The alpha 1/alpha 2 domains of class I HLA molecules confer resistance to natural killing

The expression of transfected HLA class I Ag has previously been shown to protect human target cells from NK-mediated conjugation and cytolysis. In this same system, transfected H-2 class I Ag fail to impart resistance to NK. In this study, we have mapped the portion of the HLA class I molecule involved in this protective effect by exploiting this HLA/H-2 dichotomy. Hybrid class I genes were produced by exon-shuffling between the HLA-B7 and H-2Dp genes, and transfected into the class I Ag-deficient B-lymphoblastoid cell line (B-LCL) C1R. Only those transfectants expressing class I Ag containing the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains of the HLA molecule are protected from NK, suggesting the "protective epitope" is located within these domains. Since a glycosylation difference exists between HLA and H-2 class I Ag within these domains (i.e., at amino acid residue 176), the role of carbohydrate in the class I protective effect was examined. HLA-B7 mutant genes encoding proteins which either lack the normal carbohydrate addition site at amino acid residue 86 (B7M86-) or possess an additional site at residue 176 (B7M176+) were transfected into C1R. Transfectants expressing either mutant HLA-B7 Ag were protected from NK. Thus, carbohydrate is probably not integral to a class I "protective epitope." The potential for allelic variation in the ability of HLA class I Ag to protect C1R target cells from NK was examined in HLA-A2, A3, B7, and Bw58 transfectants. Although no significant variation exists among the HLA-A3, B7, and Bw58 alleles, HLA-A2 appears unable to protect. Comparison of amino acid sequences suggests a restricted number of residues which may be relevant to the protective effect.     

Lysis of a lung carcinoma by poly I:C-induced natural killer cells is independent of the expression of class I histocompatibility antigens

Cells from the line 1 murine carcinoma express little if any H-2d when grown in normal medium. These cells are susceptible to splenic cell populations with NK activity, stimulated by prior injection of poly I:C, but are not lysed by NK-deficient splenocytes from homozygous beige mice treated with anti-asialo GM1. Incubation of line 1 cells in medium containing DMSO leads to a dramatic stimulation of H-2d expression but no change in lytic susceptibility to splenic NK cells. Transfection of H-2Dp into line 1 leads to a constitutive and DMSO-inducible expression of H-2Dp at functionally significant levels, but this expression appears to have no influence on NK cytolytic susceptibility.     

H-2Kb antigen expression has no effect on natural killer susceptibility and tumorigenicity of a murine hepatoma

Recent reports suggested a correlation between decreased expression of tumor cell MHC class I Ag and increased susceptibility to NK cells. These studies led to the hypothesis that tumor cells displaying reduced levels of MHC class I Ag have reduced tumorigenicity in vivo because they are eliminated from the host by endogenous NK cells. The present studies use the murine hepatoma BW7756 and a spontaneous H-2Kb loss variant, Hepa-1, to test this hypothesis. The parental BW7756 tumor is highly malignant in syngeneic C57L/J hosts while Hepa-1 cells do not give rise to tumors, suggesting that the loss of H-2Kb Ag expression correlates with decreased tumorigenicity and NK susceptibility. Hepa-1 cells were therefore transfected with an H-2Kb gene to generate H-2Kb Ag expressing clones. The resulting clones were tested for tumorigenicity. Syngeneic or NK-deficient C57BL/6-beige/beige mice challenged with Hepa-1 or the H-2Kb transfectants rejected the cells, suggesting that reexpression of H-2Kb Ag does not restore tumorigenicity and that NK cells are not involved in Hepa-1 rejection. In vitro H-2Kb Ag-negative and -positive Hepa-1 cells are equally susceptible to tilorone-boosted NK cells, indicating that MHC class I Ag expression also does not affect in vitro NK susceptibility. Tumor challenged athymic nude and sublethally irradiated syngeneic mice develop tumors demonstrating that T cells are probably responsible for rejection of the Hepa-1 tumor, and that H-2Kb Ag expression has no effect on rejection. Inasmuch as the expression of H-2Kb Ag on Hepa-1 cells does not effect tumorigenicity or in vitro NK susceptibility, the previously reported association between reduced MHC class I Ag levels and increased NK susceptibility is not universally applicable.     

Introduction of the H-2Dk gene into a class I-negative tumor cell line confers interferon-gamma inducibility upon the silent endogenous H-2Kk gene.

Kgv cells do not constitutively express class I mRNA or protein. Interferon (IFN)-gamma, but not IFN-alpha/beta, induces H-2Dk expression. IFN does not induce H-2Kk expression. We examined constitutive and IFN-inducible class I expression on Kgv cells stably transfected with genomic clones of H-2Kk or H-2Dk and on somatic cell hybrid lines constructed between Kgv cells and constitutively class I-positive cells of a distinguishable H-2 haplotype. Our results suggest that both the lack of constitutive class I expression and the inability of IFN-alpha/beta to induce class I expression on Kgv cells are primarily due to cis-regulatory mechanisms. However, stable introduction of the H-2Dk gene into Kgv cells conferred IFN-gamma inducibility upon the silent endogenous H-2Kk gene. Therefore, the failure of IFN-gamma to induce H-2Kk expression on Kgv cells is due, at least in part, to a trans-regulatory mechanism.     

The MHC class I molecule H-2Dp inhibits murine NK cells via the inhibitory receptor Ly49A.

MHC class I molecules strongly influence the phenotype and function of mouse NK cells. NK cell-mediated lysis is prevented through the interaction of Ly49 receptors on the effector cell with appropriate MHC class I ligands on the target cell. In addition, host MHC class I molecules have been shown to modulate the in vivo expression of Ly49 receptors. We have previously reported that H-2Dd and H-2Dp MHC class I molecules are able to protect (at the target cell level) from NK cell-mediated lysis and alter the NK cell specificity (at the host level) in a similar manner, although the mechanism behind this was not clear. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression of both H-2Dd and H-2Dp class I molecules in target cells leads to inhibition of B6 (H-2b)-derived Ly49A+ NK cells. This inhibition could in both cases be reversed by anti-Ly49A Abs. Cellular conjugate assays showed that Ly49A-expressing cells indeed bind to cells expressing H-2Dp. The expression of Ly49A and Ly49G2 receptors on NK cells was down-regulated in H-2Dp-transgenic (B6DP) mice compared with nontransgenic B6 mice. However, B6DP mice expressed significantly higher levels of Ly49A compared with H-2Dd-transgenic (D8) mice. We propose that both H-2Dd and H-2Dp MHC class I molecules can act as ligands for Ly49A.     

The nucleotide sequence and comparative analysis of the H-2Dp class I H-2 gene

We present the complete nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence of the H-2Dp class I gene. This gene, which was cloned from a B10.P genomic DNA library, encodes and intact, functional H-2Dp molecule. Comparative analysis of the Dp sequence with other class I sequences reveals both similarities and differences. This analysis also shows that these genes exhibit D region-specific, locus-specific, as well as allele-specific sequences. The H-2Dp nucleotide sequence is greater than 90% homologous to the H-2Ld and H-2Db genes and only approximately 85% homologous to the H-2Dd gene. The K region and Qa region genes are less homologous. The 3' noncoding sequences appear to be region-specific. All of the previously described D region genes, Db, Ld, and Dd, possess the B2-SINE Alu-like repetitive sequence, as does Dp. Thus, this B2 repeat is a region-specific marker present in all D region genes studied so far. The additional polyadenylation site found in the H-2Dp gene starting at nucleotide 4671, which is homologous to non-D region sequences, as well as unique protein Dp coding sequences, make this gene an interesting model for studying the evolution of polymorphism and structure/function relationships in the class I gene family.     

A mutant cell with a novel defect in MHC class I quality control

COS7 (African Green Monkey kidney) cells stably transfected with the mouse MHC class I allele H-2K(b) were mutagenized, selected for low surface expression of endogenous MHC class I products, and subcloned. A mutant cell line, 4S8.12, expressing very low surface MHC class I (approximately 5% of parental levels) was identified. This cell line synthesized normal levels of the MHC class I H chain and beta(2)-microglobulin, as well as normal levels of TAP, tapasin, GRP78, calnexin, calreticulin, ERp57, and protein disulfide isomerase. Full-length OVA was processed to generate presented H-2K(b)-SIINFEKL complexes with equal efficiency in wild-type and mutant cells, demonstrating that proteasomes, as well as TAP and tapasin, functioned normally. Therefore, all the known components of the MHC class I Ag presentation pathway were intact. Nevertheless, primate (human and monkey) MHC class I H chain and beta(2)-microglobulin failed to associate to form the normal peptide-receptive complex. In contrast, mouse H chains associated with beta(2)-microglobulin normally and bound peptide at least as well as in wild-type cells. The 4S8.12 cells provide strong genetic evidence for a novel component in the MHC class I pathway. This as-yet unidentified gene is important in early assembly of primate, but not mouse, MHC class I complexes.     

Expression of class I histocompatibility antigens in neuroectodermal tumors is independent of the expression of a transfected neuroblastoma myc gene

We have evaluated the relationship between the neuronal myc gene (NMYC) and class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression in human neuroblastoma (NB) tumor cell lines. Class I MHC surface Ag expression in NB cell lines varied from nearly undetectable to levels nearly as high as in a lymphoblastoid cell line. Class I MHC mRNA levels in NMYC-amplified NB cell lines were lower than levels observed in single copy NMYC NB cell lines. However, considerable variation in class I MHC surface Ag and mRNA expression was evident in NMYC-amplified cell lines. To determine directly whether NMYC might modulate class I MHC expression in NB, we transfected a plasmid containing a recombinant NMYC gene into two tumor cell lines derived from a NB and a related neuroepithelioma tumor. Constitutive overexpression of the recombinant NMYC gene produced no consistent change in class I MHC surface Ag or mRNA levels. To determine whether class I MHC expression might be developmentally regulated in adrenal medullary cells, the precursor cells of adrenal NB tumors, beta 2-microglobulin expression was measured in fetal and adult adrenal glands. beta 2-Microglobulin expression was not evident in the neuroblasts of a 24-wk-old fetal adrenal gland, whereas beta 2-microglobulin expression was present in the adult adrenal medulla. These data suggest that variation in class I MHC expression among NB cells may reflect the developmental stage at which neuroblasts were arrested during tumorigenesis.     

Ectopic expression of HLA-DO in mouse dendritic cells diminishes MHC class II antigen presentation

The MHC class II-like molecule HLA-DM (DM) (H-2M in mice) catalyzes the exchange of CLIP for antigenic peptides in the endosomes of APCs. HLA-DO (DO) (H-2O in mice) is another class II-like molecule that is expressed in B cells, but not in other APCs. Studies have shown that DO impairs or modifies the peptide exchange activity of DM. To further evaluate the role of DO in Ag processing and presentation, we generated transgenic mice that expressed the human HLA-DOA and HLA-DOB genes under the control of a dendritic cell (DC)-specific promoter. Our analyses of DCs from these mice showed that as DO levels increased, cell surface levels of A(b)-CLIP also increased while class II-peptide levels decreased. The presentation of some, but not all, exogenous Ags to T cells or T hybridomas was significantly inhibited by DO. Surprisingly, H-2M accumulated in DO-expressing DCs and B cells, suggesting that H-2O/DO prolongs the half-life of H-2M. Overall, our studies showed that DO expression impaired H-2M function, resulting in Ag-specific down-modulation of class II Ag processing and presentation.     

Differential transport requirements of HLA and H-2 class I glycoproteins

Transport of human and mouse major histocompatibility complex class I glycoproteins has been examined in a transport deficient B-lymphoblastoid cell line × T-lymphoblastoid cell line (B-LCL × T-LCL) hybrid, 174 × CEM. T2 (T2). This cell line expresses no detectable endogenous HLA-B5 and reduced levels of HLA-A2 on its surface although these molecules are synthesized. In order to study this defect further, either HLA-Bw58 or HLA-B7 genomic clones were transfected into T2. Metabolic labeling and immune precipitation demonstrated biosynthesis of the Bw58 or 137 glycoprotein. However, like the endogenous HLA-B5 molecule, neither HLA-Bw58 nor HLA-B7 was expressed at the cell surface. The cloned genes were properly expressed on the surface of C1R, a control B-LCL. To determine if mouse class I alleles had the same transport requirements as the human class I glycoproteins, either mouse H-2D ^p or H-2K ^b class I genes were introduced into T2. Surprisingly, the H-2 class I glycoproteins were transported to the cell surface normally. These data suggest a fundamental difference between human and mouse histocompatibility antigens in their requirements for intracellular transport.     

HLA-B27 expression modulates gram-negative bacterial invasion into transfected L cells.

The mechanism by which HLA-B27 confers genetic susceptibility to the seronegative spondyloarthropathies ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, and reactive arthritis, is not well understood. The current concept of an extraarticular bacterial infection functioning as the triggering event in a genetically susceptible host suggests the possibility of direct microbial-MHC interaction. We have addressed the role of HLA-B27 in microbial-host cell interaction by examining invasion by putatively arthritogenic gram-negative bacteria. Target cells used were murine L cells transfected with HLA-B27, HLA-A3, HLA-A2, HLA B44, HLA B18, or pSV2neo vector alone. Relative to the pSV2neo control and the HLA-A3 transfectant, HLA-B27-transfected cells demonstrated a consistent decrease in invasion for each of the following pathogens: Salmonella typhimurium (45 +/- 2% decrease), Shigella sonnei (53 +/- 13% decrease), Shigella flexneri (45 +/- 5% decrease), and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (57 +/- 8% decrease). This decrease was specific for the HLA B27-transfected L cells and was not observed in the other B allele transfectants. The decreased invasion in the HLA-B27 transfectants is not the result of either altered endogenous mouse class I expression as a result of human class I transfection or increased intracellular bacterial killing within the B27 transfectants. There was an inverse relationship between the amount of surface expression of HLA-B27, as measured by FACS, and the degree of invasion. Blocking of surface B27 Ag with anti-B27 mAb augmented bacterial invasion in the B27 transfectants. These studies demonstrate a novel bacterial-B27 interaction that may have relevance to the pathogenesis of B27-related arthritis.     

Competition between MHC class I alleles for cell surface expression alters CTL responses to influenza A virus

Mammalian cells express up to six different MHC class I alleles, many of which differ in terms of their interaction with components of the Ag presentation pathway and level of cell surface expression. However, it is often assumed in Ag presentation studies that class I alleles function independently of each other. We have compared cell surface expression levels and function of MHC class I molecules in F(1) hybrid mice with those in the homozygous parental strains. The level of cell surface expression of certain alleles in F(1) mice differed significantly from 50% of that found on the same cell type in the corresponding parental strain, suggesting allele-specific competition for cell surface expression, and not expression solely according to gene dosage. The strongest effect was observed in H-2(b) x H-2(k) F(1) mice, in which the H-2(b) class I molecules dominated over the H-2(k) class I molecules. The magnitude of H-2(k)-restricted CTL responses to influenza A virus infection was similar in the F(1) hybrid and parental H-2(k) mice. However, in H-2(k) mice expressing a K(b) transgene, cell surface levels of the endogenous class I molecules were down-regulated to a greater degree than in F(1) hybrid mice, and H-2(k)-restricted CTL responses against influenza A virus were greatly reduced, although the CTL repertoire was apparently present. Therefore, certain MHC class I molecules compete with each other for cell surface expression, and the resulting low cell surface expression of specific alleles can lead to a severe reduction in the ability to generate a CTL response.     

Induction of the H-2 D antigen during B cell activation

Mitogenic activation causes increased expression of class I Ag of the MHC in mouse B cells. The increased expression was seen in flow cytometry analysis for both K and D in k as well as d haplotypes. A more detailed molecular analysis was carried out for H-2Dd. Increased expression (10- to 20-fold) of the H-2 Dd gene was detected at both protein and messenger RNA levels, and the time course for the accumulation of H-2 Dd protein on the cell surface parallels the increase in the steady-state messenger RNA levels. The increase in H-2 Dd expression in small B cells stimulated with LPS is detectable after 10 h of culture. The present data provide molecular and serologic evidence about alterations in the expression of the H-2 Dd Ag, previously identified as a B cell activation antigen B7.2. Our results indicate a new significance for the function and regulation of the MHC during immune responses, and suggest that the class I molecules may serve some role in the B cell activation process.