Thymocyte differentiation activity from the cloned monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Alterations in the expression of immature thymocyte surface antigens

The cloned monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was previously shown to produce thymocyte mitogenic and co-mitogenic activity that eluted from a Sephadex G-75 column not only at approximately 16,000 daltons, the m.w. described for interleukin 1 (IL 1), but also at 30,000 to 40,000 daltons. The studies reported here indicate that the 30,000 to 40,000 dalton molecule has thymic differentiating activity. Thymocytes from A/J mice were fractionated on discontinuous BSA gradients, which yielded populations of cells enriched for immature and mature cells. The cells found at the interface between 35 and 29% BSA (band 1 cells), which are the most immature, were cultured for 48 hr with highly purified IL 1, with the 30,000 to 40,000 dalton form of thymocyte co-mitogenic activity obtained after Sephadex G-75 chromatography and chromatofocusing chromatography, or with media alone. The surface antigens TL-3, H-2Kk, Thy-1.2, Lyt-1, and Lyt-2 were examined by immunofluorescence. It was found that the highly purified 30,000 to 40,000 dalton species of co-mitogenic activity induced a significant increase in the content of surface H-2Kk, a decrease in TL-3, and a very small decrease in Thy-1.2 on the cell surface, whereas IL 1 was not capable of inducing a change in these surface antigens. There was no change in Lyt-1 on the surface of band 1 thymocytes after incubation with either IL 1 or the 30,000 to 40,000 dalton species. The 30,000 to 40,000 dalton species caused a significant decrease in the percentage of cells staining positive for Lyt-2, whereas IL 1 caused a smaller but significant decrease in Lyt-2. These changes in the surface markers TL-3, H-2Kk, and Thy-1.2 are consistent with changes that occur during thymocyte differentiation. It was also observed that the proliferative response to the 30,000 to 40,000 dalton form and IL 1 increased with increasing functional maturity of each band of thymocytes when used in the thymocyte mitogenic assay. However, only the 30,000 to 40,000 dalton form was capable of inducing a proliferative response in the immature band 1 thymocytes in the thymocyte co-mitogenic assay. These results indicate that the RAW 264.7 cells produce a factor that has, in addition to thymocyte co-mitogenic activity, thymocyte differentiation activity, and this factor is distinct from IL 1.     

Purification to homogeneity and NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of a novel interleukin 1 species derived from a human B cell line

A subclone, referred to as 3B6, derived from a DR-negative EBV-transformed B cell line, has been found to spontaneously produce IL 1. 3B6-IL 1 displays a pI of 5 on FPLC chromatofocusing. It has been purified to homogeneity by a sequence of ion-exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography on procion red agarose. The homogeneous material migrated with an apparent m.w. of 13,500 on SDS-PAGE. The overall recovery of IL 1 activity was estimated at 57%. The final material had a specific activity of 7.8 X 10(6) half-maximal units/mg and represented a 50,000-fold purification. A partial NH2-terminal amino acid sequence has been obtained that is different from those reported from monocytic IL 1. However, this molecule can formally be identified as IL 1 on its spectrum of biologic activities. In addition to inducing the proliferation of murine thymocytes in the co-stimulator assay. 3B6-IL 1 is active on both human T and B cells, respectively, in inducing IL 2 synthesis by cells from a subcloned HSB 2 line and promoting the proliferation of anti-IgM-stimulated human peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Furthermore, 3B6-IL 1 acts as a growth factor for normal human fibroblasts and for the 3B6 line itself. However, 3B6-IL 1 is not pyrogenic in rabbits. Thus, the 3B6 cell line was shown to produce a new molecular species of IL 1, with respect to its NH2-terminal sequence, which shared all of the studied biologic activities of monocytic IL 1 except for pyrogenicity.     

Production of interleukin 1 activity by normal human peripheral blood B lymphocytes

Interleukin 1 (IL 1) production by normal human B lymphocytes was investigated. Normal human peripheral blood B lymphocytes were purified by sequential separation with the use of Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation, sheep red blood cell rosette formation, Percoll gradients, and treatment with monoclonal antibodies (anti-Leu-M1, B73.1, and T101) and complement. Both purified large B lymphocytes (BL) and small B lymphocytes (BS) produced IL 1-like (thymocyte co-mitogenic and fibroblast mitogenic) activities in response to lipopolysaccharide. Maximal production of IL 1 activity by both BL and BS occurred at 48 hr. The m.w. of IL 1 activities from both BL and BS were about 20,000 with high pressure liquid chromatography, and the major isoelectric point of BL- and BS-derived IL 1 activity was 7.0. A rabbit anti-human monocyte IL 1 antiserum inhibited the activity of B cell-derived IL 1, suggesting antigenic similarities of monocyte- and B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 moieties. These data suggest that normal B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 activity is biochemically and immunologically similar to monocyte-derived IL 1.     

Purification and characterization of a unique human interleukin 1 from the tumor cell line U937

Interleukin 1 (IL 1) produced by a human tumor cell line was purified to homogeneity by a three-step chromatographic method and was tested in various assays for multiple biologic properties. The purified IL 1 stimulated the proliferative response of the D10.G4.1 cell line, a mouse IL 1 indicator T cell; caused the release of prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin from cultured human foreskin fibroblasts and from primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells; and elicited characteristic endogenous pyrogen fever in rabbits. To stimulate IL 1 production, the histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937 was incubated with the exotoxin from toxic shock strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Supernatants from stimulated U937 cells were concentrated, and were applied to a reverse-phase HPLC column. IL 1 activity was eluted from the column at high acetonitrile concentration. Subsequent chromatography over hydroxyapatite yielded a single IL 1 species with a pI of 5.5. IL 1 was then purified to homogeneity by gel exclusion HPLC migrating as a 14 kDa species. The molecular size was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and was visualized as a single molecule by silver staining; biologic activity was recovered from the same region of the gel. Limited N-terminal sequence analysis suggested some homology to the pI 7 form of the human blood monocyte IL 1. The pI 5.5 IL 1 produced by U937 cells was only partially neutralized with anti-human monocyte IL 1 antibody, suggesting that U937-derived IL 1 is structurally related to one of the molecularly cloned IL 1 species. IL 1 from stimulated U937 cells possesses the functional characteristics of monocyte IL 1 but may represent a structurally unique IL 1 species, as determined by sequence analysis, size, and antibody reactivity.     

The tyrosine kinase activity of the epidermal-growth-factor receptor is necessary for phospholipase A2 activation.

Cytosolic glutathione transferases (GSTs) were purified from the rat spleen by S-hexyl-GSH-Sepharose chromatography, and two major forms were identified as GSTs 2-2 and 7-7 (GST P). Besides these forms an acidic form (pI 5.8) was purified by chromatofocusing at pH 7-4 and it accounted for about 1% of the total GST activity bound to S-hexyl-GSH-Sepharose. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that it is a homodimer (subunit Mr 26,000 with pI 5.8). Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that it was immunologically related to GSTs 2-2 and 1-1, and its N-terminal amino acid was apparently blocked, similarly to other forms of the class Alpha. This form had a low activity towards cumene hydroperoxide or 4-hydroxynon-2-enal, indicating that this form differed from GSTs 10-10 and 8-8 as well as from GSTs 1-1 and 2-2. These results suggest that it is a new form of GST belonging to the class Alpha.     

A B cell growth factor-like activity is secreted by cloned, neoplastic B cells

Supernatants from synchronized clones of neoplastic B cells (BCL1) were found to contain a B cell growth factor (BCGFI)-like activity. The BCGF activity in the BCL1 supernatants (SN) could synergize with EL-4 SN in the late phases of an IL 1-dependent BCGF I assay (days 5 through 8). These SN did not contain any detectable BCGF II, IL, 1, or IL 2 activity. In contrast to EL-4-derived BCGF I, which has a m.w. of approximately 18,000, the BCL1-BCGF activity has a m.w. of approximately 4500. Because the BCGF activity in BCL1 SN fluctuates with cell cycle in synchronized cultures, this BCL1-BCGF may play an auto-stimulatory role in B cell proliferation.     

Purification and biochemical characteristics of two distinct human interleukins 1 from the myelomonocytic THP-1 cell line

An effective induction protocol for the production of interleukin 1 (IL 1) by human myelomonocytic cell line (THP-1) cells was developed, and two biochemically distinct human IL 1 peptides were purified. Lipopolysaccharide, silica, and hydroxyurea by themselves did not induce IL 1 production, but these three stimulants in combination had a synergistic effect on the production of IL 1 by THP-1 cells. A 17-kilodalton (kDa) form of human IL 1 with a pI of 7.0 (IL 1-beta) was purified to homogeneity by sequential chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, Sephacryl S-200, CM high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and hydroxyapatite HPLC. The recovery of IL 1-beta activity was 45%, and the specific activity was 2.3 X 10(7) units/mg. Both IL 1-beta and a second 17-kDa IL 1 moiety with a pI of 5.0 (IL 1-alpha) were also extracted from stimulated THP-1 cells and purified to homogeneity by sequential chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, ion exchange HPLC, and hydroxyapatite HPLC. The recovery of IL 1-beta from cell extracts was 5.6%, and the specific activity was 3 X 10(7) units/mg. In contrast, only 0.85% of IL 1-alpha was recovered with a specific activity of 5.3 X 10(7) units/mg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of human interleukin 2 receptor (Tac antigen) in normal and leukemic T cells: co-expression of normal and aberrant receptors on Hut-102 cells

Human interleukin 2 receptors ( IL2R ) from various cell sources such as mitogen-activated normal human T cells, adult T cell leukemia (ATL)-derived cell line cells (MT-1, ATL-6, Hut-102), and a natural killer-like cell line YT cells, were studied both by one- and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), with a monoclonal anti- IL2R antibody (anti-Tac). In synthetic labeling with [35S]methionine, anti-Tac specifically precipitated two glycoproteins, one with m.w. of 60,000 to 65,000 and pI 4.2 to 4.7, and the other with m.w. about 40,000 and pI 6.2 to 6.5. A study of surface iodination revealed that the former component was membrane-associated mature IL2R , and a pulse-chase study showed that the latter component was a precursor for IL2R that already possessed tunicamycin-sensitive N-linked sugar side chain(s). This precursor was found to be posttranslationally processed into mature IL2R by further glycosylation within 240 min. Among the cells studied, a human T cell leukemia virus-positive leukemic cell line, Hut-102, was distinctive in that it possessed an additional membrane glycoprotein (m.w. 55,000 to 60,000, pI 4.2 to 5.0) also defined by anti-Tac. This unique glycoprotein of Hut-102 cells appeared to be an aberrant IL2R .     

Fibroblast stimulation in schistosomiasis. II. Functional and biochemical characteristics of egg granuloma-derived fibroblast-stimulating factor

The pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis are unknown, but may be under the regulation of molecules secreted by the hepatic granulomas that encase the helminth eggs. Previous studies in mice demonstrated that isolated Schistosoma mansoni egg granulomas can elaborate in vitro substances that stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. The present study provides the initial characterization of the granuloma-derived factor(s). Serum-free cell culture supernatants from isolated granulomas contained activity that stimulated the uptake of (3H)-thymidine by quiescent human dermal fibroblasts. This activity was present in fractions (Sephadex G-200 chromatography) with estimated m.w. of 30,000 to 40,000. Activity eluted with linear salt gradients from ion exchange columns (DEAE Sephadex) with 0.4 to 0.7 and 1.5 to 1.8 M NaCl (pH 8.4). Activity was present in fractions with approximate pI of 6 to 6.5 and 4, prepared by flat-bed isoelectrofocusing of crude supernatant in granular gel. Activity that stimulated thymocyte proliferation in an interleukin 1 (IL 1) assay was present in crude granuloma supernatants as well as in the partially purified fractions that contained fibroblast-stimulating activity. We conclude that the granuloma-derived fibroblast-stimulating factor has biologic activity similar to IL 1 but on the basis of m.w. and pI determination is distinct from IL 1.     

Structural analysis of the messenger RNA cap-binding protein. Presence of phosphate, sulfhydryl, and disulfide groups

The messenger RNA cap-binding protein (CBP) was isolated from human erythrocyte, rabbit erythrocyte, and rabbit reticulocyte lysate by affinity chromatography on 7-methylguanosine 5'-triphosphate-Sepharose. The specific activity of binding to capped oligonucleotides was similar for the human erythrocyte and rabbit reticulocyte CBPs. Isoelectric focusing of human and rabbit preparations revealed that each was composed of up to five species. The pI values of human and rabbit CBPs ranged from 5.7 to 6.5. The predominant form in erythrocytes had a pI of 6.3 while in reticulocytes, two major species, having pI values of 5.9 and 6.3, were present. Labeling of rabbit reticulocytes with [32P]orthophosphate revealed that the pI 5.9 but not the pI 6.3 form contained phosphate. All of the phosphate was found in phosphoserine residues. The amino acid compositions of human erythrocyte and rabbit reticulocyte CBPs were quite similar. Both proteins had 7 tryptophanyl and 6 cysteinyl residues. Labeling with [1-14C]iodoacetic acid under native and denaturing conditions provided evidence that 2 of the cysteinyl residues are present in the reduced form and 4 in disulfide bridges. Species of CBP with faster or slower electrophoretic mobilities could be generated by treatment of the protein either with O2 in the presence of a catalyst or with dithiothreitol. The predominant form of the untreated protein migrated between these two forms.     

Evidence for shared antigenic determinants on rabbit and human interleukin 1 (IL 1)

An antiserum to human interleukin 1 (IL 1) was prepared by immunizing a goat with the isoelectric point (pI) 6.9 type of IL 1 in Freund's complete adjuvant. Serum-mediated inhibition of the biological activity of IL 1 appeared within 4 wk after the first immunization, and showed a progressive rise in titer over a 9-mo period. The inhibitory moiety was purified by sequential ammonium sulfate fractionation and DEAE-Sephacel ion exchange chromatography, and the activity was found to co-purify with the IgG fraction of the serum. The antibody neutralized the biological activity of the pI 6.9 type of human IL 1 derived from either human placental tissue or human peripheral blood adherent cells, but did not neutralize the pI 5.2 type of IL 1 derived from either source. When used as an affinity reagent, the antibody selectively absorbed the pI 6.9 human IL 1, but not the pI 5.2 human IL 1. Furthermore, the antibody neutralized the pI 7.4 type of IL 1 derived from rabbit alveolar macrophages, but had no activity against the pI 4.6 IL 1 derived from the same source. No inhibitory activity against rat spleen cell-derived IL 1 or murine P388D1 cell line-derived IL 1 was detected. These experiments support the concept that the differing pI types of IL 1 derived from the same species are both biochemically and antigenically distinct molecules, and IL 1 of similar pI type derived from different species may share antigenic determinants.     

Interleukin 1 production by a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line

Human interleukin 1 (IL-1) was produced under serum-free conditions by stimulating a human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) with silica or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The IL-1 from THP-1 cells has a molecular weight of 12,000-20,000, consistent with the low-molecular-weight form of IL-1 from human peripheral blood monocytes. Further characterization by isoelectrofocusing showed one major peak of activity at pI 7 for the THP-1 cell-derived IL-1. In contrast, the low-molecular-weight form of IL-1 from human monocytes has two major species, pI 5 and pI 7. This cloned THP-1 cell line produces levels of IL-1 activity comparable to those obtainable from peripheral blood monocytes. Thus THP-1 cells can serve as a valuable source of relatively homogeneous human IL-1 for further purification and molecular characterization of its role in regulating immune functions.     

Recombinant-derived interleukin-1 alpha stabilized against specific deamidation

Recombinant-derived human interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), purified from Escherichia coli, was resolved by isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gels into two species of isoelectric points (pI) 5.45 and 5.20, which constituted approximately 75% and approximately 25% of the total IL-1 alpha protein respectively. The pI 5.45 and pI 5.20 species were separated by chromatofocusing and subjected to N-terminal sequence analysis. The pI 5.45 species contained the expected Asn residue at position 36 of the mature protein sequence whereas the pI 5.20 species contained an Asp residue at the same position. A mutant protein in which Asn-36 was substituted for a Ser residue was isolated from E. coli and shown to be homogeneous on isoelectric focusing analysis with a pI = 5.45. 1H-n.m.r. and circular dichroism analyses of wild-type and the mutant IL-1 alpha indicated a similar conformation which was also indicated by the identical receptor binding affinities of IL-1 alpha with Asn, Asp or Ser in position 36. The mutant protein was stabilized against specific base-catalysed and temperature-induced deamidation, and may be more suitable than the wild-type position for physical and structural studies.     

Temperature sensitivity of interleukin-dependent murine T cell proliferation: Q2 mapping of the responses of peanut agglutinin-negative thymocytes

Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that IL 1-dependent mitogenic activity is present in apparently homogeneous preparations of rabbit endogenous pyrogen. This finding suggested that the mitogenic and pyrogenic activities of this molecule might serve a common goal. Initial studies on the temperature dependence of interleukin-dependent thymocyte mitogenesis suggested that high temperature sensitivity was associated with the action of IL 1 but not that of IL 2. The present study has used an expanded range of temperatures and refined tissue culture conditions to further examine the relative temperature dependence of thymocyte mitogenesis due to IL 1 or IL 2. Both the pI 5 and pI 7 species of rabbit IL 1 evoke highly temperature-sensitive responses from mouse thymocytes in the presence of a suboptimal dose of PHA and from peanut agglutinin-negative (PNA-) thymocytes in the absence of PHA. IL 2 also evokes a highly temperature-sensitive response from unseparated thymocytes in the presence of PHA. However, in the absence of PHA, vigorous responses by either unseparated or PNA- thymocytes to IL 2 alone lack strong temperature sensitivity. The temperature-dependent responses of both unseparated and PNA- thymocytes to either IL 1 or IL 2 have been analyzed by Q2 mapping, a determination of the temperature intervals most sensitive to temperature changes. By using this mode of analysis, we have found that IL 1 and IL 2 generate distinct Q2 maps, and that PHA transforms the shape of the IL 2-derived Q2 map but not that of IL 1. The possible significance of the temperature sensitivity of IL 1- and IL 2-driven reactions is discussed with respect to the biological functions of inflammation and fever.     

Constitutive and PMA-induced interleukin-1 production by the human astrocytoma cell line T24

Astrocytes and glial cells of different species produce interleukin-1 (IL-1) in vitro. In all cases, however, the evidence relied on the detection of IL-1 activity in biological assays. In this report we describe a human astrocytoma cell line (T24) which produces IL-1 constitutively and upon induction with phorbol myristate acetate in vitro. The IL-1 activity was detected in the culture supernatant by a modified assay measuring IL-1-dependent induction of IL-2 production by EL-4 cells. The active molecule had a molecular weight of 17 kDa on gel filtration and an isoelectric point of 5.2. The activity was not neutralized by a goat antibody reacting against pI 7 IL-1. In contrast, rabbit antibody reacting against pI 5 and pI 7 IL-1 neutralized all the IL-1 activity. Cell-associated IL-1 activity was detected in the supernatant of freeze-thawed cell lysates. Serological evidence as well as isoelectric point determination further supported that the predominant form of IL-1 synthesized was of the pI 5 type, and immunoprecipitation of 35S-labeled cell lysate with monospecific polyclonal antibody to IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta detected only IL-1 alpha precursor. However, Northern blot analysis of astrocytoma cells indicated that mRNA encoding for both IL-1 species were present. These results, therefore, provide unequivocal evidence that human astrocytoma cells synthesize both forms of IL-1 message and yet only activity corresponding to the pI 5 form is detectable inside and outside these cells, suggesting that the inactive pI 7 IL-1 precursor, if made, is not processed to the mature active 17-kDa form.     

Fractionation and purification of endo-1,4-beta-xylanases and exo-1,4-beta-xylosidases of Aspergillus niger]

Two endo-1,4-beta-zylanases (m. w. 24,000 and 41,000) and six exo-1,4-beta-xylosidases, differing in their molecular weights and isoelectric points, were found in a xylanase preparation from Aspergillus niger, using different methods of fractionation. An electrophoretically homogeneous exo-1,4-beta-xylosidase (m. w. 30,000) purified 120-fold, with pI 4.6, having optimal effect on methyl-beta-D-xyloside at pH 3.0 was obtained. Exo-1,4-beta-xylosidase splits off xylose from the ends of the xylan chains at xylotriose, xylobiose and methyl-beta-D-xyloside and is characterized by a high transglycosilase activity. An electrophoretically homogeneous endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (m. w. 24,000) purified 250-fold, with pI 4.2 and optimal effect on carboxymethylxylan at pH 4.2 was isolated. Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase splits arabinoglucuronoxylan to form xylooligosaccharides; however, it does not hydrolyze xylobiose.     

Lymphocyte chemotactic activity of human interleukin 1

In the cellular immune response, there is an accumulation of mainly nonantigen-specific mononuclear cells that presumably is dependent on the local secretion of chemotactic factors. In view of the presence of large numbers of macrophages early in the delayed hypersensitivity response, the possible role of these cells in the chemotaxis of lymphocytes was investigated by studying the chemotactic activity of purified human interleukin 1 (IL 1) on T and B cells. Chemotactic activity for T and B cells was observed, the effect on B cells being greater than on T cells. At low concentrations (less than 1 U/ml), IL 1 had predominantly chemotactic activity for B cells and chemokinetic activity for T cells. At high concentrations (10 to 20 U/ml), IL 1 had pure chemotactic activity for both cell types. A relationship was found between levels of migration of T and B cells and mouse thymocyte proliferation induced by purified IL 1 and by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte supernatants. The principal peaks of both activities were found in 16,000 to 18,000 m.w. fractions. In additional studies, the chemotactic response to IL 1 was inhibited by preincubation of T and B cells with IL 1 or stimulated monocyte supernatant, demonstrating the role of binding of IL 1 in the chemotactic response.     

Properties of murine and human epidermal cell-derived thymocyte-activating factor

Keratinocytes, the predominant cell within the epidermis, perform some macrophage-like functions, such as endocytosis and phagocytosis. We therefore investigated whether keratinocytes may also exert some nonspecific immunoregulatory functions through the secretion of mediators. Tissue cultures of freshly isolated murine and human keratinocytes as well as keratinocyte cell lines secrete a cytokine, epidermal cell-derived thymocyte-activating factor (ETAF), which augments in vitro lymphoproliferative responses. Keratinocyte cell line cells produce increased levels of ETAF activity after exposure to a variety of cell-damaging agents such as silica, endotoxin, phorbol myristate acetate, hydroxyurea, and mechanical disruption. Biochemical studies showed that murine and human ETAF, like interleukin 1 (IL 1), had a molecular weight between 12,000 and 20,000, interacted with hydrophobic phenyl-Sepharose, and was eluted from anion but not cation exchangers. Like IL 1, murine ETAF had a single isoelectric point whereas human ETAF eluted as three peaks of activity (pI 7.2, 5.8, and 5.0). Partially purified ETAF of either species also had the same biological properties of IL 1. That is, ETAF enhanced IL 2 production by T cells in culture, was chemotactic for polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and was directly mitogenic for fibroblasts. When injected into C3H/HeJ mice ETAF induced hepatocyte production of serum amyloid A, an acute phase protein. Furthermore, ETAF, like IL 1, may act as an endogenous pyrogen and induce fever when injected into rabbits. These findings indicate that production of IL 1-like molecules is not confined to cells of the immune system and that ETAF production by keratinocytes may have important implications in would healing, as well in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.     

IL 1-like activities present in murine amniotic fluid. A significantly larger amount of IL 1 beta-like activity is present in the amniotic fluid of autoimmune NZB mice

Rapid progress in studies of cytokines have clarified their roles in processes of lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. However, the involvement of these molecules in lymphopoiesis during embryonic development has not yet been well documented. In this study we screened for possible existence of cytokines that influence lymphopoiesis in murine amniotic fluid (AF) obtained from non-autoimmune prone "normal" strains of mice (CBA/J, BALB/c, A/J, SWR, and C57B/6) and autoimmune-prone NZB mice. Significant colony stimulating activity-1 (CSA-1)-like activities were found in AF of all of the strains tested, but relatively low activities were present in AF of NZB mice. No interleukin 2 (IL 2) or interleukin 3 (IL 3)-like activities were detected, Weak IL 1-like activity was found in AF of most of the strains tested; however, the results of the standard thymocyte proliferation assays varied with each AF sample. This variation is probably related to the presence of nonspecific inhibitors including alpha-fetoprotein in murine AF. Therefore, pooled AF from CBA and NZB strains of mice were subjected to several purification procedures to assess the actual amount of IL 1-like activity present in murine AF. After (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and hydrophobic phenyl-Sepharose chromatography, the measurable level of IL 1-like activity could be increased significantly. With lentil-lectin affinity chromatography, IL 1-like activity was completely dissociated from CSA-like activity. Moreover, a significantly larger amount of IL 1-like activity was found in NZB AF fractions (approximately sixfold higher). Apparent pI values estimated by preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF) were 5.9, 7.2, and 7.4 in CBA AF fractions, and 6.5 and 7.3 in NZB AF fractions. The NZB AF fraction with pI of 7.3 showed significantly higher IL 1 activity than the other fractions studied. These partially purified molecules were found to be resistant to pH 2 and the reducing agent, 2-mercaptoethanol, but were inactivated by heat (56 degrees C, 1 hr) or trypsin. None of the fractions showed IL 2-like activity but some that had IL 1-like activity induced IL 2 production in a IL 1-dependent, IL 2-producing B lymphoma cell line. Apparent m.w. of these IL 1-like activities were 14,000, 14,500, 17,000, 18,000, and 21,000 in CBA AF fractions, and 15,000, 19,000, and 21,000 in NZB AF fractions according to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Neutrophil chemotactic factor produced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human blood mononuclear leukocytes: partial characterization and separation from interleukin 1 (IL 1)

LPS stimulated human blood mononuclear leukocytes to produce a chemotactic factor for human neutrophils. The effect of LPS was dose-dependent; 10 micrograms/ml was optimal for production of chemotactic factor. Chemotactic activity was detected 3 hr after LPS stimulation, and reached its peak at 12 hr. No activity was detected in culture supernatants of unstimulated cells, provided LPS-free media were selected. Isoelectric point of the factor, determined by chromatofocusing, was approximately 8 to 8.5. Molecular weight was approximately 10 kilodaltons by Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration or by HPLC gel filtration on TSK-2000 and -3000 columns in succession. The gel filtration fractions were also assayed for IL 1 activity. The elution position of IL 1 activity corresponded to a m.w. of 18. There was no chemotactic activity in the IL 1 activity peak. Furthermore, highly purified natural Il 1 alpha and -beta and recombinant Il 1 alpha and -beta did not exhibit chemotactic activity for neutrophils in our assay. Among mononuclear leukocytes, the monocyte was the principal producer of neutrophil chemotactic factor. These results suggest that a chemotactic factor for neutrophils, different from IL 1, is produced by LPS-stimulated blood monocytes.