Antibody-induced association between discrete regions of HLA class I and II antigens

The anti-HLA-DR + DP monoclonal antibody (MoAb) CR11-462 was unexpectedly found to cross-inhibit the binding to B lymphoid cells of the anti-HLA Class I MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115. The latter two antibodies recognized the same or spatially close antigenic determinant. The cross-blocking of anti-HLA Class I MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115 by MoAb CR11-462 reflects neither its contamination by anti-HLA Class I antibodies nor its cross-reactivity with HLA Class I antigens. On the other hand, the cross-blocking appears to reflect redistribution of HLA Class II antigens by the MoAb CR11-462, since the MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115 are not susceptible to blocking when lymphoid cells are treated with 0.025% glutaraldehyde or are coated with Fab' fragments of the MoAb CR11-462. Furthermore, immunoprecipitates from B lymphoid cells preincubated with the MoAb CR11-462 before solubilization contain HLA Class I antigens. Therefore, these results have shown for the first time an antibody-induced association between discrete regions of HLA Class I and Class II antigens on the membrane of B lymphoid cells.     

HLA Typing for the Next Generation

Allele-level resolution data at primary HLA typing is the ideal for most histocompatibility testing laboratories. Many high-throughput molecular HLA typing approaches are unable to determine the phase of observed DNA sequence polymorphisms, leading to ambiguous results. The use of higher resolution methods is often restricted due to cost and time limitations. Here we report on the feasibility of using Pacific Biosciences’ Single Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) DNA sequencing technology for high-resolution and high-throughput HLA typing. Seven DNA samples were typed for HLA-A, -B and -C. The results showed that SMRT DNA sequencing technology was able to generate sequences that spanned entire HLA Class I genes that allowed for accurate allele calling. Eight novel genomic HLA class I sequences were identified, four were novel alleles, three were confirmed as genomic sequence extensions and one corrected an existing genomic reference sequence. This method has the potential to revolutionize the field of HLA typing. The clinical impact of achieving this level of resolution HLA typing data is likely to considerable, particularly in applications such as organ and blood stem cell transplantation where matching donors and recipients for their HLA is of utmost importance.     

HLA techniques: typing and antibody detection in the laboratory of immunogenetics

The HLA loci are a part of the genetic region known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In the last twenty years there has been an exponential growth in the application of DNA technology to the field of histocompatibility and immunogenetics. Histocompatibility between the patient and donor is a prerequisite for the success of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In haematopoietic stem cell transplantation allele-level typing needs to evaluate compatibility for the HLA-A,B,C Class I and DRB1 and DQB1 Class II loci in the average transplant program because it is well established that mismatches at certain HLA loci between donor-recipients are closely linked to the risk of graft versus host disease. Resolution at an antigen level in solid organ transplantation is currently sufficient for HLA-A,B and DR antigens and it could be achieved by serological or molecular biology techniques. In solid organ transplantation the definition of antibodies in the recipient to HLA antigens is more important and it was performed primarily by serological technique and more recently by solid phase immunoassays that are more sensitive and specific.     

Analysis of human class I antigens by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Class I antigens were isolated by immunoprecipitation from cell extracts prepared from mitogenically stimulated and internally radiolabeled peripheral blood lymphocytes (PLBs). The precipitating antibodies used are monomorphic and recognize a determinant on the heavy chain of HLA-A, B, C antigens regardless of their allelic specificities when complexed with ₂m, or determinants on ₂m itself. Comparison of class I molecules isolated from 25 different homozygous typing cels (HTC) and analyzed by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis allowed the identification of those HLA-A,13 locus specificities most common in the European Caucasoid population. Class I antigens isolated from HTC that are HLA identical are biochemically indistinguishable also. Evidence was obtained for the expression of additional class I antigens besides the HLA-A, B, C locus products: for some haplotypes, up to six class I genes may be active in mitogenically activated PBLs. No differences in molecular weight and isoelectric point of the class I heavy chains were observed between the antigens recognized by W6/32, the anti-heavy chain reagent, and anti- ₂m reagents. The nature of the mitogenic stimulus, i. e., pokeweed mitogen or phytohemagglutinin, was irrelevant with respect to the class I antigens isolated by this method. Using the HTCs as reference, a panel of HLA-B27 positive heterozygous cells was analyzed. Two types of HLA-B27 antigens, distinct by CML typing were represented. These two forms differed also in their biochemical properties. In addition, we obtained evidence for the existence of an A2 variant. This finding was likewise confirmed by CML typing.     

A human-human hybridoma secreting anti-HLA class II antibody

In this report, we describe the production and characterization of the first human-human hybridoma secreting antibody to HLA Class II determinants. The hybridoma (GMEC101), which has been stable in tissue culture for greater than 20 mo, secretes 10 to 50 micrograms/ml of IgM-kappa antibody. This antibody binds to a wide range of human cell lines, but not to the HLA-A,B,C, and DR-negative K562 cell line. Functionally, GMEC101 strongly inhibits a unidirectional mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) at the level of the stimulator cell. Neither the cellular ELISA binding nor the MLR inhibition is lost after a triple platelet absorption (which removes Class I but not Class II activity). Because the binding and MLR blocking show no correlation with the known DR or DQ specificities, we suggest that GMEC101 may be detecting a novel HLA Class II determinant.     

LPS promotes CB3-induced myocarditis in resistant B10.A mice.

Coxsackie virus B3 (CB3) infection of A/J or A.SW mice results in autoimmune myocarditis characterized by a diffuse mononuclear cell infiltrate and heart-specific autoantibodies. C57BL/10 congenic mice that are identically treated are resistant to this disease. CB3-infected resistant B10.A mice were treated with LPS to determine if this immunomodulator alters disease susceptibility. In contrast to mice infected only with CB3 or treated only with LPS. CB3-infected/LPS-treated (CB3/LPS) B10.A mice developed autoimmune myocarditis similar to that observed in susceptible A/J or A.SW mice. By Day 14, CB3/LPS-induced disease was characterized by significant mortality, myocardial immunoglobulin deposition, and mononuclear cell infiltration of the heart. Immunohistochemical examination revealed deposits of IgG in the heart tissue and serum IgG autoantibodies reactive with sarcolemmal and fibrillary antigens in normal heart tissue. This serum IgG reacted with normal mouse cardiac antigens of a wide range of molecular weights by Western immunoblotting. Because LPS treatment is capable of increasing cytokine levels as well as MHC Class I and Class II expression in heart tissue, it suggests that these factors may contribute to susceptibility to autoimmune myocarditis in CB3-infected mice.     

Analysis of mRNA for class I HLA on human gametogenic cells

We have studied mRNA expression for Class I HLA (human leukocyte antigen) on male germ cells by amplification of gene fragments in PCR techique and by Northern hybridization. RNA was extracted from fractionated gametogenic cells (isolated from testis) and reversely transcribed. Then, cDNA was amplified for specific HLA sequence (1151 bp) representing whole-length coding sequence (HLA, -A, -B, -C). The specificity of this product was confirmed in “nested” PCR of 400 bp gene fragment coding for alpha 2 domain, alpha 3 domain, and the transmembrane portion of Class I HLA. The results indicate minimal expression of classical Class I HLA on gametogenic cells. Northern hybridization with 669 bp cDNA fragment (spanning for alpha 3 domain, transmembrane, cytoplasmic, and 3′ untraslated region) resulted in a low intensity signal from gametogenic cell fractions and confirmed our findings obtained by PCR. The minimal expression of classical HLA antigens may create a neutral cover for the male reproductive system, thereby preventing an immunological response during germ cell differentiation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Activation of protein kinase C accelerates internalization of transferrin receptor but not of major histocompatibility complex class I, independent of their phosphorylation status.

Phosphorylation of membrane glycoproteins has often been invoked as a determinant of receptor internalization and receptor trafficking in a more general sense. Here we have studied the trafficking of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I molecules and transferrin receptor (Tfr) related to their phosphorylation status in the human lymphoblastoid cell line JY. High resolution isoelectric focusing (IEF) allows the visualization of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated protein species simultaneously, using protein backbone-labeling. Analysis on IEF was combined with a neuraminidase protection assay, in which sialic acid modification of the N-linked glycans present on Tfr and Class I molecules is used as a reporter group for cell surface expression. Phosphorylation of Class I heavy chains and Tfr was induced by exposure of cells to the phorbol ester tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate. We show that 1) phosphorylation of MHC Class I molecules is restricted to the cell surface fraction, 2) phosphorylation of MHC Class I molecules by protein kinase C (PKC) is not correlated with their internalization, as no internalization of Class I molecules, phosphorylated or non-phosphorylated, could be detected, 3) the initial rate, but not the final extent of the internalization of Tfr is affected by activation of PKC, and 4) phosphorylated Tfr behaves in a manner identical to non-phosphorylated Tfr in terms of internalization. The effect of activation of PKC on internalization of Tfr therefore most likely takes place at the level of the internalization machinery. Our data concerning the internalization of MHC Class I molecules contrast with earlier studies describing constitutive internalization in the B lymphoblastoid cell line A 46 and in HPB-ALL cells.     

Regulatory role of monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA class I antigens in the proliferation of T cells stimulated by autologous and allogeneic B and T lymphoid cells

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb's) to monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA Class I antigens were shown to inhibit proliferation of T cells stimulated with autologous and allogeneic B and T lymphocytes. Inhibition of proliferative responses was lower when T cells were used as stimulators than when B cells were used. The inhibitory activity was similar for mAb's to monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA Class I antigens, suggesting that the density of antigen-antibody complexes on the cell membrane does not play a major role in the phenomenon. The anti-HLA Class I mAb's exerted their inhibitory effect at the level of both the responding and the stimulating cells. Addition of exogenous interleukin 2 to the mixed cultures did not affect the mAb-mediated inhibition.     

Monoclonal antibody analysis of MHC expression in human brain biopsies: tissue ranging from "histologically normal" to that showing different levels of glial tumor involvement

The expression of class I and class II MHC products in human brain was studied. Radioimmunoassay confirmed weak expression of HLA-A,B,C and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) in brain extract. Quantitative inhibition assay showed brain had 1/70 as much activity as spleen, per microgram of extract protein. Immunoblot assay confirmed that HLA chains and beta 2-m were present in the brain extract. Class II was not detected. Microscopic analysis was performed on eight brain biopsies. The histologic appearance ranged from "apparently normal," to the presence of reactive astrocytes, to the presence of glial tumor. In every case, HLA-A,B,C and beta 2-m activity was concentrated at blood vessel walls. Small and medium-sized vessels were uniformly stained. Cell body staining was not seen in neurons, glia, oligodendrocytes, microglia, reactive astrocytes, or the majority of glial tumor cells. Class II activity was seen in occasional cell bodies in both grey matter and white matter in the microscopic assays. These cells had the morphologic appearance of microglia or reactive astrocytes. Occasional blood vessels also showed class II activity. Unlike the class I activity, the class II blood vessel stain was often discontinuous. More class II+ cell bodies were seen in tumor-associated tissue.     

A PCR method for typing B-LβII family (class II MHC) alleles in broiler chickens

Certain haplotypes of the major histocompatibility (B) complex are strongly associated with resistance or susceptibility to several infectious diseases in Leghorn chickens. Identification of chicken haplotypes based on the nucleotide sequence of B complex loci could provide more precise identification of haplotypes than traditional serological methods. We report the development and application of polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) to type broiler chicken B haplotypes based on the DNA sequence of B-L beta II family genes. Five well-defined standard B haplotypes from White Leghorns and 12 recently characterized B haplotypes from a broiler breeder line were used to develop the test system. The B-L beta II family loci were amplified from genomic DNA by B-L beta II family specific primers and then characterized by PCR-SSP. In total, ten pairs of primers, derived from the sequences of expressed B-L beta II family alleles, were used in the PCR typing test to discriminate the chicken B haplotypes identified previously by serological means. The PCR-SSP showed that each haplotype had a different amplification pattern, except those haplotypes known or suspected to have the same B-L beta alleles. Cloning and sequencing of the family specific PCR products indicated that two loci in the B-L beta II family, presumably B-L beta I and B-L beta II, were amplified. Finally, B-L beta PCR-SSP typing was used in combination with B-G RFLP analyses to characterize unusual (variant) B serotypes; the results indicate that some of these are natural recombinants within the B complex.     

Facial soft tissue thickness in individuals with different occlusion patterns in adult Turkish subjects

Knowledge of variation in facial soft tissue thickness is important for forensic anthropologists, dentists, and plastic surgeons. Forensic anthropologists use such information as a guide in facial reconstruction and superimposition methods. The purpose of this study was to measure facial tissue thicknesses of adult males and females of Turkish origin across different types of occlusion, and to compare the results with each other and with values obtained for other populations. The study was conducted on 200 healthy individuals. The analysis of facial tissue thickness included 20 landmarks (10 dentoskeletal and 10 soft tissue) and 10 linear variables. Sex-based variation in facial tissue thickness was noted. The highest soft tissue thickness values were observed in the group with Class III occlusion type at Sn-A point for both the females (16.9, SD = 2.4) and the males (17.8, SD = 3.3). In the Class I group, the highest tissue depth was observed at Sn-A point (15.3, SD = 2.1) in females, and at Li-Id point (17.1, SD = 1.9) in males. In the Class II group, contrary to the findings for Class I, the highest soft tissue depth was at Li-Id point (16.0, SD = 1.4) in females, and at Sn-A point (18.1, SD = 2.6) in males. In conclusion, facial tissue thickness varied in adults depending on the sex and on the type of occlusion.     

A functional analysis of hematopoietic growth factor production from class I and class II human alloreactive T cell clones

Class I and Class II human alloreactive T cell clones or their conditioned media were mixed with progenitor cell-enriched null cells to assess their ability to stimulate human hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) growth. Optimal release of erythroid, myeloid or megakaryocyte colony-stimulating factors occurred after 72 hours and required contact of cloned T cells with irradiated stimulator cells expressing the appropriate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) determinants recognized by the T cells. Individual clones were quite heterogeneous in their capacity to release hematopoietic growth factors. Clones that produced optimal levels of factors that stimulated granulocyte-macrophage colony growth did not always produce equivalent amounts of factors that stimulated erythroid colony growth and vice versa when tested against identical target cells. Class II clones released nearly twice as much interleukin 3 activity as Class I clones. Class II clones that lacked cell-mediated lympholytic (CML) activity against B or T lymphoblastoid targets were consistent stimulators of HPC growth. In contrast, Class I or Class II clones that contained CML activity either poorly stimulated or inhibited HPC growth. These CML-positive clones produced greater amounts of gamma interferon. Our findings may have important implications for HPC growth following allogeneic mismatched bone marrow transplantation.     

Variations in the expression of pili: the effect on adherence of Neisseria meningitidis to human epithelial and endothelial cells

The effect of variations in Neisseria meningitidis pili on bacterial interactions with three epithelial cell lines as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells was studied using a panel of seven strains expressing Class I or Class II pili. Comparison of adherence of piliated and pilus-deficient variants of each strain to epithelial cells suggested that Class I pili may mediate bacterial adherence with all three epithelial cell lines. In contrast, Class II pili of the strains used did not increase bacterial adherence to Hep-2 larynx carcinoma cells, although an increase in adherence to Chang conjunctival and A549 lung carcinoma epithelial cells was observed in the Class II pili-expressing strains. In addition to these interclass functional variations, differences in adherence to epithelial cells were also observed among Class I and Class II strains. Functionally different pilin variants of one Class I strain, MC58, were obtained by single colony isolation. One piliated variant was identified which had concurrently lost the ability to adhere to both Chang and Hep-2 cells ('non-adherent' phenotype; adherence of less than 2 bacteria per cell). In addition, several adherent pilin variants were isolated from non-adherent Pil- and Pil+ bacteria by selection on Chang cells (adherence of 10-25 bacteria per cell). In contrast to epithelial cells, all variant pili, whether of Class I or Class II, adhered to endothelial cells in substantially larger numbers (greater than 50 bacteria per cell) and therefore implied the existence of distinct mechanisms in pilus-facilitated interactions of N. meningitidis with endothelial and epithelial cells.     

Molecular characterization and genetic mapping of class I and class II MHC genes of the domestic cat

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the domestic cat has been poorly characterized to date, primarily because of numerous difficulties in the preparation of allotypic sera. We present here a comparative analysis of class I and class II genes in domestic cat populations using molecular probes of the MHC from man and mouse. The cat possesses a minimum of 20 class I loci and 5 class II genes per haploid genome. Class I genes of the domestic cat expressed limited restriction fragment length polymorphism. The average percent difference of the size of DNA fragments between individual cats was 9.0 %, a value five times lower than the value for mice, but comparable to the human DNA polymorphism level. Class I and class II genes were both genetically mapped to feline chromosome B2 using a panel of rodent x cat somatic cell hybrids. Since feline chromosome B2 is syntenically homologous to human chromosome 6 and mouse chromosome 17, these results affirm the linkage conservation of the MHC-containing linkage group in the three mammalian orders.     

Requirements for the stimulation of allogeneic T lymphocytes by acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemia cells

Summary Blast cell populations from 32 patients with acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemia of various morphological types have been examined for their ability to stimulate allogeneic T lymphocytes from normal donors in one-way mixed leucocyte culture (MLC). At the same time, these leukaemic cell populations were examined for the amounts of major histocompatibility complex Class I and Class II antigens they expressed, and their ability to release interleukin 1 (IL1) in culture both with and without stimulation by lipopolysaccharide. The abilities of the leukaemic cell populations to stimulate in MLC, and to produce IL1, were found to be associated with the expression of morphological characteristics of monocytic differentiation, and correlated significantly. In contrast, no correlation was observed between the extent of Class I or Class II expression and MLC stimulatory ability. Many myeloblast populations of immature phenotype were unable to stimulate allogeneic T cells despite their strong expression of these antigens. This lack of stimulatory ability was not overcome by the addition of exogenous IL1. We therefore conclude that the correlation between the production of IL1 and MLC stimulatory ability does not necessarily imply a cause/effect relationship, and that the interaction between allo-antigen and the T cell receptor together with a supply of lymphokine co-stimulator is not sufficient to activate resting T lymphocytes. The failure of some Class I and II antigen positive leukaemic blasts to stimulate in MLC even in the presence of exogenous IL1 may be due to the lack of other differentiation-associated cell surface molecules necessary for stable cell-cell interaction.     

Components of soft tissue deformations in subjects with untreated angle's Class III malocclusions: thin-plate spline analysis

While the dynamics of maxillo-mandibular allometry associated with treatment modalities available for the management of Class III malocclusions currently are under investigation, developmental aberration of the soft tissues in untreated Class III malocclusions requires specification. In this study, lateral cephalographs of 124 prepubertal European-American children (71 with untreated Class III malocclusion; 53 with Class I occlusion) were traced, and 12 soft-tissue landmarks digitized. Resultant geometries were scaled to an equivalent size and mean Class III and Class I configurations compared. Procrustes analysis established statistical difference (P < 0.001) between the mean configurations. Comparing the overall untreated Class III and Class I configurations, thin-plate spline (TPS) analysis indicated that both affine and non-affine transformations contribute towards the deformation (total spline) of the averaged Class III soft tissue configuration. For non-affine transformations, partial warp 8 had the highest magnitude, indicating large-scale deformations visualized as a combination of columellar retrusion and lower labial protrusion. In addition, partial warp 5 also had a high magnitude, demonstrating upper labial vertical compression with antero-inferior elongation of the lower labio-mental soft tissue complex. Thus, children with Class III malocclusions demonstrate antero-posterior and vertical deformations of the maxillary soft tissue complex in combination with antero-inferior mandibular soft tissue elongation. This pattern of deformations may represent gene-environment interactions, resulting in Class III malocclusions with characteristic phenotypes, that are amenable to orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic manipulations.     

HLA-typing analysis following allogeneic bone grafting for sinus lifting

According to the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplants, in 2015, 19,408 bone transplants were performed in Brazil, over 90% by Dental Surgeons. The surgical technique itself has a respectable number of reports regarding its clinical efficacy, as measured by long-term survival of dental implants in grafted areas. Uncertainty remains, however, as to whether fresh frozen grafts from human bone donors remain immunologically innocuous in the body of the host. Six male with no previous medical history of note, including systemic diseases, surgery or blood transfusion were selected. These patients underwent reconstructive procedures (sinus lifting) using fresh frozen human bone from a tissue bank. All patients had venous blood samples collected prior to surgery and 6 months after the procedure. Anti-HLA analysis for the detection of HLA (human leukocyte antigen) antibodies was performed using methods such as the LABScreen PRA Class I and Class II, LABScreen Single Antigen Class I and Class II, Luminex Platform. Reactive individuals to the screening tests (LABScreen PRA) were further investigated to determine the specificity of the antibodies detected (LABScreen Single Antigen) with a cutoff value of median fluorescence intensity ≥500. As a result, it was observed that two patients (33%) were positive in screening tests, one presenting with anti-HLA Class I and II sensitization and the other with anti-HLA class II. The specificity analysis showed that the patients sensitized to HLA class II presented 4 specificities, 3 of which immunologically relevant. In the second individual, 23 specificities were identified, 6 of which immunologically important for HLA class I and 4 specificities for HLA class II, 3 of these were immunologically important. All specificities detected had average fluorescence. These findings are suggestive that sinus-lifting procedures with allogeneic bone can induce immunological sensitization.