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T Kalland

Publications and source records attributed to T Kalland.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Antibody-targeted superantigens are potent inducers of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes in vivo.

Recruitment of antigen-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a major goal for immunotherapy of malignant tumours. We now describe that T-cell-activating superantigens targeted to a tumor by monoclonal antibodies induced large numbers of pseudospecific TILs and eradication of micrometastases. As a model for tumor micrometastases, syngeneic B16 melanoma cells transfected with the human colon carcinoma antigen C215 were injected intravenously into C57BL/6 mice and therapy with an anti-C215 Fab fragment-staphylococcal enterotoxin A (C215Fab-SEA) fusion protein reacting with the C215 antigen was initiated when visible lung metastases were established. More than 90% reduction of the number of lung metastases was observed when mice carrying 5-day-old established lung metastases were treated with C215Fab-SEA. The antitumor effect of C215Fab-SEA was shown to be T-cell-dependent since no therapeutic effect was seen in T-cell-deficient nude mice. Depletion of T-cell subsets by injection of monoclonal antibody demonstrated that CD8+ cells were the most prominent effector cells although some contribution from CD4+ cells was also noted. C215Fab-SEA treatment induced massive tumor infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, while only scattered T cells were observed in untreated tumors. SEA treatment alone induced a slight general inflammatory response in the lung parenchyme, but no specific accumulation of T cells was seen in the tumor. TILs induced by C215Fab-SEA were mainly CD8+ but a substantial number of CD4+ cells were also present. Immunohistochemical analysis showed strong production of the tumoricidal cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in the tumor. Thus, the C215Fab-SEA fusion protein targets effector T lymphocytes to established tumors in vivo and provokes a strong local antitumor immune response.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Tumor-reactive superantigens suppress tumor growth in humanized SCID mice.

Superantigens are extremely potent activators of T lymphocytes. To develop a tumor-reactive superantigen for cancer therapy, we made a recombinant fusion protein of the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and the Fab region of the C242 monoclonal antibody (C242Fab-SEA), which recognize human colon carcinoma cells. The therapeutic effect of C242Fab-SEA on colon-cancer growth was examined in lymphocyte-engrafted humanized SCID mice bearing intraperitoneally growing Colo205 colon carcinomas. i.v. injections of C242Fab-SEA significantly inhibited tumor growth. The anti-tumor effect required the presence of human T cells in the SCID mice. Optimal therapeutic effects were seen with C242Fab-SEA, but not with C242Fab fragment or SEA alone, demonstrating that both entities of the fusion protein were required. C242Fab-SEA-treated tumors showed a massive infiltration of T cells in the tumor parenchyme, and was accompanied by enhanced expression of ICAM-I and HLA-DR on the tumor cells. The results demonstrate that Fab-SEA fusion proteins convey superantigenicity on tumor cells which evoke T-cell-dependent suppression of tumor growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Costimulation of human CD4+ T cells with LFA-3 and B7 induce distinct effects on AP-1 and NF-kappa B transcription factors.

We have earlier shown that stimulation of human CD4+ T cells with SEA presented on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-DR transfectants coexpressing either B7 or LFA-3 resulted in distinct cytokine profiles. We now demonstrate that B7, but not LFA-3, strongly costimulated IL-2 transcription and mRNA expression in CD4+ T cells. Maximal increase in IL-2 transcription was recorded with CHO-DR/B7/LFA-3, suggesting a cooperative effect of B7 and LFA-3 at the transcriptional level. Gel-shift analysis demonstrated that stimulation of CD4+ T cells with CHO-DR and staphylococcal enterotoxin A was sufficient to induce significant amounts of NF-kappa B binding proteins, whereas induction of AP-1 binding proteins required costimulation. LFA-3 induced moderate levels of AP-1, but did not influence the levels of NF-kappa B, while B7 costimulation strongly induced both AP-1 and substantially enhanced NF-kappa B binding proteins. The CHO-DR/B7/LFA-3 triple transfectant induced a further increase in AP-1 and NF-kappa B binding proteins compared with the double transfectants. The level of Oct-1 binding proteins remained similar in all samples. Super-shift analysis revealed that the NF-kappa B complex of costimulated CD4+ T cells contained large amounts of p50, substantial amounts of p65, and marginal levels of c-Rel proteins. The AP-1 binding proteins contained c-Jun, Jun-D, and Fra-1, but marginal amounts of Jun-B and c-Fos. Our results indicate distinct effects of B7 and LFA-3 costimulation on the activity of AP-1 and NF-kappa B. These may partly account for the differential effects of B7 and LFA-3 costimulation on IL-2 expression.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Crystal structure of the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin type A.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins are prototype superantigens characterized by their ability to bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and subsequently activate a large fraction of T-lymphocytes. The crystal structure of staphylococcal enterotoxin type A (SEA), a 27 kDa monomeric protein, was determined to 1.9 A resolution with an R-factor of 19.9% by multiple isomorphous replacement. SEA is a two domain protein composed of a beta-barrel and a beta-grasp motif demonstrating the same general structure as staphylococcal enterotoxins SEB and TSST-1. Unique for SEA, however, is a Zn2+ coordination site involved in MHC class II binding. Four amino acids including Ser1, His187, His225 and Asp227 were found to be involved in direct coordination of the metal ion. SEA is the first Zn2+ binding enterotoxin that has been structurally determined.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of two distinct MHC class II binding sites in the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A.

Bacterial superantigens (SAgs) are potent activators of T lymphocytes and play a pathophysiological role in Gram-positive septic shock and food poisoning. To characterize potential MHC class II binding sites of the bacterial SAg staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) A, we performed alanine substitution mutagenesis throughout the C-terminus and at selected sites in the N-terminal domain. Four amino acids in the C-terminus were shown to be involved in MHC class II binding. Three of these amino acids, H225, D227 and H187, had a major influence on MHC class II binding and appeared to be involved in coordination of a Zn2+ ion. Alanine substitution of H225 and D227 resulted in a 1000-fold reduction in MHC class II affinity. Mutation at F47, which is equivalent to the F44 previously shown to be central in the MHC class II binding site of the SAg, SEB, resulted in a 10-fold reduction in MHC class II affinity. The combination of these mutations in the N- and C-terminal sites resulted in a profound loss of activity. The perturbation of MHC class II binding in the various mutants was accompanied by a corresponding loss of ability to induce MHC class II-dependent T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. All of the SEA mutants were expressed as Fab-SEA fusion proteins and found to retain an intact T cell receptor (TCR) epitope, as determined in a mAb targeted MHC class II-independent T cell cytotoxicity assay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alanine↗
PubMed1995

Superantigen-induced anergy in cytotoxic CD8+ T cells.

This study describes the use of bacterial superantigens to investigate the mechanisms governing peripheral tolerance in CD8+ T cells. Administration of superantigens to mice activates T cells to proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity, but responding cells subsequently enter a state of hyporesponsiveness or are deleted. Superantigen-induced inactivation has so far mainly been demonstrated for CD4+ T cells. Injection of amounts of the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) that are optimal for T cell activation and which induce anergy in CD4+ T cells result in preserved responsiveness in CD8+ CTLs. In contrast, we found that intravenous injection of low concentrations of SEA induced a profound down-regulation of the cytotoxic function in SEA-reactive CD8+ TCR V beta 11+ T cells. No reduction in the number of CD8+V beta 11+ T cells was found, suggesting that anergy and not deletion is the main mechanism for the observed cytotoxic hyporesponsiveness. The cytotoxic anergy was evident 2 days after low-dose priming and remained present 4 wk later, indicating a rapid induction phase and long-lasting persistence. The anergized CD8+ T cell subset expressed lower levels of the alpha-(CD11a) chain of the cell adhesion molecule lymphocyte function-associated Ag 1 (LFA-1) and failed to mediate cytotoxicity, but retained the capacity to proliferate, express IL-2R, produce IFN-gamma, and express granzyme mRNA, which imply a partial defect in TCR-transduced signals. Taken together, these findings suggest that there is a biphasic stimulus-dependent threshold for acquiring responsiveness or anergy in CD8+ T cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Antibody-targeted superantigens induce lysis of major histocompatibility complex class II-negative T-cell leukemia lines.

CTLs bearing certain T-cell receptor V beta-regions are directed by the bacterial superantigen Staphylococcus enterotoxin A (SEA) to lyse MHC class II-positive cells. In order to extend superantigen-dependent cytotoxicity to MHC class II-negative carcinoma cells, covalent conjugates of superantigen and mAbs against surface markers of these cells have been used. We now describe a novel strategy which allows rapid selection of mAb suitable for superantigen targeting against MHC class II-negative tumor cells. A recombinant fusion protein of protein A and SEA binding to the mAbs CD7 or CD38 was able to mediate T cell-dependent lysis of MHC class II-negative Molt-4 and CCRF-CEM acute lymphatic leukemia cell lines. Lysis was dose dependent and correlated with E:T cell ratio. In contrast, SEA alone did not induce any significant lysis. In order to decrease the MHC class II affinity of the protein A-SEA complex, a point mutation was introduced into SEA (protein A-SEA mu9). The mutated fusion protein had similar potency as protein A-SEA against Molt-4 cells but was 100-fold less active against MHC class II-positive cells. Considering the efficiency and specificity of the mutated SEA protein interacting with mAb in targeting T lymphocytes against MHC class II-negative leukemia cells while only marginally affecting normal MHC class II-positive cells, we suggest the development of SEA-mAb fusion proteins as a potential adjuvant therapy of leukemias.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗
PubMed1995

Purification of estramustine-binding protein and production of monoclonal antibodies to its different components.

Estramustine-binding protein (EMBP) is a heterodimeric 46-kDa glycoprotein that is secreted from the prostate. Upon reductive cleavage it decomposes into two closely related components, C1 and C2, and the shared glycosylated peptide C3. EMBP binds estramustine and estromustine, the active metabolites of estramustine phosphate (Estracyt), which is a drug with antimitotic properties used in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma. In the present study, a two-step procedure (i.e., anion-exchange and Con A-Sepharose chromatography) is described for the isolation of EMBP in high yield from rat prostate tissue. Mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced using the major DEAE-Sepharose fraction of EMBP as an immunogen. Eleven mAbs were selected by screening in a solid-phase ELISA. One displayed high-affinity binding with soluble EMBP (Ka approximately 3 x 10(10) M-1) and crossreacted with a human prostate tumor extract in a radioimmunoassay. The epitopes defined by these mAbs were analyzed by Western immunoblotting. All constituents of EMBP, except component C1, were identified by at least one antibody. Nine visualized either one or both of the two EMBP subunits under denaturing conditions, two of which retained their reactivity after reduction of disulfide bridges. One epitope was exposed to its mAb only when the antigen was in its reduced state. The immunoreactivity was eliminated by protease treatment, whereas deglycosylation with glycopeptidase F had a minimal effect. EMBP has been detected in tissues other than the prostate as well as in prostate neoplastic specimens and in several other human malignancies. Hence, these mAbs will be a useful tool in the characterization of EMBP in different tissues and in evaluating existing and in defining new indications for Estracyt therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Immunotherapy of human colon cancer by antibody-targeted superantigens.

T lymphocytes generally fail to recognize human colon carcinomas, suggesting that the tumour is beyond reach of immunotherapy. Bacterial superantigens are the most potent known activators of human T lymphocytes and induce T cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production. In order to develop a T-cell-based therapy for colon cancer, the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) was given tumour reactivity by genetic fusion with a Fab fragment of the monoclonal antibody C242 reacting with human colon carcinomas. The C242Fab-SEA fusion protein targeted SEA-reactive T cells against MHC-class-II-negative human colon carcinoma cells in vitro at nanomolar concentrations. Treatment of disseminated human colon carcinomas growing in humanized SCID mice resulted in marked inhibition of tumour growth and the apparent cure of the animals. Therapeutic efficiency was dependent on the tumour specificity of the fusion protein and human T cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated massive infiltration of human T cells in C242Fab-SEA-treated tumours. The results merit further evaluation of C242Fab-SEA fusion proteins as immunotherapy in patients suffering from colon carcinoma.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Enhanced and prolonged efficacy of superantigen-induced cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity by interleukin-2 in vivo.

The bacterial superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) activates T cells with high frequency and directs them to lyse MHC-class-II-expressing cells in superantigen-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (SDCC). Treatment of mice with SEA induced strong CD8+ T-cell(CTL)-mediated SDCC, as well as abundant cytokine production from CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. However, both cytotoxicity and cytokine release were transient. In contrast, combined treatment with SEA and recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) increased peak levels and maintained CTL activity. These effects were concomitant with an increased number of SEA-reactive V beta 11+ T cells. Both the CD4+ and CD8+ populations contained higher frequencies of cells expressing IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha beta, which suggests that continuous IL-2R signaling preserves its high expression and subsequently prevents loss of growth factor signals necessary for expansion of T cells. Although IL-2R expression was increased among both CD4+ and CD8+ cells, only the cytotoxic function of CTL, but not cytokine production from either CD4 or CD8, was augmented. These findings demonstrate that treatment with rIL-2 potentiates superantigen-induced cytotoxicity and maintains high CTL activity. rIL-2 might therefore be useful in improving superantigen-based tumor therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Superantigen-staphylococcal-enterotoxin-A-dependent and antibody-targeted lysis of GD2-positive neuroblastoma cells.

Superantigens such as the staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) are among the most potent T cell activators known. They bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and interact with T cells depending on their T cell receptor (TCR) V beta expression. Superantigens also induce a variety of cytokines and trigger a direct cytotoxic effect against MHC-class-II-positive target cells. In order to extend superantigen-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (SDCC) to MHC-class-II-negative neuroblastoma cells, SEA was linked to the anti-ganglioside GD2 human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) ch14.18. Ganglioside GD2 is expressed on most tumours of neuroectodermal origin but is expressed to a lesser extent on normal tissues. The linkage of ch14.18 to SEA was achieved either with a protein-A-SEA fusion protein or by chemical coupling. Both constructs induced T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity towards GD2-positive neuroblastoma cells in an effector-to-target(E:T)-ratio- and dose-dependent manner in vitro. To reduce the MHC class II affinity of SEA, a point mutation was introduced in the SEA gene (SEAm9) that resulted in 1000-fold less T cell killing of MHC-class-II-expressing cells as compared to native SEA. However, a protein-A-SEAm9 fusion protein mediated cytotoxicity similar to that of protein-A-SEA on ch14.18-coated, MHC-class-II-negative neuroblastoma cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that superantigen-dependent and monoclonal-antibody-targeted lysis may be a potent novel approach for neuroblastoma therapy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1995

A novel co-stimulatory T cell antigen co-expressed on renal cell carcinoma.

The A6H mAb raised primarily against human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has previously been shown to bind strongly to RCC, to some degree to colon carcinoma but only marginally to a variety of normal tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis or RCC tissues containing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed that A6H stained both tumor cells and lymphocytes. FACS analysis of human peripheral blood cells demonstrated that A6H stained both tumor cells and lymphocytes. FACS analysis of human peripheral blood cells demonstrated that A6H mAb stained 85-90% of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but not granulocytes, monocytes, NK cells or B cells. Furthermore, 85-90% of naive and memory T helper cells were stained with A6H suggesting that the A6H mAb defines unique subsets within these T cell populations. Dual staining showed that A6H mAb bind to an antigen that is clearly distinct from other cell surface molecules on T cells, including CD28, CD29, CD26, CD44 and ICAM-2. A6H mAb binding induced a second signal in anti-CD3 mAb activated T cells, resulting in cell proliferation, IL-2 receptor expression and vigorous production of IFN-gamma and TNF, and production of minor amounts of IL-2. Immunoprecipitation with A6H mAb indicated a molecular weight of 120-140 kDa on both T cells and RCC. We suggest that the A6H mAb defines a unique T cell surface antigen which is involved in signal transduction and is expressed on subsets of human T cells. The co-expression of A6H on T cells and tumor cells suggests a possible function related to common properties of these cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1995

Overexpression of the T-cell receptor V beta 3 in transgenic mice increases mortality during infection by enterotoxin A-producing Staphylococcus aureus.

We have previously demonstrated that staphylococcal enterotoxins contribute to arthritis and mortality during staphylococcal infection. To further explore the mechanism by which bacterial superantigens contribute to the pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus septicemia, T-cell receptor V beta 3 transgenic (TGV beta 3) mice and nontransgenic (non-TG) littermates were inoculated intravenously with S. aureus AB-1, which produces large amounts of staphylococcal enterotoxin A, which specifically reacts with T-cell receptor V beta 3. Within 9 days after inoculation, 85% of the TGV beta mice died, compared with 31% of their non-TG littermates (P < 0.01). The high mortality of TGV beta 3 mice was accompanied by elevated bacterial burdens in the blood, spleen, and kidneys. The in vivo kinetics of cytokine mRNA expression was studied by an in situ hybridization technique. Staphylococcal infection gave rise to increased expression of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA and sparsely expressed tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-4, and IL-10 mRNAs in both groups. Gamma interferon mRNA expression increased on day 3 and was maintained at a detectable level in the late phase of infection in TGV beta 3 mice, in contrast to non-TG mice. Impressively, significantly higher expression of TNF-beta mRNA in TGV beta 3 mice was noted throughout the course of infection than in non-TG littermates. These findings suggest that overproduction of TNF-beta and gamma interferon, the Th1 cytokines, may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of septicemia caused by enterotoxin-secreting staphylococci.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

T cell activation pathways: B7, LFA-3, and ICAM-1 shape unique T cell profiles.

Two signals are required for induction of cell proliferation and cytokine production in resting T cells. Occupancy of the T cell receptor by antigen/MHC complexes delivers the first signal to the T cell, while the second signal is provided by interaction with costimulatory ligands on APC. CD2, LFA-1, and CD28 are the major costimulatory and adhesive molecules on T cells and bind to the LFA-3, ICAM-1 and B7 ligands, respectively, on APC. LFA-3 plays a central role for naive and memory T helper cells during the early phase of an immune response. The LFA-3/CD2 pathway initiates strong antigen-independent cell adhesion, substantial expansion of naive T helper cells, and induction of large amounts of IFN-gamma in memory cells. The release of IFN-gamma may upregulate expression of ICAM-1 and B7 on APC and allows multiple adhesion pathways to amplify the immune response. The LFA-1/ICAM-1 pathway stimulates adhesion and cell proliferation more efficiently in memory T helper cells than in naive cells. Further, the results suggest that naive T helper cells express functionally inactive LFA-1 molecules on the cell surface, which may have a physiological role in keeping these cells in a resting state. B7 costimulation superinduces IL-2 production in both naive and memory T helper cells and generates long-lasting cell proliferation. This permits transition from an autocrine to a paracrine immune response. Coexpression of B7/LFA-3 provides an optimal APC function and enables a vigorous T cell response to minute amounts of antigen. AP-1 and NF-kappa B transcription factors are involved in the induction of several cytokine gene promoters and play a central role in the regulation of IL-2 gene transcription. LFA-3 costimulation only moderately enhances AP-1 DNA-binding activity and does not influence the NF-kappa B activity induced by TCR engagement, whereas B7 costimulation induces large amounts of NF-kappa B and AP-1 activity in T helper cells. The costimulatory ligands represent a family of adhesion molecules with considerable redundancy. Interfamily redundancy of LFA-3, B7, and ICAM ligands offers an opportunity to regulate distinct T cell response profiles in various microenvironments at separate time points of an immune response.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Antibodies are capable of directing superantigen-mediated T cell killing of chronic B lymphocytic leukemia cells.

The bacterial superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is a highly potent activator of cytotoxic T cells when presented on MHC class II molecules of target cells. Our earlier studies showed that such SEA-directed T cells efficiently killed chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells. With the ultimate goal to replace the natural specificity of SEA for MHC class II molecules with the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (mAb), we initially made a mutated protein A-SEA (PA-SEAm) fusion protein with > 100-fold reduced binding affinity for MHC class II compared to native SEA. The fusion protein was successfully used to direct T cells to B-CLL cells coated with different B lineage specific (CD19, CD20) or associated (CD37, CD40) mAbs. The PA-SEAm protein was 10-100-fold more potent against mAb coated compared to uncoated HLA class II+ B-CLL cells. No correlation was seen between the amount of mAb bound to the cell surface and sensitivity to lysis. Preactivation of B-CLL cells by phorbol ester increased their sensitivity, and lysis was dependent on ICAM-1 molecules. However, no preactivation of the target cells was needed when a cocktail of two or four mAbs was used. Circulating leukemia and spleen cells were equally well killed. We conclude that the natural target specificity of SEA, MHC class II, can be reduced by mutagenesis and novel binding specificity can be introduced by linkage to tumor reactive mAbs. Our findings encourage the construction of recombinant SEA mutant fusion proteins for specific T cell therapy of hematopoietic tumors such as B-CLL.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

Costimulation of human CD4+ T lymphocytes with B7 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 results in distinct cell activation profiles.

This study describes the distinct roles of B7 and LFA-3 in the regulation of T cell responses. Activation of CD4+ T cells with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-DR4/B7 and CHO-DR4/LFA-3 cells that present the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A resulted in significant T cell proliferation and substantial production of TNF and IFN-gamma. Strong IL-2 production was recorded in B7-costimulated, but not LFA-3-costimulated, cultures. The presence of B7 induced a more vigorous and prolonged proliferative T cell response compared with LFA-3 costimulation. In contrast, LFA-3 was more efficient than B7 in mediating cell adhesion of CD4+ T cells. Costimulation with the CHO-DR4/B7/LFA-3 triple transfectant resulted in enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and cytokine production compared with either DR4/B7 or DR4/LFA-3 alone. Optimal production of IL-2 by naive and memory CD4+ T cells was seen only when cells were costimulated with B7, whereas IFN-gamma production was induced in memory cells by both LFA-3 and B7. The Jurkat T cell line responded to CHO-DR4/B7/LFA-3 in a manner similar to peripheral blood CD4+ T cells. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis of Jurkat cells stimulated with staphylococcal enterotoxin E and the different CHO transfectants revealed that the cooperative effect of B7 and LFA-3 on IL-2 production was also seen at the mRNA level. The large amounts of IL-2 produced by B7 costimulation indicate a paracrine function of the B7/CD28 pathway, whereas the LFA-3/CD2 pathway provides strong adhesion and may facilitate autocrine T cell expansion. Combined expression of the B7 and LFA-3 molecules seems to provide an optimal Ag-presenting function that ensures strong adhesion and optimal signal transduction.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Linomide inhibits programmed cell death of peripheral T cells in vivo.

Programmed cell death (PCD) is involved in the physiological regulation of lymphocyte turnover, as well in the antigen-driven selection of T and B cells. Here it is shown that the immunomodulator linomide (quinoline-3-carboxamide) inhibits the apoptotic decay of peripheral T lymphocytes in response to three different stimuli. First, linomide reduces the superantigen-mediated apoptosis and deletion of specific T lymphocytes of both the CD4+ and the CD8+ subsets without affecting other superantigen-triggered phenomena such as T cell expansion and anergy. Second, linomide abolishes the T lymphopenia and inhibits PCD of splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells induced by exogenous glucocorticoids. This effect is restricted to peripheral T lymphocytes and does not concern thymocytes. Finally, linomide abolishes the development of lymphopenia that follows infection with vaccinia virus, while reducing PCD of CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral T cells. The anti-apoptotic effect of linomide could account for its immunostimulatory properties and might be relevant to the treatment of immunodeficiencies associated with an increased apoptotic decay of T lymphocytes.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗