Spatial and molecular organization of lymph node T cell cortex: a labyrinthine cavity bounded by an epithelium-like monolayer of fibroblastic reticular cells anchored to basement membrane-like extracellular matrix

Naive T cells encounter antigen-presenting cells within the cortex of lymph nodes to initiate primary immune responses. Within this T cell cortex is the reticular network (RN)--a system of collagen fibers and extracellular matrix (ECM) wrapped by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC). We have investigated the distribution of various molecules, including ECM proteins and proteoglycans, in the T cell cortex of both human and rodent lymph node. We confirm and extend reports of matrix elements in the RN. In addition, we find that staining for the laminin-alpha3 chain and for tenascin reveals a 'hollow' reticular pattern, consistent with localization to the basement membrane-like covering of reticular fibers. In contrast, keratan sulfate is observed in a fine linear pattern within the RN, suggesting it is localized to the core of the fibers. Staining with the marker ER-TR7 indicates that FRC cover all identifiable ECM surfaces of the T cell cortex. Based on these findings and previous reports, we conclude that cortical lymphocytes migrate within a 'labyrinthine cavity' free of fibrillar ECM, distinguishing the T cell cortex from other loose connective tissues, and that the FRC lining of the cavity constitutes an epithelium-like boundary. We propose that this spatial organization facilitates ameboid leukocyte crawling along preformed paths of least resistance and that the basement membrane-like ECM of the FRC may facilitate fluid transport within the RN by limiting leakage from the fiber.

A morphological and immunohistological study of the human and rabbit appendix for comparison with the avian bursa

Diversification of the primary antibody repertoire occurs in young rabbit appendix. As a prelude to molecular investigation of whether human appendix has a similar role, we compared the lymphoid morphology and distribution of common B- and T-cell subsets in frozen and/or paraffin-embedded normal appendix specimens at various ages. IgA, IgM and IgG staining patterns were similar in frozen human and rabbit appendices. The elongated follicles of the young human and rabbit appendices regressed with age to resemble Peyer's patches. Although similar in morphology to the bursa, human and rabbit appendix follicles differ in that they do not involute completely with age and contain significant numbers of germinal center (GC) T cells although the number is low early in life. If the human appendix functions as a primary lymphoid organ, it may occur during the first few months of age when the GC T-cell density is low.

Generation of heterogeneous rabbit anti-DNP antibodies by gene conversion and hypermutation of rearranged VL and VH genes during clonal expansion of B cells in splenic germinal centers

The mechanisms described here account for development of the heterogeneous high-affinity anti-DNP antibodies that rabbits can produce. Rearranged immunoglobulin light and heavy chain genes from single DNP-specific splenic germinal center B cells were amplified by PCR. We found that in clonal lineages, rearranged V[kappa] and V[H] are further diversified by gene conversion and somatic hypermutation. The positive and negative selection of amino acids in complementarity-determining regions observed allows emergence of a variety of different combining site structures. A by-product of the germinal center reaction may be cells with sequences altered by gene conversion that no longer react with the immunizing antigen but are a source of new repertoire. The splenic germinal center would thus play an additional role in adults similar to that of the appendix and other gut-associated lymphoid tissues of young rabbits.

Lymph-borne chemokines and other low molecular weight molecules reach high endothelial venules via specialized conduits while a functional barrier limits access to the lymphocyte microenvironments in lymph node cortex

Lymph-borne, soluble factors (e.g., chemokines and others) influence lymphocyte recirculation and endothelial phenotype at high endothelial venules (HEVs) in lymph node cortex. Yet the route lymph-borne soluble molecules travel from the subcapsular sinus to the HEVs is unclear. Therefore, we injected subcutaneously into mice and rats a wide variety of fluorophore-labeled, soluble molecules and examined their distribution in the draining lymph nodes. Rather than percolating throughout the draining lymph node, all molecules, including microbial lipopolysaccharide, were very visible in the subcapsular and medullary sinuses but were largely excluded from the cortical lymphocyte microenvironments. Exclusion prevailed even during the acute lymph node enlargement accompanying viral infection. However, low molecular mass (MW) molecules, including chemokines, did gain entry into the cortex, but in a very defined manner. Low MW, fluorophore-labeled molecules highlighted the subcapsular sinus, the reticular fibers, and the abluminal and luminal surfaces of the associated HEVs. These low MW molecules were in the fibers of the reticular network, a meshwork of collagen fibers ensheathed by fibroblastic reticular cells that connects the subcapsular sinus floor and the HEVs by intertwining with their basement membranes. Thus, low MW, lymph-borne molecules, including chemokines, traveled rapidly from the subcapsular sinus to the HEVs using the reticular network as a conduit.

TNF and lymphotoxin beta cooperate in the maintenance of secondary lymphoid tissue microarchitecture but not in the development of lymph nodes

Inactivation of genes encoding members of TNF and TNF receptor families reveal their divergent roles in the formation and function of secondary lymphoid organs. Most lymphotoxin alpha (ltalpha)- and all lymphotoxin beta receptor (ltbetar)-deficient mice are completely devoid of lymph nodes (LNs); however, most lymphotoxin beta (ltbeta)-deficient mice develop mesenteric LNs. Tnf- and tnfrp55-deficient mice develop a complete set of LNs, while ltbeta/tnfrp55 double-deficient mice lack all LNs, demonstrating cooperation between LTbeta and TNFRp55 in LN development. Now we report that ltbeta/tnf double-deficient mice develop the same set of mucosal LNs as do ltbeta-deficient mice, suggesting that ligands other than TNF signal through TNFRp55 during LN development. These LNs retain distinct T and B cells areas; however, they lack follicular dendritic cell networks. Structures resembling germinal centers can be found in the LNs from immunized ltbeta-deficient mice but not in ltbeta/tnf double-deficient mice. Additionally, stromal components of the spleen and LNs appear to be more severely disturbed in ltbeta/tnf double-deficient mice as compared with ltbeta-deficient mice. We conclude that LTbeta and TNF cooperate in the establishment of the correct microarchitecture of lymphoid organs.

Gene-conversion in rabbit B-cell ontogeny and during immune responses in splenic germinal centers

Combinatorial diversity is limited in rabbits because only a few V(H) genes rearrange. Most diversification of the primary repertoire is generated by somatic hypermutation and gene conversion-like changes of rearranged V(H) in B cells that migrate to appendix and other gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) of young rabbits. The changes are referred to as gene conversion-like because the non-reciprocal nature of the alterations introduced has not yet been demonstrated. There are many similarities between rabbits and chickens in how their B cells develop and diversify their repertoires. However, although the majority of rabbit B cells may have rearranged and diversified their V genes early in life, some B cells in adult rabbits have rearranged VH sequences that are identical or nearly identical to germline sequences. We found these cells in splenic germinal centers (GC) on days 7 and 10 after immunization of normal adult rabbits with DNP-BGG. By day 15, all rearranged V(H) sequences were diversified. We find an overall pattern of splenic precursor cells whose germline or near germline sequences change both by gene conversion and point mutations during early divisions and mainly by point mutations during later divisions. These events, in parallel with diversification of light chain sequences, may produce the diverse combining sites that serve as substrates for further affinity maturation by selection either within GC or later among emigrant cells in sites such as bone marrow. Some of the sequences altered by gene conversion in splenic germinal centers may also produce new members of the B-cell repertoire in adult rabbits comparable to those produced in GALT of neonatal rabbits.

Gene conversion and hypermutation during diversification of VH sequences in developing splenic germinal centers of immunized rabbits

The young rabbit appendix and the chicken bursa of Fabricius are primary lymphoid organs where the B cell Ab repertoire develops in germinal centers (GCs) mainly by a gene conversion-like process. In human and mouse, V-gene diversification by somatic hypermutation in GCs of secondary lymphoid organs leads to affinity maturation. We asked whether gene conversion, somatic hypermutation, or both occur in rabbit splenic GCs during responses to the hapten DNP. We determined DNA sequences of rearranged heavy and light chain V region gene segments in single cells from developing DNP-specific GCs after immunization with DNP-bovine gamma-globulin and conclude that the changes at the DNA level that may lead to affinity maturation occur by both gene conversion and hypermutation. Selection was suggested by finding some recurrent amino acid replacements that may contribute increased affinity for antigen in the complementarity-determining region sequences of independently evolved clones, and a narrower range of complementarity-determining region 3 lengths at day 15. Some of the alterations of sequence may also lead to new members of the B cell repertoire in adult rabbits comparable with those produced in gut associated lymphoid tissues of young rabbits.

Analyses of single B cells by polymerase chain reaction reveal rearranged VH with germline sequences in spleens of immunized adult rabbits: implications for B cell repertoire maintenance and renewal

We used PCR to amplify rearranged VHDJH genes in single cells collected by micromanipulation from splenic germinal centers of immunized adult rabbits. In the course of the study, the objective of which was to analyze diversification of rearranged VHDJH sequences, we were surprised to find cells 7 and 10 days after immunization with rearranged VH1a2 as well as a-negative (y33 and x32) sequences that were identical or close to germline (10 or fewer changes). About 58% (82/140) of the sequences had unique CDR3 regions and were unrelated. In seven different germinal centers, we found one to four different clones with two to seven members. Clonally related cells underwent diversification by hypermutation and gene conversion. We found that contrary to published reports, adult rabbits indeed have newly diversifying B cell receptors in splenic germinal centers. The attractive idea that the rabbit, like the chicken, develops its B cell repertoire early in life and depends upon self-renewing cells in the periphery to maintain its B lymphocyte pool throughout life, is challenged by the current finding. Although a major population of B lymphocytes may be generated early in life, diversified extensively, and maintained by self-renewal in the periphery, some sources of cells with sequences close to germline do exist in adult rabbits and appear in the developing germinal centers. Although considerable repertoire diversity is generated in young rabbits, mechanisms for continued generation of B cell receptor diversity are retained in adult life, where they may confer survival advantage.

Pathology of experimental Ebola virus infection in African green monkeys. Involvement of fibroblastic reticular cells

BACKGROUND

Ebola virus has been responsible for explosive lethal outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever in both humans and nonhuman primates. Previous studies showed a predilection of Ebola virus for cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system and endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the distribution of lesions and Ebola virus antigen in the tissues of six adult male African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) that died 6 to 7 days after intraperitoneal inoculation of Ebola-Zaire (Mayinga) virus.

METHODS

Tissues were examined histologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally.

RESULTS

A major novel finding of this study was that fibroblastic reticular cells were immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally identified as targets of Ebola virus infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of Ebola virus-infected fibroblastic reticular cells in the pathogenesis of Ebola hemorrhagic fever warrants further investigation. This is especially important because of recent observations indicating that fibroblastic reticular cells, along with the reticular fibers they produce, maximize the efficiency of the immune response.

Cords, channels, corridors and conduits: critical architectural elements facilitating cell interactions in the lymph node cortex

The lymph node cortex is a critical site for encounter between recirculating T cells and their specific antigens. Due to its extreme plasticity, little is understood of the underlying functional unit of the lymph node cortex, the paracortical cord. The idealized paracortical cord (approximately 100 microns by 1000 microns) stretches from a medullary cord to the base of a B-cell follicle. In cross-section, a cord can be visualized as a set of nested cylinders consisting of spaces bounded by cells. The spaces are: i) the lumen of the high endothelial venule (HEV), ii) perivenular channels-narrow potential spaces (0.1 micron) tightly encircling the HEV, iii) corridors-broad spaces (10-15 microns) constituting the majority of the parenchyma, and iv) the cortical sinus. In addition to these spaces for cell traffic, the conduit (fifth space) is a special delivery system for the transit of soluble factors to the HEV and emigrating lymphocytes. The cellular barriers between these spaces are high endothelium, fibroblastic reticular cells, or sinus-lining cells. This review describes the spaces of the paracortical cord and their cellular boundaries, outlines the movement of cells and fluids through these spaces, and discusses how this anatomy affects the efficiency of surveillance by T cells.

Sophisticated strategies for information encounter in the lymph node: the reticular network as a conduit of soluble information and a highway for cell traffic

The lymph node is the crossroad in which soluble signals and cells carried by lymph meet lymphocytes emigrating from blood. Efficient interactions among these elements depend on the reticular network, which comprises reticular fibers, related extracellular matrix components, and associated fibroblastic reticular cells. This network provides a three-dimensional scaffold for attachment of APCs and pathways for the migration of T cells to these APCs. In addition, the network constitutes a miniature conduit system for bulk flow delivery of soluble molecules to distinct sites in the paracortex, particularly the high endothelial venule. The delivered mediators, such as chemokines, regulate the phenotype of the high endothelial venule, the recruitment of lymphocytes, and the behavior of the recruited lymphocytes. Thus, the reticular network is a multifunctional infrastructure that facilitates encounters of cells with other cells and factors necessary for effective and efficient immune surveillance.

Sophisticated strategies for information encounter in the lymph node: the reticular network as a conduit of soluble information and a highway for cell traffic

The lymph node is the crossroad in which soluble signals and cells carried by lymph meet lymphocytes emigrating from blood. Efficient interactions among these elements depend on the reticular network, which comprises reticular fibers, related extracellular matrix components, and associated fibroblastic reticular cells. This network provides a three-dimensional scaffold for attachment of APCs and pathways for the migration of T cells to these APCs. In addition, the network constitutes a miniature conduit system for bulk flow delivery of soluble molecules to distinct sites in the paracortex, particularly the high endothelial venule. The delivered mediators, such as chemokines, regulate the phenotype of the high endothelial venule, the recruitment of lymphocytes, and the behavior of the recruited lymphocytes. Thus, the reticular network is a multifunctional infrastructure that facilitates encounters of cells with other cells and factors necessary for effective and efficient immune surveillance.

Orchestrated information transfer underlying leukocyte endothelial interactions

The specificity and efficiency of leukocyte binding to endothelial cells (ECs) depends on coordinated information transfer from the underlying tissue to endothelium and from there to the leukocyte. We address three distinct information-transfer points in this system: 1, How does the leukocyte read information from the EC? This process is best accounted for by the paradigm of a multi-step adhesion cascade optimized for rapid information readout; it consists of primary adhesion (rolling/tethering), triggering, and strong adhesion. Recent studies with T cells, monocytes, and eosinophils confirm the generality of the paradigm. The concept of primary adhesion has been expanded to involve not only the selectins, but also certain integrins; furthermore, it depends on receptor concentration on leukocyte microvilli. 2. What information from the underlying tissue does the EC transform into signals for the leukocytes? And what rules govern that process? We illustrate the principles with chemokines, believed to participate in the triggering step. The endothelium displays chemokines either (a) directly by "posting" them from other cells or (b) by integrating a variety of tissue and environmental signals and "relaying" that information by producing its own chemokines and surface adhesion molecules. The rules for this endothelial transduction include specificity coupled with redundancy, amplification, synergy, and coordinated induction of ensembles of molecules. Finally, 3. How does the relevant information reach the endothelium? Simple diffusion is sufficient to deliver signals from cells close to the vessel. However, longer range soluble mediator transport appears to be facilitated by fiber bundles, particularly those ensheathed by fibroblastic reticular cells in the lymph node.

Normal human sweat contains interleukin-8

Sweating in humans is induced by physical or emotional stress, which raises the possibility that sweating may relate to host defense. We therefore asked whether human eccrine sweat attracts leukocytes and found that it is chemotactic for human neutrophils. This activity was due to several chemoattractants, one of which was interleukin-8 (IL-8). Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization IL-8 and its mRNA have been detected in sweat gland epithelium, indicating that IL-8 is produced in situ. This establishes a pattern of physiological IL-8 secretion by exocrine glands and suggests that, in addition to its role as a major inflammatory mediator, IL-8 also has physiological homeostatic functions.

Morphologic and functional alterations of mucosal T cells by cholera toxin and its B subunit

Despite the mucosal immunogenicity and adjuvanticity in vivo of cholera toxin (CT), both CT and CT B subunit are strong inhibitors of T cell activation in vitro. This study asked whether such T cell inhibition is relevant to the mucosal effects of CT in vivo. The activation of T cells pulsed in vitro for only 15 to 120 min with CT or CT B subunit, respectively, was inhibited, consistent with the expected short exposure times in vivo. Although both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were inhibited in vitro, CD8+ T cells bound more toxin and were inhibited to a greater degree than were CD4+ T cells. Intestinal gavage of mice with 10 micrograms CT did not alter the overall composition of Peyer's Patch, mesenteric lymph node, or spleen but did cause a marked depletion of intraepithelial lymphocytes, mainly CD8+ T cells, and of lymphocytes in the dome epithelium over Peyer's Patch. To determine whether such inhibition of T cells was functionally relevant in vivo, T cells from mice fed keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were adoptively transferred into naive recipients, who were then parenterally immunized. T cells from mice fed KLH alone inhibited both the systemic IgG and secretory IgA anti-KLH response, but T cells from mice fed KLH plus CT did not, indicating that mucosally applied CT was able to abrogate the induction of this suppressor T cell. We conclude that one of the mechanisms of CT's mucosal effects in vivo is the inhibition of certain mucosal T cell functions and alteration of the regulatory T cell environment in gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Morphologic and functional alterations of mucosal T cells by cholera toxin and its B subunit

Despite the mucosal immunogenicity and adjuvanticity in vivo of cholera toxin (CT), both CT and CT B subunit are strong inhibitors of T cell activation in vitro. This study asked whether such T cell inhibition is relevant to the mucosal effects of CT in vivo. The activation of T cells pulsed in vitro for only 15 to 120 min with CT or CT B subunit, respectively, was inhibited, consistent with the expected short exposure times in vivo. Although both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were inhibited in vitro, CD8+ T cells bound more toxin and were inhibited to a greater degree than were CD4+ T cells. Intestinal gavage of mice with 10 micrograms CT did not alter the overall composition of Peyer's Patch, mesenteric lymph node, or spleen but did cause a marked depletion of intraepithelial lymphocytes, mainly CD8+ T cells, and of lymphocytes in the dome epithelium over Peyer's Patch. To determine whether such inhibition of T cells was functionally relevant in vivo, T cells from mice fed keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were adoptively transferred into naive recipients, who were then parenterally immunized. T cells from mice fed KLH alone inhibited both the systemic IgG and secretory IgA anti-KLH response, but T cells from mice fed KLH plus CT did not, indicating that mucosally applied CT was able to abrogate the induction of this suppressor T cell. We conclude that one of the mechanisms of CT's mucosal effects in vivo is the inhibition of certain mucosal T cell functions and alteration of the regulatory T cell environment in gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Rabbit IgH sequences in appendix germinal centers: VH diversification by gene conversion-like and hypermutation mechanisms

Although the rabbit IgH locus contains approximately 100 VH genes, the majority of B cells rearrange VH1. To produce a primary repertoire containing a sufficient number of protective antibodies, rearranged VH1-DH-JH sequences may diversify within rabbit B cells in an organ that functions like a chicken bursa, sheep ileal Peyer's patch, or both. It was suggested many years ago that the rabbit appendix could be a bursal equivalent. To reexamine this possibility, we analyzed rearranged heavy chain variable region sequences in B cells from light and dark zones of appendix germinal centers from 6-week-old rabbits. Our findings indicate that antibody diversification occurs by gene conversion-like and somatic hypermutation mechanisms in appendix germinal centers of young rabbits.

Long-term lymphoid reconstitution of SCID mice suggests self-renewing B and T cell populations in peripheral and mucosal tissues

Peyer's patch, peripheral lymph node, and mesenteric lymph node cells were transferred to immunodeficient SCID mice to assess the long-term (150-300 days) potential of these cells to repopulate the host's immune system. Results demonstrate that, irrespective of donor population, total serum Ig and isotype distribution appear normal within 4 weeks of reconstitution and remain at normal levels for up to one year following cell transfer. At the cellular level, each donor population reconstitutes splenic T and B cell compartments in a progressive and quantitatively indistinguishable manner. Immunohistological analyses of reconstituted mice indicate that, although some qualitative differences are evident, normal splenic composition and architecture are observed. In contrast, gut reconstitution varies significantly with donor population. Peyer's patch cells yield normal-appearing gut tissue with extensive infiltration of the lamina propria and intraepithelial compartments by T cells and IgA-secreting plasma cells. Peripheral lymph node cells give rise to T cells found almost exclusively in the lamina propria, while IgA secreting plasma cells are rarely detected. The course and extent of reconstitution further suggest that all donor populations contain long-lived T and B cells as well as self-renewing lymphocytes capable of extensive expansion. This latter observation has potentially important implications for both transplantation biology and gene therapy applications.

Serum levels of alpha and gamma interferons in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is an acute viral disease caused by Hantavirus. On the basis of clinical observation, the illness is divided into five sequential stages: febrile, hypotensive, oliguric, diuretic, and convalescent. Because interferons can be induced by viruses, and because their stimulating effects on immune cells can alter the course of viral infections, we examined the presence of alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in 276 serum samples collected from 110 patients during the Korean Conflict. We tested these sera for IFN-alpha by bioassay with bovine kidney MDBK cells, and for IFN-gamma by a sandwich ELISA with antibodies specific for human IFN-gamma. We found variable, but persistently elevated levels of IFN-gamma throughout the various phases of the disease, which suggested persistent immune activation through convalescence. Moderate levels of IFN-alpha were found in all stages of infection.

The appendix functions as a mammalian bursal equivalent in the developing rabbit

In this paper we present genomic DNA sequence and histological evidence that the appendix is a site of diversification of the rabbit's primary antibody repertoire. By 6 weeks after birth, the B cell follicular regions of the rabbit appendix and the distribution of the resident lymphoid cells bear a strong morphological resemblance to similar regions within two primary lymphoid tissues, the chicken bursa and the sheep ileal Peyer's patch. However, similarities between the rabbit appendix, chicken bursa and sheep ileal Peyer's patch end as these animals reach adulthood. The rabbit appendix undergoes morphological and cellular distribution changes as it matures taking on the appearance of a secondary lymphoid tissue, while the sheep ileal Peyer's patch and the chicken bursa both involute. We determined DNA sequences of PCR amplified rearranged variable region genes from germinal center B cells of 6 week old rabbits isolated from several different appendix dark zones and light zones. There was a trend toward a higher degree of diversification from the germ-line VH gene DNA sequence in dark zones than light zones. It is likely that both gene conversion and somatic hypermutation are responsible for the nucleotide changes we observed. Our findings suggest that the rabbit appendix functions as a mammalian bursal equivalent early in development. As the rabbit matures, the appendix appears to evolve into a secondary lymphoid tissue resembling secondary GALT in appearance and possibly in function.

Long-term thymic reconstitution by peripheral CD4 and CD8 single-positive lymphocytes

Significant immigration of peripheral T cells into SCID thymus was observed following reconstitution with normal Peyer's patch, mesenteric lymph node or peripheral lymph node cells. Immunohistologic and flow cytometric analyses reveal that T cells from these tissues are found in the thymus for as long as 177 days and can account for up to 67% of intrathymic cells. The returning cells express the CD3/T cell receptor alpha/beta complex, indicative of mature cells, and are equally divided among helper (CD4+CD8-) and cytotoxic (CD4-/CD8+) phenotypes. The immigration of peripheral T cells is not accompanied by the appearance of immature, double-positive (CD4+CD8+) thymocytes as seen in similar reconstitutions using bone marrow. Taken together, these results suggest that peripheral T cells from a variety of lymphoid organs may regularly re-enter the thymus and, thus, possibly play a role in normal thymic development.

T cell adhesion to endothelium: the FRC conduit system and other anatomic and molecular features which facilitate the adhesion cascade in lymph node

Since T cell surveillance depends on movement from blood into tissue and back again, rapid, efficient and selective T cell adhesion to vascular endothelium is essential. This adhesion involves a multistep cascade clarified by a recent consensus model: (1) initial tethering by selectin-mediated interactions; (2) triggering of adhesive function of T cell integrins by ligands at or near the endothelial surface; and (3) strong adhesion mediated by T cell integrins. We recapitulate this model, particularly as it pertains to the lymph node, and explore additional molecular and anatomic elements which contribute to the effectiveness of the adhesion cascades at that site: (1) importance of cytokines/soluble mediators as triggering ligands; (2) role of glycocalyx and proteoglycans on high endothelial venule (HEV) endothelium in capturing and presenting triggering cytokines; (3) remarkable function of what we designate the 'fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) conduit system' in rapidly transporting cytokines to the HEV; (4) importance of the unique anatomy of the flap-valve junctions between HEV endothelium in enabling intravasation of cytokines and transmigration of lymphocytes. Taken together, these molecular mechanisms and these three anatomic features of lymph node facilitate extremely efficient lymphocyte traffic to this site critical for T cell-mediated immune responses. Analogous mechanisms contribute to T cell interaction with endothelium at other sites.

In vitro culture of primary plasmacytomas requires stromal cell feeder layers

Attempts to grow primary murine plasmacytomas in vitro have, to date, been largely unsuccessful. In this study, we demonstrate that long-term in vitro growth of primary plasmacytomas is accomplished by using feeder layers composed of stromal cells from the initial site of plasmacytomagenesis. The early neoplastic lines established in this manner are dependent on physical contact with the stromal layer, which is mediated in part by CD44, for growth and survival. The stromal cells provide at least two stimuli for the plasma cells, one being interleukin 6 and the second, of unknown nature, resulting from direct physical interaction that cannot be replaced by soluble factors. These plasma cell lines have been passaged for as long as 20 months yet still maintain characteristics associated with primary plasmacytomas as they will grow in vivo only in pristane-primed animals, indicating a continued dependence on the pristane-induced microenvironment characteristic of early-stage tumors. The ability to grow primary plasmacytomas in culture and maintain their "primary" properties provides a model system for detailed analysis of early events in plasma cell tumor progression involving neoplastic cells completely dependent on physical contact with a stromal feeder layer for survival and expansion.

Efficacy of a Rift Valley fever virus vaccine against an aerosol infection in rats

The formalin-inactivated Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) vaccine, TSI-GSD-200, was administered subcutaneously to highly susceptible adult Wistar-Furth rats (LD50-1 p.f.u., ZH501 strain). Vaccine was administered on days 0, 7 and 28, the same time course used for at-risk personnel. Six months postimmunization, when the serum plaque-reduction neutralization titre (PRNT)80 had declined to low or undetectable levels, rats were challenged with 4.4 log10 p.f.u. of the virulent ZH501 strain in a nose-only dynamic aerosol apparatus. Ninety-seven per cent (33/34) of the non-vaccinated control rats died. In contrast, only 32% (33/105) of the vaccinated animals died. In vaccinated rats that succumbed, there was a doubling of the mean time to death and the cause of death shifted from hepatitis to encephalitis. Rats with a PRNT80 of greater than or equal to 1:40 were protected from clinical disease and histological evidence of hepatic or encephalitic lesions. While the precise mechanisms of immunity against aerosol challenge remain unresolved, here the serum PRNT titre correlated with protection.

Properties of monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF) purified from a human fibrosarcoma cell line

A monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF) has been purified from TNF-stimulated 8387 human fibrosarcoma cell line-conditioned media. The purified MCAF showed microheterogeneity yielding two bands on SDS-PAGE analysis. Fibrosarcoma-derived MCAF specifically competed with THP-1 (a human monocytic cell line)-derived 125I-labeled MCAF in binding to human PBMC, whereas a similar basic heparin-binding leukocyte chemoattractant, IL-8, did not. The purified MCAF stimulated superoxide anion and N-acetyl beta-D glucosaminidase-releasing activity in human monocytes, as well as monocyte cytostatic augmenting activity against tumor cells and chemotactic activity for monocytes. When injected subcutaneously into Lewis rat ears, the purified human MCAF also induced considerable in vivo local monocyte infiltration beginning at 3 h and becoming maximal at 18 h. In conclusion, the data presented in this paper indicate that MCAF is a potent activator of monocytes as well as a monocyte recruitment factor that acts through receptors that are specific for this novel molecule. This novel cytokine might have an important role in tumor growth control due to its ability to attract and activate monocytes.

Production of interleukin-8 by human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes in response to interleukin-1 or tumour necrosis factor

Cultured normal human fibroblasts were stimulated to produce neutrophil-activating protein/interleukin-8 (IL-8) in response to IL-1 alpha (0.1-1000 U/ml) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha (0.1-1000 U/ml). Induction of mRNA for IL-8 in fibroblasts was rapid (within 30 min) and maximal responses were obtained with either 100 U/ml IL-1 alpha or 100 U/ml TNF alpha. Expression of mRNA for IL-8 was accompanied by the production of high levels of neutrophil chemotactic activity. IL-1 alpha (1000 U/ml), but not TNF alpha, induced mRNA for IL-8 in cultured normal human keratinocytes. The relevance of production of IL-8 by these cell types was evaluated further by comparing the local inflammatory effects of IL-1 alpha, TNF alpha and IL-8. Intradermal injection of either recombinant IL-8, IL-1 alpha or TNF alpha lead to a similar in vivo effect, i.e. dose-dependent accumulation of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes at sites of injection. The in vivo attraction of neutrophils and lymphocytes to the site of injection by TNF or IL-1 (which is not chemotactic for neutrophils or lymphocytes in vitro), may be partly mediated by locally produced IL-8. Thus, IL-8 may be a vital participant in the cascade of interacting cytokines that is induced by tissue injury and immunologically induced inflammation.

The neutrophil-activating protein (NAP-1) is also chemotactic for T lymphocytes

T lymphocyte chemotactic factor (TCF) was purified to homogeneity from the conditioned media of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human blood mononuclear leukocytes by a sequence of chromatography procedures. The amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified TCF showed identity with neutrophil-activating protein (NAP-1). Both TCF and recombinant NAP-1 (rNAP-1) were chemotactic for neutrophils and T lymphocytes in vitro supporting the identity of TCF with NAP-1. Injection of rNAP-1 into lymphatic drainage areas of lymph nodes in Fisher rats caused accelerated emigration of only lymphocytes in high endothelial venules. Intradermal injection of rNAP-1 caused dose-dependent accumulation of neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Reovirus infection in adult mice: the virus hemagglutinin determines the site of intestinal disease

Reovirus type 1, strain Lang, and type 3, strain Dearing, induced site-specific intestinal lesions in the adult mouse after intravenous inoculation. Reovirus type 1 caused inflammation and epithelial changes such as loss of nuclear polarity, villus blunting and crypt hyperplasia restricted to the ileum. In contrast, reovirus type 3 induced duodenitis, jejunitis, and ulcerative colitis. In the duodenum and jejunum, the epithelial cells appeared normal, but hemorrhage and inflammation in the lamina propria was present. In the colon, superficial ulceration, crypt abscesses, and intraluminal hemorrhage was observed. Segregation analysis using reassortant clones derived from reoviruses 1 and 3, suggested the viral hemagglutinin, encoded by genome segment S1, to be the major viral determinant of site specific intestinal disease following intravenous inoculation.

Inhibition of plasmacytoma development in BALB/c mice by indomethacin

Indomethacin given continuously in the drinking water (20 micrograms/ml) to BALB/cAn pi mice during the latent period of pristane-induced plasmacytoma development dramatically reduced the plasmacytoma incidence from 34.9 to 2.2%. Additionally, indomethacin given from day 0 to 120 or begun as late as 60 d after a single injection of 1.0 ml pristane was also highly effective in reducing the development of plasmacytomas. Indomethacin treatment did not prevent the formation of a peritoneal inflammatory exudate or peritoneal oil granulomatous tissue, although it had a mild inhibitory effect on the intensity of the cellular inflammation, particularly after extensive treatment of greater than 100 d. Indomethacin treatment reduced the incidence of arthritis by 50%. A major effect of indomethacin treatment was a reduction in the appearance of microscopic plasmacytomas that appear in the oil granuloma before plasmacytomas can be detected by routine sampling of the peritoneal exudate. Between days 116 and 181, 16 of 20 mice given 0.5 ml pristane were found to have foci of plasmacytoma cells, while only 2 of 20 indomethacin-treated mice had foci-containing plasmacytoma cells. The number of mice with microscopic foci in the pristane-treated group greatly exceeded the expected incidence of plasmacytomas (22%) at this dose of pristane. The growth of primary plasmacytomas in transplant that is dependent on the pristane-conditioned peritoneal environment was not inhibited by indomethacin treatment. The role of indomethacin in inhibiting plasmacytoma development was not established; two possibilities are that it inhibits production of mutagenic and tissue destructive oxidants by inflammatory cells, and it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and intracellular production of oxidant biproducts.

The immunohistology of the thymus in myasthenia gravis

We have investigated cell subpopulations in frozen sections of thymus tissue obtained from myasthenic (MG) and control subjects. With the use of an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase system with monoclonal antibodies, the following cell surface antigens were studied on frozen sections (12 MG and 3 control thymus); T11, T4, T6, T8, IgM, IgD, and Ia. The pattern of T cell phenotypes in MG thymus is similar to that of normal control thymus when examined by immunohistologic techniques. MG cortical thymocytes are virtually all T11+, T4+, T8+, and T6+. In the medulla, at least 45% of thymocytes are T11+, with T4+ cells predominating over T8+ cells. Approximately 10% of medullary thymocytes are T6+. Scattered medullary cells expressing surface IgM and IgD are identified in both MG and normal thymuses. However, unlike the normal thymus, the MG thymus has numerous secondary follicles containing IgM- and IgD-bearing cells. This finding supports the hypothesis that the MG thymus microenvironment is aberrant. The Ia antigen is found in similar tissue section localization patterns in MG and control thymus. Ultramicroscopic studies show the Ia antigen predominantly on epithelial and interdigitating dendritic cells. By immunoperoxidase techniques, numerous keratin-positive cells are demonstrated in MG and control thymus. This suggests that thymic epithelial cells, like epithelial cells elsewhere, contain keratin. Because these data differ in degree from our previous findings in suspensions of MG thymocytes, this study emphasizes the importance of examining tissue sections as well as cell suspensions when one is studying lymphocyte surface markers.

Influence of islet and bone marrow transplantation on the diabetes and immunodeficiency of BB rats

The results of islet transplantation in spontaneous autoimmune diabetes of BB rats were studied to determine whether this disease process might damage the transplanted islet tissue. Since BB rats are not genetically uniform, syngenetic grafts could not be used; therefore, allograft rejection was prevented by rendering BB rats immunologically tolerant of WF transplantation antigens by neonatal inoculation with bone marrow cells. Despite the resultant tolerant state, which permitted successful engraftment of WF skin allografts, the transplanted islets ameliorated the spontaneous diabetes of BB rats only briefly before they were destroyed by immune insulitis. BB rats from the diabetic stock were found to suffer from abnormalities in T lymphocytes and their subsets as well as defective immune response patterns. When analyzed with monoclonal antibodies specific for rat lymphocyte markers, BB rats of the diabetic stock were found to be lymphocytopenic. There was a reduction in helper T cells and a more severe deficit in the suppressor/cytotoxic subset. BB rats that were inoculated neonatally with bone marrow from normal donors were found to have a strikingly reduced incidence of diabetes. Moreover, the T cell functional, numerical, and microenvironmental defects that were present in noninoculated BB rats were restored in marrow-inoculated BB rats, findings possibly related to the decreased incidence of diabetes.

Opsonization of alphaviruses in hamsters

Immune elimination of alphaviruses in immunized hamsters appears to involve formation of virus/antibody aggregates which are subsequently cleared from the circulation by cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Virulent strains of Venezuelan (VEE) and Western equine encephalitis (WEE) viruses which were cleared slowly from the circulation of nonimmune hamsters, were cleared rapidly when inoculated into the blood of immunized hamsters. Likewise, when these viruses were mixed with specific hamster immune serum prior to inoculation, they were efficiently cleared from the circulation of nonimmune hamsters. Virus, mixed with specific immune serum, or inoculated into immunized hamsters, formed virus/antibody aggregates, as demonstrated by density gradient centrifugation, filtration through polycarbonate membranes, precipitation with Staphylococcus protein A, and electron microscopy. Cleared virus was concentrated primarily in liver and spleen, as confirmed by autoradiography. Immune clearance of virulent VEE was demonstrable within 5 to 6 days following immunization of hamsters with live attenuated VEE vaccine, strain TC-83. In these hamsters, a close association was established between formation of virus/antibody aggregates, rapid clearance, and survival of challenged hamsters. Adsorption of virus to hamster macrophages in culture was enhanced by immune serum in the presence of complement. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that immune clearance of virus in the intact hamster involves a complement-dependent interaction of virus/antibody complexes with cells which possess Fc and complement receptors. The clearance of immune complexes by the RES serves to amplify the protective effect of neutralizing antibody alone.

Prevention of diabetes in rats by bone marrow transplantation

Hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and ketonemia often develop abruptly in previously normal young "BB" rats. The syndrome mimics human juvenile diabetes closely and is, thus, appropriate for assessing pancreatic transplantation. Transplantation of islet cells from closely histocompatible Wistar Furth (WF) donor resulted in permanent normoglycemia when immunosuppression with ALS was given. However, when islet cells from nondiabetic "BB" donors were transplanted to nonimmunosuppressed diabetic "BB" recipients, only transient normoglycemia followed. Transplantation of WF islets cells also failed in diabetic "BB" rats which were tolerant of WF antigens, again suggesting destruction of transplanted islet cells by the original disease process-possibly autoimmunity. Evidence for autoimmunity was strengthened by the finding that newly diabetic "BB" rats could be rendered normoglycemic by immunosuppression. Since genetic susceptibility to spontaneous autoimmune diabetes is unique to some members of the "BB" stock, an attempt was made to alter their vulnerability by modifying their cellular immune system. Accordingly, 50 million bone marrow cells from WF donors were inoculated into half the newborn members of "BB" litters, leaving the littermates as unmodified controls. Most bone marrow recipients were protected, only four of 37 (10.8%) ever becoming diabetic, while the incidence of diabetes in noninoculated littermates was 22 of 39 (56.4%). The ultimate goal in human diabetes, which also seems very likely to be an autoimmune disease, may not be replacement of destroyed islet cells but identification of potentially susceptible children and prevention of islet destruction by immunologic manipulation.

Basic mechanisms of lymphocyte recirculation in Lewis rats

Lymphocyte locomotion in vivo depends upon an intact network of subplasmalemmal contractile microfilaments which are linked through the membrane to surface receptors, and the distribution and stabilization of recognition receptors may be controlled by microtubules and/or 10-nm filaments in the cytoplasm. The differential effects of cytochalasin-A and colchicine on lymphocyte homing and locomotion have proven useful in dissecting the subcellular events underlying the process of lymphocyte recirculation.

Heparin-induced coagulopathy

Intravenous heparin, at doses of 3.0 U./gm of body weight, produced an intravascular coagulopathy in rats which was manifested by intestinal tract hemorrhage, a reduction in plasma fibrinogen concentration, a rise in fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products, and the absence of a rise in platelet count noted in the control animals. This coagulopathy could not be produced by conventional anticoagulant doses of heparin or the injection of large doses of heparin in the presence of protamine sulfate. Specific studies excluded hypoxemia, metabolic acidosis, and endotoxemia as possible etiologic factors. The coagulation abnormalities observed in this study differ from those produced by injection of other polyanionic substances but their precise pathogenesis is still uncertain.

Lymphocyte emigration from high endothelial venules in rat lymph nodes

Sequential events during lymphocyte emigration from high endothelial venuses (HEV) were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy combined with regional perfusion techniques. The results indicate that blood lymphocytes selectively adhere to HEV surfaces through microvilli which attach to shallow pits on the luminal surfaces of high endothelial cells. These intercellular contact points resist hydrodynamic and osmotic shearing forces, but can be disrupted by treatments which remove endothelial glycocalyx, hydrolyse lymphocyte surface glycoproteins, or chelate divalent cations. After this initial attachment phase, lymphocytes enter apical clefts between endothelial cells where they assume a motile configuration characterized by loss of microvilli and formation of irregular surface folds. Intramural lymphocytes adhere to adjacent endothelial cells through macular and villous contacts. Fibrillar electron-dense material traverses the 15-20 nm gap at these points of adhesion. Microtubules and microfilaments are also seen around areas of cytoplasmic constriction in these motile lymphocytes. The migrating lymphocytes show cytoplasmic polarity which is oriented in the direction of movement as they pass through extracellular spaces in the venular wall and cross successive laminations in the perivascular sheath to enter the node. Since these lymphocytes enter channels between endothelial cells which are stained by intralymphatic injections with horseradish peroxidase, it is suggested that their entry into the node depends upon migration along a chemotactic gradient.

Specialized structure and metabolic activities of high endothelial venules in rat lymphatic tissues

Microscopic, histochemical and ultrastructural techniques were used to define characteristics of high endothelial venules (HEV) in rat lymphatic tissues. This endothelium contained acetyl esterase and acid hydrolase activities which were not altered by lymphocyte depletion. No immunoglobulins were detected on luminal surfaces of HEV by fluorescent antibody staining. Only minor structural differences were seen between HEV within lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. At both sites, high endothelial cells were linked together by macular junctional complexes and interlocking basal foot processes. Endothelial cell cytoplasm moulded about surfaces of lymphocytes migrating through the venular wall, and flocculant deposits of basement membrane formed over lymphocytes penetrating the basal lamina. The endothelium was ensheathed by three to five layers of overlapping reticular cell plates and connective tissue. Each plate was linked to the reticular meshwork of the node by collagen bundles and anchoring filaments which inserted into the plate's external limiting membrane. This permitted individual paltes to separate or approximate each other as tissue and intravascular pressure varied, and lymphocytes moved across the sheath by insinuating themselves into gaps between overlapping plates. This composite structure of the HEV wall appeared to facilitate lymphocyte entry into the node and minimized vascular leakge.

Microvascular changes in lymph nodes draining skin allografts

Histological, histochemical, ultrastructural, and radiolabeling characteristics of the microvasculature in regional nodes draining skin allograft sites are described. From 12 to 48 hours after grafting, these nodes show increased vascular permeability and altered lymphocyte traffic pattern. The rapid rise in lymphocyte migration indices and the apparent plugging of intermediate sinuses by lymphocytes suggest that both increased entry and decreased egress of recirculating cells contribute in "lymphocyte trapping." This is followed by redistribution of cortical capillary arcades as existing germinal centers dissolve and proliferating lymphocytes infiltrate the cortex. Normal microvascular patterns reappeared at 7 to 14 days as primary and secondary nodules form in the enlarged nodes. Increased length and arborization of high endothelial venules resulted from focal proliferation of endothelial cells in transition zones from high to low endothelium. In stimulated nodes, high endothelial cells exhibit increased cytoplasmic basophilia and acid hydrolase activities which correlate with the appearance of numerous polyribosomes, RER cisternae, and lysosomes in their cytoplasm. These "activated" endothelial cells phagocytose microthrombi within venular lumens.

Studies on the structure and permeability of the microvasculature in normal rat lymph nodes

The structure and permeability of the microvasculature in normal rat lymph nodes was studied by regional perfusion techniques. The results indicated that characteristic vascular units supplied each cortical lobule of lymphatic tissue. Numerous arteriovenous communications and venous sphincters innervated by unmyelinated nerve fibers were found in this vascular bed. These specialized vascular structures permitted regional control of blood flow through high endothelial venules. Lymphocytes migrated across these venular walls by moving through intercellular spaces in the endothelium and between gaps in the laminated, reticular sheath. No direct anastomoses between blood vessels and lymphatics were seen, but tracer studies with horseradish peroxidase suggested that functional lymph node-venous communications were present in the walls of high endothelial venules.