Differential recognition of the serologically defined HLA-A2 antigen by allogeneic cytotoxic T cells

A comprehensive analysis of human alloimmune cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for the HLA-A2 antigen identified 11% of HLA-A2 positive cells as outliers. In total, 11 unrelated serologically indistinguishable, but distinguishable by cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) HLA-A2 positive outlier cells were identified. The outlier cells could be subdivided in two subgroups according to reactivity patterns obtained with CTLs directed against the HLA-A2 antigen of outlier cells and their inhibitory capacity in specific competitive inhibition experiments. Thus, the serologically defined HLA-A2 specificity can be divided into at least three subtypes using CTLs specific for the HLA-A2 antigen. Moreover, CTLs specific for an HLA-A2 subtype could be induced when responder cells expressed a different HLA-A2 subtype antigen. On the basis of several family studies, we conclude that the subtype HLA-A2 antigens are inherited in a codominant way.     

Molecular analysis of an HLA-A2 functional variant CLA defined by cytolytic T lymphocytes

By using cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL), the HLA-A2 serologic specificity may be divided into at least four subtypes designated as A2.1 to A2.4. The HLA-A2.4 antigen expressed by donor CLA is not recognized by allogeneic CTL specific for either A2.1, A2.2, or A2.3, but is indistinguishable from HLA-A2.1 by H-Y-specific, HLA-A2-restricted CTL and by isoelectric focusing. The structure of this HLA-A2.4 antigen was compared with the known structure of the main A2.1 subtype expressed on JY cells to establish the molecular basis for the immunologic differences between the two antigens. Comparative peptide mapping and radiochemical sequence analysis were used to establish that they differed by a single amino acid change: Phe at position 9 in HLA-A2.1 was replaced by Tyr in HLA-A2.4 from donor CLA. This position displays the highest variability score among all polymorphic residues of the class I HLA antigens. But its participation in the specific determinants recognized by CTL has not been previously established, because no other known HLA variant or H-2 mutant has been found to vary at this position. In addition, HLA-A2.4 from CLA is the only HLA-A2 subtype antigen that is identical to A2.1 in the segment spanning residues 147 to 157, a region in which all three A2.1, A2.2, and A2.3 antigens are different.     

The self determinants recognized by human virus-immune T cells can be distinguished from the serologically defined HLA antigens

The self specificity of human influenza virus-immune cytotoxic T cells has been analyzed in order to clarify the relationship between the self antigens that they recognize and the serologically defined HLA-A and -B antigens. Virus-immune effectors from HLA-A2-positive donors were tested on panels of virus-infected target cells from donors who were either HLA-mismatched or matched only for HLA-A2. Virus-immune T cells from 11 out of 11 A2-positive donors lysed all A2-matched virus-infected target cells (and no HLA-mismatched targets), except that each of these effector cells consistently failed to lyse virus-infected target cells from one A2-positive donor (designated M7). Although the A2 specificity of donor M7 could also be distinguished from the A2 antigen of other donors by alloimmune cytotoxic T cells, no differences in the A2 antigen of donor M7 could be defined by extensive serologic analyses. These results indicate that there is a strong but incomplete association between a self antigen recognized by virus-immune T cells and the serologically defined HLA-A2 specificity.     

Xenogeneic cytotoxic T-cell clones recognize alloantigenic determinants on HLA-A2

Long-term murine cytotoxic T-cell clones arising in response to stimulation with human lymphoblastoid cells and reactive with the HLA-A2 antigen are characterized. These clones distinguish between HLA-A2 and 21 other serologically defined HLA-A and -B antigens. In addition, most clones discriminate between prototypical HLA-A2 antigens, expressed by the majority of HLA-A2-positive individuals, and variant HLA-A2 antigens, which are serologically identical with the prototype, but distinguishable by human cytotoxic T cells and by biochemical analysis. This discrimination is reflected as an inability to cause any significant lysis of variant HLA-A2-expressing target cells at effector-to-target ratios 10- to 100-fold greater than those giving 50% lysis of prototype HLA-A2-expressing cells. By screening a panel of serologically HLA-A2-positive cells, a new variant HLA-A2-expressing cell line has been defined. The recognition patterns of these xenogeneic clones are suggested to reflect recognition of alloantigenic polymorphic determinants. Based on the strong bias in the xenogeneic T-cell repertoire for such determinants, we propose a model for T-cell recognition of class I products of the major histocompatibility complex.     

Clonal T lymphocyte recognition of the fine structure of the HLA-A2 molecule

A human alloimmune cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone (4E4) was generated against the HLA-A2 molecule. Lysis of 51Cr-labeled HLA-A2 target cells was blocked by monoclonal antibodies (mAb), including mAb PA2.1 (anti-HLA-A2), mAb BB7.2 (anti-HLA-A2), mAb 4B (anti-HLA-A2-plus-A28), mAb MA2.1 (anti-HLA-A2-plus-B17), and mAb W6/32 (anti-HLA-A,B,C), which are directed against different serologic epitopes on the HLA-A2 molecule. However, HLA-A2 mutant lines lacking the serologic epitope recognized by mAb BB7.2 (anti-HLA-A2) were efficiently lysed by CTL 4E4. Thus, although mAb may block cytolysis, the HLA-A2 epitope recognized the 4E4 CTL clone is distinct from the HLA-A2-specific epitope recognized by serologic reagents. Moreover, analysis of HLA-A2 population variants revealed that only the predominant HLA-A2.1 subtype molecule was recognized by CTL 4E4. No cross-reactivity on other, biochemically related HLA-A2 population subtypes was observed, including HLA-A2.2 cells (Hill, CVE, ZYL, M7), HLA-A2.3 cells (TENJ, DK1), or HLA-A2.4 cells (CLA, KNE). This CTL clone appears to recognize a single epitope and, like monoclonal antibody counterparts, can be used to discriminate among immunogenic cellular and serologic epitopes on closely related HLA-A2 molecules. On the basis of the known sequence changes in mutant and subtype HLA-A2 molecules, it appears that the sequence spanning residues 147 to 157 may be critical for cellular recognition of this Class I MHC molecule.     

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes of the rat are predominantly restricted by RTL1.A and Not RT1.C-determined major histocompatibility class I antigens

Two types of biochemically defined class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens are found in the rat, RTLA antigens that are ubiquitously expressed and RTLC antigens which so far are detectable only on certain cell types, notably B and T lymphocytes. It is shown that the cytotoxic T lymphocyte response to minor H antigens of the LEW strain, including the H-Y antigen, and to TNP-modified syngeneic lymphoid cells is restricted by RTLA but not RTLC gene products. This conclusion is based on bulk culture assays including cold target inhibition tests and limiting dilution experiments using recombinants between the RT1 ^a and RT1 ^u haplotypes. The possibility that class I MHC antigens exist which have no major restriction function is discussed.     

Analysis of the HLA-A10-crossreacting group of antigens by one-dimensional isoelectric focusing

The antigens belonging to the HLA-A10 group, HLA-A25, -A26, -Aw34, and -Aw66, have been characterized serologically during the International Histocompatibility Workshops. However, it remains difficult to discriminate between the HLA-A26 antigen on the one hand and the HLA-Aw34 and -Aw66 antigens on the other on the basis of serology. In this paper, we compare the serologically defined antigens with the data obtained by one-dimensional isoelectric focusing. The results indicate that the serologically well-defined HLA-A25 antigen cannot be discriminated from the HLA-A26 antigen by one-dimensional isoelectric focusing. In contrast, this technique can indeed be used to discriminate between HLA-A26, -Aw34 and -Aw66 antigens. In addition, the biochemical analysis suggests further heterogeneity of the HLA-Aw34 antigen. This antigen can be subdivided into three variants.     

Analysis of the functional epitopes on different HLA-A2 molecules

Recent studies show that the serologically defined HLA-A2 molecule can be subdivided according to functional and biochemical characteristics. By the use of various HLA-A2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and isoelectric focusing, the serologically homogeneous HLA-A2 molecule can be divided into four subtypes. The polymorphism of the serologically defined HLA-A2 molecule has also been demonstrated by the use of HLA-A2-restricted CTLs. This study was designed to analyze the functional epitopes on different HLA-A2 molecules with special regard to the recognition patterns of different types of HLA-A2-restricted CTLs directed against minor histocompatibility (minor H) antigens. Fifteen so-called HLA-A2 variants belonging to distinct HLA-A2 subtypes were tested as target cells in the cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) assay against (1) HLA-A2-restricted antiminor H-Y CTLs, (2) HLA-A2 and -B7-restricted antiminor H-Y CTLs, and (3) HLA-A2, -Bw62 and -B27-restricted antiminor HA CTLs. We found that those three CTLs recognized only one of those HLA-A2 variants. Furthermore, positive reactions by the antiminor H CTLs were only observed on those variant cells which carried, in addition to the HLA-A2 variant, either another normal HLA-A2 molecule or another required restricting class I molecule necessary for associative recognition. These results indicate that the absence of HLA-A2 normal allotypic target determinant(s) leads to the loss of epitope(s) necessary for recognition of minor H-Y and minor HA transplantation antigens by HLA-restricted CTLs. We can conclude from the present study that HLA-A2-restricted antiminor H CTLs use, in general, the same epitope (or cluster of epitopes) for cellular recognition as alloimmune HLA-A2-specific CTLs.     

Interaction between des-Tyr1-γ-endorphin and HLA class I molecules: Serological detection of an HLA-A2 subtype

Preincubation of lymphocytes with des-Tyr¹--endorphin (DTE) inhibits the reaction between some HLA alloantisera and their corresponding antigens. One HLA-A2-specific antiserum was found which could detect a subtype of the HLA-A2 antigen on DTE-treated lymphocytes from some donors. Comparison with the HLA-A2 subtypes as defined by a combination of cytotoxic T lymphocyte typing and biochemistry showed a complete correlation with the previously described HLA-A2.3 subtype.     

Molecular cloning and DNA sequence analysis of genes encoding cytotoxic T lymphocyte-defined HLA-A3 subtypes: the E1 subtype

Influenza-specific cytotoxic T cells restricted by HLA-A3 and allogeneic CTL specific for HLA-A3 recognize differences between serologically indistinguishable HLA-A3 antigens. Previous biochemical studies have indicated that such differential recognition can be explained by alterations in the primary structure of class I heavy chains. Characterization of these sequence differences may therefore identify portions of the class I molecule that form determinants recognized by CTL. In this study, we describe the cloning and sequencing of an HLA-A3 subtype from donor E1 (E1-A3). Cloning of the gene encoding E1-A3 was simplified by determining that a 15.5-kb BamHI fragment contains the complete gene and is characteristic of HLA-A3 and only one other class I gene (HLA-A11). Comparison of the E1-A3 sequence to that of a previously sequenced HLA-A3 gene for exons encoding extracellular class I domains revealed three nucleotide differences. All of these differences were located within a discrete region of exon 3 (encoding the alpha 2 domain) and result in a change of two amino acids, at positions 152 (Glu----Val) and 156 (Leu----Gln). This finding suggests that these amino acids are crucial for the information of a determinant recognized by CTL. Furthermore, the altered nucleotide sequence of E1-A3 is identical to the sequence of the HLA-Aw24 gene for codons 128 to 161. These observations of multiple clustered changes in the E1-A3 subtype (relative to the prototype sequence) and identity of the altered sequence with the sequence of another class I gene support the concept that gene conversion is a primary mechanism for the generation of class I polymorphism.     

Purification of immunologically active HLA-A and -B antigens by a series of monoclonal antibody columns.

Serologically and biochemically pure preparations of detergent and papain-solubilized HLA-A2 and HLA-B7 antigens were isolated by high pH elution from a series of immunoaffinity columns constructed from monoclonal antibodies with specificity for HLA-A2 and HLA-B7 antigens. These preparations retained the immunological activity and quaternary structure of the native molecule and should provide suitable reagents for insertion into liposomes and probing the role of major histocompatibility antigens in lymphocyte interactions.     

The genetic origin of minor histocompatibility antigens

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the genetic origin of minor histocompatibility (H) antigens. Toward this end common inbred mouse strains, distinct subspecies, and species of the subgenus Mus were examined for expression of various minor H antigens. These antigens were encoded by the classical minor H loci H-3 and H-4 or by newly identified minor H antigens detected as a consequence of mutation. Both minor H antigens that stimulate MHC class I-restricted cytotoxic T cells (Tc) and antigens that stimulate MHC class II-restricted helper T cells (Th) were monitored. The results suggested that strains of distinct ancestry commonly express identical or cross-reactive antigens. Moreover, a correlation between the lack of expression of minor H antigens and ancestral heritage was observed. To address whether the antigens found on unrelated strains were allelic with the sensitizing minor H antigens or a consequence of antigen cross-reactivity, classical genetic segregation analysis was carried out. Even in distinct subspecies and species, the minor H antigens always mapped to the site of the appropriate minor H locus. Together the results suggest: 1 minor H antigen sequences are evolutionarily stable in that their pace of antigenic change is slow enough to predate subspeciation and speciation; 2 the minor H antigens originated in the inbred strains as a consequence of a rare polymorphism or loss mutation carried in a founder mouse stock that caused the mouse to percieve the wild-type protein as foreign; 3 there is a remarkable lack of antigenic cross-reactivity between the defined minor H antigens and other products.     

A genetic analysis of human minor histocompatibility antigens demonstrates Mendelian segregation independent of HLA

An analysis of the genetic traits of human minor histocompatibility (mH) antigens is, unlike with inbred mice, rather complicated. Moreover, the fact that mH antigens are recognized in the context of MHC molecules creates an additional complication for reliable segregation analysis. To gain insight into the mode of inheritance of the mH antigens, we relied upon a series of HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) clones specific for four mH antigens. To perform segregation analysis independent of HLA-A2 gene: we transfected HLA-A2-negative cells with the HLA-A2 gene: this results in the cell surface expression of the HLA-A2 gene product and, if present, mH antigen recognition. The mode of inheritance of the HLA-A2-restricted mH antigens HA-1, -2, -4, and -5 was analysed in 25 families whoese members either naturally expressed positive. Analysis of distribution of the mH antigens in the parent population among the mating types, together with their inheritance patterns in the families, demonstrated that the four mH antigens behaved as Mendelian traits, whereby each can be considered a product of a gene with two alleles, one expressing and one not expressing the detected specificity. We also showed that the loci encoding the HA-1 and HA-2 antigens are not closely linked to HLa (lod scores Z (0 = 0.05) <–4.0). Some indication was obtained that the HA-4- and HA-5-encoding loci may be losely linked to HLA. While we are aware of the limited results of this nonetheless comprehensive study, we feel the similarity in immunogenetic traits between human and mouse mH antigens is at least striking.     

Delineation of immunologically and biochemically distinct HLA-A2 antigens

Cytotoxic T cell (CTL) recognition of influenza virus in conjunction with HLA-A2 was examined in a population study. Virus-infected target cells from three unrelated A2-positive donors were not lysed by virus-immune CTL from any donor matched only for A2. The A2 antigens of these three donors were indistinguishable from the A2 antigens of other A2-positive donors as assessed by extensive serologic analyses; however, isoelectric focusing (IEF) of A2 molecules from these three donors demonstrated that their A2 heavy polypeptide chains are structurally distinct from those of "normal" A2-positive donors. To date 11% of all A2-positive donors tested exhibited a "variant" A2-associated CTL restriction antigen, and IEF of A2 heavy chains from all "variant" A2-positive cells revealed structural differences in each of these polypeptides. These results suggest there may be considerably greater polymorphism of HLA-A gene products than has been revealed by current serologic techniques.     

A mouse partially protective glycoprotein antigen inStreptococcus agalactiae serotype Ia

The immunological properties of a glycoprotein antigen (antigen 2) ofStreptococcus agalactiae serotype Ia were investigated. A specific antiserum was prepared by immunizing rabbits with antigen 2 immunoprecipitates excised from Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (Crossed IEP) gels. This antiserum produced a single peak representing antigen 2 when reacted with a Triton X-100 sonicate of heat-killed whole serotype Ia cells in Crossed IEP analysis. With polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and subsequent immunoelectroblotting, three strongly reacting polypeptides were detected at 60, 56, and 35 kilo-Daltons. Many faintly reacting polypeptides were detected between 67 and 30 kilodalton. The specific anti-antigen 2 serum used in Crossed immunoisoelectric focusing (XIEF) detected three immunoprecipitates, two with a pI of 8.4 and one with a pI of 6.7. Identification of the antigens detected in XIEF with the polypeptides detected by immunoelectroblotting was not attempted. The specific anti-antigen 2 serum partially protected mice against lethal serotype Ia infection.     

Production and characterization of alloantisera specific for bovine class II major histocompatibility complex antigens

Ten alloantisera defining five major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II specificities of the bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA) complex were produced and characterized. Eight antisera defining four of the specificities were generated by immunizing cattle with class I compatible-class II incompatible lymphocytes. The alloantiserum defining the fifth class II specificity was produced by skin implant immunization. A pregnancy serum specific for one of the class II specificities was also identified. The class II antigens recognized by these antisera were designated 'Dx' antigens to indicate that they are BoLA-D region antigens encoded by one or more undetermined class II loci. The molecules identified by the alloantisera are heterodimers composed of a 34-kd alpha and a 26- to 28-kd beta chain, and are expressed on B-lymphocytes but not on resting T-lymphocytes. In family studies the BoLA-Dx antigens segregated in linkage with the BoLA-A locus alleles. Most of the BoLA-A alleles present in the Cornell Holstein herd at a high frequency were found to exist in gametic association with two or more serologically defined class II haplotypes. On the basis of a population study it was determined that three pairs of class I and class II alleles (w10-Dx4, w31-Dx5, and c3-Dx2) were present in the Cornell herd at significantly increased frequencies.     

Expression of class I genes in the major histocompatibility complex: identification of eight distinct mRNAs in DBA/2 mouse liver

The mouse H-2 multigene family includes the genes coding for the major transplantation antigens and for genes located in the Qa-TIa region. We have studied a collection of class I cDNA clones made from liver mRNA of DBA/2 mice (H-2d haplotype) and found that at least six distinct class I genes are transcribed, including three genes of the Qa-TIa region. Two of these six genes each yield two distinct mRNAs, resulting from alternate splicing. Altogether, liver cells may express at least eight distinct class I polypeptides, of which three might be secreted, while one may be a new presumptive nonpolymorphic surface antigen.     

Comparative structural analysis of HLA-A2 antigens distinguishable by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. II. Variant DK1: evidence for a discrete CTL recognition region

Multiple amino acid sequence differences distinguish individual HLA antigens. Those residues important in immune recognition events have not been defined. Recent studies have identified HLA-A2 structural variants that, although serologically indistinguishable from other HLA-A2 antigens, are recognized poorly, if at all, by HLA-A2-restricted, influenza virus-immune, or HLA-A2-specific alloimmune CTL. In this study we utilize double-label tryptic peptide comparisons performed by both reverse-phase HPLC and cation exchange chromatography, in conjunction with conventional and microsequence analysis, to characterize the HLA-A2 heavy chains derived from variant DK1. We detect a single tryptic peptide that distinguishes DK1 HLA-A2 from the predominant HLA-A2 heavy chain species. This peptide spans residues 147 to 157 in the second heavy chain domain, and carries substitutions at positions 149, 152, and 156. Residues in this segment of the polypeptide are also altered in another HLA-A2 variant, as well as one H-2Kb mutant. Thus, this segment appears to be critical in forming determinants important in CTL recognition of class I antigens in general. On the basis of these and other results, we suggest that in contrast to recognition by alloantibodies, a discrete region of class I antigens may be crucial for CTL recognition.