Clonal analysis of B and T cell responses to Ia antigens. IV. Proliferative T cell clones recognizing E beta and/or E alpha allodeterminants

The allospecific T cell recognition of the I-Ek molecule was assessed by using eight A. TH anti-A. TL proliferative T cell clones, all of which expressed the Thy-1-2+, Lyt-1+, Lyt-2-, Ia-, and p94,180+ cell surface phenotype. The use of panels of stimulating cells from homozygous of F1 hybrid strains indicated each T cell clone exhibited specificity for distinct alloactivating determinants including: i) a private E beta k-controlled determinant expressed in cis- or trans-complementing E beta kE alpha strains; ii) an apparently nonpolymorphic E alpha determinant resembling the serologic specificity Ia.7, i.e., present in all strains carrying E alpha and E beta expressor alleles; and iii) a series of conformational I-E determinants, the expression of which required a precisely defined combinatorial association of E beta plus E alpha chains. Two clones were found to be reactivated by cis- but not trans-complementing E beta k E alpha k strains, and another recognized an allodeterminant shared by the I-Ab molecule. Various I-Ek-reactive monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed to epitopes presumably expressed on either E alpha (epitope clusters I and II) or E beta (epitope cluster III) chains inhibited the proliferative responses of seven clones recognizing private E beta k or unique E beta E alpha conformational activating determinants. By contrast, the restimulation of the clone directed to a nonpolymorphic E alpha determinant was selectively blocked by anti-Ia.7 mAb defining epitopes on the E alpha chains but not by those directed to the E beta chain. On the basis of these data, it was concluded that the recognition sites of most anti-I-Ek proliferative T cells were expressed on the E beta chain or the E beta plus E alpha interaction products, and that a minority of such alloreactive T cells could be activated through recognition of the E alpha chain per se.     

Autoantigen conformation influences both B- and T-cell responses and encephalitogenicity

It has become increasingly clear that only antibodies recognizing conformation-dependent epitopes of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) have a demyelinating potential in the animal model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Nevertheless, for the induction of EAE, most studies to date have used MOG peptides or bacterially expressed MOG, neither of which contain the tertiary structure of the native antigen. Non-refolded recombinant human MOG does not induce EAE in DA rats. Therefore, we refolded this protein in order to assess the influence of MOG conformation on its pathogenicity in DA rats. DA rats immunized with refolded human MOG developed severe acute EAE. As expected, rats immunized with the refolded protein had a higher amount of conformational MOG antibodies present in serum. But in addition, a striking effect of MOG refolding on the generation of T-cell responses was found. Indeed, T-cell responses against the encephalitogenic MOG 91-108 epitope were greatly enhanced after refolding. Therefore, we conclude that refolding of MOG increases its pathogenicity both by generating conformation-dependent MOG antibodies and by enhancing its processing or/and presentation on MHC molecules. These data are important in regard to investigations of the pathogenic potential of many (auto)antigens.     

Immunoelectrophoretic analysis of Streptococcus agalactiae serotype Ia antigens

Rabbit antibodies to heat-killed whole cells of Streptococcus agalactiae serotype Ia were used to establish an antigen map using Triton X-100 sonicates of homologous cells and crossed immunoelectrophoresis. A total of 11 antigens were identified but the density of immunoprecipitates was varied and only seven could be reliably detected, one of which dominated the immunoprecipitate pattern by its intensity. The antigens were partially characterized by immunological, chemical and cell-location methods. Five of the antigens contained carbohydrate and two of those were sensitive to trypsin and probably represent cell-wall compounds. Of the three most prominent antigens, one was surface located and represented the type and shared type antigens (Iabc), one was a cell-wall carbohydrate and very sensitive to periodate, and one was a protein/carbohydrate complex which was heat-labile and trypsin sensitive. Group B epitopes were detected in three immunoprecipitates. Cross-reactions between type Ia and other serotypes and streptococci were recorded.     

Induction of B- and T-cell responses to cruzipain in the murine model of Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, is an important cause of heart disease in Latin America. The parasite is transmitted mucosally, with both intra- and extracellular life stages in the human host. Cruzipain, the major cysteinyl proteinase of T. cruzi, has been shown to be antigenic in both humans and mice during infection with the parasite. We extend these observations, showing here that multiple murine immune subsets of potential importance for vaccine-induced protection can be induced by cruzipain. Cruzipain-specific serum IgG responses were induced during chronic infection with T. cruzi. In addition, T. cruzi mucosal infection stimulated the development of cruzipain-specific secretory IgA detectable in fecal extracts from infected mice. Cruzipain-specific type 1 cytokine responses characterized by the production of IFN-gamma but not IL-4 were also detectable during murine infection. Furthermore, immunization of mice with a DNA vaccine encoding cruzipain was shown to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses capable of recognizing and lysing T. cruzi-infected cells. The induction of serum antibody, mucosal IgA, Th1 cytokine and CTL responses by cruzipain in mice supports the use of this parasite protein for further efforts in T. cruzi vaccine development.     

Ontogeny of human Ia antigens

Indirect immunofluorescence (IIP) staining of tissues from human fetuses (ages ranging from 8 to 32 weeks of intrauterine life) with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to monomorphic determinants of Ia antigens and HLA-A,B,C antigens has shown that both types of antigens are already detectable in tissues of 8-week-old fetuses. Ia antigens and HLA-A,B,C antigens reach their almost-complete tissue distribution after 32 and 24 weeks of intrauterine life, respectively. The structure of Ia antigens synthesized by fetal thymus cells is similar to that of B-lymphoid cell-derived Ia antigens. Ia antigen-bearing thymic fetal cells can stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs). These reactions are blocked by monoclonal antibodies to monomorphic determinants of human Ia antigens and of HLA-A,B, antigens.     

Macrophage Ia antigens. I. macrophage populations differ in their expression of Ia antigens

By indirect immunofluorescence and microcytotoxicity it was demonstrated that different populations of murine macrophages bear different amounts of Ia antigens on their membranes. At least three subpopulations could be distinguished: those that lack Ia antigens and predominate in peritoneal exudate; cells bearing I-A antigens that are the majority of splenic macrophages and a minor population in the peritoneum; and cells bearing I-C antigens that are a minor population in both spleen and peritoneum. Internal radioisotope labeling studies confirmed that the I region molecules are synthesized by the macrophages. It is suggested that these different macrophage subpopulations may play distinct roles in the immune response.     

Isolation and characterization of murine Ia antigens

The isolation and characterization of Ia antigens from both lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells was attempted by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of radiolabeled, NP-40 solubilized, and anti-Ia precipitated lysates. The profiles obtained indicate that membrane proteins with a molecular weight of approximately 30,000 can be isolated from peripheral B but not from peripheral T cells. Ia antigens cannot be immunoprecipitated from cortisone-resistant thymocytes, total thymocytes, allogeneically activated T cells, Con A stimulated T cells, and anti-Ig immunoadsorbent purified T cells. Ia antigens seem to comprise only 1%–2% of labeled splenic intracellular and membrane-associated proteins. They differ from H-2 antigens and immunoglobulin H and L chains with respect to size and serological reactivity. Ia antigens cannot be found to be secreted from lymph node cells or splenocytes into the extracellular incubation media. Tissue distribution studies indicate that Ia antigens are present on macrophages, fetal liver cells, epidermal cells, and bone marrow cells. They have not been found on such tumor cells as myelomas, teratomas, and lymphocytic leukemias.     

Enhanced in vitro cytotoxic anti H-2 responses in the presence of Ia antigens

Because surface Ig and Ia antigens cap independently, A.TH anti-A.TL serum combined with the indirect immunfluorescence technique could be used to test defined murine cell populations ofH-2 ^k haplotype for the presence of Ia antigens. Mitogen induced T- and B-cell derived blast cells, purified by velocity sedimentation at 1g, were tested for the expression of Ia^k antigens and then used both as stimulator cells and as target cells, in primary and secondary in vitro cytotoxic allograft responses. Fibroblasts, cortisone-resistant thymocytes, and nylon column purified splenic T cells were also included in these tests. Ia antigens were detected on 100% of LPS-induced blast cells, on 20%–30% of ConA-induced blast cells (100%Θ Thy-1 or antigen positive), but only to 5%–10% on PHA-blasts (100% Thy-1 antigen positive). Fibroblasts and nylon column purified splenic T cells were essentially Ia negative. Ia-positive allogeneic stimulator cells induced a far stronger in vitro cytotoxic T-cell response compared to Ia-negative stimulator cells; that is, there was a positive correlation between the expression of Ia antigens on the stimulator cells and the magnitude of cytotoxicity induced. This correlation was restricted to primary allograft responses. Ia antigens could not be detected as a target for killing in the cytotoxic effector phase, using both different target cells as well as the approach of “PHA dependent lysis” for detecting cytotoxic T lymphocytes.     

T-cell responses to multiple antigens presented by RNA-transfected APCs: a possible immunomonitoring tool

The increasingly deeper understanding of how the immune system recognizes and destroys tumors promises to enable the development of new approaches for gene therapy and immunotherapy. However, a treatment that induces safe and potentially beneficial antitumor responses is expected to require stepwise refinements. As part of this challenge, assays are needed to measure specific antitumor immune responses in patients. This becomes problematic because most tumors express unknown tumor antigens and it is often difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of viable tumor material for in vitro assays. Recently it was demonstrated that RNA derived from tumor cells stimulated T cells in an antigen-specific manner. These studies have formed the basis for the development of dendritic cell vaccines that express tumor antigens following translation of tumor RNA. Therefore, it occurred to us that antigen-presenting cells transfected with total tumor RNA might also be valuable in monitoring the antitumor responses induced in patients who participate in clinical trials. To test this hypothesis, we developed a model in which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines were used as a source of RNA. Since this RNA encodes for known EBV antigens, it was possible to determine whether the expected responses were observed. Our results show for the first time that T cells primed to APC transfected with RNA isolated from EBV-infected lymphocytes exhibited a fine specificity that enabled them to recognize individual EBV antigens.This work was supported by a Developmental Research Grant from the Derald H. Ruttenberg Cancer Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.     

Ia antigens: markers of specific T suppressors immune to H-2 complex antigens

Two antisera to Ia antigens, products of the H-2 complex I-Cd and I-JkEk subregions, respectively, have been obtained by immunisation of the F1 hybrids of recombinant strains of mice. These antisera are shown to display the 50 per cent cytotoxic effect in vitro in the presence of complement upon lymphocyte populations immune to the H-2 complex antigens and enriched for specific suppressor T cells (SSC) by fractionation on the monolayer of target cells. The specificity of anti-Ia cytotoxins is shown by the cross antibody absorption with T- and B-cells of mice originated from the recombinant H-2 haplotypes and bearing either particular I-Cd, I-Jk and I-Ek antigens, or their combinations. Anti-I-Cd cytotoxins are found to react with both B and T cells at a different rate, and the anti-I-JkEk serum contains two antibody types directed to I-Ek and I-Jk products, respectively, the latter being able to react preferently with T cells. Although both antisera do inactivate the in vitro SSC function in the presence of complement at a similar degree, the inactivating action of the anti-I-Cd serum, but not that of the anti-I-JkEk serum, occurs without complement. SSC are established to bear both Ia-antigens, I-J and I-C on the same cell, as demonstrated by the cross antibody absorption and variation of the H-2 origin of SSC. These two markers are suggested to function differently in the SSC immune to the H-2 antigens and the I-C antigen expression on the SSC surface is presumed to be required for their interaction with the inhibited responder T cells proliferating in MLC.     

Cell-mediated immunity in experimental filariasis: lymphocyte reactivity to filarial stage-specific antigens and to B- and T-cell mitogens during acute and chronic infection.

To study immunological responses in chronic filarial infections, a model utilizing inbred Lewis rats infected with Brugia pahangi was developed. Microfilaria were found in the bloodstream of over 90% of the rats by 16 weeks of infection. Using in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis, cell-mediated immune responses of blood, splenic, and mesenteric node lymphocytes were followed during 1.5 years of infection. Lymphocyte responses to antigen prepared from infective stage filarial larvae were detectable in the early weeks of infection, whereas responses to microfilarial antigen only developed late as microfilaremia waned. Lymphocyte responses to antigen from adult filaria vacillated during the infection. With the mitogens, phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide, periods of B and T-cell hyporesponsiveness were demonstrable. Between 16 and 36 weeks of infection node lymphocytes from many rats were unresponsive to all mitogens and antigens. The model of B. pahangi in inbred rats offers advantages for immunological studies of filarial infections.     

T-cell responses to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its recombinant antigens in HIV-infected chimpanzees.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from chimpanzees infected for 3 months to more than 3 years with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had normal T-cell proliferative responses after stimulation with a variety of recall antigens and mitogens, indicating that HIV infection does not cause detectable immunological impairment in chimpanzees. This finding contrasts with that obtained in HIV-infected humans, who often have impaired T-cell reactivity. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from most HIV-infected chimpanzees that were studied also had strong proliferative responses to purified HIV as well as to HIV envelope glycoproteins isolated from the virus, to recombinant HIV envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41, and to HIV gag protein p24. The HIV-specific T-cell responses in HIV-infected chimpanzees may contribute to prevention of the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in this species.     

Clonal analysis of B-lymphocyte subpopulations separated on the basis of Lyb surface antigens

The aim of these experiments was to see whether antisera of the Lyb series could be used to identify B cells capable of responding differentially in T-dependent and T-independent systems. The antisera tested were against the alloantigens Lyb 1.1,2.1,3,4.1,5.2, and LyM 1. A polyvalent sheep anti-mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) antibody acted as a positive control for the identification of B cells. As a first step, all spleen B cells were treated to remove this surface Ig by a capping procedure. They were then washed, reacted with a mouse alloantiserum, and allowed to form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes to which a sheep anti-mouse IgG had been coupled. Rosetted fractions were prepared on a Percoll density gradient. After removal of erythrocytes by osmotic shock, the cells were tested for their capacity to respond to antigenic stimulation. To allow accurate estimation of functional potential, two B-cell cloning assays were used. To enumerate T-dependent B cells, the Klinman splenic microfocus assay was employed using haptenated KLH⁴ as antigen. To study T-independent cells, a limiting-dilution liquid microculture method employing hapten-polymerized flagellin as antigen was used. The results showed that none of the Lyb antigens clearly demarcated T-dependent from T-independent B cells. Rosetted fractions consisting of Lyb 1.1-, 2.1-, 3-, or 4.1-positive cells responded well in both assays. Fractions enriched for LyM 1-positive cells behaved like unfractionated spleen cells. Only the Lyb 5.2-rosetted fraction showed any discordance between the two assays, the fraction being enriched for cells responding in the T-dependent system and slightly depleted of cells responding in the T-independent system. Taken as a whole, the results suggest that these alloantigens will not serve as useful markers to characterize T-dependent and T-independent B-cell subsets. In fact, the experiments cast further doubt on whether such a distinction is valid.     

Comparison of mucosal B- and T-cell responses in Helicobacter pylori-infected subjects in a developing and a developed country

Helicobacter pylori is highly endemic in developing countries, but comparatively little is known about mucosal immune responses to H. pylori in these settings. Therefore, we have compared B- and T-cell responses, with a focus on the gastrointestinal mucosa, in H. pylori-infected adults in a developing (Bangladesh) and a developed (Sweden) country. We found comparable numbers of CD19(+) B cells and CD4 (+)T cells and similar levels of H. pylori-specific IgA antibodies in gastric mucosa from Bangladeshi and Swedish volunteers. However, about threefold higher numbers of CD19(+) B cells and 12-fold increased levels of H. pylori-specific IgA antibodies were found in the duodenum of Bangladeshi subjects. The gastric and duodenal immune responses in Bangladeshi asymptomatic carriers and duodenal ulcer patients were comparable. Bangladeshi subjects had about twofold lower titers of H. pylori-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in the circulation compared with Swedish volunteers. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Bangladeshi individuals have comparable gastric immune responses, but lower systemic antibody responses to H. pylori, compared with Swedish volunteers. Increased inflammation is present in the duodenum of Bangladeshi volunteers, maybe as a result of frequent exposure to enteric infections in these individuals.     

Multiepitopic B- and T-cell responses induced in humans by a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 lipopeptide vaccine

We have attempted to develop an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) lipopeptide vaccine with several HIV-specific long peptides modified by C-terminal addition of a single palmitoyl chain. A mixture of six lipopeptides derived from regulatory or structural HIV-1 proteins (Nef, Gag, and Env) was prepared. A phase I study was conducted to evaluate immunogenicity and tolerance in lipopeptide vaccination of HIV-1-seronegative volunteers given three injections of either 100, 250, or 500 microg of each lipopeptide, with or without immunoadjuvant (QS21). This report analyzes in detail B- and T-cell responses induced by vaccination. The lipopeptide vaccine elicited strong and multiepitopic B- and T-cell responses. Vaccinated subjects produced specific immunoglobulin G antibodies that recognized the Nef and Gag proteins. After the third injection, helper CD4(+)-T-cell responses as well as specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells were also obtained. These CD8(+) T cells were able to recognize naturally processed viral proteins. Finally, specific gamma interferon-secreting CD8(+) T cells were also detected ex vivo.     

Biochemical characterization of murine Ia antigens with xenoantisera

Rabbit anti-Ia sera was produced by immunization with detergentsolubilized extracts from splenic, lymph-node and thymus cells. The antisera contained activity against H-2 as well as Ia molecules. By a sequential immunoprecipitation assay it was shown that the rabbit anti-mouseH-2^s serum precipitated a second Ia molecule in theH-2^s haplotype. Previous studies with alloantisera have shown only one Ia molecule associated with this haplotype. Sequential precipitations with alloantiserum against the wholeI region were used to show that this second Ia molecule is coded by genes within theI region. Since only I-A- and I-E-region coded molecules are immunoprecipitable in most haplotypes, we presume that the rabbit antiserum could be identifying the I-E-subregion coded molecule in theH-2^s haplotype. The rabbit antiserum reacts with an isotypic specificity on the molecule. The studies suggest that theI-E subregion does exist in theH-2^s haplotype even though alloantiserum cannot be produced to identify allotypic variants associated with this subregion.     

Regulation of cytotoxic responses to alloantigens by Ia+ cells

Pretreatment of responder spleen cells with anti-Ia plus complement led to an enhancement of cytotoxic responses to alloantigens as well as to TNP-modified self antigens. This observation confirms previous reports that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and their precursors (CLP) are Ia^?. Furthermore, it suggests that the CTL responses to alloantigens or TNP-modified self-antigens are regulated by an Ia⁺ suppressor cell. Absorption studies and studies with anti-Ia sera specific for either the entire I region or the I-E/C subregions suggest that the regulatory cell certainly expresses I-E/C-coded determinants although the possibility that it also expresses I-A/B/J-coded determinats cannot be ruled out. Cell-mixing studies suggest that the regulatory cell is Thy-1^? and requires cell division before it can suppress. A clonal assay for CLP was used to show that the enhancement of the CTL response to alloantigens cannot be accounted for on the basis of an increase in the number of CLP in the anti-Ia + C-treated group.