胡萝卜及其愈伤组织细胞质Ca~(2 )水平分析的研究

为测定植物细胞质内[Ca~(2 )]_i,对胡萝卜(Daucus carota var.sativa DC.)原生质体制备介质做了改进,并在正常生理条件下,用温和的、非损伤性的方法将Ca~(2 )荧光指示剂indo-1 K~ 和fura-2 K~ 导入该原生质体,能很好地标记细胞质内的游离Ca~(2 )。在此基础上,用显微荧光光度单波法测定被标记原生质体单个细胞胞质[Ca~(2 )]_i。结果表明:被indo-1 K~ 标记的胡萝卜及其愈伤组织的原生质体[Ca~(2 )]_i分别为88.3nmol/L和263.0nmol/L;fura-2 K~ 标记的分别为99.9nmol/L和255.5nmol/L。由此可见,脱分化的、处在细胞周期中的愈伤组织细胞质中[Ca~(2 )]_i远高于分化了的、处于静息态的胡萝卜细胞。此外,为了确认测量的可靠性,对两种Ca~(2 )荧光指示剂分别做了体外校正,证明其线性相关。     

绿脓菌素激活MAPKs、NF-KB信号通路诱导呼吸道上皮细胞IL-8表达

采用绿脓杆菌培养上清及绿脓菌素刺激人呼吸道上皮细胞株A549和SPC-A-1,用ELISA方法检测细胞IL-8分泌水平,并使用免疫印迹(Western blot)方法观察绿脓菌素对细胞内重要的炎症信号传导途径NF—κB及丝裂原激活蛋白激酶(MAPKs)的激活作用。实验发现,绿脓杆菌培养上清及绿脓菌素可诱导呼吸道上皮细胞株IL-8分泌增加,且具有剂量依赖效应。绿脓菌素刺激细胞可使细胞内IκB—α发生降解,同时使MAPK家族蛋白分子(ERK1／2、p38、JNK)发生磷酸化。MEK1／2(ERK1／2激酶)抑制剂U0126(10μmol／L)和p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580(10μmol／L)可降低绿脓菌素诱导A549细胞IL-8的合成。以上结果显示绿脓菌素通过MAPK信号传导通路增强呼吸道上皮细胞IL-8的表达;NF-κB通路也参与了绿脓菌素调控细胞IL-8表达的过程。     

罗格列酮对大鼠肺组织IL-4、IL-8和TNFα的影响

目的 研究过氧化物酶体增殖物激活的受体γ(PPARγ)激动剂罗格列酮对大鼠肺白介素-8(IL-8)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白介素-4(IL-4)的影响.方法 将SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组和罗格列酮组.制备肺组织匀浆和支气管肺泡灌洗液,用放免法检测IL-8、TNF-α,用ELISA法测IL-4.结果 罗格列酮组大鼠肺组织匀浆的IL-4含量[(5.36±1.08) ng/mL]高于正常对照组[(3.48±1.70) ng/mL],P＜0.01.其他指标差异无统计学意义.结论 激活PPAR-γ可诱导肺组织产生IL-4.     

人IL-35单克隆抗体制备及其在定量ELISA检测方法中的应用

为了建立人白细胞介素-35 (IL-35)的定量ELISA检测方法,RT-PCR克隆了人IL-35的IL-27EBI3亚基和IL-12p35亚基的编码基因,在大肠杆菌中实现了2个亚基的高效表达。以大肠杆菌表达的IL-27EBI3和IL-12p35重组蛋白作为免疫原,免疫BaLb/c小鼠,选取阳性血清小鼠的脾细胞与小鼠骨髓瘤SP2/0细胞融合,用间接ELISA和有限稀释法进行单克隆杂交瘤细胞的筛选和克隆,获得了稳定分泌抗IL-27EBI3和抗IL-12p35单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞株。在效价测定和特异性鉴定的基础上,进一步筛选出一株能稳定分泌抗IL-27EBI3单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞株3B11和一株能稳定分泌抗IL-12p35单克隆抗体杂交瘤细胞株3A10,亚类鉴定两株单抗均为IgG1。应用单抗3B11和3A10建立了IL-35双抗夹心定量ELISA检测方法,借助生物素-亲和素放大效应,该方法检测IL-35线性范围为3.12–200pg/mL,最低检测限为1.26pg/mL,与多种其他抗原的交叉反应率为0.1%,批内相对标准偏差(RSD)为5.1%–5.6%,批间RSD为5.6%–7.2%,添加回收率为89%–103%,达到定量分析的要求,为进一步组装IL-35定量ELISA检测试剂盒打下了基础。     

TAK1基因沉默对TNF-a诱导的滑膜细胞IL-6、IL-8表达的影响

目的:观察转化生长因子β激活激酶1(TAK1)基因沉默对肿瘤坏死因子a(TNF-a)诱导的滑膜细胞中促炎介质白介素-6(IL-6)和白介素-8(IL-8)表达的影响,以探讨TAK1在类风湿关节炎(RA)发病中的作用。方法:采取脂质体转染方法将TAK1特异性的小干扰RNA(siRNA)和阴性对照RNA(scRNA)导入类风湿关节炎的滑膜成纤维细胞株MH7A细胞,然后分别用20 ng/ml TNF-a刺激后,检测细胞内IL-6、IL-8 mRNA的表达和培养上清中IL-6和IL-8分泌情况以及p38、ERK、JNK、p65磷酸化的水平和抑制性蛋白IκBα的变化情况。结果:siRNATAK1转染72 h后滑膜细胞中TAK mRNA和蛋白表达的平均抑制率分别为75%和55%。siRNA-TAK1转染下调TNF-a诱导状态下IL-6和IL-8的表达,并能抑制p38、JNK、p65磷酸化和增加IκBα水平。结论:TAK1基因沉默能抑制TNF-a诱导的滑膜细胞IL-6、IL-8表达,可能与其抑制JNK和p38MAPK的活化及NF-κB的活化有关。     

用噬菌体随机肽库筛选SARS冠状病毒S蛋白单克隆抗体2C5的模拟表位

SARS-CoVS蛋白特异的单克隆抗体2C5具有病毒中和作用。以单克隆抗体2C5为筛选靶分子,筛选噬菌体展示随机7肽库。经三轮淘洗后随机挑选20个噬菌体克隆进行ELISA分析和序列测定。在10个ELISAOD值大于0.2的阳性噬菌体克隆中,有8个噬菌体克隆展示有共同的7肽序列TPEQQFT。展示有该序列的噬菌体克隆能竞争抑制SARS-CoVS蛋白抗原与单抗2C5的结合。结果表明TPEQQFT为单克隆抗体2C5的模拟表位。该结果可对进一步研究S蛋白结构与功能和设计SARS疫苗有一定的参考意义。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ增加新生鼠脑细胞胞浆Ca~(2+)浓度

本文应用荧光钙测定技术观察了血管紧张素Ⅱ(AⅡ)对新生Wistar鼠脑细胞胞浆Ca~(2+)浓度([Ca~(2+)]_i)的影响。结果表明:血管紧张素Ⅱ在1nmol/L—1μmol/L浓度下可诱导新生鼠脑细胞[Ca~(2+)]_i增加,具量效关系。在无外Ca~(2+)存在对,其增加幅度有所减少。上述效应可被血管紧张素Ⅱ拮抗剂Saralasin所阻断,并呈剂量依赖关系。上述结果提示,血管紧张素Ⅱ可激活血管紧张素AⅡ受体,增加脑细胞[Ca~(2+)]_i,该效应通过细胞内Ca~(2+)释放和细胞外Ca~(2+)内流两条适径实现,前者的作用是主要的。     

在ts-RSV LA90细胞转化过程中钙流变化的研究

本文以ts-RSV LA90细胞为模型,用放射性同位素示踪技术测定了通过细胞质膜的~(45)Ca~(2+)流水平;同时用钙指示剂Indo-1 AM和光学多道分析仪测定了胞内[Ca~(2+)]_i,初步研究了Ca~(2+)流和[Ca~(2+)]_i在v-src基因引起细胞转化过程中的动态变化。结果表明LA90细胞质膜上~(45)Ca~(2+)流的改变是细胞转化过程中可以检测到的早期事件之一,转化状态(33℃)细胞的~(45)Ca~(2+)流大于正常状态(40℃)的,细胞从正常到转化(40℃→33℃)的25分钟内~(45)Ca~(2+)流就有明显增大。TMB-8可以抑制转化引起的~(45)Ca~(2+)流出的增大,小牛血清可以刺激正常状态细胞的~(45)Ca~(2+)流出增大,~(45)Ca~(2+)流出与温度有一定依赖关系;细胞转化引起的~(45)Ca~(2+)流入增大,可被异博定抑制,~(45)Ca~(2+)流入不受温度的影响。LA90细胞[Ca~(2+)]_i在转化早期有明显升高,并维持在较正常细胞高2—3倍的水平,A23187-Br可提高正常LA90细胞[Ca~(2+)]_i,[Ca~(2+)]_i不受温度的影响。从质膜上~(45)Ca~(2+)流和[Ca~(2+)]_i的增大说明转化细胞虽然对胞外Ca~(2+)浓度依赖性下降,但维持增殖及转化状态仍然需要一定的胞外Ca~(2+),并通过提高质膜Ca~(2+)流入和释放内源性Ca~(2+),使转化细胞[Ca~(2+)]_i维持在较高水平上。LA90细膜质膜上~(45)Ca~(2+)流和[Ca~(2+)]_i的增大在细胞转化中起着重大作用。     

应用流式细胞仪研究抗IL——8单抗对IL——8激活人颗粒细胞活力的中和作用

以ＩＬ－８免疫的ＢＡＬＢ／Ｃ小鼠脾细胞与Ｓｐ２／０或６５３小鼠骨髓瘤细胞融合构建了淋巴细胞杂交瘤克隆Ｉ８－Ｓ２和Ｉ８－６３。ＥＬＩＳＡ叠加试验（ＥＬＩＳＡ Ａｄｄｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ Ｔｅｓｔ）表明这两杂交瘤克隆分泌的单抗分别识别ＩＬ－８分子的不同表位。ＩＬ－８能激活人颗粒细胞,引起细胞内Ｃａ＾２＋浓度（「Ｃａ＾２＋」）上升。通过流式细胞仪分析「Ｃａ＾２＋」的变化,发现两个克隆单抗对ＩＬ－８激活细胞的活     

GM-CSF和IL-4增强Aβ表位DNA疫苗的免疫原性研究

目的:探究和评价粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(GM-CSF)及白细胞介素4(IL-4)作为β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)表位DNA疫苗的分子佐剂,增强DNA疫苗体液和细胞免疫反应的水平。方法:阿尔茨海默病DNA表位疫苗p VAX1-6Aβ15-T分别与重组DNA分子佐剂p VAX1-S-IL-4和p VAX1-S-GM-CSF联合免疫BALB/c小鼠,并检测其免疫原性。结果:分子佐剂IL-4组相比单独的DNA表位疫苗p VAX1-6Aβ15-T组抗体水平具有一定程度的提高;GM-CSF能明显提高DNA疫苗Aβ特异的抗体水平和泛DR辅助T细胞表位(PADRE)特异的细胞免疫反应,4次免疫后其抗体滴度提高了4倍。结论:GM-CSF佐剂能够有效地用于今后阿尔茨海默病DNA表位疫苗的研究中。     

Cytotoxic activity and lymphokine production of T cell receptor (TCR)-alpha beta+ and TCR-gamma delta+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones recognizing HLA-A2 and HLA-A2 mutants. Recognition of TCR-gamma delta+ CTL clones is affected by mutations at positions 152 and 156

TCR-gamma delta+ CTL clones were generated from CD4-CD8- T cells that were stimulated twice with the cell line JY. Either IL-2 or IL-4 was used as growth factor. A number of TCR-gamma delta+ clones were found to lyse the stimulator cell line JY. Two of these clones secreted N alpha-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine thiobenzyl ester serine esterase activity after stimulation with JY cells. The cytotoxic activity of these two clones was blocked by a mAb specific for HLA-A2. Moreover, these two TCR-gamma delta+ clones selectively lysed human fibroblast line M1 and murine P815 cells transfected with DNA fragments encoding HLA-A2 but not those transfected with HLA-B7 encoding DNA, indicating that these clones recognize HLA-A2. Analysis of the recognition of HLA-A2 by using target cells transfected with mutated HLA-A2 encoding genes revealed that the nature of the amino acid at position 152 of the molecule is critical for recognition of the TCR-alpha beta+ as well as the TCR-gamma delta+ CTL clones since replacement of Val for Ala at that position resulted in abrogation of recognition of one TCR-gamma delta+ and one TCR-alpha beta+ clone and substitution of Val for Glu affected recognition of all clones. Substitution of Leu for Trp at position 156 abrogated recognition by one TCR-gamma delta+ and one TCR-alpha beta+ T cell clone, but recognition by the other clones was not changed. All clones were able to secrete IL-2, IFN-gamma, and GM-CSF but not IL-4 after activation.     

Frequency analysis of CD4+CD8+ T cells cloned with IL-4

The coexpression of both CD4 and CD8 molecules on T cells occurs in the peripheral blood at a low frequency and can be generated transiently on CD4+ peripheral blood T cells by treatment with lectin which induces CD8 biosynthesis and cell surface expression. We have cloned T cells in a nonselective fashion from normal subjects in the presence of either IL-2, rIL-4 and IL-2, or rIL-4 and have examined the phenotypic expression of CD4 and CD8. The addition of excess rIL-4 increased the expression of CD8 on the surface of CD4+ T cell clones but did not increase CD4 expression on CD8+ T cell clones. There were three patterns of CD4 and CD8 expression observed: high density CD8 with no CD4 expression; high density CD4 with low CD8 expression; or high density CD4 with higher cell surface CD8 expression which was regulated by the presence of rIL-4. CD4+ T cell clones originally cultured in IL-2 and rIL-4 and subsequently grown in IL-2 alone exhibited decreased expression of the CD8 molecule. The increased expression of CD8 did not correlate with NK activity or lectin-dependent cytotoxicity in an antigen independent system. In addition, rIL-4 alone or in combination with IL-2 appeared to accelerate the growth curve of T cell clones as compared to IL-2 alone. These results show that IL-4 can upregulate CD8 expression on CD4+ T cell clones while not effecting CD4 expression on CD8+ T cell clones. As class I MHC is the ligand for the CD8 molecule, expression of CD8 induced by IL-4 on CD4+ T cells may allow for increased nonspecific cell to cell contact during the course of an inflammatory response.     

T cell activation-inducing epitopes of the house dust mite allergen Der p I. Proliferation and lymphokine production patterns by Der p I-specific CD4+ T cell clones.

Cloned human CD4+ T cell lines specific for the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were used to map minimal T cell activation-inducing epitopes on the Group I allergen in D. pteronyssinus extracts (Der p I) molecule. Most of these Der p I-specific T cell clones expressed different TCR V alpha and V beta gene products. Using recombinant deletion proteins, three T cell epitopes were identified on the Der p I molecule; p45-67 and p117-143 were recognized by HLA-DR7-restricted T cells, whereas p94-104 was recognized in the context of HLA-DR2, DRw11 (DR5), and -DR8 molecules. This degenerate class II MHC restriction appears to be due to shared Phe and Asp residues at positions 67 and 70, respectively, in the third variable domain of the HLA-DR beta chain. All three T cell epitopes induced Th2-like cytokine production profiles by the Der p I-specific T cell clones, which were characterized by the production of very high levels of IL-4 and IL-5, as compared with those secreted by tetanus toxin-specific T cell clones derived from the same patients, but no or low amounts of IL-2 and IFN-gamma. This Th2-like production profile was, however, not an intrinsic property of the Der p I-specific T cells, but was dependent upon their mode of activation. Stimulation with Con A also induced very low or no measurable levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma, whereas activation with TPA and the calcium ionophore A23187 resulted in the production of high levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-2, and IFN-gamma. These results indicate that Der p I-specific T cell clones are not defective in their capacity to produce high levels of Th1 cytokines.     

Activation of human T cell clones and Jurkat cells by cross-linking class I MHC molecules

Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on human T cell clones by reacting them with various mAb directed at either monomorphic or polymorphic determinants on class I MHC molecules followed by cross-linking with GaMIg stimulated a rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and induced proliferation and IL-2 production. T cell clones varied in the mean density of class I MHC molecules and the capacity to respond to mAb to class I MHC molecules. However, the functional responses of the clones did not correlate with class I MHC density or the CD4/CD8 phenotype. mAb to polymorphic class I MHC determinants were less able to induce an increase in [Ca2+]i and a functional response in the T cell clones. Additive stimulatory effects were noted when mAb against both HLA-A and HLA-B determinants were employed. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on Jurkat cells induced a rise by [Ca2+]i and induced IL-2 production upon co-stimulation with PMA. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on mutant Jurkat cells that expressed diminished levels of CD3 and were unable to produce IL-2 in response to anti-CD3 stimulation triggered both a rise in [Ca2+]i and IL-2 production with PMA co-stimulation. In contrast, cross-linking class I MHC molecules on mutant Jurkat cells that were CD3- stimulated neither a rise in [Ca2+]i nor IL-2 production. The combination of mAb to CD28 or ionomycin and PMA, however, was able to induce IL-2 production by CD3- Jurkat cells. The data demonstrate that cross-linking class I MHC molecules delivers a functionally important signal to T cell clones and Jurkat cells and indicate that class I MHC molecules may function to transduce activation signals to T cells. In addition, the data demonstrate that transmission of an activation signal via class I MHC molecules requires CD3 expression. The data, therefore, support a central role for CD3 in the transduction of activation signals to T cells via class I MHC molecules.     

Analysis of the functional capabilities of CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ human T cell clones

The functional capabilities of human peripheral blood CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cell clones were examined. The clones were generated by culturing purified populations of CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cells at limiting dilution (0.3 cell/well) in the presence of PHA, rIL-2, and irradiated PBMC as feeders. Twelve CD3+CD4-CD8- and 5 CD3+CD4+CD8+ clones were generated. Clonality was documented by analyzing TCR gamma- and beta-chain rearrangement patterns. All CD3+CD4-CD8- clones were stained by the TCR-delta 1 mAb that identifies a framework epitope of the TCR delta-chain, but not by mAb WT31 that identifies the TCR-alpha beta on mature T cells. In contrast, the CD3+CD4+CD8+ clones were all stained by WT31 and not by TCR-delta 1. All 17 clones were screened for various functional activities. Each secreted IL-2, IFN-gamma, and lymphotoxin/TNF-like factors when stimulated with immobilized mAb to CD3 (64.1), albeit in varying quantities. These clones secreted far less IL-2 and IFN-gamma than CD3+CD4+CD8- or CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta expressing clones, but comparable amounts of lymphotoxin/TNF. All clones also functioned as MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic cells. This activity was comparable to that mediated by the CD3+CD4+CD8- or CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta clones. Nine of 12 CD3+CD4-CD8- and 4 of 5 CD3+CD4+CD8+ clones were able to support B cell differentiation when activated by immobilized anti-CD3, but usually not as effectively as the CD3+CD4+CD8- or CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta clones. The differences in the functional capabilities of the various clones could not be accounted for by alterations in the signaling capacity of the CD3 molecular complex as mAb to CD3 induced comparable increases in intracellular free calcium in each clone examined. When clones were stimulated with PWM, each suppressed B cell differentiation supported by mitomycin C-treated fresh CD4+ T lymphocytes. Suppression was dependent on the number of clone cells added to culture, but could be observed with as few as 12,500 cells per microtiter well. Phenotypic analysis of the clones revealed that all expressed CD29, CD11b, and the NKH1 surface Ag. These results demonstrate that the CD3+CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cell clones exhibit many of the functional characteristics of mature T cells, although they produce IL-2 and IFN-gamma and provide help for B cell differentiation less effectively than CD3+CD4+CD8- and CD3+CD4-CD8+ alpha beta T cell clones.     

Oxidative stress induces the expression of the major histocompatibility complex in murine tumor cells.

The effect of t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH) on the induction of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I genes has been studied in two cell clones (B9 and G2) of the methylcholanthrene-induced murine fibrosarcoma GR9. These two clones were selected based on their different biological and biochemical behavior specially related to their tumor induction capability when injected into a BALB/c mouse. t-BOOH (0.125 mM) induced the expression of H-2 molecules in both cell clones. In B9 cell clone, in which MHC basal expression is very low or absent, t-BOOH significantly induced H-2Kd, H-2Dd and H-2Ld molecules. In G2 cell clone the expression of MHC class I genes was also enhanced by the xenobiotic, the effect being especially significant on the H-2Ld molecule which is not expressed under basal conditions. H-2 molecules expression was accompanied by the activation of the transactivator factor NF kappa B. These results suggest that oxidative stress may modulate the antigen expression of tumor cells and thus the immune response of the host organism. Basal levels of oxidative parameters, such as anti-oxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and the DNA damaged base 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), showed differences between the two fibrosarcoma cell clones.     

Progressive differentiation and commitment of CD8+ T cells to a poorly cytolytic CD8low phenotype in the presence of IL-4

Exposure to IL-4 during activation of naive murine CD8+ T cells leads to generation of IL-4-producing effector cells with reduced surface CD8, low perforin, granzyme B and granzyme C mRNA, and poor cytolytic function. We show in this study that maximal development of these cells depended on exposure to IL-4 for the first 5 days of activation. Although IL-4 was not required at later times, CD8 T cell clones continued to lose surface CD8 expression with prolonged culture, suggesting commitment to the CD8low phenotype. This state was reversible in early differentiation. When single CD8low cells from 4-day cultures were cultured without IL-4, 65% gave rise to clones that partly or wholly comprised CD8high cells; the proportion of reverted clones was reduced or increased when the cells were cloned in the presence of IL-4 or anti-IL-4 Ab, respectively. CD8 expression positively correlated with perforin and granzyme A, B, and C mRNA, and negatively correlated with IL-4 mRNA levels among these clones. By contrast, most CD8low cells isolated at later time points maintained their phenotype, produced IL-4, and exhibited poor cytolytic function after many weeks in the absence of exogenous IL-4. We conclude that IL-4-dependent down-regulation of CD8 is associated with progressive differentiation and commitment to yield IL-4-producing cells with little cytolytic activity. These data suggest that the CD4-CD8- cells identified in some disease states may be the product of a previously unrecognized pathway of effector differentiation from conventional CD8+ T cells.     

Comparison of phosphorylation and internalization of the antigen receptor/CD3 complex, CD8, and class I MHC-encoded proteins on T cells. Role of intracytoplasmic domains analyzed with hybrid CD8/class I molecules

We analyzed the phosphorylation and the dynamics of TCR/CD3, CD8 and MHC class I molecules during the activation of a CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte clone and of CD8- T helper hybridomas transfected with the gene coding for the native (J. Gabert, C. Langlet, R. Zamoyska, J.R. Parnes, A.M. Schmitt-Verhulst, and B. Malissen. 1987. Reconstitution of MHC class I specificity by transfer of the T cell receptor and Lyt-2 genes. Cell 50:545) or truncated CD8 alpha molecule. The CD3 components gamma and epsilon and the CD8 alpha subunit were phosphorylated after activation of the CTL clone with the protein kinase C activator PMA. Class I MHC molecules were phosphorylated irrespective of PMA activation. Constitutive phosphorylation of the MHC class I products was found to be intrinsic to the transmembrane/cytoplasmic portion of the molecules because it was transferred to the CD8 alpha hybrid molecules composed of extracellular CD8 and MHC class I transmembrane and intracytoplasmic domains (CD8-e/MHC-t-i). Measurements of the dynamics of these cell surface molecules by using radiolabeled mAb revealed distinct behaviors: TCR/CD3 complex ligand internalization was increased (around 50% after 40 to 60 min) after PMA activation, whereas the ligand of class I MHC molecules was internalized at constant rate irrespective of PMA activation. Ligand bound to native CD8 molecules was poorly internalized, irrespective of the activation of the T cells with PMA. The same ligand bound to the CD8-e/MHC-t-i hybrid molecule was internalized at the same rate as a class I MHC molecule ligand, indicating that the behavior of the hybrid molecule was characteristic of the transmembrane/cytoplasmic portion of MHC class I molecules.     

Recombinant interleukin 4 promotes the growth of human T cells

Recently, we reported the isolation of a cDNA clone that encodes a polypeptide which has B cell and T cell growth factor activities. The amino acid sequence of this polypeptide deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA clone showed significant homology with mouse B cell stimulating factor-1. Because of its multiple biologic activities, it was designated interleukin 4 (IL-4). Here we describe the effects of supernatants of Cos-7 mouse cells transfected with the IL-4 coding cDNA clone in a mammalian expression vector, on human thymocyte T cells and T cell clones. The T cell growth-promoting effect of IL-4 on preactivated T cells was not inhibited by monoclonal antibodies against IL-2 or the IL-2 receptor, indicating that the IL-4 activity is independent from IL-2 or the IL-2 receptor. IL-4 induces a low proliferative response in thymocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes, but the response was considerably enhanced by preactivation of the thymocytes or peripheral blood T cells. Both T4+ and T8+ antigen-specific proliferative and cytotoxic T cell clones and T3 natural killer clones proliferated in response to IL-4. But one of six T4+ and one of four T8+ T cell clones were consistently found to be unresponsive. The proliferative responses to IL-4 were always lower than those obtained with IL-2. Most of the T cell clones generally became unresponsive to IL-4 10 days after stimulation, but still responded well to IL-2. These results indicate that the responsiveness to IL-4 is relatively short lasting and is regulated by activation signals. Interestingly, IL-4 acted in synergy with IL-2 in promoting the growth of T cell clones. Our results establish that IL-4 can act as a T cell growth factor independently of IL-2.     

CD25-expressing CD8+ T cells are potent memory cells in old age

We have recently described an IL-2/IL-4-producing CD8+CD25+ non-regulatory memory T cell population that occurs in a subgroup of healthy elderly persons who characteristically still have a good humoral response after vaccination. The present study addresses this specific T cell subset and investigates its origin, clonal composition, Ag specificity, and replicative history. We demonstrate that CD8+CD25+ memory T cells frequently exhibit a CD4+CD8+ double-positive phenotype. The expression of the CD8 alphabeta molecule and the occurrence of signal-joint TCR rearrangement excision circles suggest a thymic origin of these cells. They also have longer telomeres than their CD8+CD25- memory counterparts, thus indicating a shorter replicative history. CD8+CD25+ memory T cells display a polyclonal TCR repertoire and respond to IL-2 as well as to a panel of different Ags, whereas the CD8+CD25- memory T cell population has a more restricted TCR diversity, responds to fewer Ags, and does not proliferate in response to stimulation with IL-2. Molecular tracking of specific clones with clonotypic primers reveals that the same clones occur in CD8+CD25+ and CD8+CD25- memory T cell populations, demonstrating a lineage relationship between CD25+ and CD25- memory CD8+ T cells. Our results suggest that CD25-expressing memory T cells represent an early stage in the differentiation of CD8+ cells. Accumulation of these cells in elderly persons appears to be a prerequisite of intact immune responsiveness in the absence of naive T cells in old age.