Rejection of B16 melanoma induced by expression of a transfected major histocompatibility complex class I gene.

Transfection of a functional major histocompatibility complex class I gene into certain tumor cells, induced by oncogenic viruses or chemical carcinogens, can effectively abrogate their tumorigenic activity. Since experimentally induced tumors possess strong tumor-specific transplantation antigens, expression of cell surface class I antigens may present the tumor cells to appropriate immune effector cells. Most spontaneously arising tumors do not possess tumor-specific transplantation antigens, and their tumorigenicity may not be affected by the expression of a transfected class I gene. We demonstrate that the poorly immunogenic B16-BL6 melanoma can be rendered nontumorigenic in syngeneic mice by the expression of the class I H-2K antigen but not the class II I-A antigen. Furthermore, the poorly tumorigenic, class I-expressing B16-BL6-transfected cells can effectively immunize syngeneic C57BL/6 mice against the highly tumorigenic, class I-deficient B16-BL6 parental cells. Our success in experimentally manipulating the tumorigenicity of a spontaneously derived neoplasm offers hope for a potential modality for the effective treatment of human cancer.     

Cell surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules is reduced in hepatitis C virus subgenomic replicon-expressing cells

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic hepatitis in most infected individuals by evading host immune defenses. In this investigation, we show that HCV-infected cells may go undetected in the immune system by suppressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cells expressing HCV subgenomic replicons have lower MHC class I cell surface expression. This is due to reduced levels of properly folded MHC class I molecules. HCV replicons induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (K. Tardif, K. Mori, and A. Siddiqui, J. Virol. 76:7453-7459, 2002), which results from a decline in protein glycosylation. Decreasing protein glycosylation can disrupt protein folding, preventing the assembly of MHC class I molecules. This results in the accumulation of unfolded MHC class I. Therefore, the persistence and pathogenesis of HCV may depend upon the ER stress-mediated interference of MHC class I assembly and cell surface expression.     

Functional expression of a heterologous major histocompatibility complex class I gene in transgenic mice.

The regulated expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens is essential for assuring proper cellular immune responses. To study H-2 class I gene regulation, we have transferred a foreign class I gene to inbred mice and have previously shown that the heterologous class I gene was expressed in a tissue-dependent manner. In this report, we demonstrate that these mice expressed the transgenic class I molecule on the cell surface without any alteration in the level of endogenous H-2 class I antigens. Skin grafts from transgenic mice were rapidly rejected by mice of the background strain, indicating that the transgenic antigen was expressed in an immunologically functional form. As with endogenous H-2 class I genes, the class I transgene was inducible by interferon treatment and suppressible by human adenovirus 12 transformation. Linkage analysis indicated that the transgene was not closely linked to endogenous class I loci, suggesting that trans-regulation of class I genes can occur for class I genes located outside the major histocompatibility complex.     

Suppression of major histocompatibility complex class I and class II gene expression in Listeria monocytogenes-infected murine macrophages

Macrophage cells play a central role during infection with Listeria monocytogenes by both providing a major habitat for bacterial multiplication and presenting bacterial antigens to the immune system. In this study, we investigated the influence of L. monocytogenes infection on the expression of MHC class I and class II genes in two murine macrophage cell lines. Steady-state levels of I-Aβ chain mRNA were decreased in both resting J774A.1 and P388D₁ macrophages infected with L. monocytogenes whereas reduction of H-2K mRNA was only observed in P388D₁ cells. In addition, L. monocytogenes suppressed induction of MHC class I and class II mRNAs in response to γ-interferon as well as the maintenance of the induced state in activated P388D₁ macrophages. Exposure to the non-pathogenic species L. innocua or a deletion mutant of L. monocytogenes, which lacks the lecithinase operon, did not cause a reduction in H-2K and I-Aβ mRNA levels nor suppress expression of Ia antigens. Inhibition of MHC gene expression may represent an important part of the cross-talk between L. monocytogenes and the macrophage that probably influences the efficiency of a T cell-mediated immune response and thus the outcome of a listerial infection.     

A nonpolymorphic class I gene in the murine major histocompatibility complex

DNA sequence analysis of a class I gene (Q10), which maps to the Qa2,3 locus in the C57BL/10 (H-2b haplotype) mouse, reveals that it is almost identical to a cDNA clone (pH16) isolated from a SWR/J (H-2q haplotype) mouse liver cDNA library. Exon 5, in particular, has an unusual structure such that a polypeptide product is unlikely to be anchored in the cell membrane. Our findings suggest that the two sequences are derived from allelic class I genes, which are nonpolymorphic, in contrast to H-2K allelic sequences from the same mice, and they may encode liver-specific polypeptides of unknown function. Our previous studies indicate that the Q10 gene is a potential donor gene for the generation of mutations at the H-2K locus by inter-gene transfer of genetic information. Thus the lack of polymorphism in class I genes at the Q10 locus implies either that they are not recipients for such exchanges or that selective pressure prevents the accumulation of mutations in genes at this locus.     

Identification of naturally processed hepatitis C virus-derived major histocompatibility complex class I ligands

Fine mapping of human cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against hepatitis C virus (HCV) is based on external loading of target cells with synthetic peptides which are either derived from prediction algorithms or from overlapping peptide libraries. These strategies do not address putative host and viral mechanisms which may alter processing as well as presentation of CTL epitopes. Therefore, the aim of this proof-of-concept study was to identify naturally processed HCV-derived major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I ligands. To this end, continuous human cell lines were engineered to inducibly express HCV proteins and to constitutively express high levels of functional HLA-A2. These cell lines were recognized in an HLA-A2-restricted manner by HCV-specific CTLs. Ligands eluted from HLA-A2 molecules isolated from large-scale cultures of these cell lines were separated by high performance liquid chromatography and further analyzed by electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (MS)/tandem MS. These analyses allowed the identification of two HLA-A2-restricted epitopes derived from HCV nonstructural proteins (NS) 3 and 5B (NS3_1406–1415 and NS5B_2594–2602). In conclusion, we describe a general strategy that may be useful to investigate HCV pathogenesis and may contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic vaccines in the future.     

Generation of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens

Presentation of antigenic peptides by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells is an effective extracellular representation of the intracellular antigen content. The intracellular proteasome-dependent proteolytic machinery is required for generating MHC class I-presented peptides. These peptides appear to be derived mainly from newly synthesized defective ribosomal products, ensuring a rapid cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated immune response against infectious pathogens. Here we discuss the generation of MHC class I antigens on the basis of the currently understood molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms.     

Cell surface expression of an in vitro recombinant class II/class I major histocompatibility complex gene product

Chimeric histocompatibility genes encoding the amino-terminal (beta 1) domain of the class II Ak beta polypeptide and the carboxy-terminal (C2, transmembrane, and intracytoplasmic) domains of either the class I H-2Ld or H-2Dd molecules were stably introduced into mouse L cells. Although both were transcribed, only 5' Ak beta/3' H-2Dd transformants had significant cell membrane expression of a 30-40 kd, heterogeneous glycoprotein containing Ak beta 1 and H-2Dd (C2) serological epitopes. These transformants had a unique pattern of reactivity with monoclonal antibodies previously identified as requiring the Ak beta 1 domain for recognition of complete I-A molecules. These results allow new insight into the structural requirements for cell surface expression of proteins and provide unique cellular reagents for the dissection of humoral and cell-mediated recognition of MHC molecules.     

Placental expression of major histocompatibility complex class I in bovine somatic clones

Abnormally increased placental expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules at the trophoblastic surface has been suggested previously to be the cause of early fetal loss in nuclear transfer (NT) bovine pregnancies. Here, we report the lack of expression of MHC-I at the trophoblastic surface at D30 and D60 and in placentomes from D60 to term in placentas obtained by NT from three different genotypes and by artificial insemination, whatever the outcome of the pregnancy. MHC-I expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry using four different antibodies, including a novel beta2-microglobulin antibody. The MHC-I type of the clones was established using reference strand-mediated conformation analysis (RSCA); however, since it proved problematic to type the recipient animals in the same way, outcome of pregnancy could not be related to MHC compatibility. In conclusion, the present study provides no evidence to support abnormal expression of MHC-I on the trophoblastic surface in clones as a major cause of fetal loss during pregnancy after NT.     

Mechanism of induction of class I major histocompatibility antigen expression by murine leukemia virus

Alterations in expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens on tumor cells clearly correlate with the tumorgenicity and metastatic potential of those cells. These changes in the biological behavior of the tumor cells are presumably secondary to resulting changes in their susceptibility to immune recognition and destruction. Murine leukemia viruses (MuLV) exert regulatory effects on class I genes of the MHC locus. MuLV infection results in substantial increases in cell surface expression of all three class I MHC antigens. These viral effects on MHC antigen expression profoundly influence immune-mediated interaction with the infected cells, as assessed by cytotoxic T lymphocyte recognition and killing. Control of class I MHC and beta-2 microglobulin genes by MuLV takes place via a trans-acting molecular mechanism. MuLV controls expression of widely separated endogenous cellular MHC genes, transfected xenogeneic class I MHC genes, and unintegrated chimeric genes consisting of fragments of class I MHC genes linked to a bacterial reporter gene. These findings indicate that MuLV exerts its effects on MHC expression via a trans mechanism. The MuLV-responsive sequences on the MHC genes appear to lie within 1.2 kilobases upstream of the initiation codon for those genes.     

Developmental regulation of class I major histocompatibility complex antigen expression by equine trophoblastic cells

Between days 36-38 of pregnancy equine trophoblastic cells of the chorionic girdle migrate and form endometrial cups. Just prior to invasion, the chorionic girdle cells express high levels of polymorphic, paternally inherited, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens. Their descendents, the mature, invasive trophoblast cells of the endometrial cups, however, express low or undetectable levels of MHC class I antigens by day 44 of pregnancy. Experiments with MHC compatible pregnancies, the study of residual chorionic girdle cells that had failed to invade the endometrium and remained on the surface of a conceptus, and the study of chorionic girdle cells recovered on days 34-36 of pregnancy and then maintained in vitro for up to 24 days strongly suggest that the reduction of MHC class I antigen expression by mature invasive trophoblast cells of the endometrial cups is developmentally regulated. This phenomenon does not appear to be induced by a maternal antibody response or by other uterine factors acting after the chorionic girdle trophoblast cells invade the endometrium.     

Persistent measles virus infection enhances major histocompatibility complex class I expression and immunogenicity of murine neuroblastoma cells

The effect of persistent measles virus infection on the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens was studied. Mouse neuroblastoma cells C1300, clone NS20Y, were persistently infected with the Edmonston strain of measles virus. The persistently infected cell line, NS20Y/MS, expressed augmented levels of both H-2K^k and H-2D^d MHC class I glycoproteins. Activation of two interferon(IFN)-induced enzymes, known to be part of the IFN system: (2–5)oligoadenylate synthetase and double-stranded-RNA-activated protein kinase, was detected. Measles-virus-infected cells elicited cytotoxic T lymphocytes that recognized and lysed virus-infected and uninfected neuroblastoma cells in an H-2-restricted fashion. Furthermore, immunization of mice with persistently infected cells conferred resistance to tumor growth after challenge with the highly malignant NS20Y cells. The rationale for using measles virus for immunotherapy is that most patients develop lifelong immunity after recovery or vaccination from this infection. Patients developing cancer are likely to have memory cells. A secondary response induced by measles-virus-infected cells may therefore induce an efficient immune response against non-infected tumour cells.     

Peptide selection by class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex

Class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) bind peptides derived from cytoplasmic proteins. Comparison of over 100 such peptides reveals the importance of the carboxy-terminal residue in selective binding. Recent evidence implicates the proteases and transporters of the processing pathway in providing peptides with the correct residues at the carboxyl terminus.     

Infection by polyomavirus of murine cells deficient in class I major histocompatibility complex expression.

Embryonic fibroblasts and kidney epithelial cells from beta 2-microglobulin-deficient mice were as infectible by polyomavirus as cells from normal littermates were, as judged by expression of nuclear viral capsid antigen, development of cytopathic effects, and yields of infectious virus. We conclude that expression of intact class I major histocompatibility complex molecules is not essential for polyomavirus infection.     

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I trans activator induces class I major histocompatibility complex antigen expression in glial cells

Transfection of the tax gene encoding the trans activator of human T-cell leukemia virus type I into glial line cells induced class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens on these cells. This occurred through the interaction of tax protein with the gene encoding class I MHC antigens but not through any soluble factors, such as interferons, or factors from glial cells. Since neural cells do not usually express MHC antigens, this novel mechanism may be an intermediate event between viral infection and subsequent immune-mediated pathology in the central nervous system.     

Functional characterization of a chicken major histocompatibility complex class II B gene promoter

 A 0.7 kilobase (kb) DNA fragment from the 5′ flanking region of a chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B gene was cloned into chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vectors and was transfected into a chicken macrophage cell line that expresses a low level of MHC class II antigens. Positive orientation-dependent promoter activity of the chicken DNA was evident in a reporter construct containing an SV40 enhancer. Deletion analysis of this 0.7 kb DNA fragment revealed a short fragment in the 3′ end that was crucial for the promoter function and negative regulatory elements (NRE) located further upstream. The conserved MHC class II X and Y boxes did not have a significant effect on promoter activity. Sequence analysis of the 0.7 kb class II B gene upstream region suggests possible involvement of interferon (IFN), E twenty-six specific (ETS)-related proteins, and other factors in regulating this promoter. A chicken T-cell line culture supernatant increased surface expression of MHC class II antigens, as well as class II promoter activity, in this macrophage cell line. This first functional characterization of a chicken MHC class II B gene promoter will aid in understanding the regulatory mechanisms that control the expression of these genes. Received: 9 July 1996 / Revised: 7 October 1996