Early commitment of adoptively transferred CD4+ T cells following particle-mediated DNA vaccination: implications for the study of immunomodulation

The early responses of CD4+ T cells to particle-mediated DNA immunisation were investigated using OVA-specific TCR-transgenic CD4+ T cells. Following adoptive transfer of these cells, mice were immunised by delivery into the skin of a plasmid encoding ovalbumin. Transgenic T cells underwent a rapid and transient antigen-specific activation, followed by clonal expansion (up to approximately 6% of total lymphocytes). Immunisation with ovalbumin in CFA evoked similar responses with slightly faster kinetics. Numerous antigen-specific T cells synthesising IFN-gamma (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2) were detectable using both intracellular staining and ELISPOT assays. This study provides a quantitative analysis of both T cell proliferation and Th1/Th2 balance following particle-mediated DNA immunisation and establishes a robust and sensitive model in which to assess modulation of helper T cell responses in DNA vaccination.

Expression of L-selectin on Th1 cells is regulated by IL-12

L-selectin has become established as a key molecule in the recirculation of naïve T cells from the blood to peripheral lymph nodes, yet little is known about its role in the migration of effector or memory cells. While differentiating naïve CD4+ T cells into Th1 and Th2 subsets in vitro, it was noted that L-selectin levels were maintained on the Th1 subset of cells. The expression of L-selectin on the Th1 cells appeared to be dependent on the presence of IL-12. Th2 cells, differentiated in the absence of IL-12, failed to maintain L-selectin expression. Coculture with IL-12, IL-18, IL-4, TNF-alpha, or IFN-alpha, -beta, or -gamma demonstrated a dependence on IL-12 alone for L-selectin expression. In addition, the inclusion of heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes in the cultures also maintained L-selectin expression on the Th1 cells. In all cultures, the maintenance of L-selectin on the T cell surface could be blocked by the inclusion of anti-IL-12 Abs. Analysis of the mRNA levels for L-selectin in T cells, differentiated in the presence or absence of IL-12, showed that the cytokine appears to exert its effect on L-selectin at the transcriptional level. Given the key role played by IL-12 in the differentiation of naïve T cells into the Th1 subset, the observation that IL-12 can also regulate L-selectin expression has implications for the migration of Th1 effector cells both through the lymphatic system and to sites of inflammation.

Differential functional effects of a humanized anti-CD4 antibody on resting and activated human T cells

A fully humanized immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody is currently being evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis. In order to understand the mode of action of this antibody in vivo, we have carried out a detailed functional analysis in vitro of the effects of this antibody on T-cell activation. The anti-CD4 antibody was found to inhibit both antigen-specific responses involving recognition of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II and processed antigenic peptides as well as non-class II dependent responses via anti-CD3 antibodies. The antibody did not cause total blockade of T-cell proliferation, but rather induced a shift in the dose-response curve, decreasing the sensitivity of cells to antigen or anti-CD3-mediated stimulation. The antibody appears to allow at least a partial early signal into the T cell as it does not inhibit the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation induced by anti-CD3 antibodies. A comparison of the intact antibody with that of either the F(ab')2 fragment or an engineered non-Fc receptor (FcR) binding form revealed that the intact antibody was the most effective at inhibiting proliferation of resting peripheral blood CD4+ T cells. However, this difference was only apparent when excess antibody was removed from culture prior to antigen or anti-CD3 mediated stimulation. The intact antibody induced both CD4 down-modulation and increases in CD4-associated tyrosine phosphorylation of resting CD4+ T cells, which were not seen with the non-FcR binding versions, which may account for the enhanced potency of the intact antibody at inhibiting T-cell activation. Interestingly, the anti-CD4 antibody induced a differential effect on activated CD4+ T cell clones compared with resting CD4+ T cells with respect to degree of CD4 cross-linking required to induce functional effects in the T cell. Both intact and non-FcR binding antibodies were equally effective at inhibiting T-cell proliferation of activated T-cell clones. In addition CD4 down-modulation and increased CD4-associated tyrosine phosphorylation were observed with T-cell clones in the absence of secondary cross-linking. Such observations may be of relevance when studying the effects of the antibody at sites of inflammation, where there will be CD4+ T cells of differing activation states as well as varying numbers of FcR positive cells.

Both H-2- and non-H-2-linked genes influence influenza nucleoprotein epitope recognition by CD4+ T cells

The specificity of the influenza nucleoprotein-induced T-cell proliferative response by mouse strains differing in either H-2- or non-H-2-linked background genes was compared by using a panel of synthetic peptides covering 90% of the nucleoprotein molecule. The results showed, as expected, that H-2 genes strongly influenced the major regions of the molecules recognized by T cells, as the response was focused on different peptides in mice of different H-2 haplotypes. However, some regions of the molecule (e.g. 260-283) were recognized by several different haplotypes, with overlapping but distinct minimal determinants. The lymph node proliferative response appeared to be predominantly restricted by the I-A molecule, as expression of I-E in mice did not result in any detectable recognition of additional epitopes. In the majority of cases the same T-cell epitopes were recognized by mouse strains sharing the same H-2 haplotype but differing in many background genes. Low responsiveness was however observed to p55-77 by DBA/2 and p127-141 by AKR mice to which other H-2d or H-2k strains were high responders. Low responsiveness is therefore unlikely to be a consequence of failure of these peptides to bind to the relevant major histocompatibility complex class II molecule. In addition antigen-presenting cells from the DBA/2 low responder strain was able to process and present whole influenza virus or nucleoprotein as well as antigen-presenting cells from the high responder BALB/c strain. It is therefore suggested that low responsiveness to the peptide p55-77 may be due to a 'hole in the T-cell repertoire', caused perhaps by expression of Mls-1a in the DBA/2 strain. This is supported by the observation that low responsiveness to this epitope appears to be dominant in F1 (low x high) mice.

Cross-linking of the CAMPATH-1 antigen (CD52) triggers activation of normal human T lymphocytes

The CAMPATH-1 (CD52) antigen is a 21-28 kDa glycopeptide which is highly expressed on lymphocytes and macrophages and is coupled to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring structure. The function of this molecule is unknown. However, it is an extremely good target for complement-mediated attack and antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. The humanized CAMPATH-1H antibody, which is directed against CD52, is very efficient at mediating lymphocyte depletion in vivo, and is currently being used in clinical trials for lymphoid malignancy and rheumatoid arthritis. It is therefore important to examine the functional effects of this antibody on different lymphocyte sub-populations. Because several other GPI-linked molecules expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes are capable of signal transduction resulting in cell proliferation, we have investigated whether the CAMPATH-1 antigen can also mediate these effects. In the presence of phorbol esters and cross-linking anti-Ig antibodies, mAbs specific for CD52 induced proliferation and lymphokine production in highly purified resting CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. The rat IgG2c YTH 361.10 anti-CD52 antibody, however, was able to activate resting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells directly without cross-linking or phorbol myristate acetate in the absence of Fc-bearing cells. Anti-CD52 antibodies also augmented the anti-CD3 mediated proliferative response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells when the two antibodies were co-immobilized onto the same surface or cross-linked in solution by the same second antibody. Both CD4+ CD45RA and CD4+ CD45RO T cells were stimulated to proliferate by anti-CD52 antibodies in the presence of appropriate co-stimulatory factors. Anti-CD52 mAbs did not, however, synergize with anti-CD2 or CD28 mAb to induce CD4+ T cell proliferation. The activation of CD4+ T cells by anti-CD52 antibodies was inhibited by cyclosporin A, suggesting a role for the calcineurin-dependent signal transduction pathways. Although CD52 could transduce a signal in T cells, anti-CD52 antibodies did not inhibit antigen-specific or polyclonal T cell responses, suggesting this molecule does not play an essential co-stimulatory role in normal T cell activation.

Influence of the antigen delivery system on immunoglobulin isotype selection and cytokine production in response to influenza A nucleoprotein

The influence of different antigen delivery systems on antibody isotype and lymphokine profile has been investigated using influenza nucleoprotein as a model antigen system. Mice exposed to live or inactivated influenza virus produced antibody against whole virus or recombinant nucleoprotein (rNP), which was predominantly of the IgG2a isotype. Spleen or lymph node cells from these mice rapidly produced large amounts of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), but no detectable interleukin-5 (IL-5) when stimulated in vitro with specific antigen. In contrast, after primary immunization with rNP or p206-229 in different adjuvants (CFA, quil A or alhydrogel), specific antibody was predominantly of the IgG1 isotype and relatively lower amounts of IFN-gamma but no IL-5 were detected following in vitro antigenic stimulation. Secondary immunization, however, resulted in detection of IgG2a antibodies and increased levels of IFN-gamma. IL-5 was only detected after secondary immunization with peptide in adjuvant. Mice infected with aro A- Salmonella typhimurium expressing NP produced antibody of both IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes and large amounts of IFN-gamma and no IL-5, following in vitro antigenic stimulation, and therefore parallelled the pattern seen with whole virus more closely than that seen following primary immunization with protein or peptide in conventional adjuvants. The results suggest that the antigen delivery vehicle influences both quantitative and qualitative differences in the type of immune response elicited, which may be important in determining the potency of protective immunity induced.

The invasin protein of Yersinia spp. provides co-stimulatory activity to human T cells through interaction with beta 1 integrins

The invasin proteins of Yersinia spp. are outer membrane proteins which are involved in the penetration of these bacteria into mammalian cells (Cell 1990. 60: 861). Invasin binds to several different beta 1 integrins with extremely high affinity, the integrin-binding domain of invasin has been mapped to the C-terminal 192 amino-acids of the molecule (J. Biol. Chem. 1991. 266:24367). Expression of this fragment alone on the cell surface of non-invasive bacteria is enough to confer the invasive phenotype on these strains (EMBO J. 1990. 9: 1979). Here we show that the carboxy-terminal 192 amino acids of invasin expressed as a fusion protein with the maltose binding protein of E. coli is capable of delivering co-stimulatory signals to human T cells through the beta 1 integrins. Co-stimulation was assayed by the ability of invasin to augment the response of highly purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to co-immobilized anti-CD3 antibody. Antibody blocking studies indicated that the co-stimulation was mediated through beta 1 integrins. The proliferation induced by co-stimulation of CD4+ T cells was accompanied by the synthesis of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, whereas the activation of CD8+ T cells led to the generation of cytotoxic effectors. The region of the invasin molecule involved in T cell activation was further mapped using synthetic peptides. A region of the invasin molecule containing the residues TAKSKKFPSY could substitute for invasin in T cell activation. The co-stimulation by peptide could also be inhibited by anti-integrin antibodies. The observation that an outer membrane protein of a bacterium which is associated with reactive arthritis and other autoimmune spondyloarthropathies can act as a T cell co-stimulus may have implications for the etiology of these diseases.

Comparison of antigen presentation of influenza A nucleoprotein expressed in attenuated AroA- Salmonella typhimurium with that of live virus

Rationally attenuated strains of Salmonella expressing foreign proteins represent a potentially important vaccine delivery system. The characteristics of Ag presentation of influenza nucleoprotein expressed in an AroA- strain of Salmonella typhimurium (SL3262-pNP-2) have therefore been compared with those of soluble purified nucleoprotein (NP) and infectious influenza virus. This represents three distinct modes of internalization of the same protein into APC. Human monocytes and the monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 infected with SL3261-pNP-2 were found to present several different epitopes from NP to human CD4+ class II-restricted T lymphocytes. Ag presentation to these T cell clones was enhanced by pretreatment of THP-1 cells with IFN-gamma but not TNF-alpha. Bacterial phagocytosis and Ag presentation of NP were increased after opsonization of Salmonella with immune serum. Macrophages infected with SL3261-pNP-2 were unable to present NP to class I-restricted T cells. In contrast, cells infected with live influenza virus, although recognized by NP-specific class I-restricted CTL, were inefficiently recognized by NP-specific class II-restricted T cells. Ag presentation to CD4+ T cell clones by monocytes of SL3261-pNP-2, purified recombinant NP, and live influenza virus, but not the synthetic peptide 206-229, was inhibited by chloroquine and the protease inhibitors pepstatin A and leupeptin, suggesting that the major route of processing in each case was via the exogenous pathway. T cell recognition of NP via all of these Ag delivery systems was also abrogated by cycloheximide and brefeldin A treatment, indicating a requirement for recently synthesized MHC class II molecules in presentation of whole NP after processing but not for the corresponding synthetic peptide.

Comparison of antigen presentation of influenza A nucleoprotein expressed in attenuated AroA- Salmonella typhimurium with that of live virus

Rationally attenuated strains of Salmonella expressing foreign proteins represent a potentially important vaccine delivery system. The characteristics of Ag presentation of influenza nucleoprotein expressed in an AroA- strain of Salmonella typhimurium (SL3262-pNP-2) have therefore been compared with those of soluble purified nucleoprotein (NP) and infectious influenza virus. This represents three distinct modes of internalization of the same protein into APC. Human monocytes and the monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 infected with SL3261-pNP-2 were found to present several different epitopes from NP to human CD4+ class II-restricted T lymphocytes. Ag presentation to these T cell clones was enhanced by pretreatment of THP-1 cells with IFN-gamma but not TNF-alpha. Bacterial phagocytosis and Ag presentation of NP were increased after opsonization of Salmonella with immune serum. Macrophages infected with SL3261-pNP-2 were unable to present NP to class I-restricted T cells. In contrast, cells infected with live influenza virus, although recognized by NP-specific class I-restricted CTL, were inefficiently recognized by NP-specific class II-restricted T cells. Ag presentation to CD4+ T cell clones by monocytes of SL3261-pNP-2, purified recombinant NP, and live influenza virus, but not the synthetic peptide 206-229, was inhibited by chloroquine and the protease inhibitors pepstatin A and leupeptin, suggesting that the major route of processing in each case was via the exogenous pathway. T cell recognition of NP via all of these Ag delivery systems was also abrogated by cycloheximide and brefeldin A treatment, indicating a requirement for recently synthesized MHC class II molecules in presentation of whole NP after processing but not for the corresponding synthetic peptide.

Recombinant Salmonella typhimurium strains that invade nonphagocytic cells are resistant to recognition by antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

To address the question of whether Salmonella-infected nonphagocytic cells could serve as target cells for recognition by antigen-specific, major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), four recombinant Salmonella typhimurium constructs that expressed full-length, or fragments of, influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP) were made. The bacteria were shown to infect Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Appropriate major histocompatibility complex restriction molecules, HLA-B27 and H-2 Db, were transfected into CHO cells, which were then infected with recombinant S. typhimurium and used as targets for NP-specific CTL. The cells in which NP was expressed by intracellularly replicating bacteria were not lysed by NP-specific CTL, although they were killed when appropriate influenza A virus or peptides were used. Thus, S.typhimurium bacteria within nonphagocytic cells were resistant to CTL recognition. In contrast to these results, mice infected with recombinant S.typhimurium that expressed fragments of NP in the periplasm were primed for NP-specific CTL responses. The results indicate that CTL responses specific to Salmonella antigens can be generated, but the bacteria may be safe from the CTL attack once they have entered the nonphagocytic cells.

Galactose oxidation in the design of immunogenic vaccines

Potent immunological adjuvants are urgently required to complement recombinant and synthetic vaccines. However, it has not been possible to derive new principles for the design of vaccine adjuvants from knowledge of the mechanism of immunogenicity. Carbonyl-amino condensations, which are essential to the inductive interaction between antigen-presenting cells and T helper cells, were tested as a target for the enhancement of immune responses. Enzymic oxidation of cell-surface galactose to increase aminereactive carbonyl groups on murine lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells provided a potent, noninflammatory method of enhancing the immunogenicity of viral, bacterial, and protozoal subunit vaccines in mice.

Murine cross-reactive T-cell epitopes of Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane proteins

Five non-covalent vaccines of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) complexed to capsular polysaccharide were prepared from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strains. Each vaccine contained distinct serotype (class 2/3) and subtype (class 1) OMPs. The cross-reactivity of the T-cell response to the meningococcal vaccine-associated proteins was examined in an in vitro T-cell proliferative assay, following antigenic priming of mice with one of these vaccines (MB6:P1.6) or with its purified class 1 (subtype P1.6) and class 2 (serotype 6) proteins. Cross-reactive T-cell epitopes were found in all five vaccine preparations on both the class 1 and class 2/3 OMPs. Priming of mice with the subtype P1.6 N-terminal peptide led to a significant but small increase in T-cell proliferation with the MB6:P1.6 vaccine.

Recombinant P.69/pertactin: immunogenicity and protection of mice against Bordetella pertussis infection

The immunogenicity of recombinant (r-) pertactin was examined. Parenteral immunization of mice with natural or r-pertactin produced a similar increase in serum anti-pertactin antibodies and a decrease in Bordetella pertussis lung counts following aerosol challenge. Study of the kinetics of B. pertussis growth in the respiratory tract of immunized and control mice revealed that immunization with r-pertactin halted the multiplication of B. pertussis in the lungs and facilitated the early onset of bacterial clearance. In the trachea, bacterial numbers declined sharply in immunized animals during the first 3 days after challenge but thereafter B. pertussis numbers remained fairly constant throughout the rest of the experiment. Very low doses (0.1 micrograms) of r-pertactin were immunogenic and protective but only if the antigen was absorbed to alhydrogel. In vitro proliferation assays with lymphocytes from mice primed with either natural or r-pertactin indicated that the major T-cell epitopes of pertactin are conserved in the recombinant protein.

Humanized monoclonal antibody CAMPATH-1H: myeloma cell expression of genomic constructs, nucleotide sequence of cDNA constructs and comparison of effector mechanisms of myeloma and Chinese hamster ovary cell-derived material

Expression of CAMPATH-1H, a humanized MoAb directed against an abundant surface antigen on human lymphocytes, has been studied using transfected myeloma cells. As the site of chromosome integration of DNA transfected into a cell is random we investigated the feasibility and frequency of hitting a 'jackpot' site for expression after co-transfection with CAMPATH-1H heavy and light chain constructs in genomic context. A cell line generating 40 micrograms/ml of CAMPATH-1H in spent culture supernatant was achieved. The full nucleotide sequence of the CAMPATH-1H heavy and light chain cDNA clones is also shown, in addition a comparison of the effector mechanisms, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement dependent cytotoxicity, of myeloma cell and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-derived CAMPATH-1H is reported.

The involvement of tumor necrosis factor in immunity to Salmonella infection

The role of TNF in immunity to Salmonella in mice was studied. Antiserum specific for murine TNF was raised and used to neutralize TNF activity in vivo. Injection of this serum into mice infected with the moderately mouse virulent Salmonella typhimurium strain M525 caused exacerbation of disease. Such treatment had no effect on the course of an infection with an attenuated S. typhimurium aroA (strain SL3261) mutant. However, the protection afforded by immunisation with live SL3261 against challenge with the virulent parent strain (SL1344) was abolished by anti-TNF antiserum. Interestingly both early (3 wk) immunity and late (10 wk) immunity was neutralized by such treatment. Inasmuch as early immunity is considered to be nonspecific and macrophage-mediated while late immunity is considered to be serotype-specific and T cell mediated, this suggests that TNF plays a role in protection from Salmonellosis in both cases.

The involvement of tumor necrosis factor in immunity to Salmonella infection

The role of TNF in immunity to Salmonella in mice was studied. Antiserum specific for murine TNF was raised and used to neutralize TNF activity in vivo. Injection of this serum into mice infected with the moderately mouse virulent Salmonella typhimurium strain M525 caused exacerbation of disease. Such treatment had no effect on the course of an infection with an attenuated S. typhimurium aroA (strain SL3261) mutant. However, the protection afforded by immunisation with live SL3261 against challenge with the virulent parent strain (SL1344) was abolished by anti-TNF antiserum. Interestingly both early (3 wk) immunity and late (10 wk) immunity was neutralized by such treatment. Inasmuch as early immunity is considered to be nonspecific and macrophage-mediated while late immunity is considered to be serotype-specific and T cell mediated, this suggests that TNF plays a role in protection from Salmonellosis in both cases.

Selection of the same major T cell determinants of influenza nucleoprotein after vaccination or exposure to infectious virus

In the present study, we have compared the T cell antigenic determinants on nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A/NT/60/68 virus recognized by BALB/c mice (H-2d) after vaccination using several different vehicles with the determinants recognized after exposure to infectious virus. Mice were immunized s.c. with: 1) purified recombinant NP with three different adjuvants--alum, saponin, or CFA; 2) whole inactivated A/Okuda virus in PBS or saponin; or 3) live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium AroA- vector expressing NP. A series of overlapping synthetic peptides that cover more than 90% of the amino acid sequence of NP were used to map the Th cell epitopes. The results showed that the same limited number of major epitopes were recognized after each of the different immunization regimes. Secondary in vivo boosting using the same vehicles as for the primary immunization did not increase the number of different T cell sites recognized. The T cell responses after intranasal infection with infectious A/NT/60/68 or A/PR/8/34 virus also showed a similar pattern of recognition of the major CD4-positive T cell epitopes. The only exception was that the region corresponding to residues 401-419 was only recognized after exposure to NP from A/NT/60/68 but not A/PR/8/34. This is probably because the two viruses differ in amino acid sequence at positions 408 and 411 within this part of the NP molecule. In contrast to the results observed with CD4-positive T cell epitopes, the major determinant recognized by CD8-positive T cells was only presented after live viral infection. The results in this study have important implications for vaccine design, inasmuch as they indicate that the same dominant CD4 T cell determinants on NP presented by vaccination with NP are also recognized by T cells from mice exposed to infectious virus.

Selection of the same major T cell determinants of influenza nucleoprotein after vaccination or exposure to infectious virus

In the present study, we have compared the T cell antigenic determinants on nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A/NT/60/68 virus recognized by BALB/c mice (H-2d) after vaccination using several different vehicles with the determinants recognized after exposure to infectious virus. Mice were immunized s.c. with: 1) purified recombinant NP with three different adjuvants--alum, saponin, or CFA; 2) whole inactivated A/Okuda virus in PBS or saponin; or 3) live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium AroA- vector expressing NP. A series of overlapping synthetic peptides that cover more than 90% of the amino acid sequence of NP were used to map the Th cell epitopes. The results showed that the same limited number of major epitopes were recognized after each of the different immunization regimes. Secondary in vivo boosting using the same vehicles as for the primary immunization did not increase the number of different T cell sites recognized. The T cell responses after intranasal infection with infectious A/NT/60/68 or A/PR/8/34 virus also showed a similar pattern of recognition of the major CD4-positive T cell epitopes. The only exception was that the region corresponding to residues 401-419 was only recognized after exposure to NP from A/NT/60/68 but not A/PR/8/34. This is probably because the two viruses differ in amino acid sequence at positions 408 and 411 within this part of the NP molecule. In contrast to the results observed with CD4-positive T cell epitopes, the major determinant recognized by CD8-positive T cells was only presented after live viral infection. The results in this study have important implications for vaccine design, inasmuch as they indicate that the same dominant CD4 T cell determinants on NP presented by vaccination with NP are also recognized by T cells from mice exposed to infectious virus.

Identification of T- and B-cell epitopes of the E7 protein of human papillomavirus type 16

There is strong evidence implicating human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) in the genesis of human genital cancer. Viral DNA has been identified in invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix and in cell lines derived from cervical carcinomas. These sequences are actively transcribed, and translation products corresponding to the early (E)-region genes have been identified. The most abundant viral protein is the E7 protein, which has been shown to possess transforming activity for both established and primary cells. In addition, it has been shown to bind to a cellular tumor suppressor, the retinoblastoma gene product (pRb-105). In view of these properties, we have undertaken the immunological analysis of this protein and have identified four T-cell epitopes and three B-cell epitopes by using a series of overlapping peptides spanning the entire HPV16 E7 sequence. Two of the B-cell epitopes were recognized by antisera from mice with three different murine (H-2) haplotypes (k, d, and s) immunized with two different E7 fusion proteins and from Fischer rats seeded with baby rat kidney cells transformed by HPV16 E7 and ras. A third B-cell epitope was recognized by antisera from CBA mice seeded with HPV16 E7-expressing L cells. Two regions of the protein contain common B- and T-cell epitopes, one of which appears to be particularly immunodominant.

Human T cell recognition of influenza A nucleoprotein. Specificity and genetic restriction of immunodominant T helper cell epitopes

The characterization of human T cell antigenic sites on influenza A nucleoprotein (NP) is important for subunit vaccine development for either antibody boosting during infection or to stimulate T cell-mediated immunity. To identify such sites, 31 synthetic peptides that cover more than 95% of the amino acid sequence from NP of influenza A/NT/60/68 virus were tested for their ability to stimulate PBL from 42 adult donors. The most frequently recognized region was covered by a peptide corresponding to residues 206-229 of NP, with 20/42 (48%) of responders. In many individuals this was also one of the peptides that stimulated the strongest T cell responses. Other regions that were also frequently recognized were 341-362 by 13/42 (30%), 297-318 by 10/42 (23%), and 182-205 by 9/42 (21%) of individuals. These peptides covered highly conserved regions in NP of influenza A viruses, suggesting that they could be useful in boosting cross-reactive immunity against the known type A virus strains. In order to define the class II restriction molecules used to present particular T cell epitopes, 22 persons from the donor panel were HLA-typed. The majority of persons who expressed DR2, and proliferated to NP also responded to the major immunodominant region 206-229. In addition, this peptide was also immunodominant in the one person expressing DRw13. The observation that recognition of this peptide is associated with DR2 was confirmed by using short term T cell lines and APC from a panel of typed donors. Further results with virus-specific T cell lines and clones and transfected L cells expressing DR molecules showed that DR1 could also present this peptide. Therefore the results suggest that recognition of 206-229 is associated with at least three different DR haplotypes and this may explain the high frequency with which this peptide is recognized in the population. The fine specificity of the response to peptide 206-229 was distinct when presented by DR1- or DR2-expressing APC. The DR1 response was dependent on the N terminus, and the DR2 response was directed to the C terminus of the peptide.

Human T cell recognition of influenza A nucleoprotein. Specificity and genetic restriction of immunodominant T helper cell epitopes

The characterization of human T cell antigenic sites on influenza A nucleoprotein (NP) is important for subunit vaccine development for either antibody boosting during infection or to stimulate T cell-mediated immunity. To identify such sites, 31 synthetic peptides that cover more than 95% of the amino acid sequence from NP of influenza A/NT/60/68 virus were tested for their ability to stimulate PBL from 42 adult donors. The most frequently recognized region was covered by a peptide corresponding to residues 206-229 of NP, with 20/42 (48%) of responders. In many individuals this was also one of the peptides that stimulated the strongest T cell responses. Other regions that were also frequently recognized were 341-362 by 13/42 (30%), 297-318 by 10/42 (23%), and 182-205 by 9/42 (21%) of individuals. These peptides covered highly conserved regions in NP of influenza A viruses, suggesting that they could be useful in boosting cross-reactive immunity against the known type A virus strains. In order to define the class II restriction molecules used to present particular T cell epitopes, 22 persons from the donor panel were HLA-typed. The majority of persons who expressed DR2, and proliferated to NP also responded to the major immunodominant region 206-229. In addition, this peptide was also immunodominant in the one person expressing DRw13. The observation that recognition of this peptide is associated with DR2 was confirmed by using short term T cell lines and APC from a panel of typed donors. Further results with virus-specific T cell lines and clones and transfected L cells expressing DR molecules showed that DR1 could also present this peptide. Therefore the results suggest that recognition of 206-229 is associated with at least three different DR haplotypes and this may explain the high frequency with which this peptide is recognized in the population. The fine specificity of the response to peptide 206-229 was distinct when presented by DR1- or DR2-expressing APC. The DR1 response was dependent on the N terminus, and the DR2 response was directed to the C terminus of the peptide.

Clonal analysis of the relationship between class II MHC-restricted cytolysis and lymphokine secretion in murine L3T4+ T cells

A panel of peptide-specific murine CD4+ T-cell clones was tested for lymphokine secretion, antigen-specific cytolysis and CD3-mediated cytolysis. The data indicated an imperfect correlation between Th1/Th2 status with regard to antigen-specific cytolysis but also indicated that all the clones were cytotoxic when stimulated with anti-CD3 antibody.

Evidence of a role for TNF-alpha in cytolysis by CD4+, class II MHC-restricted cytotoxic T cells

Variants of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-sensitive cell lines BALB/c 3T3 and WEHI-164/13 were generated by selection in high concentrations of recombinant TNF-alpha. The selected cells were highly resistant to cytolysis by both TNF-alpha and TNF-beta (lymphotoxin); however, there was no significant difference in sensitivity to killing by class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Resistance to TNF-mediated lysis was, however, accompanied by increased resistance to cytolysis by CD4+ class II-restricted CTL. Furthermore, cytolysis of WEHI-164/13 cells by CD4+ was completely inhibited by anti-TNF antiserum. These data strongly suggest a role for TNF in killing by CD4+ class II MHC-restricted CTL but not in class I MHC-restricted killing.

Anti-viral immunity induced by recombinant nucleoprotein of influenza A virus. II. Protection from influenza infection and mechanism of protection

Protection against influenza A virus infection in mice immunized with recombinant nucleoprotein (rNP) was studied. Nucleoprotein-immune mice were protected against a lethal challenge with A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (A/PR8) virus but showed considerable morbidity before recovery. Local boosting of the immune system with rNP by intranasal immunization improved the protection in NP-immune mice, and the decrease in morbidity after infection was reflected in accelerated clearance of virus from lungs. However, immune, boosted mice also rapidly cleared an antigenically unrelated influenza B virus from their lungs. Mice immunized with rNP precipitated with alhydrogel, that subsequently developed significant resistance to virus infection, failed to generate detectable levels of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted killer cells. Furthermore, B10.A(5R) mice that are non-responders for NP-specific class I killer cells could also be protected by immunization with rNP. In contrast, rNP-immunized mice developed strong proliferative T-cell responses to rNP. These data argue for an important role for helper T cells rather than virus-specific class I cytotoxic T cells in protection against influenza virus infection induced by rNP.

Differential requirement for protein synthesis in cytolysis mediated by class I and class II MHC-restricted cytotoxic T cells

Antigen-specific cytolysis by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-restricted cloned T-cell lines was found to be dependent on protein synthesis. Cytolysis by both polyclonal short-term and long-term class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) was almost completely insensitive to inhibitors of protein synthesis. Kinetic studies with class II-restricted CTL indicated that approximately 2-3 hr after initiation of activation, resistance to inhibitors of protein synthesis was acquired. This strongly suggests that either a cytotoxic effector molecule or an intermediary important in the delivery of such a molecule is synthesized rapidly after activation in class II-restricted CTL, whilst class I-restricted CTL have no such requirement.

Anti-viral immunity induced by recombinant nucleoprotein of influenza A virus. III. Delivery of recombinant nucleoprotein to the immune system using attenuated Salmonella typhimurium as a live carrier

A plasmid encoding the influenza nucleoprotein gene from A/NT/60/68 virus was transduced into the attenuated Salmonella typhimurium aroA- strain SL3261. The bacterial vector expressing the viral gene product was able to induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to the nucleoprotein antigen. CD4+ virus-specific T cells capable of proliferation were readily induced and, in some circumstances, class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxicity was detected. However, virus-specific class I MHC-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were not detected after such immunization. Mice immunized orally with the nucleoprotein-expressing bacteria mounted a strong anti-viral antibody response and spleen cells from such mice proliferated specifically to virus challenge in vitro, producing interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Orally immunized mice showed significant protection from challenge infection with influenza virus if the mice were also boosted intranasally before infection.

A dominant Th epitope in influenza nucleoprotein. Analysis of the fine specificity and functional repertoire of T cells recognizing a single determinant

The sequence 260-283 of the nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A virus is an epitope recognized by virus-immune lymph node cells from CBA (H-2k), B6 (H-2b), and B10.S (H-2s) mice. Further analysis shows that there are at least two Th epitopes within this sequence: the one close to the N-terminal (p260-273) is recognized by T cells from CBA and B6 mice while that close to the carboxyl-terminal (p270-283) is a dominant Th determinant in B10.S mice. The fine specificity of the recognition of this epitope by NP-specific T cell clones is also studied. When B10.S mice were infected intranasally or i.v. with live influenza virus, or immunized by different ways with various Ag preparations, P270-283 persistently emerged as a dominant T cell epitope. Immunization of B10.S mice with peptide p270-283 induces T cells with different in vivo functions including class II-restricted cytotoxicity, cognate help for Ag-specific antibody synthesis and delayed type hypersensitivity. This may have important implications for the understanding of the differentiation and classification of subsets of CD4+ T cells. The corresponding sequence of the NP of an equine influenza virus, A/Eq/Prague/56, which has a substitution (leucine to proline) at position 283, was not recognized by the lymph node cells from mice primed with either A/Okuda or A/Eq/Prague. However, the peptide, p270-283(E), representing this sequence induced T cell responses to both human and equine viruses. The data are discussed with respect to the development of viral vaccines.

A dominant Th epitope in influenza nucleoprotein. Analysis of the fine specificity and functional repertoire of T cells recognizing a single determinant

The sequence 260-283 of the nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A virus is an epitope recognized by virus-immune lymph node cells from CBA (H-2k), B6 (H-2b), and B10.S (H-2s) mice. Further analysis shows that there are at least two Th epitopes within this sequence: the one close to the N-terminal (p260-273) is recognized by T cells from CBA and B6 mice while that close to the carboxyl-terminal (p270-283) is a dominant Th determinant in B10.S mice. The fine specificity of the recognition of this epitope by NP-specific T cell clones is also studied. When B10.S mice were infected intranasally or i.v. with live influenza virus, or immunized by different ways with various Ag preparations, P270-283 persistently emerged as a dominant T cell epitope. Immunization of B10.S mice with peptide p270-283 induces T cells with different in vivo functions including class II-restricted cytotoxicity, cognate help for Ag-specific antibody synthesis and delayed type hypersensitivity. This may have important implications for the understanding of the differentiation and classification of subsets of CD4+ T cells. The corresponding sequence of the NP of an equine influenza virus, A/Eq/Prague/56, which has a substitution (leucine to proline) at position 283, was not recognized by the lymph node cells from mice primed with either A/Okuda or A/Eq/Prague. However, the peptide, p270-283(E), representing this sequence induced T cell responses to both human and equine viruses. The data are discussed with respect to the development of viral vaccines.

Identification and characterization of T helper epitopes in the nucleoprotein of influenza A virus

By using a series of overlapping synthetic peptides that cover more than 95% of the amino acid sequence of nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A/NT/60/68 virus, five Th cell epitopes in B10.S (H-2s), BALB/c (H-2d), CBA (H-2k), and B6 (H-2b) mice have been identified. The specificity of Th cell recognition of epitopes is largely dependent on the H-2 haplotype of the responding mouse strain. However, two out of the five Th epitopes defined could be recognized by mice of more than one haplotype, implying that the primary sequence of protein antigens could also influence the selection of dominant T cell epitopes by the immune system. Immunization of B10.S mice with peptide 260-283 generated strong Th cell response against type A influenza viruses. In the other three strains of mice tested, priming with helper peptides induced a stronger antipeptide than antiviral T cell response. However, the low responsiveness to virus in these mice could be partially overcome by immunization with a mixture of several helper peptides. The Th epitopes are defined by the ability of the peptides to stimulate class II MHC restricted CD4+ T cells to proliferate and to produce IL-2 in vitro. When compared with the known epitopes on NP recognised by class I restricted CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, it appears that Th and cytotoxic T cell epitopes are nonoverlapping. The AMPHI and Motifs methods were employed to analyze the sequence of NP and predict the potential dominant sites in the molecule. The predictions are compared with the experimental data obtained and the implications discussed.

Identification and characterization of T helper epitopes in the nucleoprotein of influenza A virus

By using a series of overlapping synthetic peptides that cover more than 95% of the amino acid sequence of nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A/NT/60/68 virus, five Th cell epitopes in B10.S (H-2s), BALB/c (H-2d), CBA (H-2k), and B6 (H-2b) mice have been identified. The specificity of Th cell recognition of epitopes is largely dependent on the H-2 haplotype of the responding mouse strain. However, two out of the five Th epitopes defined could be recognized by mice of more than one haplotype, implying that the primary sequence of protein antigens could also influence the selection of dominant T cell epitopes by the immune system. Immunization of B10.S mice with peptide 260-283 generated strong Th cell response against type A influenza viruses. In the other three strains of mice tested, priming with helper peptides induced a stronger antipeptide than antiviral T cell response. However, the low responsiveness to virus in these mice could be partially overcome by immunization with a mixture of several helper peptides. The Th epitopes are defined by the ability of the peptides to stimulate class II MHC restricted CD4+ T cells to proliferate and to produce IL-2 in vitro. When compared with the known epitopes on NP recognised by class I restricted CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, it appears that Th and cytotoxic T cell epitopes are nonoverlapping. The AMPHI and Motifs methods were employed to analyze the sequence of NP and predict the potential dominant sites in the molecule. The predictions are compared with the experimental data obtained and the implications discussed.

The detection and enumeration of cytokine-secreting cells in mice and man and the clinical application of these assays

An in vitro assay for the detection and enumeration of mouse and human cytokine-secreting cells is described and some ways in which it may be used diagnostically are indicated. The assay is an extension of the ELISA plaque assay or ELISPOT assay and uses pairs of antibodies to capture and then visually develop secreted lymphokines. In this way, it is possible to enumerate the specific cytokine-secreting cells. This assay may provide a valuable tool in the clinical investigation of the mechanisms of disease development and tissue destruction.

Antiviral immunity induced by recombinant nucleoprotein of influenza A virus. I. Characteristics and cross-reactivity of T cell responses

The gene for the nucleoprotein of the A/NT/60/68 influenza virus was expressed in bacteria and the recombinant protein purified. Lymph node cells from mice immunized with recombinant nucleoprotein proliferated in response to in vitro stimulation with a range of type A influenza viruses. Proliferation was inhibited by mAb to CD4 and class II MHC gene products. IFN-gamma was produced and type-specific CTL were generated in stimulated cultures of immune lymph node cells. These CTL were CD4+ and restricted to class II MHC gene products. Immunization with recombinant nucleoprotein generated Th cells in vivo as measured by the ability to generate an accelerated response to hemagglutinin after challenge with inactivated virus. The results are discussed with reference to a cross-reactive vaccine against influenza.

Antiviral immunity induced by recombinant nucleoprotein of influenza A virus. I. Characteristics and cross-reactivity of T cell responses

The gene for the nucleoprotein of the A/NT/60/68 influenza virus was expressed in bacteria and the recombinant protein purified. Lymph node cells from mice immunized with recombinant nucleoprotein proliferated in response to in vitro stimulation with a range of type A influenza viruses. Proliferation was inhibited by mAb to CD4 and class II MHC gene products. IFN-gamma was produced and type-specific CTL were generated in stimulated cultures of immune lymph node cells. These CTL were CD4+ and restricted to class II MHC gene products. Immunization with recombinant nucleoprotein generated Th cells in vivo as measured by the ability to generate an accelerated response to hemagglutinin after challenge with inactivated virus. The results are discussed with reference to a cross-reactive vaccine against influenza.

Inverse Ir gene control of the antibody and T cell proliferative responses to human basement membrane collagen

The immune response to pepsin-soluble human basement membrane-derived type IV collagen in mice has been characterized. Both T cell proliferative and antibody responses have been shown to be under major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked Ir gene control in inbred and MHC congenic mice. However, unlike previous examples studied, this response shows a separation of these two types of immunologic responsiveness. Only mice having I-As give potent in vitro T cell proliferative responses to type IV collagen whereas all mice except those having I-As give high antibody responses to this antigen. In (I-As X I-Anon-s) F1 mice, the T cell proliferative response was dominant, whereas antibody responses were markedly reduced compared with the responder parent. Given the recent demonstration that class II MHC-restricted, L3T4+ T cells can be divided into two sets, one of which helps for antibody responses and the other of which produces interleukin 2 and can also suppress such responses, it seems likely that these data can be accounted for on the basis of differential activation by this antigen of these two cell sets in mice of different MHC genotypes.

Inverse Ir gene control of the antibody and T cell proliferative responses to human basement membrane collagen

The immune response to pepsin-soluble human basement membrane-derived type IV collagen in mice has been characterized. Both T cell proliferative and antibody responses have been shown to be under major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked Ir gene control in inbred and MHC congenic mice. However, unlike previous examples studied, this response shows a separation of these two types of immunologic responsiveness. Only mice having I-As give potent in vitro T cell proliferative responses to type IV collagen whereas all mice except those having I-As give high antibody responses to this antigen. In (I-As X I-Anon-s) F1 mice, the T cell proliferative response was dominant, whereas antibody responses were markedly reduced compared with the responder parent. Given the recent demonstration that class II MHC-restricted, L3T4+ T cells can be divided into two sets, one of which helps for antibody responses and the other of which produces interleukin 2 and can also suppress such responses, it seems likely that these data can be accounted for on the basis of differential activation by this antigen of these two cell sets in mice of different MHC genotypes.

DNA fragmentation: manifestation of target cell destruction mediated by cytotoxic T-cell lines, lymphotoxin-secreting helper T-cell clones, and cell-free lymphotoxin-containing supernatant

A Lyt-2+, trinitrophenyl-specific, lymphotoxin-secreting, cytotoxic T-cell line, PCl 55, mediates the digestion of target cell DNA into discretely sized fragments. This phenomenon manifests itself within 30 min after effector cell encounter as measured by the release of 3H counts from target cells prelabeled with [3H]deoxythymidine and occurs even at very low effector to target cell ratios (0.25:1). A Lyt-1+, ovalbumin-specific, lymphotoxin-secreting T-helper cell clone, 5.9.24, is also able to mediate fragmentation of target cell DNA over a time course essentially indistinguishable from the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated hit. Cell-free lymphotoxin-containing supernatants also cause release of DNA from targets, although they require a longer time course, on the order of 24 hr. In contrast, lysis of cells by antibody plus complement or Triton X-100 does not result in DNA release even after extended periods of incubation (24 hr). All three treatments that result in the release of DNA from cells cause fragmentation of that DNA into discretely sized pieces that are multiples of 200 base pairs. The results thus suggest that cytotoxic T cells, lymphotoxin-secreting helper clones with cytolytic activity, and lymphotoxin all effect target cell destruction by means of a similar mechanism and that observed differences in time course and the absence of target cell specificity in killing mediated by lymphotoxin may simply reflect differences in the mode of toxin delivery.

Different phenotypic variants of the mouse B cell tumor A20/2J are selected by antigen- and mitogen-triggered cytotoxicity of L3T4-positive, I-A-restricted T cell clones

The L3T4+, Lyt-2-, cloned BALB/c T cell lines 5.9.24 and 5.8.6 are cytotoxic for the BALB/c B cell tumor line A20/2J. The T cell cytotoxicity against A20/2J cells could be triggered either by the specific antigen ovalbumin (OVA), which is recognized by the T cell clones in association with I-Ad determinants, or by the T cell mitogens Con A and rabbit anti-mouse brain (RaMBr) antiserum. Repeated exposure of A20/2J cells to 5.9.24 and 5.8.6 T cell cytotoxicity selected variant cell lines that had developed resistance to cytotoxicity. The variant lines could be classified into four different variant phenotypes of which three were stably maintained in vitro. The type of variant obtained appeared to be related to the nature of the ligand used to trigger T cell cytotoxicity during selection. Cytotoxicity triggered by the antigen OVA generated type 1 variants that expressed abnormally low levels of I-Ad determinants at the cell surface. Type 1 variants were resistant to OVA-triggered 5.9.24 T cell cytotoxicity, but were fully susceptible to cytotoxicity triggered by Con A or RaMBr antiserum. RaMBr-triggered cytotoxicity generated two unique types of variant cell lines: type 3 variants that were deficient in cell surface Fc receptors and resistant to 5.9.24 cytotoxicity only when triggered by RaMBr antiserum, and type 4 variants that were resistant to cytotoxicity triggered by all three ligands. One type 4 variant, the IC-1 cell line, appeared to be resistant to soluble cytotoxic factors released by 5.9.24 T cells after activation by antigen. All of these variant lines retained sensitivity to cytotoxicity by classic Lyt-2+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), a finding that indicates that L3T4a+ T cells and Lyt-2+ CTL use different molecules to attack their target cells. The variant phenotypes were inherited by clones derived from the original cell lines. Because the variants were generated without mutagenesis, they are thought to have been derived by the immunoselection of pre-existing variant cells that arose spontaneously in the parental A20/2J cell line. It is postulated that inheritable variation of A20/2J cells may represent changes that normally occur during B cell differentiation in response to T cell signals. The variant A20/2J cell lines described here provide material for the investigation of B cell surface structures that may regulate T-B cell interactions.

The immunobiology of T cell responses to Mls-locus-disparate stimulator cells. III. Helper and cytolytic functions of cloned, Mls-reactive T cell lines

Mls-specific T cell clones derived by limiting dilution were tested for cytotoxic activity in a lectin-dependent 51Cr-release assay. All the T cell clones tested were cytotoxic in such an assay in apparent contrast to previous reports. However, only those target cells sensitive to cytolysis by other L3T4a+ cytolytic T cells were killed by Mls-specific T cell clones in short term 51Cr-release assays, possibly explaining this discrepancy. All the T cell clones tested were L3T4a+, Lyt-2- and stimulated B cells from Mlsa,d strains of mice to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin. Furthermore, lysis of innocent bystander targets was observed when the T cells were stimulated with Mls-disparate stimulator cells. These results are consistent with those obtained with L3T4a+ T cells specific for protein antigen:self Ia and that express cytotoxic potential.

Direct interactions between B and T lymphocytes bearing complementary receptors

A murine cloned Th cell line specific for the antigen conalbumin in the context of self I-A molecules can be activated by low concentrations of soluble antireceptor mAb. By using an antireceptor mAb to shared antigenic determinants on T cell receptors, we have shown that the ability to be activated by soluble antireceptor mAb is an unusual, although not unique, feature of this cloned T cell line. This activation does not involve occult APC, FcR, or interaction between individual cloned T cells, as limiting-dilution analysis shows that individual cells of this clone will grow in the presence of the antireceptor antibody and IL-1 as stimulus. This cloned T cell line is highly immunogenic in vivo, giving rise to antireceptor antibodies that stimulate its growth in both mice and rats. This response is not dependent upon exogenous T cells. Rather, the clone directly interacts with complementary B cells, as shown by the production of mAb in nude mice, and by production of stimulating antireceptor antibodies by purified B cells cultured with cloned Th cells in vitro. Several features of this cloned Th cell line, most especially its ability to be activated, rather than inhibited, by antireceptor antibodies, may account for its striking ability to directly activate B cells bearing complementary receptors. The direct interaction of the cloned Th cell with B cells bearing complementary receptors may serve as a model for receptor-receptor interactions in the generation of both T and B cell repertoires.

The immunobiology of T cell responses to Mls-locus-disparate stimulator cells. III. Helper and cytolytic functions of cloned, Mls-reactive T cell lines

Mls-specific T cell clones derived by limiting dilution were tested for cytotoxic activity in a lectin-dependent 51Cr-release assay. All the T cell clones tested were cytotoxic in such an assay in apparent contrast to previous reports. However, only those target cells sensitive to cytolysis by other L3T4a+ cytolytic T cells were killed by Mls-specific T cell clones in short term 51Cr-release assays, possibly explaining this discrepancy. All the T cell clones tested were L3T4a+, Lyt-2- and stimulated B cells from Mlsa,d strains of mice to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin. Furthermore, lysis of innocent bystander targets was observed when the T cells were stimulated with Mls-disparate stimulator cells. These results are consistent with those obtained with L3T4a+ T cells specific for protein antigen:self Ia and that express cytotoxic potential.

Different phenotypic variants of the mouse B cell tumor A20/2J are selected by antigen- and mitogen-triggered cytotoxicity of L3T4-positive, I-A-restricted T cell clones

The L3T4+, Lyt-2-, cloned BALB/c T cell lines 5.9.24 and 5.8.6 are cytotoxic for the BALB/c B cell tumor line A20/2J. The T cell cytotoxicity against A20/2J cells could be triggered either by the specific antigen ovalbumin (OVA), which is recognized by the T cell clones in association with I-Ad determinants, or by the T cell mitogens Con A and rabbit anti-mouse brain (RaMBr) antiserum. Repeated exposure of A20/2J cells to 5.9.24 and 5.8.6 T cell cytotoxicity selected variant cell lines that had developed resistance to cytotoxicity. The variant lines could be classified into four different variant phenotypes of which three were stably maintained in vitro. The type of variant obtained appeared to be related to the nature of the ligand used to trigger T cell cytotoxicity during selection. Cytotoxicity triggered by the antigen OVA generated type 1 variants that expressed abnormally low levels of I-Ad determinants at the cell surface. Type 1 variants were resistant to OVA-triggered 5.9.24 T cell cytotoxicity, but were fully susceptible to cytotoxicity triggered by Con A or RaMBr antiserum. RaMBr-triggered cytotoxicity generated two unique types of variant cell lines: type 3 variants that were deficient in cell surface Fc receptors and resistant to 5.9.24 cytotoxicity only when triggered by RaMBr antiserum, and type 4 variants that were resistant to cytotoxicity triggered by all three ligands. One type 4 variant, the IC-1 cell line, appeared to be resistant to soluble cytotoxic factors released by 5.9.24 T cells after activation by antigen. All of these variant lines retained sensitivity to cytotoxicity by classic Lyt-2+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), a finding that indicates that L3T4a+ T cells and Lyt-2+ CTL use different molecules to attack their target cells. The variant phenotypes were inherited by clones derived from the original cell lines. Because the variants were generated without mutagenesis, they are thought to have been derived by the immunoselection of pre-existing variant cells that arose spontaneously in the parental A20/2J cell line. It is postulated that inheritable variation of A20/2J cells may represent changes that normally occur during B cell differentiation in response to T cell signals. The variant A20/2J cell lines described here provide material for the investigation of B cell surface structures that may regulate T-B cell interactions.

Protein-antigen specific Ia-restricted cytolytic T cells: analysis of frequency, target cell susceptibility, and mechanism of cytolysis

We previously showed that cloned, antigen-specific, Ia-restricted L3T4a+ T cell lines can be cytolytic for antigen-pulsed B cell lymphoma targets. Such cells can also, under different experimental conditions, activate B cells to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin. In the present experiments, we show that this functional phenotype is a common one among a panel of cloned T cell lines. In keeping with this finding, freshly isolated, antigen-activated lymph node T cells show similar functional properties. Such cytolytic L3T4a+ T cells differ from classical H-2K/D-restricted cytolytic T cells in two distinct ways. First, Ia-restricted cytolytic T cells can kill bystander targets, whereas H-2K/D-specific cytolytic T cells do not. Second, in testing a panel of target cells by using lectin-mediated cytolysis, Ia-restricted cytolytic clones reveal large differences in target cell susceptibility, whereas all targets are similarly susceptible to H-2K/D-specific killer cells. Finally, evidence is presented that both direct and bystander killing effected by L3T4a+ T cells are mediated by the same soluble factors, in that there is a strong positive correlation of these two activities for individual cloned lines. The relevant mediators appear to be lymphotoxin and IFN-gamma, although the latter molecule by itself is not cytolytic on our target lines.

Protein-antigen specific Ia-restricted cytolytic T cells: analysis of frequency, target cell susceptibility, and mechanism of cytolysis

We previously showed that cloned, antigen-specific, Ia-restricted L3T4a+ T cell lines can be cytolytic for antigen-pulsed B cell lymphoma targets. Such cells can also, under different experimental conditions, activate B cells to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin. In the present experiments, we show that this functional phenotype is a common one among a panel of cloned T cell lines. In keeping with this finding, freshly isolated, antigen-activated lymph node T cells show similar functional properties. Such cytolytic L3T4a+ T cells differ from classical H-2K/D-restricted cytolytic T cells in two distinct ways. First, Ia-restricted cytolytic T cells can kill bystander targets, whereas H-2K/D-specific cytolytic T cells do not. Second, in testing a panel of target cells by using lectin-mediated cytolysis, Ia-restricted cytolytic clones reveal large differences in target cell susceptibility, whereas all targets are similarly susceptible to H-2K/D-specific killer cells. Finally, evidence is presented that both direct and bystander killing effected by L3T4a+ T cells are mediated by the same soluble factors, in that there is a strong positive correlation of these two activities for individual cloned lines. The relevant mediators appear to be lymphotoxin and IFN-gamma, although the latter molecule by itself is not cytolytic on our target lines.

Cloned helper T cells can kill B lymphoma cells in the presence of specific antigen: Ia restriction and cognate vs. noncognate interactions in cytolysis

Cloned, Lyt-1+,2-, antigen-specific, Ia-restricted T cell lines can inhibit the growth of Ia-bearing B lymphoma cells in the presence of specific antigen. This effect is due to cytolysis of the B lymphoma cells in an antigen-specific, Ia-restricted manner by the cloned T cell lines. These cloned T cell lines can also kill lipopolysaccharide-activated normal B cells, while they activate resting B cells to divide and secrete immunoglobulin and are thus helper T cells as well as cytolytic T cells. The mechanism of cytolysis was examined in detail. Killing was mediated by a nonspecific mechanism after specific stimulation of the T cells with antigen presented in the context of the appropriate Ia glycoprotein complex, possibly implying a role for a soluble mediator. This simple system involving two clonal populations allows a detailed analysis of T-B interactions. Our studies are consistent with the view that both cognate and noncognate interactions of Ia-restricted T cells with B cells are mediated by nonspecific factors. Thus, the difference between interactions that appear to be cognate and those that appear to be noncognate may be quantitative rather than qualitative. That two cloned populations of cells can show either pattern of interaction depending on T-B ratio provides strong support for this view. Finally, that cloned helper T cells can kill activated B cells in an antigen-specific fashion may provide a new mechanism of immune regulation that would be especially important in responses to self antigens in vivo.

The role of B cell surface Ia antigen recognition by T cells in B cell triggering. Analysis of the interaction of cloned helper T cells with normal B cells in differing states of activation and with B cells expressing the xid defect

Two discrete mechanisms of T-B cell collaboration appear to exist. In cognate recognition, B cell triggering results from a direct recognition of antigen and MHC determinants at the B cell surface. Alternatively, B cells can be triggered by transstimulation, in which the Th cell is activated by an antigen-presenting cell to produce soluble factors which in turn trigger the B cell. This report addresses the question of whether antigen recognition at the B cell surface in association with Ia determinants delivers a signal to the B cell, which is qualitatively different from the signals delivered by the soluble mediators released by the activated Th cell. Previous reports from a number of laboratories suggest that cognate recognition is obligatory for the triggering of small resting B cells and B cells of the Lyb-5- phenotype, whereas enlarged B cell blasts and the Lyb-5+ subset can be triggered solely by soluble mediators. Contrary to these findings, the experiments described here indicate that B cells isolated in different states of activation from normal spleens on the basis of their buoyant density in Percoll density gradients, or unfractionated B cells from mice differing genetically due to the xid defect [Lyb-5- B cells from (CBA/N X BALB/c)F1 male mice], do not discriminate between the two modes of Th cell function. In both stimulation modes, the high density B cells, and the B cells from xid mice made very poor immunoglobulin secretory responses measured in terms of reverse plaque formation on protein A-coupled erythrocytes. When the responses of different density fractions of B cells were compared under conditions where stimulation occurred either directly or indirectly via transstimulation, the following hierarchy of responsiveness in both the proliferative and plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses was observed in the density fractions 60% greater than 65% greater than 70% greater than 75%. The hierarchy was the same in both modes of interaction and the deficiency of the high density, small B cells was far more marked in the PFC assay than in the proliferative assay. We conclude that the initial proliferative response of the resting B cell can be triggered comparably in vitro under conditions of direct or transstimulation. Thus, recognition of B cell surface Ia by Th cells is not obligatory for B cell activation and does not transfer an essential transmembrane signal to the B cell.

Immunoregulatory effects of covalent antigen-antibody complexes. IV. Priming and tolerance in T-dependent responses

Stable, covalently bonded, monomeric complexes of rabbit anti-NAP (4-azido-2-nitrophenyl) antibodies and NAP-bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase), when injected into mice, prime the subsequent response to a soluble challenge of RNase. This effect is shown to be dependent on an intact Fc portion of the rabbit antibody and not simply due to foreign determinants recognized on the latter. A study of the kinetics of elimination of radioiodinated complexes from the serum indicates that the generation of a primary anti-rabbit IgG response and subsequent clearance of the complex leads to priming of the anti-RNase response. If mice are previously rendered tolerant to rabbit IgG or the complexes are ultracentrifuged, the priming to RNase is often abolished and tolerance may be induced.

Immunoregulatory effects of covalent antigen-antibody complexes. III. Enhancement or suppression depending on the time of administration of complex relative to a T-independent antigen

The photosensitive affinity label NAP (4-azido-2-nitrophenyl) was used to make a stable covalent-bonded monomeric immune complex (Ag2Ab) between rabbit anti-NAP antibody and a bihaptenic compound containing NAP linked to fluorescein (NAP-aminocaproyl-lysyl-Fl). This complex injected into mice had marked effects on their subsequent response to fluorescein coupled to a thymus-independent carrier (Fl-ficoll). Depending on the time at which the complex was administered relative to challenge, it was possible to obtain either enhancing or suppressive effects. The enhancing but not the suppressive effect of complex was dependent on immune recognition of the rabbit IgG carrier. While the suppressive effect probably results from complex-mediated inactivation of T-independent B cells, it is suggested that the enhancing effect results from priming of the T-dependent B cells by Fl-Ficoll followed by their triggering into antibody production by rabbit IgG-specific helper cells.