PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E S Vitetta

Publications and source records attributed to E S Vitetta.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

B cell-associated LFA-1 and T cell-associated ICAM-1 transiently cluster in the area of contact between interacting cells.

TNP-specific B cells interact with carrier-specific T hybridoma cells in an antigen-specific, MHC-restricted manner. The formation of T cell/B cell conjugates is time and temperature dependent and results in the formation of a broad area of close contact between the interacting cells. In order to determine which surface molecules on the two cells cluster at the interaction site. T cell/B cell conjugates were formalin-fixed at different times following conjugation and were stained with antibodies directed against cell surface molecules. Results of these studies indicate that the alpha- and beta-subunits of LFA-1 on B cells transiently cluster in the area of cell contact. Maximum clustering of LFA-1 occurs at 45 min, after which time LFA-1 redistributes on the surface of the B cells. Several other B cell-associated molecules (MHC Class II, ICAM-1, Ig, B220, J11D, or CD23) do not cluster at the interaction site at any time point. T cell-associated LFA-1 does not cluster with any specific pattern, but ICAM-1 does. Maximum clustering of ICAM-1 occurs 60 to 90 min after intercellular contact. After this time, ICAM-1 redistributes on the surface of the T cells. Although both the alpha- and beta-subunits of LFA-1 cluster at the interaction site on B cells, antibodies recognizing these subunits differ in their ability to affect conjugation. One antibody recognizing the alpha chain of LFA-1 (M17/4.2) inhibits T-cell/B cell conjugation, whereas another antibody that also recognizes the alpha chain-(G-48) enhances conjugation. In contrast, an antibody that recognizes LFA-1 beta (M18/2.a.8) has no effect. An antibody that recognizes ICAM-1 (YN/1.7), the ligand for LFA-1, inhibits conjugation. These data show that, during T cell/B cell interaction. LFA-1 on B cells and ICAM-1 on T cells transiently cluster with similar, albeit not identical, kinetics to the site of cell-cell contact.

Animals↗

The differential expression of homing and adhesion molecules on virgin and memory T cells in the mouse.

We have used an anti-CD45R mAb to identify virgin and memory CD4+ T cells. In this report, we demonstrate that in mice, as in humans, virgin and memory T cells express different levels of adhesion molecules. Splenic CD45Rlo memory T cells express higher levels of PgP-1, Lyt-1, and LFA-1 than do CD45Rhi virgin cells. In contrast, CD45Rlo memory cells express lower levels of antigens identified by the mAbs. Mel-14 (leukocyte homing receptor) and SM3G11. These observations are in agreement with work in humans and rats which suggests that differences in the levels of adhesion molecules and homing receptors might be related to the efficiency of activation and patterns of recirculation among virgin and memory T cells.

Animals↗

The response of B cells in spleen, Peyer's patches, and lymph nodes to LPS and IL-4.

The vast majority of B lymphocytes in the Peyer's patches (PP) and lymph nodes (LN) are memory cells or activated cells. Hence, in comparison to B lymphocytes in the spleen (SP), most B cells in these lymphoid organs have already encountered antigen. To further examine the ability of B cells in these peripheral lymphoid organs to respond to mitogens and interleukins in vitro, we have analyzed the ability of these cells (as compared to splenic B cells) to respond to LPS and LPS plus IL-4. Our results indicate that B cells from PPs and LNs proliferate poorly to LPS during the first 3 days of culture. In contrast, at later times, PP and LN B cells show enhanced proliferation as compared to splenic B cells. Furthermore, the addition of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) changes the proliferative activity of B cells from PPs and LNs, had only a minimal effect on splenic B cells. Hence, high doses of IL-4 (100 units/ml) enhance the proliferative rate of B cells from PPs and LNs early after activation, and have a suppressive effect at later times. The enhanced response of cells in PPs and LNs is further manifested by the presence of larger numbers of sIgG1+ cells 4 days after activation with LPS plus IL-4 and at 5 days these cells also secrete proportionally more IgG1 than splenic B cells. Enhanced IgG1 secretion is reflected in the methylation pattern of the s gamma 1 switch region of these cells. In cells from PP and LN cultured with LPS plus IL-4, most alleles containing the s gamma 1 region are demethylated or partly deleted, reflecting activation of this region of the Ig gene complex. In contrast, in splenic B cells, half the alleles remain in germline configuration. Our results suggest the presence of larger numbers of "preactivated" B cells in PPs and LNs as compared to spleen. These cells more rapidly secrete Ig following stimulation with LPS plus IL-4 in the absence of significant proliferation.

Animals↗

IFN-gamma enhances secretion of IgG2a from IgG2a-committed LPS-stimulated murine B cells: implications for the role of IFN-gamma in class switching.

IFN-gamma is a pleiotropic lymphokine that influences the isotypes of immunoglobulin secreted by B cells. IFN-gamma inhibits the secretion of IgG3, IgG2b, IgG1, and IgE, and enhances the secretion of IgG2a. We have examined the mechanism of IFN-gamma-mediated enhancement of IgG2a secretion in sorted populations of B cells and find that IFN-gamma reproducibly stimulates a twofold increase in the precursor frequency of IgG2a-secreting cells in the sIgG2a+ population. Additionally, we find that IFN-gamma does not induce an increase in the clone size of IgG2a-secreting cells. IFN-gamma stimulates a twofold increase in the precursor frequency of IgG2a-secreting cells from sIgG- and unsorted B cells which can be attributed to an increase in IgG2a secretion from IgG2a-committed cells in these populations. Hence, under the culture conditions utilized in these studies. IFN-gamma enhances IgG2a secretion from IgG2a-committed cells and does not induce a class switch.

Animals↗

Intracellular routing rather than cross-linking or rate of internalization determines the potency of immunotoxins directed against different epitopes of sIgD on murine B cells.

Several variables influence the potency of an immunotoxin (IT) prepared with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) and ricin A chain (IT-A). These include the affinity of the mAb, the nature and density of the target antigen (Ag), the epitope on the target Ag bound by the mAb, the type of cell target, and the rate of endocytosis and route of internalization of the bound IT-A. In a previous report, we demonstrated that anti-delta mAbs directed against epitopes which are putatively more proximal to the plasma membrane make more effective IT-As than those directed against epitopes that are putatively more distal from the plasma membrane. It is known that the latter mAbs cross-link sIgD less effectively than the former. Therefore, in the present study, we determined whether the differential cytotoxicity of IT-As directed against these epitopes is related to their ability to cross-link their specific surface antigen (sIgD). We further determined whether they were internalized at different rates by normal B cells. Our results show that neither cross-linking nor rate of internalization account for the different potencies of anti-Fc vs anti-Fd IT-As. However, when these IT-As were used in the presence of the lysosomotropic agent chloroquine, the less potent IT-A became 100-fold more potent and was as cytotoxic as the effective anti-Fc IT-A. Taken together with the results of other studies, these findings further support the hypothesis that the epitope specificity of a given mAb may be an important factor in determining the intracellular routing of an IT-A after internalization.

Animals↗

Virgin T cells do not provide help for antigen-specific B cells in the absence of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6.

We have used a mAb, 23G2, directed against the B exon of the murine CD45 molecule to identify and separate two subpopulations of normal peripheral CD4+ T cells. Examination of these two subpopulations indicates that they correspond to virgin (TV) (CD45RBhi) and memory (Tm) (CD45RBlo) cells. In this report we have determined the abilities of TV and Tm cells to provide antigen-specific, cognate help to hapten-specific antigen-binding B cells. To this end we have enriched Tv and Tm cell populations from splenic CD4+ T cells and have cultured these cells with TNP-specific antigen-binding cells (TNP-ABCs) and specific antigen. We then examined the ability of Tv and Tm cells to promote Ig secretion by the B cells. Both Tm and Tv cells interact with antigen-presenting B cells as assessed by proliferation and lymphokine secretion. However, Tm, but not Tv, cells promote substantial Ig secretion by TNP-ABCs in the presence of antigen. When either IL-6 or IL-4 plus IL-5 are added to cultures of Tc cells, B cells and antigen, Ig secretion is restored. Thus, Tv cells interact effectively with B cells to induce an activation signal, but in the absence of IL-4 plus IL-5 or IL-6 lymphokines, which are not secreted by Tv cells, these cells do not provide help for an antibody response. Hence, naive, peripheral Tv cells must undergo an antigen-dependent differentiation step into Tm and secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6 before they can induce B cells to secrete antibody.

Animals↗

Memory B and T cells.

Three remarkable and unique features of the immune system are specificity, diversity, and memory. Immunological memory involves both T and B cells and results in a secondary antibody response that is faster, of higher affinity, and results in the secretion of non-IgM isotypes of Ig. In this review we discuss the properties of memory T and B cells, their specific receptors, and the events which occur both in the nucleus and on the cell surface during generation and activation of these cells. Although memory T and B cells use different mechanisms to elaborate memory, there are a number of interesting analogies: lymphokines vs antibodies and affinity maturation of B cell antigen receptors vs upregulation of adhesion molecules on T cells. Finally, we discuss the importance of these cells in health and disease and suggest what impact additional information about these cells might have on the manipulation of the immune response.

Animals↗

Immunotoxins containing ricin or its A chain.

In this chapter we describe the development of first generation immunotoxins containing ricin and its A chain. The roles of the ligand, linker and toxin in generating highly specific in vivo reagents are discussed. The problems associated with first generation immunotoxins in the clinic, and the subsequent development and performance of second generation reagents are described. Finally, future directions for the successful application of these reagents to the therapy of cancer, autoimmunity, transplantation, and infectious diseases are outlined.

Animals↗

Cytotoxicity of a recombinant ricin-A-chain fusion protein containing a proteolytically-cleavable spacer sequence.

Chimeric proteins composed of ricin toxin A chain (RTA) and staphylococcal protein A (PA) have been produced in E. coli. Constructs consisting of N-terminal RTA and C-terminal PA (RTA-PA) or N-terminal PA and C-terminal (PA-RTA) were capable of binding to immunoglobulin G (via PA) and of specifically depurinating 28 S ribosomal RNA (via RTA). However, neither fusion protein was cytotoxic to antigen-bearing target cells in the presence of an appropriate monoclonal antibody presumably because the RTA could not be released from the PA within the cytosol where the ribosomal substrate of RTA is located. The overcome this, a short amino acid sequence from diphtheria toxin was engineered between the RTA and PA to produce a disulfide-linked loop containing a trypsin sensitive cleavage site. Cleavage of this fusion protein with trypsin converted the RTA-DT-PA to the two chain form consisting of RTA linked by a disulfide bond to PA. The cleaved fusion protein was highly toxic to Daudi cells coated with anti-immunoglobulin antibody suggesting that the RTA could be released from the PA by reduction within the cytosol.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Limiting dilution analysis of CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo T cells: further evidence that CD45Rlo cells are memory cells.

Murine CD4+ T cells can be separated into two distinct populations on the basis of their levels of expression of the CD45RB antigen (CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo). Murine CD45Rlo cells arise from CD45Rhi cells after antigenic exposure and provide antigen-specific help to B cells in a secondary immune response. In the present study, the ability of CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo cells to proliferate in response to either soluble antigen or allogeneic cells was examined by limiting dilution analysis. CD45Rhi cells were the major responding cells in unprimed animals; priming caused a large increase in the frequencies of responding CD45Rlo cells and this increase was evident 11 months later. These results further support the notion that CD4+ CD45Rlo cells are long-term memory cells.

Animals↗

Interleukin 4 induces changes in the chromatin structure of the gamma 1 switch region in resting B cells before switch recombination.

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) can induce the expression of IgG1 in sIgG- murine B cells stimulated with mitogens or through a cognate interaction with T helper (Th) cells. We have investigated the molecular basis for the IL-4-induced switch to IgG1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine B cells and have previously shown that IL-4 induces transcription of the gamma 1 switch region before switch recombination. We now demonstrate that IL-4 induces a DNase I hypersensitive site at the 5' end of the gamma 1 switch region in resting B cells. LPS is not required, but it enhances induction. Hence, the interaction of IL-4 with its receptor results in increased accessibility of the gamma 1 switch region. The more open chromatin structure and increased transcriptional activity may be important in the selection of this region for switch recombination.

Animals↗

Expression and functional properties of genetically engineered ricin B chain lacking galactose-binding activity.

Ricin is a potent plant toxin consisting of two disulfide-bonded subunits. The A chain of ricin is an N-glycosidase which inactivates 28 S RNA and inhibits protein synthesis. The B chain is a galactose-specific lectin with two galactose-binding sites. The genes encoding preproricin and its A and B chains have been cloned and expressed. In addition, X-ray crystallographic studies have identified the galactose-contact residues in both the high- and low-affinity galactose-binding sites of the B chain. In this study, the high-affinity galactose-contact residue of the B chain was changed from Asn-255 to Ala-255 by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The resulting mutant was sequenced to confirm the presence of a single mutation and was expressed in Cos-M6 cells. Both wild-type and mutant recombinant B chain could be immunoprecipitated with a heterologous anti-B chain antibody and both could form A-B heterodimers. However, as compared to the wild-type, the mutant B chain lacked more than 99% of its lectin activity and cytotoxicity as an A-B dimer. In conclusion, altering the contact residue of the high-affinity galactose-binding site of ricin B chain from Asn-255 to Ala-255 abrogates more than 99% of its lectin activity and the cytotoxicity of the A-B heterodimer to ricin-sensitive cells.

Asialoglycoproteins↗

Evaluation of ricin A chain-containing immunotoxins directed against different epitopes on the delta-chain of cell surface-associated IgD on murine B cells.

Over the past decade, immunotoxins (IT) composed of mAb covalently coupled to toxins or their subunits have been developed for the treatment of malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Despite specific binding to target cells, not every mAb makes a therapeutically potent ricin A chain-containing IT (IT-A). A number of variables influence the potency of a mAb as an IT-A, including the affinity of the mAb, the nature and density of the cell surface Ag, and the type of target cell used. The present report investigates the influence of the epitope specificity of a mAb on the effectiveness of that mAb as an IT-A. Seven mAb directed against different regions of the mouse delta H chain of surface IgD, were conjugated to deglycosylated ricin A chain, and tested for their ability to kill murine B cells. The panel of IT-A had similar A chain activities and similar binding avidities. However, the mAb directed against epitopes in the Fc portion of surface IgD made more effective IT-A than those directed against epitopes in the Fd region. Overall, the anti-Fc-A were approximately 60- to 150-fold more toxic than the anti-Fd-A. Taken together with previous studies, these findings suggest that the epitope on a target Ag recognized by a given mAb is an important variable in determining the potency of a mAb as an IT-A.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Functional and ontogenetic analysis of murine CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo CD4+ T cells.

CD4+ murine T cell clones, TH1 and TH2, can be distinguished by both functional responses and by their patterns of lymphokine secretion. Recently, a mAb, 23G2, which reacts with a subset of CD45 molecules (CD45R), has been reported to bind differentially to clones of TH1 and TH2 cells. In the present study, normal splenic T cells were analyzed for differences in 23G2-reactivity and were separated into two populations based on their density of CD45R (CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo). The CD45Rhi cells secrete more IL-2 than IL-4 after stimulation in vitro; the reverse is true for the CD45Rlo cells. Because neither population secretes only IL-2 or IL-4, we were unable to classify cells as TH1 or TH2. In vivo and in vitro analyses of the CD45Rhi and CD45Rlo cells suggest a lineage relationship between the two subsets that correlates with the degree of Ag exposure and the state of maturation of the mice. In newborn mice and mice raised under sterile conditions, splenic CD4+ T cells are predominantly CD45Rhi. Under conditions of increased antigenic exposure and maturation of the mice, CD45Rlo cells develop; after long term priming in vivo, the majority of specific Ag-reactive cells are CD45Rlo. Adoptive transfer studies using BALB/c nu/nu recipients demonstrate that CD45Rhi cells become CD45Rlo cells and that the recall response (IgG) to specific Ag is mediated by CD45Rlo cells. Taken together, these data indicate that the level of expression of CD45R on CD4+ T cells distinguishes virgin (CD45Rhi) from primed/memory (CD45Rlo) T cells in normal mice.

Animals↗

Disseminated or localized growth of a human B-cell tumor (Daudi) in SCID mice.

A human Burkitt lymphoma (Daudi) has been grown in the mutant mouse called C.B-17 SCID. Twenty-eight days after s.c. injection of Daudi cells, a palpable tumor grew only at the site of injection in all injected mice. In contrast, after intravenous (i.v.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, macroscopic, disseminated tumors developed. Following i.v. inoculation, tumors grew in the lungs, kidneys, ovaries and adipose tissue, and microscopic tumor infiltrates were observed in the spleen, bone marrow, spinal column and femur, whereas after i.p. injection, the tumors were localized in the abdomen, liver, spleen, ovaries and muscular tunics of the gut, but did not disseminate into the lung or bone marrow. The growth pattern and phenotype of the Daudi cells were similar whether the inoculated tumor cells were derived from the in vitro cell line or from in vivo passaged tumors. The survival time of the tumor-bearing animals was dependent on the dose of i.v.-administered Daudi cells; as few as 100 cells caused death. All mice injected i.v. showed paresis or paralysis of the hind legs just prior to death. This was associated with the presence of neoplastic nodules within the spinal canal. Two surface antigens on Daudi cells (CD19 and CD22) were stably expressed in all the neoplastic lesions. Radiolabelled anti-CD22 antibodies localized in organs infiltrated with tumor, but did not penetrate primary s.c. tumors. This model of disseminated vs. solid tumor should prove useful for evaluating the efficacy of different types and doses of therapeutic antibodies, immunoconjugates and immunotoxins prepared from anti-human B-cell antibodies.

Animals↗

Antigen-specific sIalo B cells do not secrete IgG2a in response to TH1 cells and antigen: responsiveness can be restored by IL-4.

The ability of Th cells, type 1 (TH1), to activate and induce differentiation of B cells into antibody-secreting cells is controversial because 1) some clones of TH1 cells provide help while others do not, and 2) by using the same TH1 clone, different laboratories disagree on whether they provide help to B cells. One possible explanation for the latter is the variability in the activation status of the B cells used in different laboratories. In the present studies, we have used Ag-specific B cells from athymic (nu/nu) mice, or sterilely housed nu/+ mice to study the TH1-mediated activation of B cells that had received little or no prior help from T cells and/or antigen in vivo. These B cells express low levels of surface Ia (sIa) Ag, and fail to secrete IgG2a in response to TH1 cells plus Ag; in contrast, responses to TH2 cells plus Ag are normal. To explore this observation further, we prepared "surface(s) Ia1o" B cells from conventionally housed BALB/c mice by sorting spleen cells on the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. This sIalo population also failed to produce IgG2a in response to TH1 cells plus Ag. In contrast, the sIahi, (presumably more mature) B cells, responded to both the TH1 and TH2 cells. The addition of LPS, TH2 cells or the lymphokine, IL-4, to cultures of sIalo B cells from normal or nu/nu mice (plus Ag and TH1 cells), restored IgG2a responses to control levels. Low sIa levels were not the sole cause of nonresponsiveness of the nu/nu B cells because a 24-h pulse with IL-4 restored sIa to control levels without restoring IgG2a production after activation with TH1 cells plus Ag. These data support the conclusion that sIalo B cells are immature and require an activation/maturation signal from IL-4 in vivo in order to respond to TH1 cells and Ag in vitro.

Animals↗

Large scale preparation of an immunoconjugate constructed with human recombinant CD4 and deglycosylated ricin A chain.

A method for the preparation and purification of large amounts (grams) of a conjugate containing recombinant CD4 antigen (rCD4) and chemically deglycosylated ricin A chain (dgA) is described. The cross-linking of rCD4 and dgA molecules was accomplished with N-succinimidyl-oxycarbonyl-alpha-methyl-(2-pyridyldithio)toluene (SMPT). The rCD4-dgA conjugate was purified by an automatic liquid chromatography system consisting of Blue-Sepharose CL-4B and Sephacryl S-200HR Pharmacia Bioprocess columns. The purified, endotoxin-free rCD4-dgA conjugate had a stable (hindered) disfulfide bond between rCD4 and dgA and was able to efficiently kill a human T cell line infected with HIV-1.

CD4 Antigens↗

Immunotoxins: new therapeutic reagents for autoimmunity, cancer, and AIDS.

Immunotoxins consist of cell-reactive ligands coupled to toxins or their toxic subunits. The ligands are usually antibodies, hormones, or growth factors and the toxins are of bacterial or plant origin. In vitro studies using A chain-containing immunotoxins specifically to kill tumor cells were successful and led to further experiments in vivo. Such studies, carried out over the past 5 years in both animals and humans, have demonstrated that the efficacy of immunotoxins in vivo is often poor, due to problems involving instability of the conjugate, inferior potency, inaccessibility of tumor cells, nonspecific binding to cells other than the target cells, and survival of antigen-negative mutants. In addition, immune responses against both the ligand and the A chain are usually elicited, precluding repeated therapy. During the past several years, there have been attempts to solve these problems and develop more effective immunotoxins.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗