Retention of intact HSA for prolonged periods in the popliteal lymph nodes of specifically immunized mice.

The rate of clearance of radiolabel was studied from the popliteal lymph nodes of either nonimmune or specifically immunized mice following footpad injection of ¹²⁵I-labeled HSA. The ¹²⁵I was more rapidly and more completely eliminated from the nodes of nonimmune mice than from the nodes of specifically immunized animals. Autoradiographs showed that, whereas the radiolabel was strictly confined for long periods to the follicles of the nodes of immune mice, no such localizaton was present in nonimmune animals. Solubilization of the whole nodes with 5 M guanidine-HCl released the labeled material which could then be specifically precipitated with anti-HSA but not with anti-EA. Such specifically precipitable material could be extracted from the draining popliteal lymph nodes of the immune mice even 12 weeks after challenge. Analysis of the solubilized radioiodinated lymph node extract on Sephacryl S-200 gels showed that the majority of the material was indistinguishable from the ¹²⁵I-labeled HSA used for challenge. The radiolabel therefore remains attached to intact HSA for long periods in vivo in immune animals which have a highly developed mechanism for clearance of simple protein antigens. These data suggest that intact antigenic determinants can persist for prolonged periods and may play a role in the long-term maintenance and regulation of immune responses.     

Follicular dendritic cells in suspension: identification, enrichment, and initial characterization indicating immune complex trapping and lack of adherence and phagocytic activity

Antigen-retaining follicular dendritic cells (FDC) have been identified and studied in sections of lymph nodes and spleen, but studies of these cells in culture have been extremely limited. The purpose of this study was to establish techniques to release these fragile cells from mouse lymph nodes in a viable state and to identify these cells routinely in lymph node cell suspensions. FDC were obtained from passively or actively immunized popliteal lymph nodes of mice injected in the footpads with 125I-labeled human serum albumin (HSA) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Lymph nodes were removed 1 hr after the footpads had been injected with collagenase. After another hour of incubation in vitro with collagenase, protease, and deoxyribonuclease, FDC were released by gentle teasing and enriched by centrifugation on a low density bovine serum albumin (BSA) or Percoll gradient. Most FDC with the associated radiolabel floated at densities greater than 1.06 g/ml on BSA or Percoll gradients. Slides of the FDC-enriched fraction were prepared, using a cytobucket which allowed the cells to be affixed to glass slides by centrifugation in a less disruptive manner than by cytocentrifugation. FDC that were air-dried and fixed with 3% glutaraldehyde had a characteristic pink acidophilic cytoplasm after Wright's staining, and had a faintly basophilic euchromatic nucleus frequently with peripherally-clumped chromatin. In addition, these cells were large and irregularly shaped (up to 60 micron long). Fixation of FDC with 0.6% paraformaldehyde/ 0.9% glutaraldehyde on poly-L-lysine-coated slides resulted in a preservation of FDC which made possible visualization of long dendritic processes by Nomarski optics. Antigen presence on the cell surface was confirmed by autoradiography and, in the case of HRP, was also visualized enzymatically using diaminobenzidine. In contrast to resident peritoneal macrophages or some contaminating lymph node macrophages present on the same slides, FDC did not phagocytize opsonized sheep red blood cells (SRBC) or adhere to plastic surfaces although they did form rosettes with opsonized SRBC. Cell marker studies indicated FDC have a distinctive phenotype. They were positive for Ia, Fc receptor, and leukocyte common antigen, but negative for Thy-1, Ly-1, Ly-2, endogenous Ig, Mac-1, Mac-2, Mac-3, and F4/80, and negative to weakly positive for nonspecific esterase. Cultured FDC remained viable and retained radiolabeled antigen-antibody complexes on their surfaces and were significantly enriched for FDC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Specific immunosuppression by passive antibody. V. Participation of macrophages in reversal of suppression by peritoneal exudate cells from immune animals

Thioglycollate-stimulated peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), harvested from mice immunized against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) and transferred to normal syngeneic recipients, reverse the immunosuppression caused by passively administered anti-SRBC antibody. Macrophages purified from PEC on BSA gradients did not reverse immunosuppression; neither did suspensions of cells from mesenteric lymph nodes of immune mice. Mixtures of the purified macrophages and lymph node cells were fully capable of reversing immunosuppression. Thus, two types of cell, one a macrophage and one a lymphocyte, are required. Both must be compatible with the recipient mice at the H-2 complex. However, only the macrophages must necessarily be obtained from an immune donor. When “immune” macrophages were preincubated in vitro with “normal” lymph node cells before transfer to antibody-treated syngeneic recipients, a significant reversal of the immunosuppressive effect occurred. The ability of whole PEC or spleen cells to reverse the immunosuppressive effect of passive antibody is acquired rapidly after injection of a single low dose of antigen. Development of this ability precedes the appearance, in the circulation, of immunosuppressive antibody.     

Hymenolepis nana: passive transfer of mouse immunity by T-cell subset of phenotype Lyt-1

Mesenteric lymph node cells obtained from donor mice (BALB/c strain) actively immunized by oral inoculation with Hymenolepis nana eggs were syngeneically transferred by intravenous injection into athymic nude mice previously uninfected. The adoptively immunized recipients were then challenged with 1000 H. nana eggs 2 days after cell transfer. The degree of immunity transferred was assessed by examining cysticercoids developed in the intestinal villi of the recipients on Day 4 of challenge infection. The criterion for success in cell transfer of immunity was the complete rejection of cysticercoids as was generally expected in mice infected previously. The transfer of 1.5 X 10(8) immune mesenteric lymph node cells obtained from donors immunized 4 days before cell collection resulted invariably in the complete rejection of cysticercoids, though not less than this cell dosage. The immunity was passively transferable to recipients by T cells, especially by T-cell subset of phenotype Lyt-1 but not those of phenotype Lyt-2.3 and Lyt-1.2.3. However, 1.5 X 10(8) immune mesenteric lymph node cells obtained from donors immunized 21 days before cell transfer and 1.5 X 10(8) immune spleen cells obtained from donors immunized 4 days before cell transfer had little or no effect on the rejection of cysticercoids.     

The role of precipitins in allergic lung disease.

Using an experimental model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in rabbits wherein depressions in arterial ozygen tension are monitored following aerosol challenge with antigen, an attempt was made to determine the effect of humoral antibody on the pulmonary physiologic impairment. Rabbits that had been passively immunized with large quantities of anti-human serum albumin (HSA) serum failed to respond with depressions in Pa₀₂ following aerosol challenge with antigen as opposed to actively immunized animals. Rabbits that were actively immunized with HSA by the aerosol route did respond with various patterns of pulmonary physiologic impairment with time following subsequent challenge, but these defects could not be correlated with the presence of precipitins.     

Antigen-reactive cell opsonization: a mechanism of antibody-mediated immune suppression.

Antisera against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) specifically suppressed the direct anti-SRBC plaque-forming cell (PFC) response in mice when passively administered with the antigen. The suppressive activity of mouse and rabbit anti-SRBC sera was found to correlate with anti-SRBC opsonic activity but not with hemagglutination or hemolysin titers. Macrophage depletion of mice, using carrageenan treatment, inhibited antibody-mediated immune suppression. When mice immunized with SRBC were given ¹²⁵I-labeled Udr, radiolabeled spleen lymphocytes were obtained which specifically formed rosettes with SRBC. These radiolabeled antigen-reactive cells (1ARC) were specifically opsonized in mice treated with antigen-antibody complexes but not in mice treated with antigen or antibody alone. These results suggest that antibody-mediated immune suppression may be due to specific opsonization (and subsequent destruction) of ARC in the presence of antigen-antibody complexes.     

Transport of immune complexes from the subcapsular sinus to lymph node follicles on the surface of nonphagocytic cells, including cells with dendritic morphology

The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of antigen migration from the site of initial localization in the lymph node subcapsular sinus (SS) to regions of follicular retention in the cortex. The migration of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), used as a histochemically identifiable antigen, was followed by light and electron microscopy in C3H mouse popliteal lymph nodes obtained 1, 5, 15, and 30 min, and 5 and 24 hr after hindfoot pad injection of HRP. The observations showed that as early as 1 min after HRP injection, localization of antigen occurred at distinct sites in the SS and subjacent areas of the cortex on the afferent side. At these sites, between 1 min and 24 hr, the antigen formed light microscopically identifiable trails, which reached progressively deeper into the cortex with time toward individual follicular regions. By 24 hr this apparent migration of antigen was complete, and HRP was localized in follicles. This migration pattern did not occur on the efferent sides of lymph nodes, and it was dependent on the systemic presence of specific antibodies since it was observable only in passively immunized but not in nonimmune mice. Temporary retention of antigen by typical macrophages was also observed in the SS on the efferent side. This was minimal in nonimmune mice and was significantly enhanced in passively immunized mice. Electron microscopy indicated that the apparent migration of immune complexes was mediated by a group of cells observed in the migration path that had immune complexes sequestered on their surface or in plasma membrane infoldings. These antigen transporting cells (ATC) were relatively large nonphagocytic cells, with lobated or irregular euchromatic nuclei and cell processes of various complexity. ATC observed in or near the SS appeared to be less differentiated, were monocyte-like, and resembled non-Birbeck granule-containing Langerhans cell precursors or veiled cells. Others, located deeper in the cortex, appeared more differentiated, interdigitated with antigen-retaining dendritic cells, and shared morphologic characteristics with follicular dendritic cells (FDC). The results support the concepts that immune complexes are trapped in the SS and are transported by a group of non-phagocytic cells, other than lymphocytes, to follicular regions. The mechanism of transport may involve the migration of ATC with a concomitant maturation into FDC, or by a mechanism of ATC to FDC transport utilizing dendritic cell processes and membrane fluidity, or by a combination of the two mechanisms.     

A plant-based multicomponent vaccine protects mice from enteric diseases

Cholera toxin (CT) B and A2 subunit complementary DNAs (cDNAs) were fused to a rotavirus enterotoxin and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli fimbrial antigen genes and transferred into potato. Immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results indicated that the fusion antigens were synthesized in transformed tuber tissues and assembled into cholera holotoxin-like structures that retained enterocyte-binding affinity. Orally immunized mice generated detectable levels of serum and intestinal antibodies against the pathogen antigens. Elevated levels of interleukin 2 (IL2) and interferon gamma (INFgamma) detected in immunogen-challenged spleen cells from the immunized mice indicated the presence of a strong Th1 immune response to the three plant-synthesized antigens. This result was supported by flow cytometry analysis of immunized mouse spleen cells that showed a significant increase in CD4+ lymphocyte numbers. Diarrhea symptoms were reduced in severity and duration in passively immunized mouse neonates following rotavirus challenge. The results suggest that food plants can function as vaccines for simultaneous protection against infectious virus and bacterial diseases.     

THE IN VITRO DIFFERENTIATION OF MAST CELLS : Cultures of Cells from Immunized Mouse Lymph Nodes and Thoracic Duct Lymph on Fibroblast Monolayers

When cells from lymph nodes or thoracic duct of mice hyperimmunized with protein antigens are cultivated on embryo monolayers in the presence of the antigen, numerous clones of mast cells appear. The histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the cells permit their identification as mast cells and distinguish them from the phagocytic histiocytes that usually arise in abundance in similar cultures from unimmunized mouse cells or from immunized mouse cells cultured in the absence of the antigen. Only a few colonies of mast cells appeared in the latter cultures. The basis for the induction of mast cell differentiation is not known.     

The expression of theta-like antigen by rat peripheral lymphocytes: serologic and functional studies.

AKR/Cum mice (Thy-1b = thetaC3H) immunized with nucleated cells from WF rat thymus, Peyer's patches, peritoneal exudate, mesenteric lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow, or spleen produced antibodies cytotoxic for ADR/J (Thy-1a = thetaAKR) but not for AKR/Cum thymocytes. The specificity of these antibodies for the Thy-1.1 (theta-AKR) antigen was confirmed by tests using thymocytes from backcross mice segregating at the Thy-1 locus. This result suggested that the rat lymphocyte antgen cross-reactive with Thy-1.1 was expressed by at least some members of each of the rat lymphoid cell populations tested. AKR/Cum mice immunized with killed rat cells also produced anti-Thy-1.1 antibodies; thus indicating that further differentiation of the injected cells was not a prerequisite for the anti-Thy-1.1 response. Unexpectedly, about 9% of unimmunized adult AKR/Cum males were found to be producing antibodies against Thy-1.1. To our knowledge, natural antibodies of this specificity have not been previously reported. Finally, it was found that peritoneal exudate cells taken from WF rats previously immunized with EL-4 mouse leukemia cells were neither killed nor functionally inactivated by treatment with anti-Thy-1.1 antibodies and complement.     

Failure of ovalbumin associated with allogeneic spleen ceels to stimulate proliferation of lymph node cells of immune mice.

Ovalbumin-pulsed spleen cells were found to stimulate thymidine uptake of lymph node cells of syngeneic mice immunized with ovalbumin in complete Freund's adjuvant after treatment of spleen cells with Mitomycin C but not after heating the spleen cells at 56degrees for 30 min. Ovalbumin-pulsed spleen cells of allogeneic mice failed to stimulate the immune lymph node cells more than unpulsed cells, although a net increase in the thymidine uptake above the allogeneic stimulation was observed when free ovalbumin was added to the mixed culture. To eliminate the high background of the mixed lymphocyte reaction, F1 mice were made chimeric with bone marrow of one of the parental strains. Using lymph node cells of the immunized chimeras, the stimulation by pulsed spleen cells was much greater when antigen was presented on cells of the parental strain used for bone marrow injection than when presented on cells of the other parental strain.     

The B cell is the initiating antigen-presenting cell in peripheral lymph nodes

We have examined the role of B cells in antigen presentation in lymph nodes in several ways. We found that mice depleted of B lymphocytes via chronic injection of anti-mu-chain antibody do not mount peripheral lymph node T cell proliferative responses to normally immunogenic doses of antigen. Depletion of B cells by passage of immune lymph node cells over anti-immunoglobulin columns early after immunization depletes antigen-presenting function from draining lymph nodes, and this function can be restored by using B cells or splenic adherent cells to allow the remaining T cells to proliferate. Lymph node B cells present antigen very effectively to lines of antigen-specific T cells. However, unfractionated lymph node cells from anti-mu-treated mice present very poorly, if at all, whereas unfractionated spleen cells from the same mice do present antigen. This is in keeping with our previous finding that helper T cell function in the spleen is normal in B cell-deprived mice. Finally, when mice homozygous for the lymphoproliferative gene lpr are treated chronically with anti-mu-chain antibody, lymphadenopathy is greatly retarded, suggesting a role for B cells in the massive proliferation of T cells in this syndrome. From this analysis, it would appear that the initiating antigen-presenting cell in the lymph node is a B lymphocyte, and that B lymphocytes in lymph nodes may be distinct from those in the spleen. It is of interest that these results also suggest that the lymph node lacks an antigen-presenting cell that is found in the spleen, perhaps the dendritic cell.     

Antigen transport II. The significance of the localization of antigen-laden cells in the spleen

Previous studies have demonstrated that macrophage-like cells transporting antigen, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) appear in thoracic duct lymph and blood shortly after antigen injection. The in vivo migration of these antigen-laden (Ag-L) cells from the blood stream was examined systematically by transferring Ag-L cells bearing ¹²⁵I-labelled HSA into syngeneic rats. There was no evidence autoradiographically that Ag-L cells migrated into lymph nodes, but the localization in the spleen followed a defined pattern: within the first hours after transfer, a majority of radiolabelled cells were identified in the marginal zone; by 3 hr and up to 4 days later, 60–80% of labelled cells were resident in the red pulp; Ag-L cells failed to migrate into the white pulp in significant numbers. Ag-L cells which had localized to the spleen, when examined 3 and 18 hr after transfer using combined autoradiography and immunoperoxidase staining, did not express la determinants in situ. The ability of Ag-L cells to stimulate an adoptive secondary response was tested in splenectomized, irradiated recipients receiving HSA-specific memory cells. Removal of the spleen before transfer severely reduced the antibody response evoked by Ag-L cells transporting HSA, thus indicating the functional importance of antigen transport to the spleen. Since Ag-L cell migration was primarily into the red pulp, we have considered whether the red pulp may provide a relevant microenvironment for lymphocyte/ antigen interaction.     

Skewed Th1/Th2 immune response to Sarcoptes scabiei

Scabies is a contagious skin disease of humans and many other species of mammals. Previous studies suggested that the balance between the Th1 and Th2 immune responses may influence the outcome of a scabies infestation in a sensitized host. Therefore, in this study, we examined the T-helper cell cytokine profiles of splenocytes and lymph node cells in BALB/c mice that were immunized with scabies extract (primary response), infested with scabies mites (primary response), or immunized and then infested (secondary response). Lymphocyte cytokine expression was analyzed by flow cytometry after staining for intracellular cytokines. Immunization with scabies extract induced production of interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) (Th1 response) by both spleen and lymph node cells. Mice that were infested with scabies increased production of interleukin-4 by lymph node cells and of IFNgamma by splenocytes. Mice that were first immunized and then infested with mites increased production of IFNgamma by both spleen and lymph node cells. However, this increased level of IFNgamma was only about half of that induced by immunization alone. These results suggest that live scabies mites produced something that inhibited IFNgamma production in the lymph nodes of scabies-immunized mice. Our data also indicate that lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes can present different cytokine response profiles.     

Mechanisms of in vivo generation of cytotoxic activity against allograft: 1. Local differentiation of mature cytotoxic T lymphocytes in rejection of allogeneic lymphocytes

Although cytotoxic activity was not detected within the spleen and regional lymph nodes from mice immunized sc with allogeneic lymphocytes, such activity was detected consistently in glass-nonadherent and anti-θ-sensitive peritoneal exudate cells (PE cells) from Day 5 after immunization and reached a maximum by Day 7. Immunized spleen cells developed cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) earlier and more effectively than normal spleen cells when transferred ip into X-irradiated syngeneic normal mice together with immunizing antigen, while they did not become cytotoxic when transferred without antigen. These results suggest that spleen and lymph node cells which may have differentiated into some transitional state by in vivo immunization may differentiate into mature CTLs, following direct contact with antigen at the site of graft. CTLs generated there appear to be responsible for the rejection of allogeneic lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity of PE cells was also generated in X-irradiated mice and augmented cytotoxicity was generated by treatment with cyclophosphamide.     

Changes in antigen distribution and lymphocyte migration pattern after peroral immunization

The migration pattern of lymphoid cells in long-term p.o. immunized and control mice using the transfer of 51Cr-labelled cells from spleen, Peyer's patches and mesenteric or peripheral lymph nodes was studied. There are no differences between the homing activity of spleen of PLN cells to different organs of recipient animals. Peyer's patch cells from SRBC-fed mice home significantly more to the gut of antigen-fed mice; also the MLN cells from these mice exhibit a higher localization in the gut of SRBC-fed mice. There were no differences between the localization of antigen (SRBC) in different organs of SRBC-fed and control mice. The clearance of this antigen was higher in SRBC-fed animals.     

Effect of tumor immunity on the distribution of labeled lymphoid cells in tumor-challenged mice

The distribution of ⁵¹Cr-labeled lymphoid cells from normal mice and mice immunized against a tumor were compared after intravenous inoculation of the labeled cells into normal syngeneic recipients. Spleen cell preparations from immune donors contained increased percentages of spleen and bone marrow-seeking cells, thus suggesting expansion of these cell populations when immunity to a tumor exists. Homing of labeled normal cells in tumor cell-injected normal animals was somewhat different from that seen in tumor cell-inoculated mice that were immunized against the tumor. In the latter case, accumulations of lymph node and spleen cells in recipient lymph nodes and bone marrow were consistently lower. In contrast, lymphoid cells from animals immunized against the tumor were found to accumulate in virtually the same percentages in lymphoid organs of normal and immune recipients. The behavior of lymphoid cell populations from thymus or bone marrow that consist mainly of precursor cells was unaffected by presence of malignancy and/or tumor immunity.     

The effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α monoclonal antibody on allergic cutaneous late phase reaction in mice

Biphasic cutaneous reaction with peak response at 1 (early phase) and 24 to 48 hour (late phase)was elicited by epicutaneous challenge with antigen in actively and passively sensitized mice. Mice were actively immunized with dinitrophenylated (DNP) ascaris antigen and challenged with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Passively sensitization was carried out by the injection of monoclonal anti-DNP-IgE antibody into mice and challenge was elicited with DNFB. Prednisolone at doses of 3 to 10 mg/kg clearly inhibited both early and late phase reactions in either sensitized mice. Monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibody inhibited the late phase cutaneous reaction in actively sensitized mice. Anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) monoclonal antibody has no effect on both phase reactions in either actively and passively sensitized animals. These results indicate the possible participation of TNF-α in allergic cutaneous late phase reaction in actively sensitized mice.     

Enhancement of T helper2 response in the absence of interleukin (IL-)6; an inhibition of IL-4-mediated T helper2 cell differentiation by IL-6

Functional roles of interleukin (IL-)6 in T cell response were investigated. Mice deficient in IL-6 and wild mice were immunized with antigens (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein or methylated BSA) and production of IL-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma by regional lymph nodes was measured. IL-6 deficiency led to an enhancement of IL-4 and an inhibition of IFN-gamma production. Moreover, polyclonal stimulation of spleen T cells from unimmunized IL-6-deficient mice with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 antibodies (Abs) demonstrated an enhancement of T helper (Th)(2)responses. The presence of IL-6, however, augmented IL-4 production but it inhibited IFN-gamma expression by spleen T cells in response to polyclonal stimulation and by antigen-primed spleen T cells in response to re-challenge with the antigen. In contrast, the induction of spleen CD4-positive T cells into Th(2)cells in vitro by the anti-CD3 plus IL-4 was completely suppressed by exogenously added IL-6, whereas Th(1)differentiation of T cells by the anti-CD3 plus IL-12 was not inhibited by the presence of IL-6. Thus, these results indicate that IL-6 physiologically could modulate qualitative T cell response and suggest that it augments Th(1)responses partly through its inhibitory capability of IL-4-induced Th(2)differentiation of naive T cells.     

Antibodies to T-cell Ig and mucin domain-containing proteins (Tim)-1 and -3 suppress the induction and progression of murine allergic conjunctivitis

The T cell Ig and mucin domain-containing proteins (Tim) regulate Th1- and Th2-mediated immune responses. We investigated the ability of Abs blocking Tim-1 or Tim-3 ligand-binding activity to prevent and treat murine experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EC), a Th2-mediated disease. Treatment with either Ab during the induction phase of EC in actively immunized wild-type mice suppressed EC and upregulated Th1 and Th2 immune responses. In contrast, both Abs exacerbated EC in actively immunized IFN-gamma-knockout mice. Thus, both anti-Tim Abs suppress the pathogenic immune responses generated in the induction phase by upregulating systemic IFN-gamma production. Treatment of actively immunized mice and passively immunized mice with either anti-Tim Ab just prior to RW challenge also suppressed EC. Thus, treatment with anti-Tim-1 or anti-Tim-3 Ab can suppress both the induction and progression of EC, which could indicate potential preventive and/or therapeutic approaches for allergic diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis.