Functional characterization of human T lymphocyte subsets distinguished by monoclonal anti-leu-8

Previous studies have shown that monoclonal anti-Leu-8 antibody identifies functionally distinct subpopulations within both the Leu-2 (T8+) and Leu-3 (T4+) lineages of human T lymphocytes. We now report in detail on the tissue distribution of the Leu-8 antigen and on extensive functional studies of T cells subsets distinguished by their expression or lack of expression of this marker. Leu-8 is present on a wide variety of hematologic cells, including granulocytes, T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, and null or NK cells. Within lymph nodes and tonsils, Leu-8 is absent from both B and T cells within germinal centers but is present on nearly all paracortical lymphocytes. Leu-8 is present on most but not all EBV-transformed B cell lines, reflecting its presence on a subset of normal peripheral blood B cells. None of six malignant T cell lines tested were Leu-8+, whereas most circulating T cells are Leu-8+. Although standard immunoprecipitation techniques failed to demonstrate any specific bands on SDS polyacrylamide gels, the antigenic determinant recognized by anti-Leu-8 is protein or protein-associated, because brief treatment of target cells with pronase abrogated binding of anti-Leu-8. Both Leu-3+8+ and Leu-3+8- cells proliferated in response to several soluble antigens and to autologous and allogeneic non-T cells. Nonetheless, nearly all of the helper T cells for PWM- and AMLR-induced PFC were contained within the Leu3+8- subset. Optimal suppression of the PWM-induced PFC response required both Leu-2+8+ and Leu-2+8- cells, and irradiation of either subset with 3000 R abrogated the capacity of the recombined subsets to effect suppression. In contrast to help for B cell differentiation, both Leu-3+8+ and Leu-3+8- cells were capable of amplifying the development of allospecific T killer cells; precursor and effector T killer cells could be found within both Leu-2+8+ and Leu-2+8- subpopulations. The correlation between Leu-8 phenotype and selected immune functions of T cells (and B cells; see companion paper) indicates that anti-Leu-8 distinguishes important immunoregulatory T and B lymphocyte subsets in man.     

Characterization of recirculating lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis patients: selective deficiency of natural killer cells in thoracic duct lymph

Five patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who were treated by lymphocyte depletion by using thoracic duct drainage (TDD), provided an opportunity to characterize the phenotype and function of their recirculating lymphocytes. We found that: a) thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) were similar in their proportion of T cells (83% +/- 6 OKT3+), OKT4+ subset (65% +/- 8), and OKT8+ subset (22% +/- 6) to peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL): b) fewer natural killer-like cells were present in TDL (5% +/- 4 Leu-7+; 2% +/- 2 Leu-11+: 8% +/- 2 OKM -1+) than in PBL (20% +/- 10 Leu-7+: 11% +/- 6 Leu-11+; 18% +/- 5 OKM -1) (p less than 0.01); c) TDL differed from synovial fluid lymphocytes ( SFL ) and synovial membrane lymphocytes ( SML ) in that TDL lacked a high percentage of activated lymphocytes (T cells bearing Ia antigen, OKT10 , and transferrin receptor): d) immature T cells (expressing either OKT6 antigen or reactive with peanut agglutinin) were not found in TDL even late in the course of TDD: and e) in vitro functional studies demonstrated that TDL were similar to PBL in their ability to synthesize immunoglobulin after mitogen stimulation and to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes capable of lysing autologous EBV-transformed B cells. However, natural killer activity, as measured by lysis of K562 cells was significantly lower in TDL than PBL (p less than 0.05). These results demonstrate that natural killer cells defined by phenotype and function are excluded from thoracic duct lymph and thus have a circulation pattern different from most T cells.     

The relationship of CD16 (Leu-11) and Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen expression on human peripheral blood NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes

We examined the antigenic and functional characteristics of human peripheral blood lymphocytes that differentially express the CD16 (Leu-11) and Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigens. Leu-19 is a approximately 220,000 daltons protein expressed on approximately 15% of freshly isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Within the Leu-19+ subset, three distinct populations were identified: CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ cells; CD3+,CD16-,Leu-19+ cells; and CD3-,CD16-,Leu-19bright+ cells. Both the CD3+,CD16-,Leu-19+ and CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ populations mediated non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxicity against the NK-sensitive tumor cell K562 and were large granular lymphocytes. CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ NK cells were the most abundant (comprising approximately 10% of peripheral blood lymphocytes) and the most efficient cytotoxic effectors. The finding that CD3+,Leu 19+ lymphocytes mediated cytotoxicity against K562 unequivocally demonstrates that a unique subset of non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic CD3+ T lymphocytes are present in the peripheral blood of unprimed, normal individuals. However, CD3+,CD16-,Leu-19+ cells comprised less than 5% of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the cytotoxic activity of this subset was significantly less than CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ NK cells. Most CD3+,Leu-19+ T cells co-expressed the CD2, CD8, and CD5 differentiation antigens. The antigenic and functional phenotype of peripheral blood CD3+,Leu-19+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes corresponds to the interleukin 2-dependent CD3+ cell lines that mediate non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity against NK-sensitive tumor cell targets. A small population of Leu-19bright+ lymphocytes lacking both CD3 and CD16 was also observed. This population (comprising less than 2% of peripheral blood lymphocytes) contained both large agranular lymphocytes and large granular lymphocytes. CD3-,CD16-,Leu-19bright+ lymphocytes also mediate non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity. The relationship of these CD3-CD16-,Leu-19bright+ lymphocytes to CD3+ T cells or CD16+ NK cells is unknown.     

Two-color flow cytometry and functional analysis of lymphocytes cultured from human renal allografts: identification of a Leu-2+3+ subpopulation

The phenotype of T lymphocyte subsets present in renal biopsies showing acute cellular allograft rejection in six patients on cyclosporine have been characterized in situ by immunoperoxidase staining, and after expansion in vitro in interleukin 2 (IL-2) by two-color flow cytometry, sorting, and functional analysis. After 8 to 42 days in organ culture, both Leu-3+ (CD4) and Leu-2+ (CD8) subsets were found in each culture, in a ratio that varied from 0.2 to 5.0, which was not significantly different than the results of in situ immunoperoxidase staining of the uncultured biopsy. The cultured cells were almost all Leu-4+ (CD3) T cells (89% +/- 4), which expressed the activation markers DR (82% +/- 6) and the IL 2 (CD25) receptor (15% +/- 4). The Leu-3+ cells were largely Leu-8- (90% +/- 6), whereas a minority of the Leu-2+ cells were Leu-15+ (CD11) (26% +/- 4). Only a small fraction of the Leu-2+ cells stained for Leu-7 (8% +/- 6). Functional analysis of FACS-purified Leu-2-3+ and Leu-2+3- populations indicated that both subsets proliferated in response to graft donor antigens in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and produced IL 2. Only the Leu-2+3- population demonstrated donor-specific cytotoxic activity. A minor subpopulation in each culture were both Leu-3+ and Leu-2+ (2.0%). Leu-2+3+ cells from one biopsy were purified to homogeneity (99.8%), and were found to express the T cell antigen receptor complex Ti/CD3 (WT-31+, Leu-4+), but not the common thymocyte antigen CD1 (OKT6). The Leu-2+3+ cells neither responded in the MLR, nor showed any cytotoxic capacity. The Leu-2+3+ cells were capable of IL 2 but not interferon-gamma production. None of the purified cultures demonstrated NK activity. A subset of the purified Leu-2+3+ cells lost Leu-2+ during 1 to 3 wk in culture, and became Leu-2-3+. These studies provide evidence that the cells that infiltrate renal allografts during rejection include alloproliferative, lymphokine-producing cells of both Leu-2+ and Leu-3+ subsets. The Leu-2+3- cells are also highly cytotoxic against donor lymphocytes, indicating the presence of helper independent cytotoxic T cells. A minor population of Leu-2+3+ T cells that do not express donor specific function was also identified.     

Morphologic and phenotypic features of the subpopulation of Leu-2+ cells that suppresses B cell differentiation

The Leu-2 antigen is expressed on a subpopulation of human T cells that perform suppressor and cytotoxic functions. In addition, this antigen is also present on a portion of cells with morphologic characteristics of granular lymphocytes. Although both Leu-2+ cells and granular lymphocytes have been shown to suppress B cell differentiation, the interrelationship of these two suppressor populations has not previously been fully characterized. We recently produced a monoclonal antibody, termed D12 (anti-Leu-15), which reacts with a variety of cell types, including a subpopulation of Leu-2+ cells. Previous studies have indicated that the Leu-2+ cells that suppress T cell proliferative responses express the Leu-2+15+ phenotype, whereas the precursor and effector cytotoxic T cells that recognize class I major histocompatibility antigens are Leu-2+15- lymphocytes. For this report, we used the anti-Leu-2 and anti-Leu-15 monoclonal antibodies and fluorescence-activated cell sorter techniques to characterize the E+ cells that suppress PWM-induced B cell differentiation. These studies indicate that the vast majority of Leu-2+ cells that suppress this T cell-dependent B cell response have the Leu-2+15+ phenotype. Furthermore, when the morphologic and cytochemical characteristics of these Leu-2+15+ cells were studied, virtually all of these cells were granular lymphocytes. Most of the Leu-2+15+ suppressor cells co-expressed the HNK-1 (Leu-7) antigen, which is detected only on granular lymphocytes. In contrast, virtually none of the Leu-2+15+ granular lymphocytes expressed Fc receptors for IgG molecules. These data indicate that the Leu-2+ cells that suppress PWM-induced B cell differentiation are Leu-2+15+ (and predominantly Leu-7+) granular lymphocytes that do not express Fc receptors. The implications of these observations concerning the relationship of human Leu-2+ suppressor cells to murine Ly-2+ cells and the lineage of granular lymphocytes are discussed.     

Bacterial activation of human natural killer cells. Characteristics of the activation process and identification of the effector cell

We showed previously that contact of human peripheral blood lymphocytes with glutaraldehyde-fixed Salmonella bacteria augmented their cytotoxic capacity against NK-sensitive targets. We have now analyzed the characteristics of the activation and also identified the subsets of lymphocytes responding to bacterial contact. Blocking of protein synthesis with cyclohexamide totally abrogated bacterial induction of activated killing (AK), whereas inhibition of DNA synthesis with mitomycin C did not significantly affect the capacity of lymphocytes to respond to bacterial contact. Both the induction and the effector phase of AK were radioresistant. The AK cells exhibited efficient lytic activity, comparable to that induced by recombinant IL 2 (rIL 2), against NK-resistant targets (including both hematopoietic and solid tumor cell lines). All inducible cytotoxic activity was contained within the subset of lymphocytes expressing Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen. Leu-19- lymphocytes exhibited no significant NK activity and could not be further stimulated by bacterial contact, rIL 2, or IFN-alpha. Within the Leu-19+ lymphocyte subset, two distinct cell types were present; CD3-, Leu-19+ NK cells and CD3+. Leu-19+ T cells. The CD3+, Leu-19+, T cells mediated low levels of non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity against K562, but did not respond to bacterial contact, even though rIL 2 could augment their lytic activity slightly. However, the cytotoxic activity of CD3-, Leu-19+ NK cells was significantly augmented by bacterial contact. Within the CD3-, Leu-19+ NK cell population both CD16+ and CD16- cells responded to bacterial activation. The CD3-, CD16-, Leu-19+ cells constituted 1 to 4% of the Percoll-fractionated low buoyant density lymphocytes and accounted for the activation seen within the CD16- lymphocyte population. Thus bacterial stimulation of NK activity seems to be mediated for the most part via CD16+, Leu-19+ cells, and a minor overall contribution is mediated via CD3-, CD16-, Leu-19+ cells. No apparent involvement of T cells was seen in the lytic response of lymphocytes to bacterial contact.     

Age-associated alterations in human natural killer cells. 2. Increased frequency of selective NK subsets

We have analyzed the peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy volunteers (20 to 94 years) for the expression of natural killer (NK) cell surface markers, NK activity, and B-cell proliferative response. An increase (2- to 3.5-fold) in relative percentage and absolute number of lymphocytes expressing Leu-7 (HNK-1) or Leu-11a (CD 16) antigen was found in the elderly group (greater than 80 years) as compared to young adults (less than 40 years). A two-color immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the age-associated increment was both progressive and selective; the actual increase occurred in Leu-7+11a+ and Leu-7+11a- populations (subsets with variable and weak NK activity) but not in the Leu-7-11a+ (most active) subset. There is a corresponding decrease in the 7-11a- cells. The ratios of 7+11a+/7-11a+ and 7+11a-/7-11a+ cells doubled with advancing age. Linear regression analysis suggests that the 7-11a+ cells are highly preserved through human senescence and the ratio of 7+11a- cells to the most stable subset, 7-11a+, could expand nearly 100-fold from birth to old age. Further analysis of Leu-7+ cells for the coexpression of Leu-11c (an epitope of Leu-11a) confirmed a similar pattern of changes in 7+11c+ and 7+11c- NK subsets with advancing age. The frequency of Leu-11+ (epitopes 11a+ or 11c+), but not of the subsets of 7+ phenotype (7+11a- or 7+11c-), correlates well with the NK activity (spontaneous killing of K562 tumor cell line). The 7+11c+ cells may directly or indirectly be responsible for the increase in NK activity observed with a majority of aged donors. The inverse relationship observed between the mitogenic response of lymphocytes to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and the initial frequency of 7+11a-, but not other phenotypes, raises a potential functional significance for the expansion of the 7+11a-(7+11c-) subset. These age-associated NK phenotypic changes provide a cellular basis for our observations on age-associated increase in NK activity and decrease in mitogenic response to PWM.     

Human T lymphocytes expressing the C3b/C4b complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) belong to Fc gamma receptor-positive CD4-positive T cells

The phenotypic characteristics of human T lymphocytes expressing the C3b/C4b complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) were investigated using dual-color surface immunofluorescence and cytofluorometric analysis of stained peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal individuals. Two to ten percent of PBMC coexpressed CR1 and the CD5, CD2, or CD3 antigen. CR1 was detected on a subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes but not on CD8+ or on Leu-7+ lymphocytes. Costaining for CR1 and for the CD4 subpopulation markers anti-Leu-8, TQ1, OKT17, 2H4, and 4B4 indicated that CR1 on lymphocytes may be coexpressed with any of these phenotypic determinants. All CR1+ lymphocytes expressed Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma Rs) as assessed by their ability to bind biotinylated dimeric human IgG. The expression of CR1 was increased in mixed lymphocyte reaction with kinetics similar to those of HLA-DR antigen expression. Coexpression of CR1 and Fc gamma R+ may provide a subset of CD4+ lymphocytes with an enhanced ability to bind and respond to C3-bearing complexes of IgG and antigen.     

Expression of Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen on IL 2-dependent cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic T cell lines

The Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen is expressed on human peripheral blood NK cells and a subset of peripheral blood cytotoxic T lymphocytes that kill "NK-sensitive" tumor cell targets without major histocompatibility complex restriction. In the present study, we demonstrate that the Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen is also expressed on most interleukin 2 (IL 2) dependent T cell lines and clones that have been maintained in long term culture. The Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen expressed on an antigen-specific, class I directed cytotoxic T lymphocyte cell line was an approximately 200,000 to 220,000 dalton protein, similar to Leu-19 (NKH-1) protein expressed on natural killer cells and KG1a, an immature stem cell leukemia cell line. Furthermore, Leu-19 (NKH-1) was expressed on both CD4+ and CD8+ IL 2 dependent T cell clones, and was present on both cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic T cell clones. Thus expression of Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen on cultured cell lines does not directly correlate with cytotoxic function, antigenic specificity, or cell lineage.     

Two-color immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis of lymphocytes in long-term renal allotransplant recipients: identification of a major Leu-7+/Leu-3+ subpopulation

Using two-color immunofluorescence with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)- and phycoerythrin (PE)-labeled monoclonal antibodies to human lymphocyte antigens and flow cytometry, we studied lymphocyte subsets in 16 long-term renal allotransplant recipients at risk for a mean of 78 +/- 15 mo. The absolute number of Leu-1+, Leu-2a+, and Leu-3a+ lymphocytes is significantly decreased compared with a control population, whereas Leu-7+ and Leu-15+ subsets remain unchanged despite standard chronic immunosuppression (azathioprine and prednisone). Within the Leu-7+ subset, we found various phenotypes. Doubly fluorescent lymphocytes Leu-7+/Leu-1+ and Leu-7+/Leu-2a+ are not significantly different in the transplant population compared with a normal control population. The Leu-7+/Leu-3a+ subpopulation is seen to be significantly elevated, and the Leu-7+/Leu-15+ subpopulation decreases significantly. The relationship between the modification of these two phenotypes within the Leu-7 subset may be an important correlate of decreased NK cell activity in long-term renal allotransplant recipients. These Leu-7+/Leu-3a+ cells, normally less than 1% of peripheral blood lymphocytes, have no known functional activity.     

Comparison of T cell receptor gene rearrangements in patients with large granular T cell leukemia and Felty's syndrome

Felty's syndrome (FS) refers to the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. A subset of these patients has recently been described with a chronic T cell leukemia of large granular lymphocytes (LGCL). To examine the spectrum of lymphocyte abnormalities in FS and LGCL, we examined phenotypic and genotypic properties of lymphocytes from eight FS patients. In two of these FS patients, we observed an elevated proportion of T cells with an unusual phenotype (CD3+/Leu-7+/Leu-8-/CR3+) (46 +/- 5% of mononuclear cells). The FS lymphocytes had large granular morphology on Wright-Giemsa stain and were active in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic activity. This phenotype, morphology, and activity was similar to LGCL patients except that the latter T cells additionally expressed the Fc-IgG receptor recognized by monoclonal antibody Leu-11 (CD 15). In the remaining six FS patients, the proportion of CD3+/Leu-7+/CR 3+ T cells was only 10 +/- 8%, which was not significantly different from age-matched normal subjects (6.6 +/- 2.2%). To determine the clonality of T lymphocytes in FS and LGCL, we examined DNA for rearrangements of the T cell antigen receptor beta-chain (Ti beta) and gamma-chain (Ti gamma) genes by using Southern blotting techniques. We found a clonal rearrangement of the Ti beta 1 and Ti gamma genes in both LGCL patients. In contrast, no clonal rearrangements of Ti beta or Ti gamma genes were detected in lymphocytes from the FS patients. These results indicate that FS patients are heterogeneous in their phenotype and that one subset exhibits polyclonal expansion of an unusual lymphocyte subset.     

Studies on human blood lymphocytes with iC3b (type 3) complement receptors. I. Granular, Fc-IgG receptor positive and negative subsets in healthy subjects and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

By using the OKM1 monoclonal antibody and the fluorescence-activated cell sorter to identify lymphocytes bearing iC3b (type 3) complement receptors, two principal populations of OKM1+ lymphocytes have been identified in human peripheral blood. One subset exhibited azurophilic granules and Fc receptors for IgG stained by Leu-11. The other population did not display FcR, but was enriched in cells reacting with OKT3 and OKT8 (low intensity). In healthy subjects, approximately 60% of CR3+ lymphocytes were granular FcR-bearing cells and only 18% co-expressed OKT3 determinants. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), CR3+ lymphocytes were predominantly FcR negative cells and 71% lacked granules. Only 33% reacted with Leu-11, but 50% co-expressed OKT3, 44% reacted with OKT8+, and 15% were OKT4+. We tested the hypothesis that agranular OKT3+ Leu-11- lymphocytes, such as those found in SLE patients, contained the precursors of natural killer (NK) cells. Leu-11+ cells were removed from normal lymphocytes by complement lysis, and the remaining cells were treated with recombinant IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, or IL 2. These procedures were ineffective in generating typical NK effector cells. Our studies do not support the hypothesis that CR3+ Leu-11- lymphocytes are the precursors of granular Leu-11+ NK cells.     

Functional characterization of human thymocytes: a limiting dilution analysis of precursors with proliferative and cytolytic activities

In this report we have analyzed the pool size of human thymocytes capable of proliferating or mediating cytolytic activity. Furthermore, the relationship between these functional capabilities and cell surface antigen expression was studied. Graded numbers of human thymocytes were plated under limiting dilution conditions with irradiated human spleen cells (as a source of feeder cells) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence of a saturating concentration of interleukin 2. Cell proliferation, which was evaluated after 20 days of culture, was usually compared with the proliferation of peripheral blood T cell populations cultured under identical conditions. Although essentially all peripheral blood T cells were clonogenic, only 3 to 8% of thymocytes proliferated. Of proliferating microcultures, 48 to 86% showed cytolytic activity in a PHA-dependent assay, whereas 26 to 83% killed the NK-sensitive target cell K-562 in the absence of added lectin. Similar frequency analysis of functional precursors was performed on thymocyte subsets selected according to their expression of T3, T6, T4, and T8 antigens. All precursors of proliferating cells (PTL-P) were found in the T3+ subset. From the comparison of the percentages of total thymocytes capable of proliferation and the proportion of cells brightly stained with anti-T3 antibody, it was evident that only a fraction of T3+ cells was clonogenic. Although the large majority of PTL-P was found in the T6- subpopulation, a small fraction of functional precursors was detected in the T6+ subset. When thymocytes were fractionated according to T4 or T8 antigen expression, it was found that 80 to 90% of the recovered PTL-P were confined to the T4+ fraction, whereas only 20 to 28% of the recovered PTL-P were present in the T8+ subset. Analysis of the precursors of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL-P) in thymocyte populations fractionated according to T4 or T8 antigen expression showed that 70 to 90% of the recovered CTL-P were found in the T4+ fraction and 17 to 30% were in the T8+ subset. Because approximately 80% of proliferating T4+ thymocytes had CTL activity (as compared with less than 5% in peripheral blood T4+ lymphocytes), it appears that the subset distribution of thymic CTL-P differs from that of peripheral blood T cells.     

Production of B cell growth factor by a Leu-7+, OKM1+ non-T cell with the features of large granular lymphocytes (LGL)

The present study reports the characterization of a non-T cell from human peripheral blood which is capable of releasing BCGF. This BCGF-producing non-T cell had a T3-, T8-, Leu-7+, OKM1+, HLA-DR-, Leu-11- surface phenotype and was likely to belong to the so-called large granular lymphocyte (LGL) subset because: after fractionation of non-T cells according to the expression of Leu-7 or HLA-DR markers, it was found in the Leu-7+, HLA-DR- fractions that were particularly enriched in LGL; it co-purified with LGL on Percoll density gradients; and it expressed Leu-7 and OKM1 markers that are shared by a large fraction of LGL. Although co-purified with cells with potent NK capacities, the BCGF-producing cell was not cytotoxic, because treatment of Leu-7+ cells with Leu-11 monoclonal antibody and complement abolished the NK activity but left the BCGF activity unaltered. The factor released by this LGL subset was not IL 1 or IL 2 mistakenly interpreted as BCGF, because: a) cell supernatants particularly rich in BCGF activity contained very little or no IL 1 or IL 2; b) BCGF-induced B cell proliferation was not inhibitable by anti-Tac antibodies (this in spite of the expression of IL 2 receptor by a proportion of activated B cells); and c) BCGF activity was absorbed by B but not T blasts.     

Spontaneous and lymphokine-induced cytotoxic activity of monkey intestinal mucosal lymphocytes

We determined the capacity of primate (macaque monkey) intestinal mucosal lymphocytes to mediate natural killer cytotoxicity, and characterized the nature of cells mediating this form of cytotoxicity in the intestine. Isolated macaque monkey intestinal mucosal lymphocytes were found to have intermediate levels of spontaneous cytotoxicity against K562 target cells compared to higher values found in lymphocytes of peripheral blood (PBL) and spleen and low values for mesenteric lymph node (MLN) lymphocytes. Intestinal lymphocytes were similar to PBL in having the same range of target cell specificites, in having augmentation of activity by interferon or interleukin 2, and in demonstrating specificity in cold target inhibition studies. Both intestinal and PBL spontaneous cytotoxic function in primates was mediated predominantly by cells bearing antigens cross-reactive with the anti-human monoclonal antibody Leu-11. The percentage of Leu-11+ lymphocytes was significantly lower in isolated intestinal, spleen, and MLN lymphocytes compared to peripheral blood. Furthermore, isolated intestinal lymphocytes differed from PBL in that intestinal Leu-11+ were predominantly Leu-15-, while Leu-11+ PBL were predominantly Leu-15+. These studies demonstrate that the lower spontaneous cytotoxic function of intestinal mucosal lymphocytes compared to PBL is associated with a lower number of effector cells and with effector cells which differ qualitatively in expression of the Leu-15 antigen.     

Antigenic, functional, and molecular genetic studies of human natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes not restricted by the major histocompatibility complex

Cytotoxicity not restricted by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is mediated by two distinct types of lymphocyte: natural killer (NK) cells and non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). These two types of cytotoxic lymphocytes can be distinguished by antigenic phenotype, function, and molecular genetic studies. In human peripheral blood, NK cells are identified by expression of the Leu-19 and/or CD16 cell surface antigens, and lack of CD3/T cell antigen receptor (Ti) complex expression (i.e., CD3-,Leu-19+). Peripheral blood non-MHC-restricted CTL express both CD3 and Leu-19 (i.e., CD3+, Leu-19+, referred to as Leu-19+ T cells). Both Leu-19+ T cells and NK cells lyse "NK-sensitive" hematopoietic tumor cell targets, such as K562, without deliberate immunization of the host. However, most "NK activity" in peripheral blood is mediated by NK cells, because they are usually more abundant and more efficient cytotoxic effectors than Leu-19+ T cells. The cytolytic activity of both NK cells and Leu-19+ T cells against hematopoietic targets was enhanced by recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL 2). NK cells, but not peripheral blood Leu-19+ T cells, were also capable of lysing solid tumor cell targets after short-term culture in rIL 2. Southern blot analysis of NK cells revealed that both the T cell antigen receptor beta-chain genes and the T cell-associated gamma genes were not rearranged, but were in germ-line configuration. These findings indicate that NK cells are distinct in lineage from T lymphocytes and do not use the T cell antigen receptor genes for target recognition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Development and ontogeny of hamster T cell subpopulations

The Syrian hamster is unique among laboratory animals because products of class I MHC genes are monomorphic. Thus, this species may be a model in which to test the relationship between MHC polymorphism and the T cell antigen receptor repertoire. Recently, cytotoxic and helper T cell subpopulations have been distinguished on the basis of cell surface phenotype detected with monoclonal antibodies (mAb). We used these reagents (mAb 110 detects all peripheral T cells and mAb 38 detects cytotoxic T cells) to dissect and categorize thymic populations according to relative maturational status. The two mAb divide thymocytes into four subpopulations in the young adult. Two (110+ 38+, 110+ 38-) were peripheral-like and were housed in the medulla, exclusively; another subset (110- 38+) consisted almost entirely of TdT+ cortical thymocytes. The fourth subset (110- 38-), bearing neither marker, was heterogeneous and consisted mostly of medium-large-size thymocytes, including cells with an early phenotype (nuclear TdT+). Cells with the cortical phenotype proved to be the most sensitive to cortisone treatment, whereas those which expressed the medullary marker, 110, were most resistant. To ascertain the relationship between 110- and 110+ T lineage cells, we followed the appearance of the four thymic subpopulations during ontogeny of the hamster thymus. Adult-like thymic architecture (delineation of cortex and medulla) as well as the two 110- subsets were established before expression of 110 antigen was apparent in the thymus. However, lymphocytes bearing the 110 antigen were found in lymph nodes prior to thymus during ontogeny, concomitant with developing T cell function in peripheral tissue. This finding implies that cells lacking 110 antigen were exported from the thymus and subsequently acquired expression of the molecule in the periphery, and we suggest that acquisition of 110 antigen may be a stage of postthymic maturation. Although 110+ cells appeared to be the most mature subset by several criteria, all functional thymocytes of adults or neonates were not 110+. Thus, we conclude that the 110 marker is acquired after T cells reach functional maturity. Moreover, the response profile of isolated 38+ thymocytes was analogous to peripheral 38+ T cells, suggesting that the dichotomy of function detected with our mAb also occurs before acquisition of 110 antigen. We have modeled what is known about hamster T cell development into a hypothetical scheme.     

Salivary gland lymphocytes in primary Sjogren's syndrome lack lymphocyte subsets defined by Leu-7 and Leu-11 antigens

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth due to lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands. Biopsies of their salivary glands provided an opportunity to characterize the phenotypic and functional properties of inflammatory site lymphocytes. We found that the salivary gland lymphocytes (SGL) of SS patients differed from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the same patients because: a) SGL lacked lymphocytes reactive with anti-Leu-7 and anti-Leu-11 monoclonal antibodies; b) SGL lacked natural killer (NK) activity; and c) SGL lacked the ability to suppress polyclonal B cell responses in the presence of complement fragment C3a, a function that requires the presence of Leu-7+ cells. These studies also showed that the SGL of SS patients differed from tonsillar lymph node (LN) lymphocytes of immunologically normal individuals because tonsillar LN contained Leu-7+ T cells, and tonsillar LN could suppress polyclonal B cell responses in the presence of the complement fragment C3a. The absence of this regulatory subset in the salivary glands of SS patients may contribute to pathogenesis, because these cells may be important in the suppression of polyclonal antibody synthesis and in the elimination of neoplastic or viral infected cells.     

Leu-3+ T cells produce gamma-interferon in patients with recurrent herpes labialis

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was spontaneously secreted by peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured from patients soon after recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) or was induced from macrophage-T lymphocyte cultures in vitro with HSV antigen. Circulating Leu-3+/Leu-2- cells produced the spontaneous IFN almost exclusively. In the HSV antigen-stimulated culture system the same subset was the predominant producer of IFN-gamma. The IFN-gamma producing leu-3+ lymphocytes were plastic nonaderent but nylon wool adherent, and may be analagous to the murine Th 2 helper cell. In contrast to one lymphocyte subset being the major IFN-gamma producer in this viral disease, mitogen stimulation induced IFN-gamma from all (Leu-2+/2- and Leu-3+/3-) subsets, with panning as the separation technique. As mitogens circumvent the normal processing and presentation of antigen, the RHL system described above may provide a more accurate picture of the relative contributions of helper (Leu-3+) and cytotoxic/suppressor (Leu-2+) T cells to IFN-gamma production in herpes viral disease.     

Characterization of human K cells by surface antigens and morphology at the single cell level

Human lymphocytes killing bovine erythrocytes in vitro in antibody-mediated reactions were characterized at the effector cell level in the ADCC plaque assay. Five to 10% of highly purified peripheral blood lymphocytes are active K cells in this system. Forty to 50% of these were T gamma cells expressing the T cell-associated surface antigens T3 and Leu-1. These cells also expressed the T8/Leu-2a antigens (approximately 20%) or the T4/Leu-3a antigens. Although approximately 30% of the K cells were T4+ when examined after completion of the ADCC assay (18 hr), only less than 10% were T4+ (and Leu-3a+) when examined before the assay. The results indicated that exposure to antigen/antibody complexes during the assay induced increased T4 expression, probably linked to Fc gamma R modulation on some initially T4-/T3+ lymphocytes. The expression of the other antigens (including Leu-3a) was not affected by exposure of the lymphocytes to antigen/antibody complexes. Two-color fluorescence experiments further demonstrated that a minor fraction (10 to 20%) of the K cells carrying T cell-associated antigens also expressed the monocyte/null cell-associated antigen M1 as detected with the monoclonal antibody OKM1. A second major category of effector cells, composed of at least 25% of the K cells, were large granular lymphocytes (LGL) that lacked detectable T cell-associated antigens but expressed the HNK-1 (Leu-7) as well as the M1 antigen. As seen from the size of the plaques formed by different effector cells, K cells of the LGL type had a greater recycling capacity and/or cytolytic efficiency than those of T gamma type.