Sequential analysis of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis induced by neonatal thymectomy in the Buffalo strain rat

We have studied the evolution of thyroiditis induced by neonatal thymectomy in Buffalo strain rats, with particular emphasis on the thyroid lymphocytic infiltrate. The earliest change was increased endothelial Ia expression, and infiltration of the thyroid at 5 weeks by ED1- and ED2-positive macrophages and B and T cells. The T cells comprised equal numbers of Ox 8 (T cytotoxic/suppressor)- and W3/25 (T helper)-positive cells. Ia-positive thyroid follicular cells were seen only in the presence of a T-cell infiltrate. Thyroglobulin antibody levels, thyroid weight, thyroid follicular cell Ia expression, and lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid were maximal between Weeks 12 and 24, and impairment of macrophage function by injection of silica at this time produced amelioration of disease. The thyroid weight returned to control levels by Week 34 and Ia expression by thyroid cells disappeared. Circulating Ox 8-positive T cells were reduced between Weeks 12 and 24 and by Week 34 had returned to control levels. Our results indicate that the mononuclear infiltrate precedes thyroid follicular cell Ia expression and macrophages play an important role in perpetuating thyroiditis. Recovery from disease is accompanied by a return to normal in circulating suppressor/cytotoxic T cells.     

An immunohistochemical study on the postnatal development of rat nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT)

Summary This study concerns the development of nasal-associated lymphoid tissue in the rat, using immuno- and enzyme-histochemical staining techniques on cryostat sections. Nasal-associated lymphoid tissue is present at birth as a small accumulation of mainly T lymphocytes and non-lymphoid cells; B cells are rare. Distinct areas of T and B cells appear at 10 days after birth; by that time high endothelial venules are also observed. Intra-epithelial lymphocytes are present, most of them being T-helper cells. ED1+ macrophages are seen throughout the tissue. The proportion of ED1+cells does not change during ontogeny. ED2+cells (tissue macrophages) are present predominantly at the border between the lymphoid tissue and the surrounding connective tissue, in all age-groups. ED3+mononuclear cells are scattered throughout the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue of young animals. Later on, the ED3+ cells migrate into the border-area between lymphoid and connective tissue. Ia+ non-lymphoid cells in the nasal lymphoid tissue increase in number during ontogeny. Only a few of them show acid phosphatase activity, indicating that the proportion of classical scavenger macrophages is low. Some of them may be antigen presenting (dendritic) cells. Ia+ dendritic cells also occur between the epithelial cells. Moreover, some epithelial cells express the Ia marker.     

Role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of encephalomyocarditis virus-induced diabetes in mice.

Pancreatic islets from SJL/J mice infected with the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC-D virus) showed lymphocytic infiltration with moderate to severe destruction of beta cells. Immunohistochemical staining of the islet sections with several monoclonal antibodies, anti-Mac-1, anti-Mac-2, and F4/80 for macrophages, anti-L3T4 for helper/inducer T cells, and anti-Lyt2 for cytotoxic/suppressor T cells revealed that the major population of infiltrating cells at the early stage of viral infection was Mac-2-positive macrophages. In contrast, macrophages detected by anti-Mac-1 and F4/80 monoclonal antibodies were not found at the early stage of viral infection but were found at intermediate and late stages of viral infection. Helper/inducer T cells and cytotoxic/suppressor T cells also infiltrated the islets at intermediate and late stages of viral infection. Short-term treatment of mice with silica prior to viral infection resulted in an enhancement of beta-cell destruction, leading to the development of diabetes. In contrast, long-term treatment of mice with silica resulted in complete prevention of diabetes caused by a low dose of viral infection and a significant decrease in the incidence of diabetes caused by an intermediate or high dose of viral infection. Furthermore, depletion of macrophages by a specific monoclonal antibody (anti-Mac-2) resulted in a much greater decrease in the incidence of diabetes caused by an intermediate dose of viral infection. However, suppression of helper/inducer T cells and cytotoxic/suppressor T cells, by anti-L3T4 and anti-Lyt2 antibodies, respectively, did not alter the incidence of diabetes. On the basis of these data, it is concluded that macrophages, particularly Mac-2-positive macrophages, play a crucial role in the process of pancreatic beta-cell destruction at the early stage of encephalomyocarditis D virus infection in SJL/J mice.     

Ontogeny of macrophage subpopulations and Ia-positive dendritic cells in pulmonary tissue of the rat

Summary The development of macrophage subpopulations and dendritic cells in the rat lung was studied from day 15 of gestation until day 21 after birth by means of immunohistochemical techniques combined with acid phosphatase staining. To characterize these cell populations, monoclonal antibodies raised against rat macrophage subpopulations were used (ED1, ED2, ED7, and ED8) in addition to anti-Ia antibodies. Ia-positive cells with a dendritic morphology were found on day 16 of gestation. During ontogeny, the number of these cells gradually increased. They were always found in mesenchymal lung tissue between the epithelial tubules of future alveoli, and in perivascular or peribronchial areas. ED1-positive macrophages were found on day 17 of gestation, with a distribution different from that of Ia-positive dendritic cells. The distribution of ED1-positive cells changed during ontogeny: before birth, ED1-positive cells were present in mesenchymal areas of lung tissue, whereas after the first week of postnatal life ED1 recognized all free alveolar macrophages. No Ia-expression was found on free alveolar macrophages. This developmental pattern resembles the ontogeny of Ia-positive dendritic cells and ED1-positive macrophages in gutassociated tissue. The comparable development of these cell populations in gut and lung tissue indicates a common ontogeny in the mucosal immune system.Fellow of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences     

Reticulum cells in the ontogeny of nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) in the rat

This study concerns the ontogeny of reticulum cells (RC) in the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) of Wistar and Brown-Norway rats. A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against RC in peripheral lymphoid organs (antibodies ED10ED15) was used, together with a recently developed antibody ED17, which recognizes macrophages and Langerhans cells. Early in embryogenesis, staining with common connective tissue markers, ED14 and ED15, was found. ED17-positive cells were present before cells positive to ED1, a pan-macrophage marker, or Ia glycoproteins were observed. The first differentiation of reticulum was seen at the day of birth, when ED10 recognized a distinct area in the nasal mucosa. The first T-lymphocytes were found at the same time. Two days after birth, B-cells and ED11-positive cells were present in the NALT area. Fourteen days after birth, T- and B-cell compartments were recognizable. ED10 was found predominantly in the T-cell area and ED11 was mainly confined to the B-cell compartment. We conclude that the development of the NALT is closely accompanied by the phenotypic specialization of the reticulum. This suggests that the reticulum plays an important role in the compartmentalization of NALT tissue and in the retention of lymphocyte subsets within these compartments.     

Evaluation of Ia+ tumor cell lines and peritoneal exudate macrophages as accessory cells: differential requirements for the activation of certain T cell functions

Several Ia+ (BC3A, TA3, D1B) or Ia-inducible (WEHI-3, P388D1) tumor lines were tested for accessory cell function for the activation of antigen-specific T cell proliferation and for the induction of T helper cells that help B cells in antibody production. All lines were able to induce antigen-specific T cell proliferation in an MHC-restricted way, but none activated T helper cells to soluble antigens under all conditions tested. In comparison, starch-induced peritoneal exudate macrophages induced T cell proliferation as well as T cell help. Some of the lines tested induced nonspecific suppressor cells that were Ly-2-positive and partially or completely inhibited antibody responses. The induction of suppressor cells, however, is not the reason for the failure of the tumor lines to activate T helper cells. These data indicate that antigen-specific T cell proliferation and helper activity do not necessarily correlate.     

Langerhans cells and T lymphocyte subsets in the murine vagina and cervix

Immunization in the vagina can lead to the production of specific antibodies in the luminal fluid of this organ. To help understand the immune mechanisms involved in this process, we have studied the occurrence of Langerhans cells (LCs), macrophages, natural killer cells, and T and B lymphocytes in the murine vagina and cervix during the estrous cycle. LCs in the epithelia expressed Ia, F4/80, NLDC-145, and CD45, but not Mac-1, Moma-1, and Moma-2; double-labeling demonstrated phenotypic heterogeneity in this population Ia+, NLDC-145+; Ia+, NLDC-145-; Ia+, F4/80+; Ia+, F4/80-; Ia- F4/80+. T lymphocytes of both helper and cytotoxic/suppressor types were also present in the epithelia, sometimes in close association with LCs, but natural killer cells were not observed. The stroma of the vagina and cervix contained LCs (or interdigitating cells) and macrophages but few T lymphocytes and no B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, or lymphoid nodules. These observations confirm and extend previous reports that the murine vagina and cervix contain epithelial LCs and T lymphocytes and support the suggestion that antigens in the vagina and cervix, as in the epidermis, may be recognized and presented to the immune system by epithelial LCs. However, the paucity of T cells and the absence of B cells and lymphoid nodules from the stroma suggest that antigen presentation may not occur locally but at another site such as in the draining lymph nodes.     

Evaluation of the circulating and splenic lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease using monoclonal antibodies

The number of B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and their helper/inducer, cytotoxic/suppressor and NK/K subpopulations was measured in peripheral blood and spleen cell suspensions from patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) in the active stage of the disease and in remission status, as well as in Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in active stage of the disease. B lymphocytes were determined by direct immunofluorescence and T lymphocytes with the E rosette technique. Helper/inducer, cytotoxic/suppressor, and NK/K T lymphocytes were determined by indirect immunofluorescence with the monoclonal antibodies OKT4, OKT8 and Leu 7 (HNK1). In the same way, Lyt3 was used for determination of the total T lymphocytes. Whereas in peripheral blood of the NHL group an increase of B lymphocytes and a slight reduction of T lymphocytes could be observed, with normal distribution of the subpopulations, in patients with active HD as well as in those in remission, a marked absolute and relative decrease of T helper/inducer cells was found with normal cytotoxic/suppressor and NK/K proportion. In contrast to this, a significant increase of helper/inducer T lymphocytes with decreased cytotoxic/suppressor T proportion was found in spleen cell suspensions of patients with HD.     

T cell subsets in allograft rejection. In situ characterization of T cell subsets in human skin allografts by the use of monoclonal antibodies

We have provided evidence that both major T cell subsets, T4-positive (helper/inducer) and T8-positive (cytotoxic/suppressor), infiltrate human skin allografts. Overall, and in the graft dermis and graft bed, T4-positive cells were predominant (1.5 to 3 times more numerous than T8-positive cells). In contrast, T8-positive cells were relatively more numerous in the epidermis and hair follicles. Rejection probably proceeded by two apparently independent pathways: 1) direct contact killing of graft epithelial cells, presumably by immunologically specific T8-positive cytotoxic cells, and 2) injury of microvascular endothelium of both the graft and graft bed with secondary graft infarction. Although important in first set skin allograft rejection, the mechanism of the second type of killing is uncertain. T4-positive cells were probably involved, as evidenced by their greater numbers; furthermore, studies in mice have shown that transfused helper/inducer cells are able to effect first-set skin graft rejection. It remains to be determined whether T4-positive cells act alone or cooperate with other cells to destroy vessels and bring about graft rejection. Langerhans cells were recognized in epithelial and dermal compartments of both allografts and autografts by their reactivity with anti-T6 and anti-Ia antibodies. We could not determine whether such cells in allografts were of host or donor origin.     

A feline thymocyte antigen defined by a monoclonal antibody (FT2) identifies a subpopulation of non-helper cells capable of specific cytotoxicity

A monoclonal antibody, FT2 (IgG1 kappa) prepared against cat thymocytes, was found to be reactive with an antigenic determinant expressed by approximately 76% of thymocytes, 15% of blood mononuclear cells, 14% of splenocytes, and 1% of bone marrow cells. The FT2-reactive determinant was not expressed on B cells, macrophages, granulocytes, or erythrocytes. Both FT2+ and FT2- populations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were capable of proliferative responses to the T cell mitogens Con A and PHA. When splenocytes were sensitized to the lymphoblastoid cell line, 79p90, cytotoxic T cells were found in the FT2+ population and were absent from the FT2- population. Conversely, the FT2- population contained the helper T cell activity required for pokeweed mitogen-induced B cell differentiation. Under nonreducing conditions, the FT2 antigen had an apparent m.w. of 71,000. When reduced, subunits of 31,000 and 38,000 apparent m.w. were observed. The data suggest that the FT2 antibody identifies the feline analog of the human T8/Leu-2, murine Ly-2 molecules expressed by cytotoxic/suppressor T cells.     

Immunohistochemical characterization of mononuclear cells in delayed hypersensitivity reactions toParacoccidiodes brasiliensis (paracoccidioidin test)

The density and distribution of T cells, T helper cells, macrophages and B cells at the site of skin tests with a cytoplasmicParacoccidioides brasiliensis antigen (paracoccidioidin) was studied at 24 and 48 h post-challenge in 10 patients with the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis and in 5 non-infected individuals. The in situ study was carried out using immunoperoxidase techniques and monoclonal antibodies. The controls showed negative skin test. In the patients, the great majority of the cells in the perivascular foci were T cells (CD43-positive cells) making up 47% and 48.6% of the total number of cells at 24 and 48 h respectively. Most of the T cells showed a T helper phenotype (CD45RO-positive cells). Approximately 25% of the cells were macrophages (CD68-positive cells) and there were very few B lymphocytes (CD20-positive cells). The present data on the microanatomy of paracoccidioidin skin test sites were consistent with a delayed type hypersensitivity pattern. Our results were comparable to those reported on skin tests for other granulomatous chronic diseases.     

Systemic administration of human leukocyte interferon to melanoma patients. III. Increased helper:suppressor cell ratios in melanoma patients during interferon treatment

Malignant melanoma patients treated with human leukocyte interferon (IFN-alpha) displayed increased natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity to K562 targets within the first 2 weeks of therapy. This study explored the possibility of T-cell regulation of this NK response, as evidenced by a variation in T-cell subpopulations. T-cell subset levels were studied in 9 patients who received daily doses of IFN-alpha over a period of 42 days. Five monoclonal antibodies to T-cell surface markers were used: Leu 1 (pan-T), Leu 2a (T suppressor/cytotoxic), Leu 3a (T helper/inducer), HNK-1 (Leu 7, a marker for NK cells), and B73.1 (an antibody against the Fc receptor on NK/K cells). Percentages of these markers were measured on days 0, 3, 7, and 21 of treatment. Percentages of Leu 1-positive cells and Fc-receptor-positive cells remained relatively constant throughout treatment in all patients. A trend toward a decrease in suppressor cells and an increase in helper cells peaking on day 7 and returning to earlier values by day 21 was found in 5 patients. The increase in NK cytotoxicity was not reflected consistently in proportions of HNK-1-positive cells or Fc receptor-bearing cells within the first week of therapy. The most significant finding was an increase in the helper:suppressor cell ratio peaking on day 7 and returning to pretreatment values by day 21. This increase was seen in every patient studied. The average pretreatment Leu 3a:Leu 2a ratio was 0.67 increasing to an average value of 1.47 on day 7 (p less than 0.005). Leu 3a:Leu 2a ratios returned to pretreatment values, in parallel to NK activity, despite continuation of interferon therapy.     

Helper cell factors restore antibody responses of allogeneic bone marrow chimeras: evidence for ineffective cellular interactions

We investigated the nature of deficient antibody responses to SRBC in stable, fully allogeneic bone marrow chimeras. No evidence for a suppressor cell-mediated mechanism was found. Chimera spleens possessed adequate numbers of antigen-reactive B cells to produce a normal antibody response. Using separated chimera cell populations and soluble helper factors, we assessed the functional capabilities of chimera B cells, T cells, and macrophages. Our data suggest that the failure of allogeneic chimeras to produce antibody is not the result of impaired B cell, T cell, or macrophage function, but rather that it is due in ineffective cellular interactions that normally result in the generation of helper factors. In vitro stimulation of chimera macrophages with LPS, and of chimera spleen cells with Con A, resulted in the release of soluble helper factors that were capable of fully restoring chimera B cell responses.     

Characterization of T lymphocyte subsets with monoclonal antibodies: discovery of a distinct marker, Ly-m22, of T suppressor cells

The study of cell surface antigens has accelerated in the few years since the advent of hybridoma technology to the point where many dozens of such markers have now been described. The functional heterogeneity of post-thymic T cells in the immune response, however, still exhibit complexities beyond the resolving power of our current repertoire of marker antigens. In this study, we investigated the surface phenotype of three types of effector T cells: helper cells, nonspecific suppressor cells, and cytotoxic T cells, using four recently discovered alloantigen systems of T cells: Ly-m10, Ly-m18, Ly-m19, and Ly-m22. SRBC-primed spleen cells were used as a source of specific helper T cells, and they were tested by their ability to promote antibody synthesis by B lymphocytes. Concanavalin A-activated suppressor cells were assayed by their ability to inhibit that response. Cytotoxic T cells were activated by alloantigen. We found Ly-m10 to be expressed on all three cell types tested, whereas Ly-m18 and Ly-m19 were absent from all three. Ly-m22, whose controlling locus is closely linked to the Mls region, had a unique distribution, being present solely on suppressor cells. Thus Ly-m22 emerged as a new marker that distinguishes nonspecific T suppressor cells (Ly-m22+) from T helper as well as cytotoxic T cells (Ly-m22-). Ly-m22 is the only antigen besides I-J so far known to be restricted to suppressor cells.     

Macrophage T lymphocyte interactions in the anti-tumor immune response: a mathematical model

In this paper we present a model of the macrophage T lymphocyte interactions that generate an anti-tumor immune response. The model specifies i) induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, ii) antigen presentation by macrophages, which leads to iii) activation of helper T cells, and iv) production of lymphoid factors, which induce a) cytotoxic macrophages, b) T lymphocyte proliferation, and c) an inflammation reaction. Tumor escape mechanisms (suppression, antigenic heterogeneity) have been deliberately omitted from the model. This research combines hitherto unrelated or even contradictory data within the range of behavior of one model. In the model behavior, helper T cells play a crucial role: Tumors that differ minimally in antigenicity (i.e., helper reactivity) can differ markedly in rejectability. Immunization yields protection against tumor doses that would otherwise be lethal, because it increases the number of helper T cells. The magnitude of the cytotoxic effector cell response depends on the time at which helper T cells become activated: early helper activity steeply increases the magnitude of the immune response. The type of cytotoxic effector cells that eradicates the tumor depends on tumor antigenicity: lowly antigenic tumors are attacked mainly by macrophages, whereas large highly antigenic tumors can be eradicated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes only.     

Lymphocyte subpopulations in high endothelial venules and lymphatic capillaries of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) in the rat

The subpopulations of lymphocytes and non-lymphoid cells in high endothelial venules (HEV) and in lymphatic capillaries surrounding lymphoid follicles in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) were examined by electron microscopy after preembedding the tissue and staining with an immunoperoxidase technique. The results were compared with those obtained in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) reported previously. Monoclonal mouse-anti-rat T cell, IgG, IgM, IgA, and Ia antisera were used. Plasma cells that were reactive to anti-IgG, anti-IgM, and anti-IgA were detected as cells in which the 3',3'-diaminobenzidine tetrahydroxychloride reaction product was localized in rough endoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear spaces but not on plasma membranes. These plasma cells did not occur in either lymphatic capillaries or HEV in BALT as they did in GALT. Cells with surface Ig (sIg cells), T-cell antigen (T cells), and Ia antigen (Ia cells) were present in BALT. T cells were located predominantly in the follicular area opposite the bronchial epithelium; IgM- and IgG-reactive cells were found in the follicular area adjacent to the bronchial epithelium; and IgA-positive cells were found in the lateral part of the area where the T cells were localized (T-cell area). Ia cells were abundant throughout BALT and in moderate numbers in the epithelium. A striking observation was the presence of "nurse-cell"-like structures in the periphery of BALT. The percentages of T, sIgG, sIgM, and sIgA cells in the HEV were 54.7%, 2.4%, 28.9%, and 27.3%, respectively, and in the lymphatic capillaries, 41.2%, 3.8%, 38.2%, and 21.2%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Analysis of the activation of lymphoid cells by mitogens in vitro with limiting dilution methods: adherent peritoneal cells suppress B-cell activation and synergize with WEHI-3 in the activation of T cells by Con A

Adherent peritoneal cells (APC) have often been used as a pure and effective macrophage population. Using partition analysis and small numbers of lymphoid cells activated by mitogens (concanavalin A for T cells (in the presence of TCGF) and LPS + DxS for B cells) we found that APC were accessory cells for T cell activation and growth but were not effective for B cells. Although APC were effective in assisting T-cell mitogenesis, they were not especially efficient. However, when APC were mixed with irradiated WEHI-3 cells (a tissue culture line previously shown to exhibit accessory cell activity in vitro for mitogenic activation T and B cells), the APC and WEHI-3 showed apparent synergy. One reason for failure of APC to assist B-cell mitogenesis was traced to the presence of a suppressor cell population which overcame the accessory cell help given by irradiated WEHI-3 cells to LPS-DxS stimulated murine B cells. It is thus possible to find "helper" effects (synergy of APC and WEHI-3 assisting the mitogenesis of T cells), as well as suppressor effects within the range of cells found in adherent accessory cells.     

Binding of human lymphocyte-specific monoclonal antibodies to common marmoset lymphoid cells

Commercially available monoclonal antibodies which bind to human lymphocyte subsets were screened for their ability to bind to lymphoid cells from the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus. Anti-Leu-5 and T11 were the only pan T-cell antibodies which reacted strongly. None of the antibodies which bind human lymphocytes of the helper/inducer subpopulation reacted with C. jacchus cells and only one antibody, T8, specific for the cytotoxic/suppressor subset, bound to the marmoset cells. The two antibodies tested which bind human B cells, B1 and anti-HLA-DR, were also reactive with marmoset cells. The cellular specificity of the T11, T8, and B1 antibodies was determined by dual binding studies on the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The B1 antibody bound only Ig+ cells and all Ig+ cells were B1+. The T11 and T8 antibodies bound only to Ig- marmoset lymphoid cells and, as in the human, all T8+ marmoset cells were also T11+. Thus, using these monoclonal antibodies in the common marmoset one can identify three populations of lymphoid cells: (1) T11+, T8+ cells; (2) T11+, T8- cells; (3) B1+ cells.     

Macrophage depletion in the rat after intraperitoneal administration of liposome-encapsulated clodronate: Depletion kinetics and accelerated repopulation of peritoneal and omental macrophages by administration of freund's adjuvant

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the depletion of macrophages from the peritoneal cavity and the omentum of the rat. Rats received two intraperitoneal injections (at days 0 and 3) with liposome-encapsulated clodronate (dichloromethylene bisphosphonate: Cl₂MBP-liposomes). This treatment resulted in complete elimination of mature tissue macrophages (ED2-positive macrophages) from the peritoneal cavity and the omentum within 2 days. The elimination included the strongly ED2-positive spindle-shaped cells of the omental membrane. Repopulation of the omental ED2-positive macrophages was not seen within the next 23 days. Whereas ED2-positive macrophages were completely depleted, few ED1-positive cells remained and repopulation of ED1-positive cells was faster. The treatment further depleted macrophages from the spleen, especially from the red pulp, parathymic lymph nodes and liver. Freund's incomplete adjuvant administered one day after the last injection of Cl₂MBP-liposomes considerably accelerated repopulation in the omentum. The protocol described might be used to investigate the contribution of mature tissue macrophages to the induction of immune responses, drug metabolism and the elimination of intestinal tumours.