Immunization with an interferon-gamma-gp120 fusion protein induces enhanced immune responses to human immunodeficiency virus gp120

Cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-gamma, can be effective immunologic adjuvants but often lack the potency of other, more reactogenic compounds. On the basis of the observation that attachment of IFN-gamma to antigen could further enhance its adjuvanticity, a chimeric protein involving IFN-gamma and gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus was produced, using varying lengths of amino acid linkers between the two moieties. All resultant fusion proteins appeared to be dimerized, but full IFN-gamma biological activity was present only with the longest, 34-aa linker. Immunization with the fusion protein gave rise to enhanced primary antibody responses to gp120, particularly of the IgG2a subclass. In addition, both T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production in response to antigen were strongly enhanced by primary immunization with the fusion protein. IFN-gamma fused to antigen is a more potent adjuvant for Th1-like responses than is IFN-gamma mixed with antigen.

Recent advances in vaccinology

Major advances in vaccinology in the past year include the experimental use of vaccination for diseases such as Alzheimer's and stroke, a demonstration of the power of genomic approaches for target antigen identification, hopeful results in a clinical trial for a therapeutic cancer vaccine, and the successful mass immunisation of children with meningococcal conjugate vaccine in the UK.

Stimulation of dendritic cells via CD40 enhances immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

The resolution of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) critically depends on the development of the Th1 type of immune responses, as exemplified by the exacerbation of TB in IL-12-deficient mice. Therefore, vaccination strategies optimizing IL-12 production by antigen-presenting cells (APC) in response to mycobacteria may have enhanced protective efficacy. Since dendritic cells (DC) are the critical APC for activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, we examined whether stimulation of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG)-infected DC via CD40 increased their ability to generate Th1-oriented cellular immune responses. Incubation of DC with an agonistic anti-CD40 antibody activated CD40 signaling in DC, as shown by increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and costimulatory molecules, mRNA production for proinflammatory cytokines and interleukin 12 (IL-12) p40. This activation pattern was maintained when DC were stimulated with anti-CD40 antibody and infected with BCG. Importantly, CD40-stimulated BCG-infected DC displayed increased capacity to release bioactive IL-12 and to activate gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) producing T cells in vitro. Moreover, when C57BL/6 mice were immunized with these DC and challenged with aerosol Mycobacterium tuberculosis, increased levels of mRNA for IL-12 p40, IL-18, and IFN-gamma were present in the draining mediastinal lymph nodes. However, the mycobacterial burden in the lungs was not reduced compared to that in mice immunized with BCG-infected non-CD40-stimulated DC. Therefore, although the manipulation of DC via CD40 is effective for enhancing immune responses to mycobacteria in vivo, additional strategies are required to increase protection against virulent M. tuberculosis infection.

A comparison of oral and parenteral routes for therapeutic vaccination with HSV-2 ISCOMs in mice; cytokine profiles, antibody responses and protection

It is likely that recurrent infections with HSV-2 (or HSV-1) are influenced by local levels of immunity at mucosal surfaces, when virus reactivated from the latent state is infecting mucosal epithelial cells. Increasing the levels of cellular and humoral immunity through immunisation and maintaining such increased levels, may reduce establishment and spread of reactivated virus at the local site, thereby ameliorating recurrent disease symptoms. The use of HSV-2 antigens incorporated into immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs) for immunisation of mice previously infected with HSV-2 was investigated in the present study. Prophylactic administration of HSV-2 ISCOM vaccine to mice elicits local antibody detectable in nasal washings, serum antibody and the presence of cytokines IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-4 in supernatants from spleen cell cultures stimulated in vitro with HSV-2 antigens. Use of the same vaccine in mice infected previously with HSV-2, results in increased levels of total and subclass serum ELISA antibody and also increased levels of serum neutralising antibody. Treatment of HSV-2 infected mice with the HSV-2 ISCOM vaccine also induces higher levels of the cytokines IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-4, in in vitro stimulated spleen cell cultures. Challenge with a lethal dose of HSV-1 showed that mice previously infected with HSV-2 and subsequently given two doses of HSV-2 ISCOMs vaccine were protected.

Functional activity of CD40 antibodies correlates to the position of binding relative to CD154

In this study we describe the characterization of a panel of 12 anti-mouse CD40 monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Characterization was performed in terms of antibody-binding site relative to the CD154 ligand, and the relationship between position and functional outcome of binding. The antibodies divided into three groups. The first were strong inhibitors of CD154 binding, and induced strong proliferative and activation signals to B cells. Two antibodies gave intermediary inhibition and comparable levels of activation. The remaining antibodies were found to bind outside the CD154 binding site and were poor inducers of B-cell activation. Data presented show a strong correlation between location of mAb binding and the resultant activation signal delivered. This correlation is shown to be independent of the isotype of the antibody involved and of its affinity. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Antibody responses, cytokine levels and protection of mice immunised with HSV-2 antigens formulated into NISV or ISCOM delivery systems

The immunogenicity of a type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) antigen preparation following its formulation into immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs) or non-ionic surfactant vesicles (NISV) was investigated in a murine model. The immune responses induced by each formulation were characterised by antigen specific total and subclass serum responses, and by lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine (interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)) production by in vitro restimulated spleen cells. The degree of protection afforded to mice by these various HSV-2 vaccine preparations against homologous (HSV-2) and heterologous (HSV-1) challenge infection was also determined. The findings suggest that formulation of the HSV-2 glycoprotein antigens with ISCOM or NISV delivery vehicles, and the methods used to prepare these formulations, influenced the immunogenicity of the final preparation. Higher IgG2a and neutralising antibody levels, IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels and lymphoproliferative responses were noted in mice immunised with the HSV-2 ISCOM formulated vaccine preparation. Furthermore, although HSV-2 antigens formulated in dehydration-rehydration NISV, or entrapped in NISV by freeze-thawing at 30 degrees C (HSV-2 NISV 30), also elicited relatively high antibody, IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels and relatively high lymphoproliferative responses, formulation of HSV-2 antigens by freeze-thawing with NISV at 60 degrees C (HSV-2 NISV 60) did not. There were no differences between any of the HSV-2 vaccine formulations in terms of IL-4 induction in in vitro stimulated spleen cell cultures. Almost complete protection against HSV-2 challenge was afforded by the HSV-2 ISCOM preparation, while partial protection against challenge infection was afforded by the HSV-2 NISV 30 vaccine formulation. The findings are discussed in relation to the nature of the immune mechanisms, particularly Th1- or Th2-like responses, that may be elicited by HSV-2 antigen preparations formulated into various delivery systems and the relevance of these immune responses to protection against HSV infection in the murine model.

Use of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 ISCOMS 703 vaccine for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of primary and recurrent HSV-2 infection in guinea pigs

The effect of subunit vaccination on the incidence and severity of primary and recurrent genital herpes was investigated in the female guinea pig model of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 genital infection. After prophylactic immunization with zwitterionic detergent-solubilized HSV-1 glycoproteins formulated with alhydrogel or as immunostimulating complex particles, significant reductions in the incidence and severity of primary herpetic illness were observed in both vaccinated groups compared with immunization-naive controls. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of spontaneous herpetic recurrences after administration of HSV-1 antigens formulated as immunostimulatory complexes to guinea pigs in a prophylactic mode (P<.01). Increased levels of both postimmunization and postchallenge ELISA and neutralizing antibodies were significant correlates of protection against primary herpetic disease in a prophylactic scenario. However, no correlation was observed between elevated ELISA or neutralizing antibody levels and protection against recurrent disease following prophylactic or therapeutic administration of HSV-1 subunit vaccines.

Therapeutic vaccination against HSV-2: influence of vaccine formulation on immune responses and protection in mice

Therapeutic immunisation may represent a means of influencing viral infections that persist in the host by modulating the nature or level of host immunity. To assess the influence of the form of the antigenic stimulus on immunity to type-2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2), mice pre-infected with sublethal doses of HSV-2 were immunised with various HSV-2 vaccine formulations prior to challenge infection with heterologous HSV-1. Measurements of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels in mouse spleen cell cultures restimulated in vitro with HSV-2 antigens showed that, depending on the form of HSV-2 antigen preparation used in this therapeutic context, changes in the levels of these cytokines could be effected. Measurement of HSV-specific antibody by serological tests support the contention that immunisation of HSV-2-infected mice can either enhance the existing Th1-like immune response elicited following HSV-2 infection, or modulate this response towards a more Th2-like profile, and this is dependent on the form of the antigenic stimulus. The degree of protection against subsequent lethal, heterologous HSV-1 challenge infection varied according to the nature of the infection and the immunisation history of the animals.

Cell surface expression of CD154 inhibits alloantibody responses: A mechanism for the prevention of autoimmune responses against activated T cells?

Binding of CD40 by CD154 expressed on activated T cells is a pivotal event in T cell help to B cells, macrophages, and other antigen-presenting cells. Expression of CD154 by MHC mismatched cells, in contrast to expectations, strongly suppressed alloantibody responses against the cells. This was caused by a failure of priming of antibody responses by the CD154 expressing cells. We hypothesize that this lack of response against CD154 expressing cells may represent a mechanism that has evolved to prevent autoantibody responses being generated against the CD154 antigen itself, as B cells expressing antibody reactive with CD154 would probably escape deletion on binding antigen in the bone marrow due to rescue by the simultaneous ligation of CD40.

Enhanced in vivo immune responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide by exogenous CD40 stimulation

The lack of specific T-cell help in immune responses to thymus-independent antigens results in weak, predominantly immunoglobulin M-mediated immunity with little or no memory. In the work presented here we show how the exogenous stimulation of CD40 by monoclonal antibodies can mimic T-cell help, resulting in enhanced immune responses which are protective against bacterial infection.

Arrest of B lymphocyte terminal differentiation by CD40 signaling: mechanism for lack of antibody-secreting cells in germinal centers

Despite extensive research, the role of CD40 signaling in B cell terminal differentiation remains controversial. Here we show that CD40 engagement arrests B cell differentiation prior to plasma cell formation. This arrest is manifested at a molecular level as a reduction in mRNA levels of secretory immunoglobulin gene products such as mu(s) and J chain as well as the loss of the transcriptional regulator BLIMP-1. Furthermore, the inhibition of B cell differentiation by CD40 engagement could not be overcome by either mitogens or cytokines, but could be reversed by antibodies that interfere with the CD40/gp39 interaction. These data suggest that secretory immunoglobulin is not produced by B cells that are actively engaged by gp39-expressing T cells.

Humoral response to HSV-1 subunit vaccines--a statistical analysis

Following primary infection with HSV, the virus becomes latent in the local sensory ganglia for the lifetime of the host. In some cases, periodic reactivation may occur due to various stimuli and cause a recrudescent lesion at or near the initial site of infection. As yet there is no suitable vaccine to prevent its spread within the human population. We investigated the potential of a large number of commercial and experimental adjuvant preparations to enhance the immunogenicity of an HSV-1 glycoprotein subunit vaccine. Evaluation was based on toxicity, total antibody titre, neutralizing antibody production and protection against lethal challenge. All adjuvants tested increased the titre of antigen specific total and neutralizing lg when compared to subunit vaccine alone, although functional neutralising antibody was only detected in some cases. Following challenge, a broad range of protective responses was noted but no correlation between antibody levels and protection was observed. The results emphasize the requirement of adjuvants when using subunit preparations as vaccine formulations and demonstrate that the magnitude and effectiveness of the induced immune response varies greatly with the choice of adjuvant.

A novel method for enhancement of T independent responses

Bacterial capsular polysaccharides are the major targets for vaccination against encapsulated bacteria but present problems when used for immunisation as they are T cell independent antigens (TI-II). TI-II antigens do not induce a memory response, but induce an antibody response which is of low magnitude and is predominantly IgM, with little or no isotype switching to IgG isotypes. This is because TI-II antigens do not induce T cell help. Such T cell help to B cells is mediated through up regulation of the CD40 ligand (CD154) on the activated T cell, which binds to CD40 inducing B cell activation, proliferation and isotype switching in conjunction with cytokines produced by the T cell. We have successfully mimicked this T cell help and induced very strong, isotype switched antibody responses to TI-II antigens by the simple addition of agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharides before immunisation.

Adjuvants and delivery systems for viral vaccines--mechanisms and potential

Of the vaccines against viral diseases of man currently available, several are less than satisfactory, and the present surge of interest in improving such vaccines, and in developing new vaccines against viral diseases as yet unchallenged, has led to major developments in three areas. The capacity to identify the nature and form of antigenic epitopes in proteins allows the specific design of molecular entities to promote relevant and protective immune responses. Such entities, although ideal in terms of specificity and purity, may not achieve their goals through failure to reach relevant cells of the immune system due to simple dilution, elimination by host enzymes or lack of specific targeting. Concomitant with the above there has been development of a plethora of adjuvants aimed at enhancing immune responses to these 'new' immunogens, paralleled by an almost equally rapid increase in understanding the complex nature of the immune response, particularly with respect to antigen processing, the nature and role of cytokines and the importance of T-cell subsets in infection. These developments allow exploration of matching the properties and mechanistic action of a given adjuvant to a defined immune response. Adjuvants can be grouped according to their physical characteristics and mode of action. They include particulate adjuvants, oil and emulsifier-based adjuvants, those providing controlled antigen delivery, adjuvants based on specific targeting of antigen, and gel-type adjuvants. They may act non-specifically in promoting an immune response to an antigen through depot formation, or very specifically as in a "delivery system" where an antigen is linked to a cellular protein, targeted to a specific cell receptor. As adjuvant technology develops it is becoming increasingly clear that these differing approaches may be combined, and an adjuvant/delivery system designed, to provide slow release of a targeted antigen. The role of adjuvants in modern viral vaccine technology and their influence on the immune system are the subject of this review.

Enhancement of T cell-independent immune responses in vivo by CD40 antibodies

In this report we describe a potentially powerful method for vaccinating infants against encapsulated bacterial pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. High levels of antibody directed against the polysaccharides of the bacterial capsule are normally protective. Unfortunately, the capsular polysaccharides are T cell-independent antigens (TI); lacking T-cell help, they induce only weak, predominantly IgM antibody responses, with infants responding especially poorly. T-cell help, given to B cells during responses to protein antigens, causes stronger antibody responses and isotype switching to the IgG isotypes. T-cell help is mainly mediated through ligation of the B-cell surface antigen, CD40, by its cognate T-cell ligand, CD154. Here we show that administering anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody to mice, along with pneumococcal polysaccharide, provides a substitute for T-cell help and results in the generation of strong, isotype-switched antibody responses, which are protective. The work points the way toward a possible effective and inexpensive means of protecting susceptible groups against important bacterial pathogens.

CD40 signaling induces interleukin-4-independent IgE switching in vivo

T cell-deficient T cell receptor (TCR) beta-/- x TCR delta-/- knockout mice lack circulating IgE and fail to produce antigen-specific IgE in response to stimulation with T cell-dependent antigens. We show here that these animals are able to produce significant levels of circulating polyclonal IgE when injected with an agonistic anti-mouse CD40 monoclonal antibody. CD40-mediated induction of circulating polyclonal IgE in T cell-deficient mice was only partially reduced when the animals were co-treated with neutralizing anti-interleukin-4 (IL-4) antibody. The IL-4 independence of this response was further supported by experiments showing that anti-CD40 antibodies induced circulating IgE when injected into IL-4 knockout mice, and sterile RNA epsilon transcript production when cultured with purified B cells from the same mice. These data strongly suggest that CD40 signaling causes IL-4-independent IgE switching in mice.

Differential activation of the ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases by CD40 and the B cell antigen receptor

B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-induced apoptosis in the WEHI-231 B lymphoma cell line can be prevented by engaging CD40. We have used this cell line to investigate the role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in integrating BCR and CD40 signaling. Each of the three types of MAP kinases, the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38, phosphorylates a distinct set of transcription factors. Thus, activating different combinations of MAP kinases could lead to distinct biological responses. We found that BCR engagement in WEHI-231 cells caused a 15- to 20-fold activation of ERK2 and a 2- to 3-fold stimulation of ERK1. CD40 did not activate either of these kinases, nor did it affect BCR-induced ERK activation. In contrast, CD40 engagement caused a 50- to 70-fold increase in JNK activity. BCR cross-linking caused a modest (4- to 8-fold) increase in JNK activity by itself and also potentiated CD40-induced JNK activation. Finally, CD40 caused strong activation of the p38 kinase as well as MAPKAP kinase-2, a downstream target of p38. BCR engagement caused only weak activation of the p38 pathway. In summary, the BCR strongly activates ERK2 and weakly activates ERK1, JNK, and p38, while CD40 markedly stimulates the JNK and p38 kinases. Thus, activation of only ERK2 correlates with apoptosis in WEHI-231 cells, whereas full activation of all three MAP kinase pathways correlates with cell survival. The role of MAP kinases in regulating these responses remains to be tested.

Differential activation of the ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases by CD40 and the B cell antigen receptor

B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-induced apoptosis in the WEHI-231 B lymphoma cell line can be prevented by engaging CD40. We have used this cell line to investigate the role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in integrating BCR and CD40 signaling. Each of the three types of MAP kinases, the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38, phosphorylates a distinct set of transcription factors. Thus, activating different combinations of MAP kinases could lead to distinct biological responses. We found that BCR engagement in WEHI-231 cells caused a 15- to 20-fold activation of ERK2 and a 2- to 3-fold stimulation of ERK1. CD40 did not activate either of these kinases, nor did it affect BCR-induced ERK activation. In contrast, CD40 engagement caused a 50- to 70-fold increase in JNK activity. BCR cross-linking caused a modest (4- to 8-fold) increase in JNK activity by itself and also potentiated CD40-induced JNK activation. Finally, CD40 caused strong activation of the p38 kinase as well as MAPKAP kinase-2, a downstream target of p38. BCR engagement caused only weak activation of the p38 pathway. In summary, the BCR strongly activates ERK2 and weakly activates ERK1, JNK, and p38, while CD40 markedly stimulates the JNK and p38 kinases. Thus, activation of only ERK2 correlates with apoptosis in WEHI-231 cells, whereas full activation of all three MAP kinase pathways correlates with cell survival. The role of MAP kinases in regulating these responses remains to be tested.

Differential effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on IgA vs. IgG2b production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated lymph node B cells: a comparative study with spleen B cells

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a multifunctional cytokine that promotes IgA/IgG2b switching and secretion. Here, we show a differential effect of TGF-beta 1 on Ig production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated spleen and lymph node (LN) B cells. Exogenous TGF-beta 1 increased IgA production in B cell cultures and IgG2b production by spleen B cells. In contrast, IgG2b was suppressed by TGF-beta 1 in cultures of LN B cells, although endogenous TFG-beta was required for IgG2b production in LN B cell cultures. The suppressor properties of exogenous TGF-beta 1 (0.5 ng/ml) on IgG2b production by LN B cells were also seen when testing IgG1 or IgG2a induced by interleukin-4 or interferon-gama, respectively. These differences between B cells from each lymphoid tissue appeared to be related to a different TGF-beta antiproliferative effect, since proliferation of LN B cells was extremely sensitive to TFG-beta 1 and IgG2b production was more sensitive than IgA to the TFG-beta-mediated suppression. However, by counteracting the antiproliferative effect of TGF-beta 1 with a CD40 agonistic mAb (IC10), the IgG2b response by LN B cells was still lacking. IC10 was nevertheless inhibitory for IgG2b production in most cases, while increasing secretion of IgA in the very same cultures. Taken together, the results suggest that functional differences between spleen and LN B cells do exit, at least with regard to the immunomodulating properties of TGF-beta on both proliferation and Ig production. Moreover, functional differences exist between cells committed for IgA and IgG2b regarding their sensitivity to the antiproliferative activity of TGF-beta 1 and the effect of CD40-derived signals on Ig secretion.

The effect of antigen dose on CD4+ T helper cell phenotype development in a T cell receptor-alpha beta-transgenic model

The dose of foreign antigen can influence whether a cell-mediated or humoral class of immune response is elicited, and this may be largely accounted for by the development of CD4+ T helper cells (Th) producing distinct sets of cytokines. The ability of antigen dose to direct the development of a Th1 or Th2 phenotype from naive CD4+ T cells, however, has not been demonstrated. In this report, we show that the antigen dose used in primary cultures could directly affect Th phenotype development from naive DO11.10 TCR-alpha beta-transgenic CD4+ T cells when dendritic cells or activated B cells were used as the antigen-presenting cells. Consistent with our previous findings, midrange peptide doses (0.3-0.6 microM) directed the development of Th0/Th1-like cells, which produced moderate amounts of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). As the peptide dose was increased, development of Th1-like cells producing increased amounts of IFN-gamma was initially observed. At very high (> 10 microM) and very low (< 0.05 microM) doses of antigenic peptide, however, a dramatic switch to development of Th2-like cells that produced increasing amounts of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and diminishing levels of IFN-gamma was observed. This was true even when highly purified naive, high buoyant density CD4+ LECAM-1hi T cells were used, ruling out a possible contribution from contaminating "memory" phenotype CD4+ T cells. Neutralizing anti-IL-4 antibodies completely inhibited the development of this Th2-like phenotype at both high and low antigen doses, demonstrating a requirement for endogenous IL-4. Our findings suggest that the antigen dose may affect the levels of endogenous cytokines such as IL-4 in primary cultures, resulting in the development of distinct Th cell phenotypes.

Cytokines as adjuvants in immunocompromised hosts

Vaccination of immunocompromised subjects may be ineffective due to the poor immune responses induced. In addition, vaccination with live attenuated organisms may also be dangerous due to the possible lack of control of the infection. This review describes the protection of cytokines in the vaccination of immunocompromised individuals. Cytokines have possible roles as immunological adjuvants, enhancing immune responses to vaccination, and can also have effects on the growth of live vaccines or vaccine vectors.

CD38 unresponsiveness of xid B cells implicates Bruton's tyrosine kinase (btk) as a regular of CD38 induced signal transduction

CD38 is a 42 kDa membrane-associated ectoenzyme expressed by a large proportion of human and mouse lymphocytes. Agonistic antibodies to CD38 induce a strong proliferative response in lymphocytes additionally co-stimulated with other growth co-factors such as IL-4, IL-2 plus accessory cells or sub-mitogenic doses of endotoxin. We show here that B lymphocytes from unstimulated X-linked immunodeficient (xid) mice are unresponsive to CD38 stimulation, both in terms of proliferative response and surface antigen modulation. This CD38 unresponsiveness is evident in the presence of excess quantities of, and normal responses to, the accessory growth co-stimulants required for this response. CD38 molecules expressed on xid B cells are normal in terms of expression levels, size and enzymatic activity, suggesting that CD38 unresponsiveness reflects a down-stream signaling defect. In light of the recent proposal that the xid gene encodes a tyrosine kinase called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (btk), these data suggest that btk is either an integral component or an indirect regulator of the CD38-induced signal transduction pathway.

Monoclonal antibodies to murine CD40 define two distinct functional epitopes

Two rat IgG2a antibodies which define distinct epitopes on murine CD40 have been generated. These antibodies specifically bind recombinant murine CD40 expressed on L cells, and the soluble extracellular domain of murine CD40 coated onto microtiter plates. Both antibodies bind B220+ but not B220 murine spleen cells, and immunoprecipitate a 45-kDa protein from the surface of purified murine splenic B cells. These antibodies exhibit separate functional properties, consistent with the notion that they define two distinct CD40 epitopes. One of the monoclonal antibodies (designated 1C10) directly induces a specific proliferative response from mature murine B cells, up-regulates several B cell surface antigens, and rescues immature B lymphoma cells from anti-IgM-induced growth arrest. The other monoclonal antibody (designated 4F11) exhibits none of these properties, but is capable of synergizing with suboptimal amounts of either anti-IgM antibodies or the 1C10 agonistic anti-CD40 antibody to produce an optimal proliferative response of purified small dense B cells. Furthermore, 4F11 antibody synergizes with suboptimal amounts of 1C10 antibody to rescue B lymphoma cells from anti-IgM-induced growth arrest. The 1C10 and 4F11 antibodies were unable to cross-block each other's binding to recombinant CD40 expressed in L cells, providing strong support for the notion that the antibodies recognize distinct epitopes on CD40. The potential implications of two functionally distinct CD40 epitopes are discussed.

Antibodies to murine CD40 protect normal and malignant B cells from induced growth arrest

We have previously described the production of polyclonal anti-murine CD40 antibodies that specifically bind recombinant murine CD40 expressed on L cells and induce vigorous proliferation of normal murine B lymphocytes. The current study utilizes these antibodies to explore the distribution and function of CD40 in murine B cell development. Murine CD40 is expressed at high levels by normal splenic B cells and all Ig-positive B cell lymphomas tested to date. It is not expressed by the 70Z/3 pre-B cell line, BaF3 pre-B cell line, or by numerous T cell and myeloid cell lines. 70Z/3 pre-B cells can be induced to express CD40 by LPS stimulation of the cells. Stimulation of purified splenic B cells with anti-CD40 antibodies causes upregulation of class II MHC antigens, CD23, and ICAM-1 and results in extensive aggregation of the cells. Antibodies to murine CD40 are extremely effective at rescuing malignant and normal B cells from induced growth arrest. Anti-CD40 antibodies protect WEHI-231 and CH31 B lymphoma cells from growth arrest induced by soluble anti-IgM antibodies, TGF beta, or a combination of both stimulants. Similarly, anti-IgM preactivated normal splenic B cells which normally die rapidly from growth arrest after 1 or 2 days culture produce a vigorous proliferative response to subsequent stimulation with anti-CD40 antibodies plus IL-4. Interestingly, anti-CD40 antibodies provide little to no protection against B lymphoma growth arrest induced by immobilized anti-IgM antibodies. These data confirm and extend functional properties assigned previously to human CD40 and identify numerous defined murine model systems to explore the molecular basis of CD40-mediated protection from induced B cell growth arrest.

Vaccination against the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis

Non-chemical control of haematophagous parasites is a desirable goal. We report here on the use of concealed antigens from the major digestive organ of the cat-flea as vaccine components. Rabbits were immunized with various antigens from cat flea midguts, and immunoglobulin from these rabbits was fed to cat fleas in an artificial feeding system. Antibody produced against soluble antigens from the midguts of fed fleas was able to kill fleas in this system. Dogs were then immunized with various antigen preparations, and challenged for a week with live fleas. Significantly fewer live fleas were recovered from dogs immunized with fed midgut supernatant, and recovered live female fleas produced significantly fewer eggs. This study indicates the possibility of vaccination as a means of control of flea, and possibly other blood sucking insect populations.

Immunoglobulin signal transduction guides the specificity of B cell-T cell interactions and is blocked in tolerant self-reactive B cells

The specificity of antibody (Ab) responses depends on focusing helper T (Th) lymphocyte signals to suitable B lymphocytes capable of binding foreign antigens (Ags), and away from nonspecific or self-reactive B cells. To investigate the molecular mechanisms that prevent the activation of self-reactive B lymphocytes, the activation requirements of B cells specific for the Ag hen egg lysozyme (HEL) obtained from immunoglobulin (Ig)-transgenic mice were compared with those of functionally tolerant B cells isolated from Ig-transgenic mice which also express soluble HEL. To eliminate the need for surface (s)Ig-mediated Ag uptake and presentation and allow the effects of sIg signaling to be studied in isolation, we assessed the ability of allogeneic T cells from bm12 strain mice to provide in vivo help to C57BL/6 strain-transgenic B cells. Interestingly, non-tolerant Ig-transgenic B cells required both allogeneic Th cells and binding of soluble HEL for efficient activation and Ab production. By contrast, tolerant self-reactive B cells from Ig/HEL double transgenic mice responded poorly to the same combination of allogeneic T cells and soluble HEL. The tolerant B cells were nevertheless normally responsive to stimulation with interleukin 4 and anti-CD40 Abs in vitro, suggesting that they retained the capacity to respond to mediators of T cell help. However, the tolerant B cells exhibited a proximal block in the sIg signaling pathway which prevented activation of receptor-associated tyrosine kinases in response to the binding of soluble HEL. The functional significance of this sIg signaling defect was confirmed by using a more potent membrane-bound form of HEL capable of triggering sIg signaling in tolerant B cells, which markedly restored their ability to collaborate with allogeneic Th cells and produce Ab. These findings indicate that Ag-specific B cells require two signals for mounting a T cell-dependent Ab response and identify regulation of sIg signaling as a mechanism for controlling self-reactive B cells.

Antibodies to murine CD40 stimulate normal B lymphocytes but inhibit proliferation of B lymphoma cells

A rat anti-mouse CD40 antiserum has been prepared by hyperimmunisation of Lewis rats with a highly purified preparation of the recombinant extracellular domain of murine CD40. This antiserum specifically binds CD40-expressing L cell transfectants, but not untransfected L cells, and induces vigorous proliferation of highly purified small dense B cells obtained from the spleens of unstimulated mice. Anti-CD40-induced B cell proliferation can be augmented by the addition of IL-4 and is inhibited by purified recombinant soluble mouse CD40. Interestingly the same anti-CD40 antiserum specifically inhibits the in vitro growth of A.20 murine B lymphoma cells. The specificity of this inhibition can be demonstrated by reversing the effect with purified recombinant soluble mouse CD40. These data implicate CD40 as a possible target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of B lymphomas.

Expression of the murine interleukin-4 gene in an attenuated aroA strain of Salmonella typhimurium: persistence and immune response in BALB/c mice and susceptibility to macrophage killing

Cytokines are potentially useful in vaccination as adjuvants or modulators of the type of response induced. The work below describes the expression of a cloned cytokine gene for murine interleukin-4 (mIL-4) by a live vaccine vector, an attenuated aroA strain (SL7207) of Salmonella typhimurium, in a murine model system. SL7207 was used as a carrier for two different high-level expression vectors. Both resulting strains, designated SL7207(pOmpAmIL-4) and SL7207(pKKmIL-4), expressed the cloned gene product as monitored by both immunological and biological assays. However, SL7207(pOmpAmIL-4) produced mIL-4 at higher levels and was more stable in vitro than SL7207(pKKmIL-4). When SL7207(pOmpAmIL-4) was used as a live vaccine in BALB/c mice, this strain grew and survived at higher levels than the parental attenuated strain or empty plasmid-carrying strain in spleens, livers, and intestines. This difference in growth and survival did not appear to be caused by alterations in specific lymphocyte-mediated anti-Salmonella immune responses such as delayed-type hypersensitivity or serum antibody as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; such alterations have been induced by IL-4 administration in other in vivo systems, and the lack of effect here may reflect the fact that IL-4 is not secreted from the bacteria in large quantities, most of the cytokine being in the cytoplasmic-membrane-bound fraction. Conversely, the ability of mouse macrophages to kill the bacteria in vitro was inhibited by bacterial production of mIL-4. This reduction in macrophage killing activity suggests that bacterial production of mIL-4 may be detrimental to host defense against Salmonella infection and may explain the enhanced bacterial growth and survival in vivo.

Expression cloning of a cDNA encoding a novel murine B cell activation marker. Homology to human CD38

A rat mAb (NIM-R5) has recently been prepared against a novel murine B cell activation marker. We report here isolation of a cDNA (1-19) encoding the B cell-derived protein recognized by NIM-R5 antibody. This cDNA contains an open reading frame that encodes a polypeptide of 304 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 34,500. The existence of a 22-amino acid hydrophobic region located 23 amino acids from the amino terminal of the deduced protein, together with four potential N-linked glycosylation sites, characterize the deduced protein encoded by I-19 cDNA as a typical type II transmembrane glycoprotein. Although I-19 cDNA appears to encode a novel murine protein, its nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence show approximately 70% homology to the previously reported sequence of human CD38, suggesting that I-19 cDNA encodes either the mouse homologue of CD38 or a closely related protein. Northern blot analysis of the expression of this cDNA product in a variety of cell types, together with immunoprecipitation of the recombinant protein expressed in BaF3 cells, indicated that I-19 cDNA encodes not only the epitope recognized by NIM-R5 but also a protein that is indistinguishable biochemically and in terms of distribution from the murine B cell activation marker recognized by NIM-R5 antibody. Chromosomal mapping studies have localized this locus to the proximal region of mouse chromosome 5. We anticipate that the availability of probes for the murine B cell activation marker recognized by NIM-R5, and the recombinant protein itself, will greatly aid efforts to define the role of this molecule in murine B cell development.

Expression cloning of a cDNA encoding a novel murine B cell activation marker. Homology to human CD38

A rat mAb (NIM-R5) has recently been prepared against a novel murine B cell activation marker. We report here isolation of a cDNA (1-19) encoding the B cell-derived protein recognized by NIM-R5 antibody. This cDNA contains an open reading frame that encodes a polypeptide of 304 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 34,500. The existence of a 22-amino acid hydrophobic region located 23 amino acids from the amino terminal of the deduced protein, together with four potential N-linked glycosylation sites, characterize the deduced protein encoded by I-19 cDNA as a typical type II transmembrane glycoprotein. Although I-19 cDNA appears to encode a novel murine protein, its nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence show approximately 70% homology to the previously reported sequence of human CD38, suggesting that I-19 cDNA encodes either the mouse homologue of CD38 or a closely related protein. Northern blot analysis of the expression of this cDNA product in a variety of cell types, together with immunoprecipitation of the recombinant protein expressed in BaF3 cells, indicated that I-19 cDNA encodes not only the epitope recognized by NIM-R5 but also a protein that is indistinguishable biochemically and in terms of distribution from the murine B cell activation marker recognized by NIM-R5 antibody. Chromosomal mapping studies have localized this locus to the proximal region of mouse chromosome 5. We anticipate that the availability of probes for the murine B cell activation marker recognized by NIM-R5, and the recombinant protein itself, will greatly aid efforts to define the role of this molecule in murine B cell development.

Cytokines as immunological adjuvants

Various cytokines have been shown to be effective immunological adjuvants in a variety of model systems, enhancing protection induced by viral, bacterial and parasitic vaccines, and increasing parameters of immunity in tumour immunization models and in clinical trials. While in most cases cytokine adjuvanticity is not as powerful as that shown by the best experimental adjuvants, such as saponin and Freund's, it can rival that of the adjuvants presently allowed for human use and there are many possible routes to improvement. The use of cytokines may allow for a choice of which immune parameters are enhanced in order to further enhance protective effects and decrease the negative effects of vaccines.

Effects of interferon gamma and saponin on lymphocyte traffic are inversely related to adjuvanticity and enhancement of MHC class II expression

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is an effective immunological adjuvant when mixed with vaccines prior to injection, but the way in which it exerts this effect has been unclear. Because some adjuvants have been shown to affect lymphocyte traffic, and interferons have been shown to have effects on lymphocyte homing molecules, we examine in this study the effects of IFN-gamma and the potent adjuvant saponin on lymphocyte traffic, and show that both of these adjuvants increase lymphocyte homing to an injection site in mice. We have then compared effects on lymphocyte traffic and on MHC class II expression with adjuvant effects in different mouse strains. Effects on lymphocyte traffic were the inverse of adjuvant effects in different strains, however both materials enhanced MHC class II expression, and this enhancement corresponded with adjuvanticity in different strains of mice. A possible explanation for the negative effect of lymphocyte homing may be that the vast majority of T cells homing to the injection sites in response to both IFN-gamma and saponin were of the CD8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) phenotype.

Monoclonal antibodies mediating viable immunofluorescence and protection against Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Both humoral and cell mediated immunity have been associated with protection against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Antibody mediated protection has been associated with a particular functional type of antibody, as detected by viable immunofluorescence (VIF), which is able to bind to living trypomastigotes, and is produced during infection but not following immunisation with killed parasites. We have generated B cell hybridomas from mice infected with T. cruzi and screened these hybridomas for VIF mediating antibodies. In this paper we describe two such monoclonal antibodies which are able to provide substantial protection when administered passively prior to challenge infection.

Conjugation of interferon-gamma to antigen enhances its adjuvanticity

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is an effective immunological adjuvant when mixed and injected with antigen, and previous work has shown that to be at its most effective IFN-gamma and antigen should contact the same antigen-presenting cells. The present study is an attempt to increase the adjuvanticity of IFN-gamma by ensuring that this happens through the use of an IFN-gamma-antigen conjugate. The use of biotinylated IFN-gamma, mixed with the antigen, avidin, significantly enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to avidin, and caused a slight, but insignificant, increase in secondary antibody responses. Combined IFN-gamma-antigen molecules could provide a means of further enhancing vaccine immunogenicity.

Interferon-gamma as an adjuvant in immunocompromised mice

We have compared interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) with saponin and interleukin-1 (IL-1) as adjuvants for a blood-stage malaria vaccine in mice with various immunological abnormalities. IFN-gamma was particularly effective in Biozzi low antibody responder mice, mice selectively bred to produce antibody of low affinity, and mice depleted of CD4+ T cells. IFN-gamma and other cytokines may be safe adjuvants for use in human immunodeficiency states.

Cold-adapted reassortants of influenza A virus: pathogenicity of A/Ann Arbor/6/60 X A/Alaska/6/77 reassortant viruses in vivo and in vitro

Cold-adapted reassortants of A/Ann Arbor/6/60 X A/Alaska/6/77 viruses made in MDCK cells have recently been assessed genotypically and for temperature-sensitive and cold-adapted phenotypes. These reassortants were used to infect ferrets and hamsters and to inoculate organ cultures of hamster tracheal rings, in order to assess their degree of virulence. Virulence in the three model systems corresponded quite well, and a correlation between loss of virulence and particular A/AA/6/60 genes present in the reassortants was noted. Two different reassortants containing either RNA 2 or RNA 5 (NA gene) alone from A/AA/6/60 showed little attenuation from the wild-type parent. A reassortant containing both RNA 2 and the NA gene from A/AA/6/60 and all remaining wild-type genes showed some small decrease in virulence compared to the wild-type virus. However a reassortant containing these two A/AA/6/60 genes and RNA 3 as an additional gene from this parent, had a level of attenuation comparable to that of the cold-adapted virus.

In vivo and in vitro hamster models in the assessment of virulence of recombinant influenza viruses

The virulence of five wild-type influenza A viruses and 14 recombinant viruses, prepared from the cold adapted A/Ann Arbor/6/60 virus and various wild-type viruses, was studied by two methods. Firstly, the viruses were inoculated into hamsters, and the titres present in the lungs and turbinates at 1, 3 and 4 days post-infection were measured. Secondly, the effect of five wild-type and ten recombinant viruses on the ciliated epithelium of in vitro hamster tracheal organ cultures was examined. The results obtained were assessed with reference to the known virulence of the viruses for human volunteers. The results showed that virus strains virulent for man grew to higher titres in hamster lungs and turbinates than attenuated strains; and that virulent strains destroyed the ciliary activity of hamster tracheal organ cultures more quickly and to a greater extent than attenuated strains. Comparison of the results with the known virulence of viruses tested for man suggests that the reduced ability of virus to grow in hamster lung tissue and the relatively little effect on ciliary activity may be used as markers of virus attenuation; however, the growth of virus in hamster turbinates overlaps for virulent and attenuated strains and therefore was not considered a useful marker of virulence.

Team family therapy training: conceptual and pragmatic considerations

This paper presents a family therapy training model that can be used to teach conceptual and executive skills to beginning therapists in community and academic settings. The model is based on the organization and philosophy of family therapy teams and the methods of live supervision. The goals, structure, and leadership of traditional family therapy teams are discussed and contrasted with the proposed team training model. Pragmatic details of the training program are described and advantages and disadvantages explored. Team leadership skills are categorized by context and future directions proposed.