The immune response of mice and cynomolgus monkeys to macaque mucin 1-mannan

Mice immunised with human epithelial mucin MUC1 coupled to oxidised mannan produce MUC1 specific MHC Class 1 restricted CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells and are completely protected from the development of MUC1(+) tumours; such therapy may be applicable to humans. In this light we describe pre-clinical studies in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), to test the efficacy of mannan-MUC1 in higher primates. Monkey MUC1 genomic clones were isolated from a macaque library, peptides and fusion protein synthesised and mice and monkeys immunised with macaque MUC1-mannan. In mice CTL responses were induced (as has been found with human MUC1 mannan conjugates), but in contrast monkeys produced a humoral response, with no T cell proliferative, cytotoxic responses or CTLp found. In spite of the presence of anti-MUC1 auto-antibodies, there was no toxicity or induction of autoimmunity.

MAGE-12 and MAGE-6 are frequently expressed in malignant melanoma

MAGE proteins have been identified as potential specific targets for cancer vaccination. Although MAGE-6 and MAGE-12 were originally identified in malignant melanoma there are no studies reporting the frequency of expression of these antigens in this malignancy. These are of relevance particularly for MAGE-6 as recent studies have identified CTL activity against several epitopes. We have studied MAGE-1, -2, -3, -4, -6 and -12 gene expression using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 47 melanoma samples and 11 melanoma cell lines established from these tumours. The tumour samples expressed MAGE-12 (74%) and MAGE-6 (64%) mRNA at much higher frequencies than the other MAGE genes. MAGE-12 and MAGE-6 were expressed at the highest frequencies, relative to the other MAGE antigens, in early stage lesions. The frequency of expression of all the MAGE genes was found to be higher in samples from metastatic deposits compared to those from locoregional disease. The cell lines all expressed the same or more MAGE antigens than the tumours from which they were derived. In only one cell line was expression of a MAGE antigen lost. Certain recurring patterns of MAGE expression were observed in the tumour samples. MAGE-6 and/or -12 expression were detected in all of those 26 tumour samples that were positive for one or more of MAGE-1, -2, -3 and -4. Twenty of these 26 samples expressed both antigens. These findings suggest that protocols targeting MAGE-12 and -6 would permit many more patients to be included into clinical cancer vaccination trials.

Induction of humoral and cellular responses in cynomolgus monkeys immunised with mannan-human MUC1 conjugates

Mice immunised with oxidised mannan conjugated to the human mucin 1 (MUC1), produce MHC Class 1 restricted CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells which eradicate MUC1 + tumours, indicating potential for the immunotherapy of MUC1 + cancers in humans. We now describe preclinical studies performed in cynomolgus monkeys immunised with human or murine MUC1 conjugated to oxidised mannan, where immune responses and toxicity were examined. High titred antibodies specific for MUC1 were produced, MUC1 specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferative responses and specific cytotoxic precursor cells (CTLp) were found, but not MUC1 specific cytotoxic T-cells (CTL). There was no toxicity and monkeys can be immunised against human MUC1 with mannan-MUC1 conjugates, but a humoral response (Th2 type) predominates. The results contrast with those obtained in mice when a CTL response (Th1 type) predominates.

Natural human anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibodies react with human mucin peptides

We have recently demonstrated that both antibodies to Gal alpha(1,3)Gal, and the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal binding lectin (IB4), bind a synthetic peptide (DAHWESWL), there being a similar recognition of carbohydrate and peptide structures. We now report that the anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibodies and IB4 lectin also react with peptides encoded by mucin genes (MUC 1, 3, 4)-sequences known to be rich in serine, threonine and proline. This activity was demonstrated (1) by the ability of mucin derived peptides to block the reaction of anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibodies and IB4 lectin with a Gal alpha(1,3)Gal+ pig endothelial cell line; the reactions were specific and did not occur with a random peptide containing the same sequences or with other mucin peptides; (2) by the fact that anti-mucin1 antibodies could react with the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal expressed after transfection of COS cells (Gal alpha(1,3)Gal-,Muc1-) with cDNA encoding the pig alpha, 3galactosyltransferase; and (3) that the IB4 lectin and anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibodies could react with mucin 1 found on the surface of human breast cancer cells. Thus natural occurring anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibodies found in all human serum can react with self (Muc1) peptides expressed in large amounts on the surface of tumour cells but not on normal cells. The findings are of interest and serve to explain the previously reported findings that human cells can, at times, express Gal alpha(1,3)Gal; such expression is an artefact, the reaction is due to the phenomenon described herein, i.e. that anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibodies react with mucin peptides.

Biochemical studies of pig xenoantigens detected by naturally occurring human antibodies and the galactose alpha(1-3)galactose reactive lectin

The xenotransplantation of pig organs to humans is now receiving serious consideration because of the shortage of human donors for organ transplants. However, such xenografts would be hyperacutely rejected due to naturally occurring antibodies, present in all human sera, that react with pig antigens on the surface of endothelial cells, leading to complement fixation and the rapid onset of intravascular coagulation. A major target of these human natural antibodies is the terminal nonreducing disaccharide Gal alpha (1,3)Gal, and we now report on the array of molecules that are galactosylated by the alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase. Pig lymphocytes and endothelial cells (both of which bear Gal alpha(1,3)Gal epitopes) were surface iodinated and the 125I-labeled molecules were precipitated with either human antibodies or the lectin from Griffonia simplicifolia (IB4, which binds to Gal alpha(1,3)Gal epitopes). The precipitated molecules were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Five major groups of molecules were identified by one-dimensional SDS/PAGE (alpha 220 kDa, beta 160-180 kDa, gamma 120 kDa, delta 64 kDa, epsilon 40 kDa); the beta molecule was different in the 2 cell types (beta 1 of lymphocytes and beta 2 of endothelial cells). Two-dimensional SDS/PAGE analysis revealed that each of these groups of molecules resolved into further species of different charge (presumably due to different glycosylation) and also different molecular mass to give at least 20 different Gal alpha(1,3)Gal+ surface molecules. None of these molecules appeared to be present as disulfide-associated dimers. It is clear that there are many galactosylated molecules on the cell surface; indeed, using longer exposures of the autoradiographs, at least 40 different Gal alpha (1,3)Gal+ molecules could be identified. Several of these molecules are likely to have been identified by others, e.g., the 115-kDa, 125-kDa, and 135-kDa triad identified by Platt. Strategies to overcome hyperacute rejection could include modification or deletion of the alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase gene, which would simultaneously delete all the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal epitopes on these molecules.

Gal alpha(1,3)Gal is the major xenoepitope expressed on pig endothelial cells recognized by naturally occurring cytotoxic human antibodies

Hyperacute rejection, mediated by natural antibody, is the major barrier to xenotransplantation. The studies reported herein were aimed at evaluating antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and the role of the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal epitope, which we had previously demonstrated was the major epitope of pig cells detected by naturally occurring human antibodies. Also, we had shown that this epitope could be induced in non-expressing cells by the transfection of a cDNA clone encoding alpha(1,3)galactosyl transferase, the enzyme that produces this epitope. The importance of the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal epitope was supported by (1) sugar inhibition studies; (2) complete absorption of cytotoxic antibodies by melibiose-sepharose columns; and (3) the ability of normal human serum to lyse COS cells after transfection with a cDNA clone encoding alpha(1,3)galactosyl transferase. These findings strongly suggest that the majority of cytotoxic human antibodies that would recognize a xenogeneic graft are directed to the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal epitope.

Distribution of the major xenoantigen (gal (alpha 1-3)gal) for pig to human xenografts

We have previously demonstrated that the major epitope in pig tissues detected by naturally occurring human IgM antibodies is galactose (alpha 1-3)galactose. Subsequent biochemical studies demonstrated this epitope to be present on molecules (Mr40-220kDa) on both endothelial cells and lymphocytes. The objective of the present study was to define the distribution of gal(alpha 1-3)gal in different pig tissues, concentrating on those of relevance for the potential transplantation of pig organs or tissues to humans. Adult pig tissues were obtained fresh, fixed, and stained by the immunoperoxidase technique using biotinylated Griffonia simplicifolia lectin (IB4) which binds only to gal(alpha 1-3)gal, and examined histologically. Endothelial cells in all small vessels (capillaries, arterioles and venules) had a unifrom and dense expression of gal(alpha 1-3)gal; in larger vessels, like the aorta, they were less reactive. The highest concentrations were found in the liver parenchyma which stained uniformly, and in the kidney, where the highest amounts were found in the brush border of the proximal convoluted tubules. There was no staining of collecting ducts or glomeruli (except for endothelium) and moderate staining of the distal convoluted tubules. Heart muscle was nonreactive, although the high density of capillaries indicated a reasonable content of gal(alpha 1-3)gal. In contrast to these tissues was the distribution in the pancreas, which, apart from vessels and the lining of ducts, was nonreactive, i.e. islet cells were essentially lacking in gal(alpha 1-3)gal. Other tissues such as the lung contained moderate amounts of material lining the alveoli and bronchioles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anti-pig IgM antibodies in human serum react predominantly with Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal epitopes

A major problem with pig-to-human-tissue xenograft studies is that humans have natural antibodies to pig cells; these antibodies would cause hyperacute rejection if pig tissues were xenografted to humans. Here we show that most of human IgM antibodies present in the serum of healthy donors and reactive with pig cells react with galactose in an (alpha 1-3) linkage with galactose--i.e., Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal. Absorption studies demonstrated that the antibodies detected the same or similar epitopes on the surface of pig erythrocytes, blood and splenic lymphocytes, and aortic endothelial cells (EC). The antibodies were sensitive to 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME) treatment, did not bind to protein A or G, and were present in the high molecular weight fraction of serum; they are clearly IgM antibodies. Further, the antibodies did not react with human ABO blood group substances and are not related to human blood group A or B, which carry a terminal galactose. The reaction of human serum with pig erythrocytes was specifically inhibited by mono- and disaccharides: D-galactose, melibiose, stachyose, methyl-alpha-D-galactopyranoside, and D-galactosamine but not by D-glucose or methyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside; demonstrating that the reaction is with galactose in an alpha and not a beta linkage. A cDNA clone encoding the murine alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (which transfers a terminal galactose residue with an (alpha 1-3) linkage to a subterminal galactose) was isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned, and transfected into COS cells, which are of Old World monkey origin and, like humans, do not express Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal. After transfection, COS cells became strongly reactive with human serum and with IB4 lectin [which reacts only with Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal]; this reactivity could be removed by absorption with pig erythrocytes. As most of the antibody reacting with pig cells can be removed by absorption with either melibiose or Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal+ COS cells, most of these react with Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal. These findings provide the basis for genetic manipulation of the pig alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase for future transplantation studies.

CD48 is a low affinity ligand for human CD2

COS cells transiently transfected with human CD48 were found to bind human PBL, whereas mock or CD7-transfected COS cells failed to bind human lymphocytes. Binding of PBL to CD48 transfectants was almost totally inhibited by either CD48 mAb pretreatment of COS cells or CD2 mAb pretreatment of PBL, implying an interaction between CD2 and CD48. This conclusion was confirmed by the demonstration that a highly fluorescent, multimeric form of rCD2 bound to CD48 transfected COS cells in a CD48-dependent manner. Additional mAb blocking studies revealed that CD48 interacts with the T11(1) region of CD2, the same region of CD2 that binds LFA-3 (CD58). Thus, CD48 and CD58 represent alternative and possibly competing ligands for CD2, although based on blocking studies with soluble CD2, CD48 interacts with CD2 with approximately a 100-fold lower affinity that CD58.

CD48 is a low affinity ligand for human CD2

COS cells transiently transfected with human CD48 were found to bind human PBL, whereas mock or CD7-transfected COS cells failed to bind human lymphocytes. Binding of PBL to CD48 transfectants was almost totally inhibited by either CD48 mAb pretreatment of COS cells or CD2 mAb pretreatment of PBL, implying an interaction between CD2 and CD48. This conclusion was confirmed by the demonstration that a highly fluorescent, multimeric form of rCD2 bound to CD48 transfected COS cells in a CD48-dependent manner. Additional mAb blocking studies revealed that CD48 interacts with the T11(1) region of CD2, the same region of CD2 that binds LFA-3 (CD58). Thus, CD48 and CD58 represent alternative and possibly competing ligands for CD2, although based on blocking studies with soluble CD2, CD48 interacts with CD2 with approximately a 100-fold lower affinity that CD58.

Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones for mouse Ly-9

We describe the production and characterization of a mouse mAb, S-450-33.2, recognizing the Ly-9.2 specificity. This mAb was used to purify Ly-9 molecules from lymphoid cell lines, and the amino-terminal amino acids were determined. The mAb was also used in a eukaryotic expression system, to isolate cDNA clones encoding Ly-9. Analysis of RNA showed that Ly-9 expression is lymphocyte specific, as determined by the presence of a single hybridizing 2.4-kb species found only in lymphoid cells. Genomic DNA analysis indicated that Ly-9 is encoded by a single-copy gene of 10 to 15 kb. The predicted polypeptide belongs to the Ig superfamily of cell surface molecules with four extracellular Ig-like domains, i.e., a non-disulfide-bonded V domain, a truncated C2 domain with two disulfide bonds, a second non-disulfide-bonded V domain, and a truncated C2 domain with two disulfide bonds (V-C2-V-C2). The sequence data also support the view that Ly-9 belongs to the subgroup of the Ig superfamily that includes Bcm-1, CD2, and LFA-3.

Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones for mouse Ly-9

We describe the production and characterization of a mouse mAb, S-450-33.2, recognizing the Ly-9.2 specificity. This mAb was used to purify Ly-9 molecules from lymphoid cell lines, and the amino-terminal amino acids were determined. The mAb was also used in a eukaryotic expression system, to isolate cDNA clones encoding Ly-9. Analysis of RNA showed that Ly-9 expression is lymphocyte specific, as determined by the presence of a single hybridizing 2.4-kb species found only in lymphoid cells. Genomic DNA analysis indicated that Ly-9 is encoded by a single-copy gene of 10 to 15 kb. The predicted polypeptide belongs to the Ig superfamily of cell surface molecules with four extracellular Ig-like domains, i.e., a non-disulfide-bonded V domain, a truncated C2 domain with two disulfide bonds, a second non-disulfide-bonded V domain, and a truncated C2 domain with two disulfide bonds (V-C2-V-C2). The sequence data also support the view that Ly-9 belongs to the subgroup of the Ig superfamily that includes Bcm-1, CD2, and LFA-3.

The isolation of cDNA clones for CD48

HuLy-m3 is an Mr 47,000 pan-leukocyte antigen detected by the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 5-4.8. This report describes the isolation and analysis of a cDNA clone encoding HuLy-m3. Serological analysis demonstrated that antibodies of the CD48 cluster also reacted with transfected cells expressing HuLy-m3. The DNA sequence of the clone suggests linkage to the cell membrane through a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol tail and this was verified experimentally. Sequence similarity with the human B-cell activation antigen Blast-1 was noted.

HLA (class I) antigens on platelets are involved in platelet function

HLA (Class I) antigens are ubiquitous in their cellular distribution and, while their function in major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted phenomena are clear, their function on other cells, such as platelets, is not so obvious. We now report that several anti-HLA monoclonal antibodies (including an anti-beta 2 microglobulin antibody) selectively affect platelet function in that three different anti-HLA monoclonal antibodies caused not only the aggregation of human platelets, but also caused the release of 14C-serotonin. In addition, the anti-HLA antibodies could selectively block the binding of several platelet agonists such as collagen, adrenalin, ADP, but not the binding of others such as thrombin and arachidonic acid. In blocking studies there also appeared to be an association between platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa and HLA Class I antigens. We propose that both heavy and light chains of Class I HLA antigens on platelets may be involved in platelet aggregation and release and suggest an additional role for HLA antigens on platelets.

Immunoradiometric assay for the rapid detection of HLA-B27

A new method for the rapid detection of the HLA-B27 antigen is discussed which consists of a direct immunoradiometric assay (IRA) utilizing a 125I-labelled, HLA-B27 specific monoclonal antibody to detect HLA-B27 in whole citrated blood. Thus far, the assay has been used to assign HLA-B27 status in a population study involving 142 individuals; 36 subjects were HLA-B27+ by conventional microcytotoxicity and all 36 were detected by the new IRA and all 106 B27- individuals were also accurately assigned by IRA. The problem of detection of the cross-reactive HLA antigen HLA-B7 was overcome by blocking the reactive sites on HLA-B7 molecules with the HLA-B7 specific antibody, BB7.1. This new assay enables accurate detection of HLA-B27 within 30 min of venepuncture and should facilitate the assessment of HLA-B27 status in tissue typing laboratories.

Isolation of the CD7 gene from the DNA of transfected L cells

Using DNA from L cells which expressed high levels of the CD7 (Leu-9 or HuLy-m2) antigen obtained after two cycles of transfection, a genomic library was constructed in the lambda phage Charon 4A. Recombinant clones containing the gene coding for this antigen were identified by first screening the library with both the HSV-tk gene and a probe detecting the human repetitive (Alu) sequences. DNA from 10 tk+ and 12 Alu+ recombinant clones was used to transfect L cells which were analyzed for the cell-surface expression of CD7 either early (48-72 h posttransfection) or later when hypoxanthine aminopterin thymidine-resistant colonies were obtained. Transfection with either Alu+ or tk+ recombinant phages led to transient early expression of CD7, and stable CD7+ transfectants were also established. Thus the CD7 gene has been isolated in a number of clones in association with either the Alu repetitive sequence or with the HSV-tk gene; the insert size in one of the genomic clones was 13.5 kb.

Human class II antigens. Implication of carbohydrate in the determinants recognized by several antihuman class II monoclonal antibodies

Several monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) to human class II antigens are described; three of these recognize monomorphic epitopes, and two are polymorphic. The biochemical nature of the reactive epitopes was investigated by determining the binding ability of the McAbs to protease- or glycosidase-treated antigen preparations. Both of the polymorphic McAbs recognized protein-defined epitopes. However, for one of the antibodies F5C9, carbohydrate residues were also implicated. The extent of carbohydrate involvement varied with class II antigens of different DR specificity, suggesting that the proximity of the F5C9 epitope to carbohydrate side chains can vary. One of the three monomorphic McAbs recognized a protein-defined epitope, while the other two antibodies detected epitopes in which carbohydrates were involved. These results indicate that both protein and carbohydrate residues of the human class II antigens can influence the epitopes recognized by murine McAbs. This could explain some of the apparent complexities of the anti-human class II McAbs.

Hu Ly-M3--a human leukocyte antigen

A monoclonal antibody, 5-4.8, was produced against human peripheral blood lymphocytes and it appears to be leukocyte-specific in that it reacts with a common determinant (called Hu Ly-m3) present on the peripheral blood T, B and null lymphocytes of 40 individuals. The antibody also reacts with thymocytes, spleen cells, and bone marrow cells (30%) and weakly with granulocytes and platelets--but not with heart, liver, or kidney. Affinity to lentil-lectin and molecular weight analysis demonstrated that Hu Ly-m3 is a glycoprotein consisting of a single chain of 47,000 daltons which is not HLA because it is not present on all cells; because it is present on the surface of the phenotypically HLA- Daudi cell line; and because soluble HLA antigens did not inhibit the binding of the 5-4.8 antibody.

Description of a mouse monoclonal anti-HLA-B27 antibody HLA-ABC-m3

The production and characterization of a new anti-HLA-B27 monoclonal antibody HLA-ABC-m3 is described. This cytotoxic IgG2a antibody binds protein A and is able to precipitate cell surface molecules of 43,000 and 12,000 daltons corresponding to the HLA heavy chain and beta 2-microglobulin. Population testing revealed that the HLA-ABC-m3 antibody reacted with the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 47/47 individuals conventionally typed as HLA-B27+ and with 5/105 HLA-B27- individuals. These five extra reactions were with individuals expressing the cross-reactive HLA-B7 alloantigen, although the affinity of the monoclonal antibody for B27 heterozygous individuals (approx 10(9) M-1) was tenfold greater than with B7 individuals (approx 10(8) M-1). In addition, HLA-ABC-m3 reactivity segregated with HLA-B27 in two families. This monoclonal antibody should be of value in the investigation of the role of HLA-B27 in disease.

The definition of an MB related specificity by a monoclonal antibody

A number of monoclonal antibodies have been described that react with monomorphic and polymorphic Ia-like specificities on human B cells, but it is not clear whether these react with HLA-DR encoded molecules or with the products of other closely linked genes within the MHC, such as MB, MT, or DC 1 antigens. A monoclonal antibody is described herein (MC-26.1) which detects a new Ia-like specificity as shown by B-cell reactivity, chemistry, family studies, including recombinant family and coprecipitation studies. The latter studies showed that specificity detected by the MC-26.1 antibody coprecipitated with determinants detected by conventional anti-MB3 and MT3, but not with HLA-DR4 antisera. The determinant was polymorphic but not related to any of the known MB or MT specificities. However, cross-reactions were demonstrated by the variability of reaction on different individuals. Coprecipitation studies indicate that the antigen defined by MC-26.1 coprecipitates with MB and MT specificities suggesting that the antibody defines a new specificity on the MB3 and MT3 molecules.

Cross-reactions of Ia antigens between mouse and man

Murine alloantisera with specificity for the I-region of the MHC were found to cross-react with human B lymphocytes. By using antisera selected for subregion specificity and including monoclonal antibodies, antisera directed to I-E/Ck products were shown to have the greatest cross-reactivity with human cells. In the reciprocal direction, human anti-DRw alloantisera were also found to contain antibodies that reacted with murine B lymphocytes, and by using congenic strains this reaction was shown to be MHC restricted and was of the "Ia type." By studying appropriate intra-H-2 recombinant strains. The reactivity could be mapped to the 1-E subregion (especially to 1-Ek). In addition, antibodies to the murine 1-Ek subregion could specifically block the reaction of the two DRw antisera examined; whereas, anti-I-Ak antisera were without effect. These studies further highlight the unique cross-reactions between two highly polymorphic gene produces in mouse and man, and demonstrate that the 1-E subregion in the mouse codes for the most cross-reactive specificities.

Serum Ia levels during tumor growth in mice and humans

Antigen stimulation in mice such as occurs with the rejection of an allogeneic tumor graft caused a substantial rise in serum glycolipid Ia levels. However, mice bearing a measurable syngeneic tumor had no detectable Ia antigens in their sera; this observation was made in several different strains of inbred mice with 5 different tumors. In each instance the serum Ia level fell as the tumor grew progressively, reached zero at about the time the tumor was visible, and remained at this zero level until the mouse died. Similar results were found in humans: Tumor-bearing patients had markedly suppressed serum Ia levels. The mechanism of the fall in serum Ia glycolipid levels is not known, but the measurement of the serum Ia glycolipid content appears to reflect the level of activation of the immune system, and the suppression of serum glycolipid Ia levels found in tumor-bearing mice and patients may have important clinical implications.