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Early talk about the past revisited: affect in working-class and middle-class children's co-narrations.

This study contributes to our understanding of sociocultural variation in children's early storytelling by comparing co-narrations produced by children and their families from two European-American communities, one working-class and one middle-class. Six children from each community were observed in their homes at 2;6 and 3;0 years of age, yielding a corpus of nearly 400 naturally-occurring co-narrations of past experience. Analyses of generic properties, content, and emotion talk revealed a complex configuration of similarities and differences. Working-class and middle-class families produced co-narrations that were similar in referential/evaluative functions and temporal structure, with a preponderance of positive content. Working-class families produced twice as many co-narrations as their middle-class counterparts, produced more negative emotion talk, and used more dramatic language for conveying negative emotional experience. These findings suggest that (1) differentiation between working-class and middle-class communities in the content of early narratives may occur primarily with respect to negative experience and (2) researchers need to go beyond emotion state terms in order to accurately represent sociocultural variation in personal storytelling.

Affect↗

A trans-acting class II regulatory gene unlinked to the MHC controls expression of HLA class II genes.

Class II (or Ia) antigens are highly polymorphic surface molecules which are essential for the cellular interactions involved in the immune response. In man, these antigens are encoded by a complex multigene family which is located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and which comprises up to 12 distinct alpha- and beta-chain genes, coding for the HLA-DR, -DQ and -DP antigens. One form of congenital severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in man, which is generally lethal, is characterized by an absence of HLA-DR histocompatibility antigens on peripheral blood lymphocytes (HLA class II-deficient SCID). In these patients, as reported here, we have observed an absence of messenger RNA for the alpha- and beta-chains of HLA-DR, -DQ and -DP, indicating a global defect in the expression of all class II genes. Moreover, the lack of expression of HLA class II mRNAs could not be corrected by gamma-interferon, an inducer of class II gene expression in normal cells. Family studies have established that the genetic defect does not segregate with the MHC. We conclude, therefore, that the expression of the entire family of class II genes is normally controlled by a trans-acting class II regulatory gene which is unlinked to the MHC and which is affected in the patients. This gene controls a function or a product necessary for the action of gamma-interferon on class II genes.

Gene Expression Regulation↗

Cephalometric characteristics of Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 malocclusions: a comparative study in children.

A comparison of dentoskeletal morphology in 347 Class II division 1 and 156 Class II division 2 malocclusions was performed using lateral cephalometric radiographs. Children at the ages of 8-10 years and 11-13 years were evaluated. The results of the study revealed broad variations in the variables analyzed. Skeletal Class II and Class III as well as hypo- and hyperdivergent maxillary/mandibular jaw base relationships were seen in both malocclusion samples. Noteworthy was the high frequency of cases with mandibular retrusion (Class II division 1 sample: 48% of the younger and 29% of the older subjects; Class II division 2 sample: 48% of the younger and 49% of the older subjects) and a short lower face (97%-100%). In conclusion it can be said that, except for the position of the maxillary incisors, no basic difference in dentoskeletal morphology exists between Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 malocclusions.

Adolescent↗

Truncation of the class II beta-chain cytoplasmic domain influences the level of class II/invariant chain-derived peptide complexes.

Previous studies have established that antigen presenting cells (APC) expressing major histocompatibility complex class II beta chains with truncated cytoplasmic domains are impaired in their capacity to activate T cells. While it had been widely accepted that this impairment is due to a defect in class II cytoplasmic domain-dependent signal transduction, we recently generated transgenic mice expressing only truncated class II beta chains, and functional analyses of APC from these mice revealed signaling-independent defects in antigen presentation. Here, we demonstrate that T cells primed on such transgenic APC respond better to stimulation by APC expressing truncated beta chains than by wild-type APC. This finding suggests that APC expressing truncated class II beta chains are not inherently defective in their antigen presenting capacity but, rather, may differ from wild-type APC in the peptide antigens that they present. Indeed, analysis of the peptides bound to class II molecules isolated from normal and transgenic spleen cells revealed clear differences. Most notably, the level of class II-associated invariant chain-derived peptides (CLIP) is significantly reduced in cells expressing only truncated beta chains. Prior studies have established that CLIP and antigenic peptides compete for binding to class II molecules. Thus, our results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of the class II beta chain affects antigen presentation by influencing the level of CLIP/class II complexes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mechanism of the rejection of major histocompatibility complex class I-disparate murine skin grafts: rejection can be mediated by CD4+ cells activated by allo-class I + II antigen in CD8+ cell-depleted hosts.

In the preceding article, we analyzed the immunohistochemical rejection mechanism of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (H-2K)-disparate murine skin grafts, and showed that only CD8+ cells infiltrated at the site of the epithelial tissue of MHC class I-disparate graft. We also showed that perfect survival of MHC class I-disparate grafts were attained in thymectomized recipients treated with anti-Lyt-2 monoclonal antibody. In this report, we showed that these long-surviving allo-class I grafts were rejected in the absence of CD8+ cells by stimulation with allo-MHC class I + II-disparate graft as the second stimulation. Furthermore, it was immunohistochemically revealed that under that condition, a large number of CD4+ cells infiltrated into the epithelial tissue of these long-surviving class I grafts, which were going to be rejected 2-5 d after the transplantation of a second graft with MHC class I + II difference. This result directly shows that CD4+ cells are able to became effectors for the rejection of allo-MHC class I (H-2K) skin graft.

Animals↗

Peptides recognized by class I restricted T cells also bind to MHC class II molecules.

The mechanisms of antigen recognition employed by both class I and class II MHC-restricted T cells are very similar, yet many of the T cell determinants described to date are recognized in the context of a single class of MHC molecules, and generally with only one or a very few different MHC alleles. To determine whether this might be due to a structural difference between class I and class II restricted T cell determinants, peptides previously shown to be recognized in the context of MHC class I proteins by mouse or human CD8+ T lymphocytes were tested for their capacity to bind to HLA-DR molecules on the surface of B lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL). Four out of five class I restricted T cell determinants tested bound to a panel of B-LCL, and the binding was inhibited by anti-HLA-DR mAb. The peptides did not bind to the class II-negative B-LCL RJ2.2.5 nor to mouse L cells, but did bind to L cells transfected with HLA-DR1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interactions between the class II transactivator and CREB binding protein increase transcription of major histocompatibility complex class II genes.

Class II major histocompatibility (class II) genes are regulated in a B-cell-specific and gamma interferon-inducible fashion. The master switch for the expression of these genes is the class II transactivator (CIITA). In this report, we demonstrate that one of the functions of CIITA is to recruit the CREB binding protein (CBP) to class II promoters. Not only functional but also specific binding interactions between CIITA and CBP were demonstrated. Moreover, a dominant negative form of CBP decreased the activity of class II promoters and levels of class II determinants on the surface of cells. Finally, the inhibition of class II gene expression by the glucocorticoid hormone could be attributed to the squelching of CBP by the glucocorticoid receptor. We conclude that CBP, a histone acetyltransferase, plays an important role in the transcription of class II genes.

Animals↗

Prospective study of attainment of social class of severely obese subjects in relation to parental social class, intelligence, and education.

Cross sectional population studies have shown that subjects who are severely obese are of lower social class than comparable subjects who are not obese. This may be ascribed to lower parental social class, poorer education, and lower intelligence test scores of the obese subjects. In this study based on 242 633 draftees appearing before the draft board in Copenhagen between 1956 and 1977, 1144 extremely overweight men (body mass index greater than or equal to 31 kg/m2) were compared with 2123 young men randomly chosen from the remainder of the population. The two groups were followed up for an average period of 12 X 5 years, after which time their occupation was obtained from the National Population Register. Social class was derived from a ranking of occupations based on prestige from 0 (unskilled, manual worker) to 7 (for example, judge, professor). Among the obese subjects, only 300 (30%) out of 1006 attained a position above social class 2, compared with 988 (51%) out of 1948 in the control group. At each level of education and intelligence test score, as registered at the draft board, the obese subjects still showed a significantly lower attainment of social class than the controls. Inclusion of parental social class, information which was available for part of the population, did not eliminate the difference in attainment of social class. The results of this study show that obese subjects not only suffer from a higher risk of somatic diseases but have to live with a social handicap that is independent of parental social class, intelligence, and education.

Educational Status↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces coordinated changes in major histocompatibility class I presentation pathway, resulting in increased stability of class I complexes at the cell surface.

It is demonstrated that similar to interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induces coordinated changes at different steps of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I processing and presentation pathway in nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells (APCs). TNF-alpha up-regulates the expression of 3 catalytic immunoproteasome subunits--LMP2, LMP7, and MECL-1--the immunomodulatory proteasome activator PA28 alpha, the TAP1/TAP2 heterodimer, and the total pool of MHC class I heavy chain. It was also found that in TNF-alpha--treated cells, MHC class I molecules reconstitute more rapidly and have an increased average half-life at the cell surface. Biochemical changes induced by TNF-alpha in the MHC class I pathway were translated into increased sensitivity of TNF-alpha--treated targets to lysis by CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells, demonstrating improved presentation of at least certain endogenously processed MHC class I--restricted peptide epitopes. Significantly, it was demonstrated that the effects of TNF-alpha observed in this experimental system were not mediated through the induction of IFN-gamma. It appears to be likely that TNF-alpha--mediated effects on MHC class I processing and presentation do not involve any intermediate messengers. Collectively, these data demonstrate the existence of yet another biologic activity exerted by TNF-alpha, namely its capacity to act as a coordinated multi-step modulator of the MHC class I pathway of antigen processing and presentation. These results suggest that TNF-alpha may be useful when a concerted up-regulation of the MHC class I presentation machinery is required but cannot be achieved by IFN-gamma. (Blood. 2001;98:1108-1115)

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

A novel instance of class I modification (cim) affecting two of three rat class I RT1-A molecules within one MHC haplotype.

MHC class I expression by rats of the RT1(o), RT1(d), and RT1(m) MHC haplotypes was investigated. Identical, functional cDNAs were obtained from RT1(o) and BDIX (RT1(dv1)) rats for three MHC class I molecules. RT1-A1(o/d) and -A2(o/d) are closely related in sequence to other cloned rat class Ia genes that have been shown to map to the RT1-A region, while RT1-A3 degrees is highly homologous to a class I gene identified by sequencing an RT1-A(n) genomic contig and is named A3(n). Detailed analysis of the three molecules was undertaken using serology with mAbs, two-dimensional gel analysis of immunoprecipitates, and killing assays using cytotoxic T cells. Arguments are presented suggesting that A1 degrees is the principal MHC class Ia (classical) restricting element of this haplotype. A2 degrees, which is highly cross-reactive with A1 degrees, and A3 degrees probably play more minor or distinct roles in Ag presentation. Unexpectedly, cDNAs encoding exactly the same three molecules were cloned from rats of the RT1(m) haplotype, an MHC that until now was thought to possess unique class Ia genes. RT1(m) contains the TAP-B allele of the TAP transporter, and we present evidence that functional polymorphism in rat TAP has an even greater impact on the expression of RT1-A1 degrees and -A2 degrees than it does on RT1-A(a) in the established case of class I modification (cim). Historically, this led to the misclassification of RT1(m) class Ia molecules as separate and distinct.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Three different MHC class I molecules bind the same CTL epitope of the influenza virus in a primate species with limited MHC class I diversity.

One of the most remarkable features of the MHC class I loci of most outbred mammalian populations is their exceptional diversity, yet the functional importance of this diversity remains to be fully understood. The cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) is unusual in having MHC class I loci that exhibit both limited polymorphism and sequence variation. To investigate the functional implications of limited MHC class I diversity in this outbred primate species, we infected five tamarins with influenza virus and defined the CTL epitopes recognized by each individual. In addition to an immunodominant epitope of the viral nucleoprotein (NP) that was recognized by all individuals, two tamarins also made a response to the same epitope of the matrix (M1) protein. Surprisingly, these two tamarins used different MHC class I molecules, Saoe-G*02 and -G*04, to present the M1 epitope. In addition, CTLs from one of the tamarins recognized target cells that expressed neither Saoe-G*02 nor -G*04, but, rather, a third MHC class I molecule, Saoe-G*12. Sequence analysis revealed that Saoe-G*12 differs from both Saoe-G*02 and -G*04 by only two nucleotides and was probably generated by recombination between these two alleles. These results demonstrate that at least three of the tamarin's MHC class I molecules can present the same epitope to virus-specific CTLs. Thus, four of the tamarin's 12 MHC class I molecules bound only two influenza virus CTL epitopes. Therefore, the functional diversity of cotton-top tamarin's MHC class I loci may be even more limited than their genetic diversity suggests.

Alleles↗

Spontaneous apoptosis in neutrophils is associated with downregulation of HLA Class I and is prevented by ligation of Class I.

In many types of cells, ligation of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) Class I molecules with specific mAbs results in the transduction of signals that trigger different cell functions. We have investigated the effects of Class I ligation in human neutrophils. After several hours in culture, neutrophils split spontaneously into two subpopulations, one with normal and the other with reduced levels of Class I. The latter subpopulation displayed high binding capacity for Annexin V, showed a hypodiploid peak, electrophoretic DNA fragmentation, and morphological features of apoptotic cells. The addition of drugs known to delay apoptosis (GM-CSF or cAMP) resulted in a reduction of Class I modulation. Furthermore, ligation of surface Class I with F(ab')2 fragments of the anti-Class I mAb W6/32 resulted in a delay in the progression of apoptosis. These data indicate that this surface Class I molecule is a marker of age-related apoptosis, and the ligation of these molecules results in the transduction of a signal that inhibits apoptosis. Thus, the downregulation of HLA Class I molecules in aging neutrophils prevents their halting the apoptotic process.

Adult↗

Sequences homologous to class II MHC W, X, and Y elements mediate constitutive and IFN-gamma-induced expression of human class II-associated invariant chain gene.

Invariant chain (Ii) is intracellularly associated with MHC class II molecules, is implicated in class II function, and is coordinately regulated with the alpha- and beta-chains of MHC class II genes at the transcriptional level. Included among the various cis-acting elements of transcriptional control in MHC class II genes are the class II boxes, X and Y, and sequences 5' of X in the W (Z, H, S) region of class II genes. The Ii promoter region contains homologues of these elements, designated here as X, Y', and "W". This study utilized transient transfection and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase analysis to investigate the role of these elements in basal and inducible Ii gene expression. Invariant chain X, Y', and "W" all contribute to gene expression in B lymphoblastoid cell lines, making them likely candidates to mediate coordinate control of class II and Ii genes. IFN-gamma-inducible expression of the Ii gene in a glioblastoma cell line is also regulated through X, Y', and "W". Thus, the Ii class II boxes and "W" have dual roles in basal and inducible gene transcription.

Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte↗

Abrogation of tumorigenicity by MHC class II antigen expression requires the cytoplasmic domain of the class II molecule.

Transfection of syngeneic MHC class II genes into the lethal mouse SaI tumor abrogates the malignancy of the tumor in the autologous host, and protects the host against subsequent challenges with the wild type class II- tumor. We have hypothesized that the transfectants induce protective immunity by functioning as APC for tumor peptides, and stimulating tumor-specific Th cells. Recent in vitro studies suggest that Ag presentation by class II-restricted APC requires the cytoplasmic domain of the class II molecule, and may involve intracellular signaling via the cytoplasmic domain. To determine if the class II cytoplasmic domain is required for enhanced tumor-specific immunity, SaI mouse sarcoma cells were transfected with syngeneic Aak and Abk genes with truncated cytoplasmic domains. These transfectants are as malignant as wild type class II- SaI cells in autologous A/J mice. Stimulation of tumor-specific immunity by class II+ tumor cells is therefore dependent on the class II cytoplasmic region, and may involve intracellular signaling events.

Animals↗

Staphylococcal exotoxin activation of T cells. Role of exotoxin-MHC class II binding affinity and class II isotype.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 bind directly to class II molecules of the MHC and stimulate T cells based predominantly on the V beta segment used by the TCR. We investigated the relationship between the class II binding affinities of four of these exotoxins, SEA, SEB, SEC1, and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and their T cell signaling capabilities. Although the toxins stimulated T cells at concentrations that ranged over more than two orders of magnitude, their affinities for class II (DR1) differed by less than sixfold. The affinities of the toxins predicted their capacity to stimulate resting T cells to proliferate. The binding affinities of the toxins for class II molecules indicated that at concentrations required for T cell stimulation, as few as 0.1% of the class II molecules are complexed with toxin. Finally, the isotype of class II molecules affected the ability of the toxins to bind and use these MHC Ag to stimulate T cells. These data thus demonstrate that of the staphylococcal exotoxins studied, both their potency as T cell mitogens and their ability to function in the presence of single class II isotypes can be attributed in part to their characteristic abilities to bind class II molecules.

Animals↗

Induction of class I and class II MHC antigen expression on murine bone marrow-derived macrophages by IL-4 (B cell stimulatory factor 1).

We have studied the effects of IL-4 (B cell stimulatory factor 1) on the expression of MHC gene products in normal bone marrow-derived macrophages, peritoneal macrophages, and the myelomonocytic cell line WEHI-3. Using both IL-4-containing T cell supernatant and rIL-4, we have observed significant induction of both class I and class II MHC surface expression (about 1.5- to 4-fold increase) in 2-, 3-, and 4-day cultures of bone marrow-derived macrophages. This induction was also apparent at the mRNA level as assessed by Northern blot analysis using A beta, E alpha, and class I probes. Kinetic analysis revealed that induction of class II mRNA by IL-4 was slower than induction by IFN-gamma, requiring 48 h before a significant increase was noted. The magnitude of MHC induction by IL-4 was not as great as that seen with IFN-gamma, which was found to increase surface expression of MHC antigens two- to eightfold. IL-4 also differs from IFN-gamma in the repertoire of macrophages responsive to it. IL-4 was unable to induce class I or class II expression in either thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages or WEHI-3 cells whereas IFN-gamma induced MHC antigen expression on both cell types under the same conditions. These data demonstrate that IL-4 is capable of inducing both class I and class II MHC gene products in some, but not all, macrophages.

Animals↗

[A morphological study of the cranial base and dentofacial structure of Japanese with Angle Class II, div. 1 malocclusion--as compared with American white with Angle Class II, div. 1 malocclusion].

The purpose of this study was to clarify the morphological differences of Angle class II, div. 1 malocclusion between Japanese and American Caucasians by comparing their cranial base and dentofacial morphology. Materials were lateral cephalograms of 61 Japanese (30 males: mean age 12y3m and 31 females: mean age 12y10m) and 67 American Caucasians (27 males: mean age 13y6m and 40 females: mean age 13y) with Angle class II, div. 1 permanent dentition. Results were as follows: 1. The anterior cranial base length in Japanese with Angle class II, div. 1 malocclusion was significantly shorter than that of American Caucasians. 2. The maxillary length in Japanese with Angle class II, div. 1 malocclusion was significantly shorter than that of American Caucasians. 3. Less than SNA, less than SNB and less than ANB showed no significant difference between Japanese and American Caucasians with Angle class II, div. 1 malocclusion. 4. The whole mandibular length in Angle class II, div. 1 malocclusion of Japanese males and American males showed no significant difference. But the mandibular body length of Angle class II, div. 1 malocclusion in Japanese females was significantly shorter than that of American ones. 5. No significant difference was observed in gonial angle when the two groups were studied. 6. As compared with American Caucasians, the backward rotation of the mandible was evidently observed in Japanese with Angle class II, div. 1 malocclusion.

Adolescent↗

Construction of chain- and locus-specific HLA class II DNA probes. Study of HLA-class II transcripts in leukemias.

In addition to their role in the immune response, MHC class II antigens may be considered as differentiation markers on hemopoietic cells. To study expression of class II genes at the mRNA level in leukemias representing various stages of lymphoid and myeloid differentiation, we constructed chain- and locus-specific HLA class II DNA probes. As the genes encoding the DR, DQ, and DP beta-chains display a strong sequence homology in the second extracellular and transmembrane domains, we used probes derived from the less conserved 3' untranslated regions. For the more divergent alpha-chain genes, DNA fragments derived from the coding portion were obtained from cDNA clones. All probes were designed to minimize background due to AT- or GC-rich segments and subcloned into pUC plasmids. Their lack of cross-hybridization was demonstrated in Southern blot experiments under moderately stringent conditions. Northern blot analysis of RNA from 15 patients with acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemias, chronic lymphoid and hairy cell leukemias showed that most patients expressed variable amounts of class II transcripts, some lacked all class II mRNA, and only two patients had a dissociated expression of class II genes, with lack of DQ and presence of DR and DP mRNA. This study reveals a vast heterogeneity of MHC class II gene expression in leukemias, as previously demonstrated at the protein level. The availability of these highly specific DNA probes should prove useful in extensive studies directed at better defining HLA class II gene expression during hemopoietic differentiation in physiologic and pathologic states.

Actins↗