Does Immunodeficiency in Uremic Patients Promote Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis?

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the immune function of 5 hemodialysis patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis as compared to 6 without, both groups having a dialytic age from 7 to 21 years, and 5 healthy controls. We investigated serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), made skin tests and measured peripheral lymphocyte subsets using monoclonal antibodies.

1) The absolute numbers of T3, T4 and T8 cells were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients than controls and T3, T4 cells were lower in patients with amyloidosis than in those without: T3 (m ± SD/μl), 387 ± 253 vs 744 ± 207 (p = 0.03); T4, 262 ± 115 vs 589 ± 297 (p = 0.04).

2) Serum levels of IgG and IgM were significantly lower in patients with amyloidosis than in the others: IgG (m ± SD, g/l), 10.2 ± 1.4 vs 15.4 ± 3.2 (p < 0.001); IgM, 0.65 ± 0.28 vs 1.65 ± 0.37 (p < 0.001).

3) Delayed hypersensitivity studied by skin tests showed less than 3 positive antigens in 4/5 patients with amyloidosis against 1/6 patients without. These data suggest there is a marked defect of T-cell help in uremic patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis.

Effects of CD40 binding on ovarian carcinoma cell growth and cytokine production in vitro

The poor prognosis associated with ovarian carcinoma (OVCA) is linked to the high incidence of local recurrence. There is a pressing need to identify factors that can play a role in OVCA growth and spread. Here, we focused on CD40, a member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily with important functions in immune response. The expression of CD40 has been reported on various types of carcinoma cells, but its biological role is still poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and function of the CD40 in OVCA cell lines. Detectable CD40 levels ranging from low to very high were found on the cell surface of several OVCA cell lines by flow cytometry analysis. Co-culture with a murine cell line transfected with CD40 ligand (CD40L) inhibited cell growth and up-regulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha in high-level CD40-expressing OVCA cell lines. Similarly, an increase of IL-6 and IL-8 release could be obtained by adding a soluble form of CD40L to the OVCA cultures. These results suggest that CD40-CD40L interaction is an important pathway affecting growth regulation and cytokine production in OVCA.

Interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor release by renal cell carcinoma cells impedes lymphocyte-dendritic cell cross-talk

Anti-tumour T cell response requires antigen presentation via efficient immunological synapse between antigen presenting cells, e.g. dendritic cells (DC), and specific T cells in an adapted Th1 cytokine context. Nine renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primary culture cells were used as sources of tumour antigens which were loaded on DC (DC-Tu) for autologous T cell activation assays. Cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes stimulated with DC-Tu was evaluated against autologous tumour cells. Assays were performed with 75 grays irradiated tumour cells (Tu irr) and with hydrogen peroxide +/- heat shock (Tu H(2)O(2) +/- HS) treated cells. DC-Tu irr failed to enhance cytotoxic activity of autologous lymphocytes in seven of 13 assays. In all these defective assays, irradiated tumour cells displayed high interleukin (IL)-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release. Conversely, when tumour cells released low IL-6 levels (n = 4), DC-Tu irr efficiently enhanced CTL activity. When assays were performed with the same RCC cells treated with H(2)O(2) + HS, DC-Tu stimulation resulted in improved CTL activity. H(2)O(2) + HS treatment induced post-apoptotic cell necrosis of tumour cells, totally abrogated their cytokine release [IL-6, VEGF, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1] and induced HSP70 expression. Taken together, data show that reduction in IL-6 and VEGF release in the environment of the tumour concomitantly to tumour cell HSP expression favours induction of a stronger anti-tumour CTL response.

Doxorubicin induces Fas-mediated apoptosis in human thyroid carcinoma cells

Doxorubicin remains the most extensively used drug in the chemotherapy of thyroid cancer. However, drug resistance often limits the efficacy of chemotherapy in clinical practice. Several anticancer drugs exert their cytotoxic effect by triggering Fas-mediated apoptosis in some cell types. However, no investigations have been conducted to determine whether doxorubicin causes apoptosis in thyroid carcinomas. In the present study, we assessed the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of doxorubicin on two thyroid cancer cell lines (FTC 238 and FTC 133). Cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin were evaluated by a 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2yl) 2-5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was quantified by fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated annexin V/flow cytometric analysis and by DNA fragmentation. Fas expression was measured by flow cytometric analysis. After a 24-hour incubation, doxorubicin induces a dose-dependent cytotoxicity in the two cell lines. Treatment with doxorubicin (0.5 and 1 microM) for 24 hours induced cell apoptosis and upregulated Fas expression. A significant correlation was found between the fluorescence intensity values obtained with annexin V staining and those observed for Fas expression (r = 0.996; p < 0.001 or r = 0.957; 0.02 < p < 0.05 for FTC 238 or FTC 133 cells, respectively). In conclusion, doxorubicin exerts its cytotoxic effects, at least partly, through Fas-mediated apoptosis in thyroid cancer cells. These results may have clinical implications for thyroid cancer therapy.

Design of a flow cytometric assay for the determination of natural killer and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity in human and in different animal species

BACKGROUND

The most common assay used to detect natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity is the (51)Cr release assay. The numerous disadvantages of this method led us to evaluate cytotoxicity functions by flow cytometry. We described a flow cytometric assay to assess NK and CTL activity from different species.

METHODS

This assay is based on a dual fluorescent staining of target cells. The dye, DIOC18((3)) (3, 3'-dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine perchlorate), is used to stain the membrane of different target cells. Propidium iodide (PI) is used to label dead target and effector cells. This labeling allows a clear discrimination between both cell populations.

RESULTS

A good correlation was observed between the percentage of target lysis and the effector-to-target cell (E/T) ratios with human and porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as effector cells. The flow cytometric assay was shown to be as sensitive and as reliable as the (51)Cr release performed with human cells. The assay was also applied successfully to measure NK cell activity in other animal species (pig, rabbit, hen, and mouse) and to measure murine CTL activity against the influenza virus.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence that the flow cytometric assay using DIOC18((3)) is highly reproducible and is suitable to measure different types of cell cytotoxicity.

Peripheral blood and intrathyroidal T cell clones from patients with thyroid autoimmune diseases

For a better understanding of the pathogenesis of thyroid autoimmune diseases, we have studied morphological and functional properties of T clones from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and from intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITL) obtained from 3 patients with Graves' disease or 1 Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Investigations were carried out on clones cultured alone or cocultured with autologous thyrocytes. Clonage efficiency ranged from 30% to 33% for PBL and 10% to 36% for ITL. A predominance of CD4-positive clones was observed whatever the origin of the lymphocytes or the autoimmune pathology. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) was detected in the majority (17/19) of the clones tested. Intracytoplasmic interleukin (IL-4) was secreted in 7/19 clones and both cytokines were produced in 5/19 clones. In coculture a proliferative response and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) production were observed with 6 clones (4 from Graves thyrocytes and 2 from thyroiditis). No cytotoxic clone was derived from Graves or thyroiditis tissues. These data demonstrate that the large majority of T clones are principally CD4-T cells; all the clones secreted TNF-alpha and a large majority produced IFN-gamma. Only a few clones produced IL-4 alone or associated with IFN-gamma. Six T clones induced proliferative response and of TNF-alpha secretion in coculture. Further investigations must be performed on these antigen-reactive T clones to analyse their role in the pathogenesis of the human thyroid autoimmune diseases.

Effect of PSC 833 on the efficacy of doxorubicin in vitro in a medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line

In medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC), multidrug resistance (MDR) remains the major obstacle to effective chemotherapy. In this work MDR was investigated in TT cells, a human MTC cell line. We studied the effect of an efficient MDR agent (SDZ PSC 833) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cytotoxicity in TT cells cultured in monolayers. The toxicity was evaluated with four tests: MTT test, lacticode-hydrogenase and glutathione assays, and neutral red uptake. PSC 833 (3 microM) partially reversed the resistance to DOX in vitro after a 48-hour coincubation, followed by a 24 hour-post incubation. Under these conditions, PSC 833 was not toxic at the concentration used. Our results suggest that PSC 833 has the potential to reverse the MDR phenotype in MTC cells.

TCR repertoire and cytokine profiles of cerebrospinal fluid- and peripheral blood-derived T lymphocytes from patients with multiple sclerosis

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) represents an important source of T lymphocytes that could be involved in the inflammatory response occurring in the central nervous system in multiple sclerosis (MS). In order to investigate whether the Vbeta gene usage of CSF T lymphocytes is restricted, we analyzed the TCR Vbeta expression in twelve CSF expanded by in vitro culture compared to the paired in vitro-stimulated peripheral blood T lymphocytes. The overexpression of one or two Vbeta genes was demonstrated in ten CSF, but the type of Vbeta over expressed varied from one patient to another. For one patient, the Vbeta repertoire was also investigated by single cell cloning. High frequency of BV6S7-expressing T cell clones was observed in the CSF while no BV6S7 clone was derived from the peripheral blood T lymphocytes suggesting that these cells could be involved in the immunopathological process in the central nervous system (CNS). The cytokine patterns of the T cell clones derived from the CSF- and peripheral blood-T lymphocytes of this patient were determined. The CSF T cell clones produced higher levels of cytokines than the peripheral blood T cell clones. The high frequency of IL-4-producing-T cell clones observed in CSF demonstrate that T cells which could downregulate the inflammatory process are present in the CNS.

Longitudinal study of HIV-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes in HIV type 1-infected patients: relative balance between host immune response and the spread of HIV type 1 infection

To evaluate the contribution of a specific cytotoxic response in the control of HIV infection in relation to clinical status, we performed serial analysis of anti-Env and anti-Gag cytotoxic activity in 13 infected individuals over a 6- to 10-year period, using cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Autologous EBV-transformed B cell lines infected in vitro with recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing HIV-1 env and gag genes were used as targets. Without any stimulation of the effector cells, we were able to show an anti-HIV cytotoxic activity in the PBMCs of 12 of 13 HIV-1-infected patients, consistent with chronic immune activation in HIV infection. Different patterns of HIV-specific cytotoxic activity were observed, and the extent of this cytotoxic response varied between the clinically defined groups of individuals. No direct relationship was observed with the number of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes during the observation period. However, patients who remained asymptomatic had a more vigorous cytotoxic response than patients with clinical deterioration during the observation period, and a significant difference was observed for HIV Gag-specific CTL activity. From these data, we suggest that the HIV-specific cytotoxic response has a protective role in the course of HIV infection.

Expression of membrane and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in Graves' disease

We have investigated the in vitro expression of membrane and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by human thyroid cells from 20 patients with Graves' disease and 5 normal subjects. Membrane ICAM-1 was not detected by flow cytometry analysis in non-cultured thyrocytes from either normal or Graves' disease tissues. It appeared on thyroid cells after a 24-h culture in monolayers and showed a regular dose-dependent increase. The same results were obtained with soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) in culture media from cells cultured in monolayers, vesicles or follicles. No change was obtained with different concentrations of fetal calf serum added to the media. Coculture of Graves' disease thyrocytes with autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) or intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITL) enhanced the expression of both membrane and sICAM-1 whatever the culture model. When normal thyrocytes were cocultured with PBL, sICAM-1 increased but with ITL sICAM-1 remained unchanged. High concentrations of gamma interferon induced an increase of both membrane and sICAM-1 in the three culture models. However the increases were greater with vesicles and follicles. Only sICAM-1 levels were raised with 0.1, 1 and 10 microM retinoic acid. These results suggest that ICAM-1 appears in culture, possibly due to mechanical effects such as adherence to plates and cell-to-cell contacts. Moreover, its expression is modulated by several factors such as cytokines or retinoic acid. Further investigations are needed to establish whether ICAM-1 is really involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease.

Action of peripheral or intrathyroidal lymphocytes on autologous thyrocytes cultured in follicles in collagen gel

We have studied the action of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITLs) on the biochemical and hormonal metabolism of autologous thyrocytes cultured in follicles in a collagen gel. The production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in culture was also measured. Thyroid tissues and lymphocytes were obtained from ten patients with Graves' disease and from five control subjects. Lymphocyte-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in autologous thyrocytes cultured in a collagen gel by several tests; neutral red uptake, lactate dehydrogenase activity and glutathione level. Hormonal metabolism was assessed by evaluating tri-iodothyronine (T3) and total cAMP production under TSH stimulation. TNF-alpha levels were measured in supernatants after 5 days of coculture. PBLs altered biochemical metabolism, T3 synthesis and cAMP production in autologous thyroid follicles. These inhibitions were greater than those obtained with ITLs. No difference was seen between cells obtained from patients with Graves' disease and those from normal subjects. TNF-alpha levels secreted by PBLs were higher than those secreted by ITLs. The concentrations of this cytokine decreased in coculture. Significant correlations were observed between the decrease in biochemical and hormonal parameters and TNF-alpha levels. Exogenous TNF-alpha and high doses of interferon gamma inhibited follicle metabolism, especially hormone secretion. In conclusion, thyrocytes cultured in follicles provide a more sensitive model than monolayer cultures for analysis of lymphocyte-induced interactions. Lymphocytes gradually inhibit the biochemical and hormonal metabolism of autologous thyroid follicles depending on the isolation method. These alterations may be particularly attributed to TNF-alpha secreted by lymphocytes. The cytokine-induced inhibition of thyroid hormonal function apparently involves the adenylate cyclase system.

Polyamine deprivation prevents the development of tumour-induced immune suppression

Mice grafted with the 3LL (Lewis lung) carcinoma exhibit immune suppression: spleen cells showed decreased spontaneous interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ lymphocyte populations; in addition the polyamine content in the spleen was increased. By treating the mice with a polyamine-deficient diet containing neomycin, metronidazole and inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase and polyamine oxydase, tumour growth was reduced and the immune abnormalities were reversed. The spleen cells overproduced IL-2 by reducing exogenous sources of polyamines, but total blockade of all major polyamine sources was necessary to obtain an optimal effect both on IL-2 production and on spleen polyamine content. Irrespective of whether polyamine deprivation was started at an early or at an advanced stage of tumour growth, T-lymphocyte populations were restored to normal values, demonstrating that polyamine deprivation not only prevents tumour-induced immune suppression, but reverses established immunological disorders. In contrast to what was observed regarding IL-2 production by spleen cells and natural killer (NK) cell activity, the polyamine oxidase (PAO) inhibitor did not enhance the number of T lymphocytes. These findings are consistent with a direct effect of the polyamines on immune effector cell metabolism. They suggest an important role of the gastrointestinal polyamines and of PAO activity in the regulation of IL-2 production.

Effect of lymphocytes on hormonal secretion by autologous thyrocytes cultured in monolayers

We studied the lymphocyte-induced alterations in hormonal metabolism and the production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) during coculture of thyrocytes and autologous lymphocytes from 20 patients with Graves' disease and from five normal subjects. Thyroglobulin (Tg) mRNA was assessed by slot-blot analysis under TSH stimulation. Tg, tri-iodothyronine (T3) and cAMP secretion in the presence of TSH were measured by RIA after 3 or 5 days of coculture. TNF-alpha levels produced after 5 days incubation were also assayed in lymphocyte culture and coculture media. Lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood (PBLs) altered the production of Tg, T3 and cAMP in autologous thyrocytes. Intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITLs) decreased Tg and cAMP secretion but had no effect on T3 secretion. The reductions in Tg and cAMP levels obtained with mechanically isolated ITLs (M-ITLs) were generally higher than those obtained with ITLs isolated by dispase (D-ITLs). No difference was seen between Graves' disease and normal cocultures. PBLs secreted large concentrations of TNF-alpha, larger than those obtained with M-ITLs whereas D-ITLs produced low amounts of this cytokine. In coculture, TNF-alpha levels were lower than those observed in lymphocyte culture. Significant correlations were obtained between TNF-alpha levels and the decrease in Tg, T3 and cAMP concentrations. The percentage of T lymphocytes was higher in PBLs and D-ITLs than in M-ITLs. B lymphocytes levels were higher in ITLs, especially M-ITLs, than in PBLs. TNF-alpha production by B lymphocytes was maximal in M-ITLs. In conclusion, lymphocytes induced a decrease in hormonal thyroid metabolism when cocultured with autologous thyrocytes. These perturbations may be attributed, at least partly, to TNF-alpha secreted by lymphocytes. TNF-alpha interacts via the adenylate cyclase pathway of TSH signal transduction.

Immunomodulatory activity of beta-casein permeate medium fermented by lactic acid bacteria

During fermentation, lactic acid bacteria may be able to release components that possess immunomodulatory activity. This activity was investigated in several culture supernatants arising from lactic acid bacteria cultured in a medium composed primarily of UF permeate of bovine milk; beta-CN was added as the sole protein source. Only a Lactobacillus helveticus supernatant allowed the modulation (both suppression and enhancement) of lymphocyte proliferation in vitro on human peripheral blood lymphocytes, but L. helveticus did not modulate the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells or of lymphokine-activated killer cells. The addition of different quantities of culture supernatant to cultures of human mononuclear cells, stimulated by the mitogen concanavalin A, significantly increased the production of interferon-gamma and decreased the production of interleukin-2 and the expression of the alpha-chain of the interleukin-2 receptor (p55), all of which appear to be correlated with the decrease in lymphocyte proliferation. Our results suggest that the culture supernatant activity might be related to interaction with monocyte-macrophage and T helper cells, especially Th1-like cells.

Expression of the alpha-subunit of CR4 (CD11c) by peripheral blood and crevicular fluid neutrophils

This work determined the levels of expression of CD11c by neutrophils (PMNs) collected from subjects with various periodontal conditions. The percentages of CD11c-positive crevicular fluid PMNs were significantly lower than those of peripheral blood PMNs, but the levels of CD11c expression were similar in PB-PMNs and CF-PMNs (P<0.001). On the other hand, no significant difference could be found between the groups, either for the percentages of CD11c-positive cells or for the CD11c expression levels.

Distinct pattern of IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression in CD4 and CD8 T cells: cytofluorometric analysis at a single cell level using non-radioactive probes

IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression was analyzed using an original method for in situ hybridization (ISH) with non-isotopic probes and flow cytometric analysis (FC). This method permits rapid detection of mRNA at a single cell level among in vitro activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and purified CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets. After stimulation with PMA and ionomycin (PMA+Io), cells were fixed at different times and hybridized with digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled RNA antisense or sense probes specific for IL-2 and IFN-gamma. The level of cytokine gene expression in individual cells was visualized using FITC-conjugated anti-DIG antibodies and the fluorescent signal was analyzed by flow cytometry. Specific hybridization with IL-2 and IFN-gamma antisense probes was detected among activated PBMC within lymphoid cells identified by their light scattering properties. Kinetic analysis of the frequency of mRNA producing cells exhibited a biphasic pattern with an early peak at 6-8 hrs. when percentages of IL-2 and IFN-gamma expressing cells reached 35 +/- 7% and 18 +/- 4%, respectively. Similar data were obtained by enzymatic detection on cell smears using AP-conjugated anti-DIG. Combination of ISH with FC was applied to the comparison of the pattern of cytokine gene expression between CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets isolated by negative selection using immunobeads and magnetic separation. IL-2 was expressed by activated CD8 T cells (25-35%), but CD4 T cells were the major producers of IL-2 as assessed by the high frequency of mRNA expressing cells (60%) and the large amount of mRNA per cell relative to the mean fluorescence intensity. In contrast, IFN-gamma mRNA was preferentially expressed by CD8 T cells (27-37%) and a minority of CD4 T cells (17-23%). Despite quantitative differences, kinetic analysis of IL-2 gene expression in CD4 and CD8 T cells showed similar profiles with an early peak at 6-8 hrs. Upregulation of IL-2 gene expression in CD4 T cells by CD28 co-stimulation increases the amount of IL-2 mRNA per cell as visualized by mean fluorescence intensity. In addition the effect of CD28 co-stimulation on IL-2 mRNA stabilisation was demonstrated by the maintenance of a high frequency of IL-2 expressing CD4 T cells and an elevated level of mRNA per cell for prolonged period after PMA+Io stimulation. By contrast CD28 co-stimulation had no obvious effect on IFN-gamma expression.

The prognostic value of plasma viremia in HIV-infected patients under AZT treatment: a two-year follow-up study

To determine the prognostic value of plasma viremia in long-term zidovudine (AZT)-treated HIV-infected patients, HIV-1 plasma viremia (PV) was quantified in 28 HIV-infected patients before and during AZT long-term treatment; the follow-up also included p24 antigenemia and CD4 cell counts. The variations of these markers during the follow-up period, the correlation with the clinical outcome (progressors versus nonprogressors), and the discrepancies between PV and surrogate markers were then analyzed. A significant and stable decrease in PV titer was observed in only nonprogressors (Friedman test, p < 0.005). At the end of follow-up, 11 (73%) of the 15 non-progressors were PV responders (patients who remained or became PV- long-term), whereas all the 13 progressors were PV nonresponders (patients who remained or became PV+). These results indicated a strong correlation between PV and clinical outcome (Fischer's exact test, p < 0.0001). The persistence, increase, or reappearance of viral replication appeared to be an important predictor of poor clinical outcome in HIV-infected patients under AZT treatment. This finding could provide a rational basis to help the clinician's decision in the clinical treatment of HIV-infected patients.

Relevance of 10 Caucasian HLA haplotypes in searches for unrelated bone marrow donors for 100 patients from a single center

Unrelated donor searches for 100 Caucasian patients were referred to France Greffe de Moëlle Registry (FGM) from September 1987 (24,600 donors) to December 1993 (71,500 donors, 61% DR typed). After DR typing of HLA-A,B matched donors, unsuccessful searches were extended to other European Registries for 36 patients. Twenty two patients had a donor (FGM: 19, other Registries: 3) selected on: (1) HLA-A,B and DRB,DQB1 split identity; and (2) unidirectional relative response < 5% in MLR performed twice. Estimated probability of finding a compatible donor at 9 months in FGM was 12% (s.e. +/- 4%) and 25% at 2 years (s.e. +/- 6%). This probability was stringently dependent on a phenoidentity to one very common HLA-A,B,DR or B,DR haplotype (25% at 9 months when present, representing 19 of 19 patients with a compatible donor). Without this phenoidentity, the probability was zero per cent (P = 0.0001) in FGM searches and < 4% (n = 1) in extended searches. The MLR test was shown to be insensitive for screening for DPB1 mismatches. Clinical status influenced the probability of finding a compatible donor at one year ranging from 9% +/- 9% for ALL to 23% +/- 8% for CML (NS). Disregarding DPB1 mismatches is the most efficient way of increasing search efficiency.

Ex vivo studies of polymorphonuclear neutrophils from patients with early-onset periodontitis (III). CR3 and LFA-1 expression by peripheral blood and gingival crevicular polymorphonuclear neutrophils

In this study, we assessed the LFA-1 (CD18/CD11a) and CR3 (CD18/CD11b) expression on peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PB-PMN) and crevicular fluid polymorphonuclear leukocytes (CF-PMN), by subjects with a healthy periodontium (n = 7), gingivitis (n = 8), early-onset periodontitis (n = 17) and adult periodontitis (n = 8). Using flow cytometry analysis, the %s of CD18, CD11a and CD11b positive cells and the absolute numbers of fluorescent molecules were determined. No significant difference could be found among the 4 groups, for these 2 kinds of parameters, in PB-PMN or CF-PMN. However, a great difference could be noted between the results obtained from PB-PMN and those obtained from CF-PMN. The %s of positive CF-PMN were significantly lower than those of PB-PMN for the 3 sub-units (p < 0.001). The levels of CD18 and CD11b expressed by CF-PMN were higher than those expressed by PB-PMN and the difference was significant for CD11b (p < 0.001). On the contrary, the level of CD11a expressed on CF-PMN was significantly lower than that expressed by PB-PMN (p < 0.001). Hence, our current results show that early-onset periodontitis PMN can be quite normal and this fact is not surprising insofar as, in our study, these cells were perfectly functional and all the subjects were in good health. We concluded that the analysis of the leukocyte adhesion receptors expression on PB-PMN does not appear useful for helping to establish a differential diagnosis between the different forms of periodontitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interleukin 12 induces the differentiation of major histocompatibility complex class I-primed cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursors into allospecific cytotoxic effectors

The production of interleukin 12 (IL-12) following allogeneic stimulation and its involvement in the differentiation of allospecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have been investigated. Supernatants of mixed lymphocyte cultures had detectable levels of IL-12 p40 which were completely abrogated after depletion of responder cells from monocytes. While addition to the culture of anti-IL-12 neutralizing antibodies partially inhibited the allogeneic proliferative response and the subsequent CTL activity, addition of IL-12 stimulated both responses, suggesting that endogenously produced IL-12 plays a role in the development of alloreactivity. Furthermore, using primary mixed cultures of lymphocytes from major histocompatibility complex-recombinant siblings identical for class II antigens and displaying class I disparity, we demonstrated that addition of recombinant IL-12 at the sensitizing phase of the primary mixed lymphocyte culture induced CTL activity. Under these stimulation conditions, addition of recombinant IL-12 also triggered cell proliferation, indicating that IL-12 provides both growth and differentiation signals. The mechanism underlying this process does not appear to require IL-2, since IL-12-mediated CTL generation was not abrogated by anti-IL-2 alpha-chain antibodies. IL-12 increased granzyme B and perforin mRNA accumulation in major histocompatibility complex class I-primed lymphocytes, suggesting that this cytokine activates these two genes in CTL precursors. We conclude that IL-12 can stimulate the generation of alloreactive CTLs. We suggest that IL-12 may play a role in helper cell-independent CTL generation.

In situ hybridization and cytofluorometric analysis of cytokine mRNA during in vitro activation of human T cells

We present an original method for in situ hybridization (ISH) using non isotopic probes and flow cytometry analysis that permits rapid detection of lymphokine transcripts at single cell level in an in vitro activated human Jurkat T cell line and in peripheral blood T cell subsets. After PMA and either ionomycin or ConA stimulation, cells were fixed and hybridized with digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled RNA antisense or sense probes specific for IL-2 and IFN-gamma. The level of cytokine gene expression in individual cells was visualised using FITC-conjugated anti-DIG antibody, and the resultant signal was analysed by flow cytometry. IL-2 mRNA was first detected in activated Jurkat T cells. Addition of cycloheximide 4 hours after the beginning of stimulation increased both the frequency of labelled cells and the amount of mRNA per cell, as determined by the mean fluorescence intensity. The specificity and sensitivity of IL-2 mRNA detection were tested by comparison with Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization (ISH) with immuno-cytochemical staining. IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA were detectable in PBMC as early as 3 hours after in vitro stimulation with PMA and ionomycin. The frequency of positive cells and the amount of mRNA per cell peaked at 6-8 hours, when the percentages of IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA-containing cells reached 30-40% and 15-20%, respectively. The two lymphokines were expressed in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but the frequency of IL-2 expressing cells and the amount of IL-2 mRNA per cell were higher in CD4+ (60%) than in CD8+ T cells (25%), whereas IFN-gamma were preferentially transcribed by CD8+ T cells (40%). The results obtained by this method were in accordance with the data obtained by Northern blot analysis, with cellular protein content estimated by immuno-fluorescence staining, and with IL-2 titration by bioassay. We compared the performance of this method with ISH using radioactive probes.

Immunological study in primary intestinal lymphangiectasia

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare congenital condition associated with protein-losing enteropathy. Hypogammaglobulinemia and lymphopenia secondary to this condition are frequent but infectious complications are not. So far few immunological studies have been made in these patients. We report here the results of such a study carried out in two adolescents. Both patients presented with a dramatic decrease in serum gammaglobulins, especially IgG and IgA, and in peripheral blood lymphocytes, especially CD4 T helper cells. From a functional standpoint, the proliferative response to certain mitogens was reduced. A decrease in in vitro production of immunoglobulins by B lymphocytes may be due to a faulty T/B cell cooperation. Histological examination of duodenal biopsy specimens revealed a decreased number of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Colonoscopy revealed nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in the terminal ileum, confirmed by endoscopic biopsy. The role of these abnormalities in the development of infectious complications and lymphoma is underscored.

Interferon production in severe hemophiliacs with and without HIV antibodies

The interferon (IFN) system, both serum IFN levels and the in vitro IFN production, was investigated in 38 clinically asymptomatic multitransfused hemophiliacs, half positive and half negative for HIV antibodies. In most patients, no circulating IFN was detected; similar levels of IFN-alpha were obtained after peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulation with Sendai virus both in hemophiliacs and controls, while production of IFN-gamma following stimulation with phytohemagglutin (PHA) was diminished in a large number of patients irrespective of their HIV serology. These data indicate that the deficiency in IFN-gamma generation is not only related to HIV contamination but may be a direct consequence of the chronic antigenic stimulation through Factor VIII concentrates.

Surface markers in adult acute myeloblastic leukemia: correlation of CD19+, CD34+ and CD14+/DR--phenotypes with shorter survival. Groupe d'Etude Immunologique des Leucémies (GEIL)

The immunophenotype of blast cells was investigated in a multicentric study of 154 adult acute myeloblastic leukemias (AMLs). A panel of 27 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) was tested in indirect immunofluorescence. Expression of CD14 (UCHM1), CD19 (SB4), CD36 (OKM5), and HLA-DR were associated with higher mean leucocyte counts. CD14 expression correlated with low hemoglobin level and the absence of CD33 (MY9) with low platelet counts. Extramedullary disease was associated with CD16 (Leu11b) and HLA-DR antigen positivity. The study of relationships between surface markers and FAB criteria confirmed the predominant expression of CD14 in the M5 sub-group (p less than 0.000001) and the association of CD19 and CD36 with monocytic M4/M5 subgroups (respectively p less than 0.00002 and p less than 0.000001). All patients received an induction therapy including an anthracycline and cytarabine. The median follow-up was 13 months. The achievement of complete remission (CR) was inversely correlated with CD34 (B13C5) and CD19 expression: CR was obtained in 31 of 59 (53%) CD34-positive AML versus 64 of 75 (85%) CD34-negative cases (p less than 0.0001) and 11 of 24 (46%) CD19-positive versus 95 of 122 (78%) CD19-negative cases (p less than 0.01). In univariate analysis, a longer survival was associated with CD33 expression and the combined phenotypes CD36+/CD19- and CD16+/CD14-. Conversely, the CD18(IOT18)+/CDw65(VIM2)- phenotype was related to shorter survival. The expression of CD19, of CD34, and of the combined phenotype CD14+/DR--correlated with shorter survival as demonstrated both in univariate and multivariate analysis (p less than 0.03 in each case in multivariate analysis).

Sertoli cells are the site of interleukin-1 alpha synthesis in rat testis

To elucidate the cellular origin of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the mammalian testis, we assayed IL-1 activity in culture media of Sertoli cells collected from rats at 20, 35 and 45 days of age as well as in culture media of interstitial, peritubular and germ cells from adult rats. IL-1 was detected in Sertoli cell culture media isolated from 35- and 45-day-old rats. At 45 days approximately twice as much IL-1 was produced than at 35 days. In contrast, IL-1 activity was not detected in 20-day-old rat Sertoli cell culture media nor in interstitial, peritubular and germ cell culture media. The Sertoli cell IL-1 activity was specifically neutralized by an IL-1 alpha antiserum. It is concluded that Sertoli cells produce IL-1 alpha and that this production increases during sexual maturation.

Does peripheral blood T-lymphocyte population distribution in sarcoidosis provide a prognostic clue?

In its pulmonary form, sarcoidosis generally resolves spontaneously, but it may lead to fibrosis of the lung. The clinical, radiological and functional tests, as well as activity markers such as the serum angiotensin converting enzyme, intrathoracic uptake of 67Gallium and the cytological data provided by bronchoalveolar lavage are only the expressions at any given time of a disease which is constantly progressing and only partly express its evolutive potential. The authors studied the distribution of T-lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood and from bronchoalveolar lavage. 32 patients were included in the study. They were suffering from acute or chronic sarcoidosis of the mediastinum and lungs and were divided into 2 groups according to clinical, radiological and pulmonary function criteria; Group A (n = 19) included regressive forms (minimum follow up 2 years) and group B (n = 13) the progressive untreated forms. Lymphopenia with a decrease in the percentage of CD3 cells was found in both groups. The percentage of CD4 cells is significantly lower in group B (28 +/- 11%) than in group A (45 +/- 8%) (p < 0.01) or in the control population (46 +/- 8%) (p < 0.01). The percentage of CD8 cells is higher in group B (30 +/- 8%) than in group A (18 +/- 6%). This results in a CD4/CD8 ratio which is significantly reduced in group B (1 +/- 0.5) when compared with group A (2.72 +/- 0.8) (p < 0.01) and the control group (2.17 +/- 0.8) (p < 0.01), the difference between group A and the controls being minimal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of angiotensin converting enzyme in cultured human monocytes by a factor present in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of sarcoidosis patients

Human peripheral blood monocytes synthesize a low level of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) when cultured in vitro for six days. If cell-free bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from sarcoidosis patients was included with the monocytes during culture, the monocyte ACE level increased significantly in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, the cell-free bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from control subjects and patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis raised basal monocyte levels little, if at all. These results suggested that sarcoid lavage fluid contains a soluble ACE-inducing factor (AIF) that was absent or present in much lower concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the other patients studied. Initial attempts to characterize this AIF indicated an apparent molecular weight of greater than 5000 daltons as determined by Amicon ultrafiltration. The AIF was stable to heating at 56 degrees for 1 hour. This finding demonstrated that lavage ACE was not responsible for the AIF activity since lavage ACE is inactivated under these conditions. Gamma-interferon (macrophage-activating factor) was also eliminated as the agent responsible for AIF activity since gamma-interferon decreased rather than increased monocyte ACE. In summary, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from sarcoid patients contains a soluble factor (AIF) that induces ACE in cultured monocytes. Action of this factor in vivo may be responsible for the increased ACE levels seen in the monocyte-derived epithelioid granuloma cells of sarcoidosis.

Does immunodeficiency in uremic patients promote dialysis-related amyloidosis?

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the immune function of 5 hemodialysis patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis as compared to 6 without, both groups having a dialytic age from 7 to 21 years, and 5 healthy controls. We investigated serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), made skin tests and measured peripheral lymphocyte subsets using monoclonal antibodies. 1) The absolute numbers of T3, T4 and T8 cells were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients than controls and T3, T4 cells were lower in patients with amyloidosis than in those without: T3 (m +/- SD/microliter), 387 +/- 253 vs 744 +/- 207 (p = 0.03); T4, 262 +/- 115 vs 589 +/- 297 (p = 0.04). 2) Serum levels of IgG and IgM were significantly lower in patients with amyloidosis than in the others: IgG (m +/- SD, g/l), 10.2 +/- 1.4 vs 15.4 +/- 3.2 (p less than 0.001); IgM, 0.65 +/- 0.28 vs 1.65 +/- 0.37 (p less than 0.001). 3) Delayed hypersensitivity studied by skin tests showed less than 3 positive antigens in 4/5 patients with amyloidosis against 1/6 patients without. These data suggest there is a marked defect of T-cell help in uremic patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis.

Interferon production in severe hemophiliacs with and without HIV antibodies

The interferon (IFN) system, both serum IFN levels and the in vitro IFN production, was investigated in 38 clinically asymptomatic multitransfused hemophiliacs, half positive and half negative for HIV antibodies. In most patients, no circulating IFN was detected; similar levels of IFN-alpha were obtained after peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulation with Sendai virus both in hemophiliacs and controls, while production of IFN-gamma following stimulation with phytohemagglutin (PHA) was diminished in a large number of patients irrespective of their HIV serology. These data indicate that the deficiency in IFN-gamma generation is not only related to HIV contamination but may be a direct consequence of the chronic antigenic stimulation through Factor VIII concentrates.

[Anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. Characterization and function]

Four anti-T lymphocyte monoclonal antibodies were produced by the hybridoma technique. Percentages of miscellaneous labelled cell suspensions, as profiles of fluorescent histograms, showed a reactivity of these 4 reagents quite comparable to that observed with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. Labelling summation studies, cell-sorting studies and blocking experiments gave similar results as gave other anti-CD3 reagents. Biochemical study and functional tests: modulation effects and mitogenic properties, argued for the belonging of these 4 antibodies to the CD3 cluster. The actual data concerning the CD3 molecule are briefly resumed to underline the interest of such antibodies in the understanding of T-lymphocyte activation mechanisms during the immune response.

[Value of computer processing of data acquired by cytofluorometry for biological analyses]

The amount of informations relative to cell analysis generated on a flow cytometer must often be processed on a computer so that accurate and efficient analysis can be performed on the stored data, and have the power to consider complex signal distributions. A Ortho 50H flow cytometer was complemented with a Persona 1600 microcomputer (LogAbax) via an acquisition system directly connected to the photomultiplier assemblies. In the configuration we used, three primary signals are processed and stored simultaneously, thus providing six parameters for each cell. The analysis of the data can be delayed or operated immediately after each acquisition. Turbo Pascal was used for all programming. The implanted programs are available for the processing of histograms relative to immunofluorescence or DNA analyses. They allow the user to operate on data obtained after selecting the cells on a two-parameter basis. Examples of immunofluorescence and DNA analyses obtained on experimental preparations are presented.

[Immunologic characteristics of repeated spontaneous abortions]

In 28 couples with spontaneous abortions, data of immunological investigations revealed an elevated frequency of HLA DR compatibility and immunological characteristics defining distinct patterns of immune responsiveness. In the half of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) we observed a failure to develop a recognition response to paternal inherited fetal antigens expressed by the lack of classical evidence of in vivo allo-immunization such as antipaternal antibodies, and the absence of the inhibitors of cell-mediated immunity found in maternal blood during pregnancy. In few cases, the paternal cells are inefficient to elicit in vitro maternal cell-mediated lympholysis. In most women with a normal pregnancy occurring after spontaneous abortions or prior to RSA, an immune recognition response was evidenced by the presence of antipaternal antibodies and/or blocking factor acting on in vitro cell-mediated lympholysis. These observations support the hypothesis that immunological process could be the cause of some fetal losses of unknown etiology, through a defective or unsuitable maternal immune response.

[Anomalies of cellular immunity in Graves' disease treated by synthetic antithyroid drugs: effects on prognosis]

The involvement of humoral immunity mechanism in etiology of Graves' disease was observed for the first time in 1956. Twenty years later cellular auto-immune dysfunction was also described. To day, there is evidence for suppressor T cell deficiency and decrease in T suppressor lymphocytes in Graves' disease and cell mediated immunity might be one of the most important point in the pathogenesis of Graves disease. For the future, cellular auto-immune dysfunction might be used to predict the evolution of the disease and to choice the best therapeutic scheme.

Murine monoclonal antibody suitable for use as an Rh reagent, anti-e

The production by the hybridoma technique of a monoclonal antibody which behaves as an anti-e agglutinin is described. A reagent was made from ascitic fluid diluted in RPMI 1640 culture medium and bovine serum albumin. All red blood cells bearing the e antigen were agglutinated; no reactivity was recorded with untreated EE red cells suspensions. However, cross-reactivity was observed with enzyme-pretreated EE cells. The characteristics of this monoclonal antibody are described and are in accordance with the standard references.

Immunological parameters in Graves' disease: are they useful for indication and monitoring of antithyroid drug treatment?

This paper reviews the available published data on studies of a correlation between the presence or intensity of measurable immunological abnormalities or markers in Graves' disease and the outcome after a course of antithyroid drug. The following parameters are discussed: circulating anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies; antitubulin antibodies; human lymphocyte antigens, and repartition of T-lymphocyte subsets. At the present time no single parameter has any real practical value for individual patients either to indicate or monitor antithyroid drug therapy. The more useful information remains the anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor level at the end of treatment which, if elevated, is predictive of relapse. Several areas of research, however, appear promising.

Transmissibility of human immunodeficiency virus in haemophilic and non-haemophilic children living in a private school in France

In a study of the transmissibility of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in haemophilic and non-haemophilic children living together in a boarding school in France, half of the haemophilic children had seroconverted by the end of a 3-year study period. By contrast none of the non-haemophilic children seroconverted. All children had had close casual contact, some of them for several years. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers detected in all polytransfused haemophiliacs were found in 4 of 20 control children in the school, whereas all healthy youngsters living with their families were HBV negative. This study adds support to the theory that transmissibility of HIV among casual contacts is low and that there is no reason to exclude HIV-antibody carriers from communities.

T lymphocyte subsets at various stages of hyperthyroid Graves' disease: effect of carbimazole treatment and relationship with thyroid-stimulating antibody levels or HLA status

Markers of autoimmunity in hyperthyroid Graves' disease were studied at various stages of the disease in connection with HLA status. The 148 patients studied were included in a long term prospective evaluation of antithyroid drug treatment. The proportions of total T lymphocytes and OKT4 and OKT8 positive cells in peripheral blood and circulating thyroid-stimulating antibodies were determined before treatment (M0; 46 patients), after 6 (M6; 50 patients), and 18 months (M18; 22 patients) of carbimazole treatment, at relapse (15 patients) and after 2 yr of euthyroidism after drug withdrawal (remission; 23 patients). Twenty-seven patients were sequentially studied between M0 and M6, and M6 and M18. As compared to matched normal subjects, the mean proportion of OKT8 positive cells was significantly decreased in every group of patients, even in those in remission, and the mean OKT4/OKT8 cell ratios were increased in all groups except the patients in remission. However, OKT4/OKT8 cell ratios in individual M0 patients were widely distributed, being normal in 50%. No correlation was found between the proportions of T cell subsets and thyroid-stimulating antibody values, and the two measures varied independently in patients studied sequentially. OKT8 lymphocyte subset was dependent on HLA status. In DR3-positive patients, the mean OKT4/OKT8 cell ratio was high at all stages of the study; in DR3-negative patients it decreased significantly at M18 and was normal in those patients who had a remission. However, in the DR3-positive and -negative groups of patients, the mean OKT4/OKT8 ratios at M0 and at relapse were similar. In conclusion, the proportions of circulating OKT8 positive lymphocytes reflect only poorly the activity of the immune abnormalities in Graves' disease, but do correlate with HLA-DR3 status.

Acute myeloblastic leukemia with active tyrosine protein kinase

High level of tyrosine protein kinase activity was found in a membrane fraction isolated from an acute myeloblastic leukemia, out of 24 leukemias of different origin investigated. The major substrate for tyrosine phosphorylation in vitro was a 58 kDA protein (p58). The phosphorylation proceeded actively at 0 degrees C and was strongly stimulated by Mn2+ ions. Comparison by partial proteolysis of the p58 with similar phosphoproteins from a T-lymphoma line (KE37) and from lectin stimulated lymphocytes showed high similarity. The possible role of the tyrosine kinase activity in this leukemia is discussed.

Stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation in lectin treated human lymphocytes

Large increases in tyrosine phosphorylation have been detected in subcellular matrixes isolated from lectin treated human lymphocytes. In lectin stimulated cells proteins of molecular weight 105, 75, 58 and 35 kDa contained phosphotyrosine (P-tyr) whereas non-stimulated cells had no 105 and low levels of P-tyr in proteins of 75, 58 and 35 kDa. In stimulated cells increased tyrosine kinase activity was also shown using gastrin as substrate. In both stimulated and non-stimulated cells the 58 kDa phosphoprotein was the most heavily labelled, after partial proteolysis of the 58 kDa different phosphopeptides were generated. A peptide with a sequence analogous to the autophosphorylated tyrosine site of pp60src inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation in stimulated cells. The lymphocyte system provides a useful tool to study normal tyrosine protein kinases and their role in cellular proliferation.