Extracellular matrix conditions T cells for adhesion to tissue interstitium

The activation and differentiation of peripheral blood T cells (PBT) are known to correlate with increased surface expression and adhesive capacity of beta(1) integrins, which mediate adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, little is known about the regulation of integrin expression, affinity, and avidity on tissue T cells after they are embedded in the interstitial ECM. In this study we show that tissue T cells, freshly isolated from their residence in the interstitial ECM of the intestinal lamina propria, express a distinct subset of functionally active integrins that contribute to enhanced adhesion to purified collagen, fibronectin, and cell-derived ECM when compared with freshly isolated, short term activated, and long term cultured PBT. Furthermore, integrin usage is distinct between circulating and tissue-derived T cells, in that lamina propria T cells prefer to bind to collagen, while PBT lymphoblasts choose fibronectin when presented with a complex, three-dimensional, cell-derived matrix. To identify the extrinsic factors that regulate the conversion from a nonadhesive PBT to highly adhesive tissue T cell, we demonstrate that activation of PBT in the presence of fibronectin or collagen rapidly generates a surface integrin expression profile, an integrin usage pattern, and adhesive capacity mirroring that of a tissue T cell. These results indicate that the tissue ECM microenvironment instructs newly arrived T cells for further interactions with the underlying matrix and thereby imprints them with a signature tissue adhesive phenotype.     

Fibronectin promotes proliferation of naive and memory T cells by signaling through both the VLA-4 and VLA-5 integrin molecules.

The capacity of purified fibronectin to costimulate human T cell DNA synthesis was examined. Low concentrations of immobilized fibronectin, but not soluble fibronectin, augmented anti-CD3-induced proliferation of highly purified human T cells. In the absence of anti-CD3 stimulation, immobilized fibronectin did not induce T cell proliferation alone or in the presence of IL-2 or phorbol dibutyrate. Although fibronectin is present in high concentrations in the serum, immobilized fibronectin was able to costimulate T cell proliferation when cells were cultured in serum-containing medium. Immobilized collagen type I did not enhance anti-CD3 stimulated T cell responses, whereas gelatin (denatured collagen) and laminin were able to enhance anti-CD3 stimulated T cell responses modestly. The effects of gelatin, however, appeared to be indirect, because it could not enhance responses in medium devoid of fibronectin. Immobilized fibronectin enhanced anti-CD3 induced proliferation of both CD45RA dim and CD45RA bright subsets within both the CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations of T cells, although cells with the CD45RA dim phenotype were costimulated by lower concentrations of immobilized fibronectin. Enhancement of anti-CD3 induced proliferation by immobilized fibronectin was completely inhibited by a mAb to CD29, the integrin beta 1-chain (4B4) and not by a variety of other mAb. In contrast to its effects on proliferation, 4B4 only partially blocked T cell binding to anti-CD3 and fibronectin-coated macrowells. These findings suggested that the interaction between fibronectin and its receptor transduced a signal to the T cell and did not merely stabilize the interaction between anti-CD3 and the CD3 complex. Further experiments confirmed this observation. Thus fibronectin could enhance anti-CD3 responses when it was immobilized to a separate surface. The augmentation of anti-CD3 stimulated proliferation induced by immobilized fibronectin was also inhibited partially by mAb to either VLA-4 or VLA-5 and completely by a combination of the two mAb. The mAb to VLA-4 not only blocked the capacity of immobilized fibronectin to enhance anti-CD3-induced T cell proliferation but also directly costimulated T cell responses. Thus, at least two fibronectin receptors are involved in fibronectin-mediated costimulation of T cell proliferation. These studies indicate that signals are transduced through the fibronectin receptors, VLA-4 and VLA-5, that augment T cell responses and therefore implicate the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin as an important influence regulating T cell responsiveness in vivo.     

Potent costimulation of effector T lymphocytes by human collagen type I

Purified, resting peripheral blood T lymphocytes were previously reported to undergo beta(1) integrin-dependent activation when cultured with anti-CD3 mAb coimmobilized with fibronectin, but not type I collagen. However, the extravascular T cells that encounter immobilized extracellular matrix proteins and are involved in disease pathogenesis have different properties from resting peripheral blood cells. In this study, we confirm that resting CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from peripheral blood are costimulated by immobilized fibronectin, but not type I collagen. In contrast, Ag- or mitogen-stimulated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell lines, used as models of the effector cells involved in disease, are more potently costimulated by type I collagen than fibronectin. The collagen-induced effects are similar in assays with serum-free medium and in more physiological assays in which anti-CD3 mAb is replaced by a threshold concentration of Ag and irradiated autologous PBMC as APC. The responses are beta(1) integrin dependent and mediated largely by very late Ag (VLA) 1 and 2, as shown by their up-regulation on the T cell lines as compared with freshly purified resting PBL, and by the effects of blocking mAb. Reversed phase HPLC located the major costimulatory sequence(s) in the alpha1 chain of type I collagen, the structure of which was confirmed by amino acid sequencing. The results demonstrate the potential importance of type I collagen, an abundant extracellular matrix protein, in enhancing the activation of extravascular effector T cells in inflammatory disease, and point to a new immunotherapeutic target.     

Rapid production of TNF-alpha following TCR engagement of naive CD8 T cells

The acquisition of effector functions by naive CD8 T cells following TCR engagement is thought to occur sequentially with full functionality being gained only after the initiation of division. We show that naive CD8 T cells are capable of immediate effector function following TCR engagement, which stimulates the rapid production of TNF-alpha. Stimulation of splenocytes from naive mice of differing genetic backgrounds with anti-CD3epsilon mAb resulted in significant production of TNF-alpha by naive CD8 T cells within 5 h. Moreover, naive lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-specific TCR-transgenic CD8 T cells stimulated with either their cognate peptide ligand or virus-infected cells produced TNF-alpha as early as 2 h poststimulation, with production peaking by 4 h. Naive CD8 T cells produced both membrane-bound and soluble TNF-alpha. Interfering with TNF-alpha activity during the initial encounter between naive CD8 T cells and Ag loaded dendritic cells altered the maturation profile of the APC and diminished the overall viability of the APC population. These findings suggest that production of TNF-alpha by naive CD8 T cells immediately after TCR engagement may have an unappreciated impact within the local environment where Ag presentation is occurring and potentially influence the development of immune responses.     

Naive T cells are resistant to anergy induction by anti-CD3 antibodies

Anti-CD3 mAbs are potent immunosuppressive agents used in clinical transplantation. It has been generally assumed that one of the anti-CD3 mAb-mediated tolerance mechanisms is through the induction of naive T cell unresponsiveness, often referred to as anergy. We demonstrate in this study that naive T cells stimulated by anti-CD3 mAbs both in vivo and in vitro do not respond to the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B nor to soluble forms of anti-CD3 mAbs and APC, but express increased reactivity to plastic-coated forms of the same anti-CD3 mAbs and to their nominal Ag/class II MHC, a finding that is difficult to rationalize with the concept of anergy. Phenotypic and detailed kinetic studies further suggest that a strong signal 1 delivered by anti-CD3 mAbs in the absence of costimulatory molecules does not lead to anergy, but rather induces naive T cells to change their mitogen responsiveness and acquire features of memory T cells. In marked contrast, Ag-experienced T cells are sensitive to anergy induction under the same experimental settings. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that exposure of naive T cells in vivo and in vitro to a strong TCR stimulus does not induce Ag unresponsiveness, indicating that sensitivity to negative signaling through TCR/CD3 triggering is developmentally regulated in CD4(+) T cells.     

Clonal anergy is maintained independently of T cell proliferation

Ag encounter in the absence of proliferation results in the establishment of T cell unresponsiveness, also known as T cell clonal anergy. Anergic T cells fail to proliferate upon restimulation because of the inability to produce IL-2 and to properly regulate the G(1) cell cycle checkpoint. Because optimal TCR and CD28 engagement can elicit IL-2-independent cell cycle progression, we investigated whether CD3/CD28-mediated activation of anergic T cells could overcome G(1) cell cycle block, drive T cell proliferation, and thus reverse clonal anergy. We show here that although antigenic stimulation fails to elicit G(1)-to-S transition, anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs allow proper cell cycle progression and proliferation of anergic T cells. However, CD3/CD28-mediated cell division does not restore Ag responsiveness. Our data instead indicate that reversal of clonal anergy specifically requires an IL-2-dependent, rapamycin-sensitive signal, which is delivered independently of cell proliferation. Thus, by tracing proliferation and Ag responsiveness of individual cells, we show that whereas both TCR/CD28 and IL-2-generated signals can drive T cell proliferation, only IL-2/IL-2R interaction regulates Ag responsiveness, indicating that proliferation and clonal anergy can be independently regulated.     

Redox equilibrium in mucosal T cells tunes the intestinal TCR signaling threshold

Mucosal immune tolerance in the healthy intestine is typified by lamina propria T cell (LPT) functional hyporesponsiveness after TCR engagement when compared with peripheral blood T cell (PBT). When LPT from an inflamed intestine are activated through TCR cross-linking, their responsiveness is stronger. LPT are thus capable of switching from a tolerant to a reactive state, toggling between high and low thresholds of activation. We demonstrate that in normal LPT global tyrosine phosphorylation upon TCR cross-linking or an increase in intracellular H2O2, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases, is muted. Thus, we propose that LPT have a greater reducing capacity than PBT, shifting the balance between kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases in favor of the latter. Surface gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, an indirect indicator of redox potential, and glutathione are significantly elevated in LPT compared with PBT, suggesting that elevated glutathione detoxifies TCR-induced reactive oxygen species. When glutathione is depleted, TCR-induced LPT tyrosine phosphorylation rises to PBT levels. Conversely, increasing glutathione in PBT attenuates tyrosine phosphorylation. In LPT isolated from inflamed mucosa, TCR cross-linking induces greater phosphorylation, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels are reduced compared with those from autologous noninflamed tissue. We conclude that the high TCR signaling threshold of mucosal T cells is tuned by intracellular redox equilibrium, whose dysregulation may mediate intestinal inflammation.     

Suppression of antibody synthesis by CD4+ T cell clones and normal T cells stimulated with monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody

CD4+ve Th1 clones, as well as normal splenic T cells, were found to suppress LPS-driven antibody secretion in a non-Ag-specific and non-MHC-restricted manner when the T cells were activated with the anti-CD3 mAb, 145-2C11. Suppression was observed with both primed and naive B cells, as well as with purified hapten-specific B cells, a result that suggests a direct effect of anti-CD3-activated T cells on B cell differentiation. Th1 clones activated by cognate Ag also suppressed LPS-driven antibody secretion. Furthermore, suppression of LPS-driven antibody secretion could be achieved across a cell-impermeable porous membrane when T cells were activated with anti-CD3. Suppression by Th1 clones and by normal T cells could not be attributed to a concomitant decrease in B cell proliferation or to a shift in the kinetics or isotype of the antibody response. These data demonstrate that CD4+ve Th1 clones, as well as normal T cells, can effect suppression of polyclonal antibody formation.     

Deletion of naive CD8 T cells requires persistent antigen and is not programmed by an initial signal from the tolerogenic APC

Activation of naive CD8 T cells in vivo requires the recognition of cognate peptide-MHC complexes on APCs. Depending upon the activation status of the APC, such recognition will promote either a vigorous immune response or T cell tolerance and deletion. Recent studies suggest that the initial signals provided by APCs are sufficient to program the proliferation of naive CD8 T cells and their differentiation into effector cells. In this study, we sought to determine whether an initial encounter with tolerogenic APCs was sufficient to program deletion of naive CD8 T cells. Surprisingly, we find that regardless of whether naive CD8 T cells were stimulated by activated or quiescent APCs, transfer of the activated T cells into an Ag-free host was sufficient to ensure survival. Thus, although the extent of clonal expansion and development of effector function is determined by the activation status of the stimulatory APC, peripheral clonal deletion requires persistent Ag and is not determined by the initial stimulatory event.     

Primed T cells are more resistant to Fas-mediated activation-induced cell death than naive T cells.

Memory T cells respond in several functionally different ways from naive T cells and thus function as efficient effector cells. In this study we showed that primed T cells were more resistant to Fas-mediated activation-induced cell death (AICD) than naive T cells using OVA-specific TCR transgenic DO10 mice and Fas-deficient DO10 lpr/lpr mice. We found that apoptosis was efficiently induced in activated naive T cells at 48 and 72 h after Ag restimulation (OVA peptide; 0.3 and 3 microM), whereas apoptosis was not significantly increased in activated primed T cells at 24-72 h after Ag restimulation. We further showed that the resistance to AICD in primed T cells was due to the decreased sensitivity to apoptosis induced by Fas-mediated signals, but TCR-mediated signaling equally activated both naive and primed T cells to induce Fas and Fas ligand expressions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that primed T cells expressed higher levels of Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (FLIP), an inhibitor of Fas-mediated apoptosis, at 24-48 h after Ag restimulation than naive T cells. In addition, Bcl-2 expression was equally observed between activated naive and primed T cells after Ag restimulation. Thus, these results indicate that naive T cells are sensitive to Fas-mediated AICD and are easily deleted by Ag restimulation, while primed/memory T cells express higher levels of FLIP after Ag restimulation, are resistant to Fas-mediated AICD, and thus function as efficient effector cells for a longer period.     

Initial antigen encounter programs CD8+ T cells competent to develop into memory cells that are activated in an antigen-free, IL-7- and IL-15-rich environment

Although much is known concerning the immunobiology of CD8+ T memory cells, the initial events favoring the generation of CD8+ T memory cells remain poorly defined. Using a culture system that yields memory-like CD8+ T cells, we show that 1 day after Ag encounter, Ag-activated T cells developed into memory-like T cells, but this optimally occurred 3 days after Ag encounter. Key phenotypic, functional, and molecular properties that typify central memory T cells were expressed within 48 h when the activated CD8+ T cells were cultured with IL-7 or IL-15 in the absence of Ag or following transfer into normal mice. These data support a model whereby Ag activation of naive CD8+ T cells not only programs effector cell expansion and contraction but the potential to develop into a memory cell which ensues in an Ag-free environment containing IL-7 or IL-15.     

Cognate interactions between helper T cells and B cells. IV. Requirements for the expression of effector phase activity by helper T cells.

After activation with anti-CD3, activated Th (THCD3), but not resting Th, fixed with paraformaldehyde induce B cell RNA synthesis when co-cultured with resting B cells. This activity is expressed by Th of both Th1 and Th2 subtypes, as well as a third Th clone that is not classified into either subtype. It is proposed that anti-CD3 activation of Th results in the expression of Th membrane proteins that trigger B cell cycle entry. Kinetic studies reveal that 4 to 8 h of activation with anti-CD3 is sufficient for ThCD3 to express B cell-activating function. However, activation of Th with anti-CD3 for extended periods of time results in reduced Th effector activity. Inhibition of Th RNA synthesis during the anti-CD3 activation period ablates the ability of ThCD3 to induce B cell cycle entry. This indicates that de novo synthesis of proteins is required for ThCD3 to express effector function. The ability of fixed ThCD3 to induce entry of B cell into cycle is not due to an increase in expression of CD3, CD4, LFA-1, ICAM-1, class I MHC or Thy-1. Other forms of Th activation (PMA and A23187, Con A) also induced Th effector function. Furthermore, purified plasma membranes from anti-CD3 activated, but not resting Th, induced resting B cells to enter cycle. The addition of IL-4, but not IL-2, IL-5, or IFN-gamma amplified the DNA synthetic response of B cells stimulated with PM from activated Th. Taken together these data indicate that de novo expression of Th surface proteins on activated Th is required for Th to induce B cell cycle entry into G1 and the addition of IL-4 is required for the heightened progression into S phase.     

Both naive and memory T cells can provide help for human IgE production, but with different cytokine requirements.

Most in vitro systems for the induction of IgE production by human B cells require both IL-4 and the presence of T cells. Little is known about the mechanism of T cell help or the ability of different T cell subsets to provide this helper activity. In the present study we demonstrate that, in the presence of exogenous IL-4, anti-CD3 stimulated naive T cells (CD4+CD45RA+) are potent helper cells for human IgE production. In their presence, as little as 750 autologous B cells can produce up to 100 ng/ml IgE. This response was found over a broad range of anti-CD3 concentrations. IgE helper activity by naive T cells was inhibited by IL-2. Under all conditions tested, naive T cells were unable to provide help for IgM production. This is in contrast to activated memory T cells (CD4+CD45RO+), which are very efficient helper cells for IgM or IgE production, provided that IL-2 or IL-2 plus IL-4 are present respectively.     

Activated T cells and monocytes have characteristic patterns of class II antigen expression

The expression of human histocompatibility class II Ag was measured on activated T cells and monocytes by quantitative mAb binding in direct two-color immunofluorescence. Monocytes activated by IFN-gamma bound an average of 2 x 10(6) DR-specific mAb, 3 x 10(5) DQ-specific mAb, and 7 x 10(5) DP-specific mAb per cell. For T cells activated by anti-CD3, a subpopulation bound 1 x 10(5) DR-specific mAb, 5 x 10(4) DQ-specific mAb and 5 x 10(4) DP-specific mAb per cell. These measurements were obtained after establishing a base line of class II Ag expression on resting B cells and monocytes. Resting B cells and those monocytes that were positive for class II Ag bound identical amounts of mAb; 3 x 10(4) DR-specific mAb, 3 x 10(3) DQ-specific mAb and 2 x 10(4) DP-specific mAb. However, most resting monocytes (75%) expressed only DR Ag. In the process of studying the expression of class II Ag on T cells, it was necessary to define and analyze the activated T cell state. Cell cultures activated with 0.3 ng/ml anti-CD3 had the highest expression of class II Ag on T cells, whereas those activated with 3.0 ng/ml anti-CD3 had the highest expression of IL-2R on T cells. Addition of IL-2 had no further effect on DR Ag expression on T cells but did up-regulate IL-2R expression. Reducing the initial monocyte concentration before activating T cells increased class II Ag expression on T cells without affecting IL-2R expression. The results obtained on T cell activation suggest that perhaps a lymphokine may be made by CD3-activated T cells which induces class II Ag expression on T cells.     

Distinct thresholds for CD8 T cell activation lead to functional heterogeneity: CD8 T cell priming can occur independently of cell division

To examine the bases for CD8 T cell functional heterogeneity, we analyzed responses to partial vs full agonist Ag. An extended period of interaction with APCs was required to set the threshold required for cell division in response to partial as compared with full agonist Ag. Acquisition of cytolytic function was restricted to the divided T cell population. In contrast, the threshold for commitment to produce IFN-gamma and express some activation markers appeared lower and independent of cell division. Indeed, we characterized a T cell population stimulated in response to the partial agonist that was committed to produce IFN-gamma, but failed to divide or secrete IL-2. Importantly, this activated nondivided population behaved as "primed" rather than "anergized," indicating 1) that priming of CD8 T cells may be induced by suboptimal stimulation independent of cell division and 2) that encounter with Ag does not always induce a complete differentiation program in naive CD8 T cells, as previously reported.     

Extracellular matrix alters the relationship between tritiated thymidine incorporation and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells during osteogenesis in vitro

Bone cells in vivo exist in direct contact with extracellular matrix, which regulates their basic biological processes including metabolism, development, growth and differentiation. Thus, the in vitro activity of cells cultured on tissue culture treated plastic could be different from the activity of cells cultured on their natural substrate. We selected MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells to study the effect of extracellular matrix on cell proliferation because these cells undergo a progressive developmental sequence of proliferation and differentiation. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on plastic or plastic coated with ECM, fibronectin, collagen type I, BSA or poly l-lysine and their ability to proliferate was assessed by incorporation of [3H]dT or by enumeration of cells. Our results show that (1) ECM inhibits incorporation of [3H]dT by MC3T3-E1 cells; (2) collagen type I, but not BSA, poly l-lysine or fibronectin also inhibits incorporation of [3H]dT; (3) the level of ECM inhibition of [3H]dT incorporation is directly related to the number of cells cultured, but unrelated to the cell cycle distribution or endogenous thymidine content; (4) the kinetic profile of [3H]dT uptake suggest that ECM inhibits transport of [3H]dT from the extracellular medium, and (5) cell counts are similar in cultures whether cells are grown on plastic or ECM. These results suggest that decreased incorporation of [3H]dT by cells cultured on ECM is not reflective of bone cell proliferation.     

Activation requirements for CD4+ T cells differing in CD45R expression.

Murine CD4+ T cells can be subdivided into naive and memory T cells based on surface phenotype, on recall response to Ag, and on differences in activation requirements. Furthermore, several studies have shown that two signals are required for CD4+ T cell activation; one signal is provided by occupancy of the TCR and the other signal is provided by the APC. In this report, analysis of naive and memory CD4 T cells, separated on the basis of CD45 isoform expression, has shown that their requirements for two signals differ. Activation of memory CD4 T cells to proliferate and secrete IL-2/IL-4 only required occupancy of the TCR complex, whereas activation of naive CD4 T cells required an APC-derived signal as well. Moreover, the signal induced by anti-CD3 antibodies differs from the signal provided by anti-V beta cross-linking of the TCR because both antibodies activate memory CD4 T cells but only anti-CD3 activates naive CD4 T cells. Together these data suggest that the consequence of stimulation through the TCR/CD3 signal complex differs between memory and naive CD4 T cells.     

CD152 ligation by CD80 on T cells is required for the induction of unresponsiveness by costimulation-deficient antigen presentation

Two apparently contradictory observations have been made concerning peripheral T cell tolerance; costimulation-deficient Ag presentation leads to unresponsiveness, and CTLA4 (CD152) ligation is required for unresponsiveness to be induced. This issue was addressed using a CD80- CD86low B cell line to present Ag to DO.11.10 naive CD4+ T cells. Proliferation was substantially enhanced by anti-CD80 or anti-CD152, but was inhibited by anti-CD86. Furthermore, anti-CD80 partially, and anti-CD152 totally protected cloned DO.11.10 T cells from the induction of unresponsiveness following culture with peptide and Chinese hamster ovary H2-Ad+ CD80- CD86- cells. Fab of anti-CD80 caused similar enhancement, and coimmobilized anti-CD80 failed to costimulate the anti-CD3 response of purified T cells, indicating that direct signaling by anti-CD80 was not responsible for these effects. The possibility that anti-CD80 liberated CD28 molecules that were sequestered by the T cell-expressed CD80, enabling them to coaggregate with TCR:CD3 complexes was excluded by finding that anti-CD80 and anti-CD152 individually caused maximal enhancement, rather than having additive effects. These data suggest that T cell-expressed CD80 has a regulatory function and plays a key role in the induction of unresponsiveness due to costimulation-deficient Ag presentation by the ligation of CD152 on neighboring, or even the same, T cell.     

The state of CD4+ T cell activation is a major factor for determining the kinetics and location of T cell responses to oral antigen

Current models suggest that inductive immune responses to enteric Ag are initiated in Peyer's patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) followed by migration of activated, memory-like CD4(+) T cells to extralymphoid sites in the intestinal lamina propria (LP). The resultant immune system contains both naive and activated T cells. To examine the differential responses of naive and memory-like T cells to oral Ag, bone marrow chimeras (BMC) were generated. Irradiated BALB/c hosts were reconstituted with a mix of DO11.10 x RAG-1(-/-) and BALB/c bone marrow. In unprimed DO11.10 and BMC models, LP and PP DO11.10 T cells responded to oral Ag with similar kinetics. Responses of activated, memory-like T cells to oral Ag were examined in thymectomized BMC 60 days after i.p. immunization with OVA peptide in Freund's adjuvant (OVA(323-339)/CFA). Results indicate that i.p. OVA(323-339)/CFA generated a high proportion of memory-like CD45RB(low) DO11.10 T cells in peripheral lymphoid (40%) and intestinal LP (70%) tissue. Previously activated DO11.10 T cells in the LP responded to oral Ag earlier and at 50% higher levels compared with memory CD4(+) T cells localized to PP tissue. These data indicate that responses to oral Ag in antigenically naive animals are initiated in PP whereas in Ag-experienced animals LP T cells respond earlier and more vigorously than cells in PP. Taken together, these data suggest that previous activation alters the hierarchy of T cell responses to oral Ag by enhancing the efficiency of LP T cell activation.