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Comparative studies of CD3- and CD3+ CD56+ cells: examination of morphology, functions, T cell receptor rearrangement, and pore-forming protein expression.

Both CD3- and CD3+ CD56+ effector cells can mediate non-MHC-restricted lysis in the absence of activation. Previous studies have shown that both of these subsets can be augmented with IL-2. In the present study, we have examined further the phenotypic markers expressed on these cells as well as the functional capacities of these subsets, including LAK activity, cytokine expression, and pore-forming protein (PFP) production. In addition, these populations were analyzed for clonality by Southern blot analysis of the T cell receptor beta chain gene constant region. The CD3-, CD56+ and CD3+, CD56+ lymphocytes were quite similar in their phenotypic markers, although the CD3+, CD56+ lymphocytes lacked high levels of IL-2 receptor beta chain and did not express CD16. The CD3+, CD56+ lymphocytes mediated non-MHC-restricted lysis, but failed to express LAK activity or be induced by IL-2 to secrete IFN gamma, a characteristic of the CD3-, CD56+ lymphocytes. The T cell receptor beta chain gene pattern of the CD3+, CD56+ lymphocytes was characteristic of a polyclonal cell population. Of interest, both populations of cells appeared morphologically to be large granular lymphocytes that contain PFP in their cytoplasmic granules. Therefore these CD56+ subsets provide a new model to study several questions related to non-MHC-restricted target cell lysis, including the identification of novel receptors involved in target cell recognition and/or triggering as well as the biochemical pathways implicated in cellular lysis.

Antigens, CD↗

Phenotypic and functional characterization of human suppressor T-cell clones: II. Activation by Mycobacterium leprae presented by HLA-DR molecules to alpha beta T-cell receptors.

We have been studying human T-cell clones that suppress anti-mycobacterial T-cell responses but not T-cell responses to an unrelated antigen or mitogen. In the present paper we report our studies on the activation requirements of these suppressor-T-cell clones. The suppressor-T-cell clones could proliferate and produce interferon-gamma upon stimulation with Mycobacterium leprae and other mycobacteria but not with unrelated antigens or autologous T cells. Both suppressor and nonsuppressor clones react to a 36-kDa antigen of M. leprae. Thus far, we have not been able to demonstrate whether they see the same or different epitopes. The antigen-driven proliferation of suppressor-T-cell clones was, however, significantly lower than that observed for T-cell clones that did not mediate suppression. The proliferation of suppressor-T-cell clones to M. leprae antigens could be blocked by monoclonal antibodies to HLA-DR, alpha beta T-cell receptor, interleukin-2 receptor, and, in the case of CD4-positive suppressor-T-cell clones, anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies. DR restriction of the antigen presentation to these suppressor-T-cell clones was shown in mixing experiments using antigen-presenting cells as mononuclear cells from family members and unrelated individuals. These experiments also indicated that apart from regular DR-restriction a hitherto unknown factor may be required for presentation to or activation of suppressor-T-cell clones that is present in the family members and unrelated individuals with the same ethnic and geographic background but absent in DR/Dw-matched healthy Dutch individuals.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

T cell functions of IL-2-activated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the few cancers partially sensitive to biotherapy. However, involvement of T cell immunity in host-defense against autologous tumor cells remains unclear. This manuscript investigated T cell functions of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from human RCCs by studying their oligoclonality, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. IL-2-activated RCC-TILs from 17 of 33 cases (52%) (p < 0.01 vs. IL-2-activated patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC) displayed oligoclonal expansion as determined by seven different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to T cell receptor (TCR) V alpha or beta regions after 2 to 5 weeks in culture. By comparison, IL-2-activated PBMC from only 1 of 15 healthy donors (7%), 3 of 23 patients (13%), and IL-2-activated lymphocytes from nontumorous kidney from 1 of 8 (12.5%) cases (V beta 5.1) did. Specifically, IL-2-activated RCC-TILs showed oligoclonal expansion of V alpha 2+ cells (8/33 cases, p < 0.05 vs. IL-2-activated patient's PBMC), V beta 5.1+ cells (6/33), V beta 8+ cells (4/33), V beta 12+ cells (4/33), and V beta 6.7+ cells (2/33). Oligoclonal expansion of plural TCR V regions was observed in 6 of 33 cases. IL-2-activated RCC-TILs from 4 of 16 cases produced higher levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in culture with autologous tumor cells than with allogeneic tumor cells. Those from 11 of 16 cases did not produce IFN-gamma in response to autologous tumor cells, and the remaining case produced it in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-nonrestricted manner. IL-2-activated RCC-TILs with oligoclonal expansion in 4 of 5 cases showed IFN-gamma production in response to the corresponding anti-TCR V region mAb as well as anti-CD3 mAb. IL-2 and IL-4 were not detected in any cases tested. IL-2-activated RCC-TILs displayed cytotoxicity relatively restricted to autologous tumor cells in only 1 of the 16 cases evaluated, MHC-nonrestricted cytotoxicity in 12 cases, NK activity in one case and no cytotoxicity in two cases. In summary, IL-2-activated RCC-TILs demonstrated the oligoclonality in approximately half of the cases (17 of 33, 52%), but rarely displayed either autologous tumor-specific-IFN-gamma production (4 of 16 cases) or -cytotoxicity (1 of 16 cases).

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Cytokine production and responsiveness of fetal T-cell receptor V gamma 3 thymocytes.

The aim of this study was to examine the cytokine production and cytokine responsiveness of the first T-cell receptor (TcR) positive cells that appear in the murine fetal thymus, namely TcR V gamma 3 cells. It is shown that IL-2-cultured fetal TcR V gamma 3 thymocytes were capable of producing IL-3, GM-CSF, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma upon TcR triggering. IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 could not be detected. With regard to cytokine responsiveness, TcR V gamma 3 cells proliferated to a high extent when high concentrations of rIL-2 were added. rIL-4 or rIL-7 alone, but not rIL-1 alone, were capable of inducing a modest proliferation of TcR V gamma 3 thymocytes. When combined with low concentrations of IL-2, a synergistic effect could be observed with IL-1, IL-4 or IL-7. It is shown that the synergistic effect of IL-2 with IL-4 was mainly due to induction of IL-2 receptor expression. The synergistic effect of IL-2 and IL-7 on the proliferation of TcR V gamma 3 cells could only be partially inhibited by anti-IL-2 receptor MoAb, and this antibody had no effect on the IL-2 + IL-1 cultures. These observations can explain the extensive proliferation of TcR V gamma 3 thymocytes during fetal life and they indicate that TcR V gamma 3 thymocytes have the potential to play a functional role during fetal thymus development.

Animals↗

Central role for TCR/CD3 ligation in the differentiation of CD4+ T cells toward A Th1 or Th2 functional phenotype.

Activated CD4+ T cells can be classified into distinct subsets; the most divergent among them may be considered to be the IL-2 and IFN-gamma-producing Th1 clones and the IL-4 and IL-5-producing Th2 clones. Because Th1 and Th2 clones can usually be detected only after several months of culture, we used conditions that modulate the IL-2 and IL-4 production in short term culture. Here we show that freshly isolated and subsequently in vitro-activated CD4+ T cells that were cultured for 11 days with rIL-2 and restimulated showed a IFN-gamma+ IL-2+ IL-3+ IL-4- IL-5- pattern. Because these cells were not capable of providing B cell help for IgG1, IgG2a, or IgE in an APC- and TCR-dependent T-B cell assay, they expressed a phenotype typical for most Th1 clones. In contrast, activated T cells that were cultured for 11 days with IL-2 plus a mAb to CD3 and then restimulated produced a IFN-gamma- IL-2- IL-3+ IL-4+ IL-5+ pattern. These cells were capable of providing B cell help for IgG1, IgG2a, and IgE synthesis and thus presented a phenotype typical for Th2 clones. Similar results were observed when mitogenic mAb to Thy-1.2 or to framework determinants of the alpha beta TCR were used. The induction of Th1- and Th2-like cells did not depend on the relative expression of CD44 or CD45 by the T cells before activation in vitro. Because the incubation of activated T cells with anti-CD3/TCR mAb induced high unrestricted lymphokine production, the latter might be responsible for the Th2-like lymphokine pattern observed after restimulation. To address this point, TCR V beta 8+ and V beta 8- T cell blasts were co-cultured in the presence of mAb to V beta 8. After restimulation, V beta 8+ cells had a IL-4high IL-2low phenotype and V beta 8- cells had a IL-4low IL-2high phenotype. This demonstrates that TCR ligation but not lymphokines alone are capable of inducing Th2-like cells, and this points out a central role for the TCR in the generation of T cell subsets.

Animals↗

High-affinity binding sites for human 26-kDa protein (interleukin 6, B cell stimulatory factor-2, human hybridoma plasmacytoma growth factor, interferon-beta 2), different from those of type I interferon (alpha, beta), on lymphoblastoid cells.

The human 26-kDa glycoprotein (26K) is a cytokine produced by lymphoid as well as nonlymphoid cells. So far it is active as (a) a potent hybridoma and plasmacytoma growth factor on mouse cells, (b) a B cell differentiating factor on human cells, and (c) (for some authors) an interferon (IFN). Internally labeled recombinant human 26K, obtained by translation of mRNA in Xenopus oocytes, was used to investigate the presence of specific receptors for this new cytokine and to analyze its binding to responsive cells. The results indicate that (a) the 26K-responsive human lymphoblastoid CESS cells express about 1500 high-affinity (Kd = 30 pM) binding sites for this cytokine, (b) this binding is not competed for by interleukin (IL)1, IL2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IFN-alpha 2, IFN-beta or IFN-gamma, and (c) these 26K-binding sites are different from the classical type I (alpha-beta) IFN receptors by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Binding Sites↗

Monoclonal antibodies anti-CD3, anti-TCR alpha beta and anti-CD2 act synergistically with tumor cells to stimulate lymphokine-activated killer cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to secrete interferon gamma.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured in interleukin-2 IL-2 acquire the ability to recognize and kill a wide range of tumor cells. Such promiscuous killer cells are termed lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. We recently reported that the interaction of LAK cells with tumor cells stimulated the LAK cells to release interferon (IFN) gamma. Here, we report that the release of IFN gamma by LAK cells can be further enhanced by addition of the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), anti-CD3, anti-(T cell receptor alpha beta) (TCR alpha beta) and a mitogenic combination of anti-CD2 (T112 + T113). Other antibodies, including a non-mitogenic anti-CD2 mAb (Leu5b), that recognize T cell-associated antigens were not stimulatory. The same stimulatory mAbs also synergized with tumor cells to stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) to secrete IFN gamma. Additional experiments indicated that it was the T cell subset of LAK cells (LAK-T cells) that was stimulated by tumor cells and mAbs to release IFN gamma. Inhibition studies with specific mAbs suggest that the stimulation of IFN gamma release by LAK-T cells was dependent both on the aggregation of TCR-CD3 complexes on the LAK-T cell, and on the interaction of accessory molecules with their ligands. The accessory molecules we have identified as critical are LFA 1 and CD2/LFA-2 on LAK-T cells interacting with their respective ligands ICAM-1 and LFA3. Thus our data suggest that cytokine production in LAK-T cells can be regulated by multiple molecular interactions, involving the TCR-CD3 complex and adhesion molecules.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Cytokine regulation of the mucosal immune system: in vivo stimulation by interferon-gamma of secretory component and immunoglobulin A in uterine secretions and proliferation of lymphocytes from spleen.

The secretory immune system in the female reproductive tract is known to be regulated by sex hormones and antigen. The purpose of the present study was to examine the control by interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) of the secretory component (SC), the polymeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) receptor, and IgA in uterine secretions and to determine whether IFN gamma influences the proliferation of spleen cells in response to mitogens. When measured by RIA, SC levels in uterine secretions were elevated when increasing doses of IFN gamma (1000-5000 U/uterus) were placed in the uterine lumen of ovariectomized rats. In contrast, IFN alpha-beta (5000 U/uterus) placed in the uterine lumen had no effect on uterine SC levels. To determine whether IgA movement increases in response to IFN gamma, animals were treated with estradiol to increase uterine tissue IgA levels without stimulating the accumulation of IgA or SC in uterine secretions. Under these conditions, intrauterine IFN gamma increased SC and IgA levels in uterine secretions, suggesting that in vivo IFN gamma stimulation of uterine SC increases the transport of IgA from tissue to lumen. Analysis of uterine tissues indicated that intrauterine IFN gamma had no apparent effect on epithelial cell morphology. In contrast, intraepithelial lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes, which were sparse in control tissues, increased markedly with IFN gamma treatment. This increase was antagonized when estradiol was administered along with IFN gamma. In other studies, IFN gamma placed in the uterine lumen significantly increased spleen cell proliferation in response to Concanavalin-A, phytohaemagglutinin, and lipopolysaccharide mitogens relative to those in spleen cells from control animals. These studies demonstrate that in vivo treatment with IFN gamma stimulates the mucosal immune system in the female reproductive tract by increasing SC and IgA levels in the uterine lumen and promoting the infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes into uterine tissue. Further, it suggests that antigen, in stimulating a local uterine response, may act through cytokines, particularly IFN gamma, to regulate the transport of IgA into uterine secretions as well as modulate lymphocyte proliferation at sites distal to the uterus.

Animals↗

A cortisone sensitive CD3low subset of CD4+CD8- thymocytes represents an intermediate stage in intrathymic repertoire selection.

Two populations of CD4 single positive (SP) thymocytes were found in transgenic mice bearing class I-restricted Mls-1a reactive (V beta 8.1) TCR genes in the absence of the restriction element. CD3high CD4 SP cells were deleted in the presence of Mls-1a and were cortisone resistant, whereas CD3low CD4 SP cells were not deleted in the presence of Mls-1a and were cortisone sensitive. Intravenous transfer of CD3low CD4 SP cells into nude mice resulted in significant peripheral expansion of these cells with apparent upregulation of CD3. These data indicate that CD3low CD4 SP thymocytes represent an intermediate stage in the transition from CD3low double positive (DP) to CD3high SP thymocytes and raise the possibility that these cells may hve undergone positive but not negative selection events (at least to Mls-1a). Furthermore the fact that CD3high DP thymocytes were also deleted by Mls-1a in these mice suggests strongly that sensitivity to Mls-1a deletion is dependent upon stage of thymic maturation (as revealed by TCR density) rather than CD4/CD8 phenotype.

Animals↗

Evidence for early onset, polyclonal activation of T cell subsets in mice homozygous for lpr.

Mice homozygous for lpr and gld develop profound lymphadenopathy characterized by the accumulation of two functionally anergic T cell subsets, a predominant B220+CD4-CD8- double negative (DN) population and a minor, closely related CD4 dull+ B220+ population. Lymph nodes from diseased lpr and gld mice also contain abnormally high numbers of conventional T cells, and we reported recently that a high proportion of lpr and gld CD4+B220- T cells have the hallmarks of primed or memory T cells. In the present study, we further investigated the extent, ontogeny, and possible causes of T cell activation in lpr and gld mice. The criteria used to identify primed or memory T cells included activation-dependent increases in the expression of CD44, LFA-1, and the early activation Ag, CD69, and decreases in the expression of Mel-14 and CD45RB, as well as quantitative differences in the in vitro production of IFN-gamma and the TNF-alpha by stimulated cells. A comparison of TCR V beta gene utilization by lpr T cell subsets also was undertaken. The results showed that T cell activation was widespread and complex. CD8+ T cells exhibited a similar pattern of activation to CD4+B220- T cells. The activation of these two subsets occurred in parallel, was in evidence by 4 to 6 wk of age, and was both chronic and progressive. The proportions of CD44hiLFA-1hi, CD4+B220-, and CD8+ T cells increased steadily between 4 and 20 wk of age, but changes in T cell growth, Mel-14, and CD45RB expression and cytokine secretion were not observed until mice were older than 11 wk. A very different pattern of activation was observed for B220+ T cells. At all ages, B220+ DN and CD4+B220+ T cells were CD44hiMel-14hi and 60 to 75% were CD69+. The expression of CD69 appeared to be stimulus dependent rather than constitutive, suggesting that these cells, too, may be chronically stimulated in vivo. In keeping with their anergic state, DN T cells responded poorly to cross-linking of CD69. The stimuli inducing chronic activation of CD4+B220- and CD8+ T cells are unlikely to include inappropriate reactions to autoantigens because there was no evidence for selective accumulation of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells bearing particular V beta genes or potentially self-reactive cells that normally are deleted in the thymus. By comparison, C3H-lpr DN cells displayed some potentially significant differences in V beta 6 and V beta 9 expression from CD4+B220- and CD8+ T cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Locally superantigen-activated peritoneal cytolytic T lymphocytes belong to the CD8+ CD45RC- subset and lyse MHC class II+ tumor cells.

Bacterial encoded superantigens (SA) are capable of activating and targeting cytolytic human and mouse T lymphocytes (CTL) to lyse major histocompatibility complex class II positive (MHC class II+) target cells. In this study both in vitro and in vivo activated rat CTL were directed against MHC II+ tumor targets by bacterial encoded SA. Polyclonal in vitro activation of rat peripheral blood T lymphocytes generated CTL capable of killing MHC class II+ human BSM cells coated by staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) -A, -E, -D, and TSST-1 but not by SEB or SEC1-3. Allo selective peritoneal CTL generated by intraperitoneal stimulation with allogeneic spleen cells were directed against BSM cells by SEA, -D, and -E but not by SEB, SEC1-3 or TSST-1. Based on the above observations, and in order to locally activate CTL, SEA was chosen for in vivo priming of rats by intraperitoneal inoculation of the toxin. SEA injection generated highly cytolytic CTL, and maximum cytolytic responses were seen at 50-250 micrograms SEA per animal with a peak in response 48-72 hours after injection of the toxin. The cytolytic activity of peritoneal SEA reactive effector cells was confined to the TCR alpha beta+ CD4- CD8+ CD45RC- cell population. MHC class II- colon carcinoma cells were insensitive to lysis by SEA reactive CTL but colon carcinoma cells induced to express MHC class II by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment were efficiently lysed in the presence of SEA. Comparison of rat and human MHC II+ colon carcinomas revealed a peak in sensitivity to lysis at 10-100 ng SEA/ml for both tumor targets. These findings suggest that superantigens can be used in local immunotherapy of peritoneal tumors such as ovarian and colorectal carcinomatosis, with inducible or constitutive expression of MHC class II.

Animals↗

Distinct antigen presenting cell-derived signals induce TH cell proliferation and expression of effector cytokines.

In addition to the stimulus delivered by the specific interaction of the T cell receptor (TCR) and the antigen - MHC class II complex, activation of resting helper T lymphocytes (TH) requires several poorly defined accessory cell-derived co-stimulatory signals. Here we provide evidence that proliferation and expression of effector cytokine genes by TH cells are induced by distinct co-stimulatory signals. Normal murine splenic TH cells were activated by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) superantigen and various antigen presenting cells (APCs) to proliferate, differentiate into TH cells blasts, and secrete cytokines. Blast transformation and proliferation of TH cells is achieved with macrophages and other splenic APCs, like B cells. Expression of the cytokines interferon gamma (IFN gamma), IL-5, and IL-2 by TH cells, however, is to various degrees dependent on the presentation of SEB by macrophages. The requirement for macrophages is particularly striking for the expression of IFN gamma. Thus macrophages provide distinct co-stimulatory signals for cytokine secretion and proliferation. The results suggest that B cells induce clonal expansion of TH cells whereas macrophages additionally promote terminal differentiation of activated TH cells into TH effector cells.

Animals↗

Igh-1b-specific CD4+CD8- T cell clones of the Th1 subset selectively suppress the Igh-1b allotype in vivo.

The demonstration of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T helper (Th) cells specific for peptides from the variable (V) regions of syngeneic immunoglobulin (Ig) (idiopeptides) opens the possibility that Th cells regulate B cell functions via idiopeptide-based cognate T-B interactions. As a model for such interactions we investigated the influence of Ig allotype-specific T cells on the differentiation of H-2-syngeneic B cells expressing that particular Ig allotype. We established a BALB/c (H-2d, Iga) CD4+CD8- T cell line and clones of the Th1 subset (interleukin 2+, interleukin 4-, interferon-gamma+, tumor necrosis factor-alpha+) that recognized Igh-1 (IgG2a) of the b allotype (Igh-1b) together with I-Ad. These T cells specifically suppressed surface Igh-1b+ B cells in vitro and in vivo. In 12 out of 15 6-week-old (BALB/c X B10.D2)F1 mice neonatally injected with Igh-1b-specific T cells, the serum Igh-1b concentrations were less than 5% of the levels in the controls. Thus, allotype suppression can be accomplished solely by adoptive transfer of Igh-1b-specific CD4+ T cells. The in vivo suppression was specific for Igh-1b+ B cells as the recipients' levels of Igh-1a and Igh-4b (IgG1b) were unaffected. The V beta 14-specific anti-T cell receptor (TcR) monoclonal antibody 14-2 inhibited activation of hybridomas derived from two of the clones. Collectively the data indicate that suppression resulted from cognate interactions between allopeptide-specific TcR alpha/beta+ T cells and normal unmanipulated B lymphocytes presenting their endogenous Igh-1b in association with MHC class II molecules. The data support the possibility that normal B cells can be suppressed by idiopeptide-specific T cells in vivo.

Animals↗

CD4+ suppressor cells of autoimmune encephalomyelitis respond to T cell receptor-associated determinants on effector cells by interleukin-4 secretion.

We have previously demonstrated that CD4+ suppressor T cells (Ts) inhibit the secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma, but not interleukin (IL)-2, by effector cells of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Moreover, CD4+ Ts appear to regulate IFN-gamma by secretion of transforming growth factor-beta. We now show that CD4+ Ts produce a lymphokine with IL-4 activity in response to a determinant associated with EAE effector cells. CD4+ Ts do not proliferate or secrete IFN-gamma, IL-2, or IL-4 in response to myelin basic protein, nor do CD4+ Ts proliferate or secrete IL-2 when co-cultured with irradiated EAE effector cells. Rather, CD4+ Ts secrete IL-4 when co-cultured with either irradiated effector spleen cells or irradiated encephalitogenic line cells. CD4+ Ts do not secrete IL-4 in response to OVA-primed spleen cells, suggesting that the suppressor cells recognize a determinant specific to encephalitogenic T cells. Furthermore, CD4+ Ts secrete IL-4 when cultured with synthetic T cell receptor (TcR) V beta 8, but not TcR V beta 14 peptide, in the presence of antigen-presenting cells. This response is major histocompatibility complex class II restricted as demonstrated by inhibition of the response with anti-class II monoclonal antibody. These results suggest that CD4+ Ts recognize a determinant associated with TcR on the surface of EAE effector cells and respond by secreting IL-4, in a manner analogous to the Th2 lymphocyte subtype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Proliferation of double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells bearing T-cell receptor-alpha beta in a haemophiliac with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection and factor VIII inhibitor: functional properties of double-negative T-cell receptor-alpha beta+ T cells.

We present a patient with haemophilia A showing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and factor VIII inhibitor in whom a novel T-cell subpopulation, double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells bearing T-cell receptor (TCR)-alpha beta, proliferated polyclonally in the peripheral blood. An interleukin-2-dependent T-cell line with a CD4-CD8-TCR-alpha beta+ phenotype was established from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the patient, and its biological functions were studied. It was found that the CD4-CD8-TCR-alpha beta+ T cells possessed both HLA-unrestricted cytotoxicity and helper function for immunoglobulin production by B cells. In addition, these T cells were found to produce interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 following activation via CD3-TCR complexes. These data demonstrating the multifunction of these newly defined CD4-CD8-TCR-alpha beta+ T cells thus suggest that these cells play an important role in protection against HIV infection. The mechanism of production of factor VIII inhibitor in the present case is also discussed focusing on the CD4-CD8-TCR-alpha beta+ T cells.

Adult↗

Limited T-cell receptor beta-chain diversity of a T-helper cell type 1-like response to Mycobacterium leprae.

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is the standard measure of T-cell responsiveness to infectious organisms. For leprosy, the Mitsuda reaction, a local immune response to cutaneous challenge with Mycobacterium leprae, is considered to represent a measure of DTH against the pathogen. We analyzed the diversity of the T-cell receptor beta-chain repertoire in Mitsuda reactions to determine the breadth of the mycobacterial antigens involved. The polymerase chain reaction was used to compare V beta usage in the Mitsuda reaction T-cell lines established and unstimulated peripheral blood. These molecular analyses revealed a skewed T-cell receptor V beta gene usage in the Mitsuda reaction and in T-cell lines from lesions. To examine the reactivity of T cells from these lesions, T-cell lines were tested against the available native and recombinant antigens of M. leprae. T-cell lines derived from Mitsuda reactions responded more strongly to the 10-kDa M. leprae antigen, a homolog of GroES in Escherichia coli, than to other M. leprae proteins. T-cell lines were also shown to proliferate strongly in response to the 17- and 3-kDa proteins. The pattern of the lymphokine mRNA of these cells was reminiscent of the pattern of murine TH1 cells, positive for interleukin-2 and gamma interferon and weakly positive for interleukin-4. These data indicate that a limited array of T cells, perhaps recognizing stress proteins, secrete a type 1 lymphokine profile in the DTH response to mycobacteria.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Roles of alpha beta and gamma delta T cell subsets in viral immunity.

The current status of T-cell subset involvement in viral immunity is summarized for experimental studies in mice. The immunobiology of the normal host response is discussed, with particular reference to lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) and influenza. The general impression is that CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD4+ TH1 cells, gamma interferon, and IL-2 are of major importance, with these different components of the immune system interacting to promote an optimal response. However, experiments with a variety of virus systems indicate that there is considerable plasticity, at least in young, adult mice. Other mechanisms often compensate if a key lymphocyte subset is absent throughout the development of the immune response. Influenza-infected mice depleted of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells clear virus and recover, though the latter may not be true for the elimination of LCM virus. Emerging information on the involvement of gamma delta T cells in viral pneumonia is summarized, but there is as yet no understanding of the biological significance (if any) of these lymphocytes in viral immunity. The point is made that alpha beta T-cell memory to viruses is long-lived, and the need for antigen persistence to maintain such memory is questioned.

Animals↗

Genotypic and phenotypic evidence of T-cell leukemia in a patient successfully treated by interferon-alpha for typical hairy cell leukemia.

A 53-year-old man was diagnosed to have typical hairy cell leukemia. Immunophenotyping of frozen splenic tissue showed clonality of hairy cells for mu lambda, confirmed by the corresponding immunoglobulin gene rearrangements. The patient was successfully treated with interferon-alpha (IF-alpha). In the fifth year of treatment with IF-alpha the morphology of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and of bone marrow infiltration changed with the appearance of numerous small to intermediate shaped lymphocytes of a T-helper phenotype. Frank leukemia, resistant to IF-alpha treatment and ultimately aggressive chemotherapy, developed. Emergence of this second clonal disease was confirmed by rearrangement studies performed on PBMC; rearrangements of both alleles of the TCR beta were identified, whereas the JH and lambda IVS genes were in germline configuration. The outgrowth of a second, malignant T-cell clone paralleled by the disappearance (down-regulation?) of the initial B-cell clone while under cytokine treatment is consistent with the possibility that IF-alpha favoured the emergence of this second clone.

Bone Marrow↗