Two V kappa germ-line genes related to the GAT idiotypic network (Ab1 and Ab3/Ab1') account for the major subfamilies of the mouse V kappa-1 variability subgroup

V kappa Ig germ-line genes have been isolated from recombinant clones prepared in separate libraries constructed from adult BALB/c liver DNA. Three different clones that strongly hybridized with a V kappa-GAT-specific probe were completely characterized and sequenced. All three genes exhibited common characteristic features in their sequences encompassing the 5' to the 3' noncoding region, with coding sections 95% homologous. A comparison with other V kappa genes shows that the size of the first intron is variability subgroup specific. Moreover, a direct correlation exists between the size of this intron and the entire length of the coding region. Nucleotide sequences of these genes were compared with V kappa chains expressed at the Ab1 and Ab1' levels of the GAT idiotypic network: Ag----Ab1----Ab2----Ab3 (Ab1'). K1A5 and K5.1 genes account for V kappa chains in Ab1 and Ab1' hybridomas, respectively. The high conservation of Ab1' sequences in light chain was also recently reported for the heavy chains, suggesting that immunization with Ab2 (anti-idiotypic) antibodies preferentially stimulates the direct expression of germ-line genes. K5.1 and K1A5 genes belong to the V kappa-1 variability subgroup and encode, without any amino acid substitution, V kappa domain in myeloma TEPC 105 and MOPC 467, which are V kappa-1A and V kappa-1C subgroup prototypes, respectively. These genes are extensively used in different mouse strains and in a number of antibodies of discrete specificities, such as anti-GAT, anti-DNP, anti-flagellin, anti-phosphorylcholine, anti-digoxin, anti-phenyloxazolone, and anti-DNA.     

Anti-HLA class I antibodies inhibit the T cell-independent proliferation of human B lymphocytes

The role of major histocompatibility complex-encoded class I molecules in the proliferation of human B lymphocytes is presently unclear. This question was addressed by investigating the effect of three individually derived anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies (mAb) on purified human B cells (less than 1.5% T cells) stimulated by either the T-independent mitogen Staphylococcus aureus or the phorbol ester, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. The three anti-HLA class I antibodies, whether specific for gene products of the HLA-A locus (mAb 131), HLA-B locus (mAb 4E), or HLA-A, -B, and -C locus (mAb W6/32), inhibited S. aureus-induced proliferation by 70 to 90%. This inhibition was significant over a 5-day culture period, was not altered by the addition of exogenous interleukin 2 or B cell growth factor, and was not due to nonspecific cytotoxicity. In addition, the inhibition of proliferation was unchanged when the mAb were added 12 hr after the initiation of culture. The proliferative response was not affected by either of the control antibodies OKB7 and R3-367. In contrast with S. aureus-stimulated B cells, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced proliferation was resistant to the inhibitory activity of HLA class I-specific antibodies. These results suggest that HLA class I molecules are involved in human B lymphocyte proliferation and may regulate a critical event preceding the upregulation of protein kinase C activity.     

Anti-HLA I antibodies induce VEGF production by endothelial cells,which increases proliferation and paracellular permeability

Anti-human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA I) antibodies were shown to activate several protein kinases in endothelial cells (ECs), which induces proliferation and cell survival. An important phenomenon in antibody-mediated rejection is the occurrence of interstitial edema. We investigated the effect of anti-HLA I antibodies on endothelial proliferation and permeability, as one possible underlying mechanism of edema formation. HLA I antibodies increased the permeability of cultured ECs isolated from umbilical veins. Anti-HLA I antibodies induced the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by ECs, which activated VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in an autocrine manner. Activated VEGFR2 led to a c-Src-dependent phosphorylation of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and its degradation. Aberrant VE-cadherin expression resulted in impaired adherens junctions, which might lead to increased endothelial permeability. This effect was only observed after cross-linking of HLA I molecules by intact antibodies. Furthermore, our results suggest that increased endothelial proliferation following anti-HLA I treatment occurs via autocrine VEGFR2 activation. Our data indicate the ability of anti-HLA I to induce VEGF production in ECs. Transactivation of VEGFR2 leads to increased EC proliferation and paracellular permeability. The autocrine effect of VEGF on endothelial permeability might be an explanation for the formation of interstitial edema after transplantation.     

Characterization of antibodies to idiotypic determinants of monoclonal anti-sperm antibodies

Rabbit polyclonal antibodies to the idiotype of murine monoclonal anti-sperm antibodies were developed and characterized. M29.6 and M42.15 are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that inhibit fertilization in vivo and in vitro. Sera from rabbits inoculated with purified mAbs (Ab1) were absorbed with normal mouse and isotype-specific immunoglobulin (Ig); the anti-idiotype Ig fraction (Ab2) was isolated by protein A-chromatography or by chromatography on the corresponding idiotype column. Binding specificity of Ab2 was confirmed by measuring the reactivity of Ab2 with homologous and heterologous mAbs. Ab2 competitively inhibited 125I-labeled Ab1 binding to mouse sperm, suggesting that the Ab2 preparation possessed subpopulations directed against idiotopes similar or adjacent to the antigen-binding site of the mAb. Anti-idiotype antibodies reactive with the antigen-combining site of the anti-sperm mAb may contain subpopulations that mimic the mouse sperm epitope recognized by Ab1. Immunization with Ab2 induced anti-(anti-idiotype) antibodies (Ab3), which competitively inhibited binding of 125I-labeled Ab1 to immobilized Ab2. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that immunization of mice with antibodies to the idiotype of sperm-specific mAbs can induce antibodies that share structural similarities with the anti-sperm mAb used for their induction. Immunization with anti-idiotype antibodies that mimic sperm antigen structure represents a possible strategy for induction of immunity to sperm.     

Anti-idiotypic antibodies to HLA-DR4 and DR2

The aim of our study was to determine whether antibodies recognizing epitopes of HLA-DR antigens (idiotypic antibodies or Ab1) induce the production of anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2). We tested the capacity of the F(ab')2 fragment obtained from two sera, one with no anti-HLA antibodies (serum ES) and one depleted by absorption of anti-HLA lymphocytotoxins (serum FH), to block the anti-DR antibodies reacting with the HLA-DR antigens of the immunizing donor. The F(ab')2 fragment obtained from serum ES inhibited the anti-DR2 activity of an earlier post-delivery bleeding obtained from the same woman. The anti-idiotypic antibodies contained by this serum also inhibited the anti-DR2 activity of a reference anti-DR2 antiserum 8W907 and of an anti-MT1 antiserum 8W1231. Similarly, the F(ab')2 fragment obtained from serum FH, after absorption of her anti-DR4 antibody, inhibited the anti-DR4 activity of autologous and homologous antisera. These data suggest that sera of parous women contain anti-idiotypic antibodies directed against regulatory idiotypes of anti-DR antibodies.     

Two major groups of neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies exist in HIV-infected individuals. Evidence for epitope diversity around the CD4 attachment site.

The aim of this study was to dissect neutralizing anti-gp120 antibody populations in seropositive asymptomatic individuals. Murine anti-Id mAb were raised against polyclonal affinity-purified human anti-gp120 antibodies. These anti-Id mAb were used to fractionate anti-gp120 antibodies from a pool of HIV-positive sera into idiotypically distinct anti-gp120 antibody (Id+Ab) preparations. Immunochemical and neutralization studies indicated that all Id+Ab that neutralized HIV-1 in vitro interacted with either the V3 loop or the CD4 attachment site of gp120. The V3-specific Id+Ab neutralized HIV-1 in a strain-restricted manner. Id+Ab specific for the CD4 attachment site exhibited different spectra of neutralizing activities against multiple strains of HIV-1. This finding indicates that multiple, antigenically diverse epitopes reside around the CD4 attachment site of gp120. Significantly, depletion of the Id+Ab from affinity-purified total anti-gp120 antibodies abrogated most of the neutralizing activities of these antibodies, suggesting that neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies consist of two major specificities, either to the V3 region or to the CD4 attachment site. The understanding of specificities and neutralizing activities of different anti-gp120 antibodies in seropositive healthy individuals will be helpful for designing effective vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies for AIDS.     

A reevaluation of rabbit anti-allotype antibody for the presence of cross-reactive idiotypes. II. Expression of rabbit a1-like images on goat antibody after immunization with anti-a1 antibody

In an effort to generate heterologous anti-idiotype (Ab2) molecules to a suspected IdX on rabbit anti-a1 antibody (Ab1), goats were immunized with either rabbit or guinea pig Ab1. The goat Ab2 preparations reacted with each of 13 rabbit Ab1, as well as two goat Ab1 samples in serologic assays. From 8 to 50% of the molecules in purified rabbit Ab1 preparations reacted with each goat Ab2. Electron microscopy of immune complexes composed of rabbit Fab anti-a1 and goat Ab2 reveals that the Fab anti-a1 binds to the side of the variable region of most goat Ab2 molecules, rather than at the tip (i.e. in the CDR) as expected. This configuration indicates that the goat Ab2 actually represents a population of induced or enhanced Ig molecules expressing a1-like allotypic or isotypic determinants, rather than an anti-IdX Ab or a paratope-associated internal image of a1.     

Transformation of LMTK- cells with purified class I genes. V. Antibody-induced structural modification of HLA class I molecules results in potentiation of the fixation of a second monoclonal antibody

A potentiation phenomenon was observed with HLA-A3 and CW3 transformed murine L cells between anti-HLA class I B10.6 (potentiated) and B10.8 (potentiating) monoclonal antibodies (m.Ab.). Further studies of this phenomenon with these transformed L cells indicated that: 1) no significant specific binding of B10.6 m.Ab. to HLA-A3 and CW3 transformed L cells could be demonstrated by conventional radioimmunoassay or cytofluorometric study in the absence of B10.8 m.Ab.; 2) potentiation of the fixation of B10.6 m.Ab. was induced by other anti-HLA class I m.Ab., which all reacted with the same cluster of antigenic determinants; 3) potentiation reflects an increased specific fixation of B10.6 m.Ab. to HLA class I molecules implicating its combining site; 4) potentiation was mediated by B10.8 Fab fragments. These results indicate that potentiation of the fixation of B10.6 m.Ab. to the HLA-A3 and CW3 molecules expressed by the transformed L cells reflects conformational changes of these molecules after interaction with B10.8 m.Ab.     

N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1-(4-bromoacetamidobenzyl)-1,2 -ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid: a new bifunctional chelate for radiolabeling antibodies

N,N'-Bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1-(4-bromoacetamidobenzyl)-1,2 -ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (Br phi HBED) was synthesized to bind trivalent metals with high stability constants and to bifunctionally link the radiometal with antibodies (Ab). This ligand has advantages over our previously reported N-(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-N'-(2-hydroxy-5- bromoacetamidobenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (BrMe2HBED). Br phi HBED has the protein coupling group BrCH2CONH removed from the sterically hindered ring position with the addition of a benzyl group in the linker arm; this provides further distance between the protein and the chelate. We have also observed that the chelate was more stable than BrMe2HBED, so it can be stored longer without loss of observed chemical properties. The improved chelate design allows for more rapid radiolabeling with [111In]indium citrate (1 h at room temperature) with higher radiochemical yields. Br phi HBED was conjugated with an anticolorectal carcinoma monoclonal antibody (1A3) where radiolabeling yields of 75-90% were obtained and the antibody retained its immunoreactivity (ca. 90%) under all labeling conditions studied. Biodistribution studies in a hamster transplanted tumor (GW39) model demonstrated a high tumor uptake when compared to those of 125I-1A3 or 111In-DTPA cyclic anhydride-1A3. Blood clearance of 111In-Br phi HBED-1A3 was rapid and combined with its high target uptake has higher target to nontarget ratios in vivo at various time intervals when compared with that of 1A3 radiolabeled with either 111In-DTPA cyclic anhydride or 125I.     

Angiotensin II (AII)-related idiotypic network. III. Comparative analysis of idiotopes and paratopes borne by monoclonal antibodies raised against AII (AB1) and its internal image (AB3)

We have previously produced mAb against angiotensin II (AII), a phylogenetically conserved vasopressive octapeptide, and shown that they identify four distinct epitopes on the AII molecule. In addition we used internal image bearing polyclonal antiidiotypic antibodies raised against rabbit anti AII to produce mAb3. In this study we analyze the segregation of the idiotypic and paratopic repertoires of the mAb1 and mAb3. Analysis of mAb1 carried out with polyclonal Ab2 raised against the four distinct paratopes permitted classification of the mAb1 into four categories: (p+, id+) comprises antibodies with shared paratopic and idiotypic specificities: (p+, id-) is made up of antibodies that fail to express the Id defined by Ab2 raised against other antibodies pertaining to the same paratopic group; (p-, id+) includes antibodies that express cross-reactive Id on distinct paratopes; (p-, id-) refers to antibodies unrelated by their paratopes and Id mAb2 confirmed these results and showed expression of identical or closely related Id on clearly distinct paratopes. At the Ab3 level, using polyclonal Ab4, there was a higher degree of Id cross-reactivity between the two paratopes available. These data suggest that the parallel set concept may apply to the immune response to a natural peptidic Ag and its internal image. Comparison of idiotypic repertoires of mAb1 and mAb3 (using Ab2 and Ab4 antibodies) confirmed the lack of public Id and showed the predominance on mAb3 of "new" idiotypes absent from mAb1 molecules, as expected for internal image-induced antibodies. Cross-reactive idiotypes defined on mAb1 and conserved on mAb3 were expressed on the two paratopes defined at the Ab3 level. They were located on the H chain of the homologous paratope and required the association of H and L chains on the heterologous paratope. Our analysis suggests that, in the AII system, the idiotypic and paratopic repertoires segregate at least in part independently. The paratopic repertoire is limited to a small number of phylogenetically conserved specificities and may be encoded by germline genes. In contrast, the idiotypic repertoire is broader with respect to specificities, species, and localization on H and L chains. This extended diversity may be generated by somatic mutations or use of various combinations of H and L chains and/or V, D, J segments.     

The incidence and clinical relevance of anti-HLA and/or MICA antibodies in patients with long-term survival renal allo-grafts

The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence and clinical relevance of anti-HLA and/or MICA antibodies in renal allo-grafts transplant recipients with long-term renal survival (> 5 years). This retrospective study collected post-transplant serum samples from a total of 110 patients which were used to detect the incidence of anti-HLA and/or MICA antibodies as well as anti-HLA donor specific antibodies. Among these 110 patients, 72 patients had antibodies against HLA and/or MICA at the time of test, 61 had only anti-HLA antibodies, 31 had anti-MICA antibodies, and 38 were antibody negative. There was no difference in the number of patients developing antibodies against non-donor specific antibodies, donor specific antibodies, Class I donor specific antibodies, Class II donor specific antibodies or MICA antibodies between normal function group (serum creatinine level < 2.0 mg/dL) and dysfunction group (serum creatinine level > 2.0 mg/dL). For the serum creatinine level, estimated glomerular filtration rate and blood urea nitrogen level, patients with different antibodies were not statistically different to antibody-negative patients. Cox regression analysis showed that the type of transplantation and HLA mismatch number were significant negative risk factors for the development of anti-HLA (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that the anti-HLA antibody status has little impact on the renal graft function in the long-term survival allo-graft renal recipients.     

The rearranged V(H) domain of a physiologically selected anti-single-stranded DNA antibody as a precursor for formation of IgM and IgG antibodies to diverse antigens

It has been proposed that autoreactivity of modest affinity contributes to positive selection of a preimmunization B cell repertoire, whereas high-affinity autoreactivity leads to negative selection. This hypothesis predicts that a B cell producing a physiologically selected unmutated ssDNA-binding Ab should be a precursor of cells that respond to diverse exogenous Ags. To test this prediction, we prepared transgenic mice bearing the rearranged V(H) domain of an IgM Ab from a nonautoimmune mouse immunized with a DNA-protein complex, poly(dC)-methylated BSA. The Ab, dC1, binds both poly(dC) and ssDNA. It is encoded by V(H) and V(L) gene segments with no mutations, suggesting that the producing cell may have been selected before and activated during immunization. The dC1V(H) transgene was targeted to the IgH locus. In heterozygous mice, on a nonautoimmune C57BL/6 background, the transgene allotype was expressed on B cell surfaces and in serum Ig, but about one-third of B cells expressed the endogenous allele instead. Total serum Ig concentrations were normal and included both transgene- and endogenous gene-coded IgM and IgG. The transgene V(H) D(H)J(H) was expressed in splenic IgM cDNA with few or no mutations, and in IgG cDNA with multiple mutations. The transgene allotype was also expressed in Abs formed on immunization with thyroglobulin, pneumococcal polysaccharide, and ssDNA-methylated BSA. Consistent with the hypothesis, cells with a rearranged autoreactive V(H) domain selected for reactivity with a form of ssDNA did serve as precursors for cells producing IgM and IgG Abs to diverse Ags.     

Quantitation of HLA proteins incorporated by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and assessment of neutralizing activity of anti-HLA antibodies

Human anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies were assessed for neutralizing activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) carrying HLA alleles with matching specificity. Multiparous women carrying anti-HLA antibodies were identified. Plasma samples from those women were confirmed as having antibodies that specifically bound to HLA proteins expressed on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of their husbands. A primary HIV-1 isolate was cultured in the husband's PBMCs so that the virus carried matching HLA alleles. To determine the HIV-1-neutralizing activity of anti-HLA antibodies, the infectivity of the virus for GHOST cells (which express green fluorescent protein after HIV infection) was investigated in the presence of a plasma sample positive for the respective anti-HLA antibody. A neutralization assay was also performed using purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) from two plasma samples, and two plasma samples were investigated in the presence of complement. The prerequisite for anti-HLA antibody-mediated neutralization is incorporation of HLA proteins by HIV-1. Therefore, the extent of incorporation of HLA proteins by the primary HIV-1 isolate was estimated. The ratios of HLA class I protein to HIV-1 capsid (p24) protein cultured in the PBMCs of two healthy individuals were 0.017 and 0.054. These ratios suggested that the HIV-1 strain used in the assay incorporated more HLA proteins than gp160 trimers. Anti-HLA antibody-positive plasma was found to contain antibodies that specifically reacted to HIV-1 carrying cognate HLA alleles. However, incubation of HIV-1 with anti-HLA antibody- positive plasma or purified IgG did not show a reduction in viral infectivity. HIV-1-neutralizing activity was also not detected in the presence of complement. This study shows that HIV-1 primary isolates cultured in PBMCs contain significant amounts of HLA proteins. However, the binding of antibodies to those HLA proteins does not mediate a reduction in viral infectivity.     

The Clinical Relevance of Pre-Formed Anti-HLA and Anti-MICA Antibodies after Cord Blood Transplantation in Children

Preformed anti-HLA antibodies (AHA) are known to be associated with delayed engraftment and reduced overall survival after adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, limited data is available in pediatric patients. In this study, we explored the role of AHA on clinical outcomes in 70 pediatric patients who received a single unit of HLA mismatch cord blood for hematologic malignancies, immunodeficiencies or metabolic diseases. The presence of AHA was detected in 44% (31/70) of the patients. Preformed class I AHA was associated with an increased occurrence of grade 1–4 acute graft-versus host disease (p<0.05). The presence of anti- major-histocompatibility-complex class I–related chain A antigens (MICA) antibodies was significantly associated with a reduced platelet recovery after transplantation (p<0.05). AHA of class II with the strength of antibody titer measured as the mean fluorescence intensity above 2000 was associated with reduced event-free survival (p<0.05). A reduction of high titer of AHA and anti-MICA antibodies might have to be considered before cord blood transplantation in pediatric patients for better outcomes.     

Comparison of the established standard complement-dependent cytotoxicity and flow cytometric crossmatch assays with a novel ELISA-based HLA crossmatch procedure

The detection of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies by standard procedures such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay (CDC) or flow cytometric (FACS) analysis is limited by its low sensitivity and the quality of the donor cells. Therefore, an ELISA-based technique was employed using solid phase-immobilized monoclonal antibodies to capture HLA class I or class II molecules of the donor, respectively. In this HLA class I and class II antibody monitoring system (AMS) the donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies from the sera of recipients bind to the HLA molecules of the donor which have been immobilized by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing non-polymorphic epitopes. Upon binding of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies they are recognized by secondary enzyme-conjugated anti-human immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies. A newly established modification of the standard protocol allows the differentiation between bound antibodies of the IgG and IgM isotype. Furthermore, this assay was adapted for investigating small amounts of solid tissue of donors from whom no other cells (e.g. from blood) were available. We here provide an overview of the classical crossmatch methods with their advantages and limits. In addition, the design of the novel AMS-ELISA is described in terms of quality and sensitivity of the approach using exemplary cases of different application. The selected cases show that the AMS-ELISA represents a valuable tool for the post-transplantation monitoring of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies during reaction crisis, after transfusion reactions and in particular cases of tissue transplantations lacking single cells.     

The effect of isotype and the J kappa region on antigen binding and idiotype expression by antibodies binding alpha (1----6) dextran

Gene transfection and expression techniques have been used to produce three antibodies specific for alpha (1----6) linked dextran B512 with altered isotypes and J kappa regions. Expression of the L chain V region joined to J kappa 4 or J kappa 5 instead of to J kappa 2 reduced or abolished dextran binding. One antidextran with a reduced binding constant for dextran had the same combining site size as the parental mAb. Transfectoma Ig unreactive with dextran B512 did not bind to other class I or class II dextrans. Antibodies with J kappa 4-containing L chains expressed the 10.16.1 (anti-alpha(1----6) dextran) idiotype. In contrast variants expressing L chains with J kappa 5 lost idiotype expression, except when oligosaccharide is present on VH; all antibodies with J kappa 5 L chains continued to bind dextran but with reduced affinity. The presence of carbohydrate in VH may alter the conformation of both paratope and idiotope. Alteration of H chain isotype did not appear to significantly alter the ability of the antidextran to bind Ag; an exception may be that switching V regions to the IgM C region may decrease the apparent affinity for Ag.     

Angiotensin II (AII)-related idiotypic network. I. Common occurrence of AII internal image on rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies

Internal images of foreign Ag have been demonstrated in a variety of systems as anticipated by the idiotypic network theory formulated by Jerne. However, they seem to be of rare occurrence. In order to estimate the actual frequency of antibodies bearing internal images (Ab2-beta) of angiotensin II (AII), a phylogenetically conserved peptide made up of eight amino acids, nine rabbits were immunized with affinity or protein A purified anti-AII antibodies (Ab1) from allotype-matched rabbits. Four of nine antiidiotypic antibodies (Ab2) exhibited internal image-like reactivity. They recognized all the polyclonal Ab1 tested, whatever the species (rabbit, mouse, guinea pig). In addition, they were strongly reactive with three mAb specific for a carboxy terminus epitope on AII (mAb 110, 199, and 211) and with a fourth monoclonal Ab1 (133) identifying a more central epitope. Advantage was taken of this reactivity with mAb1 to purify Ab2-beta by affinity chromatography of Ab2 on Sepharose 4B covalently linked to the three monoclonal Ab1 specific for the carboxy terminus epitope. The eluate displayed typical internal image properties: 1) it reacted with all the polyclonal Ab1 tested, 2) this reaction was completely abolished by AII, and 3) rabbits and mice immunized with the eluate all produced Ab1. The AII related idiotypic network is thus characterized by high frequency and immunogenicity of AII internal images. In addition, reactivity of the latter with monoclonal Ab1 indicates variable expression on Ab2-beta of the epitopes defined by the mAb on the nominal Ag.     

Enhancing effect of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies on T cell proliferation induced via CD2 molecule

The mAb 131 to a determinant preferentially expressed on the gene products of the HLA-A locus, the mAb Q6/64 and 4E to determinants preferentially expressed on the gene products of the HLA-B locus, the anti-HLA-A2,A28 mAb CR11-351, HO-2, HO-3, HO-4, and KS1, and the anti-HLA-B7 cross-reacting group mAb KS4 enhanced proliferation of T cells in most, if not all, the PBMC preparations stimulated with the anti-CD2 mAb 9-1 + 9.6. The mAb CR10-215, W6/32, and 6/31 to distinct monomorphic determinants of HLA class I antigens enhanced CD2-induced T cell proliferation in at most 30% of the PBMC preparations tested. The anti human beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-mu) mAb NAMB-1 displayed no detectable effect on the proliferation of T cells stimulated with the mAb 9-1 + 9.6. The enhancing effect of anti-HLA class I mAb is specific, is dose dependent, is not abrogated by the addition of exogenous IL-1 and IL-2 to the cultures, and reflects the interaction of anti-HLA class I mAb with T cells. Enhancement of CD2 mediated proliferation of T cells is not a unique property of anti-HLA class I mAb, since the anti-HLA class II mAb Q5/6 and Q5/13 also had a similar effect. Analysis of the kinetics of the enhancing effect of anti-HLA class I mAb suggests that they modulate an early event of T cell activation and may affect the interaction of T cells with mAb 9-1. Phenotyping of T lymphocytes activated by mAb 9-1 + 9.6 in the presence of anti-HLA class I mAb suggests that the enhancing effect of anti-HLA class I mAb may reflect the recruitment of a higher percentage of T cells. The present study has shown for the first time that certain, but not all, the determinants of the HLA class I molecular complex are involved in the proliferation of T cells stimulated with the anti-CD2 mAb 9-1 + 9.6. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of mAb CR11-351, KS1, Q6/64, and W6/32 on the proliferation of T cells stimulated with mAb OKT3 or with mAb BMA 031 indicates that the same determinants of HLA class I antigens play a differential regulatory role in T cell proliferation induced via the CD2 and CD3 pathway.     

Syngeneic anti-idiotypic antisera to murine monoclonal antibodies to monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA class I antigens

BALB/c mice were immunized with syngeneic anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies. The latter included the anti-HLA-A2, A28 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) CR11-351, the MoAb Q6/64 to a determinant restricted to HLA-B antigens and the MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115 to the same (or spatially close) monomorphic determinant. Anti-idiotypic antibodies could be detected in bleedings obtained 3 days after the first booster, increased in titer in bleedings obtained after the second booster, and persisted at high levels in subsequent bleedings. The four anti-HLA class I MoAb did not differ in their ability to elicit syngeneic anti-idiotypic antibodies. Cross-blocking studies with a panel of anti-HLA class I, anti-HLA class II, and anti-human melanoma-associated antigen (MAA) MoAb showed that the anti-MoAb CR10-215 and anti-MoAb CR11-115 antisera contain only antibodies to private idiotopes, whereas the anti-HLA MoAb CR11-351 and anti-MoAb Q6/64 antisera also contain antibodies to public idiotopes. The latter are expressed by the anti-HLA class I MoAb CR11-351, Q1/28, Q6/64, and 6/31, and by the anti-HLA class II MoAb Q5/6, Q5/13, 127, and 441. Public idiotopes were not detected on the nine anti-MAA MoAb tested. Public idiotopes do not interfere with the binding of anti-HLA MoAb with the corresponding antigenic determinants. On the other hand private idiotopes are located within the antigen-combining site, because anti-idiotypic antisera specifically inhibit the binding of the corresponding immunizing anti-HLA class I MoAb to cultured human lymphoid cells in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis by isoelectric focusing of the anti-HLA class I MoAb antisera showed that the spectrotype of the anti-MoAb CR11-351 antiserum comprises four components that focus in the pH 6.9 to 6.2 range, the spectrotype of anti-MoAb Q6/64 antiserum comprises three components that focus in the pH 6.5 to 6.1 range, the spectrotype of the anti-MoAb CR10-215 antiserum comprises three components that focus in the pH 6.4 to 6.1 range, and the spectrotype of the anti-MoAb CR11-115 antiserum comprises three components that focus in the pH 6.6 to 6.4 range.     

Preparation and characterization of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against human interleukin 1 alpha (IL 1 alpha)

Polyclonal and monoclonal anti-human IL 1 alpha antibodies (Ab) have been established. These Ab neutralized human recombinant IL 1 alpha (rIL 1 alpha) activity effectively, but did not interfere with human rIL 1 beta, murine rIL 1 alpha, or human rIL 2 activity. Fifty percent of rIL 1 alpha activity (25 U/ml, or 2.5 ng/ml) was neutralized by less than 0.06 microgram/ml of rabbit anti-IL 1 alpha Ab (R-38.3G) and by less than 0.13 microgram/ml of monoclonal Ab (clone 28(3B1], respectively. In other experiments, 10 micrograms/ml of rabbit anti-IL 1 alpha Ab could effectively neutralize 50% of 2000 U of rIL 1 alpha activity, and the same amount of monoclonal Ab neutralized 50% of 500 U/ml of rIL 1 alpha activity. Not only IL 1 alpha activity in the thymocyte costimulator assay, but also IL 1-dependent IL 2 production by a human leukemic cell line, HSB.2 subclone, were blocked by these polyclonal or monoclonal Ab. In addition, pI 4.9 IL 1 activity produced by the myelomonocytic cell line THP-1 and by the Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell lines, were neutralized by these Ab, suggesting that these cell lines also produce IL 1 alpha. The specificity of these polyclonal and monoclonal Ab was further confirmed by immunochemical method (Western blotting), in which anti-IL 1 alpha Ab reacted with rIL 1 alpha in a specific manner. Furthermore, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system has been developed that can detect low levels of IL 1 alpha activity (less than 0.3 ng/ml or less than 3 U/ml), which is still less sensitive than thymocyte comitogenic assay and considerably less sensitive than the D10 assay. Finally, anti-IL 1 alpha Ab-conjugated affinity columns were prepared, by which IL 1 alpha activity, but not IL 1 beta activity, was specifically adsorbed and eluted effectively.