Immunoglobulin secretion by human splenic lymphocytes in vitro: the effects of antibodies to IgM and IgD.

The effects of F(ab')2 fragments of affinity-purified rabbit anti-human mu chain antibody (RaHmu) and rabbit anti-human delta chain antibody (RaHdelta) on spontaneous and mitogen-stimulated immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion by normal human spleen cells were studied. IgM and IgG secretion by human spleen cells cultured in vitro was measured by incubating the cells with 3H-amino acids precipitating the secreted labeled Ig with anti-Ig, and analyzing the precipitates by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both RaHmu and RaHdelta suppressed spontaneous and LPS-induced IgM and IgG secretion as well as PWM-stimulated IgG secretion. In different experiments, RaHmu and RaHdelta either suppressed or augmented PWM-induced IgM secretion. The anti-Ig induced augmentation of PWM-triggered IgM secretion was most apparent when spleen cells were cultured at lower cell densities or when lower concentrations of anti-Ig were employed. These date indicate that perturbation of B cell surface immunoglobulin receptors with specific anti-Ig antibody can alter markedly the ability of these cells to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells.     

Monoclonal antibodies to different antigens of skin epithelium obtained by immunizing mice with streptococcus group A antigens

Monoclonal antibodies (MCA) were obtained by immunization of BALB/c mice with streptococcal group A protein antigens of the cellular wall, or with whole microbial cells. In immunofluorescence test, MCA react with different skin epithelial structures (basal, suprabasal or all the epidermal layers). The majority of MCA belong to autoantibodies. The same MCA revealed no cross-reactions with streptococcal antigens in immunoenzyme and inhibition tests. MCA reacting with epithelial cells are, apparently, obtained as a result of polyclonal activation of the autoreactive clones by streptococcal antigens.     

Hybridomas synthesizing monoclonal antibodies to surface antigens of human lymphocytes

Three types of hybridomas were obtained by fusion of murine myeloma cells (NSI-1-Ag4-1) with splenocytes from mice immunized with human lymphoblastoid cells (RPMI-6410t line, acute myeloblastic leukemia). Hybridomas of the first type synthesize monoclonal antibodies Ma-1, which interact with 6410t-cells, but are not bound to the cells of human Burkitt lymphoma-Raji. Raji cells contain HLA-DRw5 and -DRw6 antigens on cell surface but there are no HLA-A2, -B7 and -B12 antigens (specific for 6410t). Thus, Ma-1 are probably derected against some of HLA antigens of loci A or B. Hybridomas of the second type synthesize Ma-2 antibodies which react with 6410t and Raji cells, but are not bound to peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). We suppose that Ma-2 antibodies to tumor specific antigens which have common antigen determinants both for Raji and RPMI-6410t cells. The third type of hybridomas synthesizes monoclonal antibodies Ma-3 reacting with all the three types of target cells: 6410t, Raji, and PBL. Ma-3 seems to be directed against human species-specific lymphocyte antigens which remained in 6410t and Raji cells.     

A ground-based model to study the effects of weightlessness on lymphocytes

The mitogenic response of human lymphocytes was found to be markedly reduced in weightlessness conditions as compared to normal gravity. One possible explanation is that due to the non-existent sedimentation in space the lymphocytes could not adhere and spread on a substratum. Thus, we investigated the effect of substratum adhesiveness on lymphocyte responsiveness by reducing and blocking cell adhesion with poly-HEMA in a simple on-ground system. Lymphocyte adhesiveness was assessed by measuring the proportion of non-adhesive, slightly, and strongly adhesive 51Cr-radiolabelled cells on uncoated and poly-HEMA coated plastic. The amount of cell spreading on surfaces with varying adhesiveness was determined by measuring the area of cells. Cells grown on medium and thick poly-HEMA films were rounded in shape. By contrast, on tissue culture plastic, they showed clear signs of spreading. The mitogenic response of lymphocytes grown on thick poly-HEMA films was reduced by up to 68% of the control (tissue culture plastic). Interferon-gamma production was virtually nil when the cells were grown on the least adhesive substratum. These results show that activated lymphocytes need to anchor and spread prior to achieving an optimal proliferation response. We conclude that decreased lymphocyte adhesion could contribute to the depressed in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness found in the microgravity conditions of space flight.     

A comparative study on immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporin A and FK 506 on peripheral blood lymphocytes in dogs

Immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK 506 (FK) on peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied in dogs in respect to mixed lymphocyte reaction, proliferative responses to recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin-A (Con-A); phenotypes of OKIa1, CD3, CD8 and surface IgM; cytotoxic activity against xenogeneic tumor cells. CsA (2.0 or 5.0 mg/kg, intravenously) or FK (0.16 mg/kg, intramuscularly) was given to mongrel dogs every morning for serial 21 days. The blood concentrations of CsA, measured as trough levels by fluorescence polarization method, ranged from 37 to 350 ng/ml in dogs administered at 2.0 mg/kg and from 170 to 894 ng/ml in dogs administered at 5.0 mg/kg during treatment, respectively. In dogs treated with FK at a dose of 0.16 mg/kg, the drug concentrations in the plasma during treatment ranged from 0.16 to 1.8 ng/ml. Mixed lymphocyte reaction and proliferative responses to rIL-2, PHA and Con-A, which were declined by CsA, were not affected by FK. In contrast, the proportion of OKIa1+ cells was not affected by CsA, whereas FK decreased the proportion of OKIa1+ cells progressively during the course of treatment. Cytotoxic activity was suppressed by both CsA and FK. These results possibly indicate that CsA and FK exert their immunosuppressive effects via different mechanisms.     

Immune recognition of AIDS virus antigens by human and murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The CTL response to HIV was analyzed in humans and in mice. By using a novel and strictly autologous lymphocyte culture system, human CTL lines were established with PBL from seropositive asymptomatic donors and from patients suffering from AIDS or presenting AIDS-related complex. CTL from HLA-A2 donors recognize and kill murine P815 mastocytoma cells doubly transfected with the human HLA-A2 gene and the HIV env gene; they also kill HLA-compatible human macrophages infected with HIV. CTL specific for the HIV env Ag were also generated in BALB/c mice by immunization with syngeneic murine cells transfected with the HIV env gene. Human and murine HIV-immune CTL populations belong to the CD8 subset of T lymphocytes and are restricted by class I HLA or H-2 transplantation Ag, respectively, in the recognition of HIV env Ag. The two different experimental systems presented here can be used to study CD8 lymphocyte immunity against HIV. The murine model of CTL immunity offers the additional advantage of avoiding the manipulation of infectious virus isolates.     

Two surface antigens expressed on proliferating mouse T lymphocytes defined by rat monoclonal antibodies

A hybrid cell line resulting from the fusion of a Con A-activated normal mouse spleen cell and a transformed mouse T cell (EL-4BU) has been used to prepare and select rat monoclonal antibodies reactive with molecules expressed on the surface of proliferating, as opposed to resting, mouse T cells. In this report, the characterization of two such antigens identified in this way is described. One antigen is a membrane component common to mitogen-activated T and B cells, some bone marrow cells, and various transformed cell lines but is not detectable on either normal thymocytes or the majority of spleen cells by radioimmunoassay or FACS analysis. It has a m.w. of approximately 200,000 daltons under nonreducing conditions and 100,000 daltons under reducing conditions. Antibodies to this antigen precipitate cell-bound transferrin but do not react directly with transferrin itself. It would thus appear that the antigen is the transferrin receptor molecule. The second antigen is not detectable on normal thymocytes, spleen cells, bone marrow cells, or mitogen-stimulated spleen cells but is expressed at high levels on some transformed T cell lines. It, too, appears to be a dimer, with a m.w. of 95,000 daltons under nonreducing conditions, decreasing to 50,000 daltons under reducing conditions. Although the function of the 95,000-dalton antigen is not yet known, its lack of expression on adult T cell populations both before and after activation suggests either a short-lived role at a very early stage of T cell development and/or an association with T cell transformation.     

Effects of anti-class I antibodies on proliferation of murine T lymphocytes

Antibodies specific for the murine Class I H-2K/D molecules have been analyzed for their effect on the proliferation of murine T cells. Several antibodies specific for both private and public determinants have been found to inhibit lectin-mediated T-cell proliferation. These same antibodies do not noticeably effect growth factor-dependent proliferation of activated T cells and have been found to stimulate rather than inhibit alloantigen-induced proliferation of T cells. Taken together these results suggest that Class I molecules may have some functional role in the early events of T-cell stimulation/proliferation, although the mechanisms for antibody effect may be different for T cells stimulated in different ways.     

Expression of membrane activation antigens on murine B lymphocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide

The expression of two membrane glycoproteins, RL388 antigen and transferrin receptor (TfR), was examined on murine B cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. Immunofluorescent staining with monoclonal antibodies and flow cytofluorometric analysis were used to monitor the expression of these markers as a function of the time in culture, the state of membrane Ia antigen expression, the position in cell cycle, and the degree of B-cell differentiation. Freshly explanted splenic B cells expressed low levels of RL388 antigen and TfR. Following LPS stimulation, increased expression of RL388 antigen was detectable by 8 to 12 hr of culture, a time span characterized by increased Ia antigen expression, blast transformation, and G0 to G1 phase transition. The increased expression of TfR was apparent later and correlated with entry into late G1 phase and the onset of S phase. LPS-stimulated cell cultures treated with actinomycin D (G0/G1 block) exhibited increased expression of Ia antigen, but neither RL388 antigen nor TfR, whereas hydroxyurea treatment (G1/S block) allowed expression of all three markers. These results indicate that hyperexpression of RL388 antigen and TfR occurs during G1 phase and that these events are subsequent to Ia antigen hyperexpression. Finally, B cells in late G1 through M phase of the cell cycle simultaneously express high levels of RL388 antigen and TfR. These findings suggest that the expression patterns of RL388 antigen and TfR might be useful parameters for defining compartments of the murine B-cell cycle.     

A comparative study of the effects of neonatal androgenization and estrogenization on prolactin secretion in adult female rats

Effects of neonatal androgenization (NA) and estrogenization (NE) were compared especially in terms of the prolactin (PRL) secretion in female rats. Twenty-four h after birth, a total of seven groups of newborn female rats were treated as follows. Three NA groups received a single s.c. injection of 10, 100 or 1000 micrograms of testosterone, respectively. Similarly, three NE groups received 1, 10 or 100 micrograms of estradiol-17 beta, respectively. The remaining one group was injected with oil vehicle only, and served as controls. At 8 weeks of age, animals were killed by rapid decapitation. PRL, estradiol and progesterone were measured in the plasma. Anterior pituitary (AP) was weighed, and AP PRL content was measured. NA and NE, at the highest doses, resulted in a similar degree of hyperprolactinemia and hyperestrogenemia showing an effect ratio of about 1:10. This ratio was, however, not true with the lower doses. Furthermore, there was no dose-dependency in the effect of NE on the plasma PRL and estradiol levels. In turn, plasma progesterone levels were dose-dependently decreased by both NA and NE. AP PRL content, expressed per AP, was significantly higher than control values in only NA (1000 micrograms) and NE (100 micrograms) groups. AP weight was increased by NA (1000 micrograms) but not by any NE treatment. These results indicate that NA and NE do not always exert similar effects on the PRL secretion or on several other related parameters. Therefore, aromatization of testosterone to estradiol does not appear to be the sole mechanism mediating the neuroendocrine consequences of NA.     

Monoclonal antibodies to the species-specific and group antigens of Rickettsia prowazekii]

A number of hybridomas to different R. prowazekii determinants were obtained by the hybridization of spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with R. prowazekii corpuscular and soluble antigens. Some of the monoclonal antibodies (McAb) reacted with R. prowazekii thermolabile species-specific protein and did not react with R. typhi antigens (McAb of batches B4/4 and A-D3). McAb C5/2 and A3/2 reacted with the group thermostable antigen, common for R. prowazekii and R. typhi. McAb to the species-specific thermolabile antigen belonged to IgG2a. The McAb thus obtained permit the identification of R. prowazekii and R. typhi and the solution of the problem of the intragroup differentiation of rickettsiae belonging to the typhus group.     

A comparative study of the diagnostic value of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to human IgM in immunoenzyme diagnostic agents]

Monoclonal antibodies (McAb) to human IgM, capable of recognizing antigenic determinants of different character, have been obtained. Three type-specific McAb have been used in diagnostic systems for the determination of specific IgM antibodies in the sera of patients with hepatitides A and B. The affinity constant and high specificity of McAb have made it possible to change affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies to heavy chains of IgM for the gamma fraction of hybridoma-induced ascitic fluids without decreasing the sensitivity and specificity of test systems. The main advantages of McAb are the standard character of the reagent and reproducibility of its properties.     

Virus-specific memory and effector T lymphocytes exhibit different cytokine responses to antigens during experimental murine respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Mice sensitized to the G (attachment) or F (fusion) glycoproteins of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) expressed different patterns of cytokine production and lung pathology when challenged by intranasal infection with RSV. Five days after challenge, mice sensitized to G glycoprotein produced high levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 in the lungs and spleens and developed extensive pulmonary eosinophilia, while mice sensitized to F glycoprotein produced IL-2 and developed a mononuclear cell infiltration. Memory lymphocytes isolated 2 weeks after intranasal challenge of mice primed to the G or F glycoprotein secreted only IL-2 and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) when stimulated with RSV. IL-4 and IL-5 production characteristic of Th2-type effectors in the lung was observed only after multiple rounds of in vitro stimulation of RSV G-specific memory T lymphocytes with antigen. Also IFN-gamma production appeared to play only a minor role in the expression of pulmonary pathology characteristic of Th1 or Th2 T-lymphocyte responses, because mice genetically deficient in IFN-gamma production by gene disruption displayed the same pattern of pulmonary inflammation to RSV infection after priming to RSV F or G as conventional mice. These results suggest that effector T lymphocytes exhibit a different pattern of cytokine production than memory T-lymphocyte precursors precommitted to a Th1 or Th2 pattern of differentiation. Furthermore, these observations raise the possibility that the cytokine response of human memory T lymphocytes after a single exposure to antigen in vitro may not accurately reflect the cytokine response of differentiated effector T lymphocytes at the site of infection in vivo.     

Genetic resistance to murine leukemia induced by different radiation leukemia virus variants; a comparative study on the role of theH-2 complex

Association of resistance to leukemogenesis with theH-2 complex was investigated. Three variants of the radiation leukemia virus: D-RadLV, RadLV and RS-RadLV were tested. Using congenic and recombinant mouse strains, the region includingH-2K andI-A/B was found to be involved with resistance to all three viruses. In addition,H-2D-region linked resistance was found in leukemogenesis in two of the three passages. The phenotypic expression of resistance associated withH-2D seemed to depend on the simultaneous presence ofH-2K-H-21-linked resistance alleles. TheH-2 haplotypes associated with resistance or sensitivity to the different RadLV variants were different for each passage, suggesting that there is a large degree of heterogeneity both inH-2-linked resistance and between the radiation-induced leukemia viruses.     

The comparative evaluation of spectrophotometric and chemiluminescent detection in an immunoenzyme test of antibodies to the antigens of the bovine leukosis virus]

Comparative evaluation of the sensitivity limit in the detection of antibodies to bovine leukemia virus in the enzyme immunoassay with the use of chemiluminescent and spectrophotometric detection techniques was carried out. In this assay 3-amino-1,4-phthalazinedion was used as chemiluminescent substrate and ortho-phenylenediamine, as chromogenic substrate. The chemiluminescent signal was registered by means of a special luminometer designed at the Institute of Biochemistry (Lithuanian Acad. Sci.). The use of the chemiluminescent substrate permitted the detection of proteins in amounts 2-3 times lower than those detected by the spectrophotometric technique.     

The glycoprotein surface coat on different classes of murine lymphocytes

Both thymus and spleen lymphocytes of mice have been shown to possess a surface coat visible when the cells are stained with ruthenium red. Measurements on high-magnification photographs showed that the coat on thymus lymphocytes is significantly thicker than on spleen lymphocytes from genetically athymic nu/nu mice, which form a pure B cell population. Most of the coat on thymus cells is removed by treatment of the cells with neuraminidase or with trypsin, indicating that the coat is glycoprotein in nature. Functional implications of the difference in the cell coats of thymus and B cells are discussed.