System-level comparison of protein-protein interactions between viruses and the human type I interferon system network

Innate immunity has evolved complex molecular pathways to protect organisms from viral infections. One pivotal line of cellular defense is the induction of the antiviral effect of interferon. To circumvent this primary response and achieve their own replication, viruses have developed complex molecular strategies. Here, we provide a systems-level study of the human type I interferon system subversion by the viral proteome, by reconstructing the underlying protein-protein interaction network. At this network level, viruses establish a massive and a gradual attack, from receptors to transcription factors, by interacting preferentially with highly connected and central proteins as well as interferon-induced proteins. We also demonstrate that viruses significantly target 22% of the proteins directly interacting with the type I interferon system network, suggesting the relevance of our network-based method to identify new candidates involved in the regulation of the antiviral response. Finally, based on the comparative analysis of interactome profiles across four viral families, we provide evidence of common and differential targeting strategies.

ViralORFeome: an integrated database to generate a versatile collection of viral ORFs

Large collections of protein-encoding open reading frames (ORFs) established in a versatile recombination-based cloning system have been instrumental to study protein functions in high-throughput assays. Such ‘ORFeome’ resources have been developed for several organisms but in virology, plasmid collections covering a significant fraction of the virosphere are still needed. In this perspective, we present ViralORFeome 1.0 (http://www.viralorfeome.com), an open-access database and management system that provides an integrated set of bioinformatic tools to clone viral ORFs in the Gateway® system. ViralORFeome provides a convenient interface to navigate through virus genome sequences, to design ORF-specific cloning primers, to validate the sequence of generated constructs and to browse established collections of virus ORFs. Most importantly, ViralORFeome has been designed to manage all possible variants or mutants of a given ORF so that the cloning procedure can be applied to any emerging virus strain. A subset of plasmid constructs generated with ViralORFeome platform has been tested with success for heterologous protein expression in different expression systems at proteome scale. ViralORFeome should provide our community with a framework to establish a large collection of virus ORF clones, an instrumental resource to determine functions, activities and binding partners of viral proteins.

Cell-cell fusion induced by measles virus amplifies the type I interferon response

Measles virus (MeV) infection is characterized by the formation of multinuclear giant cells (MGC). We report that beta interferon (IFN-beta) production is amplified in vitro by the formation of virus-induced MGC derived from human epithelial cells or mature conventional dendritic cells. Both fusion and IFN-beta response amplification were inhibited in a dose-dependent way by a fusion-inhibitory peptide after MeV infection of epithelial cells. This effect was observed at both low and high multiplicities of infection. While in the absence of virus replication, the cell-cell fusion mediated by MeV H/F glycoproteins did not activate any IFN-alpha/beta production, an amplified IFN-beta response was observed when H/F-induced MGC were infected with a nonfusogenic recombinant chimerical virus. Time lapse microscopy studies revealed that MeV-infected MGC from epithelial cells have a highly dynamic behavior and an unexpected long life span. Following cell-cell fusion, both of the RIG-I and IFN-beta gene deficiencies were trans complemented to induce IFN-beta production. Production of IFN-beta and IFN-alpha was also observed in MeV-infected immature dendritic cells (iDC) and mature dendritic cells (mDC). In contrast to iDC, MeV infection of mDC induced MGC, which produced enhanced amounts of IFN-alpha/beta. The amplification of IFN-beta production was associated with a sustained nuclear localization of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) in MeV-induced MGC derived from both epithelial cells and mDC, while the IRF-7 up-regulation was poorly sensitive to the fusion process. Therefore, MeV-induced cell-cell fusion amplifies IFN-alpha/beta production in infected cells, and this indicates that MGC contribute to the antiviral immune response.

Measles virus nucleoprotein induces cell-proliferation arrest and apoptosis through NTAIL-NR and NCORE-FcgammaRIIB1 interactions, respectively

Measles virus (MV) nucleoprotein (N) is a cytosolic protein that is released into the extracellular compartment after apoptosis and/or secondary necrosis of MV-infected cells in vitro. Thus, MV-N becomes accessible to inhibitory cell-surface receptors: FcgammaRIIB and an uncharacterized nucleoprotein receptor (NR). MV-N is composed of two domains: NCORE (aa 1-400) and NTAIL (aa 401-525). To assess the contribution of MV-N domains and of these two receptors in suppression of cell proliferation, a human melanoma HT144 cell line expressing (HT144IIB1) or lacking FcgammaRIIB1 was used as a model. Specific and exclusive NCORE-FcgammaRIIB1 and NTAIL-NR interactions were shown. Moreover, NTAIL binding to human NR predominantly led to suppression of cell proliferation by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phases of the cell cycle, rather than to apoptosis. NCORE binding to HT144IIB1 cells primarily triggered caspase-3 activation, in contrast to HT144IIB1/IC- cells lacking the FcgammaRIIB1 intra-cytoplasmic tail, thus demonstrating the specific inhibitory effect of the NCORE-FcgammaRIIB1 interaction. MV-N- and NCORE-mediated apoptosis through FcgammaRIIB1 was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-FMK, indicating that apoptosis was dependent on caspase activation. By using NTAIL deletion proteins, it was also shown that the region of NTAIL responsible for binding to human NR and for cell growth arrest maps to one of the three conserved boxes (Box1, aa 401-420) found in N of Morbilliviruses. This work unveils novel mechanisms by which distinct domains of MV-N may display different immunosuppressive activities, thus contributing to our comprehension of the immunosuppressive state associated with MV infection. Finally, MV-N domains may be good tools to target tumour cell proliferation and/or apoptosis.

Measles virus and dendritic cell functions: how specific response cohabits with immunosuppression

Measles virus (MV) infection induces both an efficient MV-specific immune response and a transient but profound immunosuppression characterised by a panlymphopenia that occasionally results in opportunistic infections responsible for a high rate of mortality in children. On the basis of in vitro studies, the putative roles of dendritic cells (DCs) in MV infection are discussed. (1) DCs could participate in anti-MV innate immunity because MV turns on TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated DC cytotoxicity. (2) Cross-priming by non-infected DCs might be the route of MV adaptive immune response. (3) After CD40-ligand activation in secondary lymphoid organs, MV-infected DCs could initiate the formation of Warthin-Finkeldey multinucleated giant cells, replicating MV and responsible for in vivo spreading of MV. (4) We review how integrated viral attack of the host immune system also targets DCs: Progress in understanding the immunobiology of MV-infected DCs that could account for MV-induced immunosuppression observed in vivo is presented and their potential role in lymphopenia is underlined. In conclusion, future research directions are proposed.

CD46/CD3 costimulation induces morphological changes of human T cells and activation of Vav, Rac, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase

Efficient T cell activation requires at least two signals, one mediated by the engagement of the TCR-CD3 complex and another one mediated by a costimulatory molecule. We recently showed that CD46, a complement regulatory receptor for C3b as well as a receptor for several pathogens, could act as a potent costimulatory molecule for human T cells, highly promoting T cell proliferation. Indeed, we show in this study that CD46/CD3 costimulation induces a synergistic activation of extracellular signal-related kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, whereas T lymphocytes primarily circulate within the bloodstream, activation may induce their migration toward secondary lymphoid organs or other tissues to encounter APCs or target cells. In this study, we show that CD46/CD3 costimulation also induces drastic morphological changes of primary human T cells, as well as actin relocalization. Moreover, we show that the GTP/GDP exchange factor Vav is phosphorylated upon CD46 stimulation alone, and that CD46/CD3 costimulation induces a synergistic increase of Vav phosphorylation. These results prompted us to investigate whether CD46/CD3 costimulation induced the activation of GTPases from the Rho family. Indeed, we report that the small GTPase Rac is also activated upon CD46/CD3 costimulation, whereas no change of Rho and Cdc42 activity could be detected. Therefore, CD46 costimulation profoundly affects T cell behavior, and these results provide important data concerning the biology of primary human T cells.

Measle virus-infected dendritic cells develop immunosuppressive and cytotoxic activities

Measle virus (MV) infection induces a transient but profound immunosuppression characterized by a panlymphopenia which occasionally results in opportunistic infections responsible for a high rate of mortality in malnourished children. MV can encounter human dendritic cells (DC) in the respiratory mucosa or in the secondary lymphoid organs. After a brief presentation of DCs, we review progress in understanding the immunobiology of MV-infected DCs that could account for MV-induced immunosuppression. In addition, we develop the newly described TRAIL-mediated cytotoxic function of DCs that is turned on by MV infection, but also by interferons or double-stranded RNA (poly (I:C)). Finally, we propose a model where the measles-associated lymphopenia could be mediated by TRAIL and the measles-induced immunosuppression could be transiently prolonged by Fas-mediated destruction of DCs.

Cytotoxic activity of human dendritic cells is differentially regulated by double-stranded RNA and CD40 ligand

The main function of dendritic cells (DCs) is to induce adaptive immune response through Ag presentation and specific T lymphocyte activation. However, IFN-alpha- or IFN-gamma-stimulated CD11c+ blood DCs and IFN-beta-stimulated monocyte-derived DCs were recently reported to express functional TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), suggesting that DCs may become cytotoxic effector cells of innate immunity upon appropriate stimulation. In this study, we investigate whether dsRNA and CD40 ligand (CD40L), that were characterized as potent inducers of DC maturation, could also stimulate or modulate DC cytotoxicity toward tumoral cells. We observed that dsRNA, but not CD40L, is a potent inducer of TRAIL expression in human monocyte-derived DCs. As revealed by cytotoxicity assays, DCs acquire the ability to kill tumoral cells via the TRAIL pathway when treated with dsRNA. More precisely, dsRNA is shown to induce IFN-beta synthesis that consecutively mediates TRAIL expression by the DCs. In contrast, we demonstrate that TRAIL expression in dsRNA- or IFN-alpha-treated DCs is potently inhibited after CD40L stimulation. Unexpectedly, CD40L-activated DCs still developed cytotoxicity toward tumoral cells. This latter appeared to be partly mediated by TNF-alpha induction and a yet unidentified pathway. Altogether, these results demonstrate that dsRNA and CD40L, that were originally characterized as maturation signals for DCs, also stimulate their cytotoxicity that is mediated through TRAIL-dependent or -independent mechanisms.

Mechanism of measles virus-induced suppression of inflammatory immune responses

Measles virus (MV) causes profound immunosuppression, resulting in high infant mortality. The mechanisms are poorly understood, largely due to the lack of a suitable animal model. Here, we report that particular MV proteins, in the absence of MV replication, could generate a systemic immunosuppression in mice through two pathways: (1) via MV-nucleoprotein and its receptor FcgammaR on dendritic cells; and (2) via virus envelope glycoproteins and the MV-hemagglutinin cellular receptor, CD46. The effects comprise reduced hypersensitivity responses associated with impaired function of dendritic cells, decreased production of IL-12, and the loss of antigen-specific T cell proliferation. These results introduce a novel model for testing the immunosuppressive potential of anti-measles vaccines and reveal a specific mechanism of MV-induced modulation of inflammatory reactions.

Conformational restriction of the Tyr53 side-chain in the decapeptide HE

A series of conformationally restricted analogs of the hen egg lysozyme (HEL) decapeptide 52-61 in which the conformationally flexible Tyr53 residue was replaced by several more constrained tyrosine and phenylalanine analogs was prepared. Among these tyrosine and phenylalanine analogs were 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-hydroxyisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Htc), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 4-amino- 1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-8-hydroxy-2-benzazepine-3-one (Hba), 4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepine-3-one (Aba), 2-amino-6-hydroxytetralin-2-carboxylic acid (Hat) and 2-amino-5-hydroxyindan-2-carboxylic acid (Hai) in which the rotations around Calpha-Cbeta and Cbeta-Cgamma were restricted because of cyclization of the side-chain to the backbone. Synthesis of Pht-Hba-Gly-OH using a modification of the Flynn and de Laszlo procedure is described. Analogs of beta-methyltyrosine (beta-MeTyr) in which the side-chains were biased to particular side-chain torsional angles because of substitution at the beta-hydrogens were also prepared. These analogs of HEL[52-61] peptide were tested for their ability to bind to the major histocompatibility complex class II I-Ak molecule and to be recognized in this context by two T-cell hybridomas, specific for the parent peptide HEL[52-61]. The data showed that the conformation and also the configuration of the Tyr53 residue influenced both the binding of the peptide to I-Ak and the recognition of the peptide/I-Ak complex by a T-cell receptor.

Characterization of novel safe lentiviral vectors derived from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac251) that efficiently transduce mature human dendritic cells

We describe the generation and the characterization of new lentiviral vectors derived from SIVmac251, a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). A methodical approach was used to engineer both efficient and safe packaging constructs allowing the production of SIV viral core proteins. SIV-vectors encoding GFP (green fluorescent protein) were generated as VSV-G-pseudotyped particles upon transient expression of the vector construct and helper functions in 293 cells. The SIV vectors were able to transduce efficiently various target cell types at low multiplicity of infection, including monocyte-differentiated human dendritic cells (DCs) which retained their capacity to differentiate into mature DCs after gene transfer. Transduction of the DCs by the SIV vectors was prevented when infections were performed in the presence of AZT, a reverse-transcriptase inhibitor. After gene transfer, expression of the GFP in the target cells remained constant after several weeks, indicating that the vectors had been stably integrated into the genome of the host cells. Preparations of SIV vectors were systematically checked for the absence of replication-competent and recombinant retroviruses but remained negative, suggesting the innocuousness of these novel gene delivery vectors. Side-to-side comparisons with vectors derived from HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) indicated that the SIV vectors were equally potent in transducing proliferating target cells. Finally, we have determined the infectivity of SIV vectors pseudotyped with surface glycoproteins of several membrane-enveloped viruses.

CD40 signaling in human dendritic cells is initiated within membrane rafts

Despite CD40's role in stimulating dendritic cells (DCs) for efficient specific T-cell stimulation, its signal transduction components in DCs are still poorly documented. We show that CD40 receptors on human monocyte-derived DCs associate with sphingolipid- and cholesterol-rich plasma membrane microdomains, termed membrane rafts. Following engagement, CD40 utilizes membrane raft-associated Lyn Src family kinase, and possibly other raft-associated Src family kinases, to initiate tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular substrates. CD40 engagement also leads to a membrane raft-restricted recruitment of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 3 and, to a lesser extent, TRAF2, to CD40's cytoplasmic tail. Thus, the membrane raft structure plays an integral role in proximal events of CD40 signaling in DCs. We demonstrate that stimulation of Src family kinase within membrane rafts initiates a pathway implicating ERK activation, which leads to interleukin (IL)-1alpha/beta and IL-1Ra mRNA production and contributes to p38-dependent IL-12 mRNA production. These results provide the first evidence that membrane rafts play a critical role in initiation of CD40 signaling in DCs, and delineate the outcome of CD40-mediated pathways on cytokine production.

Cutting edge: CD46, a new costimulatory molecule for T cells, that induces p120CBL and LAT phosphorylation

The widely expressed transmembrane molecule CD46 is the complement regulatory receptor for C3b as well as the receptor for several pathogens. Beside its binding functions, CD46 is also able to transduce signals. We showed that CD46 aggregation on human T cells induces p120CBL and linker for activation of T cells (LAT) phosphorylation. These two proteins are adaptor proteins known to regulate TCR signaling. p120CBL is a complex adaptor protein involved in negatively regulating signaling events, whereas LAT is a transmembrane adaptor protein found in glycolipid-enriched microdomains essential for T cell activation. Therefore, we investigated if a CD46/TCR costimulation would affect T cell activation. Indeed, CD46/CD3 costimulation strongly promotes T cell proliferation. Therefore, we propose that CD46 acts as a potent costimulatory molecule for human T cells.

Consequences of Fas-mediated human dendritic cell apoptosis induced by measles virus

Mortality from measles virus (MV) infection is caused mostly by secondary infections associated with a pronounced immunosuppression. Dendritic cells (DCs) represent a major target of MV and could be involved in immunosuppression. In this study, human monocyte-derived DCs were used to demonstrate that DC apoptosis in MV-infected DC-T-cell cocultures is Fas mediated, whereas apoptotic T cells could not be rescued by blocking the Fas pathway. Two novel consequences of DC apoptosis after MV infection were demonstrated. (i) Fas-mediated apoptosis of DCs facilitates MV release, while CD40 activation enhances MV replication in DCs. Indeed, detailed studies of infectious MV release and intracellular MV nucleoprotein (NP) showed that inhibition of CD40-CD40L ligand interaction blocks NP synthesis. We conclude that the CD40 ligand expressed by activated T cells first enhances MV replication in DCs, and then Fas ligand produced by activated T cells induces Fas-mediated apoptosis of DCs, thus facilitating MV release. (ii) Not only MV-infected DCs but also bystander uninfected DCs undergo a maturation process confirmed by CD1a, CD40, CD80, CD86, CD83, and major histocompatibility complex type II labeling. The bystander maturation effect results from contact and/or engulfment of MV-induced apoptotic DCs by uninfected DCs. A model is proposed to explain how both a specific immune response and immunosuppression can simultaneously occur after MV infection through Fas-mediated apoptosis and CD40 activation of DCs.

Octamerization enables soluble CD46 receptor to neutralize measles virus in vitro and in vivo

A chimeric fusion protein encompassing the CD46 ectodomain linked to the C-terminal part of the C4b binding protein (C4bp) alpha chain (sCD46-C4bpalpha) was produced in eukaryotic cells. This protein, secreted as a disulfide-linked homo-octamer, was recognized by a panel of anti-CD46 antibodies with varying avidities. Unlike monomeric sCD46, the octameric sCD46-C4bpalpha protein was devoid of complement regulatory activity. However, sCD46-C4bpalpha was able to bind to the measles virus hemagglutinin protein expressed on murine cells with a higher avidity than soluble monomeric sCD46. Moreover, the octameric sCD46-C4bpalpha protein was significantly more efficient than monomeric sCD46 in inhibiting virus binding to CD46, in blocking virus induced cell-cell fusion, and in neutralizing measles virus in vitro. In addition, the octameric sCD46-C4bpalpha protein, but not the monomeric sCD46, fully protected CD46 transgenic mice against a lethal intracranial measles virus challenge.

Measles virus induces abnormal differentiation of CD40 ligand-activated human dendritic cells

Measles virus (MV) infection induces a profound immunosuppression responsible for a high rate of mortality in malnourished children. MV can encounter human dendritic cells (DCs) in the respiratory mucosa or in the secondary lymphoid organs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the consequences of DC infection by MV, particularly concerning their maturation and their ability to generate CD8+ T cell proliferation. We first show that MV-infected Langerhans cells or monocyte-derived DCs undergo a maturation process similarly to the one induced by TNF-alpha or LPS, respectively. CD40 ligand (CD40L) expressed on activated T cells is shown to induce terminal differentiation of DCs into mature effector DCs. In contrast, the CD40L-dependent maturation of DCs is inhibited by MV infection, as demonstrated by CD25, CD69, CD71, CD40, CD80, CD86, and CD83 expression down-regulation. Moreover, the CD40L-induced cytokine pattern in DCs is modified by MV infection with inhibition of IL-12 and IL-1alpha/beta and induction of IL-10 mRNAs synthesis. Using peripheral blood lymphocytes from CD40L-deficient patients, we demonstrate that MV infection of DCs prevents the CD40L-dependent CD8+ T cell proliferation. In such DC-PBL cocultures, inhibition of CD80 and CD86 expression on DCs was shown to require both MV replication and CD40 triggering. Finally, for the first time, MV was shown to inhibit tyrosine-phosphorylation level induced by CD40 activation in DCs. Our data demonstrate that MV replication modifies CD40 signaling in DCs, thus leading to impaired maturation. This phenomenon could play a pivotal role in MV-induced immunosuppression.

Productive measles virus brain infection and apoptosis in CD46 transgenic mice

Measles virus (MV) infection causes acute childhood disease, associated in certain cases with infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and development of neurological disease. To develop a murine model of MV-induced pathology, we generated several lines of transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing as the MV receptor a human CD46 molecule with either a Cyt1 or Cyt2 cytoplasmic tail. All transgenic lines expressed CD46 protein in the brain. Newborn transgenic mice, in contrast to nontransgenic controls, were highly sensitive to intracerebral infection by the MV Edmonston strain. Signs of clinical illness (lack of mobility, tremors, and weight loss) appeared within 5 to 7 days after infection, followed by seizures, paralysis, and death of the infected animals. Virus replication was detected in neurons from infected mice, and virus was reproducibly isolated from transgenic brain tissue. MV-induced apoptosis observed in different brain regions preceded the death of infected animals. Similar results were obtained with mice expressing either a Cyt1 or Cyt2 cytoplasmic tail, demonstrating the ability of different isoforms of CD46 to function as MV receptors in vivo. In addition, maternally transferred immunity delayed death of offspring given a lethal dose of MV. These results document a novel CD46 transgenic murine model where MV neuronal infection is associated with the production of infectious virus, similarly to progressive infectious measles encephalitis seen in immunocompromised patients, and provide a new means to study pathogenesis of MV infection in the CNS.

Measles virus induces functional TRAIL production by human dendritic cells

Measles virus infection induces a profound immunosuppression that can lead to serious secondary infections. Here we demonstrate that measles virus induces tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) mRNA and protein expression in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Moreover, measles virus-infected dendritic cells are shown to be cytotoxic via the TRAIL pathway.

Death by neglect as a deletional mechanism of peripheral tolerance

In contrast to most organs, the anatomy of the liver may allow naive CD8(+) T cells to make direct contact with liver parenchymal cells. We have previously shown, using a combination of TCR transgenic T cells specific for H-2 K(b) and hepatocytes expressing a transgenic H-2 K(b) molecule, that hepatocytes can induce antigen-specific activation and proliferation of naive CD8(+) T cells independently of CD28 co-stimulation. However, T cell activation by hepatocytes leads to premature T cell death and tolerance, both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of T cell death induced by hepatocytes in vitro using primary hepatocytes to activate purified CD8(+) T cells. Neither Fas nor tumor necrosis factor receptor were involved, indicating that hepatocyte- induced death was distinct from activation-induced cell death. Before they started to divide, T cells activated by hepatocytes expressed lower levels of the bcl-x(L) survival gene and 30 times less IL-2 mRNA than CD8(+) cells activated by splenic antigen-presenting cells. Since CD28 co-stimulation increases both IL-2 and bcl-x(L) expression, this suggests that hepatocyte-activated T cells die by neglect because they fail to receive effective co-stimulatory signals. In agreement with this model, premature death promoted by hepatocytes could be prevented by cross-linking CD28. Survival after CD28 cross-linking correlated with increased IL-2 and bcl-x(L) expression, and sustained T cell proliferation, while cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity was prolonged as compared with cells stimulated without CD28 co-stimulation. This study confirms that high- affinity TCR transgenic antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells can be activated to proliferate and differentiate into cytotoxic effector cells. However, prolonged T cell survival and cytotoxicity required CD28 co-stimulation as well. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting that tolerance in the context of lack of CD28 co-stimulation can result from Fas-independent peripheral deletion rather than from anergy.

Measles virus infection induces terminal differentiation of human thymic epithelial cells

Measles virus infection induces a profound immunosuppression that may lead to serious secondary infections and mortality. In this report, we show that the human cortical thymic epithelial cell line is highly susceptible to measles virus infection in vitro, resulting in infectious viral particle production and syncytium formation. Measles virus inhibits thymic epithelial cell growth and induces an arrest in the G0/G1 phases of the cell cycle. Moreover, we show that measles virus induces a progressive thymic epithelial cell differentiation process: attached measles virus-infected epithelial cells correspond to an intermediate state of differentiation while floating cells, recovered from cell culture supernatants, are fully differentiated. Measles virus-induced thymic epithelial cell differentiation is characterized by morphological and phenotypic changes. Measles virus-infected attached cells present fusiform and stellate shapes followed by a loss of cell-cell contacts and a shift from low- to high-molecular-weight keratin expression. Measles virus infection induces thymic epithelial cell apoptosis in terminally differentiated cells, revealed by the condensation and degradation of DNA in measles virus-infected floating thymic epithelial cells. Because thymic epithelial cells are required for the generation of immunocompetent T lymphocytes, our results suggest that measles virus-induced terminal differentiation of thymic epithelial cells may contribute to immunosuppression, particularly in children, in whom the thymic microenvironment is of critical importance for the development and maturation of a functional immune system.

Somatostatin-dependent adenylyl cyclase activity in nonactivated and mitogen-activated human T cells: evidence for uncoupling of sst3 receptor from adenylyl cyclase

Neuropeptide somatostatin (SRIF) has been shown to modulate interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by mitogen-activated T cells. In this study, we further analyzed the transduction pathways underlying SRIF actions on human Jurkat T cells and compared SRIF signaling between nonactivated and mitogen-activated cells. SRIF effects on adenylyl cyclase activity in the absence and presence of mitogens were addressed by using three different analogs: SRIF14, SRIF28, and SMS 201-995. In semipurified membrane preparations obtained from nonactivated cells, all analogs inhibited adenylyl cyclase. However, in membrane preparations obtained from mitogen-activated cells, the maximal inhibition of adenylyl cyclase mediated by SRIF14 and SRIF28 equaled only one third of that measured in the absence of mitogens, whereas SMS 201-995 was completely inactive. To assess the relevant mechanisms associated with different effects of SRIF on adenylyl cyclase activity in nonactivated and mitogen-activated T cells, we performed binding assays by using iodinated SRIF as a radioligand. These experiments suggested that both the number of receptors and their affinities were almost identical in either nonactivated or activated cells. RT-PCR analysis of the pattern of SRIF receptor expression showed that nonactivated as well as activated Jurkat cells expressed only mRNA corresponding to the sst3 receptor subtype. Altogether, these data point to a functional activation-associated uncoupling of sst3 receptors from adenylyl cyclase in human T cells, indicating a T-cell activation-induced alteration in the sst3 receptor transduction pathway.

sst5 somatostatin receptor mRNA induction by mitogenic activation of human T-lymphocytes

SRIF has neuro-immunomodulatory actions on immune cells, including T-lymphocytes. Molecular mechanisms involved in these actions were studied by RT-PCR analysis of SRIF receptor expression in resting and initogen-activated human T-lymphocytes. Our results point to the mitogen-associated induction of sst5 receptor subtype. Conversely, sst3 receptor appears constitutively expressed in both activity states. Assessment of biologic actions of SRIF14 in activated T-lymphocytes indicates that, in nanomolar concentration range, this peptide moderately inhibits mitogen-induced IL-2 secretion. Nevertheless, T-lymphocyte proliferation is not inhibited in the presence of SRIF14 but is even slightly increased. Altogether these data suggest a complex mechanism of SRIF neuro-immunomodulatory actions.

Molecular modeling of hen egg lysozyme HEL[52-61] peptide binding to I-Ak MHC class II molecule

A bound conformation of the antigenic decapeptide hen egg lysozyme HEL[52-61] associated to the mouse MHC class II (MHC II) I-Ak was modeled by homology with the three-dimensional structure of hemagglutinin HA[306-318]-HLA-DR1 complex. HEL peptide Tyr53 could not be aligned with the HA peptide Tyr308 because this resulted in a buried Tyr53 side chain within the I-Ak peptide-binding groove and this conflicted with this side chain being recognized by T cells. Therefore, Asp52 of HEL was fixed as the P1 anchor and aligned on Tyr308 of HA. After molecular dynamics, the modeled complex was stable even in the absence of any constraint. The peptide backbone adopted a polyproline II-like conformation with canonical hydrogen bonding between the peptide backbone and MHC II molecule. Asp52, IIe55, Gin57 and Ser60 were predicted to be deeply buried into P1, P4, P6 and P9 MHC II pockets, and Tyr53, Leu56, Asn59 and Arg61 as TCR contacting residues. The modeling of 15 complexes associating I-Ak with peptides derived from HEL[52-61] by single amino acid substitution proved stable with conserved hydrogen bonds and side chain orientation compatible with their recognition by two T cell hybridomas. Moreover, comparison with the recently solved crystal structure of the related HEL[50-62]-I-Ak complex revealed striking similarities.

Enhanced MHC class II-restricted presentation of measles virus (MV) hemagglutinin in transgenic mice expressing human MV receptor CD46

This study analyzes the role of the measles virus (MV) receptor, i.e. the human CD46 molecule, in the MHC class II-restricted presentation of MV hemagglutinin (H). We generated transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing CD46, with a similar level of transgene expression on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APC), i.e. B cells, dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages. APC isolated from transgenic mice and nontransgenic controls were tested for their ability to present MV H to H-specific CD4+ I-Ed-restricted T cell hybridomas. All three populations of APC were capable of presenting MV to T cell hybridomas, DC being the most efficient. Expression of CD46 on B lymphocytes increased MHC class II-dependent presentation of MV H up to 100-fold, while CD46-transgenic DC stimulated H-specific T cell hybridomas up to 10-fold better than nontransgenic DC. Interestingly, expression of CD46 did not change the presentation efficiency of transgenic macrophages, indicating that CD46-dependent enhancement of antigen presentation depends on the nature of the APC. Furthermore, a single injection of UV-inactivated MV particles into CD46-transgenic mice, but not nontransgenic controls, induced generation of MV-specific T lymphocytes and production of anti-H antibodies, suggesting a role for CD46 in the efficient capture of MV in vivo. These results show for the first time that one ubiquitously expressed cell surface receptor, like CD46, could function in receptor-mediated antigen presentation both in vitro and in vivo and its performance depends on the type of APC which expresses it.

Hepatocytes induce functional activation of naive CD8+ T lymphocytes but fail to promote survival

Intraperitoneal peptide injection of TCR-transgenic mice or expression of antigen in hepatocytes leads to an accumulation in the liver of specific apoptotic CD8+ T cells expressing activation markers. To determine whether liver cells are capable of directly activating naive CD8+ T cells, we have studied the ability of purified hepatocytes to activate TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cells in vitro. We show that hepatocytes which do not express CD80 and CD86 co-stimulatory molecules are able to induce activation and effective proliferation of specific naive CD8+ T cells in the absence of exogenously added cytokines, a property only shared by professional antigen-presenting cells (APC). Specific T cell proliferation induced by hepatocytes was comparable in magnitude to that seen in response to dendritic cells and was independent of CD4+ T cell help or bystander professional APC co-stimulation. During the first 3 days, the same number of divisions was observed in co-cultures of CD8+ T cells with either hepatocytes or splenocytes. Both APC populations induced expression of early T cell activation markers and specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. However, in contrast to T cells activated by splenocytes, T cells activated by hepatocytes lost their cytolytic function after 3 days of co-culture. This correlated with death of activated T cells, suggesting that despite efficient activation, proliferation and transient CTL function, T cells activated by hepatocytes did not survive. Death could be prevented by adding antigen-expressing splenocytes or exogenous IL-2 to the co-culture, indicating that hepatocytes are not involved in direct killing of CD8+ T cells but rather fail to promote survival. Dying cells acquired a CD8(low) TCR(low) B220+ phenotype similar to the one described for apoptotic intrahepatic T cells, suggesting an alternative model to account for the origin of these cells in the liver. The importance of these findings for the understanding of peripheral tolerance and the ability of liver grafts to be accepted is discussed.

An accessory peptide binding site with allosteric effect on the formation of peptide-MHC-II complexes?

MHC-II molecules bind a single peptide in their groove. Here, the authors summarise evidence that a second peptide could bind transiently to MHC-II molecules outside the groove and have an allosteric effect on peptide-MHC-II complex formation. This effect could modulate, after the antigen processing, the selection of the peptide subset presented by MHC-II molecules to the helper CD4 T cells, which regulate the specific immune response.

Measles virus modulates human T-cell somatostatin receptors and their coupling to adenylyl cyclase

The possible role of immunomodulatory peptide somatostatin (SRIF) in measles virus (MV)-induced immunopathology was addressed by analysis of SRIF receptors and their coupling to adenylyl cyclase in mitogen-stimulated Jurkat T cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). SRIF-specific receptors were assayed in semipurified membrane preparations by using SRIF14 containing iodinated tyrosine at the first position in the amino acid chain ([125I]Tyr1) as a radioligand. A determination of receptor number by saturation of radioligand binding at equilibrium showed that in Jurkat cells, MV infection led to a dramatic decrease in the total receptor number. The virus-associated disappearance of one (Ki2 = 12 +/- 4 nM [mean +/- standard error of the mean [SEM]]; n = 4) of two somatostatin binding sites identified in control Jurkat cells (Ki1 = 78 +/- 3 pM and Ki2 = 12 +/- 4 nM [mean +/- SEM]; n = 4) was also observed. Almost identical results were obtained for phytohemagglutinin-activated human PBMC. In the absence of MV infection, two somatostatin binding sites were present (Ki1 = 111 +/- 31 pM and Ki2 = 17 +/- 2 nM [mean +/- SEM]; n = 2), whereas in MV-infected cells, only the high-affinity (Ki1 = 48 +/- 15 pM [mean +/- SEM]; n = 2) binding site remained. In addition, MV infection reinforced the inhibitory effects of SRIF on adenylyl cyclase activity, since maximal inhibition at 1 microM peptide was 11% +/- 4% in control cells versus 25% +/- 3% (P < 0.05) in infected Jurkat cells. Moreover, MV infection severely impaired the capacity of adenylyl cyclase to be activated directly (by forskolin) or indirectly (via Gs protein-coupled vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor). An assessment of [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation showed that SRIF increased proliferative responses to mitogens only in control cells, not in MV-infected cells. Altogether, our data emphasize that MV-associated alteration of SRIF transduction appears to be related to the loss of SRIF-dependent increase of mitogen-induced proliferation.

Measles virus suppresses cell-mediated immunity by interfering with the survival and functions of dendritic and T cells

Secondary infections due to a marked immunosuppression have long been recognized as a major cause of the high morbidity and mortality rate associated with acute measles. The mechanisms underlying the inhibition of cell-mediated immunity are not clearly understood but dysfunctions of monocytes as antigen-presenting cells (APC) are implicated. In this report, we demonstrate that measles virus (MV) replicates weakly in the resting dendritic cells (DC) as in lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes, but intensively in CD40-activated DC. The interaction of MV-infected DC with T cells not only induces syncytia formation where MV undergoes massive replication, but also leads to an impairment of DC and T cell function and cell death. CD40-activated DC decrease their capacity to produce interleukin (IL) 12, and T cells are unable to proliferate in response to MV-infected DC stimulation. A massive apoptosis of both DC and T cells is observed in the MV pulsed DC-T cell cocultures. This study suggests that DC represent a major target of MV. The enhanced MV replication during DC-T cell interaction, leading to an IL-12 production decrease and the deletion of DC and T cells, may be the essential mechanism of immunosuppression induced by MV.

Measles virus nucleocapsid protein binds to FcgammaRII and inhibits human B cell antibody production

Despite the development of an efficient specific immune response during measles virus (MV) infection, an immunosuppression occurs contributing to secondary infections. To study the role of nucleocapsid protein (NP) in MV-induced immunosuppression, we produced recombinant MV NP. Purified recombinant NP exhibited biochemical, antigenic, and tridimensional structure similar to viral NP. By flow cytometry, we showed that viral or recombinant NP bound to human and murine B lymphocytes, but not to T lymphocytes. This binding was specific, independent of MHC class II expression, and dependent of the B lymphocyte activation state. The murine IIA1. 6 B cell line, deficient in the Fc receptor for IgG (FcgammaRII) expression, did not bind NP efficiently. Transfected IIA1.6 cells expressing either murine FcgammaRIIb1 or b2, or human FcgammaRIIa, b1*, or b2 isoforms efficiently bound NP. Furthermore, this binding was inhibited up to 90% by monoclonal antibodies 2.4G2 or KB61 specific for murine and human FcgammaRII, respectively. Finally, the in vitro Ig synthesis of CD40- or Ig-activated human B lymphocytes in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10 was reduced by 50% in the presence of recombinant NP. These data demonstrate that MV NP binds to human and murine FcgammaRII and inhibits in vitro antibody production, and therefore suggests a role for NP in MV-induced immunosuppression.

Transgenic expression of a CD46 (membrane cofactor protein) minigene: studies of xenotransplantation and measles virus infection

CD46 (membrane cofactor protein) is a human cell-surface regulator of activated complement and a receptor for the measles virus. A CD46 transgenic mouse line with an expression pattern similar to that of human tissues has been produced, to develop an animal model of (i) the control of complement activation by complement regulators in hyperacute rejection of xenografts, and (ii) measles virus infection. The mouse line was made using a CD46 minigene that includes promoter sequence and the first two introns of genomic CD46, which was coinjected into mouse ova with chicken lysozyme matrix attachment region DNA. A high level of CD46 expression in homozygotic transgenic mice was obtained with spleen cells having approximately 75% of the level found on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CD46 was detected in all tissues examined by immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay and Western blotting, showing that these mice were suitable for transplantation and measles virus infection studies. It also indicated that the transgene included the important regulatory elements of the CD46 promoter. Transgenic spleen cells were significantly protected in vitro from human complement activated by either the classical or alternative pathways and from alternative pathway rat complement. Furthermore, transgenic mouse hearts transplanted to rats regulated complement deposition in an in vivo model of antibody-dependent hyperacute xenograft rejection. Similar to human lymphocytes, transgenic lymphoblasts could be infected in vitro with measles virus; infected cells expressed viral proteins and produced infectious viral particles. The data demonstrate the suitability of this minigene for obtaining high-level CD46 expression sufficient for enhanced resistance of transgenic cells to complement attack and for obtaining wide tissue distribution of CD46, analogous to human tissues and, therefore, useful for comparative studies.

The ectodomain of measles virus envelope glycoprotein does not gain access to the cytosol and MHC class I presentation pathway following virus-cell fusion

To unravel the intracellular fate of measles virus (MV) haemagglutinin (H) following fusion of the virus envelope with the cell membrane, its presentation by MHC molecules to T cells was explored. After MV infection, murine cells expressing CD46 were lysed by MHC class I-restricted CD8 CTLs specific for the ectodomain of H. In contrast, when sensitized with UV-inactivated MV, they were not lysed by these effectors, but were recognized by H-specific and class II-restricted CD4 CTLs. Thus, after MV binding and fusion, H becomes associated with plasma membrane and its ectodomain can reach the endosomal MHC-II but not the cytosolic MHC-I antigen presentation pathway. From these data and a reappraisal of previous reports, it appears that the ectodomains of both MV haemagglutinin fusion proteins, having undergone the fusion step, are not translocated into the cytosol and end up in the endosomes.

Transgenic mice expressing human measles virus (MV) receptor CD46 provide cells exhibiting different permissivities to MV infections

We have generated transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing the human receptor for measles virus (MV), CD46 (membrane cofactor protein). Various cell types were isolated from these transgenic mice and analyzed for their ability to support MV replication in vitro. Although MV could enter into all CD46-expressing cells, differential susceptibilities to MV infection were detected depending on the cell type. Cell cultures obtained from transgenic lungs and kidneys were found to be permissive of MV infection, since RNA specific for MV genes was detected and viral particles were released, although at a low level. Similarly to human lymphocytes, activated T and B lymphocytes isolated from transgenic mice could support MV replication; virus could enter, transcribe viral RNA, and produce new infectious particles. When expressing viral proteins, lymphocytes down-regulated CD46 from the surface. Interestingly, while activated T lymphocytes from nontransgenic mice did not support MV infection, activated nontransgenic murine B lymphocytes replicated MV as well as transgenic B lymphocytes, suggesting the use of an alternative virus receptor for entry. In contrast to the previous cell types, murine peritoneal and bone marrow-derived macrophages, regardless of whether they were activated, could not support MV replication. Furthermore, although MV entered into macrophages and virus-specific RNA transcription occurred, no virus protein or infectious virus particles could be detected. These results show the importance of the particular cell-type-specific host factors for MV replication in murine cells which may be responsible for the differential permissivity of MV infection.

Differential activation of T cells by antibody-modulated processing of the flanking sequences of class II-restricted peptides

Despite poor presentation of measles virus (MV) nucleoprotein (NP) by MHC class II of infected cells, NP-specific antibodies are one of the hallmarks of the early immune response against this virus. To study the influence of antibodies on processing and presentation of NP to three different T cell hybridomas, mAb recognizing distinctive llnear NP epitopes were developed. Two T cell hybridomas TNP408B and TNP408 reacted with the same core epitope of NP (amino acids 383-391), but differed in their sensitivity to the flanking sequences of peptides containing this epitope. TNP408B reacted with minimal concentrations of NP when this was complexed with mAb BNP146. NP alone or saturating concentrations of other mAb did not activate this T cell. Both T cells, TNP408 and TNP408B, were similar in their sensitivity to NP in the presence of saturating concentrations of BNP146 or of appropriate peptide (NP379). TNP408 did not differ from another T cell hybridoma (TNP79) in its sensitivity to different mAb, suggesting a specificity-dependent and a specificity-independent effect of mAb. Antibody-mediated activation was attributed to FcR-mediated uptake independent of the fine specificity of the mAb. In the case of TNP408B, this effect was further enhanced by a specific effect of BNP146. While all NP-specific mAb were sufficient to enhance presentation to TNP408 and TNP79 of their respective peptides derived from processed NP, BNP146 was necessary to generate the peptides with the proper flanking sequences required by TNP408B. Since the binding site of BNP146 coincides with the T cell epitope of TNP408B (and TNP408) it is suggested that binding of this mAb modulates processing of the flanking sequences of the peptides corresponding to this epitope. This study shows that antibodies can influence the T cell response to an antigenic protein quantitatively and qualitatively by taking advantage of the sensitivity of T cells to flanking sequences of class II-restricted peptides.

Type III bare lymphocyte syndrome: lack of HLA class II gene expression and reduction in HLA class I gene expression

The bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS) consists of an association between a combined immunodeficiency disease and a significantly reduced expression of either human histocompatibility leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I (HLA-A, -B, -C) or HLA class II (HLA-DP, -DQ, -DR) at the cell surface. BLS type III, the more frequent form of this syndrome, is characterized by impaired expression of both class I and class II antigens on patients' cells, in particular on leukocytes. We describe herein the demonstration that expression of HLA class I molecules was reduced by approximately half on Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells (LCL) derived from type III BLS patients. HLA class I mRNA level was also decreased to the same extent. Expression of HLA class I molecules was also very significantly reduced at the surface of these fibroblasts as was mRNA specific for HLA class I. Simultaneously, the expression of HLA-DR molecules on LCL was even more greatly decreased, and the expression of HLA-DQ antigens was virtually abolished. Molecular analysis demonstrated an absence of mRNA for the alpha- and beta-chains of HLA-DQ and HLA-DR in the patients' lymphocytes. In general, such patients present with an association of an absence of expression of HLA class II antigens and a significantly reduced expression of HLA class I antigens. The mechanism of this association is still uncertain.

Substitution of peptide bond 53-54 of HEL(52-61) with an ethylene bond rather than reduced peptide bond is tolerated by an MHC-II restricted T cell

To probe the interactions between major histocompatibility class-II molecules and the amide bonds of the antigenic peptide main chain, we synthesized ethylenic and reduced analogues of HEL(52-61), an immunogenic peptide for murine major histocompatibility class-II IA k restricted T-cell clones. The synthesis of the corresponding ethylenic analogue of HEL(52-61) in position 53-54 was performed by coupling the Fmoc-protected tripeptide Asp-Tyr-psi [E, CH = CH]Gly with HEL(55-61). Biological tests showed that the ethylenic peptide was presented by major histocompatibility class-II IA kappa molecule and recognized by HEL(52-61)-specific T-cell clones. The corresponding reduced peptide of HEL(52-61) at position 53-54 neither stimulated T-cell clones nor competed with the natural peptide. These results show that, while reduced pseudopeptides might not be appropriate, ethylenic pseudopeptides may be used as probes to dissect the role of hydrogen bonding between the peptide main chain and MHC residues and also help in the design of more stable immunogenic peptides.

Quantification of measles virus by a virus receptor-dependent and haemagglutinin-specific T cell stimulation assay

The human measles virus receptor CD46 plays a major role in the uptake of measles virus (MV) for antigen presentation by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules to T cells. On this basis, a new bioassay has been set up to quantify measles virus in a cell free tissue culture supernatant. A stable mouse B cell transfectant expressing CD46 was used as the antigen presenting cell for presentation of measles virus to a haemagglutinin-specific and class II-restricted mouse T cell hybridoma. The measles virus haemagglutinin was quantified by its ability to stimulate IL-2 secretion by the T cells. A good correlation was found between the amount of haemagglutinin measured in supernatants from infected cells using the CD46-dependent T cell stimulation assay and the number of infectious viral particles as determined in a plaque assay. When MV was purified on a discontinuous sucrose gradient, most of the infectious virus and the haemagglutinin antigen were recovered in the same fraction. These data indicate that the CD46-dependent haemagglutinin-specific T cell assay could be used to measure the production of measles virus in the supernatant of infected cells. The assay required only 48 h, was sensitive, highly specific, and did not rely on the replication of the virus. This new bioassay would be applicable for the detection of any other virus provided that antigen presenting cells expressing the corresponding virus receptor and virus envelope glycoprotein-specific T cells are available. Moreover, it would be an interesting tool to monitor the receptor binding properties of attenuated vaccine virus and envelope glycoprotein subunit vaccines.

Cell-to-cell contact via measles virus haemagglutinin-CD46 interaction triggers CD46 downregulation

CD46 downregulation by measles virus (MV) occurs after expression of virus haemagglutinin (H) protein on the surface of the infected cell and is a consequence of CD46-H interaction on the cell membrane. To assess whether CD46 downregulation also occurs after CD46-H interaction when these two molecules are expressed on distinct cells, we used human T cell line Jurkat (expressing CD46) and transfected murine fibroblast line L stably expressing MV-H protein (L.H). FACS analysis shows that cell-to-cell contact of 1 h at 37 degrees C triggers a reduction of CD46 cell surface labelling as detected by MCI20.6, GB24 and J4-48 monoclonal antibodies. This reduction is similar to that observed after MV infection or after infection with recombinant vaccinia virus encoding MV-H protein. By contrast, MV-H protein was downregulated only when CD46-H interaction occurred on the same cell membrane. CD46 downregulation is specific for CD46-H interaction because it was not observed after coincubation of Jurkat cells with either L cells expressing MV nucleoprotein (L.NP) or L cells. Moreover, this downregulation could be blocked by either anti-CD46 or anti-H antibodies. The H-mediated CD46 downregulation is reversible and restricted to CD46 since expression of other surface markers (CD3, CD14, CD47 and CD63) is unaffected. It is apparently not mediated in a protein kinase (PK) A- or PKC-dependent manner. Altogether, our results provide an unequivocal demonstration that interaction between the extracellular domains of CD46 and MV-H is sufficient to trigger CD46 downregulation.

Formaldehyde inactivation of measles virus abolishes CD46-dependent presentation of nucleoprotein to murine class I-restricted CTLs but not to class II-restricted helper T cells

To induce an MHC-restricted specific CTL or Th response, an antigen must be delivered into the appropriate cellular compartment. We explored the role of CD46 in the presentation of measles virus (MV) nucleoprotein (NP) to murine NP-specific and MHC Class I-restricted polyclonal CTLs and the effect of inactivating MV by uv or formaldehyde. CD46(-)- and CD46(+)-transfected murine cells were used as target cells. After MV infection, only the targets which expressed CD46 were lysed by NP-specific class I-restricted CTLs. When MV was uv-inactivated, NP presentation by MHC class I molecules was retained but could be blocked by fusion inhibitors which block virus cell entry. When MV was inactivated with formaldehyde, NP was no longer presented by MHC class I molecules, although it was still presented by MHC class II molecules to a NP-specific class II-restricted T cell hybridoma. These data show that MV binding to the CD46 molecule is a prerequisite for virus-to-cell fusion and that cytosolic delivery of NP is necessary for presentation by class I molecules. Moreover, formaldehyde inactivation of virus induces the loss of class I-restricted presentation of NP due to selective abrogation of fusion and cytosolic delivery of NP.

Deletion of a C-terminal sequence of the class II-associated invariant chain abrogates invariant chains oligomer formation and class II antigen presentation

The MHC class II-associated invariant chain (Ii) is involved in Ag processing and presentation. Physical association of MHC class II molecules with Ii and an effect of Ii on peptide loading to class II have been demonstrated, but to date these functions have not been related to a particular region of Ii. We investigated luminal deletion mutants of Ii and their role in Ag processing and presentation. IAk-expressing L cells were transfected with deletion mutants of the Ii gene and assayed for their ability to present hen egg lysozyme to three different T cell hybridomas. It is shown that the sequence aa 131-191 of Ii is important for the presentation of native hen egg lysozyme. In addition, this C terminal region is shown to be responsible for Ii oligomer formation. It is therefore conceivable that oligomer formation of Ii is a prerequisite for class II-restricted Ag processing and presentation.

Deletion of a C-terminal sequence of the class II-associated invariant chain abrogates invariant chains oligomer formation and class II antigen presentation

The MHC class II-associated invariant chain (Ii) is involved in Ag processing and presentation. Physical association of MHC class II molecules with Ii and an effect of Ii on peptide loading to class II have been demonstrated, but to date these functions have not been related to a particular region of Ii. We investigated luminal deletion mutants of Ii and their role in Ag processing and presentation. IAk-expressing L cells were transfected with deletion mutants of the Ii gene and assayed for their ability to present hen egg lysozyme to three different T cell hybridomas. It is shown that the sequence aa 131-191 of Ii is important for the presentation of native hen egg lysozyme. In addition, this C terminal region is shown to be responsible for Ii oligomer formation. It is therefore conceivable that oligomer formation of Ii is a prerequisite for class II-restricted Ag processing and presentation.

Mode of entry of morbilliviruses

The morbilliviruses have a restricted host range. This is probably dependent on the use of specific host cell receptors. In the present article, we have reviewed our approach to identify a host cell receptor for one of the morbilliviruses, measles virus and to elucidate the interaction between viral and cellular proteins during virus entry into the host cell.

Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored and transmembrane forms of CD46 display similar measles virus receptor properties: virus binding, fusion, and replication; down-regulation by hemagglutinin; and virus uptake and endocytosis for antigen presentation by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules

The CD46 molecule is a receptor for measles virus (MV), CD46, which protects autologous cells from complement-mediated damage, exists in several isoforms which are variably expressed in different human tissues. These isoforms differ in their cytoplasmic and transmembrane regions and in a small portion of their proximal extracytoplasmic regions. To examine the role of the cytoplasmic and transmembrane regions of CD46 in MV infection, mouse M12 B cells stably expressing a transmembrane or a chimeric glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored form of CD46 (CD46-GPI) were used. Both the GPI-anchored and transmembrane CD46 forms were able to mediate MV binding. MV binding mediated by the GPI-anchored form but not that mediated by the transmembrane form was abolished after treatment with phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C. MV infection of both M12.CD46 and M12.CD46-GPI cells but not parental M12 cells resulted in MV replication. Expression of hemagglutinin induced cell surface down-regulation of both CD46 and CD46-GPI. Both M12.CD46 and M12.CD46-GPI cells were able to efficiently capture MV for presentation of viral antigens by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules to T cells. This presentation was blocked by chloroquine, indicating some virus endocytosis. These data imply that the extracytoplasmic region encompassing the four N-terminal invariable short consensus repeat regions of CD46 is sufficient to act as a receptor for MV and that the cytoplasmic and transmembrane regions of CD46 may not play a major role in the signal for the hemagglutinin-induced down-regulation of CD46 and/or endocytosis of MV.

Measles virus receptor properties are shared by several CD46 isoforms differing in extracellular regions and cytoplasmic tails

Human CD46, a member of the family of regulators of complement activation, has been shown recently to act as a measles virus (MV) receptor, interacting with the virus envelope glycoprotein haemagglutinin (HA). Owing to alternative RNA splicing, several CD46 isoforms are co-expressed in all tissues except erythrocytes. The optional exons encode extracellular serine-, threonine- and proline-rich regions of CD46 (designated STP-A, -B and -C) which are located proximal to the plasma membrane, and alternatively cytoplasmic tails (CYT1 or CYT2). The ability of the BC-CYT2, B-CYT2 and BC-CYT1 CD46 isoforms, expressed in rodent Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, to mediate MV infection was tested. Every isoform was recognized by a monoclonal antibody (MAb), MCI20.6, which recognizes the MV-binding site on CD46. CHO cells expressing any of these CD46 isoforms were able to bind MV, the level of binding correlating with the CD46 expression level. Likewise, MV infection induced the cell-cell fusion of all CD46-expressing CHO cells but not of the parental CHO cells. Accordingly, MV replication was observed after infection of CHO cells expressing each CD46 isoform but not after infection of parental CHO cells. Finally, cell surface expression of every isoform was decreased after infection by MV. Altogether these data showed that the specific STP regions of CD46 played no major role in HA-mediated MV binding to CD46, virus infection and virus-induced down-regulation of CD46. Moreover, the CYT1 and CYT2 cytoplasmic tails of CD46 are either functionally similar although having distinct amino acid sequences or are dispensable for interaction with HA of MV.

Efficient MHC class II-restricted presentation of measles virus to T cells relies on its targeting to its cellular receptor human CD46 and involves an endosomal pathway

The role of the measles virus (MV) receptor, human CD46, in the uptake of MV and antigen presentation by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules was investigated. Expression of CD46 in murine B cells resulted in cells highly efficient in capturing UV-inactivated MV particles and presenting both envelope hemagglutinin H and nucleoprotein N to specific T cell hybridomas. Although MV fuse with the plasma membrane of its target cells, presentation of both MV-H and -N was sensitive to inhibition by chloroquine but was not affected by a tripeptide which prevents virus-cell fusion. Whereas 50 microM of chloroquine was required to inhibit presentation of MV-H, purified H or soluble N, only a two-fold lower concentration was required to inhibit that of MV-N. This shows that some CD46-mediated captured MV particles are endocytosed, then disrupted and processed in an endosome/lysosome compartment.