Activation of resting T lymphocytes by anti-CD3 (T3) antibodies in the absence of monocytes

The antigen receptor molecules on human T lymphocytes are noncovalently associated on the cell surface with the CD3 (T3) molecular complex. Perturbation of this complex with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies induces T cell activation. Previous studies have demonstrated that this process requires the participation of monocytes. In the present report, we demonstrate that purified, resting (G0 phase) T cells incubated with monoclonal anti-CD3 antibodies proliferate in response to purified interleukin 2 (IL 2), in a lymphokine dose-dependent fashion. Anti-CD3 antibody or IL 2 alone did not trigger cell division. The effect was specific for anti-CD3 antibodies because monoclonal antibodies reactive with other surface molecules (OKT4, OKT8, L368) were inactive. Furthermore, the same phenomenon was observed when anti-CD3 antibody Leu-4 (IgG1) was incubated with cells of individuals whose monocytes cannot process antibodies of the IgG1 subclass (Leu-4 nonresponders). In addition, both F(ab')2 and Fab fragments of anti-CD3 antibody OKT3 were also capable of rendering T cells receptive to the IL 2 growth signal. These data indicate that neither monocytes nor CD3 receptor cross-linking are required absolutely for resting T cell activation, provided that IL 2 is supplied exogenously. T lymphocytes treated with anti-CD3 antibodies proliferated in response to both purified mitogen-induced and recombinant IL 2. Antibodies to the IL 2 receptor (anti-Tac) inhibited the proliferation. Thus, the most likely mechanism for anti-CD3 antibody-mediated triggering is induction of IL 2 receptors.     

T cell unresponsiveness to the mitogenic activity of OKT3 antibody results from a deficiency of monocyte Fc gamma receptors for murine IgG2a and inability to cross-link the T3-Ti complex

We recently identified defective monocyte accessory function as the cause of T cell unresponsiveness to the mitogenic activity of OKT3 antibody in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from five healthy subjects, members of one family. We now report that the underlying abnormality in nonresponders is at the level of monocyte Fc gamma receptors for murine IgG2a. T cell unresponsiveness was not restricted to the signal provided by OKT3 but occurred also for two other anti-T3 antibodies of the IgG2a subclass, in contrast to a normal proliferative response to IgG1 anti-T3 antibodies in one of the OKT3 nonresponders. By using cytofluorography, we found that monocytes from responders but not from nonresponders bound OKT3-FITC to their membrane. The binding could be blocked by mouse IgG2a and by human IgG, but not by mouse IgG1 nor by serum albumin. The data suggest that, through specific Fc gamma receptors for murine IgG2a, monocytes bind the Fc portion of OKT3 during T cell activation. The function of this Fc gamma receptor binding was further studied by culturing PBMC from nonresponders on plates coated with affinity-purified goat anti-mouse IgG antibodies as a substitute for monocyte Fc gamma receptors. The addition of OKT3 to nonresponder PBMC, cultured on such plates, resulted in T cell activation, as evidenced by thymidine incorporation, IL 2 production, and expression of IL 2 receptors. Soluble anti-mouse IgG was not able to substitute for monocyte Fc gamma receptors. The results demonstrate the existence of polymorphism in monocyte Fc gamma receptors for murine IgG2a. They also substantiate that an essential helper function of monocytes in T cell activation by anti-T3 is to provide a matrix for multimeric binding of the Fc portion of the anti-T3 antibodies in order to cross-link T3 molecules.     

Monoclonal antibody OKT11A inhibits and recombinant interleukin 2 (IL 2) augments expression of IL 2 receptors at a pretranslational level

The expression of receptors for interleukin 2 (IL 2) represents a critical event regulating the growth of normal T lymphocytes. We investigated the effects of the inhibitory monoclonal antibody OKT11A (anti-sheep erythrocyte receptor) and of purified recombinant IL 2 (rIL 2) on the expression of IL 2 receptors by activated T cells at both the protein and the mRNA levels. Adding OKT11A antibody (0.5 microgram/ml) to phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) markedly suppressed cellular proliferation (assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation) and IL 2 receptor expression (determined by immunofluorescence assay by using the anti-IL 2-receptor antibody, anti-Tac). Northern blot analysis performed with the use of a cDNA probe specific for the human IL 2 receptor gene demonstrated that OKT11A antibody also decreased the accumulation of IL 2 receptor mRNA induced by PHA in PBMC. Purified rIL 2 (10 U/ml) alone had little effect on the expression of IL 2 receptors in unstimulated PBMC cultures. In combination with PHA or with PHA plus OKT11A, however, rIL 2 augmented both the expression of IL 2 receptor protein on PBMC and the accumulation of IL 2 receptor mRNA in PBMC. Adding anti-Tac antibody to PBMC cultures to block the interaction of IL 2 with its receptor diminished the accumulation of IL 2 receptor mRNA induced by PHA. Taken together, these data demonstrate that OKT11A antibody inhibits and IL 2 augments expression of IL 2 receptors on PHA-stimulated T cells, at least in part, at a pretranslational level.     

Failure of OKT3 monoclonal antibody to induce lymphocyte mitogenesis: a familial defect in monocyte helper function

Monoclonal antibodies to the T3 molecule on human T cells have mitogenic activity. Although anti-T3 antibodies of the IgG1 subclass (e.g., UCHT1) induce mitogenesis in lymphocyte cultures from only 60 to 70% of normal donors, antibodies of Ig2a subclass (e.g., OKT3) invariably have been found to be mitogenic in all subjects tested up to the present. This paper describes a family (a mother, six daughters, and one son) in which five members failed to respond mitogenically to OKT3 although the proportion of OKT3-reactive cells in their peripheral blood was normal. Mitogenic responses to PHA, Con A, and PWM were normal. Five members comprising four OKT3 nonresponders were also unresponsive to UCHT1. Unresponsiveness to OKT3 and unresponsiveness to UCHT1 were not absolutely linked to each other, nor were they linked to an HLA haplotype inherited from the mother. Upon stimulation by OKT3, lymphocyte preparations from OKT3-nonresponders failed to produce interleukin 2 (IL 2) and to display IL 2 receptors. OKT3 unresponsiveness was due to defective monocyte help: thus, responsiveness to OKT3 of T cells from an OKT3-nonresponder was restored by the addition of monocytes from an HLA-identical sister who had a normal response to OKT3. Inversely, T cells from the OKT3 responder had no reactivity to OKT3 when cultured in the presence of monocytes from an HLA-identical, OKT3-nonresponsive sister. Unresponsiveness to OKT3 could not be overcome by the addition of phorbol myristate acetate to the cultures. These data on a familial, non-HLA-linked deficiency of monocytes to exert their auxiliary function provide better insight into the mechanism of anti-T3-induced T cell activation.     

Effect of T3 modulation on pokeweed mitogen-induced T cell activation: evidence for an alternative pathway of T cell activation

Modulation of the T3 molecule on human T cells with monoclonal anti-T3 antibodies has been shown to result in the disappearance of the T3-Ti complex from the membrane and to preclude subsequent T cell activation by various mitogenic and antigenic stimuli. We have examined the effect of T3 modulation on pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced T cell activation. T3 modulation was accomplished by incubating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or mixtures of T cells and non-T cells at 37 degrees C for 18 hr in the presence of UCHT-1, a mouse IgG1 anti-T3 monoclonal antibody. Only donors whose PBMC were unresponsive to the mitogenic activity of this antibody were selected. Although T3 modulation resulted in complete to substantial inhibition of T cell proliferation induced by low PWM concentrations of 5 or 50 ng/ml, it had no effect on T cell proliferation when PWM was added at a concentration of 0.5 and 5 micrograms/ml. The results demonstrate that the higher doses of PWM can induce T cell proliferation via an alternative pathway that does not involve participation of the T3-Ti complex. In contrast, irrespective of the PWM dose added, T3 modulation almost totally inhibited PWM-induced interleukin 2 (IL 2) production. The differential effect of T3 modulation on IL 2 production and on T cell proliferation induced by high doses of PWM suggests that this alternative pathway of T cell proliferation is IL 2 independent. This suggestion was additionally substantiated by the lack of effect of anti-Tac, and anti-IL 2 receptor antibody, on PWM-induced proliferation of T3-modulated T cells. In conclusion our data demonstrate that high doses of PWM can induce T cells to proliferate via an alternative pathway that does not involve perturbation of the T3-Ti complex.     

Monoclonal antibodies to the CD5 antigen can provide the necessary second signal for activation of isolated resting T cells by solid-phase-bound OKT3

Activation of human peripheral blood T cells by the anti-CD3 antibody OKT3 has been shown to require not only cross-linking of CD3 molecules with multimeric binding of the Fc part of OKT3 to a solid support, but also a second accessory cell-provided signal. Accordingly, measurement of T cell activation in cultures of highly enriched T cells with solid-phase-bound OKT3 can be used to investigate whether other agents can replace accessory cells. In this study we examined the capacity of anti-CD5 monoclonal antibodies to provide the additional activation signal. Resting T cells were prepared by isolating E rosette-positive cells, by removing OKM1(+) and HLA-DR(+) cells by panning, and by subsequent treatment of the cells with L-leucine methyl ester to kill remaining monocytes. These T cells were unresponsive to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or to solid-phase-bound OKT3. However, when cultured in the presence of an anti-CD5 monoclonal antibody (anti-Leu-1, OKT1, or anti-T1), a proliferative response to solid-phase-bound OKT3 (but not to soluble OKT3 or to PHA) was observed. Anti-CD5 had no functional effect by itself, but in association with solid-phase-bound OKT3 it enhanced IL 2 receptor expression and IL 2 production and it initiated T cell proliferation. T cell proliferation under these conditions could be inhibited by an IL 2 receptor blocking antibody anti-Tac, thus confirming that anti-CD5 provides the second signal for an IL 2-dependent pathway of T cell proliferation. Preincubation of T cells with anti-Leu-1 or OKT1 resulted in complete loss of CD5 antigenicity, and such CD5 modulation was sufficient to induce a proliferative response to solid-phase-bound OKT3. It is concluded that in T cell activation by solid-phase-bound OKT3 the necessary additional signal can be provided by modulation of the CD5 antigen with an anti-CD5 antibody. CD5 therefore appears to be a positive signal receptor on the T cell membrane, whose physiologic ligand still has to be determined.     

Direct demonstration of binding of anti-Leu 4 antibody to the 40 kDa Fc receptor on monocytes as a prerequisite for anti-Leu 4-induced T cell mitogenesis

It has previously been demonstrated that about 30% of healthy Caucasian subjects are "nonresponders" in assays of the mitogenic activity of monoclonal mouse IgG1 (mIgG1) anti-CD3 antibodies (e.g., anti-Leu 4 and UCHT-1), and that this unresponsiveness is due to lack of monocyte helper function. In an immunofluorescence assay with fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, we studied the binding of phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-Leu 4 to monocytes from responders and nonresponders. Interaction was observed with monocytes from responders only, and was blocked by a murine monoclonal antibody (IV.3) directed to an epitope on the 40-kDa low affinity Fc receptor (FcRII). This indicates that the interaction represents binding of the Fc part of phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-Leu 4 to FcRII on responder monocytes. Indirect immunofluorescence with antibody IV.3 demonstrated, however, that monocytes from both responders and nonresponders express similar levels of FcRII. Thus, nonresponder monocytes apparently express a variant FcRII which is unable to bind the Fc part of mIgG1 antibodies. The anti-FcRII antibody completely blocked anti-Leu 4-induced (but not OKT3 (mIgG2a)-induced) T cell proliferation in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from responders. The results provide direct evidence that monocytes from anti-Leu 4 responders, but not monocytes from anti-Leu 4 non-responders, are able to bind the Fc part of mIgG1 to FcRII, and that this interaction with FcRII is essential for the mitogenic activity of mIgG1 anti-CD3 antibodies.     

Suppression of interleukin 2 receptor acquisition by monoclonal antibodies recognizing the 50 KD protein associated with the sheep erythrocyte receptor on human T lymphocytes

Monoclonal antibodies OKT11A, 9.6, and 35.1 recognize epitopes on a 50000 dalton surface molecule (p50) identical to or closely associated with the sheep erythrocyte receptor (E receptor) on human T lymphocytes. These three antibodies were investigated for ability to inhibit T cell proliferation and interleukin 2 (IL 2) receptor acquisition (determined with anti-Tac antibody in an immunofluorescence assay) induced by the lectin mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13 acetate (TPA). OKT11A, 9.6, and 35.1 were found to suppress [3H]thymidine incorporation and IL 2 receptor acquisition stimulated by PHA but not by TPA. This inhibition was not attributable to a lag in kinetics, but was sustained throughout 4 to 5 days of culture. Because OKT11A and 9.6 have been reported to suppress lectin mitogen-induced IL 2 production, we attempted to overcome inhibition of proliferation with exogenous IL 2 (MLA144 supernatants or immunoaffinity-purified human IL 2). Adding IL 2 at the initiation of culture abrogated the suppressive effect of all three anti-p50 antibodies on proliferation and on the acquisition of IL 2 receptors, raising the possibility that IL 2 may up-regulate expression of its cellular receptor on human T lymphocytes. These data, together with previous reports, indicate that OKT11A, 9.6, and 35.1 suppress lectin mitogen-induced T cell proliferation by impairing both IL 2 elaboration and IL 2 receptor acquisition, and suggest that IL 2 may be capable, at least under some conditions, of increasing expression of IL 2 receptors on human T lymphocytes.     

Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by monoclonal antibody directed against the T3 antigen on human T cells

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 40% of normal donors are mitogenically unresponsive to UCHT1, a monoclonal antibody reactive to the T3 surface molecule on human T lymphocytes. Cell preparations from non-UCHT1 responders were used to examine whether and how interaction of UCHT1 with the T3 molecule affects T-cell functionality. It was found that UCHT1 profoundly (greater than 85%) suppressed lymphocyte proliferation induced by plant mitogens (phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A], recall antigen (candidin), and allogeneic non-T cells. The antibody abrogated both the production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) by and the expression of IL-2-specific receptors on T lymphocytes stimulated by PHA or allogeneic non-T cells. UCHT1 was maximally suppressive when added to cells within 2 hr (PHA stimulation) or 1 day (allogeneic non-T cell activation) after the initiation of the culture period. The inhibiting activity of UCHT1 could be related to its ability to modulate T3 molecules from the T-cell surface: both actions displayed the same antibody concentration dependence and had a comparable time dependence. Moreover, after modulation, unresponsive lymphocytes regained responsiveness to PHA in parallel with reexpression of surface T3 molecules. These findings are consistent with the idea that the human T3 molecule functions as an essential signal transducer during the early phases of T-cell activation.     

Induction of human T lymphocyte motility by interleukin 2

Interleukin 2 (IL 2) is known to have multiple immunoenhancing activities that are related to its ability to promote the proliferation and the expression of effector functions of human T lymphocytes. We investigated the potential of IL 2 to induce human T lymphocyte migration. Unstimulated T cells did not respond to IL 2, but T cells exposed to dextran or phytohemagglutinin did respond to IL 2 concentrations from 0.01 to 10.0 U/ml, with significantly increased migration. This activity could be specifically blocked with anti-Tac antibody. Analysis of T lymphocyte subsets revealed that OKT4+ but not OKT8+ lymphocytes responded to IL 2 in the chemotaxis assay. Checkerboard analysis demonstrated that the IL 2-induced chemoattractant activity was predominantly chemotactic rather than chemokinetic in nature. The activity of IL 2 was compared with that of another chemoattractant lymphokine, lymphocyte chemoattractant factor, which was found to stimulate lymphocyte migration without prior exposure to mitogen, and which was not inhibited by anti-Tac. Our data suggest that the lymphocyte migratory response to IL 2 is under the control of the inducible receptor recognized by anti-Tac in a manner similar to the proliferative response to IL 2, but differs from proliferation in its OKT4+ cell specificity.     

Interleukin 2 receptors are expressed by alveolar macrophages during pulmonary sarcoidosis and are inducible by lymphokine treatment of normal human lung macrophages, blood monocytes, and monocyte cell lines

Expression of receptors for IL 2 was believed initially to be restricted to T cells after their activation by IL 1 and antigen. However, recently IL 2 receptors (IL 2R) were demonstrated on activated B cells by using an anti-IL 2R monoclonal antibody (anti-Tac). In this study, we examined the capacity of cultured human alveolar macrophages, blood monocytes, and myelomonocytic (HL-60) or monoblast (U937) cell lines to bind three different anti-IL 2R monoclonal antibodies before or after stimulation with the monocyte-activating agents IFN-gamma, LPS, phorbol ester, or lymphokine-containing conditioned medium. For each of the four cell populations examined, resting unstimulated cells bound little or no anti-IL 2R antibody, as shown independently by quantitative cell binding assay and by immunoperoxidase labeling. By contrast, incubation with recombinant IFN-gamma, conditioned medium, or to a lesser extent, native or recombinant IL 2 itself, resulted in a significant enhancement of anti-IL 2 receptor monoclonal antibody binding by all four populations, whereas LPS, PMA, or IL 1 had no effect. In addition, membrane binding of anti-Tac antibody, similar to that seen after stimulation of normal lung macrophages with IFN-gamma, was detected by using macrophages obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage of five patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis. These findings are consistent with the expression of a functional IL 2R on activated cells of the monocyte lineage, since anti-Tac binding to IFN-gamma-treated HL-60 cells was inhibited by addition of excess IL-2; specific binding of anti-IL 2 monoclonal antibodies was detected in the presence of exogenous IL 2; and a 50 to 55 kD molecule was immunoprecipitated from both activated lung macrophages and T lymphoblasts by using anti-Tac antibody. We conclude that human mononuclear phagocytes can be induced by lymphokines to express IL 2R, and that such IL 2R+ macrophages can be detected in vivo during inflammation.     

Requirements for T cell activation by OKT3 monoclonal antibody: role of modulation of T3 molecules and interleukin 1

The requirements for activation of human peripheral blood T cells by the mitogenic monoclonal antibody OKT3 were examined. OKT3 binds to a T cell molecule, T3, associated with the T cell antigen receptor and involved in T cell activation. Activation of T cells by OKT3 requires signals provided by accessory cells and is IL 2 dependent. In the presence of accessory cells, OKT3 induces loss of T3 molecules from the cell surface, production of IL 2, expression of IL 2 receptors, and proliferation. Modulation of T3 molecules by OKT3 can be induced in the absence of accessory cells with anti-mouse IgG. These T cells, however, are not induced to express IL 2 receptors or secrete IL 2. The addition of IL 1 induces expression of IL 2 receptors, but does not induce IL 2 secretion or proliferation. Thus, peripheral blood T cells appear to have different requirements for activation compared with antigen-specific T cell clones that can be induced to produce IL 2 when stimulated with OKT3 and IL 1. Expression of IL 2 receptors does not require modulation of T3 molecules, because the binding of OKT3 to T cells in the presence of IL 1 alone is sufficient to induce IL 2 receptor expression. The results suggest that IL 2 secretion depends on cross-linking and modulation of T3 molecules, and additional, as yet undefined, accessory cell signals. The expression of IL 2 receptors and proliferation of T cells can be induced in the absence of these signals when exogenous IL 2 is provided.     

Human T cell activation induced by a monoclonal mouse IgG3 anti-CD3 antibody (RIV9) requires binding of the Fc part of the antibody to the monocytic 72-kDa high-affinity Fc receptor (FcRI)

The mitogenic activity of anti-CD3 mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) depends on the ability of the mAb to interact with CD3 molecules on the T cells, and with Fc receptors (FcR) on monocytes. Two types of FcR with distinct specificity for murine (m) IgG subclasses are involved: a 72-kDa receptor (FcRI) binds mIgG2a and a 40-kDa receptor (FcRII) binds mIgG1. In this study we examined the mitogenic activity of mIgG3 anti-CD3 mAb RIV9. In cultures of human PBMC, the mAb induced T cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production. We found that subjects, unresponsive to mIgG2a anti-CD3 (e.g., OKT3), were also RIV9 nonresponders. In contrast, nonresponders to mIgG1 anti-CD3 (e.g., anti-Leu4) had a normal response to RIV9. Our results therefore suggested that anti-CD3 mAb of the mIgG2a and mIgG3 subclass bind to the same monocytic FcR. Human monomeric IgG, which has been shown to bind to FcRI only, blocked T cell proliferation induced by mIgG2a and mIgG3 anti-CD3, but had no effect on T cell proliferation induced by mIgG1 anti-CD3. In contrast, a mAb (IV.3) to FcRII, which blocks ligand binding of the receptor, blocked the mitogenic activity of mIgG1 anti-CD3 antibodies, but had no effect on T cell proliferation induced by mIgG3 anti-CD3 or by mIgG2a anti-CD3. Binding of RIV9 to FcR of responder monocytes could be demonstrated in immunofluorescence. Monocytes from the RIV9 nonresponder subjects however were unable to bind the Fc portion of this antibody. The binding of fluorescein (FITC)-conjugated mIgG3 or FITC-conjugated mIgG2a to responder monocytes could be inhibited by human monomeric IgG and by mIgG2a and mIgG3, but not by the mAb to FcRII. The results demonstrate that mIgG3 binds to FcRI on human monocytes and that this binding is needed for the mitogenic activity of mIgG3 anti-CD3.     

Prostaglandin E2 inhibits human T-cell proliferation after crosslinking of the CD3-Ti complex by directly affecting T cells at an early step of the activation process

We have studied the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on in vitro human T-cell activation induced by crosslinking of the CD3-Ti complex with the monoclonal anti-CD3 antibodies OKT3 and UCHT-1. PGE2 (greater than or equal to 3 X 10(-9) M) when added simultaneously with anti-CD3 to cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), significantly suppressed, in a dose-dependent way, T-cell proliferation (P less than 0.002). However, when T cells were first preactivated with OKT3 for 3 days, subsequent proliferation driven by recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) was not inhibited by addition of PGE2. This indicates that PGE2 affects the activation step resulting from crosslinking of CD3-Ti, but not the IL-2-driven proliferative phase. Other manifestations of T-cell activation were therefore examined. Both IL-2 production and the expression of receptors for IL-2 (as detected with the anti-Tac monoclonal antibody) were inhibited by PGE2. The addition of purified interleukin 1 (IL-1) or recombinant IL-2 to the cultures did not reverse the inhibiting effect of PGE2 on IL-2-receptor expression. PGE2, added at the time of culture initiation, also inhibited T-cell proliferation in cultures which were supplemented with exogenous IL-1 or IL-2. Proof for a direct effect of PGE2 on T cells was obtained in experiments in which monocyte-depleted T cells were stimulated, in the presence of IL-1, with solid-phase-bound anti-CD3 antibody. Proliferation of T cells in this system is accessory cell independent and still was strongly inhibited by PGE2. Finally, preincubation of PBMC with PGE2 (3 X 10(-6) M) for 48 hr did not result in the generation of suppressor cells for anti-CD3-induced T-cell proliferation or for IL-2 production. Our results demonstrate that PGE2 has a direct inhibitory effect on an early step of T-cell activation, resulting in decreased IL-2 production, decreased IL-2-receptor expression, decreased responsiveness to exogenous IL-2, and decreased proliferation. However, PGE2 does not affect IL-2-driven proliferation of activated T cells. The inhibitory effect on T-cell activation is not mediated through suppressor T cells, nor through inhibition of accessory cell function.     

Induction of phenotypic differentiation, interleukin 2 production, and PHA responsiveness of "immature" human thymocytes by interleukin 1 and phorbol ester

Small human thymocytes (ST) representing 70% of the thymocytes were isolated according to size by centrifugal elutriation. Although these ST contained approximately 30% PNA-cells, they failed to respond to lectins, indicating the existence of a PNA-ST subset that can be considered to belong to the "immature" thymocyte population. The ST were induced to proliferate if, in addition to PHA, IL 1-containing supernatants of highly purified monocyte cultures or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were present. The incubation of the ST for 90 hr with TPA or IL 1 in the absence of PHA resulted in a strong reduction in the percentage of cells reacting with the immature thymocyte markers TdT and PNA. In addition, the OKT6+ cells were partially reduced after incubation with IL 1. Concomitantly, an increase in the percentage of cells reacting with the mature T cell markers OKT1 and OKT3 was observed, whereas HLA antigens became strongly expressed on all ST. Although IL 1 or TPA were unable to induce proliferation of the ST, these substances induced IL 2 production by these cells. These shifts to cells with more "mature" phenotypes that are able to produce IL 2 were not observed if the ST were incubated with PHA or culture medium only. The responder capacity of the ST to PHA plus TPA was not significantly affected by the depletion of the more "mature" OKT3+ and OKT1+ cells. In addition, in this situation OKT1+, OKT3+, OKT6- cells were found to be generated from OKT1-, OKT3-, OKT6+ cells. Therefore, it could be excluded that the proliferative responses were due to a selective expansion of a preexisting mature T cell population. Our results indicate that TPA mimics IL 1 in the induction of differentiation of the ST to a stage in which subpopulations of these cells are able to produce IL 2 and to respond to PHA. Because only the proliferating ST were found to react with a monoclonal antibody, which is thought to be directed at the IL 2 receptor (anti-Tac), our data suggest that PHA is required for the induction of expression of receptors for IL 2 in those ST subpopulations that are able to proliferate in the presence of IL 2 generated in situ.     

Different effects of IL-2 addition or antibody crosslinking on T-cell subset stimulation by CD3 antibodies

The effect of exogenous recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) or of antibody crosslinking on the activation of human T-cell subsets by IgG2a (OKT3/BMA030), IgG1 (Leu4 and UCHT1), or IgG2b (BMA031) anti-T3 antibodies (CD3) was investigated. In so-called nonresponder cultures as well as in monocyte-depleted cell cultures addition of IL-2 increased the CD3-induced activation and proliferation of T4 and T8 cell subsets. Relatively more T8 than T4 cells were stimulated by antibody binding and IL-2. Crosslinking the cell-bound CD3 antibodies by plastic bound goat anti-mouse antibodies activated both T-cell subsets optimally and increased the IL-2 production of the IgG1-CD3 stimulated cultures. The data show that T cells (T8 greater than T4) can be stimulated by CD3 antibody binding and IL-2, but that crosslinking the cell-bound CD3 antibodies is crucial for optimal T4 cell stimulation and IL-2 production.     

The effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on human T lymphocyte activation and proliferation: a cell cycle analysis

Recent studies have demonstrated that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol), the most biologically active metabolite of vitamin D, is a potent inhibitor of both lectin- and antigen-driven human T lymphocyte proliferation. To better characterize this effect, we performed cell cycle analysis of both untreated and calcitriol-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells after PHA stimulation. By using the metachromatic dye acridine orange and flow cytometry, we found that calcitriol blocks the transition from the early, low RNA compartment of G1 (G1A) to the late, higher RNA compartment of G1 (G1B). Consistent with this observation was the inability of exogenous IL 1 or phorbol myristic acetate to overcome calcitriol's suppression of DNA synthesis. Indomethacin slightly reversed calcitriol's inhibition of transition from early to late G1, suggesting a minor, prostaglandin-dependent component to calcitriol's antiproliferative activity. Finally, by using the monoclonal antibodies anti-Tac and OKT9, we found that calcitriol had no effect on IL 2 receptor expression, an early G1 event, but markedly inhibited transferrin receptor expression, an IL 2-dependent, late G1 event. Thus, analysis of calcitriol's effects on the expression of these T cell activation antigens provides further evidence of the cell cycle specificity of calcitriol's action in regulating human T lymphocyte proliferation.     

Stimulation and inhibition of human T cell subsets by wheat germ agglutinin

Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), a tetravalent lectin, has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on human T lymphocytes. It has been suggested that these actions are related and that WGA selectively stimulates a suppressive subset of T cells. We studied the ability of WGA to stimulate and inhibit subpopulations of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) known to have helper or suppressor activity. Fresh human PBMC were depleted of either T4+ or T8+ cells by using antibody-mediated complement lysis. The resultant cell populations were stimulated with WGA, and the proliferative response was assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, IL 2 receptor expression, the ability to elaborate IL 2 in culture supernatants, and the susceptibility to inhibition by the monoclonal antibody anti-Tac. Similar experiments with cells from a WGA-responsive continuous T cell culture were also performed. WGA inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of PBMC depleted of either T4+ or T8+ cells. WGA also inhibited PBMC that had been depleted of adherent cells and Ia+ cells and then induced to proliferate with a combination of TPA and PHA. Our findings indicate that WGA induces IL 2-dependent proliferation in a small proportion of both T4+ and T8+ lymphocytes. We also provide evidence that the inhibitory activity of WGA is not mediated by a T4+, T8+, or Ia+ cell, suggesting that WGA acts directly on the proliferating cell rather than selectively stimulating a suppressive subpopulation.     

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced interferon-gamma production: roles of interleukin 1 and interleukin 2

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Monocytes play a mandatory accessory role in this process, because purified T lymphocytes failed to produce IFN-gamma in response to LPS and the addition of 2% monocytes to T cell cultures resulted in an optimal LPS-induced IFN-gamma production. IFN-gamma production was abolished in the presence of monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-DR antigen. Addition of exogenous interleukin 2 (IL 2) markedly enhanced IFN-gamma secretion by PBMC induced with LPS. The addition of anti-Tac antibody specific for IL 2 receptors abrogated IFN-gamma production, suggesting that an interaction of IL 2 with IL 2 receptors was involved. By using a specific antibody binding assay, LPS was shown to amplify IL 2 receptor expression on PBMC, whereas exogenous IL 2 showed only a negligible enhancing effect on the expression of its own receptors. Interleukin 1 (IL 1), a product of LPS-stimulated monocytes, potentiated IL 2-induced IFN-gamma production in the absence of LPS. Neither IL 1 nor IL 2 alone induced IFN-gamma production in purified T lymphocyte cultures. When added together, however, substantial levels of IFN-gamma were induced. An enhanced IL 2 receptor expression on T cells was also demonstrated as a result of the combined action of IL 1 and IL 2. These results suggest that induction of IFN-gamma by LPS is due mainly to the generation of IL 1 and an enhanced expression of IL 2 receptors.     

OKT8 antibody inhibits OKT3-induced IL 2 production and proliferation in OKT8+ cells

We studied IL 2 production and proliferation induced by OKT3 mitogenic monoclonal antibody in the OKT8+ T cell subset. OKT3 antibody induced IL 2 production and proliferation in OKT8+ cells in a typical time-dependent manner: maximal IL 2 levels were found in 24 hr culture supernatants; maximal proliferation was found on day 3. OKT3 antibody was mitogenic over a wide range of concentrations (0.125 to 500 ng/ml). The presence of OKT8 antibody (greater than or equal to 100 ng/ml) in these cultures resulted in almost complete inhibition of IL 2 production and proliferation. Kinetic studies demonstrate that OKT8 antibody suppresses both IL 2 production and response to exogenous IL 2 in OKT8+ cells when added within the first 2 hr of culture. After 14 to 20 hr of culture, addition of OKT8 only blocks IL 2 production but not the IL 2 response of activated OKT8+ cells. The specificity of inhibition by OKT8 antibody of OKT3 mitogenicity on OKT8+ cells was confirmed by the failure of Leu-I and OKT4 antibody to produce the same effect and by the lack of inhibition by OKT8 antibody of OKT3-induced IL 2 production and proliferation in OKT4+ cells.