Molecular basis for the high affinity interaction between the thymic leukemia antigen and the CD8alphaalpha molecule

The murine CD94/NKG2 ligand, Qa-1b, is a high-affinity, functional ligand for the CD8αα homodimer

The immune co-receptor CD8 molecule (CD8) has two subunits, CD8α and CD8β, which can assemble into homo or heterodimers. Nonclassical (class-Ib) major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (MHC-Ibs) have recently been identified as ligands for the CD8αα homodimer. This was demonstrated by the observation that histocompatibility 2, Q region locus 10 (H2-Q10) is a high-affinity ligand for CD8αα which also binds the MHC-Ib molecule H2-TL. This suggests that MHC-Ib proteins may be an extended source of CD8αα ligands. Expression of H2-T3/TL and H2-Q10 is restricted to the small intestine and liver, respectively, yet CD8αα-containing lymphocytes are present more broadly. Therefore, here we sought to determine whether murine CD8αα binds only to tissue-specific MHC-Ib molecules or also to ubiquitously expressed MHC-Ib molecules. Using recombinant proteins and surface plasmon resonance-based binding assays, we show that the MHC-Ib family furnishes multiple binding partners for murine CD8αα, including H2-T22 and the CD94/NKG2-A/B-activating NK receptor (NKG2) ligand Qa-1b We also demonstrate a hierarchy among MHC-Ib proteins with respect to CD8αα binding, in which Qa-1b > H2-Q10 > TL. Finally, we provide evidence that Qa-1b is a functional ligand for CD8αα, distinguishing it from its human homologue MHC class I antigen E (HLA-E). These findings provide additional clues as to how CD8αα-expressing cells are controlled in different tissues. They also highlight an unexpected immunological divergence of Qa-1b/HLA-E function, indicating the need for more robust studies of murine MHC-Ib proteins as models for human disease.

Mechanisms of activation of innate-like intraepithelial T lymphocytes

Intraepithelial T lymphocytes (T-IEL) contain subsets of innate-like T cells that evoke innate and adaptive immune responses to provide rapid protection at epithelial barrier sites. In the intestine, T-IEL express variable T cell antigen receptors (TCR), with unknown antigen specificities. Intriguingly, they also express multiple inhibitory receptors, many of which are normally found on exhausted or antigen-experienced T cells. This pattern suggests that T-IEL are antigen-experienced, yet it is not clear where, and in what context, T-IEL encounter TCR ligands. We review recent evidence indicating TCR antigens for intestinal innate-like T-IEL are found on thymic or intestinal epithelium, driving agonist selection of T-IEL. We explore the contributions of the TCR and various co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors in activating T-IEL effector functions. The balance between inhibitory and activating signals may be key to keeping these highly cytotoxic, rapidly activated cells in check, and key to harnessing their immune surveillance potential.

The role of MHC class Ib-restricted T cells during infection

Even though major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ia and many Ib molecules have similarities in structure, MHC class Ib molecules tend to have more specialized functions, which include the presentation of non-peptidic antigens to non-classical T cells. Likewise, non-classical T cells also have unique characteristics, including an innate-like phenotype in naïve animals and rapid effector functions. In this review, we discuss the role of MAIT and NKT cells during infection but also the contribution of less studied MHC class Ib-restricted T cells such as Qa-1-, Qa-2-, and M3-restricted T cells. We focus on describing the types of antigens presented to non-classical T cells, their response and cytokine profile following infection, as well as the overall impact of these T cells to the immune system.

Negative selection of self-reactive chicken B cells requires B cell receptor signaling and is independent of the bursal microenvironment

Although the negative selection of self-reactive B cells in the bone marrow of mammals has been clearly demonstrated, it remains unclear in models of gut-associated B cell lymphopoiesis, such as that of the chicken (Gallus gallus). We have generated chicken surface IgM-related receptors in which the diversity region of the lamprey variable lymphocyte receptor (VLR) has been fused to the C region of chicken surface IgM (Tμ). Expression of a VLR:Tμ receptor with specificity for PE supported normal development of B cells, whereas a VLR:Tμ receptor specific to hen egg lysozyme (a self-antigen with respect to chicken B cells) induced, in vivo, complete deletion of VLR(HEL)Tμ-expressing B cells. In ovo i.v. injection of PE resulted in deletion of VLR(PE)Tμ-expressing Β cells in the embryo spleen, demonstrating that negative selection was independent of the bursal microenvironment. Although chickens transduced with a murine CD8α:chicken Igα fusion protein contained B cells expressing mCD8α:chIgα, cotransfection of the mCD8α:chIgα construct, together with thymus leukemia Ag (a natural ligand for mCD8α), resulted in reduced levels of mCD8α:chIgα-expressing B cells in inverse proportion to the levels of thymus leukemia Ag-expressing cells. Deletion of mCD8α:chIgα-expressing cells was specific for B cells and required active signaling downstream of the mCD8α:chIgα receptor. Ag-mediated negative selection of developing chicken B cells can therefore occur independently of the bursal microenvironment and is dependent on signaling downstream of the BCR.

Coreceptor affinity for MHC defines peptide specificity requirements for TCR interaction with coagonist peptide-MHC

The requirement for the TCR to interact with coagonists, endogenous MHC–peptide complexes which do not themselves activate the T cell, decreases as the strength of the CD8–class I interaction increases.

Recent work has demonstrated that nonstimulatory endogenous peptides can enhance T cell recognition of antigen, but MHCI- and MHCII-restricted systems have generated very different results. MHCII-restricted TCRs need to interact with the nonstimulatory peptide–MHC (pMHC), showing peptide specificity for activation enhancers or coagonists. In contrast, the MHCI-restricted cells studied to date show no such peptide specificity for coagonists, suggesting that CD8 binding to noncognate MHCI is more important. Here we show how this dichotomy can be resolved by varying CD8 and TCR binding to agonist and coagonists coupled with computer simulations, and we identify two distinct mechanisms by which CD8 influences the peptide specificity of coagonism. Mechanism 1 identifies the requirement of CD8 binding to noncognate ligand and suggests a direct relationship between the magnitude of coagonism and CD8 affinity for coagonist pMHCI. Mechanism 2 describes how the affinity of CD8 for agonist pMHCI changes the requirement for specific coagonist peptides. MHCs that bind CD8 strongly were tolerant of all or most peptides as coagonists, but weaker CD8-binding MHCs required stronger TCR binding to coagonist, limiting the potential coagonist peptides. These findings in MHCI systems also explain peptide-specific coagonism in MHCII-restricted cells, as CD4–MHCII interaction is generally weaker than CD8–MHCI.

CD8αα Expression Marks Terminally Differentiated Human CD8+ T Cells Expanded in Chronic Viral Infection

The T cell co-receptor CD8αβ enhances T cell sensitivity to antigen, however studies indicate CD8αα has the converse effect and acts as a co-repressor. Using a combination of Thymic Leukemia (TL) antigen tetramer, which directly binds CD8αα, anti-CD161, and anti-Vα7.2 antibodies we have been able for the first time to clearly define CD8αα expression on human CD8 T cells subsets. In healthy controls CD8αα is most highly expressed by CD161 “bright” (CD161++) mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, with CD8αα expression highly restricted to the TCR Vα7.2+ cells of this subset. We also identified CD8αα-expressing populations within the CD161 “mid” (CD161+) and “negative” (CD161−) non-MAIT CD8 T cell subsets and show TL-tetramer binding to correlate with expression of CD8β at low levels in the context of maintained CD8α expression (CD8α+CD8β^low). In addition, we found CD161−CD8α+CD8β^low populations to be significantly expanded in the peripheral blood of HIV-1 and hepatitis B (mean of 47 and 40% of CD161− T cells respectively) infected individuals. Such CD8αα expressing T cells are an effector-memory population (CD45RA−, CCR7−, CD62L−) that express markers of activation and maturation (HLA-DR+, CD28−, CD27−, CD57+) and are functionally distinct, expressing greater levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ on stimulation and perforin at rest than their CD8α+CD8β^high counterparts. Antigen-specific T cells in HLA-B^∗4201+HIV-1 infected patients are found within both the CD161−CD8α+CD8β^high and CD161−CD8α+CD8β^low populations. Overall we have clearly defined CD8αα expressing human T cell subsets using the TL-tetramer, and have demonstrated CD161−CD8α+CD8β^low populations, highly expanded in disease settings, to co-express CD8αβ and CD8αα. Co-expression of CD8αα on CD8αβ T cells may impact on their overall function in vivo and contribute to the distinctive phenotype of highly differentiated populations in HBV and HIV-1 infection.

CD8αα and -αβ isotypes are equally recruited to the immunological synapse through their ability to bind to MHC class I

Bimolecular fluorescence complementation was used to engineer CD8 molecules so that CD8αα and CD8αβ dimers can be independently visualized on the surface of a T cell during antigen recognition. Using this approach, we show that CD8αα is recruited to the immunological synapse almost as well as CD8αβ, but because the kinase Lck associates preferentially with CD8αβ in lipid rafts, CD8αα is the weaker co-receptor. During recognition of the strong CD8αα ligand H2-TL, CD8αα is preferentially recruited. Thus, recruitment of the two CD8 species correlates with their relative binding to the available ligands, rather than with the co-receptor functions of the CD8 species.

Mucosal memory CD8⁺ T cells are selected in the periphery by an MHC class I molecule

The presence of immune memory at pathogen-entry sites is a prerequisite for protection. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that warrant immunity at peripheral interfaces are not understood. Here we show that the nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule thymus leukemia antigen (TL), induced on dendritic cells interacting with CD8αα on activated CD8αβ(+) T cells, mediated affinity-based selection of memory precursor cells. Furthermore, constitutive expression of TL on epithelial cells led to continued selection of mature CD8αβ(+) memory T cells. The memory process driven by TL and CD8αα was essential for the generation of CD8αβ(+) memory T cells in the intestine and the accumulation of highly antigen-sensitive CD8αβ(+) memory T cells that form the first line of defense at the largest entry port for pathogens.

Intestinal epithelial cells modulate CD4 T cell responses via the thymus leukemia antigen

The intestinal epithelium is comprised of a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), which provide, among other functions, a physical barrier between the high Ag content of the intestinal lumen and the sterile environment beyond the epithelium. IEC express a nonclassical MHC class I molecule known as the thymus leukemia (TL) Ag. TL is known to interact with CD8αα-expressing cells, which are abundant in the intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment. In this report, we provide evidence indicating that expression of TL by IEC modulates the cytokine profile of CD4(+) T cells favoring IL-17 production. We show in an adoptive transfer model of colitis that donor-derived cells become more pathogenic when TL is expressed on IEC in recipient animals. Moreover, TL(+)IEC promote development of IL-17-mediated responses capable of protecting mice from Citrobacter rodentium infection. We also show that modulation of IL-17-mediated responses by TL(+)IEC is controlled by the expression of CD8α on CD4(+) T cells. Overall, our results provide evidence for an important interaction between IEC and CD4(+) T cells via TL, which modulates mucosal immune responses.

TL and CD8αα: Enigmatic partners in mucosal immunity

The intestinal mucosa represents a large surface area that is in contact with an immense antigenic load. The immune system associated with the intestinal mucosa needs to distinguish between innocuous food antigens, commensal microorganisms, and pathogenic microorganisms, without triggering an exaggerated immune response that may lead to excessive inflammation and/or development of inflammatory bowel disease. The thymus leukemia (TL) antigen and CD8αα are interacting surface molecules that are expressed at the frontline of the mucosal immune system: TL is expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) whereas CD8αα is expressed in lymphocytes, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes, that reside in between the IEC. In this review we discuss the significance of the interaction between TL and CD8αα in mucosal immunity during health and disease.

c-Myc controls the development of CD8alphaalpha TCRalphabeta intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes from thymic precursors by regulating IL-15-dependent survival

The murine gut epithelium contains a large population of thymus-derived intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), including both conventional CD4(+) and CD8alphabeta(+) T cells (expressing T-cell receptor alphabeta [TCRalphabeta]) and unconventional CD8alphaalpha(+) T cells (expressing either TCRalphabeta or TCRgammadelta). Whereas conventional IELs are widely accepted to arise from recirculation of activated CD4(+) and CD8alphabeta(+) T cells from the secondary lymphoid organs to the gut, the origin and developmental pathway of unconventional CD8alphaalpha IELs remain controversial. We show here that CD4-Cre-mediated inactivation of c-Myc, a broadly expressed transcription factor with a wide range of biologic activities, selectively impairs the development of CD8alphaalpha TCRalphabeta IELs. In the absence of c-Myc, CD4(-) CD8(-) TCRalphabeta(+) thymic precursors of CD8alphaalpha TCRalphabeta IELs are present but fail to develop on adoptive transfer in immunoincompetent hosts. Residual c-Myc-deficient CD8alphaalpha TCRalphabeta IEL display reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis, which correlate with significantly decreased expression of interleukin-15 receptor subunits and lower levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Transgenic overexpression of human BCL-2 resulted in a pronounced rescue of CD8alphaalpha TCRalphabeta IEL in c-Myc-deficient mice. Taken together, our data support a model in which c-Myc controls the development of CD8alphaalpha TCRalphabeta IELs from thymic precursors by regulating interleukin-15 receptor expression and consequently Bcl-2-dependent survival.

Structural basis of the CD8 alpha beta/MHC class I interaction: focused recognition orients CD8 beta to a T cell proximal position

In the immune system, B cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, and T lymphocytes all respond to signals received via ligand binding to receptors and coreceptors. Although the specificity of T cell recognition is determined by the interaction of T cell receptors with MHC/peptide complexes, the development of T cells in the thymus and their sensitivity to Ag are also dependent on coreceptor molecules CD8 (for MHC class I (MHCI)) and CD4 (for MHCII). The CD8alphabeta heterodimer is a potent coreceptor for T cell activation, but efforts to understand its function fully have been hampered by ignorance of the structural details of its interactions with MHCI. In this study we describe the structure of CD8alphabeta in complex with the murine MHCI molecule H-2D(d) at 2.6 A resolution. The focus of the CD8alphabeta interaction is the acidic loop (residues 222-228) of the alpha3 domain of H-2D(d). The beta subunit occupies a T cell membrane proximal position, defining the relative positions of the CD8alpha and CD8beta subunits. Unlike the CD8alphaalpha homodimer, CD8alphabeta does not contact the MHCI alpha(2)- or beta(2)-microglobulin domains. Movements of the CD8alpha CDR2 and CD8beta CDR1 and CDR2 loops as well as the flexibility of the H-2D(d) CD loop facilitate the monovalent interaction. The structure resolves inconclusive data on the topology of the CD8alphabeta/MHCI interaction, indicates that CD8beta is crucial in orienting the CD8alphabeta heterodimer, provides a framework for understanding the mechanistic role of CD8alphabeta in lymphoid cell signaling, and offers a tangible context for design of structurally altered coreceptors for tumor and viral immunotherapy.

Thymus leukemia antigen controls intraepithelial lymphocyte function and inflammatory bowel disease

Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) bear a partially activated phenotype that permits them to rapidly respond to antigenic insults. However, this phenotype also implies that IEL must be highly controlled to prevent misdirected immune reactions. It has been suggested that IEL are regulated through the interaction of the CD8alpha alpha homodimer with the thymus leukemia (TL) antigen expressed by intestinal epithelial cells. We have generated and characterized mice genetically-deficient in TL expression. Our findings show that TL expression has a critical role in maintaining IEL effector functions. Also, TL deficiency accelerated colitis in a genetic model of inflammatory bowel disease. These findings reveal an important regulatory role of TL in controlling IEL function and intestinal inflammation.

Zinc alpha 2-glycoprotein: a multidisciplinary protein

Zinc alpha 2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a protein of interest because of its ability to play many important functions in the human body, including fertilization and lipid mobilization. After the discovery of this molecule, during the last 5 decades, various studies have been documented on its structure and functions, but still, it is considered as a protein with an unknown function. Its expression is regulated by glucocorticoids. Due to its high sequence homology with lipid-mobilizing factor and high expression in cancer cachexia, it is considered as a novel adipokine. On the other hand, structural organization and fold is similar to MHC class I antigen-presenting molecule; hence, ZAG may have a role in the expression of the immune response. The function of ZAG under physiologic and cancerous conditions remains mysterious but is considered as a tumor biomarker for various carcinomas. There are several unrelated functions that are attributed to ZAG, such as RNase activity, regulation of melanin production, hindering tumor proliferation, and transport of nephritic by-products. This article deals with the discussion of the major aspects of ZAG from its gene structure to function and metabolism.

Evidence that CD8+ dendritic cells enable the development of gammadelta T cells that modulate airway hyperresponsiveness

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a hallmark of asthma and several other diseases, can be modulated by gammadelta T cells. In mice sensitized and challenged with OVA, AHR depends on allergen-specific alphabeta T cells; but Vgamma1+ gammadelta T cells spontaneously enhance AHR, whereas Vgamma4+ gammadelta T cells, after being induced by airway challenge, suppress AHR. The activity of these gammadelta T cell modulators is allergen nonspecific, and how they develop is unclear. We now show that CD8 is essential for the development of both the AHR suppressor and enhancer gammadelta T cells, although neither type needs to express CD8 itself. Both cell types encounter CD8-expressing non-T cells in the spleen, and their functional development in an otherwise CD8-negative environment can be restored with transferred spleen cell preparations containing CD8+ dendritic cells (DCs), but not CD8+ T cells or CD8- DCs. Our findings suggest that CD8+ DCs in the lymphoid tissues enable an early step in the development of gammadelta T cells through direct cell contact. DC-expressed CD8 might take part in this interaction.

Doubting the TCR coreceptor function of CD8alphaalpha

"The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth." -Pierre Abélard. CD8 is a glycoprotein expressed on hematopoietic cells. Two isoforms of CD8, CD8alphabeta and CD8alphaalpha, have been identified that are distinct in their expression and function. Whereas CD8alphabeta serves as a T cell receptor (TCR) coreceptor to enhance the functional avidity and is constitutively expressed on MHC class I-restricted T cells, CD8alphaalpha marks T cells that are distinct from the conventional thymus-selected and MHC-restricted CD4(+) or CD8alphabeta(+) T cells. Inconsistent with a coreceptor function, CD8alphaalpha decreases antigen sensitivity of the TCR, and it can be transiently or permanently expressed on T cells, regardless of the MHC restriction of the TCR or the presence of conventional coreceptors. Together, these observations indicate that CD8alphaalpha on T cells marks a differentiation stage and that it likely functions as a TCR corepressor to negatively regulate T cell activation.

Regulation of immunity by a novel population of Qa-1-restricted CD8alphaalpha+TCRalphabeta+ T cells

Regulatory mechanisms involving CD8+ T cells (CD8 regulatory T cells (Tregs)) are important in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. However, the inability to generate functional CD8 Treg clones with defined Ag specificity has precluded a direct demonstration of CD8 Treg-mediated regulation. In the present study, we describe the isolation of functional lines and clones representing a novel population of TCRalphabeta+ Tregs that control activated Vbeta8.2+ CD4 T cells mediating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. They express exclusively the CD8alphaalpha homodimer and recognize a peptide from a conserved region of the TCR Vbeta8.2 chain in the context of the Qa-1a (CD8alphaalpha Tregs). They secrete type 1 cytokines but not IL-2. CD8alphaalpha Tregs kill activated Vbeta8.2+ but not Vbeta8.2- or naive T cells. The CD8alphaalpha Tregs prevent autoimmunity upon adoptive transfer or following in vivo activation. These findings reveal an important negative feedback regulatory mechanism targeting activated T cells and have implications in the development of therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases and transplantation.

Identification of pre- and postselection TCRalphabeta+ intraepithelial lymphocyte precursors in the thymus

The immune system preserves and makes use of autoreactive lymphocytes with specialized functions. Here we showed that one of these populations, CD8alphaalpha(+)TCRalphabeta(+) intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), arose from a unique subset of double-positive thymocytes. This subset of cells was precommitted to preferentially give rise to CD8alphaalpha(+)TCRalphabeta(+) IELs, but they required exposure to self-agonist peptides. The agonist-selected TCRalphabeta(+) thymocytes are CD4 and CD8 double-negative, and their final maturation, including the induction of CD8alphaalpha expression, appeared to occur only after thymus export in the IL-15-rich environment of the gut. These developmental steps, including precommitment of immature thymocytes, TCR-mediated agonist selection, and postthymic differentiation promoted by cytokines, define a unique pathway for the generation of CD8alphaalpha(+)TCRalphabeta(+) IEL.

Crystal structure of the TCR co-receptor CD8alphaalpha in complex with monoclonal antibody YTS 105.18 Fab fragment at 2.88 A resolution

The CD8 glycoprotein functions as an essential element in the control of T-cell selection, maturation and the TCR-mediated response to peptide antigen. CD8 is expressed as both heterodimeric CD8alphabeta and homodimeric CD8alphaalpha isoforms, which have distinct physiological roles and exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns. CD8alphaalpha has previously been crystallized in complex with class I pMHC and, more recently, with the mouse class Ib thymic leukemia antigen (TL). Here, we present the crystal structure of a soluble form of mouse CD8alphaalpha in complex with rat monoclonal antibody YTS 105.18 Fab fragment at 2.88 A resolution. YTS 105.18, which is commonly used in the blockade of CD8+ T-cell activation in response to peptide antigen, is specific for mouse CD8alpha. The YTS 105.18 Fab is one of only five rat IgG Fab structures to have been reported to date. Analysis of the YTS 105.18 Fab epitope on CD8alpha reveals that this antibody blocks CD8 activity by hydrogen bonding to residues that are critical for interaction with both class I pMHC and TL. Structural comparison of the liganded and unliganded forms of soluble CD8alphaalpha indicates that the mouse CD8alphaalpha immunoglobulin-domain dimer does not undergo significant structural alteration upon interaction either with class I pMHC or TL.

On the significance of CD8 alpha alpha expression for T cell memory

Longitudinal studies on the kinetics of viral antigen specific CD8 T cell responses have led to a model whereby a relatively small subset of the primary effector CD8 T cells expanding after the first week of acute viral infection initiate a program of cell survival and differentiation into long lived memory T cells. These T cells are then critical for maintaining protective immunity to subsequent viral infection. Recent observations, using fluorescent tetramers of the MHC class Ib molecule TL, link transient expression of CD8alphaalpha homodimers on expanding primary effector CD8 T cells to the generation of memory cells. At present it is controversial what the role of CD8alphaalpha is in the generation of memory CD8 T cells. The involvement of the high affinity CD8alphaalpha ligand, the TL molecule, is not understood either. However, evidence from two viral infection models in mice, including one paper in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, suggest a role for CD8alphaalpha in this process and call for additional research focus into these issues.

IELs: enforcing law and order in the court of the intestinal epithelium

The intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are mostly T cells dispersed as single cells within the epithelial cell layer that surrounds the intestinal lumen. IELs are, therefore, strategically located at the interface between the antigen-rich outside world and the sterile core of the body. The intestine of higher vertebrates has further evolved to harbor numerous commensal bacteria that carry out important functions for the host, and while defensive immunity can effectively protect against the invasion of pathogens, similar immune reactions against food-derived antigens or harmless colonizing bacteria can result in unnecessary and sometimes damaging immune responses. Probably as a result of this unique dilemma imposed by the gut environment, multiple subsets of IEL have differentiated, which all display characteristics of 'activated yet resting' immune cells. Despite this common feature, IELs are heterogeneous with regard to their phenotype, ontogeny, and function. In this review, we discuss the different subtypes of IELs and highlight the distinct pathways they took that led to their unique differentiation into highly specialized effector memory T cells, which provide the most effective immune protection yet in a strictly regulated fashion to preserve the integrity and vital functions of the intestinal mucosal epithelium.