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J K Steele

Publications and source records attributed to J K Steele.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dissolved oxygen saturation controls PAH biodegradation in freshwater estuary sediments.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments and can represent a significant constituent of the carbon pool in coastal sediments. We report here the results of an 18-month seasonal study of PAH biodegradation and heterotrophic bacterial production and their controlling biogeochemical factors from 186 sediment samples taken in a tidally influenced freshwater estuary. For each sampling event, measurements were averaged from 25-45 stations covering approximately 250 km(2). There was a clear relationship between bacterial production and ambient temperature, but none between production and bottom water dissolved oxygen (DO) % saturation or PAH concentrations. In contrast with other studies, we found no effect of temperature on the biodegradation of naphthalene, phenanthrene, or fluoranthene. PAH mineralization correlated with bottom water DO saturation above 70% (r(2) > 0.99). These results suggest that the proportional utilization of PAH carbon to natural organic carbon is as much as three orders of magnitude higher during cooler months, when water temperatures are lower and DO % saturation is higher. Infusion of cooler, well-oxygenated water to the water column overlying contaminated sediments during the summer months may stimulate PAH metabolism preferentially over non-PAH organic matter.

Bacteria↗

Serologic, biologic and western blot analysis of human IgE-binding factor derived from a T cell hybridoma maintained in protein-free medium.

The human T cell hybridoma AC5 has been shown to produce an IgE-binding factor (IgEBF) upon stimulation with T cell mitogens, or anti-CD3 antibody. In this study, the line was established, propagated long term in a newly available serum-free, protein-free medium, and the factor it produced was analyzed. Serologic analysis, utilizing an ELISA assay and biotin-labeled human Ig of various isotypes, revealed that the IgEBF thus obtained was highly specific for the Ig epsilon-chain and was released primarily within the first 24 h after mitogen stimulation. Using biotin-labeled IgE as the detecting reagent, Western blot analysis of this factor demonstrated that the molecule was a single chain moiety of m.w. 64,000, and could be purified to apparent homogeneity by either DEAE or affinity (IgE column) chromatography. Detection of the IgEBF by ELISA and Western blot correlated well with activity in the previously employed rosette inhibition assay. Finally, purified IgEBF was found to suppress in vitro the production of IgE in the monoclonal human myeloma line U266, but not IgA or IgM-producing myelomas, providing evidence for the direct and specific regulatory action of this molecule on IgE-producing cells.

Antibody Specificity↗

Immunoregulatory activity of the T-cell receptor alpha chain demonstrated by retroviral gene transfer.

We have previously described an antigen-specific I-Ad-restricted T-cell hybridoma, A1.1, that constitutively releases an antigen-specific immunoregulatory activity into supernatants. Using retrovirally mediated gene transfer, we have found that transfer of the T-cell receptor alpha chain (TCR alpha) gene from A1.1 to a number of other T-cell hybridomas effectively transferred the ability to produce the activity. Gene transfer of the TCR beta chain (TCR beta), however, did not transfer this ability. The regulatory activity from cells expressing the A1.1 TCR alpha bound to and was eluted from an anti-TCR alpha monoclonal antibody and displayed fine antigenic specificity identical to that of supernatants from A1.1. The possibility that this activity represents a secreted form of the TCR alpha (as opposed to shed cell-surface TCR) was examined in BW1100 cells, lacking TCR alpha and TCR beta, which produced the antigen-specific activity after gene transfer of the A1.1 TCR alpha gene. The expression of the immunoregulatory activity in supernatants correlated with a direct antigen-binding activity as detected by ELISA, thus raising the possibility that antigen binding is relevant to the mechanism of action of the soluble TCR alpha. We discuss these observations and our earlier studies suggesting an immunoregulatory role for soluble TCR alpha.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alleviation of autoimmune disease in MRL-lpr mice by administration of Ye19.1, a monoclonal specific for the lpr T cell antigen, LTA.

The MRL-lpr murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has provided many insights into the pathology of human lupus. The model is characterized by an age-dependent expansion of a Thy-1+ alpha beta/CD3+ CD4-, CD8- T-cell subset in the nodes and spleen. In this study, a lpr T-cell specific monoclonal antibody, Ye19.1, was found to bind to a 200 kDa cell surface molecule (termed LTA) which has a phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) enzymatic function. The significance of this marker in the development of autoimmune pathology in MRL/lpr mice was also demonstrated; treatment of MRL-lpr mice with the Ye19.1 Ab was shown to retard the development of the autoimmune syndrome and to restore the T cell-dependent immune response to ovalbumin.

Aging↗

Serologic, biologic, and western blot analysis of a T suppressor factor with specificity for the hapten 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl derived from serum-free medium.

A T cell hybridoma producing a T suppressor factor (TsF) with specificity for the hapten nitrophenyl was converted to long term growth in serum-free medium and its product tested by serology, bioactivity, and Western blot analysis. Results indicated that Ag-specific suppressive activity was present in serum-free medium and this TsF could exhibit the characteristics ascribed to it by various groups: it could bind nominal Ag with specificity, it was bound by anti-TsF mAb, and it could mediate Ag-specific suppression both in vivo and in vitro. Western blot and SDS-PAGE analysis of this purified TsF revealed a 43-kDa single chain protein.

Animals↗

Relationships between antigen-specific helper and inducer suppressor T cell hybridomas.

Ts1, or inducer suppressor T cells, share many phenotypic and functional characteristics with helper/inducer subset of T cells. In order to evaluate the relationship between these cell types, we made a series of new Ts1 hybridomas by the fusion of Ts1 cells with the functionally TCR alpha/beta-negative BW thymoma (BW 1100). Three Ts1 hybridomas (CKB-Ts1-38, CKB-Ts1-53, and CKB-Ts1-81) were established that express TCR and produce Ag-specific suppressor factors constitutively, thus making it possible to study the nature and specificity of Ag receptors, MHC restriction, and lymphokine production by the Ts1 hybridomas. Results presented in this report demonstrate that all the Ts1 hybridomas described here express CD3-associated TCR-alpha beta. These three Ts1 hybridomas recognize Ag (NP-KLH) specifically in a growth inhibition assay and this recognition is restricted by IE molecules. Two of the hybridomas also produce IL-2 or IL-2 and IL-4 upon Ag-specific activation. Thus, by these three criteria the Ts1 hybridomas appear indistinguishable from Th cells. These three Ts1 hybridomas, however, release suppressor factors (TsF1) in the supernatant that suppress both in vivo DTH and in vitro PFC responses in an Ag-specific manner. Like the TsF1 factors characterized previously, the suppression mediated by these factors are Igh restricted and lack H-2 restriction. These factors mediate suppression when given in the induction phase but not during the effector phase of the immune response. The TsF1 factors are absorbed by Ag (NP-BSA), and anti-TCR affinity columns and the suppressor activity can be recovered by elution. The data are consistent with the interpretation that Ts1 inducer-suppressor T cells are related to Th cells; the feature that distinguishes these cells is the ability to produce Ag-binding factors that specifically suppress immune responses.

Animals↗

A monoclonal antibody raised to lipomodulin recognizes T suppressor factors in two independent hapten-specific suppressor networks.

Five different Ag-binding suppressor factors from two types of hapten-specific Ts cell hybridomas (TsF1 inducer and TsF3 effector factors) were bound by an anti-lipomodulin mAb (141-B9), that crossreacts with rodent glycosylation inhibition factor (GIF). The Ag-specific suppressor activity in these hybridoma supernatants was bound by anti-lipomodulin columns and could be recovered by elution at acid pH. Additional evidence for the expression of lipomodulin/GIF activity on these TsF molecules was demonstrated by the ability of the eluted fractions to inhibit the glycosylation of IgE-binding peptides during their biosynthesis. The same biologic activity is associated with GIF and lipomodulin. The relationship between TsF and lipomodulin/GIF was confirmed in a serologic assay, which showed that TsF1 and TsF3 molecules, whether purified over Ag, anti-IJ or anti-TsF columns, are recognized by the mAb. 141-B9. The combined results indicate that Ag-binding Ts factors share a common antigenic determinant with phospholipase inhibitory proteins such as lipomodulin and GIF. In addition, the demonstration of glycosylation regulatory activity carried on these TsF molecules suggests a possible mode for their bioactivity.

Animals↗

Preadministration of a T-suppressor factor enhances tumor immunity in DBA/2 mice.

Previously we have described the isolation and characterization of a T-suppressor factor (TsF) from a T cell hybridoma (A10F), which has a degree of specificity for the DBA/2 mastocytoma P815. Administration of A10F intravenously at the time of tumor cell injection resulted in an accelerated rate of tumor growth, decreased cytotoxic T lymphocyte antitumor activity, and reduced survival time. In the work reported here, we have shown that administration of affinity-enriched A10F 7-14 days prior to tumor cell injection causes what appear to be reverse effects, in that an enhanced resistance to the P815 tumor is observed in vivo, an effect which we can correlate with the demonstration of antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in vitro. These effects are dose-dependent since only doses of TsF at 20 micrograms or greater are effective. A similar effect was found when A10F was administered to DBA/2 mice 10 days prior to challenge with two unrelated tumors (L1210 and M-1). However, when another TsF (Fd11F) with apparent specificity for a nominal antigen was tested in this system, it had no effect on tumor growth.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Isolation and characterization of a T-suppressor factor specific for the lupus-associated autoantigen RNP-Sm.

We have previously described a monoclonal antibody, B16G, which has been found to be specific for T-cell derived suppressor factors (TsF). B16G has been shown to react with T-suppressor cells, TsF in the spleen of normal or tumor-bearing mice, the TsF produced by tumour-specific, or hapten-specific T-cell hybridomas, and with polyclonal whole human TsF isolated from tonsillar tissue. This pan-reactivity inherent to the B16G antibody suggests that it recognizes some common, shared epitope of the TsF molecule. In this study, we have used B16G as a probe to isolate a TsF-producing T-cell hybridoma, S-50, from CBA mice (H-2k) that is specific for the Lupus-associated antigen, RNP-Sm. The TsF bound specifically to RNP-Sm and inhibited the production of anti-RNP-Sm antibody cell cultures from MRL-lpr mice. SDS-PAGE analysis of purified S-50 TsF revealed a B16G-reactive band with a molecular weight of 43 kd.

Animals↗

Suppressor deletion therapy: selective elimination of T suppressor cells in vivo using a hematoporphyrin conjugated monoclonal antibody permits animals to reject syngeneic tumor cells.

A MAb (B16G) which recognizes a constant epitope on TsC and their soluble factors in DBA/2 mice has been described previously. In this study, we show that when this MAb is covalently linked to the photoactivable molecule Hp, and injected i.v. into P815 tumor-bearing mice which were subsequently exposed to light, tumors undergo permanent regression in 10%-40% of these mice (depending on the individual experiment). All control animals died within an average of 22-24 days after tumor cell injection. It is suggested that tumor regression is attributable to immune mechanisms facilitated by the elimination of a population of TsC. When splenocytes of B16G-Hp-treated mice were assayed in vitro for the generation of CTL active against P815 tumor cells, it was found that 24 h after treatment, a significant increase in killer cell activity was noted but that this effect was gone by 48h. We also show that B16G-Hp conjugates are capable in vitro of specifically killing cells of a TsC hybridoma, A10 (which has been shown previously to secrete a T suppressor factor reactive with P815 cell surface antigens). This conjugate had no cytotoxic effect on P815 cells under conditions in which A10 cells were killed.

Animals↗

Expression of CD3-associated antigen-binding receptors on suppressor T cells.

Three suppressor T (Ts)-cell hybridomas specific for 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl (NP) hapten were selected for surface expression of cluster determinant 3 (CD3) by using antibody (anti-CD3) or antigen (NP-bovine serum albumin) panning procedures followed by cloning at limiting dilution. The CD3-selected Ts hybridomas showed a 1-2 logarithmic enrichment in suppressor activity when compared to the parent lines; they also specifically bound NP-coupled sheep red blood cells in rosette assays. This antigen-binding ability could be down-modulated by anti-CD3 antibody. Similarly, surface expression of CD3 was specifically down-modulated by preincubation of these hybridomas with antigen. Anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody under reducing conditions coprecipitated a broad band of 38-50 kDa associated with two CD3 (25 and 16 kDa) bands. T-cell receptor, anti-alpha-specific monoclonal antibody also immunoprecipitated a broad band in the 41 to 49-kDa region. The combined results suggest that, like helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, Ts cells also bear antigen-specific receptors associated with CD3 molecules.

Animals↗

A monoclonal antibody raised to tumor-specific T cell-derived suppressor factors also recognizes T suppressor inducer factors of the 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl hapten suppressor network.

A monoclonal antibody (mAb), B16G, was raised from BALB/c mice immunized with affinity-purified T suppressor factors (TsF) specific for the murine mastocytoma P815. This mAb was found to bind to polyclonal TsF isolated from the spleens of tumor-bearing animals, and to the TsF released from a P815-specific T cell hybridoma. In this study, B16G was tested for its reactivity with TsF produced in the 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl hapten system. The factors from three types of suppressor T cell hybridomas, each representing the immortalized analogues of the inducer T suppressor cell (Ts1), transducer suppressor cell (Ts2), and effector suppressor cell (Ts3) network populations, were tested. B16G was found to be reactive with two sources of TsF1 as assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and delayed-type hypersensitivity bioassay. By contrast, TsF2 and TsF3 were nonreactive with B16G. These results indicate that B16G recognizes class-specific suppressor factor determinants, and that the transducer/effector factors of the network are apparently serologically distinct. Because the B16G mAb fails to recognize 4-hydroxy-3-nitro-phenyl acetyl-specific TsF3 that share idiotype-related determinants with TsF1 yet binds to TsF1 molecules that have interacted with antigen, the binding is apparently independent of the site of antigen recognition. Additionally, the results show that the tumor-specific TsF1 raised in one suppressor system share serologic determinants with anti-hapten TsF1 raised in another.

Animals↗

Isolation of an antigen-specific T suppressor factor that suppresses the in vivo response of DBA/2 mice to ferredoxin.

A T cell hybridoma (Fd11) has been produced from B10.D2 mice that secretes a putative antigen-specific T suppressor factor (TsF). The TsF is isolable from culture supernatants of Fd11 by affinity purification over columns containing either a monoclonal antibody (B16G) shown previously to be capable of binding murine TsF or ferredoxin (Fd), the nominal antigen to which the Fd11 TsF binds. Specificity of the Fd11 TsF for Fd was established by comparing it to another TsF isolated by us (A10 TsF) in a sandwich ELISA, and by demonstrating the specific reactivity to Fd of the hybridoma in calcium flux studies. The Fd11 affinity-purified TsF was shown to contain two major unique components with m.w. in the region of 80,000 and 35,000 when run on reducing polyacrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Specific immunosuppressive properties of Fd11 were demonstrated when Fd11 TsF (10 micrograms) was injected i.v. into Fd-primed syngeneic mice at the time of antigen boost. Fd11 TsF specifically and significantly diminished the secondary antibody response to Fd in DBA/2 mice.

Aminoquinolines↗

Characterization of an anti-idiotypic T cell hybridoma involved in the regulation of the immune response to the P815 mastocytoma.

We report the isolation and characterization of a T cell hybridoma (A29) which secretes a factor that exhibits anti-idiotypic and immune-modulating characteristics. The A29 cell line is thought to represent the hybrid analog of the Ts2 suppressor cell population in the cascade regulating the immune response to the P815 tumor in DBA/2 mice. The putative TsF2 molecule is reactive with the monoclonal antibody B16G, shown previously by us to bind a public specificity of T suppressor factors (TsF). A29 TsF also exhibits specific binding to a TsF1 secreted by another T cell hybridoma, A10, which shows specificity for antigen from the P815 tumor (this has been described previously). A29 itself does not exhibit binding to P815 antigens. Affinity-purified material from A29 appears to share characteristics with A10 molecules in that the predominant material has an apparent m.w. of 70,000. Studies with calcium flux of A29 cells showed that they respond significantly and specifically on exposure to A10 TsF stimulus. We showed further that affinity-purified A29 TsF molecules can specifically suppress the in vitro generation of syngeneic CTL to the P815 tumor, and that panning of DBA/2 splenocytes over A29-TsF-coated plates renders cell populations capable of generating a higher in vitro CTL response to P815 than appropriately treated controls.

Animals↗