T cell nature and heterogeneity of recognition structures of human natural killer (NK) cells

Very low doses of trypsin (5 micrograms/ml) are sufficient to ablate NK cell activity. This finding was used to make several observations, and we have attempted to relate these observations to specific cell surface macromolecules. First, trypsinized effector cells no longer lysed seven different NK-susceptible targets, but the lysis of three additional targets was unaffected. These results suggest a heterogeneity of recognition potential that is inconsistent with the notion that there is only one class of NK "receptors" and one class of "target structures." Trypsin does not affect the conjugation of effector and target cells. Secondly, we have tried to identify those cell surface molecules that are affected by this low dose of enzyme. The examination of the 125I-labeled glycoprotein fraction NK-enriched cells showed that at least four molecules are cleaved, one of which may be in the T200 family. The examination of the [3H]galactose-labeled cell surface glycoproteins suggested in particular that some high m.w. glycoproteins were affected at the dose of trypsin that ablates NK function. Analysis of those molecules that we previously implicated in NK function, defined by monoclonal antibodies that block NK lysis, allowed us to rule out a role for the Tp 50 and Lp95-150 structures, while providing additional evidence of a role for the T200 glycoproteins in the trypsin-sensitive stage of cytolysis. Finally, closer examination of the electrophoretic mobilities and trypsin sensitivity of the T200 structures on highly enriched NK cells showed these structures to be indistinguishable from the T cell form of T200, yet quite distinct from the monocyte form. These results are therefore consistent with the possibility that NK cells are of the T rather than the monocyte lineage, and furthermore support a role for the T200 structure in the post-binding trypsin-sensitive stage of the NK cytolytic process.     

Differences in target cell DNA fragmentation induced by mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells

Fragmentation of YAC-1 target cell DNA during cytolysis mediated by mouse natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) was compared. Cleavage of nuclear chromatin was always an extensive and early event in CTL-mediated cytolysis, whereas with NK cell-mediated killing the degree of DNA fragmentation showed an unexpected relationship to the effector:target (E:T) ratio. At low NK:YAC-1 ratios, DNA fragmentation and 51Cr release were equivalent and increased proportionately until a ratio of about 50:1 was reached; at higher ratios, 51Cr release increased as expected but DNA fragmentation decreased dramatically. Comparison of time course data at E:T ratios producing similar rates of 51Cr release showed that the target cell DNA fragmentation observed in NK killing was not nearly as rapid nor as extensive as that observed with CTL effectors. These results suggest that NK cells induce target cell injury via two different mechanisms. One mechanism would involve lysis mediated by cell-to-cell contact, while the other may induce DNA fragmentation via a soluble mediator. In support of this notion, cell-free culture supernatants containing NK cytotoxic factor (NKCF) induced DNA fragmentation in YAC-1 cells. The DNA fragments induced by NK cells and NKCF-containing supernatants consisted of oligonucleosomes indistinguishable from those induced by CTL. The results presented here show distinct differences in target cell DNA fragmentation induced by CTL and NK cells, and suggest that these two effectors use different mechanisms to achieve the same end. CTL seem to induce DNA fragmentation in their targets by direct signaling, whereas NK cells may do so by means of a soluble factor.     

Blockade of NK cell lysis is a property of monoclonal antibodies that bind to distinct regions of T-200

The previously described NK inhibitory monoclonal antibody 13.1 is shown to immunoprecipitate a series of high m.w. glycoproteins homologous with the murine T-200/Ly-5 molecules. Not all antibodies to the human T-200 molecule, however, have an inhibitory effect on NK cell function. A comparison is made between two noninhibitory anti-T-200 antibodies, 13.5 and 13.6, and two inhibitory anti-T-200 antibodies, 13.1 and 13.3. All antibodies are of the IgG1 subclass. Sequential immunoprecipitation experiments show that these antibodies react with the same set of molecules. The differences in NK-blocking activity could not be explained by the amount of antibody bound per cell in NK-enriched populations, nor by the avidity with which they bound. It is shown by competitive radiobinding assays that the 13.1 and 13.3 antibodies define a region, termed region A, distinct from that defined by the nonblocking antibodies 13.5 and 13.6, termed region B. Region B is shown to reside between the membrane and region A. These findings show that the inhibition of NK lysis by anti-T-200 antibodies is a function of the site on that molecule to which these antibodies bind. This may also explain the ability of antibodies to the A region of T-200 to block selectively the lysis of myeloid and erythroid tumor targets, with no effect on the lysis of T lymphoma targets.     

Stimulation of murine natural killer (NK) cells by a monoclonal antibody specific for the NK1.1 antigen. IL-2-activated NK cells possess additional specific stimulation pathways

NK cells lyse certain tumor cell targets but the effector cell surface molecules responsible for this reactivity remain uncertain. The allotypic NK1.1 Ag is the most specific serologic marker on murine cells that display non-MHC-restricted cytolysis of tumor cell targets, but no function has been previously ascribed to this Ag. In this report, we demonstrate that, in the presence of a mAb specific for the NK1.1 Ag (mAb PK136), freshly isolated and IL-2-activated NK cells from C57BL/6 mice can be induced to lyse an otherwise resistant target cell, Daudi. This phenomenon is effector and mAb specific because NK cells derived from BALB/c mice do not express the NK1.1 Ag and cannot be triggered by mAb PK136. We demonstrate that IL-2 activated but not freshly isolated NK cells express the Ly-6 and VEA Ag, originally described as T cell activation Ag. Moreover, mAb specific for Ly-6 and VEA induce target cell lysis by IL-2 activated but not freshly isolated NK cells. These mAb effects are specific, concentration dependent, and display kinetics that are similar to spontaneous cytolysis of NK-sensitive targets. The Fc portion of the activating antibodies and only FcR bearing target cells participate in mAb-induced activation, consistent with the mechanism of redirected lysis. Finally, analysis of Daudi cells transfected with beta 2-microglobulin gene demonstrate that the expression of MHC class I Ag by the target cell does not affect its sensitivity to mAb-induced lysis by NK cells. These data demonstrate that the NK1.1 Ag is functionally active on both freshly isolated and IL-2-activated NK cells and that IL-2-activated NK cells possess additional pathways of specific stimulation.     

The cells responsible for murine natural cytotoxic (NC) activity: a multi-lineage system

Previous studies on the surface phenotype of natural cytotoxic (NC) cells defined by negative selection with antibodies and complement showed that most if not all NC activity is the property of "null" cells that did not express a variety of lymphoid markers, including some expressed by natural killer (NK) cells. In the present study we show that when murine C57BL/6 spleen cells were sorted by flow cytometry into fractions positive or negative for Qa-5, Ly-2.2, Thy-1.2, L3T4, or surface immunoglobulin (sIg) and for high or low expression of H-2Kb, the pattern of NC activities was quite different from the negative selection experiments with antibody and complement. Enrichment of NC activity tested against WEHI-164 targets was observed in the H-2Kb high, Qa-5+, Thy-1.2+, and Ly-2.2- fractions, and to a lesser extent in the L3T4+ and sIg- fractions. However, significant NC activity, although lower than in the unseparated cells, was also found in the H-2Kb low, Qa-5-, Thy-1.2-, L3T4-, Ly-2.2+, and sIg+. With the exception of the anti-Ig, all the reagents were monoclonal antibodies. By comparison, NK activity tested against YAC-1 targets was clearly enriched in the H-2Kb high, Ly-2.2-, sIg-, and to a lesser extent, Thy-1.2+ sorted fractions, whereas most of the NK activity was in the L3T4- fractions. These results indicate that NC activity against WEHI-164 targets is mediated by an heterogeneous population of effector cells, which includes cells with markers of both the T and the B lineages, as well as of NK cells. These studies also show that negative selection with antibodies and complement is not always a reliable method for defining the surface phenotype of effector cells.     

Analysis of the murine lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell phenomenon: dissection of effectors and progenitors into NK- and T-like cells

Murine as well as human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells have been reported to have several characteristics of T lymphocytes and to be clearly distinct from natural killer (NK) cells. The present study of murine LAK cells showed that cytotoxic cells generated in the presence of interleukin 2 IL 2 were heterogeneous with respect to cell surface markers of progenitor as well as effector cells. Negative selection of cells with antibodies and complement or positive selection by fluorescence-activated cell sorting unequivocally showed that LAK effector cells consisted of at least two clearly distinct populations, the relative contribution of which was dependent on donor organ and target cells studied. Approximately 40% of the cytotoxic activity of spleen-derived effector cells active against the NK-resistant targets EL-4 or MCA-5 was eliminated by treatment with antibodies to the NK-markers asialo-GM1 and NK 1 (NK-LAK). Approximately 60% of cytotoxic activity was associated with cells expressing the T cell marker Lyt-2, lacked NK 1, and was lacking or expressed only small amounts asialo-GM1 (T-LAK). The NK-LAK cells were of greater importance for the cytotoxic activity against the standard NK target YAC-1, although T-LAK cells also excerted significant cytotoxicity against this cell line. Limiting dilution analysis estimated that the minimal frequency of precursors developing into cells with cytotoxic activity against EL-4 was 1/6700 in spleen and 1/4200 in peripheral blood. The frequency of cells developing into cytotoxic effectors against YAC-1 cells was 1/3700 and 1/1450 in spleen and peripheral blood, respectively. Depletion of progenitor cells from spleen or peripheral blood expressing NK 1 or Lyt-2 by treating the cells with antibodies to these structures and complement indicated that NK-1-expressing cells were the dominating progenitor of the LAK cells irrespective of target cells used. Culture of murine lymphoid cells from spleen or peripheral blood with high concentrations of IL 2 results in the emergence of two different killer cell populations with phenotypic similarities to NK and T cells, respectively, both being able to kill targets resistant to resting NK cells. In contrast to numerous earlier reports, we concluded that LAK cells are heterogeneous with respect to surface markers, with a major population of LAK cells apparently representing IL 2-activated cells expressing cell surface markers associated with NK cells.     

Generation of natural killer cell lines from murine long-term bone marrow cultures

Functionally active natural killer (NK) cells with the ability to lyse 51Cr-labeled YAC-1 lymphoma target cells are no longer detectable by 1 wk of culture in cultured marrow cells harvested from Dexter-type long-term marrow cultures (LMC). Interferon, which enhances NK cell-mediated target cell lysis, fails to induce NK activity from LMC cells even at high effector to target cell ratios. However, such LMC cells, when placed in secondary cultures in the presence of Con A-splenic leukocyte-conditioned medium (spleen-CM) generated a population of cells with NK activity within 1 wk. Kinetic studies showed that the generation of NK activity was not due simply to proliferation of a few surviving NK cells, but suggested derivation from NK precursors through clonal expansion and functional maturation. This NK activity was further shown to be associated with a subpopulation of cells bearing surface Thy-1, Ly-5, and NK-1 as well as asialo-GM1 antigens but lacking Ly-1 antigen. The expression of Ly-2 antigen, however, was variable. Electron microscopy studies of isolated asialo-GM1-positive cells showed a uniform lymphoblastoid morphology with large cytoplasmic to nuclear ratios and prominent electron dense cytoplasmic granules characteristic of large granular lymphocytes. In support of the NK nature of such cultured cells was the ability of anti-asialo-GM1 and complement to abrogate, and of interferon to augment, target cell lysis. Isolated cell lines also showed target selectivity similar to NK cells. The implications of the studies on further analysis of the nature of NK precursors is discussed.     

Cell surface molecules involved in NK recognition by cloned cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Short-term treatment of cloned mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) with interferon (IFN) induces lytic activity for natural killer- (NK) sensitive targets. Extended culture of CTL in high concentrations of interleukin 2 induces promiscuous lytic activity in which state both NK-sensitive and NK-resistant target cells are lysed. Cold-target competition analysis showed that the development of NK activity was associated with the acquisition of binding activity for NK-sensitive but not for NK-resistant targets, whereas the development of promiscuous lytic activity was associated with the acquisition of binding activity for both types of target. Antigen-specific cytolysis was inhibited by antibodies to Ly-2, Ly-5, LFA-1 and to the V region of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR), whereas NK and promiscuous lytic activity in the same cells was resistant to inhibition by anti-Ly-2 and anti-TCR. NK activity was expressed normally against a variant NK-sensitive cell line lacking all MHC antigens. These results show that, in contrast to antigen-specific recognition, the NK and promiscuous lytic activities of CTL are expressed without participation of effector cell Ly-2 and TCR molecules or target cell MHC molecules, and are most likely mediated through novel and distinct receptor systems.     

T11/CD2 activation of cloned human natural killer cells results in increased conjugate formation and exocytosis of cytolytic granules

The T11 (CD2) antigen has been found to be an alternate pathway for antigen-independent activation of resting T cells. T11 triggering also results in activation of NK cells and enhancement of their cytolytic function. The present studies were carried out to further define the mechanisms whereby cytotoxicity is enhanced after T11 activation. A series of clonal human NK cell lines were analyzed after incubation with monoclonal anti-T112 and anti-T113 antibodies specific for different epitopes of the CD2 protein. Anti-T112/3 triggering resulted in increased cytotoxicity against a variety of target cells. Similar results were obtained with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-T112/3, indicating that this effect was not mediated through binding of FcR. The induction of cytotoxicity was found to be associated with increased formation of effector cell-target cell conjugates and with release of secretory granule-localized 35S-labeled proteoglycans. Both enhanced conjugate formation and cytotoxicity could be blocked by anti-lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1) mAb. Ultrastructural analysis of NK cells after T11 activation demonstrated increased adherence of effector cells to targets and other NK cells as well as a directional reorientation of cytoplasm and intracellular granules toward the area of contact between cells. Discharge of granules occurred into pockets bounded by closely apposed plasma membranes. In the presence of anti-LFA-1 and anti-T112/3, the close apposition and formation of pockets between effector cells and target cells did not occur but the cells exocytosed their intracellular granules. T11 activation of NK cloned cells also resulted in the formation of the homotypic conjugates and autocytotoxicity. As seen with resistant allogeneic targets, autocytotoxicity was mediated by F(ab')2 fragments of T112/3 antibodies and could be blocked by anti-LFA-1 antibody. Ultrastructural analysis of NK cloned cells after T11 activation confirmed the presence of homotypic conjugates with reorientation of effector cells toward one another and discharge of cytolytic granules into pockets formed between NK cloned cells. Taken together, these results indicate that T11-induced cytolytic function of NK cells is, in part, mediated through increased binding of effector cells and targets and that enhanced conjugate formation is at least in part mediated by the LFA-1 antigen. In addition, T11 activation results in the triggering of the cytolytic mechanism of NK cells and the exocytosis of cytolytic granules and their constituents.     

Detection of function-associated molecules on rat NK cells and their role in target cell lysis.

Anti-effector cell mAb 5C6.10.4 (5C6) inhibits cytotoxic activity of fish nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC). We now show that 5C6 also inhibits mammalian NK cell activity using fresh and cultured (CRC) leukemic rat NK cells. The inhibitory activity of 5C6 was caused by blocking of conjugate formation between NK cells and YAC-1 targets. Binding studies done by flow cytometry (FCM) showed that mAb 5C6 specifically bound to 8% of unfractionated rat spleen cells. Enrichment by nylon-wool fractionation produced 27.2% specific binding, along with a 3.4-fold enrichment in cytotoxic activity. Tissue distribution studies revealed that the highest number of cells recognized by mAb 5C6 were found in NWNA spleen cells (28.7%), followed by liver (18.9%) and peripheral blood (13.9). Two-color FCM showed that although all 3.2.3 mAb-positive cells were also stained with mAb 5C6, a small percentage of 3.2.3. negative noncytotoxic NWNA spleen T cells were 5C6 positive. Redirected lysis experiments demonstrated that anti-effector mAb-producing myeloma cells could be killed by CRC and NWNA spleen cells. In addition, mAb 5C6 produced specific inhibition of redirected lysis of each myeloma target. Experiments were also conducted to determine the signaling capability of the FAM complex. Binding of the anti-FAM mAbs to NWNA rat spleen cells caused a rapid increase in cytosolic free calcium of approximately 472 nM. Western blot analysis of CRC cell lysates showed that the molecules recognized by anti-FAM mAbs have molecular weights of 38 and 42 kDa. These studies indicate that the anti-effector mAbs recognize a functionally relevant molecule on rat NK cells that is involved in the first steps of cytolysis, i.e., antigen recognition, and which also triggers the activation of signal-transducing events in these cells.     

Natural killer cells discriminate between high mannose- and complex-type asparagine-linked oligosaccharides

Chinese hamster ovary cell lines with different types of N-linked oligosaccharides were tested as targets for control and lymphokine treated natural killer (NK) cells. The targets tested were parent cells, Lec1 mutants and Lec4 mutants. Due to an apparent defect in GlcNAc transferase V, Lec4 cells produce complex-type N-linked oligosaccharides devoid of GlcNAc beta(1-6) linked branches. Lec1 cells form only high mannose-type N-linked oligosaccharides because they lack GlcNAc transferase I activity. Lec1 cells are very sensitive to lysis by beta-interferon treated human NK cells, but both parent and Lec4 cells are resistant to NK lysis. The ability to discriminate between parent and Lec1 targets was demonstrated with untreated control effectors as well as those which were pretreated with either beta-interferon, gamma-interferon or interleukin-2. Both control and lymphokine-boosted NK cells exhibit much greater lytic activity against targets having only high mannose-type N-linked oligosaccharides. Five oligosaccharide structures resembling those found on N-linked glycoproteins were tested for their ability to block NK lysis of Lec1 targets. Only the high mannose-type glycopeptide from 7S soybean glycoprotein was inhibitory in the mu molar range. At the same concentration, none of the complex-type oligosaccharides had any effect on lytic activity. The results suggest that a high mannose-type N-linked oligosaccharides is recognized at some step in NK cell-mediated lysis.     

Inhibition of natural killer cell lysis by natural killer-inhibitory substance: mechanism of suppression

The mechanism of suppression of NK-mediated lysis by a soluble product of peritoneal cells (NK-IS, natural killer-inhibitory substance) was investigated. Pretreatment of effector cells resulted in depressed NK lysis while pretreatment of targets had no effect, indicating suppression is due to alterations in effector cell function rather than changes in target cells. NK-IS had no effect on the formation of conjugates between effectors and NK-susceptible targets. When NK-IS was added to effector-target cell mixtures after the binding step had been successfully completed, ensuing lysis was significantly depressed, confirming that NK-IS inhibited a postbinding lytic event. The degree of suppression caused by NK-IS was directly related to the duration of exposure to the inhibitory molecule. In addition, a preliminary temperature-dependent step of binding to and/or intracellular entry of NK-IS into effectors is required before suppression can occur. NK-IS prevents the activation of NK cell lysis by interferon and Corynebacterium parvum and effectively inhibits lysis mediated by already activated effectors. The potent suppression of NK lysis and prevention of interferon and C. parvum-mediated activation of NK lysis by a soluble product of peritoneal cells may explain the extremely low level of NK effector cell function within the peritoneal cavity.     

The low affinity 40,000 Fc gamma receptor and the transferrin receptor can be alternative or simultaneous target structures on cells sensitive for natural killing

The role of the low avidity 40,000 dalton receptor for IgG (Fc gamma R) present on K562 and U937 cells in sensitivity to natural killing (NK) was studied by using a murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for the 40,000 dalton Fc gamma R (alpha Fc gamma R mAb). Pretreatment of K562 target cells with intact alpha Fc gamma R mAb or its Fab fragment or anti-transferrin receptor (alpha TFR) mAb partially blocked in a dose-dependent manner, NK activity to K562 cells. However, combined pretreatment with alpha Fc gamma R and alpha TFR mAb completely blocked NK activity against K562 targets. As compared with K562 cells, lower levels of NK were elicited against Molt-4, U937, HL-60, and Daudi targets. Although NK activity to Molt-4 targets was not affected by alpha Fc gamma R mAb, it was fully prevented by pretreatment with alpha TFR mAb. In contrast, NK to U937 cells was not influenced by alpha TFR mAb, but it was strongly inhibited by alpha Fc gamma R mAb. The resistance of 3H-TdR-prelabeled adherent HEp-2 cells to natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity was not affected by either mAb. Lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (LDCC) against HEp-2 cells due to the presence of concanavalin A, and was completely abrogated by pretreatment of the targets with alpha TFR mAb, but was unaffected by alpha Fc gamma R mAb. By use of the flow cytometer, a significant correlation was detected between the relative expression of 40,000 dalton Fc gamma R and the susceptibility to NK, whereas the expression of TFR was discordant from NK sensitivity. As determined in the single cell cytotoxicity assay alpha Fc gamma R mAb reduced the frequency of target binding effector cells without affecting the number of dead bound targets. This pattern of inhibition was found against both K562 and U937 targets. Alternatively, alpha TFR mAb inhibited both binding and killing of K562 and Molt-4 targets. Because pretreatment of HEp-2 cells with alpha TFR mAb did not influence conjugate formation, the blocking of LDCC to HEp-2 cells by alpha TFR mAb can be related to post-binding events. These data show that although both the 40,000 dalton Fc gamma R and the TFR can be target structures for NK cell recognition, the TFR may also play an important role in the post-binding events.     

Characterization by monoclonal antibodies of a target cell antigen complex recognized by nonspecific cytotoxic cells

Fish nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC)3 recognize and lyse a large variety of human and mouse transformed cells. In an effort to determine the Ag recognized by NCC on these targets, mAb were raised against NC-37 target cells. Four anti-NC-37 mAb were chosen for further characterization based on their effects on NCC lysis of target cells. Purified mAb 18C2 and 1E7 (IgM isotype) inhibited NCC killing of the following targets: U937, MOLT-4, K562, HL-60, DAUDI, NC-37, P815, and YAC-1. The dose-dependent inhibitory activity occurred at the target cell level and ranged from 50 to 70% at a concentration of 50 micrograms/well when compared to noninhibitory mAb 7C6 and 1D4 (IgG isotype). Similarly, mAb 18C2 protected the fish parasite Tetrahymena pyriformis from lysis by NCC when compared to mAb 7C6. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the inhibitory effect on NC-37 lysis by NCC could be removed in a titratable fashion by incubation of mAb 1E7 with any one of the other target cell lines, but it could not be removed by incubation with effector cells. The inhibitory activity of mAb 1E7 and 18C2 was shown to be caused by the inhibition of conjugate formation between effector and NC-37 target cells. The relative membrane concentration of the antigenic determinants recognized by these mAb on the target cells was studied by flow cytometry using FITC-labeled mAb. These experiments showed that all four mAb bound to the surface of the cells tested. Biochemical analysis with Western blots and immunoprecipitation showed that mAb 18C2 and 1E7 recognize two Ag in NC-37 lysates: a larger protein of around 80 kDa and a smaller one of 42 kDa.     

Identification of a human natural killer cell target cell antigen with monoclonal antibodies

mAb have been derived against NK cell-sensitive target cells in an effort to identify the target cell structure involved in Ag recognition by NK cells. Several mAb were selected for further study based on their preliminary target cell binding characteristics. Flow cytometry demonstrated that each of these mAb bound to a series of NK-sensitive target cells of various origins (e.g., K562 and Molt-4) while having little or no reactivity with several NK-resistant target cell lines (e.g., SB and Daudi). Functional studies revealed that two of the mAb were able to inhibit the lysis of NK-sensitive K562 target cells by freshly isolated, endogenous NK cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Further, these mAb also could inhibit the killing of K562 target cells by both activated NK cells and cultured lymphokine-activated killer cells, as well as the cytolysis of other NK-sensitive target cells by each of these effector cell populations. Control experiments with another mAb which bound to the target cells but did not inhibit lysis implied that the effects of these mAb on NK cell function was not the result of steric hindrance. Single cell conjugate assays demonstrated that the mAb inhibited NK cell lysis via the inhibition of binding (recognition). Biochemical analysis of this target cell structure revealed that it was a molecule of approximately 42 kDa which may exist as a homodimer in its native state. Thus, it appears that the mAbs identify an unique Ag on the surface of NK cell-sensitive target cells which is involved in NK cell Ag recognition.     

High cytotoxic activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 infected targets found in murine peritoneum

Unelicited murine peritoneal cells (PC) were found to efficiently lyse the natural cytotoxic (NC) cell target, WEHI-164, as well as herpes simplex virus-type 1 (HSV-1)-infected WEHI-164 and 3T3 cells but not the natural killer (NK) target, YAC-1. Lysis by PC of HSV-1-infected WEHI-164 and 3T3 cells required longer culture times than splenic cell lysis of YAC-1 cells. The PCs which lysed these targets were found to be slightly adherent to nylon wool but non-phagocytic, and were not augmented by preincubation with interferon. Also, PC effectors lacked Qa-5 and asialo GM1 markers which are found on splenic NK cells which lysed YAC-1 targets. We found that there was no correlation between peritoneal NC activity and genetic resistance to HSV-1.     

Interferon and butyrate treatment leads to a decreased sensitivity of NK target cells to lysis by homologous but not by heterologous effector cells

Human K-562 and HHMS cells were pretreated with human recombinant interferon (IFN)-gamma and used as targets in NK assays against human and murine effector cells. A protective effect against NK lysis was observed only in the homologous assay, whereas no change or even a slight increase in NK sensitivity against heterologous effector cells was found. In cold target inhibition experiments IFN-treatment of K-562 cells led to a decrease in their capacity to act as competitors in the homologous NK assay, leaving their inhibitory capacity unaltered in the heterologous assay. In accordance with results observed using human NK targets, murine YAC-1 cells treated with mouse recombinant IFN-gamma did not lose their susceptibility to human NK cells. However, they were markedly less susceptible to lysis mediated by murine effectors. Butyrate, another compound causing decreased sensitivity of K-562 cells for human natural killing, also failed to reduce the susceptibility against murine NK cells. The results indicate that the NK-resistant tumor target phenotype caused by IFN or differentiation-inducing agents can only be detected by homologous but not by heterologous effector cells. This suggests that major differences exist between the inter- and intraspecies NK killing mechanisms.     

Spontaneous human T-cell cytotoxicity against murine hybridomas expressing the OKT3 monoclonal antibody: comparison with natural killer cell activity

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) exhibited spontaneous cytotoxicity against OKT3 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-expressing murine hybridoma cells (OKT3 hybridomas). In contrast, other murine hybridomas expressing OKT4, OKT8, anti-HLA DR, and anti-HLA A, B, and C mAb were not lysed. PBL showed much lower levels of cytotoxicity (3 folds) against OKT3 hybridomas as compared with NK activity against the K562 targets. Lymph node (LN) cells exhibited the inverse relationship of cytotoxicity levels. The addition of OKT3 mAb to the effector cells totally blocked both the binding and the lysis of OKT3 hybridoma targets, indicating that the CD3 antigen on the effector cells may be involved in recognition of the targets. The addition of concanavalin (Con A) also inhibited the cytotoxicity of OKT3 hybridomas. OKT4 mAb-expressing hybridomas became susceptible to lysis after chemical attachment of OKT3 mAb with CrCl3. The kinetics of lysis of OKT3 hybridomas resembled that of NK activity. Both cytotoxicities were detectable after 1 to 2 hr and reached plateau levels by 4 to 6 hr. Effector cells responsible for lysis of OKT3 hybridomas expressed T3, T8, and Leu 7 antigens, but lacked T4 and Leu 11b antigens, and were sensitive to the treatment with L-leucine methyl ester. These results indicate that T3+, T8+, Leu 7+ and T4-, and Leu 11- granular lymphocytes have a spontaneous cytotoxic activity against OKT3 hybridomas which is different from classic NK activity. These findings may provide a method for the assessment of T-cell cytotoxicity mediated presumably by in vivo generated cytotoxic T lymphocytes in blood and the other immune organs.     

T lymphocyte responses to non-H-2 histocompatibility antigens. I. Role of Ly-1+2+ T cells as cytotoxic effectors and requirement for Ly-1+2+ T cells for optimal generation of cytotoxic effectors

Cytotoxic effector T cells specific for non-H-2 histocompatibility (H) antigens were examined for phenotypic expression of lymphocyte differentiation (Ly) antigens. Virtually all H-Y-specific cytotoxic effectors generated in mixed lymphocyte culture were Ly-1+2+ T cells. H-3-specific effectors comprised both Ly-1+2+ and Ly-1-2+ T cells. However, cytotoxic effectors specific for multiple non-H-2 H antigens were predominantly Ly-1-2+ T cells. The optimal generation of H-Y- and H-3-specific effectors required Ly-1+2+ T cells; optimal generation of multiple non-H-2 H antigen-specific effectors required an interaction between Ly-1+2- and Ly-1-2+ T cells. These observations suggest that the identity of the target H antigen in part determines the Ly type of responsive T cells. Our observations suggest that 2 alternative pathways of T cell response exist for non-H-2 H antigens. The first pathway involves an interaction between Ly-1+2- helper T cells and Ly-1-2+ cytotoxic effector precursors. The 2nd pathway simply involves the response of Ly-1+2+ T cells proliferating and generating H antigen-specific cytotoxic effectors.     

Murine trophoblast can be killed by lymphokine-activated killer cells

The ability of fetal trophoblast cells in the placenta to resist cell-mediated lysis may be important for successful pregnancy. Previous studies in this laboratory demonstrated that cultured midterm mouse trophoblast cells are not susceptible to allospecific CTL generated by standard in vitro protocols, to antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or to naive or IFN-activated NK cells, despite expressing the requisite target structures. However, we now report that murine trophoblast can be killed, in a non-MHC-specific manner, by LAK cells. Normal mouse spleen cells cultured for 4 days in IL-2-containing lymphokine preparations characteristically killed both NK-sensitive (YAC-1) and NK-resistant (EL4, P815) target cells, and mediated significant lysis of both cultured and freshly isolated trophoblast cells (35 to 55%, E/T 100/1). Pretreatment of the LAK cells with anti-ASGM1 antibody and C markedly reduced the lysis of trophoblast and YAC-1 targets, suggesting that the responsible cells belonged to the NK lineage. The ability of IL-2-activated NK cells to kill midterm murine trophoblast cells was confirmed using a population of highly lytic NK cells generated by culturing spleen cells from severe combined immunodeficiency mice in 500 U/ml rIL-2 for 5 days. These effector cells killed YAC-1, EL4 and P815 target cells at much lower E/T ratios than was achieved with the normal splenic LAK cells, and mediated significant lysis of both freshly isolated (45 to 50%, E/T 20/1) and cultured trophoblast cells (68 to 76%, E/T 20/1). The susceptibility of trophoblast to LAK cells and IL-2-activated NK cells supports the need for suppressor mechanisms regulating IL-2 activity at the maternal-fetal interface.