Anti-tumor efficacy of a combination therapy with PD-L1 targeted alpha therapy and adoptive cell transfer of PD-1 deficient melanoma-specific human T-lymphocytes

The optimization of adoptive transfer approaches of anti-tumor T cells requires both the functional improvement of the injected T cells and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, favoring the recruitment of these T cells and their activation. We have recently shown the therapeutic benefit of two approaches tested individually in a melanoma model wich were on one hand the adoptive transfer of specific T cells deficient for the expression of the inhibitory receptor PD-1, and on the other hand PD-L1 targeted alpha therapy (TAT). In this study, we sought to investigate the efficacy of these two therapies combined, compared to each monotherapy, in order to evaluate the synergy between these two approaches, in the same melanoma model. Here we used melanoma-specific T-cell clones, previously validated for the edition of PDCD1 gene and with previously demonstrated superior anti-tumor activity than their wild-type counterparts, after adoptive transfer in NSG mice engrafted with PD-L1 expressing human melanoma tumors. We also used a previously validated TAT approach, using a ²¹³Bi-anti-human-PD-L1 mAb, alone or in combination with adoptive cell transfer, in the same mouse model. We confirmed previous results obtained with each monotherapy and documented the safety and the superior ability of a combination between the adoptive transfer of PD-1 deficient T cells and TAT targeting PD-L1 to control the growth of melanoma tumors in NSG mice. This study provides the first proof-of-concept of the efficacy of a combination therapy using TAT, adoptive cell transfer and genomic editing of IC-coding genes.

Ectopic expression of OX1R in ulcerative colitis mediates anti-inflammatory effect of orexin-A

Orexins (orexin-A and orexin-B) are hypothalamic peptides that are produced by the same precursor and are involved in sleep/wake control, which is mediated by two G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, OX1R and OX2R. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease, (IBD) which is characterized by long-lasting inflammation and ulcers that affect the colon and rectum mucosa and is known to be a significant risk factor for colon cancer development. Based on our recent studies showing that OX1R is aberrantly expressed in colon cancer, we wondered whether orexin-A could play a role in UC. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that OX1R is highly expressed in the affected colonic epithelium of most UC patients, but not in the non-affected colonic mucosa. Injection of exogenous orexin-A specifically improved the inflammatory symptoms in the two colitis murine models. Conversely, injection of inactive orexin-A analog, OxB7-28 or OX1R specific antagonist SB-408124 did not have anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, treatment with orexin-A in DSS-colitis induced OX1R^-/- knockout mice did not have any protective effect. The orexin-A anti-inflammatory effect was due to the decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in immune cells and specifically in T-cells isolated from colonic mucosa. Moreover, orexin-A inhibited canonical NFκB activation in an immune cell line and in intestinal epithelial cell line. These results suggest that orexin-A might represent a promising alternative to current UC therapies.

IL-22BP is produced by eosinophils in human gut and blocks IL-22 protective actions during colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), are characterized by high levels of IL-22 production. Rodent studies revealed that this cytokine is protective during colitis but whether this is true in IBDs is unclear. We show here that levels of the soluble inhibitor of IL-22, interleukin 22-binding protein (IL-22BP), are significantly enhanced during IBDs owing to increased numbers of IL-22BP-producing eosinophils, that we unexpectedly identify as the most abundant source of IL-22BP protein in human gut. In addition, using IL-22BP-deficient rats, we confirm that endogenous IL-22BP is effective at blocking protective actions of IL-22 during acute colitis. In conclusion, our study provides new important insights regarding the biology of IL-22 and IL-22BP in the gut and indicates that protective actions of IL-22 are likely to be suboptimal in IBDs thus making IL-22BP a new relevant therapeutic target.

Altered Calreticulin expression in human colon cancer: maintenance of Calreticulin expression is associated with mucinous differentiation

Calreticulin is an endoplasmic reticulum luminal calcium-binding chaperone involved in various cellular functions and is a ligand for the scavenger receptor CD91. Recent studies, based on proteomic approaches on whole tissue samples containing both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells, have shown alterations of Calreticulin expression in colon carcinomas, albeit with divergent results. The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the expression of Calreticulin and its receptor CD91 in 58 human colon adenocarcinomas, compared with paired normal mucosa, using a semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis, and 2) to examine associations between the tumour phenotypic features, and Calreticulin and/or CD91 expressions. Calreticulin expression was down-regulated in 51.7% human colon adenocarcinomas. Accordingly, quantitative immunoblot analysis showed that Calreticulin expression was significantly lower in human colonic cancer cell lines than in preparations of isolated human normal colonic epithelial cells. CD91 was co-expressed with Calreticulin in both normal colonic epithelial cells and pericryptic myofibroblasts. Calreticulin and CD91, that characterize the 'amateur phagocyte' function of epithelial cells, were both down-regulated in 48% of adenocarcinomas. Finally, Calreticulin expression was significantly associated with the mucinous differentiation of the tumour. Collectively, these results show that Calreticulin is likely to play a pivotal role in the differentiation of human colonic adenocarcinomas.

[Centromedullary nailing of the femur for bone metastasis: clinical and radiological evaluation using the Tokuhashi score in 24 patients]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Pluridisciplinary management of patients with metastasis to the femur is well defined, but the choice between palliative surgery or abstention must be decided on the basis of a few evaluated prognostic criteria. We report a series of 24 cases of metastasis to the weakened or fractured femur which was evaluated with the Tokuhashi score and treated by surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen women and eight men, mean age 71 years (58-89) underwent centromedullary nailing of the femur. These patients had metastases from breast cancer (n = 13 of the 16 women). Twenty of the 24 patients also had other metastases. The Tokuhasi score was > 6 in 16/24 patients. Fourteen patients had pain which did not respond to morphine. Thirteen had fractures and eleven weakened femurs. Time to surgery was six days (1-15). A full nail was inserted in four patients and a reconstruction nail in twenty.

RESULTS

Operative time was 93 minutes (57-123). Blood loss was 200 ml (150-350). There were no intraoperative complications (fat embolism) excepting increased comminution. Hospital stay was 23 days (8-55). Survival was 148 days (8-510) for patients with fractures and 272 days (12-730) for patients with weakened femurs. Eight patients with a fractured femur died (six within the first three postoperative weeks), two among those with preventive nailing. On average, weight bearing among the surviving patients with nailing for fracture was achieved on the 57th postoperative day (30-90). Only six patients required morphine early after surgery. Centromedullary nailing successfully relieved pain in all patients with an isolated metastasis. Mean survival in patients with a Tokuhashi score < 3 was 2.1 months. It was 17 months in those whose score was > 6.

CONCLUSION

Centromedullary nailing for fractured or weakened femur due to metastasis is a useful therapeutic solution for patients with short life expectancy. With this technique, antalgesics can be reduced while preserving independence as long as possible. The Tokuhashi score is easy to establish. If it is less than 3, centromedullary nailing should not be attempted due to the short expected survival.

Phosphohistone H3 labelling for histoprognostic grading of breast adenocarcinomas and computer-assisted determination of mitotic index

BACKGROUND

Microscopic evaluation of mitotic figures is a routine procedure in the assessment of the histoprognostic grade of tumours. Nevertheless, their count may be fraught with difficulties. As histone H3 phosphorylation at serine 10 is closely linked to chromosomal condensation, a new monoclonal antibody directed to phosphorylated histone H3 (PPH3) was recently proposed to detect mitotic cells.

AIM

To test the reliability of this antibody in detecting and counting mitotic figures in sections of breast adenocarcinomas, because of the importance of mitotic count in histoprognostic grading.

METHODS

The pattern of PPH3 staining in formalin-fixed paraffin wax-embedded tissues, including normal tissues and a series of 39 breast adenocarcinomas, was examined. A new computer-assisted method was also developed for determining the mitotic index.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In all tissues tested, PPH3-labelled mitotic figures were easily detected, allowing a rapid identification of the area of highest mitotic activity. In breast carcinomas, a strong correlation was observed between PPH3-stained and haematoxylin and eosin-stained mitotic counts (r = 0.86, p<0.0001). Counting of prophase nuclei that coexpress cyclin B1, a marker of the G2/M phase, was possible by PPH3 staining; its accuracy led us to reconsider the tumour grade in three cases. Finally, an automatic computer-assisted method was designed for assessing mitotic index with confocal microscopy and image-analysis software.

Antibiotic therapy reduces nitrosative stress and programmed cell death in the rabbit foetal lung

The correlation of clinical and epidemiological data suggests that intrauterine infection/inflammation can promote foetal lung injury. The aim of this study was: 1) to characterise the early inflammatory response elicited in infected foetal lungs, in terms of nitric oxide-derived oxidative stress and programmed cell death; and 2) to investigate the effects of antibiotic therapy on these parameters. A previously described rabbit experimental model of materno-foetal infection was used. Animals were divided into three groups: controls; Escherichia coli infected (12 h); and E. Coli infected (12 h) and treated (24 h gentamicin+ceftriaxone). Foetal lungs were examined in terms of histology, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, immunohistochemical detection of 3-nitrotyrosine, and detection of apoptotic cells by the TUNEL assay and Hoechst staining. In the infected group, a moderate inflammatory response was observed, associated with a significant increase in inducible NOS activity, the formation of 3-nitrotyrosine residues in epithelial and immune cells, the down-regulation of constitutive NOS activity and clusters of apoptotic cells, as compared with the control group. Early antibiotic therapy, initiated at 12 h post-inoculation, elicited a significant decrease in the infection-induced nitrosative stress. Levels of 3-nitrotyrosine and of apoptotic cells were decreased in the infected-and-treated group compared with the infected group, mainly by the re-expression of constitutive NOS and of the basal level of inducible NOS. Altogether, these findings indicate that early antibiotic therapy can curb the inflammatory reaction and help avert antenatal lung injury, which is known to be involved in the onset of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Butyrate specifically modulates MUC gene expression in intestinal epithelial goblet cells deprived of glucose

The mucus layer covering the gastrointestinal mucosa is considered the first line of defense against aggressions arising from the luminal content. It is mainly composed of high molecular weight glycoproteins called mucins. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced during carbohydrate fermentation, has been shown to increase mucin secretion. The aim of this study was to test 1) whether butyrate regulates the expression of various MUC genes, which are coding for protein backbones of mucins, and 2) whether this effect depends on butyrate status as the major energy source of colonocytes. Butyrate was provided at the apical side of human polarized colonic goblet cell line HT29-Cl.16E in glucose-rich or glucose-deprived medium. In glucose-rich medium, butyrate significantly increased MUC3 and MUC5B expression (1.6-fold basal level for both genes), tended to decrease MUC5AC expression, and had no effect on MUC2 expression. In glucose-deprived medium, i.e., when butyrate was the only energy source available, MUC3 and MUC5B increase persisted, whereas MUC5AC expression was significantly enhanced (3.7-fold basal level) and MUC2 expression was strikingly increased (23-fold basal level). Together, our findings show that butyrate is able to upregulate colonic mucins at the transcriptional level and even better when it is the major energy source of the cells. Thus the metabolism of butyrate in colonocytes is closely linked to some of its gene-regulating effects. The distinct effects of butyrate according to the different MUC genes could influence the composition and properties of the mucus gel and thus its protective function.

Loss of NOS1 expression in high-grade renal cell carcinoma associated with a shift of NO signalling

In normal human kidney, NOS1 and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) are expressed in tubular epithelial cells, suggesting a physiological autocrine NO signalling pathway. Therefore, we investigated both NOS1 and sGC expressions in benign and malignant renal tumours. In addition, we examined the pattern of protein tyrosine nitration in normal and tumour tissue. NOS1 expression and activity were found to be downregulated, correlating with the tumour grade, as shown by immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR analysis, and histochemical detection of the NADPH-diaphorase activity of nitric oxide synthases (NOS). These results show that the autocrine NO signalling pathway is maintained in benign tumours and lost in malignant tumours. In contrast, sGC expression was maintained in renal tumours whatever the tumour type, a finding showing that tumour cells remain sensitive to the bioregulatory role of exogeneous NO(*). Finally, the staining pattern of protein tyrosine nitration, assessed by immunohistochemistry, parallelled that of NOS1 expression in normal renal parenchyma and benign tumours, supporting the concept that protein nitration was accounted for by NOS1 activity. In contrast, in malignant tumours, protein tyrosine nitration was accounted for by the production of reactive nitrogen oxide species by the inflammatory infiltrate. Altogether, these findings argue for a pattern of NO signalling similar in normal kidney and benign renal tumours, whereas it is completely different in malignant renal tumours.

Persistent bacteremia in rabbit fetuses despite maternal antibiotic therapy in a novel intrauterine-infection model

The effect of optimized maternal therapy by bactericidal agents was evaluated in a reproducible rabbit model of Escherichia coli maternofetal infection simulating human pharmacokinetics. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was begun in the pregnant rabbit 12 h after bacterial intrauterine inoculation, using a computer-controlled pump to simulate human pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone (1 g/day) associated or not with gentamicin (3 mg/kg of body weight/day). Data were compared for fetal survival, quantitative blood cultures, fetal histology in treated versus untreated groups, and maternal and fetal antibiotic concentrations in plasma in treated animals. Antibiotic therapy led to dramatic improvement in maternal outcome (100% survival versus 100% death in the untreated group in association with maternal septicemia). Fetal survival also improved, with the two-drug combination providing a more potent effect. After 3 days of treatment, 32% of fetuses survived with one-drug therapy and 62% with two-drug therapy (Yates corrected chi(2), P < 0.05). In untreated animals, bacterial counts in blood cultures increased rapidly during the first 24 h up to 8.1 +/- 0.5 log CFU/ml, but remained relatively constant at all times with antibiotic treatment: 4.5 +/- 0.7 log CFU/ml at the start of treatment and 6.2 +/- 0.4 and 5.2 +/- 0.9 log CFU/ml after 72 h for one- and two-drug therapy, respectively (data are means +/- standard deviations). The failure of animals to be cured after 3 days of treatment was not due to an inadequate concentration of ceftriaxone, as the residual level in fetal serum at sacrifice was more than 1000 times the MIC of the microbe. Unexpectedly, inflammation in fetal lung decreased in the treated group after as little as 24 h of antibiotic therapy, despite persistent bacteremia. Although maternal outcome improved and drug concentrations were above the MIC, the treatment did not achieve sterilization of fetuses in utero for this rabbit E. coli maternofetal infection. However, fetal survival showed some improvement, and the histologic features of lung inflammation were reduced.

Human submucosal neurones regulate intestinal epithelial cell proliferation: evidence from a novel co-culture model

The role of the human enteric nervous system (ENS) in the control of the intestinal epithelium organization and proliferation is unknown. To address this issue, we developed a novel co-culture model, consisting of human submucosa containing the submucosal plexus and a human colonic epithelial monolayer. After 3 days in basal conditions (i.e. in absence of neuronal activation) epithelium disorganization and proliferation occurred. In contrast, electrical activation of submucosal neurones maintained monolayer organization and decreased cell proliferation. These effects were blocked by tetrodotoxin and a vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor antagonist, and reproduced by VIP. In conclusion, our study suggests that the human ENS is involved in the control of epithelial cell proliferation.

Generation of heme oxygenase-1-transgenic rats

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression protects cells from a variety of cellular insults and inhibits inflammation. However, its role in the regulation of immune responses has not yet been clearly established. We generated HO-1 transgenic rats to directly test the impact of HO-1 on the different immune mechanisms. To temporally control the expression of HO-1, we used a one-plasmid tetracycline (tet)-inducible system. This plasmid contains the H-2K(b) promoter, which transcribes the tet transactivator (tTA) and expression of a human HO-1 cDNA is obtained in the absence of tetracycline. The DNA construct was microinjected into one-cell rat embryos and mothers and pups were maintained with tetracycline. Eight transgenic founders were obtained. Analysis of transgene expression in the absence of tet showed that 2 lines (12.4 and 12.6) expressed HO-1 mRNA in several organs (as detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) and at the protein level only in the thymus. Expression levels of transgene-derived HO-1 increased after withdrawal of tet compared with transgenic rats maintained with tet, as detected by analysis of mRNA levels by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Gross examination and histopathological analysis of several organs in both lines showed no anomalies. Thymocytes and splenocytes of both lines showed normal cell subpopulations and allogeneic proliferation compared with controls. Systemic immune responses against cognate antigens were normal in both lines, as evaluated by the proliferation of lymph node cells and the production of antibodies against keyhole limpet hemocyanin after immunization. Animals from line 12.6 rejected transplanted allogeneic hearts with the same kinetics as controls. In conclusion, short-term induction of HO-1 overexpression did not modify immune responses compared to those of control non-transgenic animals.

[Aseptic bone necrosis following reimplantation of a degloving finger]

We report a case of microsurgical replantation of a degloved finger in a manual worker. Four months following replantation, avascular necrosis of the middle and distal phalanges was apparent. Amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx was performed. Re-plantation is the solution of choice for such degloving injuries, but a different flap can be used if replantation is not possible. Avascular necrosis of bone is an unfrequent complication, but surgeons should be aware of it.

Overexpression of the CD155 gene in human colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Tage4 gene (tumour associated glycoprotein E4) is overexpressed in rat colon tumours and Min mouse intestinal adenomas. The rat Tage4 protein has approximately 40% identity with human CD155, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily coding for a transmembrane protein capable of serving as an entry receptor for poliovirus, porcine pseudorabies virus, and bovine herpesvirus 1. Analysis of the rat Tage4 gene has revealed structural and functional similarities with the human CD155 gene. We therefore investigated expression of the CD155 gene in human colorectal carcinomas.

METHODS

Overall CD155 expression was assessed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical analysis using tissue specimens from patients with colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas. We also used a qualitative RT-PCR assay to determine relative expression of different splicing variants in each sample.

RESULTS

mRNA levels of CD155 were increased in six of six colorectal cancer tissues compared with the tumour free colon mucosa. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased level of CD155 protein in 12 of 12 samples. The qualitative RT-PCR assay revealed that relative expression of the different CD155 variant transcripts was similar in the different normal and cancer samples tested, indicating that this overexpression is not associated with a particular mRNA variant generated by alternative splicing of the CD155 gene.

CONCLUSION

We have shown for the first time that the CD155 gene is overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma and that this overexpression begins at an early stage in tumorigenesis and continues to late stages.

Caspase 7 downregulation as an immunohistochemical marker of colonic carcinoma

Caspases play a crucial role as apoptotic effectors; their potential implication in tumorigenesis remains to be clarified. We investigated the expression and function of caspases 7, 8, and 9 in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed downregulation of caspase 7 (22 of 26 cases) and caspase 9 (12 of 26 cases) in colonic cancer samples compared with normal mucosa on the same tissue section. Caspase 8 expression was unchanged or slightly upregulated (19 of 27 cases). The combination of IHC and Western blot analysis showed expression of the proforms of caspases 7, 8, and 9 in HT29-19A and HT29-16E colonic carcinoma cell lines. Apoptosis could be induced by staurosporine in both HT29 cell lines, with a sensitivity similar to that of the HGT cell line, but lower than that of the DAUDI cell line. Apoptosis induction in HT29 cells was concomitant with processing of caspases 3, 7, 8, and 9 and was inhibited by the caspase inhibitor ZVAD. Our data show that (1) human colon cancer cells downregulate caspase 7 and, to a smaller extent, caspase 9 in vivo and (2) in vitro staurosporine-induced apoptosis of colonic cancer cells involves caspases 7 and 9. Caspase 7 deficiency thus appears as a new immunohistochemical marker of colonic neoplasia; its correction represents a potential basis for new therapies.

Differential expression of KvLQT1 and its regulator IsK in mouse epithelia

KCNQ1 is the human gene responsible in most cases for the long QT syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by anomalies in cardiac repolarization leading to arrhythmias and sudden death. KCNQ1 encodes a pore-forming K+ channel subunit termed KvLQT1 which, in association with its regulatory beta-subunit IsK (also called minK), produces the slow component of the delayed-rectifier cardiac K+ current. We used in situ hybridization to localize KvLQT1 and IsK mRNAs in various tissues from adult mice. We showed that KvLQT1 mRNA expression is widely distributed in epithelial tissues, in the absence (small intestine, lung, liver, thymus) or presence (kidney, stomach, exocrine pancreas) of its regulator IsK. In the kidney and the stomach, however, the expression patterns of KvLQT1 and IsK do not coincide. In many tissues, in situ data obtained with the IsK probe coincide with beta-galactosidase expression in IsK-deficient mice in which the bacterial lacZ gene has been substituted for the IsK coding region. Because expression of KvLQT1 in the presence or absence of its regulator generates a K+ current with different biophysical characteristics, the role of KvLQT1 in epithelial cells may vary depending on the expression of its regulator IsK. The high level of KvLQT1 expression in epithelial tissues is consistent with its potential role in K+ secretion and recycling, in maintaining the resting potential, and in regulating Cl- secretion and/or Na+ absorption.

The in vitro manipulation of carbohydrate metabolism: a new strategy for deciphering the cellular defence mechanisms against nitric oxide attack

This study was aimed at examining the effects of manipulating the carbohydrate source of the culture medium on the cellular sensitivity of epithelial cells to an oxidative attack. Our rationale was that substituting galactose for glucose in culture media would remove the protection afforded by glucose utilization in two major metabolic pathways, i.e. anaerobic glycolysis and/or the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which builds up cellular reducing power. Indeed, we show that the polarized human colonic epithelial cell line HT29-Cl.16E was sensitive to the deleterious effects of the NO donor PAPANONOate [3-(2-hydroxy-2-nitroso-1-propylhydrazino)-1-propanamine] only in galactose-containing medium. In such medium NO attack led to cytotoxic and apoptotic cell death, associated with formation of derivatives of NO auto-oxidation (collectively termed NOx) and peroxynitrite, leading to intracellular GSH depletion and nitrotyrosine formation. The addition of 2-deoxyglucose, a non-glycolytic substrate, to galactose-fed cells protected HT29-Cl. 16E cells from NO attack and maintained control GSH levels through its metabolic utilization in the PPP, as shown by (14)CO(2) production from 2-deoxy[1-(14)C]glucose. Therefore, increasing the availability of reducing equivalents without interfering with energy metabolism is able to prevent NO-induced cell injury. Finally, this background provides the conceptual framework for establishing nutritional manipulation of cellular metabolic pathways that could provide new means for (i) deciphering the mechanisms of cell injury by reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species at the whole-cell level and (ii) establishing the hierarchy of intracellular defence mechanisms against these attacks.

Interleukin 1 and interleukin 1beta converting enzyme (caspase 1) expression in the human colonic epithelial barrier. Caspase 1 downregulation in colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL) 1beta converting enzyme (now known as caspase 1) is able to process pro-IL-1beta into its active form and is involved in proapoptotic signalling.

AIMS

To characterise IL-1 and caspase 1 expression in human colonic epithelial cells.

METHODS

Intracellular IL-1 content (IL-1alpha and IL-1beta) was measured by ELISA in freshly isolated human normal colonocytes. Caspase 1 expression was determined both at the mRNA level using in situ hybridisation and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and at the protein level by immunoblotting experiments using antibodies specific for the proform of caspase 1 and for its cleavage forms.

RESULTS

Low amounts of IL-1beta were found in nearly all preparations (92%), and IL-1alpha was detected in only 45% of human colonocyte preparations. The normal colonic epithelium strongly expressed caspase 1, both at the mRNA level and at the protein level in its latent form. In contrast, caspase 1 was not expressed in colon cancer (primary colonic adenocarcinomas and cancer cell lines).

CONCLUSIONS

The demonstration that the human colonic epithelial barrier is able to express caspase 1 and its substrate IL-1beta reinforces the concept that, under certain conditions, the epithelium could trigger an inflammatory reaction. In addition, the finding that caspase 1 was downregulated in colonic adenocarcinomas supports the concept that disrupted apoptosis pathways may be involved in tumour formation and/or may confer resistance to treatment.

Control of growth and differentiation of normal human epithelial cells through the manipulation of reactive nitrogen species

In this work, we addressed the issue of whether exogenous NO and ONOO- (peroxynitrite) are able to alter growth, viability and/or differentiation of normal epithelial cells using cultured normal human keratinocytes as a model. 3-Morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1), a donor of both NO and O2(-)., leading to the production of ONOO-, dose-dependently inhibited growth of human keratinocytes without loss of viability. This inhibitory effect was lowered when SIN-1 was transformed into a pure NO donor by scavenging O2(-). with superoxide dismutase/catalase. Finally, scavenging NO release from SIN-1 with carboxy-1H-imidazol-1-yloxy,2-(4-carboxyp henyl)-4,5-dihydro-4,4,5,5 -tetramethyl-3-oxide (PTIO) resulted in a loss of the inhibitory effect of SIN-1. Together these findings suggest that both ONOO- and NO exert a growth inhibitory effect on human keratinocytes without cytotoxicity. Further support for this conclusion came from the treatment of human keratinocytes with the NO. donor propanamine 3-(2-hydroxy-2-nitroso-1-propyl hydrazino) or with authentic peroxynitrite. Moreover, only SIN-1 or peroxynitrite, and not NO, was able to trigger the expression of markers of terminal differentiation in human keratinocytes. From a physiological perspective, the ability of peroxynitrite, a known genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic agent, to direct proliferating keratinocytes towards terminal differentiation may be crucial to protect the genomic stability of this barrier epithelium.

Early functional effects of Clostridium difficile toxin A on human colonocytes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Previous in vitro studies have shown that Clostridium difficile toxin A is able to directly affect the intestinal epithelial barrier function. The aim of this study was to examine the early effects of toxin A on mucin exocytosis and determine whether this toxin can induce the production of the chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) from human colonic epithelial cells.

METHODS

Two model systems were used: the HT29-CI.16E colonic goblet cell line and primary cultures of human normal colonocytes.

RESULTS

Toxin A exerted a rapid and dose-related inhibition of stimulated mucin exocytosis without altering baseline (constitutive) mucin exocytosis from HT29-CI.16E cells. Toxin A was also able to induce the secretion of IL-8 from both HT29-CI.16E cells and primary cultures of human normal colonocytes, as early as 2-3 hours of incubation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that while toxin A is able to down-regulate stimulated mucin exocytosis, it is able to up-regulate the secretion of an important chemoattractant chemokine, IL-8. These modifications illustrate the ability of colonocytes to recruit inflammatory and immune cells that will eventually bring about major mucosal damage.

NO-dependent and NO-independent IL-1 production by a human colonic epithelial cell line under inflammatory stress

1. The present study was designed to investigate, in an in vitro model of the human intestinal barrier, the ability of epithelial cells to produce interleukin-1 (IL-1), the cellular mechanisms involved in IL-1 release, and the intracellular signalling pathways involved in IL-1 up-regulation during inflammatory stress. 2. This study was based on the human colonic epithelial cell line HT29-Cl.16E, maintained as polarized monolayers on filters mounted in culture chambers and treated with various proinflammatory cytokines (interferon gamma (IFN gamma), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), IL-1 beta) alone or in combination. 3. IL-1 production, restricted to IL-1 alpha, was induced by the combination of IFN gamma/TNF alpha. When IL-1 beta was added to IFN gamma/TNF alpha, it led to an additional production of IL-1 alpha. IL-1 alpha release was associated with cell damage, as shown by the correlation between lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and extracellular IL-1 production, and was not accounted for by a secretory mechanism. 4. Both IFN gamma/TNF alpha and IFN gamma/TNF alpha/IL-1 beta induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression as shown by quantitation of NO2-/NO3- by use of the Griess reagent, quantitation of cells scoring positive with an anti-iNOS antibody and detection of mRNAs coding for iNOS by RT-PCR. The use of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of NOS, led to the demonstration of two distinct signalling pathways in IL-1 production by HT29-Cl.16E cells, one dependent on NO (L-NMMA-sensitive) under treatment with IFN gamma/TNF alpha/IL-1 beta, and the other independent of NO (L-NMMA-insensitive) under treatment with IFN gamma/TNF alpha. 5. Moreover, we examined whether a redox-based mechanism could be responsible for the apparent discrepancy between NO production and NO implication in IL-1 production under IFN gamma/TNF alpha and IFN gamma/TNF alpha/IL-1 beta treatments. Experiments with cysteine, which acts as a powerful reductant, suggest that the nitrosonium character of NO is involved in the NO-dependent pathway in IL-1 production.

Stimulation of mucin exocytosis from human epithelial cells by nitric oxide: evidence for a cGMP-dependent and a cGMP-independent pathway

The aim of this work was to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) on the macromolecular exocytotic function of human epithelial cells. We tested the effects of two NO-generating drugs, i.e. 1-hexanamine 6-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrosohydrazine)-N-methyl (MAHMA NONOate) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on mucin exocytosis from the human colonic epithelial HT29-Cl.16E cell line. Our results show that MAHMA NONOate and SNP elicited a rapid mucin exocytotic response through a cGMP-dependent and a cGMP-independent pathway respectively. Indeed, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ), a newly available specific inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, inhibited both cGMP accumulation and subsequent mucin exocytosis evoked by MAHMA NONOate. By contrast, SNP did not alter intracellular cGMP levels, and SNP-mediated mucin exocytosis was not inhibited by ODQ. As expected from two NO donors acting through distinct pathways, the combined action of MAHMA NONOate and SNP led to an additive effect on mucin exocytosis. SNP was likely to act through S-nitrosylation of a cellular target, because cysteine, a reductive thiol that provides decoy targets for SNP through the formation of nitrosocysteine, abolished the early stimulatory effect of SNP on mucin exocytosis. Finally, the fact that in the presence of cysteine SNP was able to trigger a late, ODQ-inhibitable, mucin exocytotic response demonstrates the ability of NO to shift its intracellular signalling pathway depending on the changes of the redox state of the milieu.

Direct secretory effect of interleukin-1 via type I receptors in human colonic mucous epithelial cells (HT29-C1.16E)

The stable differentiated human colonic epithelial cell line, HT29-C1.16E, was used to study the effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on mucin exocytosis. The main findings include: (a) IL-1 stimulated a rapid release of mucin from filter grown HT29-C1.16E cells, this effect being dose related; (b) this secretory effect was abolished in the presence of the blocking monoclonal antibody M4 specific for IL-1 receptors type I, showing that IL-1 receptors type I mediated IL-1 action; (c) experiments based on chamber cultures showed that these receptors were located on the basolateral membranes of HT29-C1.16E cells; (d) finally, mRNA for IL-1 receptors type I were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in these cells. To extend these findings to the in vivo situation, the rapid stimulatory effect of IL-1 on mucin exocytosis may contribute to the wash out of noxious agents during mucosal inflammation.

A redox-based mechanism for induction of interleukin-1 production by nitric oxide in a human colonic epithelial cell line (HT29-Cl.16E)

We evaluated the effects of two NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1), characterized by alternative redox states, i.e. nitrosonium ion (NO+) and nitric oxide (NO.) respectively, on intracellular interleukin-1 (IL-1) production, by a human colonic epithelial cell line (HT29-Cl.16E). SNP was able to induce intracellular IL-1 alpha production up to 10 h incubation, in a dose-dependent manner. Several experiments provide evidence that the NO+ redox form, and not the free radical NO., is implicated in the IL-1 alpha production: (i) SIN-1, devoid of any NO+ character, led to a very weak IL-1 production as compared with SNP; (ii) the reductive action of a thiol such as cysteine on NO+ led to a dose-dependent increase in NO, concentration, measured as NO2-/NO3- accumulation, and to large decrease in IL-1 production. Dibutyryl cGMP had no effect on IL-1 production, this finding supporting the concept that a cGMP-independent pathway is involved in the intracellular signalling of NO+. Together these results point out that NO, depending on its redox form, is able to modulate IL-1 production in cultured colonic epithelial cells.

Patterns of expression of lineage-specific markers during the in vitro-induced differentiation of HT29 colon carcinoma cells

The four different cell types present in the mature colon, absorptive enterocytes, mucus-secreting goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells, are believed to derive from a common precursor, the stem cell, anchored near the base of the crypt. Stem cell descendants undergo several rounds of cell division, creating a pool of transit cells that are committed to differentiation. The mechanisms by which committed cells are allocated to the different cell lineages of the intestine are poorly understood. We have used the colon carcinoma cell line HT29 and Cl.16E cells, a clonal derivative of HT29 cells, to investigate the regulation and pattern of expression of several markers (MUC2, MUC3, carcinoembryonic antigen, and alkaline phosphatase) that are associated with a more differentiated phenotype and that, in the mature cells, are lineage restricted. HT29 cells can express, upon exposure to the appropriate inducers, distinct intestinal specific markers; they are, therefore, considered multipotent, similar to the stem cells of the crypt. Conversely, Cl.16E cells are lineage restricted and respond to cell contact inhibition by expressing a fully differentiated goblet cell phenotype. We show that, in HT29 cells, different inducers (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, forskolin, and sodium butyrate) modulate specific sets of markers. Forskolin induces the expression of both MUC2 and MUC3, whereas 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate is capable of inducing only MUC2, and sodium butyrate, only MUC3 gene expression. Carcinoembryonic antigen, a marker common to enterocytes and goblet cells; can be induced by all the agents, whereas the alkaline phosphatase gene, the expression of which is characteristic of enterocytes, is responsive solely to sodium butyrate treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cyclic AMP-induced mucin exocytosis is independent of Cl- movements in human colonic epithelial cells (HT29-Cl.16E)

The human colonic epithelial goblet cell line HT29-Cl.16E was used to test whether stimulated Cl- transport is involved in the mucin exocytotic response to an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP by measuring in parallel the short-circuit current (Isc) and mucin exocytosis. Addition of 50 microM forskolin to HT29-Cl.16E cells resulted in a 2-fold stimulation of mucin release and an increase in Isc by 20 microA/cm2. To evaluate the requirement for cosecretion of Cl-, the Cl- flux was altered by three different manipulations: (1) Cl- in the medium was replaced by the poorly transported anion gluconate; (2) basolateral Cl- influx through the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter was inhibited by bumetanide; and (3) an inward Cl- flux through the apical plasma membrane was generated by reversing the Cl- gradient. These manipulations did not change the forskolin-stimulated mucin release and thereby provide evidence that Cl- movements are not required for fusion of mucin granules with the plasma membrane.

Interferon-gamma modulates cAMP-induced mucin exocytosis without affecting mucin gene expression in a human colonic goblet cell line

The regulation of intestinal mucin secretion by cytokines, soluble factors released by mucosal activated immune cells, is so far unknown. The aim of the present study was (1) to investigate the regulatory effects of interferon-gamma on baseline and stimulated mucin secretion elicited by an increase in intracellular cAMP, either a short-term increase (induced by vasoactive intestinal peptide or by forskolin) or a long-term increase (cholera toxin-induced), and (2) to attempt to delineate the site of action of interferon-gamma. The in vitro model used was the human colonic goblet cell line Cl.16E, which has already been shown to respond to physiological secretagogues in terms of mucin secretion. We examined the effects of interferon-gamma 1) on mucin exocytosis, measured as release of [3H]glucosamine-labeled macromolecules trapped at the stacking/running gel interface of polyacrylamide gels, and 2) on mucin biosynthesis, examined at the RNA level using a cDNA probe directed to the MUC2 mucin gene. We demonstrated that, while interferon-gamma did not alter baseline Cl.16E mucin secretion and MUC2 gene expression, it strongly inhibited the protein kinase A-dependent secretory response to VIP, forskolin, or cholera toxin. However, interferon-gamma had no effect on the protein kinase A-dependent MUC2 over-expression induced by cholera toxin. We thus concluded that the target for interferon-gamma inhibition of cAMP-stimulated Cl.16E mucin secretion is distal to protein kinase A and might be a component of the exocytotic machinery. Together, our results establish interferon-gamma as a pharmacologically powerful tool to specifically inhibit stimulated secretory processes without affecting baseline secretion.

Cytokine effects in a human colonic goblet cell line. Cellular damage and its partial prevention by 5 aminosalicylic acid

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cytokines on intestinal goblet cells in vitro. For this purpose, we examined the effects of recombinant interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the human colonic goblet cell line Cl.16E by morphological and kinetic studies, and by the assessment of mucus production during IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha treatment. Control cultures of Cl.16E cells grown on nitrocellulose filters formed monolayers of polarized goblet cells, which had kinetic characteristics similar to those of a differentiated epithelium in steady state. The combined action of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha caused a dose-related cellular exfoliation, leading to the formation of a mucoid cap made of mucus and cellular debris. The remaining viable cells underlying the mucoid cap were cuboidal and devoid of mucus granules. A dose-related increase in cellular incorporation of [3H]thymidine was reactive to the cytokine-induced cell loss. The synergistic effects of IFN-gamm and TNF-alpha were found to be reversible when the cells were reincubated in a culture medium without cytokines. Furthermore, 5-aminosalicylic acid partially protected Cl.16E cells against cellular injury caused by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. On the whole, these morphological and kinetic findings argue that the changes induced in Cl.16E cells by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha closely parallel those observed during the acute phase of ulcerative colitis, and show that these cytokines can regulate intestinal mucus production by modulating cellular exfoliation, thus leading probably to a reinforced protection of the damaged mucosa.

Subsets of CD3+ (T cell receptor alpha/beta or gamma/delta) and CD3- lymphocytes isolated from normal human gut epithelium display phenotypical features different from their counterparts in peripheral blood

Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were studied, after isolation in humans, for their surface antigens with a large variety of monoclonal antibodies. They show peculiar characteristics when compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes and intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes. Although a majority of human intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) express an alpha/beta type of T cell receptor (TcR), 13% express a gamma/delta TcR, a percentage which was significantly higher than that found in blood and in lamina propria. In contrast to observations in mice, there was no evidence that normal human TcR gamma/delta+ intestinal IEL might use preferential variable segments of gamma genes. About 10% of human intestinal IEL expressed the alpha chain but not the beta chain of CD8, thus resembling a subset of CD8 alpha+beta- IEL, which was recently described in mice and found to be of thymoindependent origin. In addition, 10% of human IEL had a unique phenotype of immature T cells, as they bore only CD7, but no other T cell or natural killer cell markers. Finally, even the major population of IEL which expressed the usual markers of the T cell lineage (CD3, TcR alpha/beta, CD2, CD4 or CD8 alpha/beta) differed from peripheral blood T lymphocytes by their peculiar expression of surface antigens associated with activation. Indeed, 80% of IEL were CD45R0+, CD45A-, but co-expression of CD11a, CD29 and LFA-3 was inconstant. In addition, 90% of IEL expressed HML-1.

Infected cells and immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract of AIDS patients. An immunohistochemical study of 127 cases

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry in the duodenal and rectal mucosa of 30% of 127 AIDS patients studied. HIV-infected cells were present in the lamina propria in 95% of the positive biopsies. They were immune cells, either isolated lymphocytes and macrophages (1-4 per positive biopsy) or dendritic reticulum cells forming a network in the germinal centres of mucosal lymphoid follicles. HIV proteins were not found in the duodenal epithelium or in the superficial rectal epithelium. In two cases (5% of the positive biopsies), they were found in rectal glands: the HIV-infected cells could be either epithelial cells or immune cells. This study confirms that the gut can be a target organ for HIV and that HIV is mainly carried by gut immune cells. The phenotypic study of lymphoid populations and macrophages in the gut mucosa of AIDS patients showed an inverse CD4/CD8 ratio in the lamina propria, compared with normal controls. This was independent of the presence of HIV proteins and is probably responsible for the appearance of opportunistic infections in the mucosa. An increase in activated macrophages was also noted in the mucosa of AIDS patients.

Role of in vivo activated T cells in the mechanisms of villous atrophy in humans: study of allograft rejection

Four children aged 6 months to 9 years received fully HLA-mismatched ABO identical small intestinal allografts. In order to monitor the rejection process and to study epithelial changes induced by intestinal T cells activated by an allogeneic reaction, iterative biopsies were performed through the ileal enterostomy and processed for histology and immunohistochemistry. Episodes of acute histological reaction were observed in all 4 patients between day 10 and 160. It was preceded by appearance of pericryptic CD3+CD4+ or CD8+ T cells of recipient origin, increasing numbers of which expressed CD25. Simultaneously, early epithelial changes were noted: increased HLA-DR expression by enterocytes and decreased mitotic rate as shown by decreased numbers of KI67+ cells in crypts. During acute histological rejection, massive infiltration of mucosa by CD25+CD3+ T-cells and activated macrophages (KIM6+CD25+), was associated with crypt necrosis and then, destruction of surface epithelium. Successful treatment of graft rejection episodes with antilymphocytic serum (2), anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (2), anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (1) resulted in a rapid decrease of CD3+ cells, a more progressive decrease of CD25+ and KIM6+ macrophages, reappearance of KI67+ cells in crypts followed after a variable delay by recovery of villous architecture. Chronic histological rejection was observed in 1 patient after 7 months. It was characterized by total villous atrophy, fibrosis, endarteritis, infiltration of lamina propria and epithelium by CD3+CD8+ cells, a small number of which CD25+, strong HLA-DR expression by crypt and surface epithelium, increased numbers of KI67 enterocytes. Altogether these data suggested that activated T cells can induce two types of villous atrophy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immune cells associated with M cells in the follicle-associated epithelium of Peyer's patches in the rat. An electron- and immuno-electron-microscopic study

Follicle-associated epithelium of Peyer's patches can be differentiated from nearby villous epithelium by the presence of M cells which are antigen-sampling epithelial cells, and by an increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes that are in close contact with M cells. The phenotype of the immune cells close to the M cells of the follicle-associated epithelium of rat Peyer's patches was determined by immunohistochemistry and compared with that of the intra-epithelial lymphocytes of the villous epithelium. Lymphoid T cells, predominantly of the cytotoxic/suppressor phenotype, were observed both in follicle-associated epithelium and in villous epithelium. Lymphoid B cells, mainly immunoblasts and plasma cells containing intracytoplasmic IgM, were present only in the follicle-associated epithelium, near M cells. Macrophages were also present, in contact with M cells, in follicle-associated epithelium, but not in villous epithelium. In addition, M cells bore Ia molecules on their apical membranes. These findings reinforce the concept of immune specialization of the follicle-associated epithelium, by demonstrating that this epithelium contains all the effector cells of immune responses.

Same peculiar subset of HML1 + lymphocytes present within normal intestinal epithelium is associated with tumoral epithelium of gastrointestinal carcinomas

The present study shows that the distribution of T lymphocytes in gastrointestinal carcinomas and their metastases mimic the distribution of T lymphocytes in normal intestine. The composition of the peritumoral reaction resembled that of normal lamina propria with a predominance of CD3 + CD4 + T cells. In contrast, lymphocytes located between carcinomatous cells showed phenotypical features similar to those of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in normal intestine; in particu(abstractlar they expressed the antigen defined by HML-1, a monoclonal antibody raised against normal human intestinal IEL which reveals 95% IEL but very few cells in lymphoid (abstractorgans and blood. As normal intestinal IEL, the majority of intratumoral lymphocytes had the CD3+ CD8+ phenotype. A panel of monoclonal antibodies and double immunostaining techniques permitted a better characterisation of minor subsets of IEL. Two subsets of HML1 + CD3 + CD4- CD8- and of HML1+ CD3- cells, representing 2% and 3% of normal intestinal IEL respectively, did not significantly increase in carcinomatous epithelium. In contrast, in carcinomatous epithelium, but not in normal intestinal epithelium, we observed the appearance of a few lymphocytes displaying the phenotype of activated T cells (CD25+) or of natural killer cells (NKHI+) or of suppressor cells (CD11+). Such cells may participate in antitumoral defence. Although a similar population of HML1+ lymphocytes is associated with normal and carcinomatous intestinal epithelium, some interactions between lymphocytes and epithelial cells may not be maintained in tumoral epithelium. It has previously been shown that HLA-DR expression by enterocytes is modulated by intraepithelial lymphocytes. In our study, no correlation could be shown between the degree of lymphocytic infiltration and the expression of HLA-DR antigens on carcinomatous cells.

Enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (malignant histiocytosis of the intestine) is recognized by a monoclonal antibody (HML-1) that defines a membrane molecule on human mucosal lymphocytes

Enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (EATCL; malignant histiocytosis of the intestine) arises in patients with enteropathy, which in some cases is known to be a result of gluten sensitivity. The lymphoma arises in the intestine, where it may remain localized, although eventual dissemination is the rule. Intraepithelial tumour cells often are seen at the mucosal tumor margin. These features suggest that EATCL may be a tumor of intraepithelial lymphocytes. A monoclonal antibody (HML-1) has been produced recently that recognizes the entire intraepithelial lymphocyte population and 50% of lamina propria T cells but very few cells outside the mucosa. Immunocytochemistry has shown that all cases of enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma studied are HML-1 positive and all peripheral T cell lymphomas and mucosal B cell lymphomas are HML-1 negative. This suggests strongly that EATCL is a tumor of mucosal T cells, possibly the intraepithelial T cell component.

[Digestive lymphomatous polyposis: study of a case diagnosed by rectal biopsy]

We report a case of gastrointestinal lymphomatous polyposis revealed by a rectal tumor. Numerous polypoid lesions, 5 to 20 mm in diameter, were found at various levels of the gastrointestinal tract. Microscopic examination of gastric, duodenal, colic and rectal specimens led to the diagnosis of small cleaved-cell type lymphoma. The immunohistochemical study showed a monotypic surface staining of the lymphomatous cells with anti-IgM, IgD, kappa, C3b, and CD5 antibodies. This type of lymphoma is rare and presents as multifocal polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract. Only histologic and immunohistologic studies can establish diagnosis. Gastrointestinal lymphomatous polyposis is classified as a low-grade malignant lymphoma, with frequent nodal, hepatosplenic, bone marrow, and blood involvement. Chemotherapy is the appropriate treatment.

A monoclonal antibody (HML-1) defining a novel membrane molecule present on human intestinal lymphocytes

A monoclonal antibody, HML-1, was produced by fusion of NSI myeloma cells with spleen cells of a mouse immunized with isolated human intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). Immunofluorescence studies of isolated cells, as well as immunoperoxidase staining of tissue sections, indicated that HML-1 labeled all the various subsets of human intestinal IEL, approximately 40% of lamina propria T cells, 30% mesenteric lymphoblasts and some lymphocytes in other mucosae, particularly IEL. Conversely, it revealed only rare cells in all other lymphoid compartments. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel gradient electrophoresis showed that HML-1 precipitated two major noncovalently bound components of approximate mol. masses of 105 and 150 kDa from human IEL. HML-1 thus defines a novel human membrane antigen present on a subpopulation of lymphocytes preferentially associated with epithelia, and particularly with the intestinal epithelium. The characteristics of this human antigen are very similar to those of an antigen we had previously described in the rat. The possible functional role of this novel class of lymphocyte membrane antigens as well as the nature of the mechanism that triggers their expression remain to be elucidated.