Conservation of a CD1 multigene family in the guinea pig

CD1 is a family of cell-surface molecules capable of presenting microbial lipid Ags to specific T cells. Here we describe the CD1 gene family of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Eight distinct cDNA clones corresponding to CD1 transcripts were isolated from a guinea pig thymocyte cDNA library and completely sequenced. The guinea pig CD1 proteins predicted by translation of the cDNAs included four that can be classified as homologues of human CD1b, three that were homologues of human CD1c, and a single CD1e homologue. These guinea pig CD1 protein sequences contain conserved amino acid residues and hydrophobic domains within the putative Ag binding pocket. A mAb specific for human CD1b cross-reacted with multiple guinea pig CD1 isoforms, thus allowing direct analysis of the structure and expression of at least a subset of guinea pig CD1 proteins. Cell-surface expression of CD1 was detected on cortical thymocytes, dermal dendritic cells in the skin, follicular dendritic cells of lymph nodes, and in the B cell regions within the lymph nodes and spleen. CD1 proteins were also detected on a subset of PBMCs consistent with expression on circulating B cells. This distribution of CD1 staining in guinea pig tissues was thus similar to that seen in other mammals. These data provide the foundation for the development of the guinea pig as an animal model to study the in vivo function of CD1.

Induction of IL-8 expression in T cells uses the CD28 costimulatory pathway

IL-8, a potent chemotactic factor for neutrophil granulocytes and lymphocytes, is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by a variety of cell types, including T cells. Stimulation of the CD28 cell surface molecule delivers costimulatory signals essential for lymphokine production in activated T cells via a conserved sequence element found in the promoter of several lymphokine genes. Anti-CD28-stimulated T cells produced significant amounts of IL-8; additionally, costimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 Abs resulted in a synergistic induction of IL-8 secretion. Sequence homology, single nucleotide mutations, and anti-CD28 Ab stimulation studies established that the NF-kappa B-like sequence in the promoter of the IL-8 gene functioned as a CD28 response element. Furthermore, cyclosporin A, but not rapamycin, blocked the synergistic induction of IL-8 expression achieved with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 costimulation. The involvement of a CD28 response element in the induction of IL-8 expression in activated T cells may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and persistence of immune disorders characterized by increased levels of IL-8, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Induction of IL-8 expression in T cells uses the CD28 costimulatory pathway

IL-8, a potent chemotactic factor for neutrophil granulocytes and lymphocytes, is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by a variety of cell types, including T cells. Stimulation of the CD28 cell surface molecule delivers costimulatory signals essential for lymphokine production in activated T cells via a conserved sequence element found in the promoter of several lymphokine genes. Anti-CD28-stimulated T cells produced significant amounts of IL-8; additionally, costimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 Abs resulted in a synergistic induction of IL-8 secretion. Sequence homology, single nucleotide mutations, and anti-CD28 Ab stimulation studies established that the NF-kappa B-like sequence in the promoter of the IL-8 gene functioned as a CD28 response element. Furthermore, cyclosporin A, but not rapamycin, blocked the synergistic induction of IL-8 expression achieved with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 costimulation. The involvement of a CD28 response element in the induction of IL-8 expression in activated T cells may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and persistence of immune disorders characterized by increased levels of IL-8, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The p50 subunit of NF-kappa B associates with the NF-IL6 transcription factor

The NF-kappa B-p50 polypeptide, a member of the Rel family of transcription factors, was produced as a fusion protein containing amino-terminal peptide additions that facilitate purification and detection with a monoclonal antibody and specific radiolabeling by phosphorylation in vitro. The 32P-labeled NK-kappa B-p50 fusion polypeptide was used as the probe in Western blotting experiments and in screenings of a bacteriophage expression library to isolate cDNAs encoding interacting protein domains. As expected, cDNAs encoding proteins of the Rel family were identified. Surprisingly, the 32P-labeled NF-kappa B protein also specifically bound to proteins encoded by cDNAs for the human NF-IL6 transcription factor. The NF-kappa B-p50 and NF-IL6 proteins directly interact, and the Rel homology domain and leucine-zipper motif, respectively, are important for this interaction. Since induction of the NF-kappa B and NF-IL6 factors are important events in immune and acute-phase responses, this interaction could permit coregulation of genes.

Genetic linkage analysis of the murine developmental mutant velvet coat (Ve) and the distal chromosome 15 developmental genes Hox-3.1, Rar-g, Wnt-1, and Krt-2

We have identified restriction fragment length polymorphisms between Mus musculus and Mus spretus for the Chromosome 15 loci Hox-3, Wnt-1, Krt-2, Rar-g, and Ly-6. We followed the inheritance of these alleles in interspecific genetic test crosses between velvet coat (Ve) heterozygotes and M. spretus. The results suggest a gene order and recombination distances (in cM) of Ly-6-22-Wnt-1-2-Ve/Krt-2/Rar-g-3-Hox-3. No recombination was found between Ve, Krt-2, and Rar-g. The data also provide evidence for the hypothesis of a large-scale genomic duplication involving homologous gene pairs on mouse Chromosomes 15 and 11.

A large protein containing zinc finger domains binds to related sequence elements in the enhancers of the class I major histocompatibility complex and kappa immunoglobulin genes

A cDNA from a B-cell library was previously isolated that encodes a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein with affinities for related sites in a class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and kappa immunoglobulin gene enhancers. We report here approximately 6.5 kilobases of sequence of the MBP-1 (MHC enhancer binding protein 1) cDNA. MBP-1 protein has a molecular weight predicted to be greater than 200,000. A DNA-binding domain with high affinity for the MHC enhancer sequence TGGGGATTCCCCA was localized to an 118-amino-acid protein fragment containing two zinc fingers of the class Cys2-X12-His2. Analysis of expression of MBP-1 mRNA revealed relatively high expression in HeLa cells and in a human retinal cell line, with lower levels in Jurkat T cells and in two B-cell lines. Interestingly, expression of MBP-1 mRNA was inducible by mitogen and phorbol ester treatment of Jurkat T cells and by serum treatment of confluent serum-deprived human fibroblasts.

Kinetic analysis of Ly-6 gene induction in a T lymphoma by interferons and interleukin 1, and demonstration of Ly-6 inducibility in diverse cell types

The Ly-6 locus contains multiple genes encoding cell surface proteins, two of which, when cross-linked by antibodies, effect antigen-independent activation of T lymphocytes. In this study, cDNA for Ly-6-encoded antigens have been used as probes to examine RNA from various tissues and transformed cell lines for constitutive levels of Ly-6 RNA expression. Analyses of RNA prepared from several different tissues revealed a high level of expression of Ly-6 RNA in kidney, spleen, heart and thymus, with a more moderate level of expression in liver, brain and lung tissue cells. A survey of various cell lines demonstrated the presence of Ly-6 RNA in many, but not all T lymphocytic cell lines, in L cells, the Meth A fibrosarcoma, in the TCMK kidney cell line, and in the Neuro-2a neuroblastoma. We also evaluated the expression of Ly-6 RNA in cells after treatments with interferons (IFN) and interleukin 1 (IL1). Treatment of lymphoid cells with IFN (alpha/beta and gamma), known to increase cell surface Ly-6 antigen expression in normal T cells, was correlated with increases in Ly-6 RNA levels. Increases in levels of RNA correlated with increases in levels of the Ly-6A/E or Ly-6C antigens. Several T lymphoid cell lines exhibiting Ly-6 RNA inducibility by IFN were similarly inducible with IL1. Kinetic experiments using one such line, (YAC-1), showed that the induction of Ly-6 RNA mediated by IFN-alpha/beta occurred rapidly (within 4 h), while the induction by IL1 required relatively more time (approximately 8 h). Although the actions of IFN-alpha/beta were not blocked by cycloheximide, the presence of this protein synthesis inhibitor significantly attenuated the effects of IL1 and IFN-gamma on Ly-6 RNA transcription. Induction by IFN-gamma as well as IL1 could be blocked completely by co-culture with anti-IFN-gamma, implicating IFN-gamma as a mediator of the induction by IL1.

Isolation and expression of an IFN-responsive Ly-6C chromosomal gene

The Ly-6 locus controls the expression of genes whose products in lymphoid cells are involved in the process of Ag-independent T cell activation. The Ly-6 locus contains multiple tightly linked genes which have been mapped to a specific region on murine chromosome 15. The present approach to further define the Ly-6 Ag is based on the transfection of cloned genes and identification of the expressed products by using mAb. Screening of Ly-6 related chromosomal clones revealed one that contains a gene that is closely related to yet distinct from that of the previously characterized Ly-6E.1 protein. Transfection of this chromosomal clone into COS cells shows that it contains the gene encoding Ly-6C.1 determinants. The expression of the transfected Ly-6C.1 gene is enhanced in COS cells following treatment with mouse IFN. Characterization of the DNA sequence of the Ly-6C.1 gene has established that it consists of four exons, the first of which is untranslated. Several possible regulatory elements have been identified in the putative promoter region of this gene (5' to the first exon), including a 28-base sequence closely resembling the consensus IFN-responsive sequence found in the promoter regions of other IFN-responsive genes.

Isolation and expression of an IFN-responsive Ly-6C chromosomal gene

The Ly-6 locus controls the expression of genes whose products in lymphoid cells are involved in the process of Ag-independent T cell activation. The Ly-6 locus contains multiple tightly linked genes which have been mapped to a specific region on murine chromosome 15. The present approach to further define the Ly-6 Ag is based on the transfection of cloned genes and identification of the expressed products by using mAb. Screening of Ly-6 related chromosomal clones revealed one that contains a gene that is closely related to yet distinct from that of the previously characterized Ly-6E.1 protein. Transfection of this chromosomal clone into COS cells shows that it contains the gene encoding Ly-6C.1 determinants. The expression of the transfected Ly-6C.1 gene is enhanced in COS cells following treatment with mouse IFN. Characterization of the DNA sequence of the Ly-6C.1 gene has established that it consists of four exons, the first of which is untranslated. Several possible regulatory elements have been identified in the putative promoter region of this gene (5' to the first exon), including a 28-base sequence closely resembling the consensus IFN-responsive sequence found in the promoter regions of other IFN-responsive genes.

Murine Ly-6 multigene family is located on chromosome 15

Murine Ly-6-encoded molecules play an important role in the antigen-independent activation of lymphocytes. We have described the cloning of a cDNA encoding the protein component of an Ly-6 molecule. Hybridization studies indicated that this cDNA identified multiple DNA fragments on Southern blots. The banding pattern exhibits a restriction fragment length polymorphism from mice bearing either the Ly-6a or the Ly-6b allele. We have employed three independent chromosomal mapping techniques, somatic cell hybrids, in situ hybridization, and strain distribution pattern analysis of the restriction fragment length polymorphism of DNA from recombinant inbred lines, to ascertain the chromosomal origins of these bands. We report that all members of the Ly-6 multigene family are tightly linked on chromosome 15 and have been regionalized by in situ hybridization analysis to band 15E on the distal portion of this chromosome. Linkage analysis has indicated that the Ly-6 genes are located within 1 map unit of Env-54 (a retroviral envelope restriction fragment length polymorphism probe), 3 map units from ins-1, (insulin-related gene), and 4 map units from the protooncogene c-sis. The possible involvement of the Ly-6 lymphocyte activation and differentiation antigen genes in chromosome 15-related lymphoid malignancies is discussed.

Isolation of a murine Ly-6 cDNA reveals a new multigene family

The Ly-6 alloantigens have been shown to play a critical role in T lymphocyte activation. To isolate a Ly-6 cDNA, synthetic oligonucleotides, based on the partial amino acid sequence of purified Ly-6E.1 protein, were used to probe a cDNA library. The synthetic oligonucleotides or the isolated cDNA detected a 1.1-kb RNA species. Sequence analysis of the cDNA clone revealed that the Ly-6E.1 protein consists of a 26-amino acid leader followed by a 108-residue, cysteine-rich, core protein with no N-linked glycosylation sites. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNAs revealed multiple bands indicating a family of related genes. Using recombinant inbred and Ly-6 congenic strains of mice, restriction fragment length polymorphisms were demonstrable, and correlated with the Ly-6 allotype of the DNA donors. This probe will enable further molecular genetic analysis of the role of Ly-6-linked proteins in the process of T lymphocyte activation. Isolation of Ly-6 genomic clones may promote a further understanding of the complex tissue-specific expression patterns characteristic of Ly-6-linked genes.

A monoclonal antibody that recognizes an Ly-6-linked antigen inhibits the generation of functionally active T cell subsets

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) generated against the chemically-induced BALB/c Meth A sarcoma, designated HD42, reacts in cytotoxic tests with Meth A as well as with BALB/c peripheral lymph node cells and mitogen-activated spleen cells. The antigen was detected by FACS analysis on BALB/c spleen and lymph node cells, and by absorption assays on all normal lymphoid cells of BALB/c but not B6 mice. The expression of the antigen was not found on normal adult lung fibroblasts, on brain, nor on an extensive panel of tumors of BALB/c and B6 origin. Because the strain distribution of the antigen is reciprocal to that of Ly-6.2 and is not expressed in congenic C3H.Ly-6b mice, we have tentatively defined it as Ly-6.1 and referred to the mAb as alpha-Ly-6.1. The presence of alpha-Ly-6.1 abrogates both the Con A-induced and the IL 2-dependent proliferative response of normal T cells, whereas the response of normal B cells to LPS remains unaffected. alpha-Ly-6.1 is a potent suppressor of the primary in vitro plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to SRBC. Pretreatment of normal splenic T cells with alpha-Ly-6.1 and complement had no effect on the ability of these cells to generate in vitro either T helper cells (TH) or T suppressor cells (TS) to SRBC. However, addition of antibody in the absence of complement during the generation of TH or TS, or posttreatment of these T cell subsets with antibody and complement after in vitro education, completely removed the functional activity of these cell types. Addition of alpha-Ly-6.1 to MLC suppressed the MLR as well as the generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL), whereas the presence of the antibody during a cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) had no effect. Therefore, it appears that alpha-Ly-6.1 recognizes an antigen that is important for the generation of TH and TS cell subsets.

A monoclonal antibody that recognizes an Ly-6-linked antigen inhibits the generation of functionally active T cell subsets

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) generated against the chemically-induced BALB/c Meth A sarcoma, designated HD42, reacts in cytotoxic tests with Meth A as well as with BALB/c peripheral lymph node cells and mitogen-activated spleen cells. The antigen was detected by FACS analysis on BALB/c spleen and lymph node cells, and by absorption assays on all normal lymphoid cells of BALB/c but not B6 mice. The expression of the antigen was not found on normal adult lung fibroblasts, on brain, nor on an extensive panel of tumors of BALB/c and B6 origin. Because the strain distribution of the antigen is reciprocal to that of Ly-6.2 and is not expressed in congenic C3H.Ly-6b mice, we have tentatively defined it as Ly-6.1 and referred to the mAb as alpha-Ly-6.1. The presence of alpha-Ly-6.1 abrogates both the Con A-induced and the IL 2-dependent proliferative response of normal T cells, whereas the response of normal B cells to LPS remains unaffected. alpha-Ly-6.1 is a potent suppressor of the primary in vitro plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to SRBC. Pretreatment of normal splenic T cells with alpha-Ly-6.1 and complement had no effect on the ability of these cells to generate in vitro either T helper cells (TH) or T suppressor cells (TS) to SRBC. However, addition of antibody in the absence of complement during the generation of TH or TS, or posttreatment of these T cell subsets with antibody and complement after in vitro education, completely removed the functional activity of these cell types. Addition of alpha-Ly-6.1 to MLC suppressed the MLR as well as the generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL), whereas the presence of the antibody during a cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) had no effect. Therefore, it appears that alpha-Ly-6.1 recognizes an antigen that is important for the generation of TH and TS cell subsets.