Blockade of physiologically secreted IFN-gamma inhibits human T lymphocyte and natural killer cell activation

The role of physiologically secreted human IFN-gamma in T lymphocyte and NK cell activation has been probed with a panel of mouse mAb directed against various epitopes of the human IFN-gamma molecule, or human IFN-gamma R. Addition to the culture medium of those mAb that neutralize the antiviral activity of IFN-gamma or interact with its receptor inhibited proliferative and cytotoxic responses elicited in PBL by HLA alloantigens, anti-CD3 mAb, and IL-2, but not the proliferative response to PHA. The IFN-gamma blockade also inhibited IFN-gamma, IL-2, and TNF-alpha release during MLC. Kinetic experiments showed that reduction of proliferative and cytotoxic responses to HLA alloantigens is maximal when IFN-gamma is blocked within the first 48 h. Exogenous rIFN-gamma restored the proliferative response only when added at the beginning. Moreover, when IFN-gamma was blocked, T lymphocytes recovered from 6-day MLC displayed a profound decrease in their expression of p55 and p75 chains of the IL-2R, as well as in the number of high-affinity IL-2 binding sites. These findings strongly suggest that IFN-gamma is required in the early phases of induction of the oligo- and polyclonal proliferative and cytotoxic responses of lymphocytes.     

Effects of caloric restriction on age-related oxidative modifications of macromolecules and lymphocyte proliferation in rats

Decreased immune function associated with aging has been demonstrated in both humans and animals. We hypothesize that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated damage to biological macromolecules may contribute to compromised immune response during aging. In this study, we compared the levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidatively modified proteins in plasma and splenocytes, and the mitogen-induced T lymphocyte proliferation in ad lib-fed (AL) and caloric restricted (CR) Fischer 344 × BNF₁ male rats at the ages of 5, 18, and 31 months. The results show that AL rats exhibit an age-related decrease in proliferative response of splenic lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A). This functional decline in T-lymphocytes during aging is inversely correlated to the levels of both lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl in the plasma and splenic lymphocytes. Caloric restriction, however, can partially reverse the age-dependent decrease in T lymphocyte proliferation and significantly reduce lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl contents in plasma and splenocytes. The above observations support the hypothesis that the age-associated declines in immune function are related to the oxidative modification of biological macromolecules, which in turn may lead to enzyme inactivation, membrane disruption, and cell senescence. One of the mechanisms by which caloric restriction reverses declined immune function in aged rats is hypothesized to be through reduction in ROS production and thereby protection of cellular macromolecules against oxidative damage.     

Expression of interleukin 2 and the interleukin 2 receptor in aging rats

Lymphocytes of aged animals exhibit a marked decrease in proliferative capacity in response to mitogen stimulation when compared to those of younger animals. In humans and mice the decreased proliferation is due at least in part (i) to the inability of lymphocytes to synthesize sufficient interleukin 2 (IL-2) and (ii) to decreased expression of IL-2 receptors (IL-2R) on the surface of aged lymphocytes. We compared proliferative abilities, IL-2 production, and IL-2R expression in splenocyte cultures of 4- to 5- and 22- to 24-month-old Fischer 344 rats stimulated with either concanavalin A (Con A) or A23187 and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Proliferation was significantly decreased in aged lymphocytes (30-50%) with both treatment protocols. However, unlike mice and humans we observed no difference in IL-2 activity, IL-2 mRNA levels, or IL-2R cell surface expression of lymphocytes from young and aged rats stimulated with either Con A or A23187 and PMA. These results indicate that factors other than decreased expression of IL-2 and IL-2R are responsible for the diminished proliferative capacity of aged rat lymphocytes following mitogen stimulation.     

In vitro modulation of cytokine production by lymphocytes in human coccidioidomycosis

The modulation of the cytokine response to coccidioidal antigen by lymphocytes from donors with coccidioidomycosis was examined. In initial experiments, samples from 13 healthy immune donors and seven donors with active coccidioidomycosis anergic to the coccidioidal antigen T27K were assessed for CD3 lymphocyte expression of intracellular IFN-gamma using whole blood analysis. Addition of 10 ng/ml of recombinant IL-12 significantly increased response to T27K among immune and anergic subjects (p<0.05), but the percent of cells expressing IFN-gamma was still significantly greater for immune subjects. Among immune donors, the percentage of CD3 lymphocytes expressing IFN-gamma was significantly reduced with the addition of 10 ng/ml of recombinant IL-4, IL-10, TGF-beta, or their combination (for all, p<0.05). Among anergic donors, addition of 10 ng/ml of anti-IL-10 significantly increased IFN-gamma production (p<0.05), but addition of anti-IL-4 or anti-TGF-beta did not. Among immune donors, the percent of both CD3 lymphocytes and NK cells expressing IFN-gamma after 24h of T27K was increased above control (p<0.05), while the percent of NK cells producing TNF-alpha in response to T27K was not greater than control. Depletion of NK cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells resulted in significant increases in TNF-alpha and IL-10 (for both, p<0.05) but resulted in no significant decrease in IFN-gamma or IL-2. These data demonstrate a differential response to stimulation with the coccidioidal antigen T27K among donors with coccidioidomycosis that can be manipulated by cell type and cytokine environment.     

Virus-induced interferon alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta) production by T cells and by Th1 and Th2 helper T cell clones: a study of the immunoregulatory actions of IFN-gamma versus IFN-alpha/beta on functions of different T cell populations

Spleen cells, resting T cells, activated T cells, and T cell clones characterized as type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) were investigated for their ability to produce interferon (IFN) following in vitro culture with Newcastle disease virus (NDV). All of the above cell populations, including both Th1 and Th2 T cell clones, produced high levels of IFN following in vitro culture with NDV. This IFN was characterized as a mixture of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta with IFN-alpha being the predominate species of IFN contained in the mixture. IL-2 greatly enhanced the production of IFN-alpha/beta by all cell populations in response to NDV. These different T cell populations responded very differently to the immunoregulatory actions of IFN-gamma versus IFN-alpha/beta. IFN-alpha/beta was shown to be a potent inhibitor of Con A or IL-2-induced proliferation of different T cell populations. This inhibition was not associated with a reduction in lymphokine production since spleen cells or Th1 T cell clones cultured with Con A and IFN-alpha/beta had no decrease in IL-2 or IFN-gamma production when compared to Con A-stimulated control cultures. IFN-gamma had little to no inhibitory activity on Con A-induced proliferation of spleen cells. In fact, Con A-induced proliferation was usually enhanced by IFN-gamma when nylon wool-enriched T cells were assessed. Different results were observed when IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta were investigated for their ability to inhibit IL-2-induced proliferation of different T helper cell clones. IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta were both capable of inhibiting IL-2-induced proliferation of T cell clones characterized as type 2 (Th2). In contrast, IFN-gamma had no effect on IL-2-induced proliferation of Th1 clones. IFN-alpha/beta, however, inhibited IL-2-induced proliferative responses of both Th1 and Th2 T cell clones. These results document the facts that (1) IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta differ in their immunoregulatory actions, (2) different T cell subpopulations vary in their susceptibility to IFN-gamma regulation, and (3) virus induction of IFN-alpha/beta appears to be a ubiquitous function associated with different T cell populations.     

IL-4 induces in vivo production of IFN-gamma by NK and NKT cells

Although IL-4 and IFN-gamma often have opposite effects and suppress each other's production by T cells, IL-4 can stimulate IFN-gamma production. To characterize this, we injected mice with IL-4 and quantified IFN-gamma production with the in vivo cytokine capture assay. IL-4 induced Stat6-dependent IFN-gamma production by NK and, to a lesser extent, NKT cells, but not conventional T cells, in 2-4 h. Increased IFN-gamma production persisted at a constant rate for >24 h, but eventually declined, even with continuing IL-4 stimulation. This eventual decline in IFN-gamma production was accompanied by a decrease in NK and T cell numbers. Consistent with a dominant role for NK cells in IL-4-stimulated IFN-gamma secretion, IL-4 induction of IFN-gamma was B and T cell-independent; suppressed by an anti-IL-2Rbeta mAb that eliminates most NK and NKT cells; reduced in Stat4-deficient mice, which have decreased numbers of NK cells; and absent in Rag2/gamma(c)-double-deficient mice, which lack T, B, and NK cells. IL-4-induced IFN-gamma production was not affected by neutralizing IL-12p40 and was increased by neutralizing IL-2. IL-13, which signals through the type 2 IL-4R and mimics many IL-4 effects, failed to stimulate IFN-gamma production and, in most experiments, suppressed basal IFN-gamma production. Thus, IL-4, acting through the type 1 IL-4R, induces Stat6-dependent IFN-gamma secretion by NK and NKT cells. This explains how IL-4 can contribute to Th1 cytokine-associated immune effector functions and suggests how IL-13 can have stronger proallergic effects than IL-4.     

Activated T lymphocytes regulate hyaluronan binding to monocyte CD44 via production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma

Interactions of the cell surface proteoglycan CD44 with the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) are important during inflammatory immune responses. Our previous studies indicated that monocyte HA binding could be induced by TNF-alpha. Moreover, monocyte HA binding could be markedly up-regulated by culturing PBMC with anti-CD3 (TCR complex) mAbs. The present study was undertaken to identify soluble factors and/or cell surface molecules of activated T lymphocytes that might regulate HA binding to monocytes. Abs to IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-10, IL-15, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha were tested for their effects on anti-CD3 mAb-, Con A-, and PMA/ionomycin-mediated monocyte HA binding in PBMC cultures. Anti-TNF-alpha, anti-IL-2, and anti-IFN-gamma Abs, when added together to PBMC cultures, completely blocked Con A- and partially blocked anti-CD3- and PMA/ionomycin-induced monocyte HA binding. Furthermore, when added together to PBMC cultures, IL-2 and TNF-alpha induced high levels of monocyte HA binding. Likewise, IFN-gamma augmented TNF-alpha-induced monocyte HA binding. To investigate the role of T cell-monocyte direct contact in induction of monocyte HA binding, we studied PMA/ionomycin-activated, paraformaldehyde-fixed CD4(+) T cells in these assays. Fixed, PMA/ionomycin-activated CD4(+) T lymphocytes induced monocyte HA binding, but direct T cell-monocyte contact was not required. Moreover, anti-IFN-gamma and anti-TNF-alpha Abs blocked fixed PMA/ionomycin-activated CD4(+) T cell-induced monocyte HA binding. Taken together, these studies indicate roles for soluble T lymphocyte-derived factor(s), such as IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and a role for monocyte-derived TNF-alpha in Con A-, TCR complex-, and PMA/ionomycin-induced HA binding to monocyte CD44.     

Oral tolerance in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. III. Evidence for clonal anergy.

We have recently reported that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be suppressed by the oral administration of myelin basic protein (MBP). The oral introduction of 20 mg MBP together with a trypsin inhibitor results in inhibition of EAE clinical signs, decreased CNS histopathologic changes and dramatically reduced MBP-specific proliferative responses in fed and challenged Lewis rats. In the present study, we have investigated the mechanism underlying MBP-induced oral tolerance in EAE. Neither lymphoid cells (lymph node cells, spleen cells, Peyer's patch lymphocytes, thymocytes) nor humoral elements derived from tolerant donors were capable of transferring the tolerance to naive recipients. Moreover, lymphoid cells obtained from orally tolerant donors exhibited a marked decrease in their capacity to transfer EAE to naive recipient rats, even after in vitro activation with MBP or Con A. We observed that EAE could be readily transferred into orally tolerant rats using MBP-specific encephalitogenic T cell lines. In vitro cell mixing studies showed that the proliferation of lymphocytes from MBP-sensitized donors was not inhibited by the addition of lymphoid cells from tolerant donors, arguing against the role of a suppressor cell. Investigation of MBP-stimulated lymphokine production showed that both IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels were substantially decreased in spleen and lymph node cell cultures from MBP-fed rats compared to vehicle-fed control animals. Furthermore, limiting dilution analyses revealed that MBP-fed rats exhibited a profound decrease in MBP-reactive, IL-2-secreting lymphocytes relative to control animals. Thus, because lymphocytes from MBP-fed rats neither proliferate nor secrete IL-2 or IFN-gamma in response to MBP and we can find no compelling evidence for the role of suppressor cells, we propose that the oral administration of MBP results in a state of clonal anergy.     

Identification of profound peripheral T lymphocyte immunodeficiencies in the spontaneously diabetic BB rat

The BB rat is presently the best available animal model for human insulin dependent diabetes (IDD). Because of the extreme susceptibility of the strain to opportunistic infections and because current studies suggest that they have an autoimmune diathesis, of which IDD is but one result, aspects of the immune system of the BB rat were studied. Severe T lymphopenia was observed in all BB rats, irrespective of sex or the presence of IDD, while numbers of B cells and serum immunoglobulin levels were normal. Both the helper T lymphocyte and cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocyte subsets, defined by reactions with monoclonal antibodies, were depressed, and an inversion of the helper T cell subset to cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocyte subset ratio occurred in all BB rats with increasing maturity. Concomitantly, severe impairments of T cell-mediated immune responses were noted. BB rats poorly rejected allografts across both major and minor histocompatibility barriers, and BB splenic or peripheral blood lymphocytes had markedly defective proliferative responses to mitogens and to allogeneic cells in MLC. Irradiated and nonirradiated BB spleen cells did not inhibit WF mitogenic or MLC responses, which suggests that the T cell defect in BB rats is not solely due to increased suppressor activity. Because irradiated WF cells and Con A supernatants did not restore BB proliferative responses, and BB lymphocytes were able to produce IL-2 normally, a reduced ability of BB lymphocytes to respond to helper factors such as IL-2 is suggested. In contrast to T lymphocytes from spleen or peripheral blood, BB thymocytes responded as well as did WF thymocytes to Con A or Con A supernatants. Percentages of T lymphocyte subsets and histology of BB thymuses were also normal when compared to WF thymuses. However, spleens and lymph nodes from BB rats were severely depleted of T lymphocytes, and thymocytotoxic autoantibodies were detected in many BB rat sera. The above findings indicate that BB rats have T lymphocyte immunoincompetence, which appears to be a post-thymic or peripherally acquired maturational defect.     

A distinct IL-18-induced pathway to fully activate NK T lymphocytes independently from TCR engagement

NK T lymphocytes are characterized by their ability to promptly generate IL-4 and IFN-gamma upon TCR engagement. Here, we demonstrate that these cells can also be fully activated in the absence of TCR cross-linking in response to the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 associated with IL-12. NK T cells stimulated with IL-18 plus IL-12 proliferated, killed Fas+ target cells, and produced high levels of IFN-gamma without IL-4. In these conditions, IFN-gamma production was at least 10-fold higher than that upon TCR cross-linking. Interestingly, a 2-h pretreatment with IL-12 plus IL-18 sufficed to maintain the high IFN-gamma-producing potential during subsequent stimulation with anti-TCR mAbs or with the specific Ag alpha-galactosylceramide. Similar effects were observed in vivo, because splenic CD4+ NK T cells from MHC class II-deficient mice secreted IFN-gamma without further stimulation when removed 2 h after a single injection of IL-12 plus IL-18. In conclusion, our evidence for activation of NK T lymphocytes in response to IL-18 plus IL-12 in the absence of TCR engagement together with the maintenance of preferential IFN-gamma vs IL-4 production upon subsequent exposure to specific Ags is consistent with the active participation of this cell population in innate as well as acquired cellular immune responses.     

Dendritic cells and NK cells stimulate bystander T cell activation in response to TLR agonists through secretion of IFN-alpha beta and IFN-gamma

Recognition of conserved features of infectious agents by innate pathogen receptors plays an important role in initiating the adaptive immune response. We have investigated early changes occurring among T cells after injection of TLR agonists into mice. Widespread, transient phenotypic activation of both naive and memory T cells was observed rapidly after injection of molecules acting through TLR3, -4, -7, and -9, but not TLR2. T cell activation was shown to be mediated by a combination of IFN-alphabeta, secreted by dendritic cells (DCs), and IFN-gamma, secreted by NK cells; notably, IFN-gamma-secreting NK cells expressed CD11c and copurified with DCs. Production of IFN-gamma by NK cells could be stimulated by DCs from TLR agonist-injected mice, and although soluble factors secreted by LPS-stimulated DCs were sufficient to induce IFN-gamma, maximal IFN-gamma production required both direct contact of NK cells with DCs and DC-secreted cytokines. In vitro, IFN-alphabeta, IL-18, and IL-12 all contributed to DC stimulation of NK cell IFN-gamma, whereas IFN-alphabeta was shown to be important for induction of T cell bystander activation and NK cell IFN-gamma production in vivo. The results delineate a pathway involving innate immune mediators through which TLR agonists trigger bystander activation of T cells.     

Splenic and inguinal lymph node T cells of aged mice respond differently to polyclonal and antigen-specific stimuli.

Numerous changes have been reported to occur in T cell responsiveness of mice with increasing age. However, most of these studies have examined polyclonal stimulation of spleen cells from a limited number of mouse strains. This study investigated the influence of genetic background, source of lymphocytes, and type of stimulus on age-associated changes in T cells response. Con A-induced proliferation and IL-2 and IFN-gamma production by splenic lymphocytes (SL) was significantly greater in CBA/Ca mice compared to C57BL/6 mice, regardless of age. SL of both strains exhibited the predicted age-dependent decline in proliferative response and an increase in IFN-gamma production in response to Con A. In contrast, however, only SL from C57BL/6 mice demonstrated the predicted age-dependent decline in Con A-induced IL-2 production; Con A-induced SL of young and aged CBA/Ca mice produced comparable amounts of IL-2. Differences in age-associated responses to Con A were also observed between SL and inguinal lymph node (ILN) cells of CBA/Ca mice. In contrast to SL, ILN cells demonstrated an increased proliferative response to Con A. However, lymphokine production by Con A-stimulated ILN cells from aged CBA/Ca mice was similar to that of Con A-stimulated SL from aged CBA/Ca mice. To determine if aged ILN T cells respond similarly to polyclonal and antigen-specific stimuli, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) responses of T cells isolated from ILN of aged and young CBA/Ca mice were examined. KLH-specific T cells from aged mice cultured with KLH-pulsed macrophages (M phi) from aged mice were significantly reduced in their ability to proliferate compared to KLH-specific T cells of young mice cultured with young KLH-pulsed M phi. In contrast to the expected results, the defect was not at the level of the T cells; proliferation of young T cells cultured with aged KLH-pulsed M phi was equivalent to the proliferation of aged T cells cultured with aged M phi. These results suggest that aging has differential effects on polyclonal and antigen-specific T cell proliferation and on polyclonal stimulation of T cells isolated from different lymphoid organs and from different strains of mice.     

Mononuclear phagocyte-derived IL-10 suppresses the innate IL-12/IFN-gamma axis in lung-challenged aged mice

Previously, we reported that IL-10-producing mononuclear phagocytes increase in lungs of aged mice, causing impaired innate cytokine expression. Since dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to innate NK cell and adaptive T cell immunity, we tested the hypothesis that age-related IL-10 might influence DC function with effects on NK and T cell activation. The results showed that DC recruitment to sites of lung inflammation was normal in aged mice (>20 mo). However, IFN-gamma-producing NK cells in LPS-challenged lungs were decreased in aged as compared with young mice, which was associated with increased IL-10(+)CD11b(+)Gr-1(low)CD11c(-) cells consistent with mononuclear phagocytes. In vivo or in vitro blockade of IL-10 signaling restored IFN-gamma-producing NK cells. This restoration was reversed by IL-12 neutralization, indicating that IL-10 suppressed sources of IL-12 in aged mice. To probe DC function in adaptive immunity, we transferred young naive OVA-specific TCR transgenic T cells to old mice. Following challenge with OVA plus LPS, Ag presentation in the context of MHC-I and MHC-II occurred with similar kinetics and intensity in draining lymph nodes of young and old recipients as measured by proliferation. Despite this, aged hosts displayed impaired induction of IFN-gamma(+)CD4(+), but not IFN-gamma(+)CD8(+), effector T cells. Blockade of IL-10 signaling reversed age-associated defects. These studies indicate that the innate IL-12/IFN-gamma axis is not intrinsically defective in lungs of aged mice, but is rather suppressed by enhanced production of mononuclear phagocyte-derived IL-10. Our data identify a novel mechanism of age-associated immune deficiency.     

The human liver contains multiple populations of NK cells, T cells, and CD3+CD56+ natural T cells with distinct cytotoxic activities and Th1, Th2, and Th0 cytokine secretion patterns.

The human liver contains significant numbers of T cells, NK cells, and lymphocytes that coexpress T and NK cell receptors. To evaluate their functional activities, we have compared the cytotoxic activities and cytokines produced by normal adult hepatic CD3+CD56- (T) cells, CD3-CD56+ (NK) cells, and CD3+CD56+ (natural T (NT)) cells. In cytotoxicity assays using immunomagnetic bead-purified NK cell, T cell, and NT cell subpopulations as effectors, fresh hepatic NK cells lysed K562 targets, while NT cells could be induced to do so by culturing with IL-2. Both NT and T cells were capable of redirected cytolysis of P815 cells using Abs to CD3. Flow cytometric analysis of cytokine production by fresh hepatic lymphocyte subsets activated by CD3 cross-linking or PMA and ionomycin stimulation indicated that NT cells and T cells could produce IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, and/or IL-4, but little or no IL-5, while NK cells produced IFN-gamma and/or TNF-alpha only. The majority of NT cells produced inflammatory (Th1) cytokines only; however, approximately 6% of all hepatic T cells, which included 5% of Valpha24 TCR-bearing NT cells and 2% of gammadeltaTCR+ cells, simultaneously produced IFN-gamma and IL-4. The existence of such large numbers of cytotoxic lymphocytes with multiple effector functions suggests that the liver is an important site of innate immune responses, early regulation of adaptive immunity, and possibly peripheral deletion of autologous cells.     

Interleukin 2 and concanavalin A stimulate interferon-gamma production in a murine cytolytic T cell clone by different pathways

We identified a variant murine cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone which, in contrast to the parent clone and all other murine T cell populations tested, was found to have acquired spontaneously the ability to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2). IFN-gamma production in response to concanavalin A (Con A), which was characteristic of all T cell populations tested, was preserved in this variant. The IFN produced by the variant in response to either stimulus was active in both a macrophage-activating factor assay and an anti-viral assay. Both activities induced by either stimulus could be blocked by monoclonal anti-IFN-gamma antibodies. Upon Northern blot analysis using an IFN-gamma-specific cDNA probe, the IFN-gamma RNA isolated from variant cells stimulated with Con A or IL-2 were found to migrate equivalently. The unusual pattern of responsiveness in this variant CTL was exploited to compare the mechanisms involved in induction of IFN-gamma production by Con A or IL-2. Striking differences were observed. Unlike IFN-gamma production induced by Con A, IFN-gamma production induced by IL-2 was not accompanied by an elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels, did not require physiologic extracellular Ca2+ levels, and was not inhibited by the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporin A. Thus, in this variant CTL clone, conditions that have ordinarily been associated in an obligate manner with lymphokine gene expression were found instead to be related to the specific mode of stimulation.     

NK cell-like behavior of Valpha14i NK T cells during MCMV infection

Immunity to the murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is critically dependent on the innate response for initial containment of viral replication, resolution of active infection, and proper induction of the adaptive phase of the anti-viral response. In contrast to NK cells, the Valpha14 invariant natural killer T cell response to MCMV has not been examined. We found that Valpha14i NK T cells become activated and produce significant levels of IFN-gamma, but do not proliferate or produce IL-4 following MCMV infection. In vivo treatment with an anti-CD1d mAb and adoptive transfer of Valpha14i NK T cells into MCMV-infected CD1d(-/-) mice demonstrate that CD1d is dispensable for Valpha14i NK T cell activation. In contrast, both IFN-alpha/beta and IL-12 are required for optimal activation. Valpha14i NK T cell-derived IFN-gamma is partially dependent on IFN-alpha/beta but highly dependent on IL-12. Valpha14i NK T cells contribute to the immune response to MCMV and amplify NK cell-derived IFN-gamma. Importantly, mortality is increased in CD1d(-/-) mice in response to high dose MCMV infection when compared to heterozygote littermate controls. Collectively, these findings illustrate the plasticity of Valpha14i NK T cells that act as effector T cells during bacterial infection, but have NK cell-like behavior during the innate immune response to MCMV infection.     

Flow cytometric visualisation of cytokine production by CD3-CD56+ NK cells and CD3+CD56+ NK-T cells in whole blood

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells produce multiple cytokines with potential immune regulatory roles. We standardised a whole-blood flow cytometry method to visualise intracellular cytokine production by NK cells for the study of NK cell biology and for clinical monitoring. METHODS: With a three-colour fluorescent labelling technique, specific cytokine production by NK or T cells was visualised directly in whole blood in the same sample after stimulation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin and by electronically gating on the CD3-ve/CD56+ve NK population or on the CD3+/CD56+ NK-T-cell population. RESULTS: Detectable levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) but not of interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-4 were easily observed in NK cells. The visualisation of the cytokine production by NK cells was dependent on the addition of a Golgi transport inhibitor, Brefeldin A. Other known stimuli for NK cells (IL-2 and CD16 monoclonal antibody and incubation with K562, the NK-sensitive cell line) promoted IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production in NK cells to a lesser extent than did PMA and ionomycin stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: This whole-blood flow cytometric assay appears to be an useful and easy method to examine cytokine production by NK cells and/or by CD3+CD56+ NK-T lymphocytes in patients with relevant diseases.     

Selective expansion and partial activation of human NK cells and NK receptor-positive T cells by IL-2 and IL-15.

IL-2 and IL-15 are lymphocyte growth factors produced by different cell types with overlapping functions in immune responses. Both cytokines costimulate lymphocyte proliferation and activation, while IL-15 additionally promotes the development and survival of NK cells, NKT cells, and intraepithelial lymphocytes. We have investigated the effects of IL-2 and IL-15 on proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine secretion by human PBMC subpopulations in vitro. Both cytokines selectively induced the proliferation of NK cells and CD56(+) T cells, but not CD56(-) lymphocytes. All NK and CD56(+) T cell subpopulations tested (CD4(+), CD8(+), CD4(-)CD8(-), alphabetaTCR(+), gammadeltaTCR(+), CD16(+), CD161(+), CD158a(+), CD158b(+), KIR3DL1(+), and CD94(+)) expanded in response to both cytokines, whereas all CD56(-) cell subpopulations did not. Therefore, previously reported IL-15-induced gammadelta and CD8(+) T cell expansions reflect proliferations of NK and CD56(+) T cells that most frequently express these phenotypes. IL-15 also expanded CD8alpha(+)beta(-) and Valpha24Vbeta11 TCR(+) T cells. Both cytokines stimulated cytotoxicity by NK and CD56(+) T cells against K562 targets, but not the production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, or IL-4. However, they augmented cytokine production in response to phorbol ester stimulation or CD3 cross-linking by inducing the proliferation of NK cells and CD56(+) T cells that produce these cytokines at greater frequencies than other T cells. These results indicate that IL-2 and IL-15 act at different stages of the immune response by expanding and partially activating NK receptor-positive lymphocytes, but, on their own, do not influence the Th1/Th2 balance of adaptive immune responses.