Ia antigens in rat kidney, with special reference to their expression in tubular epithelium

Antigen Cross-Presentation by Murine Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induces Cytotoxic and Inflammatory CD8+ T Cells

Immune-mediated glomerular diseases are characterized by infiltration of T cells, which accumulate in the periglomerular space and tubulointerstitium in close contact to proximal and distal tubuli. Recent studies described proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) as renal non-professional antigen-presenting cells that stimulate CD4⁺ T-cell activation. Whether PTECs have the potential to induce activation of CD8⁺ T cells is less clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the capacity of PTECs for antigen cross-presentation thereby modulating CD8⁺ T-cell responses. We showed that PTECs expressed proteins associated with cross-presentation, internalized soluble antigen via mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis, and generated antigenic peptides by proteasomal degradation. PTECs induced an antigen-dependent CD8⁺ T-cell activation in the presence of soluble antigen in vitro. PTEC-activated CD8⁺ T cells expressed granzyme B, and exerted a cytotoxic function by killing target cells. In murine lupus nephritis, CD8⁺ T cells localized in close contact to proximal tubuli. We determined enhanced apoptosis in tubular cells and particularly PTECs up-regulated expression of cleaved caspase-3. Interestingly, induction of apoptosis in the inflamed kidney was reduced in the absence of CD8⁺ T cells. Thus, PTECs have the capacity for antigen cross-presentation thereby inducing cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells in vitro, which may contribute to the pathology of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Renal proximal tubular epithelial cells exert immunomodulatory function by driving inflammatory CD4+ T cell responses

In immune-mediated glomerular diseases like crescentic glomerulonephritis (cGN), inflammatory CD4⁺ T cells accumulate within the tubulointerstitial compartment in close contact to proximal and distal tubular epithelial cells and drive renal inflammation and tissue damage. However, whether renal epithelial cell populations play a role in the pathogenesis of cGN by modulating CD4⁺ T cell responses is less clear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential of renal epithelial cells to function as antigen-presenting cells, thereby stimulating CD4⁺ T cell responses. Using a FACS-based protocol that allowed comparative analysis of cortical epithelial cell populations, we showed that particularly proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) express molecules linked with antigen-presenting cell function, including major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), CD74, CD80, and CD86 in homeostasis and nephrotoxic nephritis, a murine model of cGN. Protein expression was visualized at the PTEC single cell level by imaging flow cytometry. Interestingly, we found inflammation-dependent regulation of epithelium-expressed CD74, CD80, and CD86, whereas MHCII expression was not altered. Antigen-specific stimulation of CD4⁺ T cells by PTECs in vitro supported CD4⁺ T cell survival and induced CD4⁺ T cell activation, proliferation, and inflammatory cytokine production. In patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis, MHCII and CD74 were expressed by both proximal and distal tubules, whereas CD86 was predominantly expressed by proximal tubules. Thus, particularly PTECs have the potential to induce an inflammatory phenotype in CD4⁺ T cells in vitro, which might also play a role in the pathology of immune-mediated kidney disease.

Role of major histocompatibility complex class II expression by non-hematopoietic cells in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders: facts and fiction

It is well established that interactions between CD4(+) T cells and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) positive antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of hematopoietic origin play key roles in both the maintenance of tolerance and the initiation and development of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. In sharp contrast, despite nearly three decades of intensive research, the functional relevance of MHCII expression by non-hematopoietic tissue-resident cells has remained obscure. The widespread assumption that MHCII expression by non-hematopoietic APCs has an impact on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases has in most instances neither been confirmed nor excluded by indisputable in vivo data. Here we review and put into perspective conflicting in vitro and in vivo results on the putative impact of MHCII expression by non-hematopoietic APCs--in both target organs and secondary lymphoid tissues--on the initiation and development of representative autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the lacunar status of our knowledge in this field. We also discuss new mouse models--developed on the basis of our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate MHCII expression--that constitute valuable tools for filling the severe gaps in our knowledge on the functions of non-hematopoietic APCs in inflammatory conditions.

Participation of the interstitium in acute immune-complex nephritis: interstitial antigen accumulation, cellular infiltrate, and MHC class II expression

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) injected into the rabbits induces acute immune complex glomerulonephritis. Since albumin is filtered and reabsorbed in the tubules, we investigated whether tubulointerstitial cells participate in the pathogenesis of this experimental condition. For this purpose, we induced immune-complex nephritis in 45 rabbits with the injection of 125I-BSA and urinary BSA excretion, glomerular and tubulointerstitial BSA accumulation, lymphocyte infiltration, proliferative activity and MHC class II antigens were examined 2, 4-5 and 6-8 days after immunization. Proteinuria developed day 6-8. BSA was found in urine from day 2 (mean +/- SE; 1089 +/- 339 micro g/24 h) and peaked on day 4 after immunization (2249 +/- 1106). BSA content (cpm/g tissue) in tubulointerstitium (TI) and glomeruli were similar at day 2 (457 +/- 45 and 407 +/- 75, respectively), but afterward increased significantly in TI, reaching a peak level on day 5 (1026 +/- 406) while remained unchanged in glomeruli (388 +/- 95). At the same time, preceding the onset of proteinuria, maximal intensity of the lymphocyte infiltration, proliferative activity and MHC class II antigen expression in tubular cells, monocytes/macrophages and interstitial cells were observed. Our study shows that antigen is excreted in the urine and concentrated in TI in association with overexpression of MHC class II molecules and lymphocyte infiltration. These findings occur prior to the development of proteinuria and suggest that the tubulointerstitial cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of this model.

Antigen-induced regulatory T cells in autoimmunity

The ultimate goal of any treatment for autoimmune diseases is antigen- and/or site-specific suppression of pathology. Autoaggressive lymphocytes need to be eliminated or controlled to prevent tissue damage and halt the progression of clinical disease. Strong evidence is emerging that the induction of regulatory T (T(Reg)) cells by autoantigens can suppress disease, even if the primary, initiating autoantigens are unknown and if inflammation is progressive. An advantage of these autoreactive T(Reg) cells is their ability to act as bystander suppressors and dampen inflammation in a site-specific manner in response to cognate antigen expressed locally by affected tissues. In this review, we consider the nature and function of such antigen-specific T(Reg) cells, and strategies for their therapeutic induction are discussed.

Transplant surgery injury recruits recipient MHC class II-positive leukocytes into the kidney

BACKGROUND

CD4 T cells, which are stimulated by the "indirect pathway" of antigen-presentation, participate in rejection. These T cells are sensitized by recipient major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-positive leukocytes that migrate into the transplant. Therefore, an important early step in rejection is the immigration of these recipient MHC class II-positive leukocytes into the renal transplant. The regulation of this early step is not understood. We now test the hypothesis that such leukocytes immigrate into the renal transplant in response to ischemic injury occurring during the transplant procedure.

METHODS

We transplanted Brown Norway (BN) kidneys into F1 Lewis/Brown Norway (L/BN) recipients. The F1 recipients are tolerant to the parental BN antigens, and any infiltration of recipient MHC class II-positive leukocytes results from injury occurring during transplantation surgery. In addition, ischemia/reperfusion injury was also induced by temporarily occluding the native renal arteries for 30 minutes. Transplanted kidneys and native kidneys, which suffered ischemia/reperfusion injury, were studied by immunohistochemistry on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after surgery. Staining by the new monoclonal antibody (mAb) OX62 and antibodies to MHC class II identified dendritic cells. In addition, the following monoclonal antibodies identified: gamma/delta T cells, V65; B cells, OX33; cells that may be macrophages, dendritic cells, or dendritic cell precursors, ED1 (+) and OX62 (-); and recipient class II MHC, OX3.

RESULTS

After transplantation, the serum creatinine increased to 4 mg/dl and then decreased, which was consistent with reversible injury during transplantation and the absence of rejection. We found that the injury of transplantation itself resulted in the infiltration of recipient MHC class II-positive leukocytes into the transplanted kidney. This infiltrate peaked at days 7 to 14 after surgery. The inflammation was peritubular and patchy and involved cortex and outer medulla. Double staining for OX62 and OX3 identified some of the infiltrating leukocytes as dendritic cells. Other recipient leukocytes were MHC class II positive, ED1 positive, and OX62 negative. We also found that MHC class II leukocytes, including dendritic cells, infiltrated native kidneys injured by ischemia/reperfusion injury.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that injury to the kidney during transplantation recruits recipient MHC class II-positive leukocytes into the kidney. Some of these leukocytes are dendritic cells.

Major histocompatibility complex class II expression by intrinsic renal cells is required for crescentic glomerulonephritis

The requirement for major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) to initiate immune renal injury was studied in a murine model of CD4(+) T cell-dependent crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN). C57BL/6 (MHC II+/+) mice developed crescentic GN with glomerular CD4(+) T cell infiltration and renal injury, in response to a nephritogenic antigen (sheep globulin) planted on their glomerular basement membrane. MHC II-deficient C57BL/6 mice (MHC II-/-) did not develop crescentic GN, CD4(+) T cell infiltration, or injury, indicating that this form of immune glomerular injury is MHC II dependent. The requirement for MHC II expression by intrinsic renal cells was studied in chimeric mice, which expressed MHC II on bone marrow-derived cells and in the thymus, but not in the kidneys. These chimeric mice had normal T and B cell populations and MHC II expression in their spleens and lymph nodes and developed an immune response to systemically and cutaneously administered sheep globulin. However, they did not develop crescentic GN, CD4(+) T cell infiltration, or renal injury in response to the sheep globulin planted in their glomeruli. These studies demonstrate that interaction of CD4(+) T cells with intrinsic renal cells expressing MHC II is required for development of cell-mediated immune renal injury.

The kinetics of MHC class I and class II expression in rat renal allografts

We have used in vivo localization of radiolabeled antibodies in a rat renal transplant model to compare the level of induction of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules in grafts undergoing rejection with grafts in which rejection was modified by cyclosporine (CsA). MHC class II expression increased in rejecting grafts, peaking on day 4, whereas a later rise in CsA-treated grafts was noted. The use of donor-specific antibodies demonstrated that this was due, in part, to a rise in class II of donor origin. No major differences in MHC class I levels were noted between the two groups until after day 4, when very little antibody localization was seen in the rejecting group. Our results suggest that therapeutic doses of CsA may not prevent the upregulation of class II that occurs during rejection, and that levels of class II are not of prognostic value in kidney transplantation.

Regulation of the costimulator B7, not class II major histocompatibility complex, restricts the ability of murine kidney tubule cells to stimulate CD4+ T cells

The proximal segment of murine kidney tubule cells (KTC) constitutively expresses low levels of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that are upregulated during local and systemic inflammation. It is not known if KTC also express the costimulator molecules necessary for them to productively participate in immune responses and stimulate T cells. To answer this question, we studied the ability of KTC to present antigens to four Th1 clones. KTC did not induce T cell proliferation to specific antigen, superantigen, or concanavalin A. However, T cell receptors did engage the peptide/MHC ligand presented by KTC, as indicated by T cell enlargement and upregulation of interleukin-2 receptor expression. Importantly, KTC failed to express the Th1 costimulator, B7, as detected by fluorescence cytometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We directly demonstrated that lack of B7 expression accounted for at least part of the KTC presentation defect, in that a KTC line transfected with the cDNA for B7 stimulated T cell proliferation to antigen. Our results suggest that epithelial cells expressing class II MHC have developed mechanisms to prevent costimulator expression and limit parenchymal tissue destruction. Failure of class II-expressing epithelial cells to limit costimulator expression may be an important component of organ-specific autoimmunity.

Tolerance to self and the processing and presentation of self antigens

Antigen processing and presentation is critical to the generation and maintenance of self tolerance. The hemoglobin system has provided important data on self antigen processing and presentation in vivo. Hemoglobin/Ia complexes were detectable in the thymus before the time of positive and negative selection. In addition, thymic epithelial cells were shown to lack the costimulatory factors necessary to trigger T cell clone proliferation. We have extended these findings to the renal proximal tubule. This class II MHC-expressing epithelial cell was demonstrated to process and present foreign as well as self antigens to T cell hybridomas. Current studies are examining whether this epithelial cell possesses the costimulatory factors required to fully stimulate T cell clones, or whether the proximal tubule may play an important role in the maintenance of self tolerance. In addition we describe the exciting model of murine autoimmune myocarditis. We have demonstrated that this is a T cell mediated disease and believe that cardiac antigen presenting cells constitutively process and present the inciting self antigen, myosin. These studies may provide important insights into autoimmunity and self tolerance.

Quantitative regional variation in the expression of major histocompatibility class II antigens in enterocytes of the mouse small intestine

The qualitative and quantitative expression of major histocompatibility class II antigens was investigated in the absorptive epithelium of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum from mice of C3H/He (H-2k haplotype) and C57BL/6 (H-2b haplotype) strains by peroxidase-antiperoxidase labelling and image analysis. Immunohistochemical labelling revealed that the expression of class II antigens was greatest in the ileum and decreased proximally towards the duodenum. The villus epithelium of the duodenum showed a granular staining pattern in the apices of some cells. In the jejunum, an increased expression was demonstrated in the apical and basal cytoplasm of all cells covering the villus. Cells at the tip of the villus, in addition, showed staining of the lateral surfaces. Ileal enterocytes demonstrated the most intense immunostaining appearing in the cytoplasm and along baso-lateral surface membranes. Quantitative analyses confirmed that a highly significant (p less than 0.0001) difference in expression of class II antigens occurred in the three regions of the small intestine, which corroborated the qualitative findings. This regional variation of class II molecules by the absorptive epithelium may influence regional differences in antigen presenting functions and immune responsiveness to ingested antigens.

Corneal transplantation--immunologically privileged status

Despite the relatively high success rate and the word 'immunologically privileged site', it has been known that a corneal graft can induce an allograft rejection reaction. This is especially true in the rat where orthotopic penetrating corneal grafts in certain strain combinations are rejected even when transplanted in avascular bed. Reliable microsurgical techniques, together with the availability of inbred or congenic strains and a rapidly developing knowledge of its major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and immune system in general, have made the rat a prime species in which to study the immunological events after corneal grafting. This review describes recent progress in understanding the immunological mechanisms behind corneal graft rejection. The topics discussed include the rat MHC (RT1) antigens and their distribution in the cornea; different responder status in fully allogeneic strain combinations, including the importance of multiple non-MHC antigens; and the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in corneal graft rejection.

Interferon gamma-mediated renal MHC expression in mercuric chloride-induced glomerulonephritis

In rodents, mercuric chloride (HgCl2) causes an autoimmune disorder with glomerulonephritis (GN), and represents an animal model for the pathogenesis of GN. We have tested the hypothesis that HgCl2 induces major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression in renal parenchymal cells, and studied the kinetics of this induction and its temporal relation to the development of immune complex deposition in the glomeruli. Mice treated with doses of HgCl2 between 2 and 3.2 mg/kg three times for one week had increased renal expression of MHC class I and class II (at the mRNA and the product levels). Class I induction was observed in proximal tubule cells, endothelial cells and glomerular cells. Class II induction was seen mainly in interstitial cells and, to a lesser extent, in tubule cells. Renal MHC expression was maximal at one week, decreased progressively after the second week of HgCl2 administration, and reached basal levels by 23 weeks. In contrast, the amount of lymphocyte infiltration in the kidney increased from the first to the fifth week and was followed by the appearance of glomerular immune deposits from the third week on. Glomerular immune complex deposits were maximal at five weeks and, by 23 weeks, immune deposits in HgCl2-treated mice were only slightly increased over those observed in the sham group. Renal MHC induction by HgCl2 was significantly reduced by treatment with monoclonal antibody against interferon gamma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The expression and regulation of class II antigens in normal and inflammatory bowel disease peripheral blood monocytes and intestinal epithelium

Elevated constitutive expression of major histocompatibility (MHC) class II antigens occurs in the enterocytes of patients with IBD. It has been suggested that this aberrant expression of class II molecules may play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD. We examined two possible reasons for such a finding. 1) Heightened sensitivity of IBD enterocytes to endogenous gamma interferon (gamma IFN) and 2) enhanced endogenous secretion of gamma interferon by intestinal cells in close proximity to the enterocytes (lamina propria lymphocytes). Constitutive and gamma interferon stimulated HLA-DR and DP density on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) from UC patients (IEC n = 13; PBM n = 20), CD patients (IEC n = 14; PBM n = 18) and non-IBD controls (IEC n = 12; PBM n = 20) were measured via flow cytometry (mean channel fluorescence). gamma IFN production by PHA stimulated and unstimulated lamina propria lymphocyte (LPL) cultures of UC patients (n = 11) CD patients (n = 8) and non-IBD controls (n = 11) was measured using a vesicular stomatitis virus/WISH cell bioassay. We found significantly greater gamma IFN secretion by IBD-derived PHA stimulated LPL than from non-IBD stimulated controls (CD = 39.4 +/- 12.4u; UC41.5 +/- 6.8u; NL = 22.4 +/- 8.3u, p less than 0.05) while gamma IFN induced HLA-DR and DP upregulation was no greater in IBD-derived IEC and PBM than in non-IBD controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Postnatal development of the interstitial tissue of the rat kidney

To study the ontogenetic development of the interstitial tissue of the kidney, rats were investigated 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after birth. Kidneys perfusion-fixed with glutaraldehyde were studied with light- and electron microscopy. Cryostate sections from kidneys immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen were studied with respect to the expression of MHC class II antigen using the monoclonal antibody OX6. The interstitial space of both the renal cortex and the outer and inner medulla was prominent during the first days postnatally. The relative interstitial volume of the cortex and outer part of the medulla then decreased in conjunction with the outgrowth and maturation of the superficial nephrons while the inner medullary interstitium remained wide. During the first postnatal days, the abundant interstitial cells of the cortex were connected via cytoplasmic processes to form a loose network which later became less well defined. The lipid-laden interstitial cells of the inner medulla showed essentially the same ultrastructure in the newborn as in the adult animal. Strong expression of class II antigen first appeared on epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop about 7 days postnatally, and became weak at 28 days. From 21 days, a weak staining of the proximal tubules was also observed. While interstitial cells in the inner medulla were always negative, cortical and outer medullary interstitial cells became strongly positive for class II antigen from day 21 post partum.

Distribution of class II major histocompatibility antigens in enterocytes of the rat jejunum and their association with organelles of the endocytic pathway

The subcellular distribution of class II major histocompatibility molecules has been investigated in enterocytes in the rat jejunum. Studies have been carried out at both light microscope and ultrastructural levels using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique and monoclonal antisera against rat class II molecules. The results show that the class II molecules have also been demonstrated on the baso-lateral cell membranes of enterocytes, but are absent from the brush borders. The distribution of class II molecules has also been studied during enterocyte maturation. The results suggest that enterocytes might be capable of intracellular processing of antigens and suggest that the encounter between class II molecules and processed antigens within the endocytic pathways of cells may be a general phenomenon in both 'professional' and 'non-professional' antigen-presenting cells.

Class II MHC antigens in the rat digestive system. Normal distribution and induced expression after interferon-gamma treatment in vivo

The normal and interferon-gamma induced expression of class II MHC antigens was investigated immunohistologically in the digestive system of LEW rats. In the normal state class II molecules were present in interstitial dendritic cells, B lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Epithelial class II expression was restricted to enterocytes in certain portions of the small intestine and to some duct epithelia in salivary glands. After continuous intravenous infusion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) for 3 days, class II MHC antigens were induced in large vessel endothelium and in the surface epithelia of the tongue, oesophagus and proventricle. In the gastric glands class II molecules appeared in mucous neck cells and in parietal cells, while adjacent mucous surface cells and chief cells did not acquire class II reactivity. All enterocytes, including the previously negative colonic epithelium, were induced to express class II antigens. In the salivary glands class II antigens appeared in all duct epithelia. Serous acinar cells were induced in the parotids, but in the submandibular glands and in the pancreas the serous gland epithelium stayed negative. Our study thus shows that the effects of IFN-gamma on class II MHC antigen expression in vivo depend on the differentiation pathway of the individual cell. The normal distribution in rats suggest that class II MHC antigens may play a role in peptide transport across specialized epithelia. It remains to be determined whether such a function is enhanced after IFN treatment.

Antigen expression in different parenchymal cell types of rat kidney and heart

Rat glomerular epithelial, and mesangial and tubular cells were isolated by steel meshes of different pore sizes and enzymatic treatment. Rat heart endothelial cells were isolated by enzymatic disaggregation. Endothelial, glomerular mesangial, glomerular epithelial and tubular cells were cultured in Minimum essential medium until they reached confluency (5 to 9 days). These different rat parenchymal cell types were characterized by morphology and antibody stainings. Endothelial cells were characterized by factor VIII positivity and mesangial cells were desmin positive. Both glomerular epithelial and tubular cells expressed the brush border and Tamm-Horsfall antigens, but in vivo injected trypan blue accumulated selectively to proximal tubular cells. Class I expression was high (84 to 95% of about 10(5) cells grown in Lab-Tek culture chambers were reactive with anti-class I antibody) in unstimulated endothelial, glomerular epithelial and tubular cells and was even higher (100%) after incubation with gamma-interferon for three days. Mesangial cells expressed class I considerably less in normal state (34%), but gamma-interferon induction upregulated it to 95%. Both the surface and intracytoplasmic expression of class I antigens were upregulated with three-day gamma-interferon treatment. Class II expression was low in all unstimulated cells (5 to 10%). The three-day gamma-interferon treatment upregulated both surface as well as cytoplasmic expression of class II antigens in all cell types.

Subcellular distribution of class II major histocompatibility antigens in enterocytes of the human and rat small intestine

Class II antigens encoded within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been examined at the ultrastructural level in enterocytes from both man and rat. A protocol has been developed for fixation which, in conjunction with a pre-embedding indirect immunoperoxidase technique preserves antigenicity of the class II molecules and allows detection of intracellular antigen. Details of the technique are provided and discussed in relation to the general paucity of information available on ultrastructural localization of class II MHC molecules. Class II MHC antigens have been identified on the basolateral cell membranes of enterocytes in both species and they have also been found in association with intracellular organelles that have the appearance of multivesicular bodies and secondary lysosomes. These observations link class II molecules with the endocytic pathway in enterocytes and suggest a possible role in the handling of gut antigens. The findings may have a more general significance in relation to the site of engagement between processed antigen and MHC molecules in specialized antigen-presenting cells.

Diabetes and tolerance in transgenic mice expressing class II MHC molecules in pancreatic beta cells

Insulin-dependent diabetes is caused by the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in pancreatic islets. It has been proposed that aberrant expression of Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on beta cells stimulates an autoimmune attack against beta cell antigens. To test this hypothesis, we generated transgenic mice that express Class II MHC molecules (E alpha d/E beta b, or I-Eb) on beta cells. Diabetes was found in 100% of transgenic progeny from three expressing transgenic mouse lines, but without evidence for lymphocytic infiltrates. Furthermore, T lymphocytes appeared to be tolerant to the transgene I-Eb molecule, despite the absence of expression of I-Eb in the thymus or any other lymphoid tissue. The results suggest that novel expression of Class II MHC molecules on nonlymphoid cells is by itself insufficient to initiate autoimmune responses against tissue-specific antigens.

Human myeloid differentiation antigens identified by monoclonal antibodies to the myelomonocytic leukemia cell line RC-2A

Murine monoclonal antibodies to human myeloid cell surface differentiation antigens were prepared using the myelomonocytic leukemia cell line RC-2A as immunogen. Using a highly sensitive colorimetric assay, antibodies were selected as myeloid-associated based on their binding to RC-2A cells, but not to cells of the autologous EBV-transformed* B cell line Cess-B. Antibodies to five distinct cell surface antigens were extensively characterized for their binding to normal and leukemic hemopoietic cells, and to tissue sections. Three antibodies may identify antigens previously described in the International Leucocyte Typing Workshops (CD14, CD11b and CD31). The other two antigens appear to be expressed at low levels on the surface of RC-2A cells, and do not correspond to existing CD groups. One of these is also present on monocytes and neutrophils. Both were present on myeloid progenitor cells, as judged by depletion experiments with antibody and complement, although neither bound appreciably to myeloid leukemic cells as judged by indirect immunofluorescence. The other three antibodies bound preferentially to leukemic specimens displaying monocytic differentiation. Four of the antibodies could be demonstrated to bind to cells in frozen sections of tonsil and small intestine and all gave distinct patterns of reactivity. In particular, these antibodies differed markedly in their binding to endothelium, follicular dendritic cells and various types of tissue macrophages. These antibodies may be useful in the study of the differentiation of myeloid cells and in studies of immunologically mediated disease such as allograft rejection.

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with aminonucleoside nephrosis

The aminonucleoside of puromycin (PAN) induces nephrotic syndrome in rats. We studied the tubulointerstitial cellular (TIC) infiltrate previously unrecognized in this model. Rats received one i.p. injection of PAN (15 mg/100 g) and were sacrificed at 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 14, 20 and 28 days. Frozen kidney sections and peripheral blood cells were stained with a panel of anti-rat monoclonal antibodies and quantitated by epifluorescence microscopy. An increase in Ia+ cells (60/1000 TIC) (P less than 0.001) and OX42+ macrophages (MO) (18/1000 TIC) (P less than 0.05) were observed on day 5. On day 7 the infiltrate consisted of OX19+ T-lymphocytes (29/1000 TIC) (P less than 0.001) and OX42+ MO (68/1000 TIC) (P less than 0.001). The majority of the lymphocytes expressed the OX8 cytotoxic T cell marker (23/1000 TIC) (P less than 0.001). The severe mixed cellular lesion present on day 14 was dominated by OX42+ MO (113/1000 TIC) (P less than 0.001). With resolution of proteinuria on days 20 and 28, the infiltrate decreased, although OX42+ MO persisted on day 28 (46/1000 TIC) (P less than 0.001). The severity of the cellular lesion correlated with the degree of albuminuria (r = 0.57 to 0.81 for the antibody panel). Expression of Ia antigens by proximal tubular epithelial cells markedly decreased during peak proteinuria but normalized by day 28. Increased deposition of C3 and IgG was not detected. Reversible tubulointerstitial nephritis develops in PAN-treated rats and may be a consequence of severe proteinuria.

Transport of infectious reovirus into bile: class II major histocompatibility antigen-bearing cells determine reovirus transport

We have previously demonstrated that mammalian reovirus type 1 enters the bile and gut lumen after systemic administration. In the present study, we showed that Kupffer cell uptake is essential for the transport of reovirus into the bile. Furthermore, class II major histocompatibility antigen (I-A)-bearing cells are a major determinant for the transit of reovirus from the hepatic environment, as well as from the intestine, during the course of systemic infection. These findings may provide an approach to the control of viral pathogens that cause systemic disease by selective utilization or modification of I-A-bearing cells.

Specificity of a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against acute myeloid leukaemia cells for mast cells in human mucosal and connective tissues

A mouse monoclonal antibody raised against acute myeloid leukaemia cells (YB5.B8 monoclonal antibody; Gadd, S. J. and Ashman, L. K. (1985): Leukaemia Res. 9, 1329-1336) has been found by an indirect immunoperoxidase technique to bind to scattered cells in frozen sections from a number of human tissues. They have been identified as mast cells in fixed sections of skin, tonsil and duodenum by simultaneous staining of glycosaminoglycan with Alcian blue in 0.7 N HCl. The antibody does not distinguish mast cells in mucosal tissues from those in connective tissue, although the level of expression by cells at both sites appears to be heterogeneous. With the exception of low affinity binding to B lymphocytes, no other bone marrow-derived cells were found to bind the antibody. In particular, basophils and eosinophils were not stained, suggesting that they are not related closely to mast cells and that the antigen detected by YB5.B8 monoclonal antibody is not an IgE Fc receptor. Therefore, among all mature haemopoietic lineages, the antibody is specific for mast cells.

Expression of Ia antigens by murine kidney epithelium after exposure to streptozotocin

In the normal murine kidney, Ia antigens are expressed by dendritic cells located within the interstitial connective tissue and scattered cells within the glomerulus. After receiving multiple low doses of streptozotocin, a nitrosourea derivative of glucose, kidney epithelium labeled intensely with anti-Ia antibodies. Ultrastructural immunohistochemistry indicated that the epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubules expressed Ia antigens on their basolateral surfaces while remaining Ia- on their luminal surfaces. This response to streptozotocin does not appear to be related to the diabetogenic potential of the drug, because BALB/cJ mice, which remain normoglycemic after treatment with streptozotocin, also exhibited strongly Ia+ tubular epithelium after treatment with streptozotocin.

Lymphocyte expression of a 90 kD brush border antigen

This study analyses the expression by rat lymphocytes of six renal brush border (BB) antigens defined by a set of monoclonal antibodies and demonstrates that a 90 kD protein (gp 90), synthesized by BB and glomeruli is found on the surface of T and B cells. The other antigens, including the 330 kD protein involved in Heymann's nephritis--a model of epimembranous glomerulonephritis--are not detectable on the surface of lymphocytes. Immunochemical studies indicate that gp 90 and the related protein immunoprecipitated from thymocyte membranes co-migrate in SDS-PAGE. Quantitative binding analysis shows that the number of antigenic sites is in the same order of magnitude on thymocytes, spleen and bone-marrow lymphocytes as well as on two lines of pre-B and pre-T cells, but considerably lower on a highly differentiated helper T cell line.

Antagonistic effects of gamma interferon and steroids on tissue antigenicity

A single injection of 10(5) U/kg of recombinant rat IFN-gamma increases the amount of tissue dendritic cells up to sixfold, and concomitantly induces the (capillary) endothelial cells to express class II MHC antigens. Both responses peak on the third day after IFN-gamma injection, and the antigen expression returns to basic levels on day 7. Simultaneous administration of 1 mg/kg/d of methylprednisolone entirely abolishes both responses. These observations demonstrate, for the first time, that IFN-gamma and steroids have antagonistic effects on class II MHC antigen presentation in tissue, and suggest that one immunosuppressive mechanism of glucocorticosteroids in organ transplantation is downregulation of graft antigenicity.

Dendritic cell-lymphoid cell aggregation and major histocompatibility antigen expression during rat cardiac allograft rejection

To determine the pattern of cellular expression of donor MHC class I and class II antigens during the course of rat cardiac allograft rejection, ACI cardiac allografts transplanted to BN recipients were examined from day 2 to day 6 using immunohistologic and immunoelectron microscopic methods. We used both monomorphic and donor-specific mouse anti-rat MHC class I and class II mAbs in this study. In normal ACI hearts, MHC class I reactivity was confined to the vascular endothelium and to interstitial cells. Ongoing rejection was characterized by an increased donor MHC class I staining intensity of microvascular endothelium and induction of donor class I surface reactivity on cardiac myofibers. Donor MHC class II reactivity was exclusively confined to interstitial dendritic cells (IDC) in both normal ACI hearts and in rejecting allografts, although rejection was associated with marked fluctuations in class II IDC frequency. An early numerical depression in class II IDC present in both allografts and syngeneic heart grafts was attributed to a direct effect of the transplantation procedure. By days 3-4, allografts showed an absolute overall increase in donor class II IDC frequency, which was associated with the presence of multiple localized high-density IDC-lymphocyte aggregates. The lymphocytes present in the focal areas were predominantly of the class II-reactive Th cell subpopulation. These aggregates may thus represent the in vivo homologue of dendritic cell-lymphocyte clustering, which has been shown to be required for primary class II allosensitization in the rat and mouse in vitro. During the late phase of rejection, there was a marked numerical fall in donor class II IDC, which correlated with extensive overall graft destruction. This study has shown that acute rat cardiac allograft rejection can occur in the absence of donor MHC class II expression by allograft vascular endothelium and cardiac myofibers. The IDC, which are believed to represent the principal class II alloantigen presenting cells in the rat heart, remain the sole class II-expressing cellular constituents of the graft throughout the course of rejection.

Equine T lymphocytes express MHC class II antigens

Six anti-HLA class II mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were used in conjunction with a rat monoclonal antibody raised against horse lymphocytes to define class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in the horse. By utilizing an ELISA assay and complement dependent lymphocytotoxicity assay, five out of the six anti-HLA class II antibodies and the rat anti-horse monoclonal antibody were found to react with a high percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Flow cytometry demonstrated a variable antigen density on peripheral blood lymphocytes and clear evidence for expression by lymphocytes that carried no detectable surface immunoglobulin. None of the antibodies reacted with equine platelets. The mAbs immunoprecipitated an antigenic complex of Mr 29,000-33,000 from horse lymphocytes. It appears that the distribution of MHC class II antigens in the horse is different from that in man but is similar to that in the dog, since MHC class II antigens are expressed on resting peripheral blood lymphocytes which lack membrane-bound immunoglobulins. Correlations between the distribution of MHC class II antigens on lymphocyte subpopulations and their role in immunological phenomena may contribute to our understanding of the functional properties of these molecules.

Functional characteristics of the veiled cells in afferent lymph from the rat intestine

Non-lymphoid veiled cells (VC) in the thoracic duct lymph from mesenteric lymphadenectomized rats have been studied by light microscopy, enzyme histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. These cells arise in the afferent lymph from the intestine. They have been semi-purified and examined for expression of Ia antigens using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique and monoclonal antibodies. Accessory cell function necessary for mitogen-induced blastogenesis in the thoracic duct lymph from these animals has been correlated with the presence of VC by depletion and reconstitution experiments. Similar results were obtained with lymphocyte suspensions from other rat lymphoid organs and they are contrasted with those from studies on mouse lymphoid cells. Antigen presentation in a secondary in vitro lymphoproliferative assay was also depleted from immunized lymph node cells by removal of endogenous VC and can be reconstituted in a dose-dependent fashion with antigen-pulsed VC from afferent intestinal lymph. In contrast, reconstitution of both mitogen-induced blastogenesis and antigen-induced lymphoproliferation with peritoneal exudate cells was poor, while at high multiplicities of added macrophages, such cells were inhibitory. Afferent intestinal lymph VC were found to transport bacteria and bacterial antigen in rats infected with Salmonella typhimurium. The results are discussed in relation to the lineage of the VC in intestinal afferent lymph, their function as accessory cells and their possible physiological role in transporting antigens from the gut to its regional lymph nodes.

In vivo induction of H-2K/D antigens by recombinant interferon-gamma

B10.BR mice received i.v. increasing doses of recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) on three consecutive days. Using an immunoperoxidase technique the distribution of H-2K/D antigens was studied in frozen tissue sections of thirteen organs (kidney, liver, pancreas, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, lungs, heart, brain, thymus, lymph node and spleen). Class I antigens were shown to be induced or enhanced in almost every organ after exposure to IFN-gamma. This effect was particularly conspicuous for renal tubular cells, hepatocytes, bronchiolar epithelial cells, gastric mucous cells, thymic cortical lymphocytes and capillary endothelial cells in heart and kidney. Neurons, glial cells, gastric chief and parietal cells, and pancreas cells were not inducible. The findings show that i.v. application of IFN-gamma leads to strong induction or enhancement of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens in a wide variety of tissues.

Immunohistochemical analysis of murine mononuclear phagocytes that express class II major histocompatibility antigens

Expression of class II major histocompatibility antigen(s) was analyzed in mouse tissue sections using an immunocytochemical technique. Parallel sections were stained for the macrophage-specific antigen F4/80. MHCII antigen(s) were absent from the majority of F4/80+ cells in liver, bone marrow, splenic red pulp, and brain (microglia) but were present on intraepithelial, periepithelial, and free (e.g. alveolar) cells in gastrointestinal, urogenital, respiratory, and endocrine tissues. The staining pattern in such tissues was not distinguishable from that of F4/80. The results suggest that a major subpopulation of mononuclear phagocytes express MHCII antigen(s) constitutively.

Ia antigens in the normal rat nervous system and in lesions of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

The distribution of the class II major histocompatibility (Ia) antigens has been studied in the normal nervous system and in acute lesions of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in Lewis rats with guinea pig spinal cord in Freund's complete adjuvant. Frozen sections from cord, including the roots and ganglia, were stained for Ia antigens, and some sections were also stained for the hydrolytic enzyme acid phosphatase. In the normal CNS and PNS, there were a few vessel-associated cells or small leukocyte-like cells which expressed Ia antigens. No cells were found which expressed both Ia and acid phosphatase [the phenotype used to describe the activated macrophage group of antigen presenting cells (APCs)]. In EAE, Ia positive cells increased in number prior to the detection of clinical signs. Some of these Ia-positive cells were thought to be astrocytes rather than inflammatory cells. At the height of the disease process large numbers of cells in the EAE lesions were Ia-positive. Among these infiltrating cells were some large acid phosphatase-positive cells which also expressed Ia antigens. These double-positive cells appeared to be APCs in the form of activated macrophages, cells known to be involved in the demyelinating processes of EAE. Our results show that some vascular and vessel-associated cells in the normal nervous system express Ia antigens. We suggest that these and other Ia-positive cells in acute EAE lesions may have a role in antigen presentation.

Surface antigens of melanoma and melanocytes. Specificity of induction of Ia antigens by human gamma-interferon

IFN-gamma is known to induce expression of Ia antigens on a variety of cell types. In the present study, this activity of IFN-gamma has been analyzed with a panel of 36 melanoma cell lines, normal melanocytes, and 97 cell lines representing a range of other differentiation lineages. 55% of the melanoma cell lines express Ia antigens in a constitutive manner without IFN-gamma induction. Of the 16 Ia-melanoma lines, 13 could be induced to express Ia antigens by IFN-gamma, whereas three were noninducible. Melanocytes, which do not normally express Ia antigens, are converted to Ia expression by IFN-gamma. Ia antigens expressed constitutively or after IFN-gamma induction were identified with antibodies detecting monomorphic and allomorphic products of DR and DC loci. IFN-gamma appeared to be unique in its ability to induce Ia expression on melanoma and melanocytes; 14 other agents (including IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) known to influence growth or differentiation did not have Ia-inducing activity. Equally striking is the restriction of antigenic changes following IFN-gamma induction to HLA-associated products; of the 38 systems of cell surface antigens examined, only HLA-A,B,C, beta 2m, and Ia antigens were affected. A variety of other Ia- cell types were shown to be Ia-inducible by IFN-gamma; these included established lines of breast, colon, pancreas, bladder, kidney, ovary, and brain cancers, and cultures of normal fibroblasts, kidney epithelia, and epidermal keratinocytes. In contrast, three tumor types, teratocarcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and neuroblastoma, were not inducible for Ia expression, even though IFN-gamma could induce expression of HLA-A,B,C products. The broad representation of Ia antigens on most somatic cell types expressed either constitutively or after IFN-gamma can be viewed in an immunological context (antigen presentation/immune regulatory signals) or could indicate that Ia products have functions other than those related to immune reactions.

Hematopoietic subpopulations express cross-reactive, lineage-specific molecules detected by monoclonal antibody

The molecular specificity of a rat anti-mouse monoclonal antibody for cell surface antigens expressed by T- and B-lymphocyte subsets, erythrocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) was determined. The antibody reacts with B-lymphocyte-associated molecules which migrated as a sharp 48,000 mol. wt band on SDS-PAGE. The antibody reacts with heterogeneous thymocyte and PMN molecules with a predominant mol. wt of 52,000. The same antibody reacts with heat-stable, amphipathic, organic-solvent-soluble erythrocyte molecules of mol. wt 35,000-40,000 present in Folch upper-phase ganglioside fractions, and evidence is presented that the determinant is protein-defined. Thus, a single monoclonal reagent which recognizes distinct, lineage-specific cell surface proteins on erythroid, lymphoid and myeloid elements may be used to probe not only the characteristic patterns of development of these hematopoietic subsets, but also the biochemical functions of the protein antigens themselves. In the case of B- and T-lymphocytes, such functions may extend to involvement in ligand-induced maturation and repertoire selection.

Graft-vs-host reactions induce H-2 class II gene transcription in host kidney cells

To study the effect of immunologic stimuli on renal expression of Ia antigens (the class II products of the major histocompatibility complex), we induced acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in mice and assessed Ia expression in the host kidney. Serologic absorption analyses showed that the amount of host Ia antigen increased up to tenfold in kidney, and immunofluorescence demonstrated that this increase occurred predominantly in renal tubule epithelial cells. To determine whether these alterations reflected changes in Ia gene transcription, we hybridized DNA probes for mRNAs encoding either Ia E alpha or A beta chains to total RNA extracted from the kidneys of normal mice and mice with acute GVHD. Northern hybridization blots revealed that the level of Ia mRNA expression in GVHD kidney is enhanced about sevenfold when compared with that found in normal kidney. Using the E alpha probe, this result was shown to reflect increased expression of C3H host Ek alpha mRNA, since the Eb alpha gene is not transcribed by the C57BL/6 donor strain used. We conclude that the increase in expression of Ia in renal tubule epithelium during GVHD probably reflects increased I-region gene transcription in host kidney cells. These findings may have implications for the pathogenesis of renal allograft rejection and immunologic renal disease.