Homocysteine and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype: association with risk of coronary heart disease and relation to inflammatory, hemostatic, and lipid parameters

AIM

It has been suggested that homocysteine (tHcy) levels and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype are primary risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). We performed a case-control study to investigate whether tHcy levels and MTHFR genotype (677 C-->T mutation and 1298 A-->C mutation) are associated with CHD under special consideration of the possibility for confounding.

METHODS

German speaking patients aged 40-68 years who underwent coronary angiography at the University of Ulm between April 1996 and November 1997 and who had at least one coronary stenosis greater than 50% were included in the study. Controls were sampled from voluntary blood donors and were matched for sex and age. tHcy levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography and MTHFR genotype by means of polymerase chain reaction. In addition, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, leukocytes, HDL-cholesterol and Lp(a) were determined.

RESULTS

Overall, 312 patients and 479 controls were enrolled in the study (response in patients 78%, in controls 84%). Mean tHcy value was 9.43 micromol/l in CHD patients and 8.91 micromol/l in controls (P=0.145). Prevalence of 677TT-polymorphism was 9.9% in patients and 10.4% in controls (P=0.295). Prevalence of 1298CC-polymorphism was 9.7% in patients and 13.8% in controls (P=0.346). There was a clear association of tHcy-values, but not of 677TT- or 1298CC-genotype with conventional CHD risk factors. After adjustment for these risk factors no increased risk for CHD could be associated with increased tHcy-values, with 677TT or 1298CC-genotype, or with their combination. Also no statistically significant relationships of these parameters to inflammatory, rheologic or hemostatic parameters or lipids were detectable.

CONCLUSION

These results do not confirm an independent relationship of tHcy values and MTHFR genotype with risk of CHD in the population studied.

Toxoplasma gondii induction of interleukin-12 is associated with acute virulence in mice and depends on the host genotype

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii can influence host resistance by modulating immune functions in various cell types. The stimulation of interleukin (IL)-12 production in macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils by T. gondii has been implicated to be important for skewing anti-parasite immunity early after infection as well as in mediating the pathologic effects induced by the parasite. The present study demonstrates secretion of IL-12 p40 and the bioactive p70 heterodimer by inflammatory macrophages following exposure to live Toxoplasma or tachyzoite lysate. Parasite induction of IL-12 occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Predigestion of T. gondii lysate with proteinase K abrogated its IL-12 inducing activity, thus indicating that a parasite protein(s) triggers this response. Macrophages from various mouse inbred strains showed a differential responsiveness: cells from T. gondii-susceptible mice released more IL-12 upon toxoplasmic challenge than those from resistant mice, although the infection rate and intracellular parasite growth were similar. In triggering macrophage production of IL-12, tachyzoites proved superior to bradyzoites prepared from the same T. gondii isolate. Furthermore, parasites of a mouse-virulent isolate became less efficient inducers of IL-12 following attenuation. The parallel loss in macrophage stimulation in vitro and acute virulence in vivo suggests a linkage of both parasite capacities. Together with the correlation on host side between the genotype-dependent mouse susceptibility to infection and cellular responsiveness to the parasite trigger, these findings indicate that an overproduction of parasite-induced IL-12 might represent a basic mechanism of T. gondii pathogenicity.

Towards the Toxoplasma gondii proteome: position of 13 parasite excretory antigens on a standardized map of two-dimensionally separated tachyzoite proteins

High resolution two-dimensional separation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite lysate revealed up to 224 distinct protein spots in Coomassie-stained gel. Computional matching of 14 digitized gels yielded a standard two-dimensional proteome map. The excretory T. gondii dense granule proteins GRA1-GRA8, S16/acid phosphatase, nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase, and H4 were identified by Western blotting of both total gel and isolated protein spots. In addition, two excretory antigens defined by parasite-specific monoclonal T cells, p36 and p40, were mapped by a novel T-cell blotting technique based on electroeluting single protein spots and testing the eluates for antigenic activity against the T-cell clones. In summary, these results represent a first step in Toxoplasma proteome analysis.

Attenuation of mouse-virulent Toxoplasma gondii parasites is associated with a decrease in interleukin-12-inducing tachyzoite activity and reduced expression of actin, catalase and excretory proteins

Determinants of Toxoplasma gondii virulence are still unknown, although genetic markers associated with T. gondii pathogenicity or host susceptibility to infection have been identified. To define indicator proteins of mouse virulence, type I strain parasites were attenuated by continuous passage in fibroblast culture and compared with the parental strain passaged in mice. The loss of acute virulence, evident by a 1000-fold higher pathogen dose causing 100% lethality in mice correlated with a less efficient infection of inflammatory cells at the site of inoculation, while parasite proliferation and invasiveness in vitro proved unimpaired. Infection with the attenuated parasites elicited earlier local interleukin-12 and strong interferon-gamma responses in vivo, although the activity that triggers interleukin-12 secretion in macrophages is reduced in the attenuated compared to the virulent strain variant. The interleukin-12-inducing T. gondii stimulus was identified as a protein(s) present in tachyzoite excretory products. Comparative proteome analysis combined with immunodetection and quantitation of a variety of T. gondii antigens indicated that the steady-state levels of actin, catalase, microneme protein 5, as well as dense granule proteins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase 1 are decreased in the attenuated phenotype, whereas the surface antigen 1 and rhoptry protein 1 are produced at a similar level by virulent and attenuated parasites. In conclusion, these findings reveal a correlation between the efficient establishment of T. gondii infection in vivo and parasite synthesis of actin, catalase and several excretory proteins, and thus postulate a role for these molecules in acute virulence.

Event-by-event fluctuations of the Kaon-to-Pion ratio in central Pb+Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon

We present the first measurement of fluctuations from event to event in the production of strange particles in collisions of heavy nuclei. The ratio of charged kaons to charged pions is determined for individual central Pb+Pb collisions. After accounting for the fluctuations due to detector resolution and finite number statistics we derive an upper limit on genuine nonstatistical fluctuations, which could be related to a first- or second-order QCD phase transition. Such fluctuations are shown to be very small.

Brain dendritic cells and macrophages/microglia in central nervous system inflammation

Microglia subpopulations were studied in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and toxoplasmic encephalitis. CNS inflammation was associated with the proliferation of CD11b(+) brain cells that exhibited the dendritic cell (DC) marker CD11c. These cells constituted up to 30% of the total CD11b(+) brain cell population. In both diseases CD11c(+) brain cells displayed the surface phenotype of myeloid DC and resided at perivascular and intraparenchymatic inflammatory sites. By lacking prominent phagocytic organelles, CD11c(+) cells from inflamed brain proved distinct from other microglia, but strikingly resembled bone marrow-derived DC and thus were identified as DC. This brain DC population comprised cells strongly secreting IL-12p70, whereas coisolated CD11c(-) microglia/brain macrophages predominantly produced TNF-alpha, GM-CSF, and NO. In comparison, the DC were more potent stimulators of naive or allogeneic T cell proliferation. Both DC and CD11c(-) microglia/macrophages from inflamed brain primed naive T cells from DO11.10 TCR transgenic mice for production of Th1 cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-2. Resting microglia that had been purified from normal adult brain generated immature DC upon exposure to GM-CSF, while CD40 ligation triggered terminal maturation. Consistently, a functional maturation of brain DC was observed to occur following the onset of encephalitis. In conclusion, these findings indicate that in addition to inflammatory macrophage-like brain cells, intraparenchymatical DC exist in autoimmune and infectious encephalitis. These DC functionally mature upon disease onset and can differentiate from resident microglia. Their emergence, maturation, and prolonged activity within the brain might contribute to the chronicity of intracerebral Th1 responses.

Phenotype and functions of brain dendritic cells emerging during chronic infection of mice with Toxoplasma gondii

During chronic infection of mice with Toxoplasma gondii, gene message for IL-12p40, CD86, and the potassium channel Kv1.3 was detected in brain mononuclear cells, suggesting the presence of dendritic cells (DC) in the CNS. Consistently, cells bearing the DC markers CD11c and 33D1 were localized at inflammatory sites in the infected brain. The number of isolated CD11c+ brain cells increased until peak inflammation. The cells exhibited the surface phenotype of myeloid DC by coexpressing 33D1 and F4/80, little DEC-205, and no CD8alpha. These brain DC were mature, as indicated by high-level expression of MHC class II, CD40, CD54, CD80, and CD86. They triggered Ag-specific and primary allogeneic T cell responses at very low APC/T cell ratios. Among mononuclear cells from encephalitic brain, DC were the main producers of IL-12. Evidence for a parasite-dependent development of DC from CNS progenitors was obtained in vitro: after inoculation of primary brain cell culture with T. gondii, IL-12-secreting dendriform cells emerged, and DC marker genes were expressed. Different stimuli elicited the generation and maturation of brain DC: neutralization of parasite-induced GM-CSF prevented outgrowth of dendriform cells and concomitant release of IL-12. IL-12 production was up-regulated by external IFN-gamma but was stopped by inhibiting parasite replication. Consistently, DC isolated from GM-CSF-treated brain cell culture were activated to secrete IL-12 by exposure to parasite lysate. In sum, these results demonstrate T. gondii-induced expansion and functional maturation of DC in the CNS and, thus, highlight a mechanism that may contribute to the chronicity of the host response.

Antigen presentation function of brain-derived dendriform cells depends on astrocyte help

In mouse brain primary culture, supplementation with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) induces development of dendriform cells emerging on the astroglia monolayer. As revealed by flow cytofluorimetric analysis, >70% of isolated cells are CD11c(+) and express the dendritic cell (DC) marker 33D1. Additional expression of F4/80 and CD11b suggests a myeloid origin of these cells. The lymphoid DC marker CD8alpha is lacking while DEC-205 has been detected on approximately 10% of the cells. When freshly isolated, such brain-derived DC-like cells are excellent antigen-presenting cells (APC) but their functional capability is lost during subculture with GM-CSF. In contrast, their antigen presentation function remains stable in the presence of GM-CSF plus astrocytes or astrocyte-conditioned medium. The responsible astrocytic activity co-fractionates with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Neutralization of the activity with anti-M-CSF antibody and substitution with recombinant M-CSF provide evidence that, in addition to GM-CSF, M-CSF is required to preserve the functional capability of these brain-derived APC. Responsiveness of the isolated cells to M-CSF is substantiated by the expression of c-fms/M-CSF receptor gene. Consistently, GM-CSF proves stimulatory for astrocytes by up-regulating their secretion of M-CSF. Furthermore, depletion or blocking of endogenous M-CSF in primary brain cell culture prevents the development of functionally active APC regardless of exogenous GM-CSF. In sum, these findings ascribe an immature DC phenotype to GM-CSF-grown myeloid brain cells and indicate a role for astrocytic M-CSF in maintaining their antigen presentation function.

Differential CD86/B7-2 expression and cytokine secretion induced by Toxoplasma gondii in macrophages from resistant or susceptible BALB H-2 congenic mice

The influence of the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii on macrophage expression of co-stimulatory molecules was studied. Unlike surface expression of CD80/B7-1, that of CD86/B7-2 is increased in mouse peritoneal macrophages 24 h following exposure to live toxoplasma in vitro. Most CD86 molecules are found on infected cells bearing a maximum parasite load. Consistent with the elevated membrane expression, the quantity of CD86 gene transcript is increased in macrophages infected by T. gondii in vitro or in vivo. CD86 up-regulation contributes to the augmented capacity of parasitized macrophages to present antigen to tuberculin-specific CD4+ T cells as demonstrated by blocking CD86 ligand interaction. T. gondii triggers up-regulation of CD86 in macrophages from BALB/c mice which are resistant to the development of toxoplasmic encephalitis. Infection of macrophages from the susceptible strain BALB.B, however, results in a decreased surface expression of CD86, although the parasite load and intracellular proliferation proved comparable in both macrophages. This differential host cell reaction correlates with disparate profiles in T. gondii-induced cytokine secretion. Upon challenge with toxoplasma, IL-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are released to a significantly higher extent by BALB/c than by BALB.B macrophages, whereas the latter secrete more IL-12 and IL-10. In BALB.B macrophages, T. gondii-induced IL-10 down-regulates surface expression of CD86, thus indicating an interference of parasite-dependent cytokine release and modulation of CD86. The biased secretory response in macrophages from the two congenic strains implies an MHC-dependent and dichotomous monokine induction by T. gondii. Up-regulation of CD86 seems to occur along the IL-1/TNF-inducing pathway and experimental evidence indicates that this enhances T cell activation by parasitized macrophages.

C-Reactive protein, a sensitive marker of inflammation, predicts future risk of coronary heart disease in initially healthy middle-aged men: results from the MONICA (Monitoring Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease) Augsburg Cohort Study, 1984 to 1992

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory reactions in coronary plaques play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute atherothrombotic events; inflammation elsewhere is also associated with both atherogenesis generally and its thrombotic complications. Recent studies indicate that systemic markers of inflammation can identify subjects at high risk of coronary events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used a sensitive immunoradiometric assay to examine the association of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) with the incidence of first major coronary heart disease (CHD) event in 936 men 45 to 64 years of age. The subjects, who were sampled at random from the general population, participated in the first MONICA Augsburg survey (1984 to 1985) and were followed for 8 years. There was a positive and statistically significant unadjusted relationship, which was linear on the log-hazards scale, between CRP values and the incidence of CHD events (n=53). The hazard rate ratio (HRR) of CHD events associated with a 1-SD increase in log-CRP level was 1.67 (95% CI, 1.29 to 2. 17). After adjustment for age, the HRR was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.23 to 2. 08). Adjusting further for smoking behavior, the only variable selected from a variety of potential confounders by a forward stepping process with a 5% change in the relative risk of CRP as the selection criterion, yielded an HRR of 1.50 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.97).

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the prognostic relevance of CRP, a sensitive systemic marker of inflammation, to the risk of CHD in a large, randomly selected cohort of initially healthy middle-aged men. They suggest that low-grade inflammation is involved in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, especially its thrombo-occlusive complications.

GRA7, an excretory 29 kDa Toxoplasma gondii dense granule antigen released by infected host cells

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) TxE2, reactive with Toxoplasma gondii excretory products, detects an acidic 29 kDa protein (p29) which, in 2D gel electrophoresis, exhibits a migration pattern distinct from those of the toxoplasmic excretory proteins described so far. The sequence of seven peptides from tryptic digestion of isolated p29 allowed the design of primers to obtain the coding DNA sequence. The full-length gene was amplified from genomic DNA of T. gondii strain BK and the sequence was identical with that of the corresponding cDNA, providing evidence for an intron-free gene structure. A single mRNA transcript of 1.3 kb was detected by Northern blot analysis. The deduced 236 amino acid protein contains a putative N-terminal signal peptide, one site of potential N-linked glycosylation, and, close to the C-terminus, a further hydrophobic, putative transmembrane domain. With synthetic peptides spanning the sequence of p29, the epitope for mAb TxE2 was mapped adjacent to the putative signal sequence. The antigen, which represents almost 0.5% of T. gondii protein, is expressed in strains of all three intraspecies subgroups, and is associated with the parasite dense granules as demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy. In tachyzoite-infected cells, p29 accumulates within the parasitophorous vacuole and co-localizes with its delimiting membrane. In bradyzoite-infected cells, p29 is present within the host cell cytoplasm as detected by immunofluorescence staining, and, furthermore, in the supernatant of cyst-bearing cell culture lacking extracellular parasites as shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus, p29 which is named dense granule protein (GRA)7 may indicate the presence of intracellular toxoplasma.

Seasonal variations of rheological and hemostatic parameters and acute-phase reactants in young, healthy subjects

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases is increased in winter months. Recent studies have shown seasonal changes in plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, and factor VII activity with elevated levels during winter. An increase in these factors generates a "hypercoagulable state," which may lead to a rise in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It has been suggested that an increase in upper respiratory infections might be the underlying cause for the raised acute-phase reactants, in particular fibrinogen, during the winter season. We investigated seasonal variations of 26 parameters, determining blood rheology and hemostasis in 16 healthy volunteers (8 men and 8 women) aged 20 to 41 years. They were seen at monthly intervals over a period of 1 year. Seasonal variation with peak fitted values in the winter months was found for plasma viscosity (P < .001 for the seasonal difference), red blood cell deformability (P < .001), whole blood viscosity (P < .001), hemoglobin (P < .001), hematocrit (P < .001), mean corpuscular volume (P = .001), platelet count (P = .01), alpha 1-glycoprotein (P < .001), fibrinogen (measured by immunonephelometry; P < .001), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P = .002), LDL cholesterol (P = .003), and triglyceride levels (P < .001). HDL cholesterol (P < .001) and cortisol (P = .001) showed inverse seasonal patterns, with a maximum during summertime. No statistically significant seasonal variations were seen for red blood cell aggregation, complement factor C4, total cholesterol, ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, white blood cell count, and plasminogen. These data do not support the hypothesis that increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases during winter may be mainly attributable to increased synthesis of acute-phase proteins due to infections. The cause for the seasonal variations in rheological and hemostatic parameters remains unclear and should be studied in more detail.

Detection of a novel 40,000 MW excretory Toxoplasma gondii antigen by murine Th1 clone which induces toxoplasmacidal activity when exposed to infected macrophages

To analyse target molecules of the CD4+ T-cell response to toxoplasma infection, a panel of Toxoplasma gondii-specific murine CD4+ T-cell clones has been established. Clone 3Tx15, belonging to the T helper 1 (Th1) subtype, abolished intracellular parasite growth when co-cultured with macrophages and live toxoplasma at a ratio of 2:2:1. This effect results from macrophage toxoplasmicidal activity induced upon parasite-dependent cellular interaction, an irrelevant Th1 clone failed in this three-party system. Clone 3Tx15 detects its corresponding antigen in the supernatant of infected cells and also reacts with a host cell-free preparation of T. gondii-excreted/secreted antigens. T-cell blot analysis of two-dimensionally separated toxoplasma lysate revealed a molecular weight of about 40,000 for the fractions stimulating clone 3Tx15. As checked in parallel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the 40,000 MW T-cell antigen co-migrates with the excretory protein GRA4, the sole 40,000 MW T. gondii antigen hitherto known to be recognized by T lymphocytes. Nevertheless, neither recombinant GRA4 nor immunoaffinity-purified natural GRA4 was stimulatory for clone 3Tx15. Our findings thus demonstrate that Th1 clone 3Tx15 which induces toxoplasmicidal activity during antigenic interaction with infected macrophages defines a new 40,000 MW excretory T. gondii antigen.

T cell receptor specificities of Toxoplasma gondii-reactive mouse CD4+ T lymphocytes and Th1 clones

The Toxoplasma gondii-directed CD4+ T cell response in chronically infected mice was studied with respect to both T cell receptor diversity and antigen specificities. T cell receptor chains V beta 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14 were predominantly found on toxoplasma-reactive CD4+ splenocytes. This repertoire was also detected among T. gondii-specific CD4+ T cell clones. Analysis of clonotypic cytokine profiles revealed typical Th1 clones secreting interleukin-2, interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor activity and Th2 clones producing interleukin-4 and interleukin-10. Five distinct toxoplasma antigens (p26, p40, p55, p58 and p60) were detected in electrophoretically separated toxoplasma lysate by five individual Th1 clones. Parallel testing of CD4+ T lymphocytes from infected mice confirmed that these specificities constitute the peak immunogenic fractions of toxoplasma lysate. The expression patterns of two clonotypic, T cell-stimulatory parasite antigens were studied in detail. While p55 was expressed by mouse-virulent and avirulent T. gondii isolates and in both the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages, p58 was detected only in virulent strains from intraspecies subgroup I. Thus, we describe the heterogeneity of toxoplasmic immunodominant T cell antigens including a 58-kDa group I-restricted molecule which may provide a marker for virulent isolates.

Cytokine responses induced by Toxoplasma gondii in astrocytes and microglial cells

To investigate the role of astroglia in intracerebral immune response to Toxoplasma gondii, astrocytes cultured from mouse brain were inoculated with mouse-virulent or -avirulent toxoplasma strains. In comparison to microglia/ brain macrophages, astrocytes as host cells allowed stronger proliferation of avirulent parasites. Toxoplasma infection of astroglia was accompanied by release of interleukin- (IL)1 alpha, IL-6, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) activity, whereas alternative challenge by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) evoked no IL-1 response and significantly higher titers of IL-6 and GM-CSF. At the mRNA level, both stimuli induced transcription of all three cytokines in astrocytes. Secretion of IL-1 and IL-6 upon infection was triggered by T. gondii brady- and tachyzoites in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Heat killing of parasites, but not an exposure to polymyxin B, abrogated their cytokine-inducing activity, thus indicating that an LPS-independent stimulus is provided by T. gondii. When administered in combination, LPS synergistically augmented the IL-1-inducing effect of toxoplasma infection. In comparison, T. gondii-induced, but not an LPS-triggered, IL-6 response of astrocytes resisted to antagonization with IL-10. The IL-6 response of parasitized astroglia was up-regulated by external tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, with only TNF-alpha enhancing simultaneous release of IL-1. Substantial secretion of IL-10 and TNF-alpha was detected in T. gondii-infected microglia, but not in astrocyte cultures. A possibly autocrine stimulation of infected astroglia via IL-1 was found to be unlikely, since addition of IL-1 receptor antagonist did not affect the release of IL-6 and GM-CSF while inhibiting these responses in IL-1-treated cells. The findings substantiate a separate, T. gondii-induced pathway of astroglia activation characterized by the release of IL-1 which may drive local inflammatory reaction both at initial infection of the brain and during reactivating toxoplasmosis.

Murine Th1 clone defines a 60 kD tachyzoite antigen of Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii-specific murine CD4+ T cell clone 3Tx9 belongs to the Th1 subtype by virtue of secreting high levels of interleukin(IL)-2, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor without producing IL4 and IL10. To characterize the clonal antigen, Toxoplasma lysate-was separated by SDS-PAGE and probed in T cell blot analysis with 3Tx9 T cells, revealing a fraction of about 60 kD molecular weight. This fraction proved highly stimulatory also for CD4+ splenocytes isolated from infected mice. The expression pattern of the relevant 60 kD antigen was determined by challenge of clone 3Tx9 with T. gondii strains from all three intraspecies subgroups and tachyzoites versus bradyzoites isolated from two strains as a source of antigen. While the T cell clone reacted with tachyzoites of all strains tested, bradyzoites lacked antigenic activity. Parallel T cell blot and ELISA confirmed co-migration of the T cell-stimulatory antigen p60 and rhoptry proteins ROP1, ROP2,3,4, and ROP5 among which ROP1 is a molecule of similar size and has only been shown on tachyzoites. However, a ROP1 knock-out Toxoplasma mutant still had antigen activity for 3Tx9 T cells. Since the two known tachyzoite-specific proteins, surface antigens SAG1/p30 and SAG2/p22, have a much lower molecular weight, we suggest that p60 represents a new T. gondii tachyzoite marker which is defined by clone 3Tx9.

Effects of colony-stimulating factors on voltage-gated K+ currents of bone marrow-derived macrophages

Murine bone marrow macrophages had been grown using either macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) or granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The influence of these cytokines on appearance and properties of voltage-gated potassium currents was studied in the macrophages derived from both cultures. Potassium currents were recorded using the patch clamp technique in the whole cell configuration. Two different types of currents were investigated-inward rectifying (IKi) and outward K+ currents (IKo). Macrophages isolated from M-CSF or GM-CSF-supplemented culture exhibited either one of them or both currents simultaneously. However, a distinct distribution of these currents was observed: Whereas in the majority of M-CSF-cultured macrophages IKi were detected (94%; n = 63), development of macrophages with GM-CSF resulted in the expression of IKo in a large number of cells (97%; n = 69). When both currents were expressed together, in M-CSF-treated macrophages the amplitudes of most IKi were larger than those of IKo. Opposite data were measured in the majority of GM-CSF-cultured macrophages.

Cyst formation by Toxoplasma gondii in vivo and in brain-cell culture: a comparative morphology and immunocytochemistry study

Formation of Toxoplasma gondii cysts was examined in cultured murine brain cells and was compared with the development of cysts in mouse-brain tissue. Cultures of mixed glial cells from neonatal mouse brain were infected with bradyzoites of the avirulent T. gondii strain DX. The development and maturation of Toxoplasma cysts was monitored for up to 63 days after inoculation. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that in-vitro-derived cysts were morphologically similar to tissue cysts and were located intracellularly, even for up to 63 days postinfection. For immunohistological and immunocytochemical examination of both in-vivo- and in-vitro-infected material, monoclonal antibody (mAb) CC2 was used. MAb CC2 was shown to detect specifically the underlying granular material of the cyst wall without binding to the limiting membrane of the parasitophorous vacuole. This reactivity of mAb CC2 allows the distinction of bradyzoite-containing cysts from parasitophorous vacuoles harboring tachyzoites both in vitro and in vivo.

Host cells of Toxoplasma gondii encystation in infected primary culture from mouse brain

In order to identify brain cell types that serve as host cells of Toxoplasma gondii encystation primary cultures from murine brain were infected and stained for neural and parasite stage-specific markers. In mixed culture inoculated with T. gondii tachyzoites, MAP2+ neurons, GFAP+ astrocytes, F4/80+ microglia, and O1+ oligodendrocytes proved to be infected as detected by parallel labeling of SAG1. At 4 days following infection with bradyzoites, cysts developed in neuronal, astroglial, and microglial host cells as clarified using bradyzoite-specific antibody 4F8. Additional staining of SAG1 revealed that astrocytes in bradyzoite-infected brain cell culture can also harbor tachyzoite-containing vacuoles. Stage conversion was observed shortly after inoculation and was accompanied by an increase in] parasite proliferation. However, tachyzoites became rare in prolonged culture. By contrast, the numbers of cysts and of the bradyzoites isolated multiplied during long-term culture. These findings demonstrate that both glial and neuronal host cells allow T. gondii encystation in the absence of T cell-derived cytokines and imply that a brain-internal spreading of bradyzoites may sustain chronic infection.

Generation and characterization of inducible nitric oxide synthase deficient macrophage cell lines

Stable inducible nitric oxide synthase deficient mouse macrophage cell lines were generated by the antisense technology. A 666 bp fragment of a mouse inducible nitric oxide synthase cDNA was cloned in antisense orientation into a mammalian expression vector behind the CMV promoter. This construct was transfected into J774.1A cells, a mouse macrophage cell line. The inducible nitric oxide synthase antisense lines showed up to 84% reduction of nitric oxide production in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation and 66% reduction of nitric oxide production in response to interferon-gamma and a combination of interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The deficiency in inducible nitric oxide synthase expression had no impact on lipopolysaccharide induced tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 secretion. The stable and specific inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by antisense DNA vectors allows a direct analysis of contribution of inducible nitric oxide synthase activity to macrophage regulatory and immune defence functions.

Alterations in plasma free tryptophan and large neutral amino acids do not affect perceived exertion and prolactin during 90 min of treadmill exercise

It has been hypothesized that fatigue and prolactin (PRL) changes during endurance exercise are influenced by serotonin synthesis, and in turn, release. Such a change is thought to occur through an increase in blood free tryptophan (TRP) and a concomitant decrease in those large neutral amino acids (LNAA) which compete with free TRP for entry into the brain. For further investigation, 10 healthy athletes were randomly subjected to three test units (TU), each consisting of a treadmill run for 90 min. The speed was adjusted to a blood lactate level of 2 mmol/l. During the first 30 min of exercise infusions of 500 ml saline (TU I), 500 ml saline with amino acids (TU II) or 500 ml saline with 30 U heparin/kg following an oral soy oil solution given 1 h before (TU III) were administered. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate and running speed were recorded during exercise. Venous blood samples were taken after a 10 h fast, at rest, after 10, 50 and 90 min of exercise as well as 10 and 30 min post-exercise. PRL, insulin, glucose, ammonia, lactate, triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA) and amino acids were determined in each sample. No significant differences were found in RPE. PRL increased (p < 0.01) in all TU. TG and heparin administration resulted in an increase (p <0.01) in FFA, which correlated (p < 0.01) with free TRP and the ratio of free TRP/TRP. Artificial increase in free TRP in TU III did not affect plasma PRL level. The amino acid infusion in TU II induced an increase in LNAA but had no significant effect on PRL. PRL and ammonia peaked at the end of exercise. We conclude that neither exercise-induced PRL secretion nor RPE are affected by changes in circulating free TRP and LNAA under the present conditions.

Voltage-gated K+ currents of mouse dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DC) were enriched from murine spleen by exploring their intermediate density and transient weak adherence. The isolated population contained excellent antigen presenting cells with high surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II determinants thus exhibiting crucial immunofunctional characteristics of DC. Cells of typical dendritic shape were electrophysiologically analysed using the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. All 26 cells expressed only outward K+ currents comparable to those detected in cytokine-activated microglia. Co-purified splenic macrophages, in contrast, displayed an inward rectifying K+ current.

Properties of voltage-gated potassium currents of microglia differentiated with granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Voltage-gated whole-cell currents were recorded from cultured microglial cells which had been developed in the presence of the macrophage/microglial growth factor granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Outward K+ currents (IK) were most prominent in these cells. IK could be activated at potentials more positive than -40 mV. Half-maximal activation of IK was achieved at -13.8 mV and half-maximal inactivation of IK was determined at -33.8 mV. The recovery of IK from inactivation was described by a time constant of 7.9 sec. For a tenfold change in extracellular K+ concentration the reversal potential of IK shifted by 54 mV. Extracellularly applied 10 mM tetraethylammonium chloride reduced IK by about 50%, while 5 mM 4-aminopyridine almost completely abolished IK. Several divalent cations (Ba2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Zn2+) reduced current amplitudes and shifted the activation curve of IK to more positive values. Charybdotoxin (IC50 = 1.14 nM) and noxiustoxin (IC50 = 0.89 nM) blocked IK in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas dendrotoxin and mast cell degranulating peptide had no effect on the current amplitudes. The outward K+ currents showed a frequency dependence when depolarizing pulses were applied at a frequency of 1 Hz. A frequency-independent outward current (IK') characterized by the same activation behavior as IK was detected. IK' was blocked completely by 10 nM charybdotoxin or by 10 nM noxiustoxin. In contrast to its effect on IK, 10 mM tetraethylammonium chloride did not reduce IK'.

Properties of voltage-gated currents of microglia developed using macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Microglia were isolated from a murine neonatal brain cell culture in which their development had been stimulated by supplementation with the macrophage/microglial growth factor macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique, voltage-gated membrane currents were recorded from these microglial cells. Hyperpolarization induced inward rectifying K+ currents, as described for microglia from untreated cultures. These currents activated negative to the K+ equilibrium potential and, with a strong hyperpolarization, displayed time-dependent inactivation. The inactivation was abolished when extracellular NaCl was replaced by N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMG), thereby indicating a partial block of this K+ conductance by Na+. Inward rectifying currents were also blocked by extracellularly applied Cs+ or Ba2+. They were slightly diminished following treatment with extracellular tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) but were not affected by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Upon long lasting depolarizing voltage pulses to potentials positive to 0 mV, the cells exhibited a slowly activating H+ current which could be reduced by application of inorganic polyvalent cations (Ba2+, Cd2+, Co2+, La3+, Ni2+, Zn2+) as well as by 4-AP or TEA. Based on their kinetics and pharmacological characteristics, both currents detected on M-CSF-grown microglia are suggested to correspond to the inward rectifier and the H+ current of macrophages.

Cytokine-dependent K+ channel profile of microglia at immunologically defined functional states

Microglia were enriched in brain cell cultures from newborn mice as a result of supplementation with the growth factors macrophage colony-stimulating factor or granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. When separately administered these two cytokines promote the outgrowth of loosely adherent cells with similar morphology which stained positive for CD11b and nonspecific esterase. Microglial cells isolated from both types of culture were electrophysiologically characterized using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Different resting membrane potentials were measured. In response to hyperpolarizing and depolarizing voltage commands 68 of 91 macrophage colony-stimulating factor-cultured microglial cells exhibited only an inward rectifying potassium current. By contrast, an outward potassium current was observed on 71 of 95 granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor-grown cells. Parallel testing of their capability for antigen presentation proved the activated functional state of these microglial cells. They induce antigen-specific T cell response without prior stimulus. In comparison, cells developed with macrophage colony-stimulating factor failed to present antigen. In such resting microglia a short-term treatment with granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor or interferon-gamma provoked a strong appearance of outward potassium currents, however, only the interferon-gamma-trigger resulted in efficient antigen presentation. The differential induction of both functional parameters suggests the detection of outward potassium currents to provide an electrophysiological activation marker of microglia which is subjected to cytokine regulation but not compellingly linked to antigen presentation.

A new, simple, bioassay for human IFN-gamma

IFN-gamma induces the production of N-formyl-kynurenine from L-tryptophan in various cell types by the induction of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). The IFN-gamma induced IDO activity in the glioblastoma cell line 86HG39 and cells of clone 2D9 derived from this cell line was found to be greater than that in Hela cells and U373MG cells. Consequently 2D9 cells were used in all subsequent experiments. The determination of kynurenine in the supernatant of IFN-gamma activated cells was performed photometrically using a microplate reader. It was found that the amount of kynurenine produced was directly proportional to the amount of IFN-gamma used to activate cells. The detection limit for IFN-gamma of this assay was 20 U/ml. The induction of L-tryptophan degradation was specific for IFN-gamma since neither IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, GM-CSF nor TNF alpha induced the production of detectable amounts of kynurenine by 86HG39 and 2D9 cells. Furthermore, a mab directed against IFN-gamma was able to completely block the IFN-gamma induced IDO activation. This bioassay was used to determine the IFN-gamma content of supernatants harvested from toxoplasma antigen specific human T cell lines and clones. This assay gave reproducible results which correlated well with the IFN-gamma content detected in the same samples using a commercially available ELISA kit. Furthermore in the case of T cell supernatant stimulated 2D9 cells a mab directed against IFN-gamma was able to completely block IDO induction. We conclude that the measurement of kynurenine production induced by IFN-gamma can be used to determinate IFN-gamma content. This is a simple bioassay which can be performed with standard laboratory equipment.

Functional dichotomy of mouse microglia developed in vitro: differential effects of macrophage and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor on cytokine secretion and antitoxoplasmic activity

After differentiation either with exogenous macrophage (M) or with granulocyte/macrophage (GM) colony-stimulating factor (CSF) microglial cells were isolated from neonatal mouse brain cell cultures and were comparatively tested for secretory immune effector cell functions. Both factors obviously do not promote the development of cells with biased growth requirement; however, the two microglia populations displayed distinct potentials to produce inflammatory cytokines. Upon gradual stimulation by lipopolysaccharide, the cells harvested from M-CSF-driven culture released more interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor activity, GM-CSF-grown cells on the contrary proved superior in interleukin-6 secretion. This pattern was paralleled by corresponding different kinetics of cytokine release in both types of microglial cells. When infected with Toxoplasma gondii only GM-CSF-differentiated cells were able to restrict the intracellular multiplication of tachyzoites in the absence of external stimuli. As described for interferon-gamma-treated macrophages, the antiparasitic activity of this microglia population is due to the synthesis of reactive nitrogen intermediates, since it was antagonized by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, a competitive inhibitor of the arginine-dependent metabolic pathway. Complementary to previous data which attest an intrinsic capability for antigen presentation to GM-CSF-grown microglia, the functional state of the cells elicited by M-CSF and GM-CSF, respectively, may correspond to the resting and an activated form of microglia as distinguished in vivo.

Induction of toxoplasmostasis in a human glioblastoma by interferon gamma

In the course of human toxoplasmosis central nervous system involvement often occurs. As a model for toxoplasma growth within human brain cells the proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii strain BK within the human glioblastoma cell line 86HG39 was analysed. We found that 86HG39 cells support the growth of toxoplasma similar to human monocyte derived macrophages and in contrast to human monocytes. The growth of Toxoplasma gondii within interferon gamma (IFN gamma) treated 86HG39 cells is reduced due to toxoplasmostasis and not due to toxoplasmocide effects. The mechanism of IFN gamma induced toxoplasmostasis was also investigated. It was found that IFN gamma did not induce O2- production and/or nitrite oxide production, and inhibitors of O2- and NO2- did not influence IFN gamma induced toxoplasmostasis. In contrast, the supplementation of L-tryptophan to the culture medium completely abolished the IFN gamma effect. We therefore conclude that the induction of L-tryptophan degradation in 86HG39 cells by IFN gamma, possibly by activation of the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, is responsible for the IFN gamma induced toxoplasmostasis within the glioblastoma cell line.

Differentiation driven by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor endows microglia with interferon-gamma-independent antigen presentation function

The antigen presentation function of microglial cells was analyzed after differentiation in neonatal mouse brain cell cultures supplemented either with macrophage (M) or granulocyte/macrophage (GM) colony-stimulating factor (CSF). The cells separated from concomitant astrocytes in both culture systems turned out to exhibit cytological characteristics of macrophages and bore MAC-1 and F4/80 markers in a similar way. When comparatively tested for accessory cell function, only microglia developed with GM-CSF were able to efficiently induce antigen-directed proliferation of a series of helper T cell lines representing both the TH1 and TH2 subtype. Antigenic T cell activation by this microglia population was performed without prior stimulation and exceeded that of M-CSF-dependently grown microglial cells, even if those had been pretreated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In contrast to such difference in function, low cell surface expression of MHC class II or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 determinants proved to coincide in both populations. Correlating with the capacity for antigen presentation, expression of membrane-bound interleukin-1 (IL1)--a costimulatory signal for TH2 cells--was augmented significantly in GM-CSF-grown microglia. In parallel, the interaction only of this microglia population with a selected TH1 cell line was accompanied by maximal release of T cell-stimulating factor, a cytokine recently identified as an IL1-analogous second signal for TH1 cells. Thus, a developmental process is suggested which produces a form of microglia specialized in antigen presentation and thereby acting uncoupled from IFN-gamma.

Human glioblastoma cell line 86HG39 activates T cells in an antigen specific major histocompatibility complex class II-dependent manner

The capacity of three different human glioblastoma cell lines to activate human T cells was analysed by measuring major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen expression, monokine secretion and lectin, mAb OKT3 and antigen-driven T cell proliferation. All glioblastoma cells tested were able to induce PHA and concanavalin A (ConA)-driven T cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion, while all failed to induce T cell activation with mAb OKT3. In addition, the glioblastoma cell line 86HG39 was able to induce tetanus toxoid and toxoplasma lysate antigen-specific T cell proliferation. The responding T cell lines originated from only one out of five different donors. This foreign antigen-specific T cell proliferation induced by 86HG39 cells could be inhibited with mAb L243 directed against HLA-DR molecules. The study of monokine secretion by 86HG39 cells showed a strong interleukin (IL)-6 secretion after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, whilst no IL-1 secretion was observed. Furthermore, only 86HG39 cells were positive for HLA-DR molecules, whereas interferon (IFN) gamma treatment of 87HG28 and 87HG31 cells was necessary for the induction of class II antigen expression. Thus, cell line 86HG39 shows many features of an antigen presenting cell and the interaction of these cells with MHC compatible human T cells might be a useful model to study cellular immune reactions within the central nervous system.

Different accessory function for TH1 cells of bone marrow derived macrophages cultured in granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor or macrophage colony stimulating factor

The ability of macrophages to stimulate immune responses is heterogeneous and may have influence on the type of the developing immune response. Therefore, in an attempt to define different functional states of mouse macrophages, we made use of the two macrophage growth factors: macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Generation of macrophages from freshly isolated bone marrow cells in the presence of GM-CSF results in a population expressing profound antigen presenting function for mouse TH1 cells, resulting in strong lymphokine production and proliferation of the T cells. Furthermore, high amounts of a novel soluble cytokine active on mouse TH1 cells are generated during the interaction of TH1 cells with macrophages elicited with GM-CSF. In contrast, macrophages grown from bone marrow cells for at least 14 days in the presence of M-CSF express only minimal antigen-presenting function for TH1 cells. Treatment of such macrophages for 24 h with either IFN-gamma or GM-CSF allows the distinction between two further functional states. Those treated with IFN-gamma efficiently presented antigen towards TH1 cells. The T cells produced large amounts of lymphokines and proliferate well. However, synthesis of the novel soluble cytokine (active on TH1 cells) was not detectable. The generation of this mediator requires a short-term treatment with GM-CSF of macrophages developed in the presence of M-CSF prior to their interaction with TH1 cells.

The excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in night urine of elite rowers during altitude training

During an altitude training camp (23 days, 1850 m above sea level) we collected night urine from 36 German elite rowers in order to measure the excretion of urea, creatinine, 17-ketosteroids (17-KS), and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS). 17-KS and 17-OHCS represent the major metabolites from endogenous anabolic and catabolic steroid hormone systems. There was no significant change in the excretion of 17-OHCS during the training camp (mean value: females 0.0025 +/- 0.0011, males 0.0033 +/- 0.0012 mg/kgbw.h). Significant increases in the excretion of 17-KS (mean value: females 0.007 +/- 0.003, males 0.0092 +/- 0.0039 mg/kgbw.h) and in the ratio 17-KS/17-OHCS (mean value: females 3.13 +/- 1.65, males 3.11 +/- 1.71) were found during the first week and towards the end of the training camp. To investigate training effects on the excretion of these hormone metabolites, we used a recently described classification for rowing training (categories I to IV of rowing-specific training according to lactate levels and non-rowing specific categories) and a corresponding rowing data base. More than 80% of training was performed at a lactate level lower than 2 mmol/l. Using multiple regression analysis, the general finding was that in males the ratio of 17-KS/17-OHCS increased with rowing specific and non specific training regimes where a lactate level below 2 mmol/l was observed. Training at higher lactate levels caused a decrease in the ratio that may be interpreted as a shift in the production from endogenous androgenic steroid hormones to cortisol. No significant effects of single training variables were found in female rowers, which indicates major training influences on testosterone metabolism. The influence of further factors such as a relationship between urine urea and 17-KS in males are described and need further explanation.

Cytokine response by human monocytes to Clostridium difficile toxin A and toxin B

Clostridium difficile toxins A and B isolated from strain VPI 10463 were tested for induction of cytokine release by human monocytes. Toxin B at 10(-12) M activated human monocytes as measured by release of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or IL-6. These effects of toxin B were heat labile (51 degrees C, 30 min). Toxin B was as effective as bacterial lipopolysaccharides in inducing IL-1 beta but less effective in inducing TNF or IL-6. Toxin B and lipopolysaccharides were synergistic in induction of IL-1 beta, TNF, and IL-6. The toxin A preparation used was 1,000-fold less active than toxin B. Apart from the difference in activity, the two toxins showed identical patterns of reaction and there was no synergism between them. A short pulse with toxin B was sufficient to trigger IL-1 release. Toxin B was also extremely toxic for monocytes. The toxicity and the induced proinflammatory monokines (IL-1 and TNF) may contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms of C. difficile infection and pseudomembranous colitis.

Exercise changes in plasma tryptophan fractions and relationship with prolactin

In the past the hypothesis was advanced that plasma tryptophan fractions mediate behavioural and neuroendocrine effects of exercise. To assess changes in free and total plasma tryptophan levels during and after exercise over a time period, and possible functional implications, 6 male volunteers were subjected to an endurance test of 1 hour duration on a bicycle ergometer at a work load below the 4 mmol/l lactate threshold. Total and free plasma tryptophan were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, prolactin by radioimmunoassay, glycerol and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) by enzymatic methods. No significant changes in total tryptophan were found. Free plasma tryptophan increased significantly (23%, p less than 0.01) from 40 to 60 minutes of exercise. Highest levels were observed after 10 minutes of recovery (50% against preexercise). Prolactin levels correlated with free plasma tryptophan throughout the test (r = 0.77, p less than 0.001, all measured values) and during recovery (10 minutes: r = 0.88, p less than 0.05; 20 minutes: r = 0.86, p less than 0.05). These findings may further support the hypothesis that changes in peripheral amino acid concentrations may influence physiological reaction of exercise mediated by brain systems.

Establishment of different T cell sublines using either interleukin 2 or interleukin 4 as growth factors

Purified protein derivative reactive T cell lines were established under identical conditions with the exception that different lymphokines, namely interleukin (IL) 2 and IL 4 were employed as growth factors. IL 2 favored the development of T cell lines (LNC.2) which upon activation by concanavalin A (Con A) secreted predominantly lymphokines characteristic of TH1 cells. By contrast, T cell lines established with the aid of IL 4 as growth factor (LNC.4) produced mainly lymphokines representative of TH2 cells. Apart from their pattern of lymphokine secretion LNC.2 and LNC.4 T cells were found to differ in their proliferative response to lymphokines and Con A. LNC.2 T cells proliferated only marginally in the presence of IL 4, Con A or a combination of Con A and IL 1. Furthermore, the IL 2-dependent proliferation of LNC.2 T cells was slightly but significantly diminished by IL 4. In contrast, LNC.4 T cells showed a substantial IL 4-induced proliferative response which was on the one hand synergistically enhanced by minimal amounts of IL 2 and, on the other hand, strongly inhibited by interferon-gamma. In addition, LNC.4 T cells displayed a strong proliferation when stimulated by low concentrations of Con A in the presence of IL 1 as co-stimulator.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor activates macrophages derived from bone marrow cultures to synthesis of MHC class II molecules and to augmented antigen presentation function

The effects of granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF on the synthesis of MHC class II molecules and on the Ag presentation capacity by bone marrow derived macrophages (BMM phi) was investigated. BMM phi obtained by in vitro culture in the presence of macrophage-CSF were negative for synthesis of I-A molecules and induced the Ag-mediated proliferation of insulin-specific T clone cells with lower efficiency than splenic accessory cells. After pulse treatment with GM-CSF for 24 to 48 h, day 12 BMM phi exhibited highly efficient Ag presentation function which was superior to that induced by IFN-gamma. Expression of membrane-bound IL-1 was augmented significantly by GM-CSF, but not by IFN-gamma. However, the T cell clone used to probe for accessory cell function of BMM phi was not dependent on IL-1 for optimal proliferation. Concomitantly, GM-CSF induced the de novo synthesis of I-A molecules, although to a lesser extent than optimal doses of IFN-gamma. Thus GM-CSF appears to elicit properties in addition to Ia molecule synthesis and membrane IL-1 expression in BMM phi being essential for efficient accessory cell function to the T clone cells. The activation of BMM phi by GM-CSF was reversible and could be repeated. These data show that GM-CSF exerts a modulatory influence on preformed BMM phi, reversibly activating cells to Ia biosynthetic potential and pronounced accessory cell capacity, thus rendering the explanation unlikely that differentiation of precursor cells into a constitutively functional state had occurred.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor activates macrophages derived from bone marrow cultures to synthesis of MHC class II molecules and to augmented antigen presentation function

The effects of granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF on the synthesis of MHC class II molecules and on the Ag presentation capacity by bone marrow derived macrophages (BMM phi) was investigated. BMM phi obtained by in vitro culture in the presence of macrophage-CSF were negative for synthesis of I-A molecules and induced the Ag-mediated proliferation of insulin-specific T clone cells with lower efficiency than splenic accessory cells. After pulse treatment with GM-CSF for 24 to 48 h, day 12 BMM phi exhibited highly efficient Ag presentation function which was superior to that induced by IFN-gamma. Expression of membrane-bound IL-1 was augmented significantly by GM-CSF, but not by IFN-gamma. However, the T cell clone used to probe for accessory cell function of BMM phi was not dependent on IL-1 for optimal proliferation. Concomitantly, GM-CSF induced the de novo synthesis of I-A molecules, although to a lesser extent than optimal doses of IFN-gamma. Thus GM-CSF appears to elicit properties in addition to Ia molecule synthesis and membrane IL-1 expression in BMM phi being essential for efficient accessory cell function to the T clone cells. The activation of BMM phi by GM-CSF was reversible and could be repeated. These data show that GM-CSF exerts a modulatory influence on preformed BMM phi, reversibly activating cells to Ia biosynthetic potential and pronounced accessory cell capacity, thus rendering the explanation unlikely that differentiation of precursor cells into a constitutively functional state had occurred.

Induction of antigen presentation capacity and MHC class II gene expression in bone marrow macrophages derived from GM-CSF-supplemented in vitro cultures

In this study we show that bone marrow macrophages (BMM phi), derived by culturing bone marrow stem cells in macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-containing medium, and activated by an optimal dose of interferon-gamma, selectively interacted with only some out of a group of protein antigen-specific T cell clones as measured by antigen-specific T cell proliferation. Antibody inhibition experiments employing monoclonal anti-CD4 antibodies suggest that the failure of various T cell lines to cooperate with BMM phi might be due to a low avidity of the interaction between these T cells and the accessory cells. We further show that BMC that were allowed to mature in the presence of recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) developed into highly efficient accessory cells leading to antigen-specific activation of all T cell clones tested. No correlation was found with the level of expression of MHC class II genes induced in GM-CSF-treated BMM phi, although significant amounts of transcripts of A alpha, A beta and of the non MHC-encoded invariant gamma-chain were detected by Northern blot analysis.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages reveal accessory cell function and synthesis of MHC class II determinants in the absence of external stimuli

The antigen-mediated activation of a number of T cell clones by bone marrow (BM) cells cultivated in the presence of various colony-stimulating factor (CSF) preparations was investigated. BM macrophages (BMM phi) grown in L929 cell supernatant as a crude source of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) as well as BM cells propagated in the presence of recombinant M-CSF exhibited transient antigen presentation potential to some T cell clones, being maximal on day 7 and having declined to a low level by day 19 of in vitro culture. Treatment of these long-term-cultivated BMM phi populations with recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) resulted in predominant antigen presentation capacity. In contrast, BM cells differentiated in the presence of recombinant granulocyte (G)M-CSF developed highly efficient accessory cell function to all T cell clones examined. This function became apparent earlier, was retained during the time period tested (up to day 19 of continuous culture) and did not require prior stimulation by IFN-gamma. The functionally competent cells were shown to belong to the monocyte/macrophage lineage. These findings are consistent with the demonstration of substantial levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules synthesized by GM-CSF-cultured BM cells in the absence of exogenous IFN-gamma. In contrast, M-CSF grown BM cells synthesized only minute amounts of Ia antigens unless they were stimulated by IFN-gamma. Because GM-CSF-cultivated BM cells proved clearly superior to M-CSF-grown and IFN-gamma-activated BM cells with respect to antigen-presenting capacity but exhibited lower levels of MHC class II molecules, other properties acting in addition to surface Ia antigens might be responsible for their pronounced T cell accessory function.

The specificity of the interaction between the agretope of an antigen and an Ia-molecule can depend on the T cell clonotype

A series of T cell clones was developed from (B10 x B10.BR)F1 mice immunized with the isolated A chain of pig insulin. The T cell clones show considerable diversity as defined by their distinct reactivities to pig, beef, sheep and horse insulins in combination with the same syngeneic Ab alpha Ak beta molecules. These species variants of insulin differ from each other only in amino acid residues in position A8, A9 or A10 within the so-called A chain loop and responsiveness of mice to these variants is under Ir gene control. A detailed analysis of the stimulatory capacity of various insulin/Ia combinations including inhibition experiments with anti-Ia- and -L3T4 antibodies led to the following interpretation: the amino acid residues A8-A10 are involved in the interaction of the insulin A chain with the Ia molecules. This region can, therefore, be regarded as part of the agretope. Structural variations within this region can modify the stimulatory potency of the insulin variants. However, whether a particular amino acid substitution results in an enhancement or a reduction of the response depends on the fine specificity of the T cell clone involved. Thus, an interaction of Ia molecules with antigen cannot solely account for the functional specificity of an agretope, rather this also depends on the structure of the particular T cell receptor that participates in recognition.

Bone marrow macrophages induced to antigen presentation by lymphokines interact selectively with distinct T cells

In vitro matured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM phi), which represent a pure population of M phi, were shown to act as antigen-presenting cells (APC) to the T cell clone ST2/K.9. This interaction was major histocompatibility complex restricted. Upon long-term culture in macrophage colony-stimulating factor, BMM phi were activated for antigen presentation by a 48-h pulse with lymphokine-containing supernatant of concanavalin A-stimulated rat spleen cells (Con A sup). The capacity of such activated M phi to function as APC decreased upon removal of Con A sup, and could be regenerated by a second pulse. This finding suggests that antigen presentation by mature M phi is a reversible function regulated by T cell factors. When the responsiveness of various T cell lines to antigen presented on BMM phi or spleen cells was compared, distinct activation requirements were observed for different T cells since lymphokine-activated BMM phi were not capable of inducing antigen-specific proliferation of all lines.

Characterization of lymphokine-mediated activation of macrophages for antigen presentation: studies with long-term cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages and cloned T cells

In cultures of bone marrow (BM) supplemented with L cell-derived colony-stimulating factor a pure population of macrophages (M phi) differentiates, which can be further propagated with a doubling time of 3.8 days. "Young" BMM phi obtained on day 8 of culture were shown to act as antigen-presenting cells inducing the antigen-specific proliferation of the cloned T cell line ST2/K.9, whereas "old" M phi had lost this ability. However, at any time tested (up to 132 days) the presentation function of old BMM phi could be completely restored by pulsing the cells with lymphokines (LK). A duration of 11 hr for the LK-pulse was sufficient to trigger the M phi to exert an optimal presentation function. This activity could be maintained when the LK-treatment was prolonged (tested up to 17 days). Activation was accompanied by a deceleration of growth. The LK effective in M phi activation were found to be contained in the supernatants of T cell lines stimulated by antigen or mitogen, and could be substituted by a low dose (5-10 units/ml) of recombinant interferon-gamma. In direct comparison LK-triggered BMM phi presented antigen as efficiently as peritoneal exudate M phi activated in vivo by ConA. Moreover, primed lymph node T cells responded to antigen-presenting BMM phi in a similar way as ST2/K.9 T cells. Therefore, these findings obtained with long-term cultured cells can be expected to reflect a physiological mechanism for the amplification of the immune response.