Effect of antigen/antibody ratio on macrophage uptake, processing, and presentation to T cells of antigen complexed with polyclonal antibodies

IgG-Mediated Enhancement of Antibody Responses Is Low in Fc Receptor γ Chain-Deficient Mice and Increased in FcγRII-Deficient Mice

Immunization with IgG/Ag or IgE/Ag complexes leads to a higher production of specific Abs than immunization with Ag alone. The enhancing effect of IgE is exclusively dependent upon the low-affinity receptor for IgE, FcεRII, whereas the mechanism behind IgG-mediated enhancement is unknown. We have investigated whether receptors for the Fc part of IgG are required for responses to IgG/Ag. Mice lacking the γ subunit of Fc receptors (FcRs) (FcRγ−/−), FcγRII (FcγRII−/−), or FcγRIII (FcγRIII−/−) were immunized with BSA-2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) alone or BSA-TNP complexed to monoclonal TNP-specific IgG1, IgG2a, or IgG2b. As expected, all subclasses enhanced the Ab-response to BSA in wild-type mice. Enhancement was in the same order of magnitude in FcγRIII−/− mice (≤177-fold of controls administered Ag alone), whereas it was abrogated in FcRγ−/− mice and augmented in FcγRII−/− mice (≤5147-fold of controls). The response to IgE/Ag complexes in FcRγ−/− and FcγRII−/− mice was similar to that seen for wild-type mice, demonstrating that non-FcγR-dependent responses were normal. Our observations suggest that IgG/Ag complexes enhance Ab responses via FcγRs. Moreover, they reveal a strong negative regulation of Ab responses to IgG/Ag exerted by FcγRII.

The role of B cells in the establishment of T cell response in mice infected with an intracellular bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes

To clarify the role of B cells in the establishment of T cell response against intracellular bacteria, B-cell-deficient (muMT-/-) mice were infected with an intracellular bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, and T cell response against the bacteria was analyzed. On day 6 of primary Listeria infection, spleen T cells of the muMT-/- mice showed significantly lower levels of proliferative response and IFN-gamma production than those of normal infected mice after in vitro stimulation with listerial antigen. Even in the secondary Listeria infection after immunization with viable bacteria, spleen T cells of the muMT-/- mice proliferated and produced IFN-gamma against listerial antigen at significantly lower levels than those of normal immunized mice. These results demonstrate participation of B cells in priming of Listeria-specific T cells in vivo. However, B cells failed to present Listeria antigen to Listeria-specific T cells in vitro unless Listeria antigen was solubilized. Furthermore, transfer of immune serum from Listeria-infected normal mice failed to enhance the Listeria-specific T cell response of muMT-/- mice. The results indicate that B cells support the T cell response against intracellular bacteria through a mechanism other than their Ig production or antigen presentation function.

Differences in IgG subclass do not effect immune complex-enhanced T cell activation despite differential binding to antigen presenting cells

Ag presentation to CD4 T cells is a critical event in the generation of protective immunity. IgG, in the form of IgG-pathogen (Ag) complexes, is capable of mediating FcgammaR-dependent Ag presentation, and thereby enhanced T cell activation. Therefore, it is important to understand the ability of the individual human IgG subclasses to function in enhanced T cell activation. We hypothesized that increased delivery of Ag to monocyte FcgammaR by high affinity human IgG subclasses, IgG1 and IgG3, would lead to increased Ag presentation, as compared to low affinity IgG subclasses, IgG2 and IgG4. To create immune complexes, we linked biotinylated IgG subclasses to biotinylated Ag via an avidin bridge, and examined T cell responses to them. Although IgG2- and IgG4-Ag complexes bound to monocytes at significantly lower levels than those made with IgG1 and IgG3, we observed no significant difference in the ability of the four human IgG subclasses to mediate enhanced T cell activation. Studies suggest the explanation for this dichotomy lies within the first 24 h of Ag processing, and that processing efficiency may vary with IgG subclass. They also suggest the existence of a highly efficient, and selective processing pathway, which is dependent on IgG subclass, and can compensate for low level production and FcgammaR binding of IgG2- and IgG4-Ag complexes.

Distinct regulation of HLA class II and class I cell surface expression in the THP-1 macrophage cell line after bacterial phagocytosis

Expression of HLA and CD1b molecules was investigated in the THP-1 macrophage cell line within 2 weeks following phagocytosis of mycobacteria or Escherichia coli. During the first 2-3 days, cell surface expression of HLA class II and CD1b was drastically down-modulated, whereas HLA class I expression was up-modulated. In the following days both HLA class II and CD1b expression first returned to normal, then increased and finally returned to normal with kinetics similar to that observed for the steadily increased HLA class I. The initial down-modulation of HLA class II and CD1b cell surface antigens was absolutely dependent on phagocytosis of bacteria. Further studies indicated that initial HLA class II cell surface down-modulation (1) was not due to reduced transcription or biosynthesis of mature HLA class II heterodimers, (2) was only partially, if at all, rescued by treatment with IFN-gamma, although both mRNA and corresponding intracellular proteins increased up to sixfold with respect to untreated cells, and (3) resulted in failure of THP-1 cells to process and present mycobacterial antigens to HLA-DR-restricted antigen-specific T cell lines. The existence of a transient block of transport of mature HLA class II heterodimers to the cell surface in the first days after phagocytosis of bacteria may have negative and positive consequences: it decreases APC function early but it may increase it later by favoring optimal loading of bacterial antigens in cellular compartments at high concentration of antigen-presenting molecules.

Epitopic overload at the site of injection may result in suppression of the immune response to combined capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccines

Capsular polysaccharide (CP) conjugate vaccines targeting a variety of bacterial infections are currently under development and clinical evaluation. The inclusion of multiple CP serotypes combined in a single injection is an important maneuver being evaluated. The combination of CP conjugate vaccines into a single multivalent injection may result in competition among the different components and adversely affect the immunogenicity of any individual conjugate. We observed a reduction of 30-90% in antibody responses to several serotypes in mice when immunogenicity of a 12-valent Escherichia coli (E. coli) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) conjugate vaccine was compared to the immunogenicity of each monovalent vaccine evaluated separately. A reduction of 30% was observed in the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) type 8 CP antibodies when a type 8-rEPA conjugate was combined with a type 5-rEPA conjugate. S. aureus types 5 and 8-rEPA conjugates were combined with 100 micrograms of either rEPA (homologous) or diphtheria toxoid (DT) (heterologous) carrier proteins, and evaluated in rEPA or DT primed mice. The addition of the homologous protein resulted in a 64% reduction in type 5 CP antibodies. The heterologous protein did not affect the immunogenicity of the type 5. We postulate that the free protein competed with the conjugate and recruited most of the rEPA primed T cells. In the case of the DT conjugates, the DT targeted different populations of the T cells, thus interference was not observed. These data suggested that the epitopic load rather than the antigenic load at the site of injection caused reduced immunogenicity of the conjugates. We theorize that individual components of multivalent CP vaccines conjugated to the same carrier proteins would compete for a limited number of specific carrier protein primed T cells. This would result in one or more components being unavailable in eliciting a sufficient immune response. The use of multiple carrier proteins should be considered as an approach to reduce interference when multivalent conjugate vaccines are to be formulated into a single injection.

Effects of maternal antibodies on protection and development of antibody responses to human rotavirus in gnotobiotic pigs

Although maternal antibodies can protect against infectious disease in infancy, they can also suppress active immune responses. The effects of circulating maternal antibodies, with and without colostrum and milk antibodies, on passive protection and active immunity to human rotavirus (HRV) were examined in gnotobiotic pigs. Pigs received intraperitoneal injections of high-titer serum (immune pigs [groups 1 and 2]) from immunized sows, low-titer serum from naturally infected sows (control pigs [groups 3 and 4]), or no serum (group 5). Immune or control colostrum and milk were added to the diet of groups 2 and 4, respectively. After inoculation (3 to 5 days of age) and challenge (postinoculation day [PID] 21) with virulent HRV, the effects of maternal antibodies on protection (from diarrhea and virus shedding), and on active antibody responses (measured by quantitation of antibody-secreting cells [ASC] in intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues by ELISPOT) were evaluated. Groups 1 and 2 had significantly less diarrhea and virus shedding after inoculation but higher rates of diarrhea and virus shedding after challenge than did groups 3 and 5. Group 1 and 2 pigs had significantly fewer immunoglobulin A (IgA) ASC in intestinal tissues at PID 21 and at postchallenge day (PCD) 7 compared to group 5. Significantly fewer IgG ASC were present in the intestines of group 2 pigs at PID 21 and PCD 7 compared to group 5. There was a trend towards fewer ASC in intestinal tissues of group 2 than group 1, from PID 21 on, with significantly fewer IgA ASC at PCD 7. IgG ASC in the duodenum and mesenteric lymph nodes of group 3 and 4 pigs were significantly fewer than in group 5 at PCD 7. These decreases in ASC emphasize the role of passive antibodies in impairing induction of ASC rather than in merely suppressing the function of differentiated B cells. To be successful, vaccines intended for populations with high titers of maternal antibodies (infants in developing countries) may require higher titers of virus, multiple doses, or improved delivery systems, such as the use of microencapsulation or immune stimulating complexes, to overcome the suppressive effects of maternal antibodies.

Primary human mesothelioma cells express class II MHC, ICAM-1 and B7-2 and can present recall antigens to autologous blood lymphocytes

Mesothelioma cells (MMc) are considered to be weakly immunogenic and the experimental approaches attempting to induce an immune response against these cells have been disappointing. Our aim was to investigate whether MMc possess the surface accessory molecules involved in antigen presentation and whether these cells are capable of presenting recall antigens to autologous blood lymphocytes. Four primary MMc cultures were generated from malignant effusions and examined to assess whether the accessory molecules required for antigen presentation were present on their surfaces. Intercellular adhesion molecule-I (ICAM-I; CD54); class I and class II major histocompatibility complex-DR (MHCI and MHCII-DR); B7-1 (CD80.3); and B7-2 (CD86) expression by MMc was studied by immunocytochemical and/or FACScan analysis. MMc were pulsed with purified protein derivative (PPD), Tetanus toxoid (TT) and Candida albicans (CA) bodies, and incubated with autologous lymphocytes. Lymphocyte proliferation was estimated by radionucleotide incorporation. Phenotypic analysis showed the presence of MHCII-DR, ICAM-I and B7-2 on primary MMc cultures, whereas the phenotypic evaluation of 2 established MMc lines did not show the presence of the B7-1 and B7-2 molecules. In addition, MHCII-DR was detectable only after interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) stimulation. Primary MMc cultures acquired the capability to induce lymphocyte proliferation after pulse with the recall antigens. To achieve characterization of these lymphocytes, we generated a PPD-specific CD4+ T-cell clone. PPD-pulsed MMc were shown to specifically induce T-cell clone proliferation through a MHCII-DR-mediated process. We conclude that primary MMc possess the surface molecules required for antigen presentation and can present recall antigens to CD4+ lymphocytes.

Autoimmune responses to the beta cell autoantigen, insulin, and the INS VNTR-IDDM2 locus

Type 1 diabetes is associated with autoimmunity to insulin. Genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes is polygenic and includes the INS VNTR-IDDM2 locus which may regulate the expression of insulin in pancreas and thymus. In order to determine whether insulin autoimmunity could be attributed to a genetic susceptibility conferred by the INS VNTR-IDDM2 locus, peripheral blood T cell proliferation to human insulin and insulin autoantibodies (IAA) was measured in patients with new onset type 1 diabetes and control subjects. IAA were detected in 21 of 53 patients and in none of 25 control subjects, while T cell responses were low (stimulation index range 0.4-7.2) and similar in both groups. Both antibody and T cell responses were higher in younger subjects and IAA were more prevalent in patients with the HLA-DR4 allele. No relationship was observed between humoral and cellular responses to insulin. No association was found between the INS VNTR-IDDM2-susceptible allele and insulin autoimmunity. Increased T cell responses and IAA were found in patients with either the diabetes-susceptible or the diabetes-protective INS VNTR-IDDM2 locus genotypes, and increased T cell responses were also found in control subjects with either susceptible or protective INS VNTR-IDDM2 locus genotypes. This study confirms that primary T cell proliferative responses to insulin are low and detectable also in control subjects. The detection of T cell proliferation and autoantibodies to insulin in subjects with and without the protective INS VNTR-IDDM2 locus genotypes does not support the hypothesis of an allele-specific capacity for tolerance induction which could determine a susceptibility to develop autoimmunity against the insulin protein and subsequently diabetes.

The Rate of Dissociation Between Antibody and Antigen Determines the Efficiency of Antibody-Mediated Antigen Presentation to T Cells

We analyzed the role of Ab affinity on Ab-mediated Ag uptake and presentation to T cells. Hen egg white lysozyme (HEL) was captured by bifunctional hybrid proteins (Fv-MalE) in which the variable fragment (Fv) of the anti-HEL mAb D1.3 was covalently linked to the Escherichia coli MalE protein. These complexes were targeted via two anti-MalE mAbs to an APC expressing a receptor for the Ab constant region. The combination of Fv-MalE and anti-MalE mAbs increased, specifically, HEL presentation. With this experimental system, we evaluated the impact of six different mutations, affecting the Fv-MalE complementarity determining regions, on the increase of HEL presentation by the corresponding hybrids. These mutations increase the dissociation rate constant (koff), and, thus, the dissociation constant of the HEL/Fv-MalE interaction, up to 650-fold, as compared with the wt Fv-MalE. Increasing the koff from 7 × 10−4 s−1 up to 300 × 10−4 s−1 did not interfere with the enhancement of HEL presentation. A mutant with a koff of 600 × 10−4 s−1 had a reduced enhancement ability, and mutants with koff higher than 5700 × 10−4 s−1 did not enhance HEL presentation at all. These results show that affinity determines the efficiency of Ab-mediated Ag presentation to T cells. One consequence is that affinity maturation in specific B lymphocytes can drastically enhance their ability to collaborate with T cells in an MHC-restricted way. This may contribute to the selection of high affinity B cell clones.

Unique role of allergens and the epithelium in asthma

The respiratory epithelium has been regarded as an inert barrier separating the human airway from the external world. Equally allergens have been perceived to be environmental proteins which interact with immunocompetent cells, activate inflammatory cells via IgE and promote the allergic response. However many allergens are biochemically active and are able to increase epithelial permeability and to stimulate epithelial cells to produce cytokines, adhesion receptors and MHC Class II expression. Thus the biochemical properties of allergens are likely to be important in enhancing the allergic responses and disease.

CD4+ T cell responses in mice lacking MHC class II molecules specifically on B cells

The role of B lymphocytes in initiating and maintaining a CD4+ T cell response has been examined using a variety of strategies, but remains controversial because of weaknesses inherent to each of the approaches. Here, we address this issue by measuring CD4+ T cell priming both in mutant mice devoid of B cells and in chimeric animals lacking major histocompatibility complex class II molecules specifically on B cells. We find that peptide and some protein antigens do not require B cells expressing class II molecules, nor B cells themselves, to efficiently prime. This could be demonstrated by the usual lymph node proliferation assay, a rather indirect in vitro measure of priming, and by a direct ex vivo assay of population expansion and activation marker expression. Interestingly, one protein antigen, conalbumin, could not prime in the absence of B cells, but could in the presence of B cells devoid of class II molecules. This finding constrains the possible mechanisms whereby B lymphocytes contribute to the initiation of a CD4+ T cell response, arguing against the importance of surface immunoglobulin-mediated antigen presentation by B cells.

Fcε Receptor I on Dendritic Cells Delivers IgE-Bound Multivalent Antigens into a Cathepsin S-Dependent Pathway of MHC Class II Presentation

In this study, we elucidate the FcεRI-mediated Ag uptake and presentation mechanisms of dendritic cells (DC). We found that FcεRI-bound IgE, after polyvalent but not after monovalent ligation, is efficiently internalized into acidic, proteolytic compartments, degraded, and delivered into organelles containing MHC class II, HLA-DM, and lysosomal proteins. To follow the fate of the fragmented ligand, we sought to interfere with invariant chain (Ii) degradation, a process critical for peptide loading of nascent MHC class II molecules. We found DC to express cathepsin (Cat) S, a cysteine protease involved in li processing by B cells. Exposure of DC to a specific, active-site inhibitor of Cat S resulted in the loss of anti-Cat S immunoreactivity, led to the appearance of an N-terminal Ii remnant, and decreased the export of newly synthesized MHC class II to the DC surface. Furthermore, inactivation of Cat S as well as blockade of protein neosynthesis by cycloheximide strongly reduced IgE/FcεRI-mediated Ag presentation by DC. Thus, multimeric ligands of FcεRI, instead of being delivered into a recycling MHC class II pathway, are channeled efficiently into MIIC (MHC class II compartment)-like organelles of DC, in which Cat S-dependent li processing and peptide loading of newly synthesized MHC class II molecules occur. This IgE/FcεRI-dependent signaling pathway in DC may be a particularly effective route for immunization and a promising target for interfering with the early steps of allergen presentation.

HLA Class II Expression in Uninducible Hepatocarcinoma Cells After Transfection of AIR-1 Gene Product CIITA: Acquisition of Antigen Processing and Presentation Capacity

The AIR-1-encoded CIITA transcriptional activator is crucial for both constitutive and IFN-γ-induced MHC class II gene transcription. We show here that the MHC class II negative phenotype of the human hepatocarcinoma cell lines Alexander and HepG2 remains unmodified after treatment with IFN-γ, although MHC class I expression is up-modulated. This correlates with absence of CIITA mature transcripts. Transfection of an expressible CIITA cDNA in Alexander cells resulted in a very high cell surface expression of all three human class II subsets, HLA-DR, -DP and -DQ, indicating that normally observed induction of CIITA expression by IFN-γ is probably blocked, in the hepatocarcinoma cell lines, at the level of CIITA transcription and not at the level of IFN-γ receptor binding and signal transduction mechanisms. To assess whether MHC class II expression on CIITA-transfected Alexander cells could have functional relevance, we tested their capacity to present antigenic peptides to an HLA-DR-restricted T cell line specific for a peptide of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ag85 protein. It was found that the transfected cells could not only present the exogenously supplemented peptide but also process Ag85 protein to generate the specific epitope recognized by the HLA-DR-restricted T cell line. Similar results were obtained with CIITA-transfected CFPAC-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells, which differed from Alexander cells in that they were inducible by IFN-γ. These results suggest new strategies to act on CIITA for increasing the potential of a tumor cell to present putative tumor Ags to the immune system.

Human IgG Fc receptors

Human IgG receptors constitute a family of glycoprotein complexes consisting of ligand-binding, and associated signaling chains. Three leukocyte classes (Fc gamma RI, II, and III) and one separate endothelial Fc gamma R class (FcRB) are defined which are expressed on hematopoietic and endothelial cells. Upon interaction with IgG, Fc gamma R initiate a plethora of signaling cascades involving receptor signaling motifs, and protein tyrosine kinases and phosphatases. These cascades ultimately culminate in activation or deactivation of effector cells, resulting in initiation or down-modulation of cellular processes. Recent evidence points to a crucial in vivo role of Fc gamma R in both initiation and regulation of inflammatory and cytotoxic responses. These Fc gamma R-mediated immune responses can be exploited to develop novel immunotherapies.

Functions of Fc receptors on human dendritic Langerhans cells

Immature dendritic cells are antigen presenting cells highly specialized for capturing and processing foreign protein antigens. These cells express Fc gamma RII and Fc epsilon RI which, by their ability to internalize and use the endocytic pathway, increase their capacity to process antigens. Immature dendritic cells, such as epidermal Langerhans cells, also release soluble forms of Fc gamma RII. These latter molecules are likely to compete with the membrane-associated Fc gamma R to diminish or abrogate the capacity of dendritic cells to present immune complexes, as suggested by our in vitro experiments using both human and mouse epidermal Langerhans cells. However, when dendritic cells mature in vitro and become efficient stimulators of resting T cells, they rapidly down-regulate and sometimes completely abolish the expression of their membrane-associated Fc gamma R and Fc epsilon RI. Consequently, they lose or at least strongly diminish their capacity to capture immune complexes. At this stage, the release of soluble Fc gamma R by dendritic cells is also markedly diminished. One can hypothesize that the membrane-associated Fc gamma RII and the soluble Fc gamma RII are molecules expressed when dendritic cells are potent capturing and processing cells, the soluble Fc gamma RII molecule acting by competition as a negative regulatory element on the Fc gamma RII-mediated internalization of IgG-containing immune complexes. Thus, the expression of membrane-associated Fc gamma R and Fc epsilon RI, as well as the release of soluble Fc gamma R, would seem to characterize the immature stage of dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells internalize vaccine adjuvant after intramuscular injection

Vaccine adjuvants help antigens elicit rapid, potent, and long-lasting immune responses. The lack of understanding of the immunological mechanism of action of adjuvants has limited the rational development of vaccines for human use. In particular, little is known about how the immune system processes adjuvants. The goal of the present study was to determine the fate of the vaccine adjuvant MF59, labeled with the fluorescent dye Dil, after injection with fluorescein-labeled gD2 antigen from type 2 herpes simplex virus. At 3 h after intramuscular injection into BALB/c mice, most of the MF59 was still in the form of extracellular droplets in the muscle, but a detectable fraction of the MF59 was in cells in the subcapsular sinus of draining inguinal lymph nodes. At 48 h, most of the MF59 at the site of injection was inside cells that were immunoreactive for the dendritic cell markers DEC-205 and MHC class II molecules, reflecting the interaction of MF59 with antigen presenting cells. At this time, intracellular MF59 was also abundant in the paracortical (T cell) region of lymph nodes. The gD2 antigen was also intracellular in muscle and colocalized MF59 at 48 h, and the presence of MF59 increased the amount of intracellular antigen. Similarly, serological antibody titers to gD2 were 207-fold higher after two injections when MF59 was administered with the antigen. These findings suggest that MF59 interacts with antigen presenting cells at the site of injection and then moves to the draining lymph nodes, where it increases the efficiency of antigen presentation to T cells.

Induction of IgG rheumatoid factor (RF) production by antibody-antibody (RF-like) immune complexes: the role of T cells, complement and Fc gamma receptors

Rheumatoid factors (RF) are autoantibodies with specificity for the constant regions of IgG molecules. They are found in several immunopathological diseases. The mechanism(s) by which these autoantibodies are produced is largely unknown. We have previously shown that a single injection of RF-like immune complexes (ICs) into mice selectively induced an intense IgG1-antibody production with RF activity. This response was sustained for several months and did not resemble a conventional immune response to an antigen or other immune complexes. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the mechanism for the IgG1 RF response to RF-like ICs. Therefore, the roles of CD4+ T cells, complement and Fc gamma receptors were analysed. In order to characterize the role of CD4+ T cells, RF-like induced IgG1-RF production was analysed in NZB mice treated with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the CD4 molecule, which resulted in complete abrogation of IgG1 RF production. To evaluate the importance of Fc gamma Rs, the effect of RF-like ICs was tested in mice deficient for RF gamma RI/III. A significant decrease in the numbers of IgG1 antibody secreting cells, as well as in serum IgG1 RF levels, was found in the deficient mice, as compared with their normal outbred littermates. The role of complement in RF-like ICs mediated IgG1 RF was tested in complement depleted NZB mice, using Cobra venom factor. The IgG1 RF response in complement depleted and intact mice was comparable. Thus, our results demonstrate that RF-like immune complexes selectively induce an Fc gamma R-dependent, complement independent antibody response in mice.

Enhanced MHC class II-restricted presentation of measles virus (MV) hemagglutinin in transgenic mice expressing human MV receptor CD46

This study analyzes the role of the measles virus (MV) receptor, i.e. the human CD46 molecule, in the MHC class II-restricted presentation of MV hemagglutinin (H). We generated transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing CD46, with a similar level of transgene expression on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APC), i.e. B cells, dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages. APC isolated from transgenic mice and nontransgenic controls were tested for their ability to present MV H to H-specific CD4+ I-Ed-restricted T cell hybridomas. All three populations of APC were capable of presenting MV to T cell hybridomas, DC being the most efficient. Expression of CD46 on B lymphocytes increased MHC class II-dependent presentation of MV H up to 100-fold, while CD46-transgenic DC stimulated H-specific T cell hybridomas up to 10-fold better than nontransgenic DC. Interestingly, expression of CD46 did not change the presentation efficiency of transgenic macrophages, indicating that CD46-dependent enhancement of antigen presentation depends on the nature of the APC. Furthermore, a single injection of UV-inactivated MV particles into CD46-transgenic mice, but not nontransgenic controls, induced generation of MV-specific T lymphocytes and production of anti-H antibodies, suggesting a role for CD46 in the efficient capture of MV in vivo. These results show for the first time that one ubiquitously expressed cell surface receptor, like CD46, could function in receptor-mediated antigen presentation both in vitro and in vivo and its performance depends on the type of APC which expresses it.

Repertoire breadth of human CD4+ T cells specific for HIV gp120 and p66 (primary antigens) or for PPD and tetanus toxoid (secondary antigens)

Antigen derived peptides bound on MHC class II molecules on presenting cells stimulate specific CD4 lymphocytes that are in a naive state if antigen is given for the first time, or in a memory state if antigen has been previously encountered. In order to compare clonal heterogeneity of the human CD4+ T helper repertoire in primary vs. recall responses, we have generated T cell lines in vitro by repeated stimulation of peripheral lymphocytes with primary or with recall antigens. Clonal heterogeneity was broad in the case of recall response to tetanus toxoid or PPD, with a high frequency of specific precursors (> 100 cells/10(6) lymphocytes). In contrast, T cell lines responsive to primary antigens (HIV gp120 or HIV p66) were oligoclonal as defined by TCR V beta gene usage and by spectratyping, and the precursor frequency was low (< 2 cells/10(6) lymphocytes). Primary T cell lines generated from blood samples drawn at different times from the same donor showed that clones with identical TCR CDR3 region coding sequences were expanded, suggesting that in these individuals a large progeny derived from one single precursor is present, even though a previous encounter with the antigen was not documented. Assuming an even in vivo distribution of such cells, the presence of one precursor every 10(6) CD4 lymphocytes (within the CD4 T repertoire that comprises roughly 10(11) CD4 T cells) indicates that approximately 10(5) identical T cells from the same clonal precursor account for the primary response against the model antigens we have studied.

Role of B-cell and Fc receptors in the selection of T-cell epitopes

The role of specific receptors in antigen internalization and presentation to helper T lymphocytes has been known for more than ten years. However, recent work indicates that internalization may not always be sufficient for antigen presentation. Indeed, antigen receptors such as B-cell receptors and Fc receptors may also be involved in the post-endocytic transport events that determine selectively the delivery of antigens to different endocytic compartments and thereby the presentation of different T-cell epitopes.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 glycoprotein 120-specific T lymphocytes provide intermolecular help for anti-CD4 autoantibody production in exposed uninfected subjects

Anti-CD4 antibodies have been documented in about 10-20% of HIV-infected patients. This autoimmune response could be triggered by increased CD4 processing and unveiling of hidden (cryptic) epitopes. Multiple markers of exposure to HIV have been described in exposed uninfected individuals. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the generation of anti-CD4 antibodies in a cohort of 54 seronegative exposed uninfected individuals. We identified anti-CD4 antibodies above normal levels in 16 of 47 (34%) exposed uninfected subjects. The fine specificity of these antibodies was different in this cohort when compared with those found in HIV+ patients. This suggested the possibility of different mechanisms underlying the generation of anti-CD4 antibodies in these two groups. Indeed, in exposed uninfected subjects, we found circulating CD4 T cells specific for gp120, but not for CD4. In contrast, HIV-1-seropositive patients had peripheral blood T cells specific for both molecules. Noncovalent binding of gp120 to soluble CD4 enhanced activation of gp120-specific T lymphocytes in exposed uninfected subjects, but not in HIV+ subjects. Moreover, gp120-specific T cells isolated from exposed uninfected, but not from HIV+, subjects provided help for anti-CD4 antibody production by B cells pulsed with CD4-gp120 complex. We conclude that gp120-specific T cells are present in exposed uninfected individuals, and can provide intermolecular help for anti-CD4 antibody production. This mechanism is distinct from that found in HIV-1-seropositive patients and may play a protective role against HIV-1 infection in vivo.

Immune complexes are potent inhibitors of interleukin-12 secretion by human monocytes

We have studied the effect of immune complexes (IC) on interleukin (IL)-12 secretion by human monocytes in vitro. Two experimental models of IC were used. IC formed of tetanus toxoid and polyclonal anti-tetanus toxoid antiserum as well as heat-aggregated human serum IgG almost completely inhibited IL-12 (p70 and p40) secretion induced by interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide in human blood-derived monocytes. Neutralizing anti-IL-10 antibodies plus indomethacin restored IL-12 secretion in the presence of IC to a high extent, indicating that IL-10 and prostaglandin (PG) partially mediate the IC-induced inhibition of IL-12 secretion. However, neutralization of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by specific antibodies also incompletely restored IL-12 secretion. Indeed, monocytes secrete high levels of TNF-alpha upon stimulation by IC. We found that exogenously added TNF-alpha caused a profound inhibition of monocytic IL-12 secretion in the absence of IC, again mediated via the induction of IL-10 and PG. In summary, IC inhibit IL-12 secretion via TNF-alpha-induced IL-10 and PG synthesis. We conclude that IC, typically appearing in the course of chronic inflammatory processes, may influence the balance between Th1 and Th2 responses and may thus contribute to a deprivation of cell-mediated immune responses.

The mannose receptor functions as a high capacity and broad specificity antigen receptor in human dendritic cells

Dendritic cells, in contrast to B lymphocytes, must be able to efficiently internalize a diverse array of antigens for processing and loading onto major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Here we characterize the mannose receptor pathway in dendritic cells and show that mannose receptor-mediated uptake of antigens results in a approximately 100-fold more efficient presentation to T cells, as compared to antigens internalized via fluid phase. Immunocytochemistry as well as subcellular fractionation revealed the localization of the mannose receptor and MHC class II molecules in distinct subcellular compartments. The mannose receptor thus functions in rapid internalization and concentration of a variety of glycosylated antigens that become available for processing and presentation. This may contribute to the unique capacity of dendritic cells to generate primary T cell responses against infectious agents.

Humoral immune response to immunocomplexed HIV envelope glycoprotein 120

To further our understanding of the nature of HIV-1 immunogenicity, we injected mice with the virus envelope protein gp120 in different configurations: free, complexed with its receptor CD4, and as an immunocomplex with a monoclonal antibody directed against the V3 loop of the protein. Analyses of the polyclonal sera, as well as of monoclonal antibodies produced in each case, allowed us to conclude that the quality of the humoral immune response depended on the complexation state of the antigen. For the free gp120 and gp120-CD4 complex the responses were directed mainly toward conformational epitopes. However, gp120 immunocomplexed with anti-V3 loop Mab produced, in addition, numerous MAbs directed toward linear epitopes. Epitopes were mapped using immunoblots of gp120 cleaved with S. aureus V8 protease and a combinatorial epitope phage-display library. It was found that some of the linear epitopes had been previously identified as T cell epitopes. These results suggest that the immunocomplexed gp120 may be particularly well taken up by antigen-presenting cells, leading to the processing of the gp120 and the efficient presentation of T cell epitopes. Thus immunocomplexation should afford a means for enhancing the immunogenicity of gp120 and improving its presentation.

Mechanisms of antigen uptake for presentation

There is growing evidence that different antigen-presenting cells use specialized mechanisms for antigen uptake. Macropinocytosis and the activity of the mannose receptor have been identified as efficient mechanisms of antigen capture in dendritic cells. The mechanism of uptake determines the intracellular compartment to which antigen is delivered and may determine the type of T-cell epitopes generated. New pathways for presentation of exogenous antigens on MHC class I and II molecules have been identified. These findings provide new insights into antigen presentation in vivo and will be instrumental in designing better methods of vaccination.

Handling of retroviral antigens by human antigen-presenting cells

Antigen-specific T helper cells play an important role in retroviral infections. Indeed, they provide help for B-cell activation and antibody production and for clonal expansion of cytolytic lymphocytes. Therefore, we used retrovirus-specific human T helper clones in order to define modes of antigen presentation, antigen-presenting cells and the molecular context of Th epitopes that could be exploited in the design of immunogens aimed at optimizing the Th cell response. In particular, we describe several mechanisms of receptor-mediated antigen uptake that enhance the stimulation of human T-cell clones specific for HIV and HTLV-1 antigens; we report on the differential recognition of Th epitopes depending on the molecular-viral context; we show that dendritic cells are the most efficient presenting cells and are essential for the induction of in vitro primary Th cell responses; and finally, we propose that Th cells specific for internal, conserved antigens of HIV such as reverse transcriptase, may be candidates for intrastructural help resulting in induction of envelope specific antibodies.

Distinct antigen-induced cytokine pattern upon stimulation with antibody-complexed antigen consistent with a Th1-->Th2-shift

The consequences of complexing an antigen with specific antibodies upon the antigen-induced immune response were studied with respect to secretion of interleukin-2 (IL2), interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-10 (IL10) and interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). We found that the tetanus toxoid antigen-induced cytokine pattern was mainly dependent on the antigen/antibody ratio. While tetanus toxoid antigen alone induced a typical Th1-like cytokine pattern with high levels of IL2 and IFN gamma, equivalent or antibody-excess immune complexes induced a marked secretion of IL6 and IL10 while failing to induce IL2 and IFN gamma secretion. As the cytokine pattern plays a crucial role in the development of specific immune responses towards infectious agents, our results indicate that immune complexes--typically occurring during the course of chronic infectious diseases--may play an important role in the modulation of immune responses. Since a shift from Th1 to Th2 immune responses has been discussed as a pathogenetic factor in HIV-induced immunodeficiency, the role of circulating immune complexes as a possible cause for this shift should be considered.

Enhancement of antigen presentation of influenza virus hemagglutinin by the natural human anti-Gal antibody

Immunogenicity of inactivated virus or subviral vaccines may be enhanced by complexing with an IgG antibody. Such antibody would increase the uptake, processing and presentation of the vaccine's antigens by antigen presenting cells (APC), via the adhesion of the antibody-vaccine complex to Fc-receptors on macrophages and other APC. A natural antibody in humans, which may be generally exploited for this purpose, is the natural anti-Gal antibody. This antibody is ubiquitously produced as 1% of circulating IgG in humans and Old World primates, and it interacts specifically with the carbohydrate epitope Gal alpha 1-3 Gal beta 1-4 GlcNAc-R (termed the alpha-galactosyl epitope). This epitope is synthesized in large amounts in cells of nonprimate mammals and New World monkeys by the glycosylation enzyme alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase. Here we describe in vitro studies on the ability of anti-Gal to bind to alpha-galactosyl epitopes on influenza virus propagated in mammalian cells, and to enhance presentation by APC of viral hemagglutinin antigenic determinants to specific helper T cell clones. The various approaches for achieving alpha-galactosyl epitope expression on virion and subviral vaccines are discussed.

Binding of nucleosomes to a cell surface receptor: redistribution and endocytosis in the presence of lupus antibodies

In the present study, we sought evidence for a surface nucleosome receptor in the fibroblastic cell line CV-1, and questioned whether anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA and/or anti-histone autoantibodies could recognize and influence the fate of cell surface-bound nucleosomes. 125I-labeled mononucleosomes were shown to bind to the cell layer in a specific, concentration-dependent and a saturable manner. Scatchard analysis revealed the presence of two binding sites: a high-affinity site with a Kd of approximately 7nM and a low-affinity site (Kd approximately 400 nM) with a high capacity of 9 x 10(7) sites. Visualization of bound mononucleosomes by fluorescence revealed staining on both the cell surface and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Purified mononucleosome-derived ds DNA (180-200 bp) was found to complete for binding of 125I-mononucleosomes on the low-affinity site, to stain exclusively the ECM in immunofluorescence, and to precipitate three specific proteins of 43, 180 and 240 kDa from 125-I-labeled cell lysates. Nucleosomes were found to precipitate not only the 180-kDa ds DNA-reactive component, but also a unique protein of 50 kDa, suggesting that this protein is a cell surface receptor for nucleosomes on these fibroblasts. Once bound on the cell surface, mononucleosomes were recognized and secondarily complexed by lupus anti-ds DNA or anti-histone antibodies (i.e. anti-nucleosome antibodies), thus forming immune complexes in situ. The presence of these complexing auto-antibodies was found dramatically to enhance the kinetics of mononucleosome internalization. Following the internalization of the nucleosome-anti-nucleosome complexes by immunofluorescence, we observed the formation of vesicles at the edge of the cells by 5-10 min which moved toward the perinuclear region by 20-30 min. By means of double-fluorescence labeling and proteolytic treatment, these fluorescent vesicles were shown to be in the cytoplasm, suggesting true endocytosis of nucleosome-anti-nucleosome immune complexes. As shown by confocal microscopy, at no stage of this endocytic process was there any indication that coated pits or coated vesicles participated. Co-distribution of the endocytic vesicles with regions rich in actin filaments and inhibition of endocytosis of nucleosome-anti-nucleosome complexes by disruption of the microfilament network with cytochalasin D suggest a mechanism mediated by the cytoskeleton. Taken together, our data provide evidence for the presence of a surface nucleosome receptor. We also show that anti-ds DNA and anti-histone antibodies can form nucleosome-anti-nucleosome immune complexes in situ at the cell surface, and thus dramatically enhance the kinetics of nucleosome endocytosis.

Enhanced proliferation of CD4+ T cells induced by dendritic cells following antigen uptake in the presence of specific antibody

Afferent lymph dendritic cells bear an Fc gamma receptor which binds antigen/antibody complexes thereby enhancing uptake of antigen. In this report, we have addressed the question of whether the enhanced uptake of antigen results in augmented antigen presentation and T cell proliferation in in vitro secondary responses in sheep. Inclusion of affinity-purified IgG anti-ovalbumin antibody in cultures of afferent lymph dendritic cells, purified CD4+ T cells, and substimulating amounts of ovalbumin resulted in a five- to 169-fold enhancement of T cell proliferation. This effect was antigen-specific as replacement of the anti-ovalbumin antibody with an IgG anti-human serum albumin specific antibody did not cause enhanced T cell responses. The antigen-specific augmentation required intact antibody Fc portions as F(ab')2 fragments of the anti-ovalbumin antibodies were ineffective. The enhanced antigen presentation was found to be maximal with immune complexes in moderate antibody excess (three- to 30-fold), but still occurred at antibody/antigen ratios of 300. The augmented responses were inhibitable with anti-MHC Class II specific antibodies, indicating that at least some of the antigen taken in via Fc gamma receptors entered a Class II processing pathway. The results thus show that antigen uptake via Fc gamma receptors on dendritic cells results in functional augmentation of antigen presentation and T cell proliferation.

Role of B cell receptor Ig alpha and Ig beta subunits in MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation

The ability of the B cell antigen receptors (BCRs) to enhance MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation was ascribed to mig-associated Ig alpha/Ig beta heterodimers. The relative role of Ig alpha and Ig beta subunits in antigen presentation was investigated by fusing their cytoplasmic tails to the extracellular and transmembrane domains of Fc receptors. Ig alpha and Ig beta chimera mediate antigen internalization and increase the efficiency of antigen presentation, but they drive antigens to different endosomal compartments. Furthermore, antigens internalized by either chimera are degraded and presented with different kinetics. The cytoplasmic tail of Ig alpha targets antigen towards a major population of newly synthesized MHC class II located in class II-rich compartments. In contrast, Ig beta targets antigen towards a minor population of recycling MHC class II molecules, located in transferrin receptor-containing endosomes. Altogether, our data indicate that the composition of BCR could be therefore an important way to modulate the immune response.

Antigen-presenting function of human peritoneum mesothelial cells

Mesothelial cells (MC) from human peritoneal omentum fragments obtained during surgical insertion of peritoneal catheters for continuous peritoneal dialysis in end stage renal failure (ESRF) patients were cultured in vitro. MC exhibited a phenotype different from macrophages, but MHC class II molecules were well expressed. Therefore MC lines were tested for antigen-presenting capacity by pulsing with soluble antigens (tetanus toxoid and purified protein derivative (PPD)) or with a corpusculate antigen (Candida albicans bodies). Autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) depleted of adherent monocytes and cloned T cells generated from an individual matched for the MHC class II antigen DR2 were used to test antigen-presenting function. MC effectively presented the soluble and corpusculate antigens to autologous and MHC-compatible allogeneic lymphocytes, indicating that they are endowed with both endocytic/phagocytic activity and with processing/presenting capacity. Preincubation of MC with human recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) up-regulated MHC class II and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, but the effect on antigen-presenting function was not consistent. Since MC are an important component of the peritoneal environment, they may participate, along with macrophages, in activation of specific T cells and in the generation of local cell-mediated immunity to various pathogens.

A syngeneic idiotype is immunogenic when borne by IgM but tolerogenic when joined to IgG

Some syngeneic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) elicit immune responses like conventional T-dependent antigens. To find out whether the heavy chain class (isotype) plays a role for the immunogenicity of an idiotype (Id), we isolated rare subclones of an IgM mAb (termed Id3) in which the variable region of the heavy chain (VH) is associated with a new constant region (CH). The VH-Id3 gene is a member of the murine 36-60 family and probably has three replacement mutations. The light chain V gene is germ-line V lambda 2. IgM, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b variants of Id3 were purified from protein-free medium and injected without adjuvant into BALB/c mice. The parental 19S IgM mAb given subcutaneously (s.c.) elicited a vigorous humoral response against Id3; in comparison, monomeric 8S IgM was a much weaker immunogen. Unlike IgM, multiple challenges with the IgG switch variants failed to induce anti-Id3 Ab. IgG variants gained immunogenicity if they were purified from medium containing fetal calf serum, mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant or injected into mice primed with IgM-Id3. Pretreatment with 100 micrograms s.c. + 50 micrograms of the IgG2a variant extinguished the Ab response to parental IgM, but the response to adjuvant-free bovine serum albumin was intact. Therefore, the tolerance induced by the IgG2a switch variant is antigen-specific and not due to toxicity. Significant inhibition of the Ab response to parental IgM was observed after treatment with 4 micrograms of the IgG2a switch variant. Administration of the IgG1 and IgG2b switch variants also inhibited this response significantly. Thus, the outcome of an encounter with Id3 is strongly influenced by the CH isotype to which the Id is joined. This suggests novel ways to minimize unwanted Ab responses against Id of human therapeutic mAb. In the context of the theory of Id networks, we suggest that dominant B cell clones can preempt anti-Id Ab responses against themselves by early switching from IgM to IgG secretion, before immunogenic IgM Ab have had time to activate anti-Id B cells.

Human T helper cells specific for HIV reverse transcriptase: possible role in intrastructural help for HIV envelope-specific antibodies

Cooperation between B cells specific for an antigen exposed on a viral structure and T helper (Th) cells specific for an internal antigen, as demonstrated with influenza, hepatitis B and rabies viruses, has been termed intrastructural help. Th cells specific for internal proteins of HIV, which are much less mutated than its exposed antigens, may be valuable in vaccine design against this virus. We investigated the human Th repertoire specific for the core HIV antigen reverse transcriptase (p66), and determined whether these cells could be candidate intrastructural T helpers. CD4+ T lines and clones were generated from non-immune individuals by stimulation with p66-pulsed antigen-presenting cells (APC). Specific lines were obtained with p66 from 19 out of 21 (90%) of these individuals, vs. 7 out of 29 (24%) with gp120. Diverse epitopes were recognized by different individuals, and various V beta genes were used by these clones. Clones using the same V beta genes were of diverse origin, according to VDJ region sequence. Of these lines 45% responded to p66 in the context of HIV virions. Moreover, p66-specific clones could respond to APC that had internalized HIV complexed with envelope-specific monoclonal antibodies, suggesting that p66-specific Th cells may participate in intrastructural help. These studies indicate that p66-specific Th cells are detectable in vitro in most naive individuals and exhibit clonal heterogeneity, and that the majority recognize an HIV conserved antigen. They respond to p66 following processing of whole virions and are clearly candidates for intrastructural help. If confirmed in vivo, p66 should be included among vaccine candidates investigated to optimize the anti-HIV Th response.

The rat neutrophil low-affinity Fc receptor for IgG: molecular cloning and functional characterization

A complementary DNA (cDNA) clone encoding rat Fc gamma receptor II (Fc gamma RII) was isolated from rat neutrophils and characterized. The cDNA encodes a type I transmembrane protein with 285 amino acids having an extracellular domain consisting of two immunoglobulin-like domains (179 amino acids), a transmembrane domain (26 amino acids), and a cytoplasmic domain (47 amino acids). The nucleotide sequences are identical to that of recently cloned Fc gamma RII from rat mast cells. This protein was expressed on FcR-negative Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The characterization of cDNA-transfected CHO cells clearly indicated that the protein encoded by the cDNA clone binds guinea-pig IgG1 and IgG2 complexes and unexpectedly binds monomeric rat IgG1, but not IgG2. Furthermore, the affinity for immune complexes was significantly augmented by protease treatment of transfectants. In addition, endocytosis of immune complex was noted in transfectants.

Modulation of murine macrophage nitric oxide synthesis by liposomal phospholipids: correlation with liposome immune adjuvant activity

The influence of alum and liposomal phospholipids on interferon-gamma-(IFN-gamma), IFN-gamma/N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine- (MDP) or IFN-gamma/tumor necrosis factor-alpha- (IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha) induced macrophage nitric oxide (NO) synthesis has been investigated. IFN-gamma induced NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. TNF-alpha and MDP did not induce NO synthesis, but interacted synergistically with sub-optimal doses of IFN-gamma. Alum strongly inhibited IFN-gamma-induced NO synthesis (ID50 25 microgram/ml). Liposomes composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) had no effect on IFN-gamma-induced NO synthesis. IFN-gamma-induced NO synthesis was stimulated by DPPC/dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) liposomes (9:1 mol ratio, ED50 45 nmol phospholipid/ml), and inhibited by DPPC/dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) liposomes (9:1 mol ratio, ID50 > 500 nmol phospholipid/ml), and DPPC/phosphatidylserine (PS) liposomes (7:3 mol ratio, ID50 150 nmol phospholipid/ml). Alum, DPPC/PE and DPPC/PS liposomes also inhibited IFN-gamma/MDP- and IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha-induced NO synthesis. Neither alum or the liposome preparations had significant toxicity towards macrophages in vitro at concentrations that induced maximal inhibition or stimulation of IFN-gamma-induced NO synthesis. Immunization of mice with alum-adsorbed and liposome-incorporated bovine serum albumin (BSA) demonstrated that enhancement or reduction of both IgG antibody and the proportion of IgG2a/IgG2b was correlated with stimulation or inhibition of IFN-gamma-induced NO synthesis.

Human T-helper cell recognition of an immunodominant epitope of HIV-1 gp120 expressed on the surface of Streptococcus gordonii

Our genetic system for expression of heterologous proteins on the surface of the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus gordonii was used to express a human T-helper epitope of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. In previous work on the naive repertoire of human T-helper cells, it was shown that a 15-amino acid synthetic peptide of the HIV-1 gp120 sequence contained an immunodominant T-helper epitope. Synthetic DNA coding for this peptide was cloned in frame within the gene for the streptococcal surface protein M6, and the gene fusion was integrated by transformation into the chromosome of S. gordonii. The expected M6-gp120 fusion protein was found to be expressed on the surface of the recombinant streptococci. To test whether the T epitope could be recognized by T cells when expressed on the bacterial surface within the context of M6, recombinant bacteria were used as antigen in proliferation assays to stimulate the 15-amino acid-specific human T-helper clone, in the presence of autologous antigen-presenting cells. Bacteria expressing the T epitope were efficiently recognized by the T cells in culture. In proliferation assays, 10(6)-10(7) bacteria induced responses comparable to those obtained by standard amounts of synthetic peptide (0.02-0.2 micrograms). Recombinant S. gordonii, a candidate for a live vaccine vector, appeared suitable for delivering T epitopes to the immune system.

Enhanced activation of human T cell clones specific for virus-like particles expressing the HIV V3 loop in the presence of HIV V3 loop-specific polyclonal antibodies

Recombinant virus-like particles (VLP), formed by the yeast Ty p1 protein, carrying the HIV gp120 V3 loop on their surface (V3-VLP) have been tested in vitro for immunogenicity and antigenicity by using VLP p1-specific human CD4+ T cell lines and clones. VLP-specific human T cell lines and clones were generated from normal individuals, indicating that VLP-specific precursor cells present in the peripheral lymphocyte pool can be induced to expand clonally upon antigen challenge in vitro, in the absence of previous immunization. It was also shown that V3-specific polyclonal antibodies enhance V3-VLP-induced activation of VLP-specific T cell clones. Antibody-dependent potentiation has been shown previously in other antigen systems, and it depends on enhanced uptake of complexed antigen by Fc receptor-positive antigen-presenting cells. Since in this case antigen is internalized by presenting cells as a complex, it can be inferred that a similar event of antibody-mediated antigen uptake can take place with V3-specific B cells, resulting in presentation by the B cells of T helper epitopes derived from processing of the VLP p1 moiety. This suggests that T helper cells specific for the carrier VLP p1 protein can be activated to provide help to V3-specific B cells in the presence of the appropriate antigen construct.

Subtype cross-reactive, infection-enhancing antibody responses to influenza A viruses

Antibody-dependent enhancement of the uptake of influenza A virus by Fc receptor-bearing cells was analyzed by using virus strains of the three human influenza A virus subtypes, A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), A/Japan/305/57 (H2N2), and A/Port Chalmers/1/73 (H3N2). Immune sera obtained from mice following primary infection with an H1N1, H2N2, or H3N2 subtype virus neutralized only virus of the same subtype; however, immune sera augmented the uptake of virus across subtypes. Immune sera from H1N1-infected mice augmented uptake of the homologous (H1N1) and H2N2 viruses. Antisera to the H2N2 virus augmented the uptake of virus of all subtypes (H1N1, H2N2, or H3N2). Antisera to the H3N2 virus augmented the uptake of the homologous (H3N2) and H2N2 viruses. These results show that subtype cross-reactive, nonneutralizing antibodies augment the uptake of influenza A virus strains of different subtypes. Antibodies to neuraminidase may contribute to the enhanced uptake of viruses of a different subtype, because N2-specific monoclonal antibodies augmented the uptake of both A/Japan/305/57 (H2N2) and A/Port Chalmers/1/73 (H3N2) viruses.

Anergic B cells constitutively present self antigen: enhanced immunoglobulin receptor-mediated presentation of antigenic determinants by B cells is hierarchical

Presentation of hen egg lysozyme (HEL) by HEL-specific B cells was studied in transgenic mice expressing anti-HEL immunoglobulin (Ig-transgenic). In T hybridoma assays, presentation of the HEL46-61 determinant by B cells from Ig-transgenic mice required 10(3)-10(4)-fold lower concentrations of HEL than were required for presentation by B cells from non-transgenic mice. In contrast, presentation of the HEL determinants 112-129 and 25-43 by HEL-specific B cells was either not significantly enhanced, or enhanced only 10-fold compared with B cells from non-transgenic mice. Enhanced presentation of HEL determinants by B cells from Ig-transgenic donors was specific for HEL, since keyhole limpet hemocyanin or synthetic HEL46-61 peptide were presented comparably by B cells from Ig-transgenic mice and non-transgenic littermates. A minimum of 1-4% Ig-transgenic B cells was required to detect enhanced presentation of HEL46-61 in vitro. Constitutive presentation of the HEL46-61 determinant, but not the HEL25-43 or HEL112-129 determinants, was detectable on anergic HEL-specific B cells from double (HEL/Ig)-transgenic mice. In the presence of exogenously added HEL, anergic B cells presented all three HEL determinants. Constitutively presented HEL46-61 was not due to endogenous synthesis of HEL antigen by anergic B cells from double-transgenic mice, as comparable levels of the HEL46-61 determinant were constitutively presented by B cells from Ig-Tg-->HEL-Tg irradiation bone marrow chimeric mice. Firstly, these results indicate that the enhanced antigen presentation mediated by Ig receptors on B cells is not equivalent for all antigenic determinants. Secondly, the data demonstrate that anergic, autoreactive B cells efficiently process and present nominal antigens in addition to constitutively presenting specific self antigen in vivo.

Dibutyryl-cAMP modulation of receptor expression and antigen presentation capacity in monocyte subpopulations

Monocyte phenotype heterogeneity is often associated with functional differences between the distinguished Mphi subpopulations. We have previously demonstrated that the Mphi subpopulation separated and stimulated by rosetting Mphi via the Type I Fc gamma R (CD64) are poor antigen presenting cells but can be induced to greater production of TNF alpha, IL-6 and PGE2 than the Fc gamma RI- Mphi population. Here we demonstrate that the Fc gamma RI- Mphi represent the major antigen presenting Mphi population and that APC capacity of the FcRI- Mphi can be further increased by elevating intracellular cAMP levels. Treatment of the Fc gamma RI+ Mphi with db cAMP decreases both their expression of CD64 and their capacity to produce TNF alpha to the levels typical of Fc gamma RI- Mphi. Db cAMP treatment of the Fc gamma RI+ Mphi subpopulation, however, cannot augment the antigen presenting capacity of this low APC Mphi subpopulation to the level of that of the Fc gamma RI- Mphi. Basal expression of the Mo3 activation marker was comparable in the FcRI+/FcRI- Mphi subpopulations, but the FcRI+ Mphi were induced by db cAMP treatment to increase their Mo3 expression to higher levels than the FcRI- Mphi. These results suggest that although elevated intracellular cAMP levels can modulate some Fc gamma RI+ Mphi functions to more closely parallel those of the Fc gamma RI- Mphi, this treatment cannot increase the efficiency of the Fc gamma RI+ Mphi subpopulation as an antigen presenting cell.

Fusion proteins with heterologous T helper epitopes. Recombinant E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin proteins

Fusion proteins containing specific B cell and T cell epitopes were used to examine how the intramolecular arrangement of T and B cell epitopes within a chimeric protein influences antigen-specific B cell antibody responses as well as specific T cell activation. Chimeric proteins, containing single or multiple copies of the Th epitope ovalbumin 323-339 (ova) linked at different positions to STa, the heat-stable enterotoxin of E. coli, were compared with respect to their ability to induce STa-specific antibody production and to induce ova-specific T cell activation. Chimeric proteins induced ova-dependent antibody production against STa at the amino terminal end, irrespective of the positioning of ova. Multiple tandem copies of ova in any position led to increased levels of antibody production against this epitope. In contrast, T cell help for antibody production against a second B cell epitope at the carboxy terminus of the fusion proteins was more effective after insertion of multiple copies of ova in a distal than in an adjacent position. A fusion protein, containing four copies of ova effectively elicited T cell help for antibody production against both examined B cell determinants, showing that activated Th cells recognizing a single epitope could simultaneously provide help for distinct sets of B cells specific for widely separated epitopes within a protein. T cell recognition of ova in all chimeric peptides, independently of its position, following the same pattern of genetic restriction (i.e. immunodominant in H-2d and nonimmunogenic in H-2k) as in the native ovalbumin molecule.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)