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Biomedical subjects

M Luqman

Publications and source records attributed to M Luqman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Antigen-specific T cell tolerance down-regulates mast cell responses in vivo.

Fel d I is the major cat allergen that induces asthma and allergic rhinitis in humans. To investigate the mechanism of allergic responses to this allergen, a mouse model was developed. Mice sensitized to chain 1 of Fel d I exhibited T cell responses, B cell responses, and mast cell responses when challenged with the protein. Subcutaneous injections of peptides containing the dominant T cell epitopes of the allergen induced T cell tolerance in presensitized mice. When challenged with the allergen intratracheally, these tolerized mice produced a decreased amount of histamine in vivo. The decrease in histamine release was not solely dependent on the reduction of allergen-specific IgE. These data show that mast cell activity in mice with an ongoing sensitivity to allergen can be regulated through peptide-induced T cell tolerance.

Allergens↗

Bolus injection of aqueous antigen leads to a high density of T-cell-receptor ligand in the spleen, transient T-cell activation and anergy induction.

In vivo anergy can be modelled by administration of soluble peptide to T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice specific for the moth cytochrome c peptide 88-103 (MCCp). Two weeks after initial peptide treatment, T cells were present in normal numbers but were unresponsive to antigen stimulation in vitro. Only bolus injections of peptide, either subcutaneous or intravenous, were effective at inducing tolerance, while slowly released antigen administered via mini-osmotic pump failed to result in anergy. Examination of T cells soon after bolus peptide administration revealed that anergy induction was preceded by a transient hyperactivation of T cells in vivo. Within 2 hr of peptide treatment, interleukin-2 was detectable in the plasma of the transgenic mice. Interestingly, only bolus injections of peptide led to high levels of T-cell activation, while adjuvant emulsified and pump-administered peptide resulted in very low stimulation in vivo. When the dose of bolus-injected peptide used for tolerization was titrated, the extent of anergy induction directly correlated with the intensity of early T-cell activation. Indirect measurements of TCR-ligand density on the surface of antigen-presenting cells following peptide administration revealed that aqueous peptide delivered via bolus injection generated a large number of major histocompatibility complex-peptide complexes, while pump-delivered and adjuvant-emulsified peptide did not. These data suggest that high levels of TCR ligand are required for in vivo T-cell hyperactivation and induction of anergy.

Animals↗

Peripheral tolerance in T cell receptor-transgenic mice: evidence for T cell anergy.

T cell tolerance can be induced in adult mice by injection of soluble antigenic peptide. The underlying mechanism has been difficult to establish in normal mice due to the low precursor frequency of T cells specific for any given antigen. Therefore, we examined peripheral tolerance in mice transgenic for a T cell receptor specific for a cytochrome c peptide bound to I-Ek. Antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness could be induced in the transgenic mice. We followed the transgene-bearing T cells with a clonotypic monoclonal antibody and found similar numbers of clonotypic T cells in tolerized and control mice. To prevent de novo differentiation of T cells we analyzed thymectomized mice in which antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness was induced. Our analysis of thymectomized transgenic mice showed that antigen-specific T cell hyporesponsiveness following injection of peptide intravenously is not caused by gross elimination of T cells. These data provide evidence for the role of anergy in peripheral tolerance.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

IL-4 production by allergen-stimulated primary cultures: identification of basophils as the major IL-4-producing cell type.

As a potent inducing agent for IgE production and differentiation factor for allergen-specific Th2 cells, IL-4 is a key regulatory cytokine both in the pathogenesis of allergic disease and in the ongoing allergic response. The assay of in vitro IL-4 production has often been used to compare the allergen responses of T cells isolated from atopic and non-atopic subjects. Because peripheral blood basophils also have the capacity to respond to specific allergen by producing IL-4, we investigated the relative contribution of these two cell types to IL-4 production in allergen-stimulated primary cultures. Among unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the major producers of detectable IL-4 in primary in vitro cultures were found to be basophils based on: (i) an allergen dose-response corresponding closely to that required for basophil histamine release and lower than that required for T cell activation; (ii) a rapid time course for IL-4 production (detectable at 3 h), inconsistent with the typical activation requirements of fresh T cells; (iii) the production of comparable levels of IL-4 in cultures stimulated with allergen or anti-IgE; and (iv) the complete loss of detectable IL-4 production following specific depletion of basophils from PBMC. The T cells in these cultures were functionally able to produce IL-4, as demonstrated by mitogen activation of basophil-depleted PBMC. These findings demonstrate that although IL-4 production in primary in vitro cultures can be used as a sensitive indicator of allergen responsiveness, the accurate interpretation of this result requires identification of the responding cell type. Furthermore, these findings raise the possibility that basophil production of IL-4 early in the course of allergen stimulation may shape subsequent T cell responses both in vivo and in vitro.

Allergens↗

Control of memory CD4 T cell activation: MHC class II molecules on APCs and CD4 ligation inhibit memory but not naive CD4 T cells.

Memory or antigen-experienced CD4 T cells differ from naive CD4 T cells both phenotypically by cell surface marker expression, and functionally by their dissimilar pattern of cytokine secretion and activation requirements through their T cell receptor (TCR). We show here that activation of memory CD4 T cells (CD45RBlo subset), but not naive CD4 T cells (CD45RBhi subset), is inhibited by MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells and by CD4 ligation. We propose that the selective negative signal in memory cells is a direct result of the differences in signaling via CD4 and CD3, exemplified in the disparate pattern of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins visible after activation of the two subsets. In vivo, this inhibitory signal may serve to prevent irrelevant interactions between memory CD4 T cells and bystander MHC class II+ cells, and may also be responsible for the defective functioning of memory CD4 T cells in AIDS.

Animals↗

Activation requirements for CD4+ T cells differing in CD45R expression.

Murine CD4+ T cells can be subdivided into naive and memory T cells based on surface phenotype, on recall response to Ag, and on differences in activation requirements. Furthermore, several studies have shown that two signals are required for CD4+ T cell activation; one signal is provided by occupancy of the TCR and the other signal is provided by the APC. In this report, analysis of naive and memory CD4 T cells, separated on the basis of CD45 isoform expression, has shown that their requirements for two signals differ. Activation of memory CD4 T cells to proliferate and secrete IL-2/IL-4 only required occupancy of the TCR complex, whereas activation of naive CD4 T cells required an APC-derived signal as well. Moreover, the signal induced by anti-CD3 antibodies differs from the signal provided by anti-V beta cross-linking of the TCR because both antibodies activate memory CD4 T cells but only anti-CD3 activates naive CD4 T cells. Together these data suggest that the consequence of stimulation through the TCR/CD3 signal complex differs between memory and naive CD4 T cells.

Animals↗

Differential effect of interleukin 1 on naive and memory CD4+ T cells.

Freshly derived murine CD4+ T cells are divided into naive and memory cells based on the expression of CD45 isoforms. Cross-linking the T cell receptor CD3 complex either by plastic-bound anti-CD3 antibodies or the antibody presented on non-lymphoid Fc gamma receptor type II-positive Chinese hamster ovary cells in absence of competent antigen-presenting cells fails to activate naive cells to either secrete cytokines or to proliferate. In contrast, memory cells secrete their characteristic cytokines [interleukin (IL) 2, IL4, and interferon-gamma] and show significant proliferation to this stimulus. IL 1 however, is required for their optimal clonal expansion. Differential expression of IL 1 receptor mRNA in memory cells also correlate with their responsiveness to IL 1. Thus, these data reveal a basic difference in the requirements for activation of naive and memory CD4+ T cells.

Animals↗

Hepatitis C as a cause of chronic liver disease in northern Pakistan.

The antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) were tested in 45 histologically confirmed cases of chronic liver disease. Twelve cases had chronic hepatitis, 24 cirrhosis and 9 hepatocellular carcinoma. Anti-HCV was detected in 6 patients. Two (16.67%) were suffering from chronic hepatitis, 3 (12.5%) had cirrhosis and one (11.11%) hepatocellular carcinoma. None of the anti-HCV positive cases had past history of blood transfusion. The patients of chronic liver disease in this study had a much higher prevalence of HBV infection which indicates that in northern Pakistan hepatitis C virus infection is not a common cause of chronic liver disease whereas HBV infection plays an aetiological role in a much larger number of these cases.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Differential expression of the alternatively spliced exons of murine CD45 in Th1 and Th2 cell clones.

Antigen-specific murine CD4+ T cell clones can be divided into functionally distinct subsets known as Th1 and Th2. To date these cells have been indistinguishable by surface phenotype. This report identifies two anti-CD45R monoclonal antibodies (14.8 and C363.16A) that bind preferentially to Th2 cells. Further analysis of the CD45-specific mRNA in Th1 and Th2 cells shows clear differences between these two cell types. Th1 cell clones express mRNA for the two smallest forms of CD45 containing none or only one of the alternatively splices exons. In contrast, Th2 cell clones express predominantly the high molecular weight isoforms of CD45 containing two or three of the alternatively spliced exons.

Animals↗

Molecular associations on the T cell surface correlate with immunological memory.

Different isoforms of CD45 are expressed on naive and memory CD4 T cells in the mouse, as revealed by an antibody to a set of isoforms of CD45 that utilize exon B, called CD45RB. Cloned TH1 and TH2 lines also differ for expression of isoforms detected by this antibody. Differential expression of CD45 isoforms correlates with different behavior of cell surface molecules involved in transmembrane signal transduction. On naive T cells, CD4, CD45 and the CD3/T cell receptor complex behave as independent entities. On memory T cells, these three molecules are stably associated on the T cell surface. Furthermore, on TH2 cells, which express intermediate levels of CD45RB, CD4 is stably associated with CD45 isoforms other than CD45RB, but this complex is not associated with the CD3/T cell receptor. These results lead us to propose that immunological memory in CD4 T cells consists of an altered structure of the T cell's specific signal transduction apparatus controlled by low-molecular weight CD45 isoforms. This altered receptor structure would allow the more sensitive triggering of the T cell characteristic of memory cells. The organization of multimolecular signal transduction systems may be a general means by which cells alter their physiological behavior, allowing the acquisition of new phenotypic characteristics.

Animals↗

The use of ORS (Nimkol) in management of childhood diarrhoea by mothers in the suburbs of Rawalpindi-Islamabad.

A total of 595 respondents (200 from urban Kachi-abadis and 395 from rural communities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad) were interviewed for their knowledge about the use of ORS (Nimkol) in childhood diarrhoea. Most of the respondents were mothers with low literacy rate (23%). The prevalence of current diarrhoea among children was 36.8% on the day of interview whereas 57% of the children had history of having suffered from an episode of diarrhoea during the past two weeks. About 75% respondents claimed that they had an experience of using ORS (Nimkol). Most of them (72.1%) had used ORS (Nimkol) for childhood diarrhoea and dehydration and 28% had used it for diseases other than childhood diarrhoea or on doctor's advice. Only 11% mothers of children who were currently suffering from diarrhoea were using ORS (Nimkol) and a few mothers mentioned of giving home made fluid remedies like salt-water, salt-sugar-water or lemon-sugar-salt water for childhood diarrhoea. The use of ORS (Nimkol) was more common among the families with higher income. Regarding the preparation of ORS (Nimkol) solution, 57.8% respondents had fairly accurate knowledge. Fifty percent of the respondents had procured ORS (Nimkol) from the hospitals or clinics.

Age Factors↗

A monoclonal antibody to murine CD45R distinguishes CD4 T cell populations that produce different cytokines.

CD4 T cell clones have been shown to be functionally heterogeneous in the mouse. However, it is not known if normal CD4 T cells are also functionally heterogeneous, or whether functional specialization is a result of cloning and long-term culture. To approach this question, a monoclonal antibody reacting with a subset of CD4 T cells has been prepared by immunization of rats with different cloned T cell lines all sharing the same functional activity. This monoclonal antibody reacts with a subset of CD45 (T200) molecules by binding to a determinant requiring the expression of the second variable exon of the CD45 molecule. Some CD4 T cells bear high levels of this marker, while others react only weakly. This antibody was used to separate CD4 T cells into two subpopulations. The brightly staining population was found to produce interleukin (IL) 2 and not IL 4, while the weakly staining population produced IL 4 and not IL 2. These data demonstrate that CD4 T cells in normal mice are already functionally committed, and that they differentially express forms of CD45 that contain the second variable exon.

Animals↗

Immune recognition and effector function in subsets of CD4 T cells.

T cells expressing the cell surface differentiation antigen CD4 are involved in most immune responses. Our studies address two issues about CD4 T cell responses to antigen: first, how does the T cell receptor come together with its ligand to generate an immune response, and what is the role of the CD4 molecule in this response? Second, are all CD4 T cells identical in their functional activity, and how does the activating signal determine the functional outcome of a response? Our studies outlined below suggest that the T cell receptor and its peptide: class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule ligand come together in a defined orientation determined in part by the binding of CD4 to both the T cell receptor and its ligand. Our studies suggest that the V beta chain is involved directly in MHC antigen recognition, binding self MHC with low affinity and non-self MHC with high affinity. The selective effect of the Mls locus on V beta expression is believed to reflect the binding of the Mls protein directly to the V beta region. CD4 is described as a co-receptor, forming an inducible part of the T cell receptor and binding to the same class II MHC molecule as that receptor. Studies with both cloned lines and normal CD4 T cell populations suggest the existence of two separable subsets with definable function. One set appears to be specialized for the activation of the humoral immune response, while the other drives the cell-mediated immune responses, particularly those involving the activation of macrophages. These two subsets of CD4 T cells have differential activation requirements, seen particularly in the requirement for interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the activation and clonal expansion of CD4 T cells involved in humoral immunity. This requirement for IL-1 may also be observed in the priming of this subset of CD4 T cells. These studies demonstrate that the optimal activation of CD4+ T cells involves recognition of peptide fragments presented by class II MHC molecules and accessory signals derived from the antigen presenting cells.

Animals↗