Inhibition of T cell and promotion of natural killer cell development by the dominant negative helix loop helix factor Id3

At the crossroads: diverse roles of early thymocyte transcriptional regulators

Transcriptional regulation of T-cell development involves successive interactions between complexes of transcriptional regulators and their binding sites within the regulatory regions of each gene. The regulatory modules that control expression of T-lineage genes frequently include binding sites for a core set of regulators that set the T-cell-specific background for signal-dependent control, including GATA-3, Notch/CSL, c-myb, TCF-1, Ikaros, HEB/E2A, Ets, and Runx factors. Additional regulators in early thymocytes include PU.1, Id-2, SCL, Spi-B, Erg, Gfi-1, and Gli. Many of these factors are involved in simultaneous regulation of non-T-lineage genes, T-lineage genes, and genes involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis, or survival. Potential and known interactions between early thymic transcription factors such as GATA-3, SCL, PU.1, Erg, and Spi-B are explored. Regulatory modules involved in the expression of several critical T-lineage genes are described, and models are presented for shifting occupancy of the DNA-binding sites in the regulatory modules of pre-Talpha, T-cell receptor beta (TCRbeta), recombinase activating genes 1 and 2 (Rag-1/2), and CD4 during T-cell development. Finally, evidence is presented that c-kit, Erg, Hes-1, and HEBAlt are expressed differently in Rag-2(-/-) thymocytes versus normal early thymocytes, which provide insight into potential regulatory interactions that occur during normal T-cell development.

Molecular complementation of IL-12Rβ1 deficiency reveals functional differences between IL-12Rβ1 alleles including partial IL-12Rβ1 deficiency

Patients with mutations in IL12RB1, the gene encoding IL-12Rbeta1, suffer from combined IL-12R/IL-23R deficiency and are unusually susceptible to nontuberculous mycobacteria and salmonellae. The functional effects of amino acid changes in IL-12Rbeta1, however, have not been determined at the molecular level. Molecular complementation studies are essential to demonstrate how structural amino acid changes affect IL-12Rbeta1 function, and whether functionally different IL-12Rbeta1 alleles can be distinguished. Thirteen different IL-12Rbeta1 alleles, including 11 amino acid substitutions and the two major haplotypes (214Q-365M-378G and 214R-365T-378R), were retrovirally transduced in IL-12Rbeta1 deficient human T cells. We provide functional evidence that L77P, R173P, C186S, R213W and Y367C are deleterious mutations leading to non-functional proteins. Conversely, S74R, R156H, H438Y, A525T and G594E are fully functional IL-12Rbeta1 variants. The C198R mutation leads to a partially functional IL-12Rbeta1, representing the first molecularly proven partial IL-12Rbeta1 deficiency. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) induced not only Interferon-gamma but also IL-10 in all responder but not in null-mutant alleles, with intermediate levels in C198R. The QMG allele was found to be a higher IL-12 responder allele compared with the RTR allele. These results have implications for understanding IL-12R/IL-23R structure-function and the role of IL-12R/IL-23R in human disease.

Helix-loop-helix proteins and lymphocyte development

Helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins are transcriptional regulators that control a wide variety of developmental pathways in both invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. Results obtained in the past decade have shown that HLH proteins also contribute to the development of lymphoid lineages. A subset of HLH proteins, the 'E proteins', seems to be particularly important for proper lymphoid development. Members of the E protein family include E12, E47, E2-2 and HEB. The E proteins contribute to B lineage- and T lineage-specific gene expression programs, regulate lymphocyte survival and cellular proliferation, activate the rearrangement of antigen receptor genes and control progression through critical developmental checkpoints. This review discusses HLH proteins in lymphocyte development and homeostasis.

SCL/TAL1 expression level regulates human hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and engraftment

The fate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is regulated through a combinatorial action of proteins that determine their self-renewal and/or their commitment to differentiation. Stem cell leukemia/T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia 1 (SCL/TAL1), a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, plays key roles in controlling the development of primitive and definitive hematopoiesis during mouse development but its function in adult HSCs is still a matter of debate. We report here that the lentiviral-mediated enforced expression of TAL1 in human CD34+ cells marginally affects in vitro the differentiation of committed progenitors, whereas in vivo the repopulation capacity of the long-term SCID (severe combined immunodeficient) mouse–repopulating cells (LT-SRCs) is enhanced. As a consequence, the production of SRC-derived multipotent progenitors as well as erythroid- and myeloid-differentiated cells is increased. Looking at the lymphoid compartment, constitutive TAL1-enforced expression impairs B- but not T-cell differentiation. Expression of a mutant TAL1 protein that cannot bind DNA specifically impairs human LT-SRC amplification, indicating a DNA-binding dependent effect of TAL1 on primitive cell populations. These results indicate that TAL1 expression level regulates immature human hematopoietic cell self-renewal and that this regulation requires TAL1 DNA-binding activity.

Helix-loop-helix proteins in lymphocyte lineage determination

The cells of the lymphoid system develop from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells through a series of intermediate progenitors with progressively restricted developmental options. Commitment to a given lymphoid lineage appears to be controlled by numerous transcriptional regulatory proteins that activate lineage-specific gene expression programs and extinguish expression of lineage-inappropriate genes. In this review I discuss the function of transcription factors belonging to the helix-loop-helix protein family in the control of lymphoid cell fate decisions. A model of lymphocyte lineage determination based on the antagonistic activity of transcriptional activating and repressing helix-loop-helix proteins is presented.

B7-independent inhibition of T cells by CTLA-4

CTLA-4 is an inhibitory molecule that regulates T cell expansion and differentiation. CTLA-4 binding to B7-1/B7-2 is believed to be crucial for its inhibitory signal both by competing for CD28 binding to the same ligands and aggregating CTLA-4 to deliver negative signals. In this study, we demonstrate that B7 binding is not essential for CTLA-4 activity. CTLA-4 knockout T cells are hyperresponsive compared with wild-type T cells in B7-free settings. Expression of a B7-nonbinding CTLA-4 mutant inhibited T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and TCR-mediated ERK activation in otherwise CTLA-4-deficient T cells. Finally, transgenic expression of the ligand-nonbinding CTLA-4 mutant delayed the lethal lymphoproliferation observed in CTLA-4-deficient mice. These results suggest that ligand binding is not essential for the CTLA-4 function and supports an essential role for CTLA-4 signaling during T cell activation.

New insights into E-protein function in lymphocyte development

Lymphocyte development has long served as an experimental paradigm, revealing fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation and cellular differentiation in mammals. The study of E-protein-mediated transcriptional regulation in lymphocyte development provides a means to address these mechanistic issues. Both genetic and biochemical studies have defined many important regulatory events during lymphocyte development that are mediated by E-proteins. The E2A gene, one of the three known E-protein genes in mammals, has a particularly important role in B-lymphocyte development. Major progress has been made in recent years towards understanding the physiological targets of E2A during B-lymphocyte development. Most notably, new insights have been gained regarding the role of E2A in controlling lineage commitment and V(D)J recombination. This Review focuses primarily on E2A-mediated gene regulation during B-lymphocyte development.

Developmental expression patterns and localization of DNA-binding protein inhibitor (Id3) in the mouse retina

Id3 (inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation), a member of the Id helix-loop-helix protein family, has long been studied as a positive regulator of proliferation and a negative regulator of differentiation. In this study, we examined the expression pattern and cellular phenotypes of Id3 in postnatal and adult mouse retina. Id3 was mainly expressed in the early postnatal inner retina. From the late postnatal development towards adulthood, Id3 expression was confined to the ganglion cell layer and the inner nuclear layer. Colocalization analysis showed that Id3 positive cells were identified as retinal ganglion cells and amacrine cells. The differential expression profiles of Id3 provide the groundwork for the elucidation of its possible role in retinal development.

Id family of helix-loop-helix proteins in cancer

Over the past few decades, biologists have identified key molecular signatures associated with a wide range of human cancers. Recently, animal models have been particularly useful in establishing whether such signatures have functional relevance; the overexpression of pro-oncogenic or loss of anti-oncogenic factors have been evaluated for their effects on various tumour models. The aim of this review is to analyze the potential role of the inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins in cancer and examine whether deregulated Id activity is tumorigenic and contributes to hallmarks of malignancy, such as loss of differentiation (anaplasia), unrestricted proliferation and neoangiogenesis.

Molecular genetics of T cell development

T cell development is guided by a complex set of transcription factors that act recursively, in different combinations, at each of the developmental choice points from T-lineage specification to peripheral T cell specialization. This review describes the modes of action of the major T-lineage-defining transcription factors and the signal pathways that activate them during intrathymic differentiation from pluripotent precursors. Roles of Notch and its effector RBPSuh (CSL), GATA-3, E2A/HEB and Id proteins, c-Myb, TCF-1, and members of the Runx, Ets, and Ikaros families are critical. Less known transcription factors that are newly recognized as being required for T cell development at particular checkpoints are also described. The transcriptional regulation of T cell development is contrasted with that of B cell development, in terms of their different degrees of overlap with the stem-cell program and the different roles of key transcription factors in gene regulatory networks leading to lineage commitment.

STAT5 regulates the self-renewal capacity and differentiation of human memory B cells and controls Bcl-6 expression

It is unknown how B cells that mature during a germinal center reaction 'decide' between plasma or memory cell fate. Here we describe a previously unknown subpopulation of B cells in the human germinal center that is characterized by tyrosine phosphorylated transcriptional activator STAT5. These cells had an activated centrocyte phenotype and had abundant expression of BCL6 but low expression of PRDM1, both encoding transcriptional repression proteins. Using RNA interference and ectopic expression of constitutively activated forms of STAT5, we demonstrate here a function for STAT5 in the self-renewal of B cells in vitro. STAT5b isoform seemed to directly upregulate Bcl-6, and ectopic expression of Bcl-6 in B cells resulted in self-renewal and inhibition of plasma cell differentiation. These data indicate that activation of STAT5 is involved in regulation of memory B cell differentiation.

Differential regulation of granulopoiesis by the basic helix-loop-helix transcriptional inhibitors Id1 and Id2

Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins function as inhibitors of members of the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors and have been demonstrated to play an important role in regulating lymphopoiesis. However, the role of these proteins in regulation of myelopoiesis is currently unclear. In this study, we have investigated the role of Id1 and Id2 in the regulation of granulopoiesis. Id1 expression was initially up-regulated during early granulopoiesis, which was then followed by a decrease in expression during final maturation. In contrast, Id2 expression was up-regulated in terminally differentiated granulocytes. In order to determine whether Id expression plays a critical role in regulating granulopoiesis, Id1 and Id2 were ectopically expressed in CD34(+) cells by retroviral transduction. Our experiments demonstrate that constitutive expression of Id1 inhibits eosinophil development, whereas in contrast neutrophil differentiation was modestly enhanced. Constitutive Id2 expression accelerates final maturation of both eosinophils and neutrophils, whereas inhibition of Id2 expression blocks differentiation of both lineages. Transplantation of beta2-microglobulin(-/-) nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice with CD34(+) cells ectopically expressing Id1 resulted in enhanced neutrophil development, whereas ectopic expression of Id2 induced both eosinophil and neutrophil development. These data demonstrate that both Id1 and Id2 play a critical, although differential role in granulopoiesis.

Notch-induced E2A degradation requires CHIP and Hsc70 as novel facilitators of ubiquitination

E2A transcription factors, E12 and E47, are important regulators of lymphocyte development. Notch signaling pathways have been shown to regulate E2A function by accelerating the degradation of E2A proteins through a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent and ubiquitin-mediated pathway. To further understand the mechanism underlying E2A ubiquitination and degradation, we conducted a yeast two-hybrid screen and identified the carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) as an E47 binding protein. Here, we show that CHIP associates with E2A proteins in vivo and that overexpression of CHIP induces E47 degradation in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Conversely, knocking down CHIP with small interfering RNA alleviates Notch-induced E47 degradation. CHIP binds E47 through the E protein homology domains 2 and 3 (EHD2 and EHD3). This interaction between CHIP and E47 is independent of the U-box domain with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity but requires the chaperone binding tetratricopeptide repeats domain. The ability of CHIP to induce E47 ubiquitination and degradation correlates with its ability to bind E47. We propose that CHIP, together with its partner Hsc70, forms a preubiquitination complex (PUC) with E47 and Skp2, thus facilitating the interaction between E47 and Skp2. CHIP also associates with Cul1, which introduces PUC to the SCF E3 ligase complex, responsible for E47 ubiquitination. Therefore, CHIP plays a crucial role in the ubiquitination and degradation of E2A proteins.

Id3 knockout mice as a new model for sjogren's syndrome: only a T cell defect or more?

Id3(-/-) mice were found to have autoantibodies, lymphocytic infiltrates in, and decreased secretion by exocrine glands. Similar symptoms are found in primary Sjogren's Syndrome. In this issue of Immunity, Li and colleagues suggest an important role for Id3 function in T cell development and Sjogren's Syndrome.

Hyperresponse to T-cell receptor signaling and apoptosis of Id1 transgenic thymocytes

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, E2A and HEB, play important roles in T-cell development at multiple checkpoints. Expression of their inhibitor, Id1, abolishes the function of both transcription factors in a dose-dependent manner. The Id1 transgenic thymus is characterized by an accumulation of CD4- CD8- CD44+ CD25- thymocytes, a dramatic reduction of CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes, and an abundance of apoptotic cells. Here we show that these apoptotic cells carry functional T-cell receptors (TCRs), suggesting that apoptosis occurs during T-cell maturation. In contrast, viable Id1 transgenic CD4 single positive T cells exhibit costimulation-independent proliferation upon treatment with anti-CD3 antibody, probably due to a hyperresponse to TCR signaling. Furthermore, Id1 expression causes apoptosis of CD4 and CD8 double- or single-positive thymocytes in HY- or AND-TCR transgenic mice under conditions that normally support positive selection. Collectively, these results suggest that E2A and HEB proteins are crucial for controlling the threshold for TCR signaling, and Id1 expression lowers the threshold, resulting in apoptosis of developing thymocytes.

The dynamic life of natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in immunological processes, including early defense against viral infections. This review provides an overview of the dynamic in vivo life of NK cells from their development in the bone marrow to their mature peripheral responses and their ultimate demise, with particular emphasis on mouse NK cells and viral infections.

T-cell receptor–induced phosphorylation of the ζ chain is efficiently promoted by ZAP-70 but not Syk

Engagement of the T-cell receptor (TCR) results in the activation of Lck/Fyn and ZAP-70/Syk tyrosine kinases. Lck-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of signaling motifs (ITAMs) in the CD3-ζ subunits of the TCR is an initial step in the transduction of signaling cascades. However, ζ phosphorylation is also promoted by ZAP-70, as TCR-induced ζ phosphorylation is defective in ZAP-70–deficient T cells. We show that this defect is corrected by stable expression of ZAP-70, but not Syk, in primary and transformed T cells. Indeed, these proteins are differentially coupled to the TCR with a 5- to 10-fold higher association of ZAP-70 with ζ as compared to Syk. Low-level Syk-ζ binding is associated with significantly less Lck coupled to the TCR. Moreover, diminished coupling of Lck to ζ correlates with a poor phosphorylation of the positive regulatory tyr352 residue of Syk. Thus, recruitment of Lck into the TCR complex with subsequent ζ chain phosphorylation is promoted by ZAP-70 but not Syk. Importantly, the presence of ZAP-70 positively regulates the TCR-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk. The interplay between Syk and ZAP-70 in thymocytes, certain T cells, and B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, in which they are coexpressed, will therefore modulate the amplitude of antigen-mediated receptor signaling.

Reprogramming of virus-specific T cells into leukemia-reactive T cells using T cell receptor gene transfer

T cells directed against minor histocompatibility antigens (mHags) might be responsible for eradication of hematological malignancies after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We investigated whether transfer of T cell receptors (TCRs) directed against mHags, exclusively expressed on hematopoietic cells, could redirect virus-specific T cells toward antileukemic reactivity, without the loss of their original specificity. Generation of T cells with dual specificity may lead to survival of these TCR-transferred T cells for prolonged periods of time in vivo due to transactivation of the endogenous TCR of the tumor-reactive T cells by the latent presence of viral antigens. Furthermore, TCR transfer into restricted T cell populations, which are nonself reactive, will minimize the risk of autoimmunity. We demonstrate that cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cells can be efficiently reprogrammed into leukemia-reactive T cells by transfer of TCRs directed against the mHag HA-2. HA-2-TCR–transferred CMV-specific T cells derived from human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2⁺ or HLA-A2⁻ individuals exerted potent antileukemic as well as CMV reactivity, without signs of anti–HLA-A2 alloreactivity. The dual specificity of these mHag-specific, TCR-redirected virus-specific T cells opens new possibilities for the treatment of hematological malignancies of HLA-A2⁺ HA-2–expressing patients transplanted with HLA-A2–matched or –mismatched donors.

GATA-3 promotes maturation, IFN-gamma production, and liver-specific homing of NK cells

The GATA-3 transcription factor has a determinant role in T cell specification and is an essential mediator of T helper 2-type polarized immune responses. While both committed NK precursors and mature NK cells express GATA-3, a role of this transcription factor in murine NK cell differentiation is not known. We found that NK cells, in contrast to T cells, can be generated in the absence of GATA-3. However, while GATA-3 antagonizes IFN-gamma production in differentiating T cells, GATA-3-deficient NK cells paradoxically produced less IFN-gamma compared to control NK cells and failed to provide early protection in vivo against infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Surprisingly, GATA-3 was essential for NK cell homing to the liver. Our results suggest that GATA-3 promotes NK cell maturation and acts in this lineage to specify distinct effector phenotypes.

Notch-induced E2A ubiquitination and degradation are controlled by MAP kinase activities

Notch signals are important for lymphocyte development but downstream events that follow Notch signaling are not well understood. Here, we report that signaling through Notch modulates the turnover of E2A proteins including E12 and E47, which are basic helix-loop-helix proteins crucial for B and T lymphocyte development. Notch-induced degradation requires phosphorylation of E47 by p42/p44 MAP kinases. Expression of the intracellular domain of Notch1 (N1-IC) enhances the association of E47 with the SCF(Skp2) E3 ubiquitin ligase and ubiquitination of E47, followed by proteasome-mediated degradation. Furthermore, N1-IC induces E2A degradation in B and T cells in the presence of activated MAP kinases. Activation of endogenous Notch receptors by treatment of splenocytes with anti-IgM or anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 also leads to E2A degradation, which is blocked by the inhibitors of Notch activation or proteasome function. Notch-induced E2A degradation depends on the function of its downstream effector, RBP-Jkappa, probably to activate target genes involved in the ubiquitination of E2A proteins. Thus we propose that Notch regulates lymphocyte differentiation by controlling E2A protein turnover.

E2A proteins enforce a proliferation checkpoint in developing thymocytes

E2A proteins regulate multiple stages of thymocyte development and suppress T-cell lymphoma. The activity of E2A proteins throughout thymocyte development is modulated by signals emanating from the pre-TCR and TCR. Here we demonstrate that E2A is required for the complete arrest in both differentiation and proliferation observed in thymocytes with defects in proteins that mediate pre-TCR signaling, including LAT, Lck and Fyn. We show that E2A proteins are required to prevent the accumulation of TCRbeta negative cells beyond the pre-TCR checkpoint. E2A-deficient thymocytes also exhibit abnormal cell-cycle progression prior to pre-TCR expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that E47 can act in concert with Bcl-2 to induce cell-cycle arrest in vitro. These observations indicate that E2A proteins function during early thymocyte development to block cell-cycle progression prior to the expression of TCRbeta. In addition, these data provide further insight into how deficiencies in E2A lead to T lymphoma.

Redirection of antileukemic reactivity of peripheral T lymphocytes using gene transfer of minor histocompatibility antigen HA-2-specific T-cell receptor complexes expressing a conserved alpha joining region

Donor-derived T lymphocytes directed against minor histocompatibility antigens (mHags) exclusively expressed on cells of the hematopoietic lineages can eliminate hematologic malignancies. Transfer of T-cell receptors (TCRs) directed against these mHags into T lymphocytes may provide a strategy to generate antileukemic T cells. To investigate the feasibility of this strategy the TCR usage of mHag HA-2-specific T-cell clones was characterized. Thirteen different types of HA-2-specific T-cell clones were detected, expressing TCRs with diversity in TCR alpha- and beta-chain usage, however, containing in the TCR alpha chain a single conserved gene segment J alpha 42, indicating that J alpha 42 is involved in HA-2-specific recognition. We transferred various HA-2 TCRs into T lymphocytes from HLA-A2-positive HA-2-negative individuals resulting in T cells with redirected cytolytic activity against HA-2-expressing target cells. Transfer of chimeric TCRs demonstrated that the HA-2 specificity is not only determined by the J alpha 42 region but also by the N-region of the alpha chain and the CDR3 region of the beta chain. Finally, when HA-2 TCRs were transferred into T cells from HLA-A2-negative donors, the HA-2 TCR-modified T cells exerted potent antileukemic reactivity without signs of anti-HLA-A2 alloreactivity. These results indicate that HA-2 TCR transfer may be used as an alternative strategy to generate HA-2-specific T cells to treat hematologic malignancies of HLA-A2-positive, HA-2-expressing patients that received transplants from HLA-A2-matched or -mismatched donors.

Synaptojanin 2 is recognized by HLA class II-restricted hairy cell leukemia-specific T cells

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a chronic mature B-cell leukemia characterized by malignant B cells that have typical hairy protrusions. To characterize possible HCL-associated tumor antigens, we generated an HCL-specific and HLA class II (DPw4)-restricted proliferative CD4+ T-cell clone. To identify the target antigen of these T cells, we constructed a synthetic peptide library dedicated to bind HLA DPw4, and identified a mimicry epitope recognized by the T-cell clone. With this epitope, the recognition motif of the T-cell clone was deduced and a peptide of human synaptojanin 2 (Syn 2) was identified that stimulated the HCL-reactive T-cell clone. Both Northern and Western blot analyses showed that Syn 2 expression was increased in HCL samples compared to other B cells. Besides, the Syn 2-expressing cell line AML193, with the introduced restrictive HLA-DPw4 molecules, was recognized by the HCL-specific T-cell clone. These results indicate that Syn 2 is a target of autoreactive HCL-specific T cells. Since Syn 2 is a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphatase involved in cell growth and rearrangement of actin filaments, the increased Syn 2 expression may correlate with the disease etiology or the characteristic morphologic alterations caused by the disease.

The HLA-DQ2 gene dose effect in celiac disease is directly related to the magnitude and breadth of gluten-specific T cell responses

In patients with celiac disease, inflammatory T cell responses to HLA-DQ2-bound gluten peptides are thought to cause disease. Two types of HLA-DQ2 molecules exist, termed HLA-DQ2.5 and HLA-DQ2.2. Whereas HLA-DQ2.5 predisposes to celiac disease, HLA-DQ2.2 does not. We now provide evidence that the disease-associated HLA-DQ2.5 molecule presents a large repertoire of gluten peptides, whereas the non-disease-associated HLA-DQ2.2 molecule can present only a subset of these. Moreover, gluten presentation by HLA-DQ2 homozygous antigen-presenting cells was superior to presentation by HLA-DQ2/non-DQ2 heterozygous antigen-presenting cells in terms of T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. Gluten presentation by HLA-DQ2.5/2.2 heterozygous antigen-presenting cells induced intermediate T cell stimulation. These results correlated with peptide binding to the antigen-presenting cells. Finally, we demonstrate that HLA-DQ trans dimers formed in HLA-DQ2.5/2.2 heterozygous individuals have properties identical with HLA-DQ2.5 dimers. Our findings explain the strongly increased risk of disease development for HLA-DQ2.5 homozygous and HLA-DQ2.2/2.5 heterozygous individuals, and they are indicative of a quantitative model for disease development, where HLA-DQ expression and the available number of T cell-stimulatory gluten peptides are critical limiting factors. This model may have important implications for disease prevention.

In vitro generation and life span extension of human papillomavirus type 16-specific, healthy donor-derived CTL clones

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 infection is strongly associated with the development of cervical carcinoma (CxCa) in women. The HPV16-derived oncoproteins E6 and E7, responsible for both onset and maintenance of malignant transformation, are expressed constitutively in CxCa cells and represent tumor-associated Ags. As a result, E6 and E7 constitute potential targets for adoptive CTL-mediated immunotherapy of CxCa. However, the availability to date of well-characterized HPV16-specific, CxCa-reactive human CTLs is extremely limited. The current study describes the in vitro generation and isolation of HPV16 E7-specific, CxCa-reactive human CTL clones from low-frequency healthy donor-derived CD8beta-positive precursors. For this purpose, an in vitro CTL induction protocol was used involving mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells as stimulator cells loaded with an HLA-A2.1-restricted, E7(11-20)-derived high-affinity altered peptide ligand. A double tetramer-guided isolation procedure and subsequent limiting-dilution cloning resulted in Ag-specific CTL clones. Stringent CTL characterization clearly indicated Ag-specific, HLA-A2.1-restricted reactivity against different HPV16-transformed CxCa cell lines. To allow expansion of E7(11-20)-specific CTL clones to numbers required for prolonged in vitro as well as in vivo application, their life span was significantly extended by ectopic expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase. Collectively, our results show that optimized CTL induction and stringent CTL selection procedures, followed by human telomerase reverse transcriptase-mediated life span extension will allow continued availability of low-frequency HPV16-specific, CxCa-reactive human CTL clones. This may enhance the prospects of HPV16-specific adoptive CTL immunotherapy in CxCa patients.

GATA-3 expression is controlled by TCR signals and regulates CD4/CD8 differentiation

GATA-3 is expressed at higher levels in CD4 than in CD8 SP thymocytes. Here we show that upregulation of GATA-3 expression in DP thymocytes is triggered by TCR stimulation, and the extent of upregulation correlates with the strength of the TCR signal. Overexpression of GATA-3 or a partial GATA-3 agonist during positive selection inhibits CD8 SP cell development but is not sufficient to divert class I-restricted T cell precursors to the CD4 lineage. Conversely, expression of the GATA-3 antagonist ROG or of a GATA-3 siRNA hairpin markedly enhances development of CD8 SP cells and reduces CD4 SP development. We propose that GATA-3 contributes to linking the TCR signal strength to the differentiation program of CD4 and CD8 thymocytes.

E-proteins directly regulate expression of activation-induced deaminase in mature B cells

Activated mature B cells in which the DNA-binding activity of E-proteins has been disrupted fail to undergo class switch recombination. Here we show that activated B cells overexpressing the antagonist helix-loop-helix protein Id3 do not induce expression of the murine Aicda gene encoding activation-induced deaminase (AID). A highly conserved intronic regulatory element in Aicda binds E-proteins both in vitro and in vivo. The transcriptional activity of this element is regulated by E-proteins. We show that the enforced expression of AID in cells overexpressing Id3 partially restores class switch recombination. Taken together, our observations link helix-loop-helix activity and Aicda gene expression in a common pathway, in which E-protein activity is required for the efficient induction of Aicda transcription.

What does it take to make a natural killer?

We know how B and T cells develop, what they 'see' and the receptors they 'see with'. By contrast, and despite an unprecedented increase in the number of receptors and ligands known to regulate the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, we still have many questions regarding how these cells develop. Nevertheless, we are beginning to understand the transcriptional programmes of NK-cell maturation and the role of the effector functions of NK cells in the regulation of immune responses. An improved knowledge of NK-cell development in mice and humans might be useful to harness the power of these natural killers in the clinic to fight autoimmune diseases, infection and cancer.

Regulatory coding of lymphoid lineage choice by hematopoietic transcription factors

During lymphopoiesis, precursor cells negotiate a complex regulatory space, defined by the levels of several competing and cross-regulating transcription factors, before arriving at stable states of commitment to the B-, T- and NK-specific developmental programs. Recent perturbation experiments provide evidence that this space has three major axes, corresponding to the PU.1 versus GATA-1 balance, the intensity of Notch signaling through the CSL pathway, and the ratio of E-box transcription factors to their Id protein antagonists.

STAT5-induced Id-1 transcription involves recruitment of HDAC1 and deacetylation of C/EBPbeta

Transcriptional activation is associated commonly with recruitment of histone acetylases, while repression involves histone deacetylases (HDACs). Here, we provide evidence to suggest that STAT5 activates gene expression by recruiting HDAC. The interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent expression of the Id-1 gene, encoding a helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcriptional inhibitor, is activated by both C/EBPbeta and STAT5 transcription factors bound to its pro-B-cell enhancer (PBE), but is inhibited by HDAC inhibitors in Ba/F3 cells. STAT5 interacts with HDAC1 in the PBE region, resulting in deacetylation of histones, as well as C/EBPbeta, whose acetylation diminishes its DNA-binding activity. Consistently, expression of an acetylation-resistant mutant of C/EBPbeta results in IL-3-independent expression of the Id-1 gene. Thus, we propose a novel mechanism by which STAT5 mediates the deacetylation of C/EBPbeta, allowing transcriptional activation.

The transcription factor Spi-B is expressed in plasmacytoid DC precursors and inhibits T-, B-, and NK-cell development

Human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), also called type 2 dendritic cell precursors or natural interferon (IFN)-producing cells, represent a cell type with distinctive phenotypic and functional features. They are present in the thymus and probably share a common precursor with T and natural killer (NK) cells. In an effort to identify genes that control pDC development we searched for genes of which the expression is restricted to human pDC using a cDNA subtraction technique with activated monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) as competitor. We identified the transcription factor Spi-B to be expressed in pDCs but not in Mo-DCs. Spi-B expression in pDCs was maintained on in vitro maturation of pDCs. Spi-B was expressed in early CD34(+)CD38(-) hematopoietic progenitors and in CD34(+)CD1a(-) thymic precursors. Spi-B expression is down-regulated when uncommitted CD34(+)CD1a(-) thymic precursors differentiate into committed CD34(+)CD1a(+) pre-T cells. Overexpression of Spi-B in hematopoietic progenitor cells resulted in inhibition of development of T cells both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, development of progenitor cells into B and NK cells in vitro was also inhibited by Spi-B overexpression. Our results indicate that Spi-B is involved in the control of pDC development by limiting the capacity of progenitor cells to develop into other lymphoid lineages.

Developmental origin of pre-DC2

It is generally accepted that dendritic cells can be generated from either myeloid or lymphoid derived progenitors. Ample information has been collected on the development and nature of myeloid DC type 1 (DC1). In contrast, our current understanding on the origin and function of the lymphoid derived DC type 2 (DC2) is still limited but is increasing rapidly. Here we will summarize recent findings on the developmental origin of the precursor of DC2 (pre-DC2). The presence of pre-DC2 has been revealed in bone marrow, fetal liver, and cord blood, where they develop from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) most likely via an intermediate pro-DC2 stage. Both in human and mouse, development of pre-DC2 depends on the cytokine FLT3-ligand (FLT3-L). In addition, transcription factors such as Spi-B and members of the basic helix-loop helix (bHLH) family have been shown to be involved in the proper differentiation of HSC into pre-DC2. The human thymus contains a population of cells that closely resembles the peripheral pre-DC2, including interferon (INF)-a production after viral stimulation. Some phenotypic differences have been observed however. Furthermore, we have shown that the thymic microenvironment is able to support development of pre-DC2 from HSC in vivo. A thymus independent pathway of pre-DC2 development exists as well, although at present it is not clear where these extrathymic pre-DC2 are generated. In regard of the absence of a phenotypic defined pro-DC2 population in the thymus, we speculate that development of thymic pre-DC2 may differ from peripheral pre-DC2. The challenge of the near future will be to determine the role of pre-DC2 during thymic T cell development.

Wnt glycoproteins regulate the expression of FoxN1, the gene defective in nude mice

T cell development and selection require the fully mature and diverse epithelial microenvironment of the thymus. Acquisition of these characteristics is dependent on expression of the forkhead (also known as winged-helix) transcription factor FoxN1, as a lack of functional FoxN1 results in aberrant epithelial morphogenesis and an inability to attract lymphoid precursors to the thymus primordium. However, the transcriptional control of Foxn1 expression has not been elucidated. Here we report that secreted Wnt glycoproteins, expressed by thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes, regulate epithelial Foxn1 expression in both autocrine and paracrine fashions. Wnt molecules therefore provide regulatory signals critical for thymic function.

Development of alphabeta T cells in the human thymus

The thymus is the main producer of alphabeta T cells and is, therefore, crucial for a normal immune system. The intrathymic developmental pathway of human alphabeta T cells has now been delineated. The production of new T cells by the thymus decreases with age, and the thymus was thought to be redundant in adults once the peripheral T-cell pool has been formed early in life. However, recent work has shown that the thymus can function even at an advanced age. Research into the production of T cells in clinical settings that are associated with loss of T cells in the periphery has sparked renewed interest in the function of the human thymus.

Regulation of thymocyte differentiation: pre-TCR signals and beta-selection

The specificity of the adaptive immune response is, in part, dependent on the clonal expression of the mature T cell receptor (TCR) on T lymphocytes. One mechanism regulating the clonality of the TCR occurs at the level of TCR-beta gene rearrangements during lymphocyte development. Expression of a nascent TCR-beta chain together with pre-Talpha (pTalpha) and CD3 molecules to form the pre-TCR complex, represents a critical checkpoint in T cell differentiation known as beta-selection. Indeed, failure to generate a functionally rearranged TCR-beta chain at this stage of development results in apoptosis. Signals derived from the pre-TCR complex trigger a maturation program within developing thymocytes that includes: rescue from apoptosis; inhibition of further DNA recombination at the TCR-beta gene locus (allowing for the clonality of antigen receptor expression; allelic exclusion); and induction of proliferation and differentiation. The signaling mechanisms that control this developmental program remain largely undefined. Here, we discuss recent evidence investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate thymocyte differentiation downstream of pre-TCR formation.

Lineage plasticity and commitment in T-cell development

The earliest stages of intrathymic T-cell development include not only the acquisition of T-cell characteristics but also programmed loss of potentials for B, natural killer, and dendritic cell development. Evidence from genetics and cell-transfer studies suggests an order and some components of the mechanisms involved in loss of these options, but some of the interpretations conflict. The conflicts can be resolved by a view that postulates overlapping windows of developmental opportunity and individual mechanisms regulating progression along each pathway. This view is consistent with molecular evidence for the expression patterns of positive regulators of non-T developmental pathways, SCL, PU.1 and Id2, in early thymocytes. To some extent, overexpression of such regulators redirects thymocyte development in vitro. Specific commitment functions may normally terminate this developmental plasticity. Both PU.1 overexpression and stimulation of ectopically expressed growth factor receptors can perturb T- and myeloid/dendritic-cell divergence, but only in permissive stages. A cell-line system that approximates DN3-stage thymocytes reveals that PU.1 can alter specification even in a homogeneous population. However, the response of the population to PU.1 is sharply discontinuous. These studies show a critical role for regulatory context in restricting plasticity, which is probably maintained by interacting transcription factor networks.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote engraftment of human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells in NOD/SCID mice

OBJECTIVE

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been implicated as playing an important role in hematopoietic stem cell engraftment. We identified and characterized a new population of MSC derived from human fetal lung. In cotransplantation experiments, we examined the homing of MSC as well as the effect on engraftment of human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived CD34(+) cells in NOD/SCID mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Culture-expanded fetal lung-derived CD34(+) cells were characterized by immune phenotyping and cultured under conditions promoting differentiation to osteoblasts or adipocytes. Irradiated (3.5 Gy) NOD/SCID mice (n = 51) were transplanted intravenously with 0.03 to 1.0 x 10(6) UCB CD34(+) cells in the presence or absence of 1 x 10(6) culture-expanded fetal lung-derived MSC, irradiated CD34(-) cells, B cells, or with cultured MSC only.

RESULTS

Culture-expanded fetal lung CD34(+) cells were identified as MSC based on phenotype (CD105(+), SH3(+), SH4(+), CD160(+)) and their multilineage potential. Cotransplantation of low doses of UCB CD34(+) cells and MSC resulted in a three-fold to four-fold increase in bone marrow engraftment after 6 weeks, whereas no such effect was observed after cotransplantation of irradiated CD34(-) or B cells. Homing experiments indicated the presence of MSC in the lung, but not in the bone marrow, of NOD/SCID mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a population of MSC derived from human fetal lung. Upon cotransplantation, MSC, but not irradiated CD34(-) or B cells, promote engraftment of UCB CD34(+) cells in bone marrow, spleen, and blood by mechanisms that may not require homing of MSC to the bone marrow.

Biology of natural killer cells in cancer and infection

NK cells are the important cells of the immune system derived from stem cells in the marrow. Their physiology is tightly regulated to control proliferation, cytotoxicity and cytokine production. In cancer, NK cells may be abnormal due to the cancer itself or possibly related to its therapy. The finding of class I recognizing inhibitory receptors may play a role in stem cell transplant rejection, immune surveillance and cancer immunotherapy. NK cells should no longer be thought of as direct cytotoxic killers alone, as they clearly play a critical role in cytokine production which may be important to control cancer and infection. Understanding NK cell function and homing may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of human disease.

E protein function in lymphocyte development

Lymphocytes arise from hematopoietic stem cells through the coordinated action of transcription factors. The E proteins (E12, E47, HEB and E2-2) have emerged as key regulators of both B and T lymphocyte differentiation. This review summarizes the current data and examines the various functions of E proteins and their antagonists, Id2 and Id3, throughout lymphoid maturation. Beyond an established role in B and T lineage commitment, E proteins continue to be essential at subsequent stages of development. E protein activity regulates the expression of surrogate and antigen receptor genes, promotes Ig and TCR rearrangements, and coordinates cell survival and proliferation with developmental progression in response to TCR signaling. Finally, this review also discusses the role of E47 as a tumor suppressor.

Definition of regulatory network elements for T cell development by perturbation analysis with PU.1 and GATA-3

PU.1 and GATA-3 are transcription factors that are required for development of T cell progenitors from the earliest stages. Neither one is a simple positive regulator for T lineage specification, however. When expressed at elevated levels at early stages of T cell development, each of these transcription factors blocks T cell development within a different, characteristic time window, with GATA-3 overexpression initially inhibiting at an earlier stage than PU.1. These perturbations are each associated with a distinct spectrum of changes in the regulation of genes needed for T cell development. Both transcription factors can interfere with expression of the Rag-1 and Rag-2 recombinases, while GATA-3 notably blocks PU.1 and IL-7Ralpha expression, and PU.1 reduces expression of HES-1 and c-Myb. A first-draft assembly of the regulatory targets of these two factors is presented as a provisional gene network. The target genes identified here provide insight into the basis of the effects of GATA-3 or PU.1 overexpression and into the regulatory changes that distinguish the developmental time windows for these effects.

Elements of transcription factor network design for T-lineage specification

The complex spectrum of cell types produced in mammalian hematopoiesis can be understood as the output of highly combinatorial transcription factor action. The generation of multiple diverse combinations of transcription factors from the common starting state of the hematopoietic stem cell must be explained through the cross-regulatory interactions of these transcription factors at several levels. Here, the operation of such a network is addressed through a focus on murine T cell development, where we have recently established regulatory linkages between GATA-3 and PU.1 and multiple other factors essential to this differentiation pathway. The action of both essential/rate-limiting factors and factors with effects that shift qualitatively with dose and time of action can be traced through the regulatory interaction network. Hypothetical models are proposed to indicate the network nodes that are differentially activated in normal T cell lineage progression and in cells diverted to other potential fates.

The Src family kinase Fyn mediates signals induced by TCR antagonists

FcR nonbinding anti-CD3 epsilon mAbs elicit partial TCR signaling that leads to T cell unresponsiveness and tolerance in vivo. In this study, the membrane-proximal events that promote T cell inactivation by FcR nonbinding anti-CD3 mAbs were examined. In the context of FcR nonbinding anti-CD3, TCR complexes did not aggregate and failed to translocate into glycolipid-enriched membrane microdomains. Furthermore, FcR nonbinding anti-CD3 mAbs induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the Fyn substrate Cbl, but not the ZAP-70 substrate linker for activation of T cells. Overexpression of Fyn, but not Lck, restored the mitogenicity of FcR nonbinding anti-CD3 in primary T cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Fyn mediates the partial signaling induced by TCR antagonists.

Intrathymic and extrathymic development of human plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors in vivo

The development of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC2) from human CD34(+) stem cells in vivo was studied in RAG-2(-/-) interleukin (IL)-2Rgamma(-/-) mice that lack functional T and B cells and natural killer cells. CD34(+) cells isolated from fetal liver or thymus were labeled with 5- and 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and were injected into a human thymus grafted subcutaneously in the RAG-2(-/-) IL-2Rgamma(-/-) mice. One to 4 weeks later the CFSE label was found not only in T cells but also in CD123(+/high) CD4(+)CD45RA(+) pDC2, indicating that the CD34(+) cells can develop into pDC2 within a thymus. In addition to pDC2, CFSE-labeled dendritic cells with a mature phenotype, determined by the cell surface markers CD11c, CD83, and CD80, were found in the injected human thymus graft. pDC2 was not found in the periphery of mice carrying a human thymic graft, indicating that the intrathymic pDC2 failed to emigrate from the thymus. We also demonstrate that pDC2 can develop outside the thymus because relatively high percentages of pDC2 were found in the periphery after the intravenous injection of CD34(+)CD38(-) fetal liver cells in RAG-2(-/-) IL-2Rgamma(-/-) mice without a human thymus graft. These data indicate that the thymus and the peripheral pDC2 develop independently of each other.

The DBY gene codes for an HLA-DQ5-restricted human male-specific minor histocompatibility antigen involved in graft-versus-host disease

Graft rejection or graft-versus-host (GVH) disease after HLA-identical stem cell transplantation is the result of recognition of minor histocompatibility antigens (mHags) by immunocompetent T lymphocytes from recipient or donor origin, respectively. Cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones can be isolated during graft rejection and GVH disease to identify mHags and their corresponding genes. Thus far, all human mHags identified appeared to be HLA class I-restricted. Here, we report the characterization of the first human HLA class II-restricted sex-linked mHag involved in GVH disease. Previously, we isolated an HLA-DQ5-restricted CD4(+) CTL clone from a male patient with chronic myeloid leukemia who developed acute GVH disease grade III-IV after transplantation of HLA genotypically identical female stem cells. Using a panel of female HLA-DQ5(+) EBV cells that we stably transfected with Y chromosome-specific genes, we determined that the HLA class II male-specific mHag (H-Y) was encoded by the Y chromosome-specific gene DBY. The H-Y epitope was localized in the DBY protein using female HLA-DQ5(+) peripheral blood mononuclear cells loaded with DBY protein fragments. The minimal peptide sequence leading to maximal recognition by the specific HLA-DQ5-restricted CTL clone was characterized as the 12-amino acid sequence HIENFSDIDMGE. Although the epitope differed by 3 amino acids from its X-homolog DBX, only 2 polymorphisms were shown to be essential for recognition by the CTL clone.

Successful transduction of human multipotent, lymphoid (T, B, NK) and myeloid, and transplantable CD34+CD38low cord blood cells using a murine oncoretroviral vector

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are subject to great interest because of their medical importance and their biological properties. Therefore, the possibility of genetically modifying human HSC is a major concern in several inherited pathologies. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that a murine oncoretroviral vector can transduce multipotential cord blood (CB) stem cells. Sorted CB CD34(+)CD38(low) cells were transduced with a Moloney-based MFG retroviral vector containing the coding sequence of the murine CD2 (mCD2). CD34(+)mCD2(+) cells were sorted by flow cytometry and cultured either in bulk or at one cell per well in culture conditions that allow differentiation along lymphoid (T, B, and NK) and myeloid (M) lineages. Phenotypic analysis of cells generated in culture showed that CD34(+)mCD2(+) cells could give rise to all lymphoid and myeloid progeny, indicating that the MFG/mCD2 vector had transduced progenitors of all tested lineages. Moreover, clonal cultures of 660 CD34(+)mCD2(+) cells showed that approximately 5% of these cells were able to generate both myeloid and lymphoid (B + NK) progenies; for 25% of them, this included the production of lymphoid T cells. We also demonstrate that transduced CD34(+)CD38(low) CB cells with lymphoid and myeloid potentials were capable of engraftment into the bone marrow (BM) of nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD-SCID) mice during several months. These results show that MFG retroviral vectors can transduce multipotent (T, B, NK, M) human hematopoietic progenitors with in vivo repopulating activity.

Peptide-induced negative selection of thymocytes activates transcription of an NF-kappa B inhibitor

Negative selection eliminates thymocytes bearing autoreactive T cell receptors (TCR) via an apoptotic mechanism. We have cloned an inhibitor of NF-kappa B, I kappa BNS, which is rapidly expressed upon TCR-triggered but not dexamethasone- or gamma irradiation-stimulated thymocyte death. The predicted protein contains seven ankyrin repeats and is homologous to I kappa B family members. In class I and class II MHC-restricted TCR transgenic mice, transcription of I kappa BNS is stimulated by peptides that trigger negative selection but not by those inducing positive selection (i.e., survival) or nonselecting peptides. I kappa BNS blocks transcription from NF-kappa B reporters, alters NF-kappa B electrophoretic mobility shifts, and interacts with NF-kappa B proteins in thymic nuclear lysates following TCR stimulation. Retroviral transduction of I kappa BNS in fetal thymic organ culture enhances TCR-triggered cell death consistent with its function in selection.

Constitutive expression of PU.1 in fetal hematopoietic progenitors blocks T cell development at the pro-T cell stage

The essential hematopoietic transcription factor PU.1 is expressed in multipotent thymic precursors but downregulated during T lineage commitment. The significance of PU.1 downregulation was tested using retroviral vectors to force hematopoietic precursors to maintain PU.1 expression during differentiation in fetal thymic organ culture. PU.1 reduced thymocyte expansion and blocked development at the pro-T cell stage. PU.1-expressing cells could be rescued by switching to conditions permissive for macrophage development; thus, the inhibition depends on both lineage and developmental stage. An intact DNA binding domain was required for these effects. PU.1 expression can downregulate pre-Talpha, Rag-1, and Rag-2 in a dose-dependent manner, and higher PU.1 levels induce Mac-1 and Id-2. Thus, downregulation of PU.1 is specifically required for progression in the T cell lineage.

Can the low-avidity self-specific T cell repertoire be exploited for tumor rejection?

Can self-specific T cells that have escaped intrathymic deletion be exploited to generate antitumor immunity? To determine whether antitumor immunity to a self-Ag for which central tolerance exists can be generated, a mouse model is used in which a fragment of the influenza nucleoprotein (NP) is expressed as a transgene under the control of the H-2K promoter in C57BL/10 mice (B10NP mice). In these mice an oligoclonal population of NP-specific T cells escapes thymic and peripheral deletion and can be activated upon immunization. The main hallmark of these self-specific CD8(+) T cells is diminished avidity for the pertinent MHC/peptide complex. We show in this study that intranasal infection with influenza virus can stimulate low-avidity NP-specific T cells to recognize and destroy NP-expressing microtumors in the lung, but not NP-expressing tumors growing s.c. Only a memory NP-specific CD8(+) T cell response can suppress the growth of an s.c. growing NP-expressing tumor. This delay in tumor growth is associated with a dramatic increase in the number of circulating NP-specific CD8(+) T cells. In addition, cultured memory NP-specific T cells require approximately 100-fold less Ag to induce NP-specific lysis than primary T cells, consistent with the observation that memory T cells have an increased avidity due to affinity maturation. Finally, during an NP-specific memory response, substantial numbers of low-avidity NP-specific T cells can be recovered from s.c. growing tumors. Together, these findings indicate that, when only a low-avidity repertoire is available to generate antitumor immunity, the best strategy may be to enhance memory responses.