytes are CD5+, with the highest frequency in neonates. Anti-CD5 antibody treatment was sufficient to induce rapid but transient calcium ion flux in porcine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). CD5 expression increased on PBL following treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or immobilized anti-IgM. LPS, PMA, and concanavalin A (Con A) but not anti-CD5, anti-IgM, or combinations of these antibodies induced lymphocyte 3H-thymidine uptake. CD5+B cells are a common constituent of porcine circulating lymphocytes and resemble B1 cells of mice, man and other species in CD5 expression, frequency and lymphoid organ distribution. Porcine CD5, like CD5 in other species, mediates signal transduction, leading to changes in intracellular calcium concentration, but this signal alone is insufficient to promote cell division. A subset of porcine B cells up-regulates CD5 expression following phorbol ester activation.

Thymocyte activation induces the association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and pp120 with CD5

CD5 is a glycoprotein expressed on thymocytes, T cells, and a subset of B cells. Antibody-mediated cross-linking studies or studies on CD5 knockout mice implicate CD5 as a co-stimulatory or negative regulatory molecule. CD5 is rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine (Y) residues following Tcell activation. Y429 and Y441 occur in an imperfect immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-like sequence. We investigated whether phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase, which binds to tyrosine-phosphorylated ITAM, interacts with CD5 following T cell activation. PI 3-kinase activity and the regulatory p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase associated with CD5 in pervanadate-stimulated, but not in unstimulated thymocytes. Cellular p85 as well as the recombinant Src homology 2 (SH2) domains of p85 bound a tyrosine-phosphorylated peptide encompassing Y463 with approximately threefold greater affinity than a doubly tyrosine-phosphorylated Y429-Y441 peptide. Binding of the C-SH2 domain to the Y463 phosphopeptide, together with preferential binding of the N-SH2 domain to the Y429-Y441 phosphopeptide, suggests a bivalent interaction. A 120-kDa phosphoprotein (pp120) associated with CD5 and specifically with the Y429-Y441 phosphopeptide in stimulated thymocytes. We conclude that stimulation of thymocytes with pervanadate induces the recruitment of PI 3-kinase and pp120 to CD5.

CD80, CD86 and CD40 provide accessory signals in a multiple-step T-cell activation model

In this review, a sequential multiple-step model for T-cell activation is proposed. In a series of in vitro studies, highly purified freshly isolated human peripheral blood T lymphocytes were stimulated through the CD28 receptor, with mAb or with natural ligands B7-1 or B7-2, along with TCR stimulation, in the absence of other costimulatory interactions. Ligation of the CD28 receptor, along with stimulation of the TCR, was found to up-regulate pleiotropic in vitro activities, including the secretion of both Th1 and Th2-type cytokines, B-cell help, and the development of cytotoxic activity. This costimulatory action involves CD4+ and CD8+ as well as naive and memory T-cell subsets. The expression of B7-1 and B7-2 on professional APC in situ in both normal and pathological tissues, and its up-regulation on monocytes by GM-CSF and IFN-gamma is consistent with this role. Additional studies have addressed the contribution of interactions between CD28 and B7-1 and B7-2 in T-cell activation initiated by normal un-engineered APC, such as stimulation with recall antigens and primary MLR. Blockade of the interaction between CD28 and B7-1/B7-2 under these conditions failed to completely inhibit T-cell responses or to induce anergy. Complete inhibition and anergy were, however, induced with a combination of CsA, targeting downstream TCR-triggered signalling, as well as anti-B7-1- and anti-B7-2-directed reagents. Interestingly, and in contrast to anti-LFA-1 mAb, the addition of anti-B7-1 or anti-B7-2 reagents could be delayed until at least 48 h after the initiation of T-cell stimulation, indicating a requirement for a late interaction between CD28 and its counter-receptors. Interactions between CD40L on activated T cells and CD40 on APC may serve to sustain, enhance or prolong the presentation of B7-1 or B7-2 on the APC, and thus to prevent anergy induction, or ineffective or abortive T-cell stimulation. Based on these data a sequential multiple-step T-cell activation model is proposed, and novel strategies for immuno-intervention can be designed.

Anti CD5 sustains the proliferative response of IgM-activated human CD5+ B cells

The CD5 molecule is expressed by most T cells but it is present on a minor B cell subset. Whilst several studies have provided information on the physiological role of T cell CD5, the functional role of CD5 on B lymphocytes remains unclear. To address this question, tonsillar CD5+ B cells were sorted by dual-colour fluorescence and FACS. Sorted cells were stimulated with polyclonal anti-IgM antibodies (Ab), and monoclonal (MoAb) F(ab')2 fragments of anti-CD5. Proliferative responses were evaluated by enumeration of Ki-67 positive cells using quantitative flow cytometry. Co-stimulation with anti-CD5 MoAb for 3 days did not affect the anti-IgM and IL2-induced proliferation of CD5+ B cells. This was seen under conditions where the anti-CD5 was soluble, adsorbed to the microwells or cross-linked by anti-mouse antibodies. Fewer CD25+ cells were detected, however, in the presence of anti-CD5. In contrast, the proliferative response of CD5+ B cells prestimulated for 3 days with IL-2 and anti-IgM, was sustained in a further 3-day culture period when anti-CD5 was added. It is concluded that CD5 occupancy might provide an additional signal to activated CD5+ B cells favouring their proliferation and differentiation into autoantibody secreting cells.

Antibody ligation of CD7 leads to association with phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate formation in T lymphocytes

The CD7 40-kDa glycoprotein is present on a major subset of human T cells and in the presence of phorbol esters mediates an accessory pathway of T cell activation. Hitherto, the intracellular events elicited by CD7 have been ill-defined. This report demonstrates that cross-linking of CD7 results in the formation of phosphatidic acid in the absence of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate metabolism and also the formation of D-3 phosphoinositides lipids which have been postulated to act as intracellular regulatory molecules. The magnitude of D-3 phosphoinositide formation was similar to that induced by CD3. Both the CD7- and CD3-induced elevation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate approximately 5-10 fold less than that elicited by ligation of the costimulatory molecule CD28 by its counter receptor CD80. The formation of D-3 phosphoinositides following ligation of CD7 coincided with the co-association of CD7 with phosphoinositide 3-kinase, the enzyme which mediates the formation of D-3 phosphoinositide lipids. In contrast, ligation of another reported T cell accessory molecule CD5, failed to elicit formation of D-3 phosphoinositides, implying that phosphoinositide 3-kinase is not coupled to all T cell molecules with accessory functions. Since D-3 phosphoinositides have been suggested to play a pivotal role in T cell costimulatory signals induced by CD28, the results presented in this study suggest that CD7 may also influence T cell activation via this pathway.

CD28 activation promotes Th2 subset differentiation by human CD4+ cells

Ligation of CD28 provides a costimulatory signal to T cells necessary for their activation resulting in increased interleukin (IL)-2 production in vitro, but its role in IL-4 and other cytokine production and functional differentiation of T helper (Th) cells remains uncertain. We studied the pattern of cytokine production by highly purified human adult and neonatal CD4+ T cells activated with anti-CD3, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence or absence of anti-CD28 in repetitive stimulation-rest cycles. Initial stimulation of CD4+ cells with anti-CD3 (or the mitogens PHA or PMA+ionomycin) and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies induced IL-4, IL-5 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production and augmented IL-2 production (6- to 11-fold) compared to cells stimulated with anti-CD3 or mitogen alone. The anti-CD28-induced cytokine production corresponded with augmented IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA levels suggesting increased gene expression and/or mRNA stabilization. Most striking, however, was the progressively enhanced IL-4 and IL-5 production and diminished IL-2 and IFN-gamma production with repetitive consecutive cycles of CD28 stimulation. The enhanced Th2-like response correlated with an increased frequency of IL-4-secreting cells; up to 70% of the cells produced IL-4 on the third round of stimulation compared to only 5% after the first stimulation as determined by ELISPOT. CD28 activation also promoted a Th2 response in naive neonatal CD4+ cells, indicating that Th cells are induced to express a Th2 response rather than preferential expansion of already established Th2-type cells. This CD28-mediated response was IL-4 independent, since enhanced IL-5 production with repetitive stimulation cycles was not affected in the presence of neutralizing anti-IL-4 antibodies. These results indicate that CD28 activation may play an important role in the differentiation of the Th2 subset in humans.

Expression of CD5 and CD38 by human CD5- B cells: requirement for special stimuli

In this study the mode of expression of CD5 by human tonsillar CD5- B cells after stimulation with different agents was investigated. Resting B cells were separated into CD5+ and CD5- cells and the two cell fractions exposed to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). CD5- B cells expressed CD5 and maximum CD5 expression was achieved after approximately 60 h of culture. Based upon the proportions of cells that express CD5 as well as those of the cells surviving in culture, it was calculated that 15-25% of the total CD5- B cells were induced to express CD5. Unlike CD5- B cells, CD5+ B cells proliferated vigorously in response to PMA as assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell cycle analysis in vitro. However, the expression of CD5 by CD5- B cells was not related to the selective expansion of some CD5+ B cells left over as contaminant cells since this occurred in the absence of cell proliferation. Upon exposure to PMA, CD5- B cells remained in the G0-G1 phases of the cell cycle and did not express the Ki67 antigen or incorporate [3H]thymidine. Furthermore, mitomycin C treatment of the CD5- B cells did not prevent CD5 expression. Phenotypic studies disclosed that CD5+ B cells but not CD5- B cells expressed CD39. This finding offered the opportunity to carry out an additional control experiment. Separation of the two populations according to the expression of CD39 confirmed the finding obtained by fractionating the cells into CD5+ and CD5- B cells. The cells induced to express CD5 also expressed CD38 that was not detected on resting CD5- B cells. In this respect, the CD5- B cells that converted into CD5+ cells (inducible CD5+ B cells) resembled the cells from the CD5+ B cell fractions that up-regulated CD5 and also expressed CD38 upon exposure to PMA alone. Another example of coordinate expression of these two antigens was the finding that exposure to PMA in the presence of recombinant interleukin-4 (rIL-4) resulted in inhibition of the expression of CD5 and CD38. Although virtually all of the tonsillar CD5- B cells expressed the CD69 activation marker, no cells other than those co-expressing CD5 and CD38 were induced to express CD5 by PMA alone. Resting CD5- B cells failed to express CD5 and/or CD38 when cultured with PMA in the presence of EL4 T cells and IL-4-free T cell supernatants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Anti-T11.1 and -T11.2 monoclonal antibodies play a different role in CD2-mediated signal transduction

We comparatively evaluated (Ca2+)i mobilization after triggering with a stimulatory pair of CD2 (CD2.9, anti-T11.1 + CD2.1, anti-T11.2) or CD3 mAbs in the differentiated T-cell line Jurkat, using INDO-1 labeling and cytofluorimetry. The results obtained showed different (Ca2+)i mobilization kinetics following CD2 or CD3 stimulation (the former being slower than the latter), not due to different association kinetics of mAbs. In a nonreciprocal manner, however, preliminary interaction with CD2.1 (anti-T11.2) followed by CD2.9 (anti-T11.1) induces a rapid (Ca2+)i rise, similar to CD3 stimulation, as shown by preincubation experiments. There is no interference between CD2.9 and CD2.1 mAb binding. CD2.1 mAb by itself is unable to induce (Ca2+)i mobilization; in addition, preincubation with CD2.1 mAb did not modify the CD2, CD3, CD45, or CD28 immunoprecipitation patterns. Triggering of the epitope recognized by CD2.1 mAb may favor, possibly via conformational changes of CD2 molecule or (Ca2+)i-unrelated metabolic effect(s), optimal signal transduction.

Evidence for an association between the T cell receptor/CD3 antigen complex and the CD5 antigen in human T lymphocytes

In this work we report that CD5, a T cell accessory activation antigen and receptor for the B cell surface protein CD72, is associated with the T cell antigen receptor (TcR)/CD3 complex in human T lymphocytes. In vitro phosphorylation of either CD3 or CD5 immunoprecipitates prepared from CD3-stimulated Jurkat and peripheral blood T cells in the presence of the detergent polyoxyethelene 10 oleyl ether (Brij96) showed, unexpectedly, an identical pattern of five phosphopolypeptides of 70, 59, 56, 21 and 18 kDa, respectively. Peptide mapping of the five bands demonstrated that the same protein kinase substrates co-precipitated with both CD3 and CD5 and that the majority of the protein phosphorylation occurred on tyrosine residues. These data suggested that the TcR/CD3 complex and and the CD5 antigen might be associated in T cells. Evidence to support this hypothesis was obtained from analysis of immunoprecipitates prepared from surface-iodinated T cells. Bands characteristic of the TcR and CD3 antigens were identified in CD5 immunoprecipitates and conversely, CD5 was identified in CD3 immunoprecipitates. Conformation that CD3 and CD5 co-precipitated in the presence of Brij96 was obtained by Western blotting. Quantitative immunodepletion demonstrated that between 10%-20% of cell surface CD5 was associated with the TcR/CD3 complex in Brij96 detergent lysates of human T cells and, furthermore, that this association was independent of T cell activation. The association of these two receptors provides a possible physical basis for the accessory role of the CD5 antigen in T cell activation.

CD5 is phosphorylated on tyrosine after stimulation of the T-cell antigen receptor complex

When T cells are activated by the T-cell antigen receptor, a number of cellular proteins are phosphorylated on tyrosine. We investigated whether any of these proteins were present on the surface of activated T cells. Using the human leukemic T-cell line Jurkat and normal peripheral blood lymphocytes, we identified a 67-kDa cell surface glycoprotein in anti-phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates, after treatment of the cells with CD3 antibody. When cell lysates were depleted of CD5 by sequential immunoprecipitation, the 67-kDa phosphotyrosyl polypeptide was no longer precipitated by the phosphotyrosine antibody. Western blot analysis of anti-phosphotyrosine precipitates confirmed that this glycoprotein was CD5. It was possible that CD5 was present in the anti-phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates due to its physical association with phosphotyrosyl proteins rather than being directly tyrosine-phosphorylated itself. However, Western blot analysis of anti-CD5 immunoprecipitates with phosphotyrosine antibody and phosphoamino acid analysis demonstrated that CD5 was indeed phosphorylated on tyrosine after stimulation of the cells with CD3 antibody and was concomitantly phosphorylated on serine and threonine. Tyrosine phosphorylation of CD5 was maximal 2 min after CD3 stimulation and returned to baseline levels by 60 min. CD5 is expressed on the cell surface of all mature T cells and a small proportion of B lymphocytes and has recently been identified as the ligand for CD72, a receptor present on the surface of all B cells. The present data suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation may be involved in B-cell-T-cell communication.

Immobilized anti-CD5 together with prolonged activation of protein kinase C induce interleukin 2-dependent T cell growth: evidence for signal transduction through CD5

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) identifying the CD5 antigen were used to stimulate human peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Three out of three anti-CD5 mAb, 10.2, OKT1 and anti-Leu-1 induced vigorous proliferation of purified T cells in the presence of 1.6 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Immobilization of anti-CD5 mAb on a solid support was necessary for the induction of a proliferative response. Neither 1.6 nM PMA, nor immobilized anti-CD5 mAb were mitogenic as a sole stimulus. mAb identifying CD4, CD7, CD11a, CD18, and major histocompatibility complex class I molecules were not comitogenic with PMA. Anti-CD5/PMA-induced cell proliferation proceeded by an interleukin 2 (IL 2)-dependent mechanism, as was demonstrated by the cell surface expression of the p55 chain of the IL 2 receptor (IL 2R), the production of IL 2 and the inhibition of the proliferative response by anti-IL 2R mAb anti-Tac. There was no strict requirement for detectable numbers of monocytes, although cell proliferation could be enhanced by the monocyte-derived cytokines IL 1 and IL 6. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and mezerein could substitute for PMA in this activation pathway, but synthetic diacylglycerols and phorbol esters that do not activate protein kinase C (PKC) could not, indicating a need for prolonged activation of PKC. T cells activated by anti-CD5/PMA are sensitive to inhibition by cyclosporin A (CsA) and by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This contrasts with anti-CD28/PMA-induced T cell proliferation, which is resistant to CsA and PGE2. Cell surface expression of CD5 was strongly up-regulated by PMA, whereas CD3 expression was down-regulated. We conclude that T cell activation can be triggered by engagement of CD5 by immobilized anti-CD5 mAb, combined with prolonged activation of PKC. These data support a role for CD5 as an independent signal transducing molecule.

Differential modulation of the CD-2 and CD-3 T cell activation pathways by a monoclonal antibody to Leu-13

MAb anti-Leu-13 reacts with a 16-kDa-interferon-responsive lymphocyte-endothelial cell surface antigen and has been demonstrated to induce lymphocyte aggregation by an undefined adhesion pathway. While anti-Leu-13 inhibits proliferation triggered by CD3 antibodies it was found to consistently augment proliferation induced by a pair of CD2 antibodies at suboptimally mitogenic concentrations. The latter mechanism of T cell activation may represent an antigen-nonspecific activation pathway requiring extensive cell-cell interaction. Proliferation induced via the CD2 pathway was very sensitive to the presence of monocytes whose inhibitory effect was reversed by indomethacin. While the potent inhibitory effect of PGE2 on proliferation induced via the CD2 pathway was weakly antagonized by anti-Leu-13, the combined effects of anti-Leu-13 and PGE2 on the CD3 pathway were additive and very inhibitory. The possibility that the Leu-13 signal reflects a mechanism by which a monocyte/macrophage-sensitive T cell activation pathway might be selectively amplified in vivo is discussed.

Phosphorylation-mediated changes in the electrophoretic mobility of CD5 molecules

This work shows that tumor promoter agents (TPA) induce the post-translational modification of the human lymphocyte surface CD5 antigen (Tp67) in several cellular types. Treatment of [32P]orthophosphate- and [35S]cysteine-labeled normal and lymphoblastoid T and B cells with active tumor promoters induced the rapid, transitory and dose-dependent appearance of hyperphosphorylated CD5 forms with higher apparent molecular masses. These changes in the electrophoretic mobility of CD5 molecules were independent of RNA and protein synthesis, as well as of differences in neuraminic acid content. The inhibition of the TPA-mediated changes by protein kinase C inhibitors (staurosporine and 1-(5-isoquinolylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine) indicated its protein-kinase-C-mediated nature. Phosphatase digestion of CD5 immunoprecipitates reverted the TPA-mediated mobility changes showing its dependence on phosphorylation. Neuraminidase digestion of intact cells revealed that the target of the TPA effects are surface-expressed CD5 molecules. In conclusion, we suggest that the heterogeneity in the electrophoretic mobility induced by TPA could reflect some structural and/or functional differences within CD5 molecules.