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T D Geppert

Publications and source records attributed to T D Geppert.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Analysis of T cell signaling by class I MHC molecules: the cytoplasmic domain is not required for signal transduction.

The structural requirements for signal transduction by class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules were examined. Native or mutant HLA-A2 or HLA-B27 constructs lacking most of their cytoplasmic domains were co-transfected with pSV2neo into Jurkat cells. Transfection of either native or mutant constructs resulted in a comparable expression of the gene products. Stimulation of transfectants expressing either native or truncated A2 or B27 molecules with specific mAb evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i upon crosslinking. Moreover, crosslinking native or truncated A2 or B27 induced IL-2 production upon co-stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate. These results confirm that crosslinking class I MHC molecules transduces an activation signal to human T cells. Effective signaling was observed when all but four of the intracytoplasmic residues were deleted, indicating that signal transduction does not require this portion of the molecule.

Animals↗

Regulatory role of microfilaments in the induction of T4 cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production.

The role of microfilaments in human T4 cell proliferation and lymphokine production triggered via various pathways of activation was examined by investigating the effects of cytochalasins on these responses. The data demonstrate that the effects of cytochalasins vary depending on the nature of the stimulus and on the concentration of the cytochalasin. Concentrations of cytochalasin that would be expected to bind both the low and high affinity binding sites (5-20 microM), that represent cytosolic and surface actin filaments, respectively inhibited T4 cell proliferation regardless of the stimulus. T4 cell proliferation stimulated by antigen-bearing APC or anti-CD3 was inhibited much more markedly than responses stimulated by ionomycin and PMA. In contrast, concentrations of cytochalasin expected to bind only high affinity binding sites (0.125-1 microM), represented by surface actin filaments, enhanced T4 cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production stimulated by mAb to CD2, CD3, or class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, but not those induced by mAb to the T cell receptor, paraformaldehyde fixed, or viable antigen-bearing APC, allogeneic APC, or ionomycin and PMA. The enhancing effect of cytochalasins on responses stimulated by cross-linking class I MHC molecules was studied in detail. Enhancement of T4 cell proliferation induced in this manner required that cytochalasin B was present between 4 and 18 hr of culture, but not before or after. The data demonstrate that T cell microfilaments play a number of roles in determining the magnitude of T cell responses induced by engaging specific cell surface receptors and imply that different components of the microfilament system exert opposing intrinsic regulatory effects on T cell function.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Activation of human T cell clones and Jurkat cells by cross-linking class I MHC molecules.

Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on human T cell clones by reacting them with various mAb directed at either monomorphic or polymorphic determinants on class I MHC molecules followed by cross-linking with GaMIg stimulated a rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and induced proliferation and IL-2 production. T cell clones varied in the mean density of class I MHC molecules and the capacity to respond to mAb to class I MHC molecules. However, the functional responses of the clones did not correlate with class I MHC density or the CD4/CD8 phenotype. mAb to polymorphic class I MHC determinants were less able to induce an increase in [Ca2+]i and a functional response in the T cell clones. Additive stimulatory effects were noted when mAb against both HLA-A and HLA-B determinants were employed. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on Jurkat cells induced a rise by [Ca2+]i and induced IL-2 production upon co-stimulation with PMA. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on mutant Jurkat cells that expressed diminished levels of CD3 and were unable to produce IL-2 in response to anti-CD3 stimulation triggered both a rise in [Ca2+]i and IL-2 production with PMA co-stimulation. In contrast, cross-linking class I MHC molecules on mutant Jurkat cells that were CD3- stimulated neither a rise in [Ca2+]i nor IL-2 production. The combination of mAb to CD28 or ionomycin and PMA, however, was able to induce IL-2 production by CD3- Jurkat cells. The data demonstrate that cross-linking class I MHC molecules delivers a functionally important signal to T cell clones and Jurkat cells and indicate that class I MHC molecules may function to transduce activation signals to T cells. In addition, the data demonstrate that transmission of an activation signal via class I MHC molecules requires CD3 expression. The data, therefore, support a central role for CD3 in the transduction of activation signals to T cells via class I MHC molecules.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Precursor frequency of human T4 cells responding to stimulation through the CD3 molecular complex: role of various cytokines in promoting growth and IL2 production.

The frequency of human T4 cells induced to grow and produce IL2 in response to the anti-CD3 mAb, 64.1, was examined. T4 cells were cultured at limiting dilution and stimulated with either soluble or immobilized 64.1 in the presence of various cytokines and/or irradiated B lymphoblastoid cells as accessory cells (AC). The frequency of responding cells was assessed by examining wells microscopically for visible growth and supernatants for IL2. Immobilized, but not soluble, 64.1 was able to induce T4 cells to grow in the complete absence of AC, but only when exogenous cytokines were present. IL2 was most effective at supporting T4 cell growth in this system, with a mean of 26.0 +/- 3.8% of immobilized 64.1-activated T4 cells generating a colony in cultures supplemented with IL2. IL4 could also support the growth of immobilized 64.1-activated T4 cells, but the frequency of responding cells was much lower (3.7 +/- 0.9%). The combination of IL2 and IL4 was not more effective than IL2 alone. TNF alpha, IL1 beta, and IL6 were unable to support T4 cell growth alone, but each increased the frequency of T4 cells responding in the presence of IL2. AC could support the growth of a small number of 64.1-stimulated T4 cells in the absence of exogenous IL2 and enhanced the frequency of T4 cells responding to immobilized 64.1 in the presence of IL2. The percentage of immobilized 64.1-stimulated T4 cells producing IL2 was also examined. Immobilized 64.1 stimulated less than 1.4 in 1000 T4 cells to produce IL2 in the absence of AC and neither IL4 nor TNF alpha enhanced this response. Fixed AC and IL1 beta, on the other hand, caused a small increase in the frequency of immobilized 64.1-activated T4 cells that secreted IL2. The frequency of T4 cells stimulated to produce IL2 by immobilized 64.1 was greatly enhanced by the addition of AC. The data indicate that in the absence of AC, a stimulatory matrix of immobilized 64.1 is sufficient for some T4 cells to be activated to become IL2 or IL4 responsive and for a smaller percentage to secrete IL2. Additional T4 cells require IL1 beta, TNF alpha, IL6, or AC to become IL2 responsive, whereas only IL1 beta and AC can promote IL2 production. In the presence of AC, the amount of cytokine produced endogenously appears to be sufficient to sustain the growth of some T4 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Antigen presentation at the inflammatory site.

The introduction of antigen into tissues can induce an inflammatory response initiated by antigen-specific T lymphocytes. Central to this process is the recognition of antigen by specific T cells that cannot respond to intact antigen directly, but rather recognize antigenic fragments in association with gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) displayed by an antigen-presenting cell. To present antigen effectively, a cell must internalize antigen, process it to the immunogenic moiety, present the antigen in the context of a MHC molecule, and deliver various antigen-nonspecific signals required for T-cell activation. At the initiation of an immune response, the cells with the capacity to perform all of these functions are limited to a few specialized cell types, including monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, and Langerhans cells. Once the immune response has been initiated, however, cytokines and other factors, released by activated cells at the inflammatory site, stimulate a variety of changes in various cell types that alter their capacity to function as antigen-presenting cells and facilitate antigen-induced T-cell activation. Therefore, as the immunologically mediated inflammatory response evolves, a variety of changes occur within the local environment that enhance and/or modulate the capacity of T cells to recognize and respond to the inciting antigen. The purpose of this review is to catalog the changes in the function of antigen-presenting cells at inflammatory sites that might alter the nature of the immune response.

Animals↗

T4 cell activation by immobilized phytohemagglutinin: differential capacity to induce IL-2 responsiveness and IL-2 production.

Soluble mitogens, such as PHA induce accessory cell (AC)-dependent T cell proliferation. One function of the AC is to create a stimulatory matrix. Therefore, experiments were carried out to determine whether PHA immobilized onto microtiter plates could stimulate T cells in the absence of AC. Peripheral blood T4 cells were cultured under limiting dilution conditions with either soluble or immobilized PHA with or without rIL-1 beta, rIL-2, r-TNF-alpha, an anti-CD28 mAb (9.3), or irradiated EBV-transformed B cells as AC. The frequency of proliferating T4 cells was assessed by examining wells microscopically, and the frequency of T4 cells producing IL-2 was assessed by examining the ability of supernatants to support CTLL-2 proliferation. The percentage of T4 cells growing and producing IL-2 was determined by a maximum likelihood procedure. Immobilized, but not soluble, PHA induced a mean of 20.0 +/- 2.6% of T4 cells to grow in the complete absence of AC in medium supplemented with rIL-2. Whereas rIL-1 beta, rTNF-alpha, and 9.3 were unable to support T4 cell growth in the absence of rIL-2, each enhanced the percentage of T4 cells responding to immobilized PHA in the presence of rIL-2. In contrast, both soluble and immobilized PHA were unable to induce T4 cell IL-2 production in the absence of AC, even when cultures were supplemented with rIL-1 beta or 9.3. In the presence of AC, a small percentage of T4 cells (5.4 to 11.7%) was stimulated to produce detectable amounts of IL-2 by either immobilized or soluble PHA. Moreover, in the presence of AC, a very small population (approximately 1%) of PHA-stimulated T4 cells proliferated without supplemental rIL-2. The data indicate that a matrix of immobilized PHA is sufficient for some T4 cells to be activated to respond to IL-2, whereas others require additional signals provided by rIL-1 beta, rTNF alpha, 9.3, or AC. In contrast, neither soluble nor immobilized PHA is sufficient to induce T cell IL-2 production. This response requires signals provided by intact AC.

Adult↗

Activation of human T4 cells by cross-linking class I MHC molecules.

These studies examined whether cross-linking class I MHC molecules results in functional or biochemical responses in human T4 cells. The initial studies demonstrated that cross-linking class I MHC molecules either by culturing highly purified T4 cells with immobilized mAb to class I MHC Ag or reacting the T4 cells with mAb to class I MHC Ag and then cross-linking the mAb with goat antimouse Ig (GaMIg) enhanced T4 cell proliferation induced by an immobilized mAb to CD3, OKT3. More-over, immobilized but not soluble mAb to class I MHC Ag enhanced T4 cell proliferation induced by the combination of two mAb to CD2, OKT11, and D66.2. Finally, T4 cells reacted with mAb to CD3 and class I MHC Ag proliferated in the presence of IL-2 when cross-linked with GaMIg more vigorously than T4 cells reacted with either mAb alone. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules was also found to stimulate T4 cells directly. T4 cells reacted with mAb to class I MHC Ag or beta 2 microglobulin and cross-linked with GaMIg proliferated vigorously in the presence of IL-2 or PMA. In addition, it was demonstrated that cross-linking class I MHC molecules by culturing T4 cells with immobilized mAb to class I MHC Ag induced T4 cell proliferation in the presence of IL-2. T4 cell proliferation in the presence of IL-2 and PMA could also be induced by reacting the cells with specific mAb to polymorphic determinants on class I MHC molecules and cross-linking with GaMIg. Cross-linking mAb to CD4 or CD11a did not have a similar functional effect on T4 cells. Finally it was demonstrated that adding GaMIg to T4 cells reacted with mAb to class I MHC Ag but not CD11a resulted in an increase in intracellular calcium concentration. The data demonstrate that cross-linking class I MHC molecules results in the generation of at least one activation signal, a rise in intracellular calcium concentration, and, thereby, stimulates human T4 cells.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Enhancement of antigen- and mitogen-induced human T lymphocyte proliferation by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

The capacity of human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF alpha) to modulate human T cell proliferation was examined. To examine the effect of rTNF alpha on the responding T cell directly, T cell activation was studied in the absence of viable accessory cells (AC). Highly purified AC-depleted peripheral blood T4 or T8 cells were stimulated with immobilized monoclonal antibodies to the cluster of differentiation (CD)3 molecular complex, an AC-independent stimulus. rTNF alpha augmented anti-CD3-stimulated T4 and T8 cell proliferation. The capacity of rTNF alpha to enhance T cell proliferation varied inversely with the density of immobilized anti-CD3 and the number of responding cells in each culture. The capacity of rTNF alpha to enhance antigen-induced T4 cell proliferation was also examined. Antigen-bearing paraformaldehyde-fixed antigen-presenting cells induced modest T4 cell proliferation when cultured in flat-bottomed wells; this response was enhanced by rTNF alpha. The results demonstrate that rTNF alpha has direct effects on T cells, facilitating their capacity to proliferate in response to mitogens and antigens. These data indicate that rTNF alpha may play an immunoregulatory role, enhancing the proliferation of T lymphocytes.

Adult↗

Activation of T lymphocytes by immobilized monoclonal antibodies to CD3. Regulatory influences of monoclonal antibodies to additional T cell surface determinants.

The effect of soluble or immobilized MAb directed at various additional surface proteins on the proliferation of highly purified T4 cells induced by two immobilized MAb to CD3, OKT3 and 64.1, was examined. High density 64.1 stimulated nearly all T4 cells to enter and progress through the cell cycle. Maximal T4 cell proliferation required stimulation with immobilized 64.1 throughout the length of the incubation and was not effected by any of the additional soluble or immobilized MAb employed. In contrast, low density immobilized 64.1 and all densities of immobilized OKT3 employed stimulated a minority of the cells to enter the cell cycle and proliferate. Immobilized MAb directed at CD2, class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoded gene products or CD11a (LFA-1) dramatically enhanced the response, whereas soluble MAb directed at these determinants did not. Both immobilized and soluble MAb directed at CD5 and CD28 (Tp44) enhanced responses, but they were less effective than immobilized MAb to CD2, LFA-1 or HLA-A,B,C. Soluble anti-CD4 MAb inhibited responses somewhat, whereas immobilized anti-CD4 enhanced responses. Costimulation was observed when MAb to CD3 and class I MHC molecules but not CD2, LFA-1 or CD4 were immobilized to separate surfaces. The data suggest that when anti-CD3 stimulation is suboptimal, responses can be enhanced by MAb to CD5 or CD28 (Tp44) or by immobilized MAb to CD4, CD2, CD11a (LFA-1), or class I MHC encoded gene products. Although crosslinking of CD4, CD2, or CD11a with CD3 may be necessary for costimulation, immobilized MAb to CD3 and class I MHC molecules appear to deliver independent signals that result in enhanced T4 cell activation and proliferation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Accessory cell independent proliferation of human T4 cells stimulated by immobilized monoclonal antibodies to CD3.

The capacity of the monoclonal antibodies (Mab) 64.1 and OKT3 directed at CD3 molecules to induce T4 cell proliferation and interleukin 2 (IL 2) production was examined. Each was tested in soluble form or was immobilized by adhering it to the wells of plastic microtiter wells. Soluble anti-CD3 did not induce proliferation of accessory cell (AC)-depleted T4 cells. In contrast, immobilized anti-CD3 induced T4 cell IL 2 production and proliferation in the complete absence of AC. When T4 cells were stimulated with high density immobilized anti-CD3, responses did not require AC, IL 2, or Mab directed at the Tp44 molecule (9.3). In contrast, responses stimulated by lower densities of immobilized anti-CD3 were enhanced by IL 2, AC, and 9.3, and with even lower densities of immobilized anti-CD3 proliferation, required these additional signals. A variety of other immobilized Mab directed at T cell surface proteins including class I major histocompatibility complex encoded gene products, CD2, CD5, 4F2, and Tp44, did not induce proliferation even in the presence of IL 2. Anti-CD4 Mab (66.1) inhibited immobilized anti-CD3-stimulated T4 cell responses, with a greater degree of inhibition noted when lower densities of immobilized anti-CD3 were used to stimulate T4 cells. The data demonstrate that stimulation of T4 cells by anti-CD3 is completely AC independent when the antibody is immobilized onto a surface. Furthermore, the results indicate that maximal stimulation requires multiple interactions with anti-CD3 without internalization of the CD3 molecule. The observation that additional signals are required to support T4 cell proliferation when the density of immobilized anti-CD3 is diminished suggests that these are necessary only when insufficient interactions with the CD3 molecule have occurred to transmit a maximal activation signal to the cell. Finally, the results indicate that anti-CD4 provides a direct inhibitory signal to the T4 cell, the effect of which is inversely proportional to the intensity of the activation signal.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Dissection of defective antigen presentation by interferon-gamma-treated fibroblasts.

The capacity of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-treated HLA-DR expressing human dermal fibroblasts (FB) to function as antigen-presenting cells (APC) was examined. FB were cultured with 250 U/ml IFN-gamma for 4 days to induce HLA-DR expression. Peripheral blood monocytes (M phi), FB, or IFN-gamma-treated FB from the same donor were then cultured overnight with or without the recall antigen streptokinase streptodornase (SKSD), and their capacity to stimulate autologous T4 cell DNA synthesis was examined. SKSD-bearing M phi stimulated T4 cell proliferation, whereas antigen-bearing HLA-DR (+) FB did not. Even after fixation with paraformaldehyde to eliminate metabolic activity, SKSD-bearing M phi, but not FB, were able to function as APC. However, when HLA-DR (-) endothelial cell (EC) or autologous or HLA-D-mismatched M phi were added to the cultures, antigen-pulsed IFN-gamma-treated FB and M phi were comparably effective stimulators of autologous T4 cell DNA synthesis. Antigen recognition by the T4 cell was restricted by the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded gene products expressed by the IFN-gamma-treated FB and was unrelated to the class I or II MHC-encoded gene products expressed by the additional cell type. EC-promoted T4 cell DNA synthesis induced by antigen-bearing IFN-gamma-treated FB was inhibited by 60.3, a monoclonal antibody directed at an epitope common to LFA-1, CR3, and the p150,95 molecule. Inhibition caused by 60.3 was completely reversed by the addition of IL 2 to the cultures. Antigen presentation by IFN-gamma-treated FB was also enhanced somewhat by IL 1, IL 2, or monoclonal antibody directed at Tp44 (9.3). However, each of these additions alone promoted T cell proliferation less effectively than EC and resulted in responses that were smaller than those triggered by antigen-bearing M phi. The data suggest that IFN-gamma-treated FB take up and process antigen effectively, but lack an accessory cell property necessary for antigen-induced T4 cell IL 2 production and proliferation.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

Dissection of the antigen presenting function of tissue cells induced to express HLA-DR by gamma interferon.

At sites of inflammation, cells that normally do not express class II products (la antigens) encoded by genes of the major histocompatibility complex such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells have been found to become Ia antigen positive, presumably as a result of the action of the T lymphocyte derived lymphokine gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). These cells may contribute to ongoing immunologically mediated inflammation by functioning as antigen presenting cells (APC). To test this hypothesis, fibroblasts and umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with IFN-gamma to induce the expression of HLA-DR antigens. Both fibroblasts and endothelial cells became comparably HLA-DR positive in response to IFN-gamma. Despite this, endothelial cells but not fibroblasts became effective APC for resting T cells. HLA-DR positive fibroblasts could present antigen effectively to resting T cells; however, the HLA-DR negative endothelial cells were also present. These results indicate that expression of Ia is necessary but not sufficient for a cell to present antigen. The data also suggest that at inflammatory sites a number of cells may function in concert to promote antigen recognition by T lymphocytes.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

Accessory cell-T cell interactions involved in anti-CD3-induced T4 and T8 cell proliferation: analysis with monoclonal antibodies.

The effect of monoclonal antibodies (Mab) directed at T cell and accessory cell (AC) surface molecules on OKT3-induced T4 and T8 cell proliferation was examined. Mab directed at nonpolymorphic class I (W6/32, MB40.5) and class II (L243) major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded gene products, an epitope common to LFA-1, CR3, and the p150, 95 molecule (60.3), and a heterodimer present on monocytes (M phi) and activated T cells (4F2) inhibited M phi-supported OKT3-induced proliferation of both T4 and T8 cells. Moreover, an Mab directed at the CD4 molecule (66.1) inhibited OKT3-induced T4 but not T8 cell proliferation, whereas an Mab directed at the CD8 molecule (OKT8) inhibited T8 but not T4 cell responses. With the exception of 66.1, each inhibited OKT3-induced T cell proliferation when added as late as 15 hr after the initiation of culture. Inhibition could not be explained by competition for Fc receptors on the AC. A variety of other Mab including OKT11 and those directed at other HLA-DR and DQ determinants were not inhibitory. The inhibitory Mab were found to diminish T4 cell IL 2 production and IL 2 receptor expression. Consequently, IL 2 reversed some but not all of the Mab-mediated inhibition of T cell proliferation. In contrast to the effects noted with M phi-supported responses, 60.3 and 66.1 but neither L243 nor 4F2 inhibited OKT3-induced T4 cell proliferation supported by Ia- or IFN-gamma-treated Ia+ endothelial cells. None of the Mab tested inhibited T cell proliferation induced by the AC-independent stimuli OKT3 and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or calcium ionophore and PMA in the presence or absence of added AC. The data therefore suggest that the Mab inhibit OKT3-induced activation of T4 and T8 cells by preventing necessary interactions between AC and T cell surface proteins. Moreover, the results suggest that different arrays of interaction molecules are involved in OKT3-induced T cell proliferation depending on the nature of the AC and the responding T cell subset.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Antigen presentation by interferon-gamma-treated endothelial cells and fibroblasts: differential ability to function as antigen-presenting cells despite comparable Ia expression.

The effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on endothelial cell (EC) and fibroblast (FB) class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene product expression and antigen presenting ability was examined. Control FB did not express class II MHC gene products, whereas a small (less than 1%) population of passaged EC expressed class II gene products. IFN-gamma induced a comparable density of HLA-DR expression on nearly all EC and FB. IFN-gamma-treated EC and FB also expressed HLA-DP but at a lower density, whereas HLA-DQ expression was barely detectable on either cell type. Control FB were not able to stimulate allogeneic T4 cell DNA synthesis or function as antigen-presenting cells (APC). Control EC were also unable to stimulate allogeneic T4 cell DNA synthesis unless large numbers of stimulator cells were used. Small numbers of IFN-gamma-treated EC were able to stimulate allogeneic T4 cell DNA synthesis, whereas larger numbers were markedly more effective than control EC. In contrast, IFN-gamma-treated FB were ineffective stimulators of allogeneic T4 cell DNA synthesis. IFN-gamma-treated FB were able to present the exogenous antigen SKSD to autologous but not allogeneic T4 cells, but they were extremely inefficient APC. The inability of IFN-gamma-treated FB to function as APC could not be explained by FB-mediated immunosuppression, Ia density, or HLA-DQ expression. This limited capacity of IFN-gamma-treated FB to participate in Ia-restricted functional interactions with T4 cells correlated with a similar diminished capacity to support nonspecific mitogen-induced proliferation of T4 cells before IFN-gamma-induced Ia expression. This accessory cell function was not enhanced by IFN-gamma treatment. Monocytes syngeneic to the responding T4 cells but not interleukin 1 (IL 1) permitted IFN-gamma-treated FB but not control FB to stimulate allogeneic T4 cell DNA synthesis, but they remained markedly less effective stimulators than monocytes. Moreover, IFN-gamma-treated FB were effective stimulators of alloprimed T4 cells, in contrast to their inability to stimulate fresh T4 cells. Furthermore, monocytes and IFN-gamma-treated FB were comparably effective stimulators of alloreactive T cell lines. These data suggest that accessory cells perform functions unrelated to Ia and IL 1 that are necessary for mitogen-, alloantigen-, and antigen-induced proliferation of freshly isolated T cells. Monocytes and EC effectively perform this function, but FB do not. This accessory cell function does not seem to be as important for the activation of primed T cells.

Adult↗

Antigen presentation by cells that are not of bone marrow origin.

T cells do not see antigen directly, but rather recognize antigen only when displayed by an antigen-presenting cell (APC). APC take up, internalize, and degrade antigen and present the relevant antigenic fragment in association with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to antigen-specific T cells. In addition to presenting the antigenic fragment-MHC complex to T cells, APC must also provide a variety of antigen-nonspecific influences to T cells for antigen recognition to result in T-cell activation. These influences include the effects of various cytokines and signals transmitted by a number of nonspecific receptor-ligand interactions. Traditionally, cells of bone marrow origin that express class II MHC molecules, such as mononuclear phagocytes and B lymphocytes, have been regarded as the only APC. Recently, however, it has been suggested that under various physiologic and pathologic conditions, other tissue cells may develop the capacity to express class II MHC molecules and function as APC. The capacity of these cells to function as APC, however, varies widely, depending on the cell type examined. One determinant of the capacity of a cell to function as an APC appears to be its ability to provide antigen-nonspecific signals. Cells with limited abilities to provide these signals have limited APC function. Indeed, it has been suggested that such cells may induce antigen-specific tolerance. In contrast, cells with the capacity to deliver these signals function as fully competent APC. The functional phenotype of the responding T cell may also vary, depending on the nonspecific signals provided by the APC. Some APC may preferentially stimulate antigen-specific T cells that promote the immune response, whereas others promote the activation of suppressor T cells, thereby limiting the response. Thus, it is likely that cells that are not of bone marrow origin play a role in normal immune responses. Moreover, they may also be important in the development of certain forms of autoimmunity.

Animals↗