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Biomedical subjects

R J Winchester

Publications and source records attributed to R J Winchester.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Engagement of CD14 on human monocytes terminates T cell proliferation by delivering a negative signal to T cells.

We have recently shown that engagement of the human monocytic Ag CD14 by murine mAb induces lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1-dependent homotypic adhesion. To determine whether CD14 plays a role in monocyte-T cell interactions, we tested the effect of anti-CD14 mAb on the proliferation of human T cells. Our results show that anti-CD14 mAb strongly inhibited T cell proliferation induced by Ag, anti-CD3 mAb, and mitogenic lectins. Inhibition by anti-CD14 mAb was epitope-dependent and required physical contact between monocytes and T cells. CD14 engagement did not affect IL-2R expression or IL-2 synthesis but induced a state of unresponsiveness that was not IL-2 specific; proliferation of anti-CD3-activated T cell blasts in response to both IL-2 and IL-4 was abrogated by addition of monocytes preincubated with anti-CD14 mAb. Inhibition of T cell proliferation after engagement of CD14 on monocytes was likely to result from delivery of a negative signal to T cells, rather than from disruption of a costimulatory monocyte-derived signal, because incubation of monocytes with anti-CD14 mAb also inhibited monocyte-independent T cell proliferation induced by PMA and ionophore. These results, together, point to a role of CD14 in the monocyte-dependent regulation of T cell proliferation.

Adult

Staurosporine inhibits neutrophil phagocytosis but not iC3b binding mediated by CR3 (CD11b/CD18).

C receptor CR3 (iC3b-receptor, CD11b/CD18) plays an essential role in several phagocytic and adhesive neutrophil functions. Recent evidence suggests that stimulus-induced phosphorylation of the CR3 beta-chain, CD18, may mediate certain neutrophil functions by transiently converting the molecule to an activated state. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor that blocks PMA-induced CD18 phosphorylation, was used to study the functional relevance of this event. Neutrophils adhered to glass were assayed for binding and phagocytosis of iC3b-opsonized sheep E (EC3bi) in the presence or absence of PMA and/or staurosporine. Binding of EC3bi was markedly increased, not only by PMA, but also by staurosporine and by a combination of both agents (three- to sevenfold). The enhancement of rosetting by staurosporine was likely caused by increased surface expression of CR3 via exocytosis of specific granular contents. In contrast, staurosporine alone did not stimulate phagocytosis of EC3bi and markedly inhibited PMA-induced phagocytosis. Staurosporine also inhibited phagocytosis of yeast beta glucan particles, a CR3 ligand that, in contrast to EC3bi, is bound and ingested without additional prior treatment with PMA. beta glucan phagocytosis was associated with a low level of CD18 phosphorylation. Staurosporine did not block phagocytosis in general, because this agent had relatively little effect on FcR-mediated phagocytosis. These data demonstrate that phagocytosis mediated by CR3 requires activation of CR3 via a staurosporine-sensitive pathway. Increased binding of EC3bi, a function of increased surface expression of CR3, does not require activation of CR3 by such a pathway, confirming previous evidence for the independence of these two phenomena. A direct role for CD18 phosphorylation in the activation of CR3 for phagocytosis is consistent with these data.

Alkaloids

Further DNA sequence microheterogeneity of the HLA-DR4/Dw13 haplotype group: importance of amino acid position 86 of the DR beta 1 chain for T-cell recognition.

Using the polymerase chain reaction we have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones corresponding to the polymorphic first domain of the DR beta 1 chain from the DR4, "Dw13" cell line, JHa. We have found that the JHa DR beta 1 allele differs from previously reported Dw13 alleles by a single amino acid substitution at position 86. The functional relevance of this polymorphism is supported by the reactivity pattern of a T-cell clone, E38. E38 is an alloreactive T-cell clone which reacts with all Dw14 stimulator cells and all Dw13-positive cells tested except the "Dw13"-positive homozygous typing cell line JHa. Inhibition studies with monoclonal antibodies revealed the stimulating determinant to be on DR and not on DQ or DP molecules. These data indicate that position 86 of the DR beta 1 chain can play an important role in the formation of determinants recognized by T cells.

Amino Acid Sequence

Expression of Ia and monocyte-macrophage lineage antigens in giant cell tumor of bone and related lesions.

An immunohistochemical study of six giant cell tumors of bone and eight related lesions (aneurysmal bone cyst, fibrous histiocytoma, and giant cell tumor of tendon sheath) was performed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed to the Ia and monocyte-macrophage lineage antigens. In all types of lesion, osteoclastlike multinucleate giant cells were negative for both types of antigen, but a proportion of mononuclear cells gave positive reactions. While the possibility that these cells are reactive cannot be excluded, in giant cell tumor and malignant fibrous histiocytoma, their frequency and their morphologic similarity to the rest of the tissue suggest that they may be an intrinsic part of the neoplasm. This finding is consistent with the presumed fibrohistiocytic nature of these tumors.

Acid Phosphatase

Differential expression of Ia antigens by rheumatoid synovial lining cells.

The differential expression of Ia antigens was studied in freshly isolated rheumatoid nonlymphoid synovial lining cells (SLC) and rheumatoid synovial fibroblast cell lines cultured in the presence of Interferon-gamma, using a large panel of anti-Ia reagents with monomorphic or polymorphic specificities. All the HLA-DR or -DQ specificities detectable on the corresponding peripheral blood B cells were also expressed in freshly isolated SLC. However, in all instances, the number of DR-positive SLC exceeded the percentage of cells expressing DQ antigens. In addition, the epitope expression of Ia antigens varied within the DR or DQ populations of Ia molecules as revealed by polymorphic reagents. Double-label experiments or using the ingestion of Latex particles as a marker demonstrated that the synovial macrophages (type I SLC) primarily bear the DR+DQ+ phenotype, while there is an additional population of nonphagocytic SLC (previously termed type II SLC) that has a DR+ and monocyte marker negative phenotype but did not have detectable levels of DQ antigens as analyzed by both fluorescence microscopy and cell sorter analysis. This latter population frequently had a morphology showing dendritic processes and rapidly lost the expression of Ia antigens upon culture. Cells with a similar, primarily DR+ phenotype were readily obtained in synovial fibroblast cultures after treatment with Interferon-gamma. These data suggest that there are two populations of Ia+ synovial lining cells: the synovial macrophages (type I cells) with the DR+DQ+ phenotype, and cells probably related to fibroblasts with a DR+ phenotype without detectable DQ antigens (type II cells). The fact that the latter phenotype could be induced by Interferon-gamma treatment of cultured synovial fibroblasts suggests that this mediator may have a similar role in vivo in the activation of certain synovial cell populations.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Susceptibility genetics of systemic lupus erythematosus.

The etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is determined in part by genetic factors which influence susceptibility to the disease. These factors presumably have a major role in determining the clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE. Certain newer observations which may pertain to an understanding of the genetic basis of SLE will be critically reviewed in this chapter. These observations are based on advances in the analysis of human SLE and the increased knowledge provided by various murine models of human autoimmune processes. However, the specific genes involved and the mechanisms by which they exert their effect are at present still unknown. Special attention will be given newer insights into the role of genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and their relationship to the genes encoding the T cell antigen receptor. The role of classic immunoglobulin genes as well as more complex mechanisms involving preferential maternal or paternal genetic effects are also discussed. The contribution of genes encoding complement and complement receptors toward the expression of the disease state are discussed in brief.

Animals

Ia antigens and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.

Since the first description of human leukocyte agglutination antibodies, knowledge of the MHC, particularly the Ia region, has grown immensely and it is now recognized as a major polymorphic multigene family involved in the regulation of immune response and disease susceptibility. This review examined the hypothesis that there is another level of complexity within the Ia system, beyond multiple loci and allelic series, that involves specific epitopes as the functionally important components of the Ia molecule. Certain of these epitopes are likely to be responsible for the regulation of immune responses and susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Evidence was presented that certain monoclonal antibodies recognize epitopes found in a significantly more positive association with susceptibility to RA than available markers such as DR4. Biochemical characterization of the Ia molecules bearing this epitope revealed that the same epitope was present on two different molecules. The possibility was considered that such epitopes are closely related but not identical to Ia determinants that are primarily involved in producing the abnormal immune state characterizing those with RA.

Alleles

Ia determinants on stimulated human T lymphocytes. Occurrence on mitogen- and antigen-activated T cells.

Human T-cell blasts were generated by stimulation with mitogens and antigens. A proportion of these blasts expressed Ia antigens detectable by immunofluorescence with both allo- and hetero-antiserums. The maximal expression of Ia antigens was delayed and usually occurred after the peak of blastogenesis. Among the three mitogens used, pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was most effective in giving a high percentage and intense Ia staining of T-cell blasts. Phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A blasts gave weaker and lower percentages of Ia staining. Activation by alloantigens and soluble antigens such as tetanus toxoid and purified protein derivative resulted in Ia expression on T cells comparable to PWM stimulation. Depletion of Ia+ cells from freshly isolated T cells with anti-Ia and complement decreased subsequent Ia expression, suggesting that a proportion of Ia+ blasts were derived from Ia-bearing peripheral blood T cells. When the specificities of the Ia antigens on T-cell blasts were examined with alloantiserums, it was evident that the T blasts expressed similar HLA-DR determinants to those on B cells from the same donor; occasional minor differences between stimulated T cells and autologous B-cell lines or fresh B cells were encountered.

Cells, Cultured

Human megakaryocytes. I. Characterization of the membrane and cytoplasmic components of isolated marrow megakaryocytes.

Human marrow megakaryocytes have been isolated with high purity and yield by processing marrow cells sequentially through density centrifugation and velocity sedimentation. Analysis of the isolated cells for various platelet-associated components by immunofluorescence demonstrated that fibrinogen, plasma factor VIII antigen (factor VIII:AGN) platelet myosin, platelet glycoproteins I and III are present on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of over 90% of marrow megakaryocytes. Parallel studies of human and mouse megakaryocytes and platelets for IgG receptor (FcR), complement receptor type one (CR1) (C3b receptor), complement receptor type two (CR2) (C3d receptor), and Ia antigen by fluorescence and (or) rosette formation methods were performed. FcR were present on most human megakaryocytes and platelets. The Ia antigen was detected on a proportion (10-15%) of human megakaryocytes but it was undetectable on human platelets. CR1 was found on 20-40% of mouse megakaryocytes and also on a proportion of mouse platelets. These differentiation markers may be of use in monitoring megakaryocyte maturation.

Animals

Association of HLA-DRw2 with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 38 patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) were tested for HLA-A, -B, and -C alloantigens. Isolated B lymphocytes from 20 of these patients were tested for HLA-DRw (Ia) alloantigens. The profile of HLA alloantigens in the patients with AITP was significantly different from that of a matched control population. The most significant finding was the presence of the HLA-DRw2 alloantigen in 75% of patients as compared with 23% in the control population, P less than 0.001, relative risk 10.0 (A relative risk of 1 would indicate no association between the presence of the antigen and the disease.) The co-occurrence of either A3 and B7 (known to be in linkage disequilibrium with DRw2) or A26 and Bw38 was significantly increased as compared with the control population (P less than 0.001). Of the patients positive for DRw2, 47% had the association A26 and Bw38 as compared with the control population association incidence of 21% (P less than 0.1). Thus, in the patient population, A26-Bw38 appears to be a haplotype that is in linkage disequilibrium with DRw2 (as presumably is the case with A3-B7). These data indicate that a predisposition to AITP is inherited with a DRw2 gene of the major histocompatibility system.

Autoimmune Diseases

Poor mixed lymphocyte reaction stimulatory capacity of leukemic B cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients despite the presence of Ia antigens.

The human Ia-like antigens, selectively expressed on B lymphocytes, are now recognized to be closely associated with, or identical to, the gene products of the major histocompatibility complex responsible for stimulation in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. The leukemic B lymphocytes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia express these antigens very well. In the present study they were readily detected by several techniques utilizing both allo- and heteroantisera. However, the leukemic B cells from most patients were found to be extremely poor stimulating cells in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. This was particularly apparent when comparisons were made on a B-cell basis with isolated normal B lymphocytes. Leukemic cell death, abnormal kinetics of leukemic cell-mediated stimulation, and serum or cellular suppressor factors do not appear to explain these findings. Studies comparing cells from a leukemic patient with those of her HLA identical sibling and results of mixed lymphocyte reactions between normal and leukemic subjects discordant for D-region-associated Ia antigens ruled out genetic explanations for the differences observed. Experiments with normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells depleted of T cells and monocytes exclude the quantitative deficiency of monocytes which is found in the peripheral blood of most leukemic patients as an explanation. The present results with chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells indicate that the mere expression of the Ia-like antigens by cell populations does not render them effective stimulators. The accumulated evidence obtained indicate that abnormalities, particularly of membrane function and metabolism, known to occur in chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes may be involved in the poor stimulatory capacity of the leukemic B cells.

Animals

Chronic Lyme arthritis. Clinical and immunogenetic differentiation from rheumatoid arthritis.

Ten patients with Lyme arthritis have developed chronic involvement of one or both knees. Lyme arthritis was diagnosed by onset with erythema chronicum migrans (six patients); residence in Lyme, Connecticut (eight); seasonal onset in summer and early fall (nine); early periods of short recurrent attacks (nine); absence of rheumatoid factor (nine); and absence of symmetrical polyarthritis, morning stiffness, subcutaneous nodules, or antinuclear antibodies (in all). Five patients had synovectomies; pannus formation and underlying cartilage erosion were present in all. Seven of the 10 patients had the same B-cell alloantigen, DRw2 (frequency in normal control subjects, 22% [P less than 0.005]), but did not have an increased frequency of the alloantigens associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic Lyme arthritis, the result of an apparent tick-transmitted infection, resembles rheumatoid arthritis pathologically but generally differs from it in both prearticular and immunogenetic characteristics.

Adolescent

Comparison of various tests for Fc receptors on different human lymphocyte sub populations.

Six different immune complex test systems for the detection of IgG Fc receptors were applied to the study of various human lymphocyte populations. The extent of binding varied widely according to the system and the cell type employed. Two systems bound preferentially to a high proportion of B lymphocytes from peripheral blood or tonsils, one of which bound with only a very few T cells. In contrast, four other test systems which bound well with the Fc receptors on T lymphocytes gave weaker reactions with Fc receptors on B cells. The reactivity of Fc receptors on null or third population lymphocytes was similar to that of the Fc-positive T cells. Pronase digestion experiments showed a graded selective loss of reactivity with the different Fc reagents. No one system was optimal for all of the lymphocyte populations, although aggregated IgG exhibited the broadest spectrum of reactivity. A pronounced effect of temperature was evident on the binding reactions, and native IgG showed strong binding at 4 degrees C, particularly to the Fc receptors on T cells.

Antigen-Antibody Complex

Disease associations of the Ia-like human alloantigens. Contrasting patterns in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Increasing evidence has been obtained of the special value of Ia-like B-cell alloantisera for demonstrating disease associations with histocompatibility antigens. This was particularly evident for the study of the immunogenetics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), two conditions frequently considered related. The profiles of antigens recognized by the alloantisera in patients from each disease group was distinctive. Two types of alloantisera were obtained that illustrated the divergence between the twod iseases. One type showed a higher than normal incidence in RA but lower than normal in SLE; the other showed a higher incidence in SLE. While these sera were not totally defined, evidence was obtained that the SLE-reactive alloantiserum related to two alleles of the major histocompatibility complex DRw2 and DRw3, while the RA-reactive alloantiserum related to a common specificity shared by cells positive for either DRw4, DRw7, or DRw10. The data indicate that immunogenetic factors are relevant to the development of both RA and SLE, but that these are distinct for each disease.

Antigens, Surface

Inhibition of human erythropoietic colony formation in culture by treatment with Ia antisera.

Incubation with Ia antiserum, followed by complement, markedly inhibited erythroid colonies arising from hematopoietic cells present in the nonadherent low density fractions of normal bone marrow. Both erythropoietin-dependent colonies and bursts were eliminated at dilutions of antiserum equivalent to, or greater than the dilutions required to abolish the granulocyte-macrophage colony formation. The inhibitory effect of the Ia antiserum was abolished by absorption with B but not T cells from lymphoid lines. Available evidence suggested that Ia determinants are expressed on the erythropoietin-sensitive progenitors of the erythroid series in precise analogy to their sequence of expression on the granulocyte lineage. In both lineages, as shown previously, the Ia determinants become undetectable during subsequent stages of differentiation.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions