Circulating pathogen-specific plasmablasts in female patients with upper genital tract infection

Mucosal antibodies constitute the first line of adaptive immune defence against invaders in the female genital tract (FGT), yet the sequence of events leading to their production is surprisingly poorly characterized. We explored the induction of pathogen-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC) as a response to an acute infection in the upper FGT. We recruited 12 patients undergoing surgery due to an upper FGT infection (7/12 blood culture positive, 5/12 negative) and six healthy controls. Pathogens were sampled during surgery and PBMC collected in the acute phase of the disease (days 7-10). We searched by ELISPOT circulating pathogen-specific ASC and explored their frequency, immunoglobulin isotype distribution, and expressions of homing receptors (α₄β_7, L-selectin, and CLA). All patients had circulating ASC specific to the infective bacteria; the geometric mean was 434 (95%CI 155-1234) ASC (IgA + IgG + IgM)/10⁶ PBMC. IgA ASC predominated in 7/12, IgG ASC in 3/12, and IgM ASC in 2/12 cases. Of all the pathogen-specific ASC, 60% expressed α₄β₇, 67% L-selectin, and 9% CLA. This study is the first to show induction of pathogen-specific ASC in the peripheral blood in bacterial infection in the human FGT. Our findings reveal that such FGT-originating pathogen-specific ASC are predominated by IgA ASC and exhibit a homing receptor profile resembling that of ASC in acute urinary tract infection. The data thus suggest a characteristic profile shared by the urogenital tract.

Early Emergence of CD19-Negative Human Antibody-Secreting Cells at the Plasmablast to Plasma Cell Transition

Long-lived human plasma cells (PCs) play central roles in immunity and autoimmunity and are enriched among the subpopulation of CD19neg human PCs. However, whether human CD19neg PCs are necessarily aged cells that have gradually lost CD19 expression is not known. Assessing peripheral blood samples at steady-state and during the acute response to influenza vaccination in healthy donors, we identify the presence of phenotypic CD19neg plasmablasts, the proliferative precursor state to mature PCs, and demonstrate by ELISPOT that these are Ab-secreting cells (ASCs). During the acute response to influenza vaccination, CD19pos, CD19low, and CD19neg ASCs secrete vaccine-specific Abs and show linked IGHV repertoires. To address precursor/product relationships, we use in vitro models that mimic T-dependent and T-independent differentiation, finding that the CD19neg state can be established at the plasmablast to PC transition, that CD19neg PCs increase as a percentage of surviving PCs in vitro, and that CD19neg and CD19pos PCs can be maintained independently. These data provide proof-of-principle for the view that newly generated ASCs can acquire a mature PC phenotype that is accompanied by loss of CD19 expression at an early stage of differentiation and that aging is not an obligate requirement for a CD19neg state to be established.

TLR2, TLR4 and the MyD88 signaling are crucial for the in vivo generation and the longevity of long-lived antibody-secreting cells

This study was undertaken to gain better insights into the role of TLRs and MyD88 in the development and differentiation of memory B cells, especially of ASC, during the Th2 polarized memory response induced by Natterins. Our in vivo findings demonstrated that the anaphylactic IgG1 production is dependent on TLR2 and MyD88 signaling, and that TLR4 acts as adjuvant accelerating the synthesis of high affinity-IgE. Also, TLR4 (MyD88-independent) modulated the migration of innate-like B cells (B1a and B2) out of the peritoneal cavity, and the emigration from the spleen of B1b and B2 cells. TLR4 (MyD88-independent) modulated the emigration from the spleen of Bmem as well as ASC B220^pos. TLR2 triggered to the egress from the peritoneum of Bmem (MyD88-dependent) and ASC B220^pos (MyD88-independent). We showed that TLR4 regulates the degree of expansion of Bmem in the peritoneum (MyD88-dependent) and in BM (MyD88-independent) as well as of ASC B220^neg in the spleen (MyD88-independent). TLR2 regulated the intensity of the expansion of Bmem (MyD88-independent) and ASC B220^pos (MyD88-dependent) in BM. Finally, TLR4 signals sustained the longevity of ASC B220^pos (MyD88-independent) and ASC B220^neg into the peritoneum (MyD88-dependent) and TLR2 MyD88-dependent signaling supported the persistence of B2 cells in BM, Bmem in the spleen and ASC B220^neg in peritoneum and BM. Terminally differentiated ASC B220^neg required the cooperation of both signals through TLR2/TLR4 via MyD88 for longevity in peritoneum, whereas Bmem required only TLR2/MyD88 to stay in spleen, and ASC B220^pos rested in peritoneum dependent on TLR4 signaling. Our data sustain that earlier events on memory B cells differentiation induced in secondary immune response against Natterins, after secondary lymph organs influx and egress, may be the key to determining peripheral localization of innate-like B cells and memory B cells as ASC B220^pos and ASC B220^neg.

Sublingual immunotherapy mechanisms of action: the role of Th1 response

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only treatment able to modify the natural history of allergic subjects. Several aspects of the immunopathological response modified by sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), which is an alternative route of administration for SIT, have been investigated. A shift from Th2-polarized immune response toward Th1-oriented pattern has been reported after SLIT. More recently, a crucial role for a subpopulation of T cells has been evidenced: T regulatory cells (Treg). Allergic patients have a defect of Tregs, and SLIT should be able to induce a specific Treg response. This issue is very relevant as the Treg-dependent cytokines, namely IL-10 and TGF-beta, are involved in the regulation of IgG and IgA antibodies production. Recent evidence shows that SLIT is also able of inducing a Treg response as detected by IL-10 production. IFNgamma is a typical Th1-dependent cytokine. SLIT may induce a significantly increased production of this cytokine and it may be considered as an early marker of SLIT response. Therefore, also SLIT is able of exerting the effects on immune response as well as the subcutaneous route.

Cutaneous antibody-secreting cells and B cells in a teleost fish

Antibodies in cutaneous mucus and skin of teleosts play a critical role in the protective immune response against infection. We demonstrate by ELISPOT that antibody-secreting cells (ASC), which include LPS-inducible B cells (plasmablasts) and non-replicating plasma cells, reside in low numbers in the skin of channel catfish. Following immunization against the protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which infects skin and gills, the number of ASC in skin increased 20-fold, indicating that the number of ASC in skin is dynamic and increases in response to parasite infection. The number of ASC in skin remained elevated for at least 17 weeks after the last parasite exposure. Cutaneous ASC included I. multifiliis-specific ASC, which undoubtedly serve as the primary source of cutaneous antibodies that confer long-term humoral immunity against reinfection. Our demonstration that skin contains B cells and plasma cells suggests that it is an integral component of the teleost immune system.

Migration of mouse antibody-secreting hybridoma cells from blood to genital tract and its regulation by sex hormones are associated with the differential expression patterns of adhesion molecules and chemokines in the tract rather than in the antibody-secreting cells

To understand better the molecular mechanisms of differential migration of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) into mouse genital tracts, and regulation by sex hormones, surface markers, hormone receptors and adhesion molecules in mouse SG2 and PA4 hybridoma cells, respectively, secreting IgG2b and polymeric IgA antibody were detected by flow cytometry or RT-PCR. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was also used for measuring mRNA expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-selectin, JAM-1 and CXCL12) in genital tracts of various adult mouse groups. The mRNAs of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor beta and CXCR4 were expressed in the ASCs. Sex hormones had no effect on expression of these molecules in ASCs. Except for VCAM-1, mRNA of all examined genes was expressed in normal mouse genital tracts. The mean of relative amounts of ICAM-1 and CXCL12 mRNA in all examined organs of females were higher (2.1- and 1.9-fold) than those in males. After orchiectomy or ovariectomy, the expression of ICAM-1, CXCL12 and P-selectin mRNA in the examined organs increased, except JAM-1 in male and CXCL12 in female. Sex hormone treatment recovered the changes to normal levels of mRNA expression in many examined genital tissues. In combination with our previous work, preferential migration of ASCs into female genital tract and regulation of migration by sex hormones are associated with expression patterns of adhesion molecules and chemokines in genital tract rather than in ASCs.

Advances in antibody manufacturing using mammalian cells

In this review, we describe recent advances in antibody processing technology including: (1) development of proprietary cell lines; (2) improved expression systems optimized by selective technologies to boost underperformers; (3) improved protein-free and serum-free culture media; and (4) attention to glycosylation and other post-translational modifications. Advances in computer technology and sophisticated redesign of bioreactors have been major contributors to the dramatic improvements in antibody yields that have been documented in the last decade. Disposable bioreactor components are now widespread, resulting in improved yields, better quality product and lower costs for producers. Downstream innovations include (1) disposable devices for clarification and purification, (2) improved resins and ligands, and (3) new designs of hardware for improved performance. While there are numerous factors contributing to the increased yields that have been obtained, the most sustained of these is the introduction of disposable technologies on both the upstream and the downstream ends of the process. With the continuing introduction of improved computer technology and technological innovation, there is every reason to believe that quality and quantity of antibody products will continue to improve in the coming years, and supply will be adequate to meet the forthcoming needs of the industry.

Is long-term humoral immunity in the mucosa provided by long-lived plasma cells? A question still open

The biology of antibody-secreting cells is still a matter of controversial discussion. One of the key questions is how the migration and lifespan of antibody-secreting cells is linked to their generation. A paper in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology provides further information on the generation of long-term mucosal immune responses; however, the study leaves many questions unanswered as discussed in this brief Commentary.

Antibody Response of Autogenous Splenic Tissue Implanted in the Abdominal Cavity of Mice

There is still controversy about the immunologic function of autotransplanted splenic tissue. In this study, splenic autotransplantation was performed in the abdominal cavity of mice, and the plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay was used to investigate the frequency of antibody-forming cells in response to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) immunization. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups according to the location of the autogenous graft: intraomental (IO), free peritoneal splenosis (FPS), retroperitoneal (RP), and nongrafted control (CT). Thirty days after surgery the mice were immunized intraperitoneally with SRBCs, and 4 days later splenic immunoglobulin M anti-SRBC-secreting cells were determined by counting the number of PFCs. All the immunized mice showed increased numbers of PFCs that were about 2 logs higher than those in the the nonimmunized controls (P < 0.005). The frequencies of anti-SRBC-producing cells in the tissues grafted in various sites of the abdominal cavity (IO, FPS, RP), in the normal spleen from nonoperated controls (CT), or in the sham-operated control group (SCT) were not notably different (5582 +/- 2475 PFC/10(7) cells for IO; 4849 +/- 1856 for FPS; 6604 +/- 2903 for RP; 5940 +/- 5029 for CT; and 6172 +/- 2203 for SCT). Similar histology with small architectural variations was observed in all implants; less white pulp was involved, and there was more congestion in the red pulp, with extensive sinusoids and reticular fiber proliferation. This study shows that the T cell-dependent antibody response in implanted splenic tissues is as efficient as in the intact spleen, with no difference between the graft sites studied. This immune response does not depend on the slight architectural variations observed in the splenic implants.

Differential requirement for OBF-1 during antibody-secreting cell differentiation

Resting B cells can be cultured to induce antibody-secreting cell (ASC) differentiation in vitro. A quantitative analysis of cell behavior during such a culture allows the influences of different stimuli and gene products to be measured. The application of this analytical system revealed that the OBF-1 transcriptional coactivator, whose loss impairs antibody production in vivo, has two effects on ASC development. Although OBF-1 represses early T cell–dependent (TD) differentiation, it is also critical for the completion of the final stages of ASC development. Under these conditions, the loss of OBF-1 blocks the genetic program of ASC differentiation so that Blimp-1/prdm1 induction fails, and bcl-6, Pax5, and AID are not repressed as in control ASC. Retroviral complementation confirmed that OBF-1 was the critical entity. Surprisingly, when cells were cultured in lipopolysaccharide to mimic T cell–independent conditions, OBF-1–null B cells differentiated normally to ASC. In the OBF-1^−/− ASC generated under either culture regimen, antibody production was normal or only modestly reduced, revealing that Ig genes are not directly dependent on OBF-1 for their expression. The differential requirement for OBF-1 in TD ASC generation was confirmed in vivo. These studies define a new regulatory role for OBF-1 in determining the cell-autonomous capacity of B cells to undergo terminal differentiation in response to different immunological signals.

Phosphorylcholine is favorable for antibody production from hybridoma cells

Growth of antibody-secreting hybridomas requires special conditions such as serum-free defined media containing growth factors and vitamins. However, the surface on which these cells can proliferate has been shown to play an important role. Phosphorylcholine (PC)-based polymers are zwitterionic compounds with nonbiofouling properties. These polymers are characterized by having reduced protein absorption properties. Our aim was to determine whether well-established hybridoma cell lines were able to proliferate and produce measurable amounts of monoclonal antibodies when grown on PC-polymer-coated surfaces. Comparative experiments using four well-known hybridoma cell lines (PAb421, PAb246, PAb1801 which recognize p53, and PAb280 which recognizes SV40 small t antigen) grown on PC-polymer-coated, uncoated, and two commercially available tissue culture plates showed that PC-polymer-coated plates were more efficient than uncoated plates in sustaining cell growth and monoclonal antibody production/secretion as defined by growth assays and ELISA. Also, results demonstrated that PC-polymer-coated plates were able to perform better than commercially available plates. These observations suggest that PC polymers could be used as an alternative, efficient surface coating to grow hybridoma cell lines and allow detectable antibody secretion.

Quantitative investigations of idiotypic antibodies. V. Factors affecting the persistence and replacement of clones of antibody-producing cells

The effect of challenge by antigen on persistence of clones of antibody-producing cells and on the induction of new clones was investigated through quantitative measurements of idiotypic specificities. In each of nine rabbits idiotypic specificities present in the earliest bleedings were completely replaced after a few months; subsequent changes occurred much more slowly. On a quantitative basis the population of molecules used as immunogen always reacted most effectively with the homologous anti-idiotypic antiserum. Little effect of increased antigen dose on the rate of change of idiotype was observed. Even large amounts of antigen administered every 2 wk caused only gradual changes in idiotypic specificities. This was attributed either to more effective capture of antigen by memory cells, as compared to precursor cells, or to the induction of tolerance in those clones that were not expressed. In two of three rabbits on a monthly injection schedule, the idiotypic specificities identified underwent very slow changes over a period as long as 17 months. Changes occurred more rapidly when antigen was administered every 2 wk. In each of four rabbits investigated, all idiotypic specificities identified before a 5 month rest period were still present afterwards, indicating the survival of essentially all clones of antibody-producing cells during that interval. Quantitative inhibition data indicated that some new clones of cells were initiated.

Antigenic promotion. Increase in hapten-specific plaque-forming cells after pre-injection with structurally unrelated macromolecules

Rabbits were immunized with p-azobenzene arsonic acid derivatives of human serum albumin (HA-As) or of dissociated keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The IgM response to the hapten was evaluated in terms of the number of hapten-specific plaque-forming cells in the lymph node draining the injection site. In some experiments, antibody was measured by agglutination of tanned and sensitized erythrocytes. The hapten response of animals immunized with HA-As was increased (promoting effect) when the animals were injected with one of several structurally unrelated macromolecules: keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), horse spleen ferritin (HSF), lysozyme (Lys), alum-precipitated human gamma globulin (alum-precipitated HGG). Different macromolecules differed in the magnitude of the promoting effect they induced, e.g., promotion by the associated form of KLH was greater than that by the dissociated form; alum-precipitated HGG was a better promoter than was soluble HGG. The relative magnitude of promotion by different macromolecules (associated vs. dissociated KLH, alum-precipitated vs. soluble HGG) correlated with the relative magnitude of the carrier effect, as judged by the hapten response induced by p-azobenzene arsonic acid conjugated to various proteins. Promotion was detected by agglutination assay of circulating antibody, by plaque assay of cells from the popliteal lymph node draining the site of preinjection, but not by plaque assay of cells from the contralateral lymph node. Promotion was dependent on the dose of the promoting macromolecule and on the dose of the hapten-protein conjugate. It was not observed in animals tolerant to the promoting macromolecule. Inhibition (i.e. antigenic competition), rather than promotion, was observed upon a secondary response to the preinjected macromolecule or when the hapten-protein conjugate was incorporated in Freund's adjuvant.

Concentration-dependent bifunctional effect of TGF-beta 1 on immunoglobulin production: a role for Smad3 in IgA production in vitro

Injury to the liver results in rapid induction of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta(1)) consistent with a role for TGF-beta(1) in repairing damaged tissue. In addition to its ubiquitous role in injury repair, TGF-beta(1) is also well established as a critical regulator of immune homeostasis; however, its mechanisms of action remain enigmatic. We have previously demonstrated that the hepatotoxic chlorinated hydrocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, suppresses helper T-lymphocyte function in a TGF-beta(1)-dependent manner. Here, we report that, in opposition to its immunosuppressive effects at picomolar concentrations, femtomolar concentrations of TGF-beta(1) augment T cell-dependent anti-sRBC IgM antibody forming cell (AFC) and T cell-independent DNP-Ficoll-induced AFC responses. These data support a concentration-dependent bifunctional effect by TGF-beta(1) on humoral immune responses in vitro. We further investigated a putative mechanistic role for Smad3, an intracellular mediator of TGF-beta(1) signaling, in propagating the inhibitory effects of TGF-beta(1) on humoral immune responses. Relative to wild type littermates, splenocytes from mice homologous for a null mutation in the gene encoding the TGF-beta receptor-activated Smad3 (Smad3(Exon8-/-)) were less sensitive to inhibition by TGF-beta(1) following anti-sRBC- and LPS-sensitization in vitro. In agreement, inhibition of IgM protein production by TGF-beta(1) was also dampened in LPS-sensitized Smad3(Exon8-/-) splenic B cells. Moreover, stimulation of IgA by TGF-beta(1) was abrogated in LPS-sensitized Smad3(Exon8-/-) splenocytes suggesting an additional role for Smad3 in regulating IgA production in vitro. Our results suggest that the effects of TGF-beta(1) on humoral immune responses fundamentally differ in a concentration-dependent manner and are mediated, in part, through Smad3 signaling.

[Experimental study on the effect of low molecular DNA from salmon milt on hemopoiesis]

Biological activity of low molecular DNA isolated from salmon milt was studied. When administered subcutaneously to mice with with acute experimental radiation disease in a course dose of 10 mg/kg, it showed a therapeutic effect, stimulated hemopoiesis, increased the survival rate and the average life span of the animals. Moreover, its marked effect on the humoral immunity was observed.

Functional heterogeneity of marginal zone B cells revealed by their ability to generate both early antibody-forming cells and germinal centers with hypermutation and memory in response to a T-dependent antigen

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells play a major role in the first-line responses against blood-born T-independent bacterial antigens (TI), but the full scope of their immune functions is not known. Here we compare the responses of MZ and follicular (FO) B cells to a T-dependent antigen (TD), hapten–(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) coupled to chicken γ-globulin, in a cell transfer system. Consistent with the conventional paradigm, MZ B cells but not FO B cells rapidly generated the early burst of NP-specific antibody-forming cells (AFC), high levels of IgM Ab, and early IgG with relatively high affinity to NP. However, MZ B cells were also capable of forming germinal centers (GCs) albeit with a delay, compared with FO B cells. The early AFCs and the GCs originated from different MZ precursors, but the MZ- and FO-derived GCs were similar in V_H gene repertoire, somatic mutation, and production of late AFC and IgG Ab. Surprisingly, the MZ but not the FO memory response included IgM Ab. We conclude that MZ B cells are heterogeneous, comprising cells for both early AFC response and GC/memory pathway against TD antigens.

Cutaneous lymphocyte antigen expression on human effector B cells depends on the site and on the nature of antigen encounter

In contrast to T cells, information on skin-homing B cells expressing the cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) is sparse. CLA expression on human B cells was investigated among circulating immunoglobulin-secreting cells (ISC) and among antigen-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC) elicited by parenteral, oral or rectal primary immunization, or by parenteral or oral secondary immunization with Salmonella typhi Ty21a. CLA expression was examined by combining cell sorting with an enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Among all ISC, the proportion of CLA(+) cells was 13-21%. Parenteral immunization induced antigen-specific ASC of which 13% were CLA(+), while oral and rectal immunizations were followed by only 1% of CLA(+) ASC (p<0.001). Oral re-immunization was followed by an up-regulation of CLA (34-48%) regardless of the route of priming. Parenteral re-immunization elicited ASC of which 9-14% were CLA(+). In conclusion, the expression of CLA on human effector B cells depends on the site of antigen encounter: intestinal stimulation elicits cells with no CLA, while parenteral encounter elicits significant numbers of CLA(+) cells. Even though primary antigen encounter in the intestine failed to stimulate CLA expression, up-regulation of CLA was found upon intestinal antigen re-encounter. These findings may be of relevance in the pathogenesis of some cutaneous disorders.

Antibody-mediated protection against cytotoxic T-cell escape in coronavirus-induced demyelination

C57BL/6 (B6) mice infected with mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) strain JHM develop a clinically evident, demyelinating encephalomyelitis. Infectious virus can be isolated from the spinal cords of these mice and is invariably mutated in the immunodominant CD8 T-cell epitope recognized in this strain. We showed previously that these persistently infected mice did not mount a measurable serum anti-MHV neutralizing antibody response. Here we show that cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) escape was not detected in MHV-infected BALB/b mice (H-2(b) haplotype), even though the same CD8 T-cell epitopes were recognized as in B6 mice. BALB/b mice had 25-fold more MHV-specific antibody-secreting cells in the central nervous system, the site of infection, than B6 mice, suggesting that local production of anti-MHV antibody contributed to this absence of CTL escape. Additionally, administration of anti-MHV neutralizing antibody to infected B6 mice suppressed the development of CTL escape mutants. These findings indicate a key role for the anti-MHV antibody response in suppressing virus replication, thereby minimizing the emergence and competitive advantage of CTL escape mutants.

Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein B-cell responses in multiple sclerosis

Humoral auto-immunity to the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is likely involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In 44 MS patients and 30 controls, Ig-producing B cells were identified by their isotype and as MOG-specific spot-forming cells (SFC). Peripheral anti-MOG antibodies were assayed in ELISA as well as anti-butyrophilin antibodies to investigate for molecular mimicry. MS patients had significantly higher levels of IgA- and MOG-SFC than controls, as well as significantly higher antibody responses to MOG and butyrophilin. These data provide added support for the implication of anti-MOG humoral immunity in the pathophysiology of MS, and suggest a balance of systemic (anti-self) and mucosal (environment-modulated) immune reactions in an attempt at regulating the pathogenic specific immune response.

Rotavirus-specific B cells induced by recent infection in adults and children predominantly express the intestinal homing receptor alpha4beta7

In vivo replication of rotaviruses is generally limited to enterocytes. Because of this restriction, most blood circulating rotavirus-specific B cells are hypothesized to originate in Peyer's patches and should express the intestinal homing receptor alpha4beta7. To test this hypothesis in humans, we used a flow cytometry assay that identifies antigen-activated (IgD-) B cells (CD19+) that express surface rotavirus-specific immunoglobulin. With this assay we could detect rotavirus-specific B cells in both children and adults with an acute rotavirus (RV) infection. Staining with an anti-alpha4beta7 monoclonal antibody, we could determine that B cells that express rotavirus-specific surface immunoglobulin predominantly express alpha4beta7. The response of rotavirus-specific antibody-secreting cells in the peripheral blood of children and adults with acute rotavirus infection was also studied by ELISPOT. The antibody-secreting cells of children were mainly of the IgM isotype, while the antibody-secreting cells of adults were predominantly of the IgA and IgG isotype. alpha4beta7+ and alpha4beta7- subsets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were purified using paramagnetic beads and then tested in the ELISPOT assay. Rotavirus-specific antibody-secreting cells were predominantly present in the alpha4beta7+ subpopulation. The flow cytometry assay we have described will permit future studies to characterize the phenotype of virus-specific B cells and could be useful in the study of the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of RV vaccines and the identification of markers of protective immunity.

Specific immune responses and enhancement of murine pulmonary clearance of Moraxella catarrhalis by intranasal immunization with a detoxified lipooligosaccharide conjugate vaccine

Moraxella catarrhalis is an important human mucosal pathogen. This study investigated the effect of intranasal immunization with a detoxified-lipooligosaccharide-cross-reactive mutant of diphtheria toxin (dLOS-CRM) vaccine candidate on pulmonary clearance following an aerosol challenge of mice with M. catarrhalis. Intranasal immunization with dLOS-CRM plus cholera toxin induced a significantly dose-dependent increase of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG in the nasal wash, lung lavage fluid, saliva, and fecal extract. In addition, serum IgG, IgM, and IgA against LOS of M. catarrhalis were detected. LOS-specific antibody-forming cells were found in the nasal passages, spleens, nasally associated lymphoid tissues, cervical lymph nodes, lungs, and Peyer's patches using an enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The dLOS-CRM vaccine induced a significant bacterial clearance (70 to 90%) of both homologous and heterologous strains in the lungs compared to that observed in the controls (P < 0.01). Intriguingly, intranasal immunization with dLOS-CRM showed a higher level of bacterial clearance compared with subcutaneous injections with dLOS-CRM. These data indicate that dLOS-CRM induces specific mucosal and systemic immunity through intranasal immunization and also provides effective bacterial clearance. On the basis of these results, we believe that dLOS-CRM should undergo continued testing to determine whether it would induce protective immune response in humans.

Mucosal immunology: overview and potential in the veterinary species

A large part of the immune system is dedicated to protection from infection at mucosal surfaces. The concept of the common mucosal immune system has been investigated in several veterinary species where traffic of mucosally activated lymphocytes from induction to effector sites has been demonstrated. The dominant isotype found in secretions of the upper respiratory tract and gut of normal healthy and diseased animals is IgA. B lymphocytes have a relatively short half-life and there is continuous production of IgA at these sites, which is achieved by constant secretion from T helper and epithelial cells of cytokines that are critical for B cell maturation and IgA secretion. Specific stimulation of mucosal immune responses using intranasal presentation of live and inactivated antigens (with adjuvants active at mucosal surfaces) has shown great promise for inducing protective immunity to respiratory pathogens.

Early development of immune system in pigs

Prenatal and early postnatal immune system development has been studied in minipigs. First leukocytes were observed in the yolk sac and fetal liver (FL) on the 17th day of gestation, the majority of them being SWC3(+). The colonization of the thymus (TH) with leukocytes was observed 21 days later. Two waves of fetal TH colonization with pro-T cells were deduced from the frequency of thymocyte subsets. Thymic B cells and immunoglobulin-secreting cells (Ig-SC) were studied by flow cytometry and ELISPOT, respectively. When the total numbers of fetal Ig-SC were compared, the TH was identified as the main source of natural antibodies and the only site of IgA and IgG synthesis. In germ-free animals, the TH also represented the major site of IgG and IgA production and the number of Ig-SC was not influenced by colonization with microflora. FL and bone marrow were identified as primary B lymphopoietic sites. The phenotype of B precursors was characterized and pre-B II cells were shown to be the dominant mononuclear fraction between DG50 and DG105. In the periphery, relative proportions of lymphocyte subsets were determined. Studies in gnotobiotic piglets have revealed that the appearance of CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells and CD2(-) B cells is absolutely dependent on the contact of immune system with live viruses and bacteria, respectively.

Safety and immunogenicity of a prototype enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli vaccine administered transcutaneously

Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is a new method for vaccine delivery that has been shown to induce immunity relevant to enteric disease vaccines. We evaluated the clinical safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant subunit vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) delivered by TCI. Adult volunteers received patches containing the recombinant ETEC colonization factor CS6, either with heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) or patches containing CS6 alone. The vaccine was administered at 0, 1, and 3 months, and serum antibodies and antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) were assessed. Among the 26 volunteers that completed the trial, there were no responses to CS6 in the absence of LT. In the groups receiving both CS6 and LT, 68 and 53% were found to have serum anti-CS6 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA, respectively; 37 and 42% had IgG and IgA anti-CS6 ASCs. All of the volunteers receiving LT had anti-LT IgG, and 90% had serum anti-LT IgA; 79 and 37% had anti-LT IgG and IgA ASCs. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), suggesting T-cell responses, was seen in 14 of 19 volunteers receiving LT and CS6; no DTH was seen in subjects receiving CS6 alone. This study demonstrated that protein antigens delivered by a simple patch could induce significant systemic immune responses but only in the presence of an adjuvant such as LT. The data suggest that an ETEC vaccine for travelers delivered by a patch may be a viable approach worthy of further evaluation.

Delayed and reduced adaptive humoral immune responses in children with shigellosis compared with in adults

We hypothesized that increased susceptibility to Shigella infection, increased severity of disease and high mortality in children compared with adults were consequences of insufficient adaptive immune responses. Antigen-specific immune responses were studied in paediatric patients (n = 38, 2-10 years) with shigellosis and compared with those of adult patients (n = 30, 18-45 years). Peak frequencies of antigen (invasion plasmid coded antigen B, Ipa-B; lipopolysaccharide, LPS)-specific immunoglobulin (IgM)-antibody secreting cells (ASC) were seen within 3-5 days after the onset of diarrhoea in children, while peak IgA- and IgG-ASCs were obtained 8-10 days later in line with adults. Antigen-specific ASC responses in children ranged between 2 and 4% of the total ASC responses, in contrast to 8-15% in adults. The kinetics of LPS-specific IgG subclass titres was different in younger children (2.5-5 years) (IgG1 > IgG2 > IgG4 > IgG3) compared with in older children (6-8 years) (IgG2 > IgG1 >IgG3 > IgG4) and adults. Secretory IgA levels in stool peaked 8-10 days after onset in both adults and children. However, a rapid induction of stool LPS-specific IgA, IgA1 and IgA2 occurred in adult patients within 3-5 days of onset, while in children, this was delayed by 8-10 days. Similarly, higher number of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma expressing cells in vitro were seen in adult patients in response to antigens (LPS and Ipa-B) in the acute stage in contrast to paediatric patients. Thus, paediatric patients with shigellosis have reduced and delayed adaptive immune responses compared with adult patients.

Antibody-producing cells correlated to body weight in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) acclimated to optimal and elevated temperatures

The immune response of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) ranging in weight from approximately 10 to 55 g was compared when the fish were acclimated to either 13 or 21 degrees C. A haemolytic plaque assay was conducted to determine differences in the number of antibody-producing cells (APC) among fish of a similar age but different body weights. Regression analyses revealed significant increases in the number of APC with increasing body weight when fish were acclimated to either water temperature. These results emphasise the importance of standardising fish weight in immunological studies of salmonids before exploring the possible effects of acclimation temperatures.

Immunization of pigs against influenza virus infection by DNA vaccine priming followed by killed-virus vaccine boosting

In a previous study of particle-mediated DNA vaccination of pigs, it was found that administration of an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) gene elicited low levels of virus-specific antibody, but did not provide significant protection from challenge infection (as evidenced by virus shedding in nasal secretions). However, the vaccinated pigs developed high antibody titers after exposure to the challenge virus, suggesting strong priming of humoral immune responses by DNA vaccination. In the present study, pigs given a conventional, inactivated influenza virus vaccine 4 weeks after a priming dose of HA DNA developed higher levels of virus-specific serum antibodies and were protected from challenge virus infection to a significantly greater degree than pigs that received two doses of DNA vaccine.

The gill is a major organ for antibody secreting cell production following direct immersion of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) in a Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida bacterin: an ontogenetic study

Extremely high numbers of antibody secreting cells (ASC) were observed in the gills of sea bass fry immunised at three different age/sizes (initial weight of 0.1, 2 and 5 g) by direct immersion in a Photobacterium damselae spp. piscicida bacterin. The relatively low ASC production in the head kidney and spleen suggests that the systemic compartment was only slightly stimulated upon immersion vaccination. There was no response of corresponding magnitude in the gut as the one observed in the gills. A clear age effect was observed in the ASC response of the different groups, especially visible in the gills. Significantly higher numbers of specific ASC were observed in the gills of the two oldest groups (initial weight of 2 and 5 g) compared with the youngest fish (initial weight of 0.1 g), but the oldest groups were not significantly different from each other. Additionally, a more rapid response was observed with the ageing of the fish, with peak responses in all the organs at day 18, 16 and 8 post-immunisation in the smallest to largest fish, respectively. There was no evidence that direct immersion exposure to P. damselae ssp. piscicida at the earliest stages used in the present study (0.1 g) was tolerogenic. In the context of present knowledge, this study strongly supports the importance of the route of immunisation to locally stimulate ASC and the importance that the gills might have in specific responses.

Airway inflammation in a murine model of chronic asthma: evidence for a local humoral immune response

BACKGROUND

Asthma is an acute-on-chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recruitment of eosinophils into the epithelial layer, chronic inflammation in the lamina propria, as well as variable accumulation of mast cells in the airway wall. The role of local production of allergen-specific immunoglobulins in triggering mast cell-mediated asthmatic inflammation is unknown.

METHODS

We used a chronic inhalational exposure model of asthma in ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice to examine the phenotype of immunoglobulin-secreting cells and mast cells in the airway wall. In parallel, we assayed ovalbumin-specific IgG and total IgE in the plasma of these animals.

RESULTS

In sensitized mice exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin for 6 weeks, aggregates of chronic inflammatory cells consisted of a majority of plasmacytoid cells, including numerous IgG-synthesizing cells, which were significantly increased in sensitized animals compared to controls. IgA-synthesizing cells were also present, but were not increased in the sensitized exposed mice. Immunoglobulins in the cytoplasm of the plasma cells were demonstrated to be antigen-specific. No IgM-or IgE-synthesizing cells were observed, although levels of total IgE in the plasma were significantly increased. There was no recruitment of mast cells of either the mucosal or the connective tissue phenotype into the lamina propria or the epithelium.

CONCLUSION

In this experimental model of chronic asthma, the pattern of inflammation in the airway wall is consistent with development of a local IgG-mediated humoral immune response. However, there is no evidence of local production of IgE or recruitment of mast cells.

Dissecting affinity maturation: a model explaining selection of antibody-forming cells and memory B cells in the germinal centre

Until recently, the relationship between apoptosis, selection in the germinal centre (GC) and production of high-affinity antibody-forming cells (AFCs) and memory B cells has been unclear. Here, Tarlinton and Smith present a model that accounts for the switch in GC production from high-affinity AFCs to memory B cells, and explain how Bcl-2, an inhibitor of apoptosis, can influence memory cells but not bone marrow AFCs.

Ex vivo targeting of the macrophage mannose receptor generates anti-tumor CTL responses

MUC1 is highly expressed in adenocarcinomas and is a possible target for immunotherapy. In mice, oxidized mannan linked to MUC1 (M-FP), given in vivo, induces potent MHC-restricted CTL and tumor protection. Because of the resistance of cancer patients to immunization, ex vivo immunization of macrophage/dendritic cells was examined using oxidized mannan MUC1 to target the mannose receptor and the MHC Class I antigen presentation pathway. Here, we show that murine mannose receptor (MR) bearing macrophages derived from peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and cultured ex vivo with M-FP can, after adoptive transfer, efficiently present MUC1 to T cells, leading to the generation of high frequency of CTL and protection from tumor challenge. Mice immunized once with syngeneic PEC pulsed with M-FP elicit a similar CTLp frequency to that obtained with three in vivo immunizations. Targeting the MR is crucial to obtain high frequency CTL, and without oxidation the CTLp frequency was low. GM-CSF is important, as GM-CSF o/o mice gave reduced responses, a deficiency corrected by in vivo GM-CSF. In addition, the treatment of macrophages ex vivo with GM-CSF gave enhanced responses and treating mice with GM-CSF prior to M-FP immunizations also enhanced cellular responses. M-FP targets the MR and ensures rapid passage of peptides to Class I molecules, and can also directly stimulate in vitro IL-12 production by macrophages. While many studies are now focussing on dendritic cells, in this study the cells involved were adherent F4/80+ 33D1- macrophages. The findings could be of benefit for the immunization of patients with cancer.

Regulation of the formation and external transport of secretory immunoglobulins

Secretory IgA (SIgA) is the best defined effector component of the mucosal immune system. Generation of SIgA and secretory IgM (SIgM) in exocrine glands and mucous membranes depends on a fascinating cooperation between local plasma cells that produce polymeric IgA (pIgA, mainly dimers and some larger polymers) and pentameric IgM, and secretory epithelial cells that express the polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR)--also known as transmembrane secretory component. After release from the local plasma cells and diffusion through the stroma, pIgA and pentameric IgM become readily bound to pIgR, and are then actively transported across secretory epithelial cells for extrusion into external secretions after cleavage of pIgR. Much knowledge has recently been obtained at the molecular level about the regulation of pIgR-mediated transport of antibodies. This mechanism is of considerable biological interest because SIgA and SIgM form the first line of specific immunological defense against infectious agents and other harmful substances that may enter the body through the mucosae.

Immune response of neonatal specific pathogen-free cats to experimental infection with Bartonella henselae

The purpose of this study was to determine whether neonatal cats develop and maintain a persistent bacteremia for longer than do adult cats with a normal mature immune system, and whether neonatal cats are susceptible to infection with Bartonella henselae by oral inoculation. Neonatal specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats were inoculated with B. henselae intradermally (n = 4) or orally (n = 5) or with 0.9% NaCl (n = 2). Blood was collected periodically through 16 weeks post-inoculation (PI) for serology, bacteriology and complete blood count. Cats inoculated orally or intradermally at 3-5 days of age were bacteremic through 12-16 weeks PI, similar to what is documented for adult cats inoculated intradermally or intravenously. One cat inoculated at age 2 weeks was bacteremic through 10 weeks PI; the other was not bacteremic. Intradermally inoculated neonatal cats produced serum IgG antibodies to B. henselae but orally inoculated neonatal cats did not. Infected cats with and without serum IgG antibodies to B. henselae became blood-culture negative simultaneously, suggesting that IgG is not required to clear bacteremia.

Anatomic segmentation of the intestinal immune response in nonhuman primates: differential distribution of B cells after oral and rectal immunizations to sites defined by their source of vascularization

We show that the distribution of specific antibodies and antibody-secreting cells in the intestine after oral and rectal immunizations corresponds to the vascularization and lymph drainage patterns of the gut. Oral immunizations induce antibody responses along the parts of the intestine connected to the superior mesenteric vessels and lymph ducts, whereas rectal immunizations induce antibody responses along the parts of the intestine associated with the inferior mesenteric vessels and ducts.

Characterization of anergic anti-DNA B cells: B cell anergy is a T cell-independent and potentially reversible process

Anti-single stranded DNA (ssDNA) and anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) B cells are regulated in non-autoimmune mice. In this report we show that while both anti-ssDNA and anti-dsDNA B cells are blocked in their ability to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells, other phenotypic and functional characteristics distinguish them from one another. Splenic anti-ssDNA B cells are found distributed throughout the B cell follicle, and are phenotypically mature and long-lived. On the other hand, splenic anti-dsDNA B cells are short-lived, exhibit an immature and antigen-experienced phenotype, and localize to the T-B interface of the splenic follicle. Functionally, anti-ssDNA B cells proliferate, albeit suboptimally, in response to anti-IgM, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CD40L/IL-4 + anti-IgM stimulation, and tyrosine phosphorylate intracellular proteins upon mIgM cross-linking. Anti-dsDNA B cells, on the other hand, are functionally unresponsive to anti-IgM and LPS stimulation, and do not phosphorylate intracellular proteins, including Syk, upon mIg stimulation. Importantly, anti-DNA B cell anergy is maintained in the absence of T cells since both anti-ssDNA and anti-dsDNA B cells are as efficiently regulated in RAG2(-/-) mice as in their RAG2(+/+) counterparts. Interestingly, the severely anergic state of anti-dsDNA B cells is partially reversible upon stimulation with CD40 ligand and IL-4. In response to these signals, anti-dsDNA B cells remain viable, up-regulate cell surface expression of B7-2 and IgM, and restore their ability to proliferate and phosphorylate Syk upon mIg cross-linking. Collectively, these data suggest that anti-DNA B cell anergy encompasses distinct phenotypes which, even in its most severe form, may be reversible upon stimulation with T cell-derived factors.

[The immunomodulating action of intermittent fasting under temperature, toxic and food loads]

Immune response to intermittent fasting was studied in rats. The immunomodulating effect was registered. To a certain degree, this may be due to fasting-induced reduction in blood levels of antiproteolytic proteins and lipid peroxidation products which have immunosuppressive activity.

In situ studies of the primary immune response to (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl. V. Affinity maturation develops in two stages of clonal selection

To examine the role of germinal centers (GCs) in the generation and selection of high affinity antibody-forming cells (AFCs), we have analyzed the average affinity of (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP)-specific AFCs and serum antibodies both during and after the GC phase of the immune response. In addition, the genetics of NP-binding AFCs were followed to monitor the generation and selection of high affinity AFCs at the clonal level. NP-binding AFCs gradually accumulate in bone marrow (BM) after immunization and BM becomes the predominant locale of specific AFCs in the late primary response. Although the average affinity of NP-specific BM AFCs rapidly increased while GCs were present (GC phase), the affinity of both BM AFCs and serum antibodies continued to increase even after GCs waned (post-GC phase). Affinity maturation in the post-GC phase was also reflected in a shift in the distribution of somatic mutations as well as in the CDR3 sequences of BM AFC antibody heavy chain genes. Disruption of GCs by injection of antibody specific for CD154 (CD40 ligand) decreased the average affinity of subsequent BM AFCs, suggesting that GCs generate the precursors of high affinity BM AFCs; inhibition of CD154-dependent cellular interactions after the GC reaction was complete had no effect on high affinity BM AFCs. Interestingly, limited affinity maturation in the BM AFC compartment still occurs during the late primary response even after treatment with anti-CD154 antibody. Thus, GCs are necessary for the generation of high affinity AFC precursors but are not the only sites for the affinity-driven clonal selection responsible for the maturation of humoral immune responses.

Antibodies and antibody-secreting cells in the female genital tract after vaginal or intranasal immunization with cholera toxin B subunit or conjugates

We studied the antibody response including antibody-secreting cells (ASC) in the female genital tract of mice after mucosal immunizations with the recombinant B subunit of cholera toxin (rCTB) perorally, intraperitoneally, vaginally, and intranasally (i.n.). The strongest genital antibody responses as measured with a novel perfusion-extraction method were induced after vaginal and i.n. immunizations, and these routes also gave rise to specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG ASC in the genital mucosa. Specific ASC in the iliac lymph nodes, which drain the female genital tract, were seen only after vaginal immunization. Progesterone treatment increased the ASC response in the genital tissue after all mucosal immunizations but most markedly after vaginal immunization. We also tested rCTB as a carrier for human gamma globulin (HGG) and the effect of adding cholera toxin (CT) as an adjuvant for the induction of systemic and genital antibody responses to HGG after vaginal and i.n. immunizations. Vaginal immunizations with HGG conjugated to rCTB resulted in high levels of genital anti-HGG antibodies whether or not CT was added, while after i.n. immunization the strongest antibody response was seen with the conjugate together with CT. In summary, vaginal and i.n. immunization give rise to a specific mucosal immune response including ASC in the genital tissue, and vaginal immunization also elicits ASC in the iliac lymph nodes. We have also shown that rCTB can act as an efficient carrier for a conjugated antigen for induction of a specific antibody response in the genital tract of mice after vaginal or i.n. immunization.

Detection of specific and 'constitutive' antibody secreting cells in the gills, head kidney and peripheral blood leucocytes of dab (Limanda limanda)

The relative immunological importance of the gills of fish was investigated in terms of antibody production by enumerating antibody secreting cells (ASC) in the gills, head kidney and blood of dab (Limanda limanda) using the ELISPOT assay. The contribution of 'constitutive' ASC in the gill appeared more substantial than that of elicited specific ASC. The gills were found to contain a mean (+/- SD) of 4227 +/- 1029 'constitutive' ASC/10(6) cells which was fewer than the head kidney which contained a mean (+/- SD) of 15617 +/- 3723 'constitutive' ASC/10(6) cells but more than peripheral blood leucocytes which contained a mean (+/- SD) of 2650 +/- 212 'constitutive' ASC/10(6) cells. The number of specific anti-human gamma globulin (HGG) ASC following parenteral or oral administration of HGG was also determined. Anti-HGG ASC were detected in all three tissues following parenteral immunization, peaking simultaneously, 4 weeks post-immunization. The strongest response was found in the head kidney. After oral immunization, responses were much weaker: again the head kidney was the most active but the gill response was barely detectable. These data were complemented by measurement of specific antibody in the serum by ELISA. Serum antibody titres following immunization were found to correlate closely with the number of specific ASC in the head kidney following parenteral immunization whereas serum antibody titres after oral administration of antigen most closely followed the number of specific ASC in the blood. In the light of these data it is suggested that the primary immunological role of the leucocytes in the gill may be in the earliest stages of defence against infection.

Impact of aging on gastrointestinal mucosal immunity

There is considerable evidence that the mucosal or secretory immune response in the gastrointestinal tract is compromised by aging. The generation of a mucosal immune response is an extremely complex process that involves antigenic stimulation of a specific subpopulation of immunologically competent cells in the Peyer's patches, differentiation and migration of these cells to the small intestinal lamina propria, initiation and regulation of local antibody production in the intestinal wall, and mucosal epithelial cell receptor-mediated transport of antibodies to the intestinal lumen. Available data suggest that gastrointestinal mucosal immunosenescence reflects deficits in: (1) the differentiation and/or migration (homing) of immunoglobulin A immunoblasts to the intestinal lamina propria, and (2) the initiation and/or regulation of local antibody production. The significant age-related increases in the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal infectious diseases, coupled with the potential for immunopharmacologic manipulation of the mucosal immune compartment, substantiate the merit of studies designed to resolve the etiology of mucosal immunodeficiency in the elderly.

Structure and function of natural antibodies

Natural antibodies arise independently of known antigenic stimulation, are mostly IGM, polyreactive, and are generally encoded by V genes in germline configuration. Polyreactive IgM natural antibodies are produced by mainly B-1 cells which account for most of the B cell repertoire in the fetus and neonate, and possibly play a major role in the development and physiology of the human B cell repertoire. Although endowed with self-reactivity, natural antibodies also bind exogenous antigens [73, 74]. Exposure to environmental antigens is not necessary for the emergence of natural antibody-producing cell precursor clones to exogenous antigens, as suggested by the significant population of B cells capable of producing antibodies to a variety of bacterial antigens in germ-free animals. Because of their ability to bind a variety of exogenous antigens, including those on bacteria and viruses, natural antibodies play a major role in the primary line of defense against infections. A central issue related to the understanding of the physiopathologic roles of natural antibodies is whether precursors of cells producing natural antibodies, B-1a and B-1b lymphocytes, are capable of undergoing an antigen-driven clonal selection process, thereby producing autoantibodies with a high affinity for the selecting antigen. In this respect, we have clearly established that B-1 cells can express a hypermutation mechanism similar to that of conventional (B-2) cells. Furthermore, we have shown by gene shuffling, site-directed mutagenesis, and in vitro human Ig gene expression, that the main structural correlate for antibody polyreactivity is provided by the somatically generated H chain CDR3. We have also shown that this Ig V region provides the main structural correlate for antigen-binding in monoreactive antigen-induced autoantibodies. These findings in the human are at the basis of our proposed structure-function model in which the antigen binding features of the germline template antibody are dictated by the somatically generated H chain CDR3, and perhaps, but at a lower degree, L chain CDR3; the point-mutation changes underlying the antigen-driven affinity maturation process would impact mainly the Ig V gene encoded segments. This structure-function model is being tested in our laboratory by analyzing the antigen binding activity of somatically mutated polyreactive autoantibodies that have been structurally reverted to their original putative unmutated configuration. Precise identification of the Ig gene and/or somatic recombination products mediating recruitment of unmutated B cell clonotypes, as well as those that are preferentially modified by an antigen-dependent selection process, should further our understanding of the mechanisms that shape the B cell repertoire in development and disease.

Acquired immunodeficiency in murine lymphoproliferative disease: considerations on pathogenesis

C57BL/6Kh mice were infected with a single i.p. injection of 1 x 10(5) FFU of LP-BM5 MuLV. The development and progress of the virus-induced lymphoproliferative disease was followed for 12 weeks after infection. As anticipated, progressive splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy, as well as almost total abrogation of immune responsiveness ensued. In contrast to previous reports, there was a dramatic increase in the frequency of CD4+ cells in spleens among which over 20% expressed V beta 5 TCR, as compared with fewer than 3% in spleens of normal mice. Spleen cells from infected mice retained their in vitro ability to proliferate upon stimulation with IL-2 and anti-CD3, but were unable to respond when stimulated with phorbol ester and either a low dose of IL-2 or calcium ionophore (ionomycin). A similar pattern of in vitro proliferative responses was obtained when normal spleen cells were treated with K252a compound, a known inhibitor of protein kinase C activity. Together with the observations that viral infection impaired down-regulation of the phorbol-induced kinase activity and that the kinase inhibitor only marginally enhanced suppression of virus-infected cells proliferation, this finding suggests that disturbances of protein kinase C activity may underly the pathological effects seen after viral infection. However, since no apparent quantitative and qualitative changes in protein kinase C itself and its translocation were observed, it is more likely that the virus may interfere with either the substrate or product of kinase activity.

Intestinal and circulating antibody-forming cells in IgA-deficient individuals after oral cholera vaccination

In search for a possible explanation for the different susceptibility to mucosal infections in IgA-deficient (IgAd) individuals, the frequency of total immunoglobulin-secreting cells (ISC) and vaccine-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC) in intestinal mucosa and peripheral blood was determined by the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay before and after peroral vaccination with a B subunit-whole cell cholera vaccine. Two groups of IgAd individuals, frequently infected and non-infected respectively, and normal controls were studied. Before cholera vaccination there were significantly higher frequencies of total IgM and IgG ISC in the gut, but not in the blood, in the IgAd individuals than in the controls. However, there were no significant differences between healthy and infection-prone IgAd individuals in this respect. In response to oral cholera vaccination, intestinal cholera toxin (CT)-specific IgG and IgM ASC were significantly more abundant among the IgAd individuals with a history of frequent infections than among the healthy IgAd individuals and controls. A similar difference in IgG and IgM ASC, although not significant, was also noted in blood. In IgAd individuals with frequent infections the vaccine induced variable anti-CT IgM ASC responses in the gut, ranging from no increase to a few strikingly high responses. In the controls, the CT-specific responses were dominated by IgA ASC. The data show that oral cholera vaccination evoked strong CT-specific IgG ASC responses, and in some cases also strong IgM ASC responses in the intestinal mucosa of IgAd patients with a history of frequent infections. The healthy IgAd individuals unexpectedly responded with lower numbers of CT-specific IgG ASC and did not show any increase of CT-specific IgM ASC in the intestinal mucosa. Thus, inability to mount a mucosal immune response to an oral antigen cannot in itself explain recurrent infections among many IgAd individuals.

The involvement of specific anti myelin basic protein antibody-forming cells in multiple sclerosis immunopathology

Irrespective of the large body of literature on the putative role of antibodies in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), the detection of specific antibody-forming B cells (AFCs) in the central nervous system (CNS) tissues has not been described. In this study we show that autoantigen-specific AFCs can be found in CSN tissue sections of MS patients. Applying a newly developed myelin basic protein (MBP)-enzyme conjugate technique, we have detected MBP-specific AFCs in autopsy periventricular white matter and cerebellum tissue sections of MS patients. We demonstrated the presence of MBP-specific AFCs in CNS tissue sections in five out of 12 MS patients. No MBP-specific AFCs were detected in CNS tissue sections of 11 patients with other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, or in brain tissue sections of eight deceased persons without neurological diseases. In MS patients, anti-MBP AFCs were present in brain tissue sections both with and without plaques. The proportion of MBP-specific AFCs in some of the MS patient brain tissues reached over 50% of all AFCs. The high relative frequency of the anti-MBP AFCs and their localization in periventricular white matter and cerebellum of MS patients only, suggests that anti-MBP AFCs represent a cell population, which could play an important role in MS immunopathology.

Immunoglobulin secreting cells in lymphocytes of patients with IgA deficiency or hyper-IgA

To assess the ability of immunoglobulin production in vivo, we enumerated the immunoglobulin secreting cells in the peripheral blood of patients with an IgA deficiency and of those with hyper-IgA-emia. All seven patients with primary IgA deficiency and two of the three patients with secondary IgA deficiency had low numbers of IgA secreting cells. In all five patients with hyper-IgA the number of IgA secreting cells was increased. Our results suggest that measurement of immunoglobulin secreting cells in PBMCs is useful in the assessment of ability of immunoglobulin production in vivo.

Immunohistochemical detection of co-localizing cytokine and antibody producing cells in the extrafollicular area of human palatine tonsils

In vitro experiments have documented the role of cytokines in the regulation of the human humoral immune response. Which cytokines are operative in vivo and in which lymphoid compartment interactions between cytokine-producing T cells and antibody-forming B cells occur is still unclear. For that reason we studied human tonsils using immunohistochemical techniques. In tissue sections from tonsils in a resting stage after recurrent tonsillitis we observed cells producing IL-1 alpha and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) which were exclusively localized in the mantle zone of the follicle and in the extrafollicular area. Furthermore, a high frequency of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing cells was detected in the extrafollicular area, but not inside the follicles. Occasional IL-2- and IL-4-producing cells were found in the extrafollicular area. Immunohistochemical detection of antibody isotypes revealed that B cells, IgM-membrane-positive, were localized inside the follicles and mantle zones, whereas IgD-membrane-positive cells were mainly found in the mantle zones of secondary follicles. In contrast, plasma cells producing IgG1-4 and IgA1-2 were found in the extrafollicular area. No IgD and IgE antibody-forming cells were detected in tonsils, whereas IgM antibody-forming cells were detected in the extrafollicular area. The co-localization of cytokine-producing cells and antibody-forming cells in human tonsil suggests that T-B cell interactions, required for B cell differentiation and isotype switching, take place in the extrafollicular area.