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L Flaherty

Publications and source records attributed to L Flaherty.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Removal of lymphocyte surface molecules with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C: effects on mitogen responses and evidence that ThB and certain Qa antigens are membrane-anchored via phosphatidylinositol.

We reported previously that the Thy-1 antigen was released from murine thymocytes and thymoma cells by S. aureus-derived phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). It is therefore part of a small group of proteins known to use a unique form of membrane attachment. This finding has now been extended in studies with peripheral lymphocytes and additional leukocyte markers. Retention of viability and responsiveness to LPS were excellent in PI-PLC-treated spleen cells and there was no appreciable effect on lectin-binding surface glycoproteins. Thy-1 regeneration was insignificant on unstimulated spleen cells within 24 hr of treatment, but nearly complete at this time with a continuously dividing cell line. In contrast to the result with LPS, responses to the mitogens Con A, PHA, and PWM were virtually eliminated. Of more than 40 monoclonal antibodies tested, only staining with ThB and particular Qa specificities were diminished by PI-PLC treatment. The latter included Qa-2, Qa-4, Qa-5, and possibly also Qa-6, whereas Qa-1, TLa, and other class I and class II histocompatibility antigens were unaffected. Although the validity of the Qa results seems assured by the total PI-PLC resistance of many other lymphocyte antigens, the pattern of release was notably different from that observed with Thy-1 and ThB. That is, the density of Qa-2 was usually unchanged on a subpopulation of Qa-2-positive cells. This raises interesting questions about lymphocyte heterogeneity and flexibility in the use of this form of surface protein anchoring. Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked proteins may be functionally significant in immunological responses, and this experimental approach should continue to be valuable for their identification and characterization.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Novel mRNA species from a Q-subregion class-I gene of the murine major histocompatibility complex.

A novel mRNA species is specified by the Q6/Q8 gene, a member of the Qa-2-determining family of class-I genes of the murine major histocompatibility complex. It is longer than all previously described class-I transcripts due to an extension at the 3' end of the mRNA past the predicted polyadenylation site. This mRNA was detected by Northern-blot analyses with single or low-copy-number probes to the 3' end of the Q6/Q8 gene. RNase protection experiments have confirmed this finding. The appearance of this mRNA in different strains of mice correlates with the synthesis of the Qa-2 molecule.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Analysis of Qa-2 antigen expression by preimplantation mouse embryos: possible relationship to the preimplantation-embryo-development (Ped) gene product.

The preimplantation-embryo-development (Ped) gene, a gene that controls the cleavage rate of preimplantation mouse embryos, maps to the Qa-2 subregion of the mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC). A highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure was used to detect Qa-2 antigens on mouse embryos. The use of a monoclonal antibody specific for Qa-2 antigens showed that Qa-2 antigens were present on oocytes, 2-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst-stage embryos, with the greatest expression found on blastocysts. Expression of Qa-2 antigens by the embryos correlated completely with Ped gene phenotype. Those embryos expressing the fast Ped allele showed the presence of Qa-2 antigens (Qa-2a mice), whereas those embryos expressing the slow Ped allele showed the absence of Qa-2 antigens (Qa-2b mice). It is hypothesized that the Qa-2 antigen may be the Ped gene product.

Alleles↗
PubMed1987

Macrophage-resistant murine simian virus 40 tumors express a retroviral type-specific gp70.

Prototype macrophage-resistant and -sensitive cells were subcloned. Among several subclones of the resistant line, one subclone showed partial reversion to a sensitive phenotype. Analysis with monoclonal antibodies specific for different serotypes of endogenous murine leukemia virus revealed that expression of only one such gp70 (gp70a) correlated with the macrophage-resistant phenotype.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Biochemical genetics of TL antigens.

TL antigens are class I glycoproteins which are expressed on thymocytes and which are coded by the Tla region of the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse. Biochemical analysis of TL molecules from different strains of mice revealed structural variation determined by the Tla region which is detectable by peptide mapping, isoelectric focusing, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, two-dimensional gels, and by differential reactivity of allelic forms of TL molecules with a panel of anti-TL reagents. The quantity of TL expressed on thymocytes is also influenced by the Tla region; three quantitative phenotypes were identified: high (Tlaa, Tlad, Tlae), intermediate (Tlac, Tlaf), and low (Tlab). (Relative amounts: 1000: 100: 1.) Some thymic leukemias arising in (Tlab, Tlac) mice with genetically determined reduced levels of thymic TL were found to express TL molecules which were structurally indistinguishable from TL isolated from thymocytes but were present in larger amounts. This suggests that TL structural genes are intrinsically capable of full expression in all mice but that the Tla region of mice expressing an intermediate or low quantity of TL is marked by some feature which causes the thymocyte to express less than the full amount of TL possible.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Extensive deletions in the Q region of the mouse major histocompatibility complex.

By use of Southern blot analyses and low copy number probes, the fine structure of the Q region of the mouse major histocompatibility complex was studied in more detail. With a probe recognizing the even-numbered genes Q4, Q6, and Q8, it was evident that Q4 and/or the regions flanking Q4 are polymorphic, whereas Q6 and Q8, and their flanking regions are nonpolymorphic. Perhaps the most noteworthy finding is that at least two strain haplotypes, H-2k and H-2f, possessed extensive deletions in the Q region. The most striking deletion was found in the H-2f haplotype, where the Q1 through Q9 genes appear to be missing. Because of these extensive deletions the functional importance of the Q region is questioned.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Autosomal dominance in a late-onset motor neuron disease in the mouse.

A late-onset neurological disease has been identified in a substrain of C57Bl/6 mice. The disorder is characterized by hindlimb weakness and ataxia starting at 5-11 months of age, progressing to severe spastic paralysis of all limbs, with premature death. Histopathology reveals degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons. Both sexes are affected; the mice are fertile, although breeding efficiency is reduced. In outcrosses to wild-type, symptoms have been observed in all obligate heterozygotes, with a similar age range for onset to that of homozygotes. We have designated this autosomal dominant disorder Motor neuron degeneration (Mnd).

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Expression of fibrinogen receptors during activation and subsequent desensitization of human platelets by epinephrine.

Epinephrine causes platelet aggregation and secretion by interacting with alpha 2-adrenergic receptors on the platelet surface. Platelet aggregation requires the binding of fibrinogen to a specific receptor on the membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex. Although the IIb-IIIa complex is identifiable on the surface of resting platelets, the fibrinogen receptor is expressed only after platelet activation. The current studies were designed to examine the effect of occupancy of platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors by epinephrine on the expression of fibrinogen receptors and on the aggregation of platelets. The ability of epinephrine to induce the expression of fibrinogen receptors was studied under two different conditions: acute stimulation (less than 1 min) and prolonged stimulation (50 to 90 min), the latter of which is associated with a reduction or "desensitization" of the platelet aggregation response. Expression of the fibrinogen receptor was monitored with 125I-fibrinogen as well as with 125I-PAC-1 (PAC-1), a monoclonal antibody that binds to the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex only after platelets are activated. Epinephrine caused an immediate increase in PAC-1 and fibrinogen binding that was dependent on occupancy of the alpha 2-receptor by epinephrine and on the presence of extracellular free Ca (KCa = 30 mumol/L). By itself, 1 mmol/L Mg was unable to support induction of the fibrinogen receptor by epinephrine. However, it did decrease the Ca requirement by about two orders of magnitude. Prolonged stimulation of unstirred platelets by epinephrine led to a 70% decrease in the aggregation response when the platelets were subsequently stirred. Despite their decreased aggregation response, desensitized platelets bound PAC-1 and fibrinogen normally, indicating that the loss of aggregation was not due simply to a decrease in fibrinogen receptor expression. Although desensitization was not affected by pretreatment of the platelets with aspirin, it was partially prevented when extracellular Ca was chelated by EDTA during the long incubation with epinephrine. These studies demonstrate that once platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors are occupied by epinephrine, extracellular Ca is involved in initiating the aggregation response by supporting the induction of the fibrinogen receptor and the binding of fibrinogen. Furthermore. Ca-dependent reactions subsequent to fibrinogen binding may be necessary for maximal platelet aggregation and are impaired when platelets become desensitized to epinephrine.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1985

Characterization of a Q subregion gene in the murine major histocompatibility complex.

We have used restriction enzyme digests, Southern blot analysis, and gene transfer experiments to identify a class I gene in the Q subregion of the murine major histocompatibility complex. By comparisons of class I genes from Q congeneic strains, five restriction fragment length polymorphisms were identified. Further studies of mutant (Qa-2-) and wild-type (Qa-2+) BALB/c sublines indicated that at least part of the structural or regulatory gene controlling a Q subregion antigen resides on a 3.7-kilobase Xba I DNA fragment and is absent in all tested Qa-2- strains. The spontaneously occurring Qa-2- BALB/cBy mutant appears to have an extensive deletion in this region. The identity of this gene was confirmed by gene transfer experiments as well as by the use of a single-copy probe.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Biochemical characterization of the molecules reactive with Qa-6 antiserum and the monoclonal antibody 20-8-4: evidence for structural similarity with the Qa-2 molecule.

The Qa-6 alloantigen and the molecule that crossreacts with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 20-8-4 have been shown to be serologically distinct from the Qa-2 alloantigen by strain distribution and tissue distribution, respectively. In this report, we address the biochemical relationships among Qa-2, Qa-6, and the 20-8-4 cross-reactive molecule by using immunoprecipitation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Each of these molecules had an apparent m.w. of approximately 41K and was associated on the cell surface with beta 2-microglobulin. Removal of N-linked oligosaccharides with endoglycosidase F reduced their apparent m.w. to approximately 33K to 34K. The determinants recognized by anti-Qa-6 and mAb 20-8-4 were shown to reside on the same molecule(s) precipitated by anti-Qa-2 sera by immunodepletion experiments. The mAb 20-8-4 was also shown to preclear the molecules detected by the Qa-6 and Qa-2 antisera. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrated complete co-migration of the approximately 41K molecules detected by the three antibodies. By peptide map analysis with V8 protease, all three molecules appeared identical. Also, the determinant recognized by Qa-6 antiserum co-modulated with that recognized by the anti-Qa-2 mAb D3.262. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the molecules recognized by these three antisera and/or mAb are biochemically indistinguishable. These data, in conjunction with the serologic and genetic findings suggest that mAb 20-8-4 recognizes a molecule that is biochemically similar and possibly identical to the Qa-2 antigen. Moreover, although the genetic, serologic, and biochemical data demonstrate that Qa-6 is not controlled by the Qa-2 locus, but rather by a gene telomeric to Qa-2, the molecule bearing the Qa-6 determinant is very similar, if not identical, to the Qa-2 molecule. Several possible explanations for these discrepancies are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Serologic cross-reactivity between Class I MHC molecules and an H-2-linked differentiation antigen as detected by monoclonal antibodies.

Analysis of anti-Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) monoclonal antibodies by immunofluorescence and flow microfluorometry demonstrated an unexpected cross-reactivity. Two of fifteen antibodies examined (20-8-4, anti-Kb,Kd,r,s and 34-1-2, antiKd,Dd,Kb,r,s,q,p) were observed to detect an antigen determined by gene(s) mapping to the right of H-2D. Two-color immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that this antigen, unlike classical H-2K and D antigens, was expressed in high amounts on peripheral T cells, but only weakly on Ia-positive cells and on small subpopulations of thymus and bone marrow cells. Mapping, absorption, blocking, and tissue distribution studies suggested that the cross-reactive antigen is Qa-like, but distinct from previously described Qa antigens. Thus, these data demonstrate serological cross-reactivity between a Class I MHC antigen and a differentiation antigen determined by genes linked to H-2. It seems likely that the gene responsible for this new antigen is one of the numerous Class I-like sequences detected by DNA hybridization analyses, but previously undefined in terms of tissue expression. These data suggest that many of these DNA sequences may be expressed in specific tissues and that cross-reactions of anti-Class I MAbs may provide useful probes for studying the products of such homologous genes.

Absorption↗
PubMed1984

Utilization of murine peripheral blood lymphocytes for H-2 typing.

We adapted the NIH Standard Protocol for HLA-A, B, C typing to perform murine H-2 typing. The assay is direct, measuring the cytotoxicity of the antiserum/cell/complement reaction with a supravital dye. This method is advantageous because it: utilizes peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained from the tail vein; uses microliter volumes of antiserum; is practical because the formalin fixed reactions need not be read immediately; involves standard and inexpensive cytotoxicity techniques; is easily interpreted and is readily reproducible.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

The Qa-1 alloantigens. II. Evidence for the expression of two Qa-1 molecules by the Qa-1d genotype and for cross-reactivity between Qa-1 and H-2K.

The nature of cell surface determinants detected by Qa-1-specific alloantisera and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in mice of the H-2f, Qa-1d genotype was investigated. The H-2f, Qa-1d strains A.CA and B10.M express both Qa-1a and Qa-1b encoded alloantigenic determinants (Qa-1.1 and Qa-1.2, respectively), as defined in the prototypic A (or B6-Tlaa) and C57BL/6 (or A-Tlab) strains, respectively. Both anti-Qa-1.1 and -Qa-1.2 sera immunoprecipitate 46K m.w. glycoproteins from H-2f, Qa-1d strains. In addition to 46K m.w. proteins, anti-Qa-1.1 sera, but not anti-Qa-1.2 sera, precipitate 55 to 75K m.w. proteins; the nature of these proteins and their relationship to Qa-1 is unclear at present. Sequential immunoprecipitation experiments and the analysis of several recombinant strains revealed that anti-Qa-1.1 sera also cross-react with a 46K m.w. H-2f-encoded alloantigen, probably H-2Kf. Both Qa-1.1 and the non-Qa-1.1 cross-reacting determinants were detected by polyclonal anti-Qa-1a CTL on the Qa-1d strains. The Qa-1a encoded but not the cross-reacting determinants were detected by a cloned anti-Qa-1a CTL line. Sequential immunoprecipitation experiments on the recombinant strains B6.AC2 and B10.M(17R), which are Qa-1d but not H-2Kf, revealed that the Qa-1.1 and Qa-1.2 determinants do not reside on the same molecule. Furthermore, although Qa-1b-encoded determinants were detected on these strains with anti-sera and with bulk CTL cultures, cloned anti-Qa-1b CTL lines thus far analyzed have failed to react with Qa-1d targets, indicating that some but not all of the prototypic Qa-1b-encoded determinants are expressed by the Qa-1d strains.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Antigen-specific soluble helper activity for murine major histocompatibility complex-encoded molecules. I. Kinetics of factor production after skin transplantation and genetic mapping of the H-2 region specificity.

Antigen-specific soluble helper molecules are produced during major histocompatibility complex-disparate allograft priming. Genetic mapping studies with appropriate recombinant and mutant lines of mice have defined the antigen specificities of the soluble helper molecules described here as being directed against the H-2Dd molecules. The production of antigen-specific helper molecules is a relatively early event after H-2Dd-region allograft priming. A later phase of factor production near the time of graft rejection also contains nonspecific helper factors and IL-2.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

The Qa2 subregion controls the expression of two antigens recognized by H-2-unrestricted cytotoxic T cells.

B6.KI mice were immunized with spleen cells from B6.K2, a Qa2-subregion congenic strain. Cytotoxic T cells were generated that recognize two target antigens controlled by this region. One of the target antigens is Qa-2. This was demonstrated by the findings that pretreatment of target cells with monoclonal anti-Qa-2 antibody blocked lysis of target cells, and Qa-2 target antigens and serological determinants had a concordant distribution on a panel of B10.W (wild) mice. The gene controlling the Qa-2 target antigen is not polymorphic because B6.K2 and three strains of Qa-2(+) B10.W mice express the same antigens, as determined by a CTL cold target competition assay. Anti-Qa-2 CTL were H-2 unrestricted because effector cells lysed Qa-2(+) targets irrespective of their H-2 haplotype, including five B 10.W strains, and lysis was not inhibited by pretreating target cells with anti-H-2 sera. The Qa2 subregion does not act as a restricting locus for anti-minor-H antigen CTL. A second target antigen was detected that was associated with the expression of the Qa-5 determinant. However, CTL activity could not be blocked by pretreating target cells with monoclonal anti-Qa-5. Therefore, the CTL target antigen may be expressed on a Qa-5(-) molecule. Although the Qa-5 associated CTL specificity is only detected on H-2D(b) strains, it is unlikely that CTL recognition is H-2 restricted because anti-H-2(b) sera has no effect in blocking this reactivity. Qa-2 and H-2 class I antigens share a similar structure and serve as target antigens for unrestricted CTL. However, unlike class I H-2 genes, Qa-2 neither restricts antigen-specific CTL nor is polymorphie. Therefore, it is likely that Qa-2 and H-2 are derived from a common ancestral gene and have evolved to serve different functions.

Animals↗