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Increased class I and class II MHC products and mRNA in kidneys of MRL-lpr/lpr mice during autoimmune nephritis and inhibition by cyclosporine.

The expression of MHC products in the kidneys of MRL-1pr/1pr mice was investigated. As previously described, these mice develop lupus-like nephritis with intraglomerular and peritubular Ig deposition, vasculitis, and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration at about 12 wk of age. As the nephritis appeared, the expression of MHC class I and II products rose, as demonstrated by absorption and by specific binding of radiolabeled antibodies. Hybridization of kidney RNA with specific probes revealed an increase in specific mRNA for MHC class I and II genes and for beta2 microglobulin. Using rat monoclonals against mouse class I and II MHC products, and goat anti-rat Ig as second antibody, we showed that the increase in renal class I and II expression was localized to the basolateral membranes of tubular cells, and, in the case of class I, in arteries and glomeruli. The sites of tubular MHC expression corresponded closely to the sites of extensive peritubular Ig deposition. High doses of cyclosporine given for 6 to 8 wk reduced the peritubular Ig deposits, renal Ia and H-2K expression, and specific mRNA for beta 2-microglobulin and MHC genes, but did not reduce anti-DNA antibody levels in serum. Thus the peritubular Ig deposits and tubular MHC induction coincided in timing and location, and in their resolution with cyclosporine. The results raise the possibility that the increase in renal MHC expression not only accompanies the renal lesions, but may play a role in their pathogenesis.

Animals↗

Comparison of soft tissue facial morphometry in children with Class I and Class II occlusions.

Three-dimensional soft tissue facial morphometry was investigated in a sample of 167 children aged 6 to 9 years by using a new noninvasive computerized method. For each child, 16 cutaneous facial landmarks were automatically collected by a system consisting of two infrared CCD cameras, real-time hardware for the recognition of markers, and software for the three-dimensional reconstruction of the x, y, and z coordinates of landmarks. From these landmarks, 15 linear and 10 angular measurements and five linear distance ratios were computed. For each age class, mean values were computed for all children with a bilateral Angle Class I occlusion (modified according to Katz) and compared with values obtained in children with a bilateral Class II occlusion. Most of the differences involved three-dimensional angular measurements: Class II children had more convex faces in the sagittal plane and a less prominent mandible than did Class I children. No differences were found in the linear measurements. Only the lower facial height ratio was different between the two occlusion groups, but the difference was not consistent among all the age groups.

Cephalometry↗

IL-12 directly up-regulates the expression of HLA class I, HLA class II and ICAM-1 on human melanoma cells: a mechanism for its antitumor activity?

IL-12 enhances cytolytic activity and proliferation of NK and T cells, and induces cytokines such as IFN-gamma. No direct effects on non-hematopoietic cells have been shown. This study investigates the effects of IL-12 on melanoma cells in vitro. We analyzed 15 melanoma cell cultures and 1 melanoma cell line. Out of 16 samples 13 expressed the beta chain of the IL-12 receptor (IL-12Rbeta). Preincubation with IL-12 increased the surface levels of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, HLA class II and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 of those cultures with IL-12Rbeta expression. The effects of IL-12 on HLA class I could be blocked by an IL-12-neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb), but not by an mAb against IFN-gamma. Melanoma cells transduced with IL-12 expressed enhanced levels of HLA class I, HLA class II and ICAM-1 compared to controls. Co-incubation of the melanoma cells with allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) resulted in enhanced proliferation and increased production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma after pretreatment with IL-12. IL-12 pretreatment increased the susceptibility of melanoma cells to lysis by prestimulated autologous PBMC. Since IL-12 induced immunocritical surface molecules on melanoma cells, it might be beneficial during immune interventions in melanoma patients.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Alternative splicing of HLA class I transcripts induced by IFN-gamma and TNF in fibroblasts: release of soluble HLA class I heavy chain and an associate protein.

FS-4 fibroblasts were found to produce 37-kDa HLA class I heavy chain in response to IFN-gamma or TNF in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, and a synergism between IFN-gamma and TNF was observed. Immunoprecipitation of IFN-gamma- or TNF-induced FS-4 cell culture supernatants by mAb A1.4 revealed an additional 33-kDa protein in association with the 37-kDa heavy chain. The 33-kDa protein appeared to be expressed in a 38-kDa form on the membrane of FS-4 cells induced by IFN-gamma or TNF, as A1.4 immunoprecipitated the 38-kDa band in association with the 44-kDa transmembrane HLA class I heavy chain. Release of the 37-kDa heavy chain could well be due to an alternative RNA splicing with the deletion of exon 5 encoding the hydrophobic transmembrane region of membrane-anchored HLA class I heavy chain. Northern blot analysis and S1 nuclease protection assay suggested the existence of HLA class I heavy chain mRNA lacking exon 5 in IFN-gamma- or TNF-induced FS-4 cells. Southern blot analysis on the products of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification from cytoplasmic RNA confirmed induction of alternative splicing by these cytokines. Our results suggest that cytokine-induced production of soluble HLA class I molecules may play important roles in the regulation of T cell interaction with antigen-presenting cells.

Alternative Splicing↗

High-resolution one-dimensional isoelectric focusing of mouse MHC class I antigens. Identification of natural and experimentally induced class I antigens.

A method is described for a biochemical comparison of mouse class I antigens utilizing antisera with a monomorphic pattern of reaction and high-resolution one-dimensional isoelectric focusing (1D-IEF). The most commonly occurring and studied H-2K and D alleles were identified in a comparison of over 40 mouse strains. By comparing H-2 mutant mouse strains, cell lines transfected with defined class I genes, or mice transgenic for a mouse class I gene and H-2 recombinant mouse strains, unambiguous identification of class I alleles was possible. The complex pattern presented by H-2-heterozygous mice was readily resolved into the contribution by the individual parental alleles. The H-2b bm series of mutants was analyzed, and for those mutants where a charge difference was predicted based on their known sequence, a change in isoelectric point (IEP) was indeed observed. Based on analysis by IEF, the bm8 mutant may contain (an) amino acid substitution(s) in addition to those reported. The present method further appears useful in elucidating defects in class I antigen synthesis and post-translational modifications, as these cannot be easily characterized when using surface staining with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

Alleles↗

Two novel mutations in the MHC class II transactivator CIITA in a second patient from MHC class II deficiency complementation group A.

Congenital MHC class II deficiency or bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS; McKusick 209920) is caused by defects in trans-acting regulatory factors that control MHC class II expression and is therefore a disease of gene regulation. There are at least four complementation groups and the genetic and molecular dissection of this rare disease has contributed considerably to our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing MHC class II expression. Identification of the gene that is defective in BLS complementation group A, CIITA (MHC class II transactivator), has led to the discovery that CIITA acts as a master control factor of MHC class II expression. We have identified the CIITA mutations in a second patient from BLS group A. Two novel mutations abolish CIITA function, as shown by transfection experiments. Molecular analysis of these two novel mutations, together with the one described earlier in the first patient, is informative in terms of CIITA structure-function relationships.

Alleles↗

Inhibition of anti-class I cytotoxicity by anti-class II monoclonal antibodies (MoAb). I. Blocking of bulk non-DR and non-DQ-directed cytotoxic T cells by MoAb against DR, DQ, and DP.

We previously demonstrated that although human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) generated against a lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) mutant that had lost DR and DQ (formerly known as MB) expression were directed primarily at class I antigens, the lytic activity of such CTL could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against monomorphic determinants on DR molecules. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect was found to occur by binding of the MoAb to the target cell, not the effector cell, because lysis of LCL target cells not expressing DR was not inhibited. In this paper we extend this phenomenon to show (i) that MoAbs directed against DQ and DP class II gene products also inhibit the lysis of LCL target cells by CTLs recognizing class I antigens; and (ii) that not all DR-specific MoAbs blocked target cell lysis by non-DR specific CTLs. In addition, when PBLs were used to stimulate the generation of CTLs in mixed leukocyte culture (MLC), inhibition using anti-class II (DR, DQ, and DP) MoAb occurred only when LCLs but not PHA blasts were used as targets. This might be explained by elevated expression of class II molecules on LCLs compared to PHA blasts.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Patterns of class inequality in health through the lifespan: class gradients at 15, 35 and 55 years in the west of Scotland.

Data confirming the existence of social inequalities in health have continued to accumulate since the Black Report reported class inequalities across a broad range of causes of mortality, with an increasing emphasis on indicators of morbidity and current health status. Although evidence of continuing inequalities mounts, elucidation of underlying mechanisms generating and maintaining such inequalities has been more elusive, and much of the debate has oscillated from the very broad to the very specific. In this paper, the class patterning of a range of non-fatal indicators of health are modelled in an attempt to outline first the adequacy of models of linear relationships for this range of measures, and secondly, the extent to which these are generalizable across a series of age/sex subgroups and across different domains of health. Data are presented here for representative community samples of men and women in adolescence, early- and late-midlife. While orderly relationships between social class and health were seen for the majority of the measures considered; the detailed patterns show considerable diversity. Thus for some aspects of health, notably height (itself often heralded as a broad indicator of health and early life experience), common class gradients were observed for both sexes at each of the stages of the life course examined. For others (notably mental health and presence of chronic illness), gradients were evident in later life but not in adolescence. Others still showed sex but not age differences in class patterning (typically measures of body shape), or no clear patterns (notably blood pressure and consultations with general practitioners). The current analysis draws attention to the consistency of gradients in early- and late-midlife, which are apparent despite the marked increase in the burden of poorer health which manifests between these life stages for almost all indicators of health (an exception being mental health). The challenges which this presents for understanding the mechanisms and processes which have been candidate explanations for social inequalities in health are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Extensive trafficking of MHC class II-invariant chain complexes in the endocytic pathway and appearance of peptide-loaded class II in multiple compartments.

Major histocompatibility complex class II molecules bind and present to T cells fragments of protein antigens entering the endocytic pathway. Using normal B lymphoblasts, we have combined metabolic pulse-chase labelling, high resolution organelle fractionation, and immunoprecipitation to examine class II trafficking and antigen loading in a physiological model system. Most newly synthesized class II-invariant chain complexes first entered early endosomes, then accessed multiple discrete endocytic subcompartments cofractionating with late endosomes and immature lysosomes. Invariant chain was removed and peptide-loaded class II molecules appeared in each of these latter distinct organelles. These findings suggest that class II molecules traffic through much of the endocytic pathway, permitting capture of distinct determinants made available under differing conditions of pH and proteolytic activity.

Animals↗

Inhibition of alloresponse by a human trophoblast non-coding RNA suppressing class II transactivator promoter III and major histocompatibility class II expression in murine B-lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Trophoblasts are a model of natural allograft tolerance. A unique characteristic is the complete lack of expression of all classic major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens. We cloned a human trophoblast non-coding RNA (TncRNA) that suppresses MHC class II expression through inhibition of the class II transactivator (CIITA) promoter. We assessed the functional affects of TncRNA on an alloresponse and dissected the functional domain on CIITA promoter III. METHODS: Murine B-cell line A20 was transfected with TncRNA. Class II suppressed clones were selected and characterized by flow cytometry and Northern analysis. The clones were then subjected to lymphocyte proliferation assay to assess the stimulation of T-lymphocytes. CIITA promoter III-luciferase reporter plasmids were used with TncRNA plasmids in co-transfection assays; 5'-end deletion plasmids were used to dissect the promoter. RESULTS: Significant suppression of I-Ad expression was seen. Northern blot scans demonstrated 84% to 93% suppression of class II transcripts. Lymphocyte proliferation assay demonstrated a 50% and 64% inhibition of lymphocyte stimulation in the 2 clones, compared to A20 wild type. Dissection of promoter III indicated that an area between bp -152 to -107 contains the functional site of TncRNA. CONCLUSION: Human TncRNA is active across species lines and significantly inhibits allogenic response to B-cells. There is concurrent suppression of constitutive class II expression in TncRNA clones mediated through a defined region of CIITA promoter III.

Animals↗

Toxoplasma gondii inhibits MHC class II expression in neural antigen-presenting cells by down-regulating the class II transactivator CIITA.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression by microglia and astrocytes is critical for CD4+-mediated immune responses within the central nervous system. Here, we demonstrate that the obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, down-regulates activation-induced MHC class II expression in human-derived glioblastoma cells as well as in primary astrocytes and microglia from cortices of rat fetuses. Down-regulation of MHC class II proteins was predominantly observed in parasite-positive, but not parasite-negative, host cells of T. gondii-infected cell cultures. MHC class II transcript levels induced by IFN-gamma alone or in combination with TNF-alpha were also clearly diminished after parasitic infection. Furthermore, T. gondii dose-dependently down-regulated the transcript levels of the class II transactivator CIITA. These results suggest that T. gondii partially evade CD4+-mediated intracerebral immune responses, a mechanism which may contribute to long-term persistence of the parasite within the CNS.

Animals↗

Polystyrene beads coated with antibodies directed to HLA class I intracytoplasmic domain: the use in quantitative measurement of peptide-HLA class I binding by flow cytometry.

Protein-reactive, conformation-independent anti-peptide antibodies were raised in rabbits against a C-terminal sequence SDSAQGSDVSLA, common to most HLA-A and -B locus products. Antibodies were coupled to 4.5-microm polystyrene beads through the Fc portion by the use of protein A. The antibody-coupled beads showed a high capacity to bind HLA-A and -B proteins as well as their alpha chains by the intracytoplasmic domain, keeping the extracellular domains solvent exposed. The density of HLA class I proteins bound on the beads was approximately the same as that on cultured B cells. The antibody beads made it possible to quantitate peptide-HLA class I binding, i.e., in vitro HLA class I assembly by flow cytometry. The assembly rate determined by the provisionally called flow cytometric HLA class I assay was 15%-19% for the reassembly of dissociated HLA class I proteins with the released selfpeptides. With single synthetic peptides, the highest rate so far obtained was 6.5%. The assay specificity and reproducibility were satisfactory.

Animals↗

T Lymphocytes infiltrating various tumour types express the MHC class II ligand lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3): role of LAG-3/MHC class II interactions in cell-cell contacts.

The product of the Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) is a high affinity MHC class II ligand expressed by activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, which can associate with the T cell receptor (TCR) and downregulate TCR signalling in vitro. We have also reported that a soluble mLAG-3Ig fusion protein works as a vaccine adjuvant in vivo in mice, enhancing Th1 and CD8 T cell responses. Here, we report that LAG-3 expression was found, using fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, on 11-48% of human tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) isolated from eight freshly dissociated renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), and was restricted mostly to CD8(+) cells. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed LAG-3 expression by TILs in 9/11 RCCs, as well as in tumours of different origins, such as melanomas (3/5) and lymphomas (7/7). Since not only antigen presenting cells (APCs), but also TILs themselves strongly express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, we firstly investigated whether LAG-3/MHC class II T-T cell contacts might influence tumour cell recognition. However, cytotoxicity inhibition was not observed in two RCC-specific CD8(+) T cell clones in the presence of the LAG-3-specific MAb, and there was also no observed difference in the recognition of LAG-3-transfected or wild-type RCC by these cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In contrast, MHC class II engagement by LAG-3Ig was found to enhance the capacity of immature dendritic cells to stimulate naive T cell proliferation and IL-12-dependent IFN-gamma production by T cells in vitro. These results therefore provide support for a role for TIL-expressed LAG-3 in the engagement of class II molecules on APCs, thereby contributing to APC activation and Th1/Tc1 commitment, without downregulating cytotoxicity.

Antigens, CD↗

Acid treatment of lymphocytes selectively decreases the expression of HLA class I antigens: a method to confirm that a positive clinical crossmatch test was due to class I antibodies.

A rapid and reliable method for eliminating HLA class I antigens from the surface of lymphocytes without damaging the cells is described. Lymphocytes were exposed to an acid solution (pH 3.0) which selectively destroys the antigenicity of HLA class I antigens. Alloantisera containing multispecific HLA class I antibodies reacted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated, but not with acid-treated, lymphocytes. Specificity controls included: antibodies against HLA class II antigens and CD3, CD4, CD8; markers expressed on T cells and CD19, CD23; markers expressed on B cells. No change in lymphocyte reactivity to any of these surface antigens or to autoantibodies was observed. The viability of acid-treated lymphocytes was regularly around 90%. We propose that acid-treated lymphocytes are suitable targets for determination of the sole presence of class I antibodies in crossmatch sera of patients awaiting organ transplants.

Acids↗

Regulation of MHC class II gene expression by the class II transactivator.

MHC class II molecules are pivotal for the adaptive immune system, because they guide the development and activation of CD4+ T helper cells. Fulfilling these functions requires that the genes encoding MHC class II molecules are transcribed according to a strict cell-type-specific and quantitatively modulated pattern. This complex gene-expression profile is controlled almost exclusively by a single master regulatory factor, which is known as the class II transactivator. As we discuss here, differential activation of the three independent promoters that drive expression of the gene encoding the class II transactivator ultimately determines the exquisitely regulated pattern of MHC class II gene expression.

Animals↗

Class II correction in patients treated with class II elastics and with fixed functional appliances: a comparative study.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate quantitatively the skeletal and dental changes contributing to Class II corrections in subjects treated with Class II elastics (Begg technique) compared with subjects treated with fixed functional appliances (Herbst appliance). Thirty-six male patients with Class II, Division 1 malocclusions whose treatment had not included extraction were investigated. Eighteen were treated with the Begg technique, and eighteen were treated with Herbst appliance for an average period of 1.3 and 0.5 years, respectively. Lateral radiographs in habitual occlusion were taken at the start of treatment and 12 months afterwards. In the Begg group, the maxilla moved forward 1 mm more than in the Herbst group, and the mandible moved 1 mm more in the Herbst group than in the Begg group. The skeletal improvement in the Herbst group exceeded the changes in the Begg group by, on average, 2.0 mm (P <.01). The overjet reduction in the Begg group was larger (2.1 mm; P <.01) than in the Herbst group, mostly because of dental movements. The skeletal part of the overjet reduction was 4% in the Begg group compared with 51% in the Herbst group. The molar correction was similar in both groups, but in the Begg group, the skeletal improvement was 10%, compared with 66% in the Herbst group. The overbite correction and the increase in the anterior lower facial height and in the NSL/ML angle were larger in the Begg group (P <.05). The conclusions of this study were that the changes contributing to the Class II corrections in Begg and Herbst therapy were skeletal and dental. The skeletal changes were, however, larger in the Herbst-treated group. On the other hand, favorable and unfavorable vertical changes were more pronounced in the group treated with Class II elastics.

Adolescent↗

Class II-positive hematopoietic cells cannot mediate positive selection of CD4+ T lymphocytes in class II-deficient mice.

Generation of immunocompetent alpha/beta T-cell receptor-positive T cells from CD4+CD8+ thymocytes depends upon their interaction with thymic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This process of positive selection provides mature T cells that can recognize antigens in the context of self-MHC proteins. Previous studies investigating haplotype restriction in thymic and bone-marrow chimeras concluded that radioresistant thymic cortical epithelium directs the positive selection of thymocytes. There is controversy, however, as to whether intra- or extrathymic radiosensitive bone marrow-derived macrophage and dendritic cells also can mediate positive selection. To determine whether CD4+ T cells can be positively selected by hematopoietic cells, we generated chimeric animals expressing MHC class II molecules on either bone marrow-derived or thymic stromal cells by using a recently produced strain of MHC class II-deficient mice. CD4+ T cells developed only when class II MHC molecules were expressed on radioresistant thymic cells. In contrast to what recently has been observed for the selection of CD8+ T lymphocytes, MHC class II-positive bone marrow-derived cells were unable to mediate the selection of CD4+ T cells when the thymic epithelium lacked MHC class II expression. These data suggest that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells may be generated by overlapping, but not identical, mechanisms.

Animals↗

Highly lytic CD8+, alpha beta T-cell receptor cytotoxic T cells with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen-directed cytotoxicity in beta 2-microglobulin, MHC class I-deficient mice.

Targeted disruption of the beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) gene results in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I deficiency and virtual disappearance of functional CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in beta 2m-deficient (beta 2m-/-) mice. We asked whether the beta 2m-/- mice are able to reject tumor cells injected i.p. and what is the cellular composition of peritoneal exudate leukocytes (PELs) from such mice. We found that beta 2m-/- mice do reject MHC class I-bearing tumor cells injected i.p. Surprisingly, analysis of PEL CTLs obtained from i.p. tumor-injected beta 2m -/- mice revealed the presence of a large proportion of functional, tumor-destroying CD8+, CD4-, alpha beta T-cell receptor-positive, CD3+, Thy-1+, MHC class I-negative CTLs with strong MHC class I-directed cytotoxic activity. These results call for careful studies of local accumulation of CD8+ CTLs in beta 2m -/- mouse models and suggest that the dramatic decrease in MHC class I expression caused by beta 2m gene disruption does not prevent CD8+/CD4- cell selection and expansion.

Animals↗