Biomedical subjects

M T Berton

Publications and source records attributed to M T Berton.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

CD40 expression by gingival fibroblasts: correlation of phenotype with function.

CD40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor family, is constitutively expressed by cells of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic origin, including fibroblasts. Signaling through this receptor molecule regulates inflammatory cytokine secretion by many cell types. Based on the recently described cytokine secretory heterogeneity of fibroblast cell subsets, we hypothesized that secretion of inflammatory cytokines by gingival fibroblast cultures may be dictated by the existence of differential proportions of cytokine-secreting subpopulations which express high levels of CD40. After examining a large number of gingival fibroblast (GF) cultures we find that the frequency of IL-6- and IL-8-secreting cells mirrors the frequency of cells expressing high levels of CD40 in these cultures. In addition, we demonstrate a direct functional relationship between CD40 expression and IL-6 or IL-8 secretion by showing that ligation of this molecule on GF, and CD40+ fibroblast subsets in particular, up-regulates secretion of these cytokines in vitro.

CD40 Antigens↗

PubMed1995

Induction of germ-line gamma 1 and epsilon Ig gene expression in murine B cells. IL-4 and the CD40 ligand-CD40 interaction provide distinct but synergistic signals.

The interaction between B cell CD40 and its ligand (CD40L) on activated Th cells provides a critical signal necessary for T cell-dependent isotype switching. Previous studies suggest that this signal might be important in regulating isotype switching at the level of germ-line Ig transcription. To assess the effects of the CD40L-CD40 interaction on germ-line Ig transcript expression in murine B cells, a membrane-bound form of mouse CD40L was expressed in the baculovirus system. We show that stimulation of resting splenic B cells with CD40L-expressing Sf9 cells induces germ-line gamma 1 and epsilon transcripts independently of cytokines. The CD40-mediated induction cannot be blocked by anti-IL-4 Ab and is not mediated by other cytokines secreted endogenously in response to CD40 stimulation. Importantly, stimulation with CD40L and IL-4 together has a significant synergistic effect on germ-line transcript expression. Stimulation of CD40 does not activate the NF-IL-4-gamma 1 DNA binding factor believed to be required for IL-4-dependent germ-line gamma 1 transcription. Moreover, mutation of the NF-IL-4-gamma 1 DNA binding site in a germ-line gamma 1 promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct completely ablates IL-4 responsiveness but has no effect on responsiveness to CD40L in transient transfection assays. These results demonstrate that the CD40L-CD40 interaction and IL-4 activate germ-line Ig gene transcription by distinct but synergistic mechanisms and suggest that multiple signals may be required to induce sufficient germ-line transcription and/or germ-line transcript levels necessary to target switch recombination.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

IL-4 activates a latent DNA-binding factor that binds a shared IFN-gamma and IL-4 response element present in the germ-line gamma 1 Ig promoter.

IL-4 regulates transcription of the germ-line gamma 1 Ig gene in murine B cells and by doing so targets this isotype for switch recombination by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we have identified an IL-4-induced DNA-binding protein factor in murine B cells designated NF-IL-4-gamma 1. This factor binds specifically to a site within a 13-bp DNA sequence extending from -125 to -113 (5' CATTCACATGAAG 3') in the germ-line gamma 1 promoter and shown previously to be important for IL-4-responsive transcription. This sequence is highly homologous to the IFN-gamma activation site or GAS, and competitive binding studies demonstrate that NF-IL-4-gamma 1 can also bind to GAS elements in the promoters of two IFN-gamma-responsive genes and to an IL-4-responsive element in the germ-line epsilon Ig promoter. NF-IL-4-gamma 1 is rapidly induced in the absence of de novo protein synthesis and expression is sustained through day 4 of in vitro culture with IL-4 and LPS. Induction of NF-IL-4-gamma 1 is inhibited by the kinase inhibitor staurosporine and the factor itself requires phosphorylation for binding activity. The binding specificity and expression characteristics of NF-IL-4-gamma 1 suggest identity with other recently described IL-4-activated, GAS-binding factors that are members of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family of cytokine-responsive transcription factors.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Signaling via major histocompatibility complex class II molecules and antigen receptors enhances the B cell response to gp39/CD40 ligand.

Activated T cells induce proliferation and differentiation of resting B cells in vitro through their CD40 molecules and lymphokine receptors. However, despite constitutive B cell expression of CD40 and lymphokine receptors, widespread nonspecific polyclonal B cell activation by activated T cells is seldom observed in vivo. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that signals delivered via the B cell antigen (Ag) receptor (membrane immunoglobulin, mIg) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules enhance B cell responsiveness to CD40-mediated signals, providing specificity to the Ag-nonspecific, MHC-unrestricted CD40 signal. To test this hypothesis, both an Ag-specific mouse B cell clone CH12.LX, and freshly isolated resting splenic B cells were cultured with either soluble or membrane-bound forms of the T cell ligand for CD40 (CD40L), in the presence or absence of additional signals provided by Ag or anti-IgM, interleukin-4, and class II-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb). Differentiation of CH12.LX cells and proliferation of splenic B cells in response to both forms of CD40L was greatly enhanced by exposure to mIg-mediated signals, with greatest enhancement seen when cells were cultured with Ag prior to receiving other signals. Response to CD40L was further enhanced by concurrent culture with class II-specific, but not class I-specific mAb. Enhancement was greatest at limiting concentrations of CD40L. The ability of class II MHC-mediated signals to enhance Ag-specific B cell responsiveness to CD40-mediated signaling may selectively promote the activation of B cell clones capable of cognate interactions with helper T cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

CD40-CD40 ligand interactions stimulate B cell antigen processing.

The interactions between B cell CD40 and T cell CD40 ligand (CD40L) have been shown recently to play an important role in T cell-dependent activation of B cells. Here, we show that the ligation of CD40 stimulates the processing of antigen by B cells. The activation of an antigen-specific T cell hybrid by B cells co-cultured with insect cells expressing recombinant CD40L or with a CD40-specific monoclonal antibody requires less antigen and fewer B cells compared to control cells. The augmentation was observed both for processing initiated by antigen binding to and cross-linking the surface immunoglobulin, and processing of antigen taken up by fluid-phase pinocytosis. CD40 appears to affect a step in the intracellular processing of antigen, as CD40 has no effect on the presentation of an antigenic peptide which does not require processing. In addition, the CD40-induced augmentation of processing is not attributable to the effect of CD40 ligation on the cell surface expression of B7, LFA-1 or CD23. CD40 ligation does not affect the biosynthesis of the class II EK molecules, and although ligation of CD40 induces B cell proliferation, the augmentation of processing does not require proliferation. The ability of CD40 to stimulate B cell antigen processing has the potential to influence significantly the outcome of antigen-dependent T cell-B cell interactions.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1993

Frequency of B cells expressing germ-line gamma 1 transcripts upon IL-4 induction.

Murine B cells when activated with LPS and IL-4 have been shown to secrete IgG1 and IgE with corresponding H chain gene rearrangements. Using this system it has been previously demonstrated that transcription of gamma 1 and epsilon C region genes in their germ-line configuration occurs before switch recombination. Here, for the first time, the frequencies of B cells expressing germ-line gamma 1 transcripts are analyzed using in situ hybridization methodology. The results indicate that the combination of LPS and IL-4 induces a relatively low frequency of cells (5-12%) to express germ-line gamma 1 transcripts. Germ-line gamma 1 transcript-expressing cells were first detected on day 1 of culture with LPS and IL-4 and reached a maximum by days 3 to 5. The B cells that expressed germ-line gamma 1 transcripts appeared to be activated based on size and morphology. The frequency of B cells expressing germ-line gamma 1 transcripts approximated the frequency of C gamma 1+ plasma cells that appeared later in the cultures. These data may suggest a correlation between germ-line Ig transcript expression and the frequency of B cell precursors committed to the expression of a particular isotype.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Coexpression of mu and gamma 1 heavy chains can occur by a discontinuous transcription mechanism from the same unrearranged chromosome.

We previously documented that a single BCL1 leukemia cell can produce mu and gamma 1 immunoglobulin heavy chains with identical variable segments in an allelically excluded fashion without heavy chain constant region gene rearrangement. To understand the mechanism of dual mu/gamma 1 synthesis in BCL1 subclones, we have analyzed mature and pre-RNA at the nascent and steady-state levels. We find mu and gamma 1 sequences linked in pre-RNA. However, the primary mu and gamma 1 transcription units are about the same length (approximately 15 kilobases). Initiation of gamma 1 pre-RNA occurs upstream of C gamma 1 at sites identical to those seen in lipopolysaccharide/interleukin-4-induced normal B cells. We propose that dual mu/gamma 1 RNA synthesis occurs by a discontinuous transcription mechanism involving either trans-splicing or ligation of mu pre-RNA initiated 5' of the variable-diversity-joining region to gamma 1 pre-RNA initiated 5' of C gamma 1.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

IL-4-induced expression of germline gamma 1 transcripts in B cells following cognate interactions with T helper cells.

T cell-dependent B cell activation and the induction of isotype switching require antigen and direct contact with helper T (Th) cells. During activation, B cells can switch from the expression of IgM to that of IgG, IgE or IgA, depending on the lymphokines secreted by the Th cell with which they interact. Studies of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B cells have suggested that lymphokines regulate isotype switching via a transcriptional mechanism that increases the accessibility of downstream CH genes to a switch recombinase(s). To assess the roles of T cell contact and lymphokines in isotype switching, we have examined the accessibility model for the regulation of isotype switching to IgG1 in the context of cognate interactions between Th cells and normal B cells. We demonstrate that Th2 cells that secrete IL-4 can induce expression of germline gamma 1 transcripts in B cells. The steady-state level of germline gamma 1 transcripts induced by Th2 cells is enhanced as compared with the level induced by IL-4 alone or Il-4 and LPS also alters the relative usage of the germline gamma 1 transcription initiation sites. Enhanced expression of germline gamma 1 transcripts requires direct contact between T and B cells suggesting a role for T cell contact-mediated signals in regulating the accessibility of switch regions.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

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↗

PubMed1990

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↗

PubMed1989

Synthesis of germ-line gamma 1 immunoglobulin heavy-chain transcripts in resting B cells: induction by interleukin 4 and inhibition by interferon gamma.

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) induces the expression of IgG1 and IgE in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated B cells. Previous studies have suggested that heavy-chain class switching may be regulated by increasing the accessibility of specific switch regions to switch recombinases. In this study, we have used an RNase protection assay to demonstrate that IL-4 induces expression of germ-line gamma 1 transcripts in B cells within 4 hr of culture; induction is dose-dependent and is inhibited by interferon gamma. IL-4 alone is capable of inducing the expression of germ-line gamma 1 transcripts in small, resting B cells, but lipopolysaccharide enhances expression. The germ-line transcripts are the same size (1.8 and 3.4 kilobases) as the secreted and membrane forms of the functional gamma 1 mRNAs and presumably result from the splicing of an upstream switch-region exon(s) to the gamma 1 constant-region exon(s). These data strongly support the "accessibility" model for the regulation of isotype switching and suggest that lymphokines such as IL-4 may direct specific switch events by transcriptional activation of the corresponding switch regions.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

A monoclonal anti-mouse LFA-1 alpha antibody mimics the biological effects of B cell stimulatory factor-1 (BSF-1).

This study describes the generation of a monoclonal mouse x rat antibody (G-48) that recognizes a determinant on the serologically defined LFA-1 alpha-chain. It immunoprecipitates two noncovalently associated polypeptides of 176,000 and 95,000 Mr respectively from lysates of radioiodinated BCL1 cells, T cells, and B cells. G-48 mimics the biological actions of BSF-1 by inducing increased levels of Ia antigen expression on resting B cells, augmenting the proliferation of anti-delta-stimulated B cells, and in insolubilized form, inducing IgG1 secretion by LPS-activated B cells. G-48 does not have BCDF mu, BCGF II, nor IL 2 activity. These results demonstrate that LFA-1 plays an important role in B cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

The antigenic structure of the influenza B virus hemagglutinin: operational and topological mapping with monoclonal antibodies.

We have probed the antigenic structure of the influenza B virus hemagglutinin (HA) with monoclonal antibodies specific for the HA of influenza B virus, B/Oregon/5/80. Seventeen laboratory-selected antigenic variants of this virus were analyzed by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assays or ELISA and an operational antigenic map was constructed. In addition, the monoclonal antibodies were tested in a competitive binding assay to construct a topological map of the antigenic sites. In contrast to the influenza A virus HA, only a single immunodominant antigenic site composed of several overlapping clusters of epitopes was defined by the HI-positive antibodies. Three variants could be distinguished from the parental virus with polyclonal antisera by HI and infectivity reduction assays suggesting that changes in this antigenic site may be sufficient to provide an epidemiological advantage to influenza B viruses in nature. In addition, two nonoverlapping epitopes of unknown biological significance were identified in the competitive binding analysis by two monoclonal antibodies with no HI activity and little or no neutralizing activity. We previously identified single amino acid substitutions in the HAs of the antigenic variants used in this study (M. T. Berton, C. W. Naeve, and R. G. Webster (1984), J. Virol. 52, 919-927). These changes occurred in regions of the molecule which, by amino acid sequence alignment, appeared to correspond to proposed antigenic sites A and B on the H3 HA of influenza A virus. Correlation with the antigenic map established in this report, however, demonstrates that the amino acid residues actually contribute to a single antigenic site on the influenza B virus HA and suggests significant differences in the antigenic structures of the influenza A and B virus HAs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1984

Antigenic structure of the influenza B virus hemagglutinin: nucleotide sequence analysis of antigenic variants selected with monoclonal antibodies.

We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of influenza B virus B/Oregon/5/80 and, through comparative sequence analysis, identify amino acid substitutions in the HA1 polypeptide responsible for the antigenic alterations in laboratory-selected antigenic variants of this virus. The complete nucleotide sequence of the B/Oregon/5/80 HA gene was established by a combination of chemical sequencing of a full-length cDNA clone and dideoxy sequencing of the virion RNA. The nucleotide sequence is very similar to previously reported influenza B virus HA gene sequences and differs at only nine nucleotide positions from the B/Singapore/222/79 HA gene (Verhoeyen et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 11:4703-4712, 1983). The nucleotide sequences of the HA1 portions of the HA genes of 18 laboratory-selected antigenic variants were determined by the dideoxy method. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of the parental and variant HA1 polypeptides revealed 16 different amino acid substitutions at nine positions. All amino acid substitutions resulted from single-point mutations, and no double mutants were detected, demonstrating that as in the influenza A viruses, single amino acid substitutions are sufficient to alter the antigenicity of the HA molecule. Many of the amino acid substitutions in the variants occurred at positions also observed to change in natural drift strains. The substitutions appear to identify at least two immunodominant regions which correspond to proposed antigenic sites A and B on the influenza A virus H3 HA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1981

Analysis of antigenic drift in the haemagglutinin molecule of influenza B virus with monoclonal antibodies.

Antigenic drift in the haemagglutinin (HA) molecule of influenza B viruses was studied with monoclonal antibodies. Antigenic drift occurred in each of the 12 different epitopes studied and there was evidence that at least two antigenically distinguishable influenza B virus strains can co-circulate during an epidemic. The frequency of antigenic variation in the HA of influenza A strains. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests on antigenic variants selected with 12 different monoclonal antibodies suggested that the antigenic determinants could be subdivided into three partially overlapping groups. Many of the antigenic variants selected with monoclonal antibodies were distinguishable from the parental virus with post-infection ferret sera, suggesting that the majority of the variants that do occur could have epidemiological potential.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗