A virus-specific CD4+ cell-mediated cytolytic activity revealed by CD8+ cell elimination regularly develops in uncloned human antiviral cell lines

Antiviral HLA class II-restricted cytotoxic CD4+ clones have been relatively well characterized in vitro but their significance in the immune response remains unknown. Here anti-influenza A and anti-EBV CD4+ CTL have been studied by using permanent cell lines either untreated or depleted of CD8+ cells. In bulk cultures, HLA class I-restricted anti-viral CD8+ CTL account for all of the detectable killer cell activity, whereas after elimination of CD8+ cells an HLA class II-restricted killer activity mediated by CD4+/2H4-/4B4+ cells was consistently observed. The CD4+ CTL were fully differentiated in all of the cultures tested from the third in vitro passage because they could be demonstrated immediately after elimination of CD8+ cells. These CD4+ killer cells were equivalent to the CD8+ cells in terms of their lytic capacity. The absence of any class II-restricted antiviral activity in bulk cultures seems to be related to the very small numbers of CD4+ cells present in these antiviral cell lines. However, CD4+ cytolytic activity could not be detected during the first two in vitro passages, even when limiting dilution analysis of the CTL precursors were performed, showing that the killer function of Th cells differentiate only after several in vitro stimulations.     

The human MHC-restricted cellular response to herpes simplex virus type 1 is mediated by CD4+, CD8- T cells and is restricted to the DR region of the MHC complex

The nature of the in vitro human cytotoxic T-cell responder population to HSV type 1 (HSV-1) was studied. In 5-day HSV-1-stimulated cultures that contained MHC-restricted activity, two phenotypically distinct populations of cells were present that were capable of lysing HSV-1-infected B cell lines in a 5-h 51Cr-release assay. The first was CD4+, CD8-, CD16- cell typical of class II-restricted T cells, whereas the other population bore a CD4-, CD8-, CD16+ NK-cell phenotype. Elimination of the NK cell fraction from bulk cultures by using anti-CD16 plus C frequently resulted in cell populations that killed in an Ag-specific, HLA-DR-restricted fashion. In some cases the anti-CD16-pretreated cultures retained a killing population that was unrestricted to MHC products. In no instance were any cytotoxic T cells that were restricted to class I Ag in evidence. Limiting dilution analysis of precursor frequency indicated that about 1 in 4000 to 1 in 8000 cells from peripheral blood are specific for HSV-1 in seropositive individuals. Comparisons of HLA class I-matched and HLA class II-matched targets with the autologous target by using limiting dilution analysis yielded results entirely consistent with those obtained in the bulk culture assay system.     

The predominance of CD8+ T cells after infection with measles virus suggests a role for CD8+ class I MHC-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in recovery from measles. Clonal analyses of human CD8+ class I MHC-restricted CTL

Stimulation of PBMC, in children recovering from acute measles, with autologous EBV-transformed and measles virus (MV)-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL) expanded primarily MV-specific CD8+ T cells. A large number of CD8+ T cell clones were obtained either by passaging of bulk cultures at limiting dilutions or by direct cloning of PBMC without previous stimulation in bulk culture. The MV-specific CD8+ T cell clones responding in a proliferative and a CTL assay were found to be class I MHC restricted. In contrast, CD4+ MV-specific T cell clones, which were generated by the same protocol, recognized MV in association with class II MHC molecules. Analysis of processing requirements for Ag presentation to CD8+ and CD4+ T cell clones, measured by the effect of chloroquine in a proliferative T cell response, revealed that both types of T cells recognized MV Ag processed via the endogenous/cytoplasmic pathway. Thus, these studies indicate that, as in most other viral infections and in contrast to previous suggestions, the class I MHC-restricted CTL response by CD8+ T cells may be an important factor in the control and elimination of MV infection. Therefore, the role proposed for CD4+ class II-restricted T cells in recovery from measles needs to be reevaluated.     

IL-4 and IFN (alpha and gamma) exert opposite regulatory effects on the development of cytolytic potential by Th1 or Th2 human T cell clones.

The cytolytic potential of a total number of 118 CD4+ human T cell clones specific for purified protein derivative (PPD) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tetanus toxoid, Lolium perenne group I allergen (Lol p I), Poa pratensis group IX allergen (Poa p IX), or Toxocara canis excretory/secretory antigen(s) (TES) was assessed by both a lectin (PHA)-dependent and a MHC-restricted lytic assay and compared with their profile of cytokine secretion. The majority of clones with Th1 or Th0 cytokine profile exhibited cytolytic activity in both assays, whereas Th2 clones usually did not. There was an association between the cytolytic potential of T cell clones and their ability to produce IFN-gamma, even though IFN-gamma produced by T cell clones was not responsible for their cytolytic activity. IL-4 added in bulk culture before cloning inhibited not only the differentiation of PPD-specific T cells into Th1-like cell lines and clones, but also the development of their cytolytic potential. The depressive effect of IL-4 on the development of PPD-specific T cell lines with both Th1 cytokine profile and cytolytic potential was dependent on early addition of IL-4 in bulk cultures. In contrast, the addition in bulk culture of IFN-gamma enhanced both the cytolytic activity of PPD-specific T cell lines, as well as the proportion of PPD-specific T cell clones with cytolytic activity. The addition in bulk cultures before cloning of IFN-gamma or IFN-alpha favored the development of TES-specific and Poa p IX-specific T cells into T cell clones showing a Th0 or even a Th1, rather than a Th2, cytokine profile. Accordingly, most of TES- and Poa p IX-specific T cell clones derived from cultures containing IFN-gamma or IFN-alpha displayed strong cytolytic activity. These data indicate that the majority of human T cell clones that produce IFN-gamma, but not IL-4 (Th1-like), as well as of T cell clones that produce IFN-gamma in combination with IL-4 (Th0-like) are cytolytic. More importantly, they demonstrate that the addition of IFN (alpha and gamma) or IL-4 in bulk cultures before cloning may influence not only the cytokine profile of human CD4+ T cell clones but also their cytolytic potential.     

Regulation of myelin basic protein-specific helper T cells in multiple sclerosis: generation of suppressor T cell lines.

Suppressor T cell (Ts) lines specific for myelin basic protein (MBP)-reactive helper T cell (Th) clones were generated from two patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) following a primary culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with MBP and cyclosporine A (CsA). These suppressor T cell lines were maintained in culture by alternate stimulation with MBP and antigen-presenting cells (APC). The Ts lines expressed preferentially the CD4 phenotype (5/6 Ts lines tested) and exhibited potent antigen-specific suppressor activity on the proliferation of MBP-specific Th clones and not on the T cell lines with other antigen specificity. For some Ts lines, a Ts-to-Th ratio of 1 was sufficient to inhibit the proliferation of MBP-specific T cells by 90%. The suppressor T cells obtained were weakly responsive to MBP and required the presence of the autologous PBMC for proliferation. Furthermore, proliferation of these suppressor T cell lines was restricted by HLA-DR molecules (for CD4+ Ts lines) and HLA class I (for a CD8+ Ts line). The suppressor T cell lines generated and the techniques described in this study may be helpful in our understanding of the events involved in the immune regulation in MS and other autoimmune diseases.     

Differences in surface phenotype between cytolytic and non-cytolytic CD4+ T cells. MHC class II-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes lack Leu 8 antigen and express CD2 in high density

A number of cell surface molecules are differentially expressed on functionally distinct subsets of CD4+ T cells. However, to date CD4+ T cells capable of becoming CTL have not been shown to be phenotypically distinct from other CD4+ T cells, and in the current study we examined the ability of Leu 8+ and Leu 8- CD4+ subpopulations to become cytotoxic effectors after their stimulation with allogeneic lymphoblastoid cell lines. Although CD4+, Leu 8+ cells proliferated more vigorously than CD4+, Leu 8- cells in primary cultures stimulated with allogeneic LCL, the CD4+, Leu 8- population was the major source of cytotoxic effectors, killing targets with specificity for their class II MHC alloantigens. In most subjects, CD4+ precursors of CTL were distinguished not only by their lack of Leu 8 expression but also by their relatively high density of CD2, LFA-1, and LFA-3, molecules known to mediate non-specific cell-to-cell adhesion and postulated to be markers of immunologic memory. The absence of Leu 8 does not appear to be a reliable memory cell marker, however, because Leu 8+ as well as Leu 8-, CD4+ cells from PPD skin test positive subjects responded to the recall Ag, PPD. During 3 mo of continuous culture with allogeneic stimulators, Leu 8- cells retained their cytolytic activity and remained unreactive with anti-Leu 8 mAb, whereas Leu 8+ cells remained non-cytolytic and reactive with anti-Leu 8, suggesting that under the conditions used the Leu 8 phenotype is relatively stable. PHA or anti-CD3 mAb enhanced non-specific killing by alloantigen-stimulated CD4+,Leu 8- lines but failed to unmask any cytolytic potential in CD4+,Leu 8+ lines. We conclude that MHC class II-specific cytolytic CD4+ T cells can be distinguished from non-cytolytic CD4+ cells on the basis of their surface phenotype, and that most CD4+ CTL are contained within the Leu 8- subpopulation.     

Human Memory Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte (CTL) Responses to Hantaan Virus Infection: Identification of Virus-Specific and Cross-Reactive CD8+ CTL Epitopes on Nucleocapsid Protein

Hantaan virus, the prototypic member of the Hantavirus genus, causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in humans. We examined the human memory T-lymphocyte responses of three donors who had previous laboratory-acquired infections with Hantaan virus. We demonstrated virus-specific responses in bulk cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from all donors. Bulk T-cell responses were directed against either Hantaan virus nucleocapsid (N) or G1 protein, and these responses varied between donors. We established both CD4(+) and CD8(+) N-specific cell lines from two donors and CD4(+) G1-specific cell lines from a third donor. All CD8(+) cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) lines recognized one of two epitopes on the nucleocapsid protein: one epitope spanning amino acids 12 to 20 and the other spanning amino acids 421 to 429. The CTL lines specific for amino acids 12 to 20 were restricted by HLA B51, and those specific for amino acids 421 to 429 were restricted by HLA A1. The N-specific CTL lines isolated from these two donors included both Hantaan virus-specific CTLs and hantavirus cross-reactive CTLs. Responses to both epitopes are detectable in short-term bulk cultures of PBMC from one donor, and precursor frequency analysis confirms that CTLs specific for these epitopes are present at relatively high precursor frequencies in the peripheral T-cell pool. These data suggest that infection with Hantaan virus results in the generation of CTL to limited epitopes on the nucleocapsid protein and that infection also results in the generation of cross-reactive T-cell responses to distantly related hantaviruses which cause the distinct hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This is the first demonstration of human T-lymphocyte responses to Hantaan virus.     

Cytolytic T-lymphocyte responses to respiratory syncytial virus: effector cell phenotype and target proteins.

Cytolytic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity specific for respiratory syncytial (RS) virus was investigated after intranasal infection of mice with RS virus, after intraperitoneal infection of mice with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the F glycoprotein, and after intramuscular vaccination of mice with Formalin-inactivated RS virus or a chimeric glycoprotein, FG, expressed from a recombinant baculovirus. Spleen cell cultures from mice previously infected with live RS virus or the F-protein recombinant vaccinia virus had significant CTL activity after one cycle of in vitro restimulation with RS virus, and lytic activity was derived from a major histocompatibility complex-restricted, Lyt2.2+ (CD8+) subset. CTL activity was not restimulated in spleen cells from mice that received either the Formalin-inactivated RS virus or the purified glycoprotein, FG. The protein target structures for recognition by murine CD8+ CTL were identified by using target cells infected with recombinant vaccinia viruses that individually express seven structural proteins of RS virus. Quantitation of cytolytic activity against cells expressing each target structure suggested that 22K was the major target protein for CD8+ CTL, equivalent to recognition of cells infected with RS virus, followed by intermediate recognition of F or N, slight recognition of P, and no recognition of G, SH, or M. Repeated stimulation of murine CTL with RS virus resulted in outgrowth of CD4+ CTL which, over time, became the exclusive subset in culture. Murine CD4+ CTL were highly cytolytic for RS virus-infected cells, but they did not recognize target cells infected with any of the recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the seven RS virus structural proteins. Finally, the CTL response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of adult human volunteers was investigated. The detection of significant levels of RS virus-specific cytolytic activity in these cells was dependent on at least two restimulations with RS virus in vitro, and cytolytic activity was derived primarily from the CD4+ subset.     

Antigen-presenting T cells. II. Clonal responses of alloreactive and virus-specific self-restricted human cytotoxic T cell responses stimulated by T lymphoblasts

The capacity of various stimulator cell types to present alloantigens or viral antigens to resting human CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocyte precursors (CLP) was analyzed in a limiting dilution culture system. Cell sorter-separated T lymphoblasts of both CD4+ and CD8+ phenotypes but not resting T cells were found to efficiently stimulate the clonal development of allogeneic CD8+ CLP. Thus, 5000 CD4+ T lymphoblasts activated as many (one out of 200 to one out of 300) allogeneic CLP as 50,000 peripheral blood mononuclear stimulator cells. This potent stimulator activity was found in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphoblasts activated by mitogen, anti-T3 monoclonal antibody, or mixed leukocyte reactions. Cytotoxic T cells generated in this system were highly specific for HLA class I antigens. Furthermore, T lymphoblasts infected with mumps virus efficiently induced development of autologous CLP into CTL clones that were virus specific and self-HLA restricted, as shown by split-well analysis. The possible in vivo significance of antigen-presenting T lymphoblasts is discussed.     

Resistance of primary CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes to lysis by cytotoxic granules from cloned T cell lines

Recent evidence has shown that cloned, murine CTL cell lines are resistant to the cytotoxic components of the toxic granules they release upon specific interaction with their target cells. Inasmuch as the resistance might be due to selection in culture over many months by repeated exposure to these cytolytic components (which are released repeatedly as a result of the cultured CTL being periodically stimulated by target cells), we asked whether primary CTL are also resistant. The primary CTL were elicited in vivo by i.p. injection of allogeneic tumor cells or in vitro by 5- to 6-day MLC or by 48-h exposure to the lectin Con A. The responding cells were separated into purified CD8+ (i.e., CD4-, CD8+) and purified CD4+ (i.e., CD4+, CD8-) T cell populations that were analyzed for cytolytic activity and for resistance to lysis by toxic secretory granules derived from cloned CTL cell lines. The CD8+ T cells were highly cytolytic and relatively resistant; they retained their cytolytic activity and were lysed to a minimal extent (0 to 10%) by quantities of isolated granules that lysed 80 to 90% of the P815 tumor cell line (tested as a representative standard cell line). The CD4+ T cells, in contrast, had only minimal cytolytic activity and were far more susceptible to granule-mediated lysis. Although the resistance of primary CD8+ T cells is impressive, it is not as pronounced as the resistance of the cloned CTL cell lines, indicating that during long-term culture there is some selection for increased resistance to granule-mediated lysis. In contrast to T cells (especially CD8+ T cells), Ia+ macrophages, isolated from primary immune peritoneal exudates, were highly susceptible to granule-mediated lysis.     

The role of IL-2 and T4+ cells in the generation of human influenza virus-specific CTL activity

Stimulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) with influenza A virus leads to the generation of virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity as well as natural killer (NK)-like activity. In this study, we show that exogenous IL-2 augments the in vitro generation of virus-specific CTL activity, only when added some days after the initiation of the culture. Apparently, the endogenously produced IL-2 can be a limiting factor in the in vitro generation of CTL activity. The increase of influenza virus-specific CTL activity after addition of exogenous IL-2 does not affect the restriction pattern of the CTL response. So, the preferential use of certain HLA antigens as restriction elements is not due to a limiting amount of endogenously produced IL-2. Depletion of T4+ cells completely abrogates the generation of virus-specific CTL activity. Addition of exogenous IL-2 to T4+-cell-depleted cultures fully restores the generation of HLA-restricted virus-specific CTL activity. We conclude that in the in vitro generation of virus-specific CTL activity in bulk cultures of human PBL the sole function of T4+ cells in human virus-specific CTL generation is the production of IL-2, no cognitive cell interaction of T8+ CTL precursors with T4+ cells is required, and in bulk cultures T8+ cells themselves are not able to produce sufficient amounts of IL-2 to ascertain the maturation of virus-specific CTL precursors into cytolytic T cells. Finally, we show that exogenous IL-2 also has a stimulatory effect on the NK-like or lymphokine-activated killer activity, which is always concomitantly induced in virus-specific CTL generation cultures, but has no influence on the levels of IFN produced in such cultures.     

Predominance of HLA-Restricted Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses to Serotype-Cross-Reactive Epitopes on Nonstructural Proteins following Natural Secondary Dengue Virus Infection

We examined the memory cytotoxic T-lymphocytic (CTL) responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from patients in Thailand 12 months after natural symptomatic secondary dengue virus infection. In all four patients analyzed, CTLs were detected in bulk culture PBMC against nonstructural dengue virus proteins. Numerous CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ CTL lines were generated from the bulk cultures of two patients, KPP94-037 and KPP94-024, which were specific for NS1.2a (NS1 and NS2a collectively) and NS3 proteins, respectively. All CTL lines derived from both patients were cross-reactive with other serotypes of dengue virus. The CD8⁺ NS1.2a-specific lines from patient KPP94-037 were HLA B57 restricted, and the CD8⁺ NS3-specific lines from patient KPP94-024 were HLA B7 restricted. The CD4⁺ CTL lines from patient KPP94-037 were HLA DR7 restricted. A majority of the CD8⁺ CTLs isolated from patient KPP94-024 were found to recognize amino acids 221 to 232 on NS3. These results demonstrate that in Thai patients after symptomatic secondary natural dengue infections, CTLs are mainly directed against nonstructural proteins and are broadly cross-reactive.     

Human cytotoxic CD4+ T cells recognize HLA-DR1-restricted epitopes on vaccinia virus proteins A24R and D1R conserved among poxviruses

We previously demonstrated that vaccinia virus (VV)-specific CD4(+) cytolytic T cells can persist for >50 years after immunization against smallpox in the absence of re-exposure to VV. Nevertheless, there have been few studies focusing on CD4(+) T cell responses to smallpox vaccination. To ensure successful vaccination, a candidate vaccine should contain immunodominant CD4(+) T cell epitopes as well as CD8(+) T and B cell epitopes. In the present study, we established cytotoxic CD4(+) T cell lines from VV-immune donors, which recognize epitopes in VV proteins D1R and A24R in association with HLA-DR1 Ags. Comparisons of sequences between different members of the poxvirus family show that both epitopes are completely conserved among VV, variola viruses, and most mammalian poxviruses, including monkeypox, cowpox, and ectromelia. The CD4(+) T cell lines lysed VV-infected, Ag- and peptide-pulsed targets, and the lysis was inhibited by concanamycin A. We also detected these peptide-specific cytolytic and IFN-gamma-producing CD4(+) T cells in short-term bulk cultures of PBMC from each of the three VV-immune donors tested. These are the first VV-specific CD4(+) T cell epitopes identified in humans restricted by one of the most common MHC class II molecules, HLA-DR1, and this information may be useful in analyzing CD4(+) T cell responses to pre-existing or new generation VV vaccines against smallpox.     

Analysis of the donor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte repertoire in a patient with a long term surviving allograft. Frequency, specificity, and phenotype of donor-reactive T cell receptor (TCR)-alpha beta+ and TCR-gamma delta+ clones

In the present study the transplant specific CTL repertoire of a patient (HLA:A1,3, B8,18, Cw5,7 DR3, DQw2, DPw3) with a long term surviving HLA mismatched kidney graft (HLA: A1,24 B8,27 Cw2,7, DR3, w13 DQw2,6 DPw1,3) has been investigated. This patient was unable to generate specific cytolytic activity against donor-derived PHA-blasts in the MLC in which donor spleen cells or B lymphoblastoid cell line were used as stimulator cells. In addition, the CTL precursor frequencies against donor alloantigens were very low (1/67,000). The patient had otherwise normal immune responses in vivo and in vitro and no signs of transplant rejection. Transplant specific CTL clones were generated in high frequencies (1/195) from T cell bulk cultures activated by PHA in the absence of any sensitization by donor Ag in vitro. The repertoire of 14 donor-reactive CTL clones (12 TCR-alpha beta+ and 2 TCR-gamma delta+) was analyzed. Two TCR-alpha beta+ CD8+ clones were specific for B27. Ten TCR-alpha beta+ CTL clones directed against class II HLA Ag were isolated. Seven of these were CD4+ and recognized DRw13 (3), DQw6 (3), and DPw1 (1), whereas three of these clones were CD4-CD8+ recognizing DRw13 (1) and DQw6 (2). In addition, two donor-specific TCR-gamma delta+ CTL clones were obtained recognizing HLA-A9(23,24) and DQw6. Our data indicate that the precursors of CTL clones specifically directed against donor class I or II HLA Ag are not deleted from the repertoire and that part of this reactivity resides in the TCR-gamma delta+ fraction.     

Measles virus-specific human T cell clones. Characterization of specificity and function of CD4+ helper/cytotoxic and CD8+ cytotoxic T cell clones

PBMC from healthy adult individuals seropositive for measles virus (MV) were tested for their capacity to proliferate to UV-inactivated MV (UV-MV) or to autologous MV-infected EBV-transformed B cell lines (EBV-BC). MV-specific T cell responses were observed in 11 of 15 donors tested (stimulation index greater than 2), when optimal doses of UV-MV were used in proliferative assays. T cell clones were generated from PBMC of three donors responding to MV, by using either UV-MV or MV-infected autologous EBV-BC as APC. Stimulation with UV-MV generated exclusively CD3+ CD4+ CD8- MV-specific T cells, whereas after stimulation of PBMC with MV-infected EBV-BC, both CD3+ CD4+ CD8- and CD3+ CD4- CD8+ MV-specific T cell clones were obtained. Of 19 CD4+ T cell clones tested so far, 7 clones reacted specifically with purified fusion protein and 1 with purified hemagglutinin protein. Seven clones proliferated in response to the internal proteins of MV. Three clones reacted to whole virus but not to one of the purified proteins, whereas one clone seemed to recognize more than one polypeptide. Some of the T cell clones, generated from in vitro stimulation of PBMC with UV-MV, failed to recognize MV Ag when MV-infected EBV-BC were used as APC instead of UV-MV and PBMC. CD3+ CD4+ CD8- T cell clones recognized MV in association with HLA class II Ag (HLA-DQ or -DR), and most of them displayed CTL activity to autologous MV-infected EBV-BC. All CD4+ HLA class II-restricted CTL clones thus far tested were capable of assisting B lymphocytes for the production of MV-specific antibody. The CD4- CD8+ T cell clone MARO 1 recognized MV in association with HLA class I molecules and displayed cytotoxic activity toward MV-infected EBV-BC.     

Increased proliferation, lytic activity, and purity of human natural killer cells cocultured with mitogen-activated feeder cells.

The addition of mitogen-prestimulated periferal blood lymphocytes (PBL) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) cultures to enriched populations of natural killer (NK) cells obtained from PBL of normal donors in the presence of rIL-2 resulted in highly significant increases in proliferation, purity, and cytolytic activity of cultured NK cells. Two sources of enriched NK cell preparations were used: (i) Adherent-lymphokine activated killer (A-LAK) cells obtained by adherence to plastic during 24 hr activation with 10(3) Cetus U/ml rIL-2; and (ii) NK cells negatively selected from PBL by removal of high-affinity rosette-forming cells and CD3+ lymphocytes. Coculture of A-LAK cells for 14 days with autologous or allogeneic Con A-activated PBL (10(6) cells/ml) or selected EBV-transformed LCL (2 x 10(5) cells/ml) as feeder cells increased fold expansion by a mean +/- SEM of 629 fold +/- 275 (P less than 0.019) and 267 fold +/- 54 (P less than 0.0001), respectively, compared to 55 +/- 20 in A-LAK cultures without feeder cells. The addition of either activated PBL or EBV lines to A-LAK cultures also led to a significant increase in the percentage of NK cells (CD3- CD56+) (84 +/- 2.4 and 84 +/- 2.6%, respectively, P less than 0.0001 for both), compared to 53 +/- 7.2% in cultures without feeders. The presence of feeder cells in cultures of A-LAK cells also led to significantly higher anti-tumor cytolytic activity compared to control cultures, as measured against NK-sensitive (K562) and NK-resistant (Daudi) target cells. Mitogen-stimulated CD4+ PBL purified by positive selection on antibody-coated flasks were better feeders than CD8+ or unseparated PBL. In the presence of feeder cells, it was possible to generate up to 6 x 10(9) activated NK cells from 2 x 10(8) fresh PBL by Day 13 of culture. Enhanced NK cell proliferation in the presence of feeder cells was not attributable to a detectable soluble factor. The improved method for generating A-LAK or activated-NK cells should facilitate cellular adoptive immunotherapy by providing sufficient numbers of highly enriched CD3- CD56+ effector cells with high anti-tumor activity.     

IL-10: a novel cytotoxic T cell differentiation factor

A previous report concluded that a new cytokine, designated IL-10, is a growth cofactor for thymocytes, spleen, and lymph node cells. In this report, we have focused on the effects of IL-10 on CD8+ spleen T cells. We first observed that IL-10 enhances the growth of CD8+ T cells to IL-2. We then investigated the effect of murine rIL-10 on the induction of murine effector CTL from CTL precursors (CTL-p) using both bulk and filler cell-free limiting-dilution cultures. IL-10 alone could not induce Con A-activated FACS-sorted CD8+ T cells either to proliferate or to generate effector CTL. In combination with IL-2, however, IL-10 augmented the cytolytic activity of effector CTL generated from Con A-activated spleen CD8+ T cells in bulk cultures incubated for 5 days. In limiting-dilution cultures (using solid-phase anti-CD3 mAb as stimulus), IL-10, in combination with IL-2, substantially increased the CTL-p frequency and augmented the cytolytic activity per clone expanded from one CD8+ T cell when compared with cells cultured in IL-2 alone. Kinetic studies showed that IL-10 is required at both early and late culture stages for optimal generation of effector CTL. The potentiating effects of IL-10 on CTL function were neutralized by an anti-IL-10 mAb. These results indicate that IL-10 has direct effects on mature T cells, and suggest that IL-10 also functions as a cytotoxic T cell differentiation factor, which promotes a higher number of IL-2-activated CTL-p to proliferate and differentiate into effector CTL. In contrast, IL-10 did not enhance significantly the lymphokine-activated killer cell activity of IL-2-grown CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.     

Leucoagglutinin induces differential proliferation of lymphocyte subsets

In this study we have established culture conditions that allow the preferential and rapid expansion of either T cell receptor (TCR)+/CD3+16- T lymphocytes or TCR-/CD3-16+ natural killer (NK) cells, or the non-selective outgrowth of both subsets. Optimal proliferation of lymphocytes was obtained using a combination of irradiated allogeneic peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and irradiated Epstein Barr virus (EBV) transformed lymphoblastoid B cell lines (B-LCL). Addition of 1 microgram/ml leucoagglutinin to the culture medium induced a preferential outgrowth of TCR+/CD3+16- T lymphocytes. The proportion of TCR-/CD3-16+ NK cells was decreased to 5% or less, although still a 2000-fold multiplication of TCR-/CD3-16+ NK cells was obtained at day 13. Without leucoagglutinin a 1000-fold increase of about 70% pure TCR-/CD3-16+ NK cells was obtained at day 13. Intermediate concentrations of leucoagglutinin (0.1-0.3 micrograms/ml) resulted in a non-selective expansion of both NK cells and T cells. Irrespective whether leucoagglutinin was added or not, the number of TCR+/CD3+8+ lymphocytes increased more rapidly relative to the TCR+/CD3+4+ lymphocytes resulting in an increased TCR+/CD3+8+ population size. Also under limiting dilution conditions leucoagglutinin increased the frequency of proliferating cells. In contrast to the preferential outgrowth of TCR+/CD3+8+ lymphocytes in bulk cultures, approximately 80% of the clones generated was TCR+/CD3+4+, demonstrating a growth promoting effect of TCR+/CD3+4+ lymphocytes on TCR+/CD3+8+ lymphocytes in PBL bulk cultures.     

Increased tumor-specific CTL activity in human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes stimulated with autologous tumor lines

Two long-term tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) lines and their autologous tumor lines have been established from solid tumors derived from different patients with metastatic melanoma. In 4-hr 51Cr release assays, each TIL culture lysed only the autologous cryopreserved fresh or established melanoma line, but failed to lyse other melanoma tumors or K562 cells. Repeated stimulation of TIL with the autologous melanoma lines resulted in significant increases in anti-tumor CTL activity with no apparent loss in specificity. Stimulated cells have retained cytotoxic activity for up to 5 months in culture. Tumor cell CTL activity for both long-term TIL lines is inhibited by several mAbs, including those against CD3, CD8, and class I MHC molecules, indicating that the effector cells are class I-restricted CD8+, CTL. Furthermore, recognition of Ag on one of the established melanoma lines by TIL is restricted by HLA A-2. The availability of autologous tumor lines may prove clinically useful for the selective stimulation and expansion of cells with anti-tumor activity within a heterogeneous TIL population.     

Generation and characterization of continuous lines of CD8+ suppressor T lymphocytes

The ability to grow normal T lymphocytes in long term culture has advanced our understanding of T cell biology. The growth of CD4+ cell lines allowed a further evaluation and appreciation of functional subtypes within this group. Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells have been characterized as well. The routine and continuous culture of Ag-nonspecific CD8+ Ts cells has been difficult to achieve. We have found that CD8+ T cells that suppress T cell proliferation and lack cytotoxic activity against T cells can be routinely obtained from PWM or PHA-stimulated PBMC. Continuous culture of T cell blasts from PWM or PHA-stimulated PBMC resulted in the growth of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These lines developed suppressor cell activity within 7 days after stimulation with PWM and 3 to 4 wk after stimulation with PHA. Concomitant with the development of suppressor activity was the loss of CD4+ T cells resulting in homogeneous lines of CD8+ suppressor cells. These cell lines have been maintained in continuous culture for greater than 6 mo by addition of rIL-2 twice weekly and restimulation with feeder cells and PHA every 2 wk. Activity of these cell lines was relatively resistant to irradiation or treatment with mitomycin C. Both cell lines suppressed proliferation of autologous or heterologous CD4+ T cells stimulated with PWM, OKT3, or tetanus toxoid but failed to suppress proliferation of CD4+ T cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. CD4+ T cells stimulated with PWM produced equivalent amounts of IL-2 in the presence or absence of Ts cells but failed to express the IL-2R (TAC) on their surface in the presence of Ts cells. By contrast, CD4+ T cell lines or cytotoxic CD8+ T cell lines failed to suppress proliferation of CD4+ T cells. With these results we describe methods for the generation and continuous culture of Ag-nonspecific CD8+ Ts cells and define some of their properties. These cells lines should be helpful in further elucidating the functional and phenotypic repertoire of CD8+ Ts cells.