Specific Lif Production in Laryngeal Cancer Patients: Evidence of Suppressor Activity Exerted by Adherent Cells

The specific tumor-induced LIF production in 30 laryngeal cancer patients has been investigated before and after the removal of adherent cells to evaluate the existence of a suppressor activity. LIF production, after challenging lymphocytes with 3 M KCl autologous tumor extracts, was significant in 16 patients and showed a further significant increase after removal of adherent cells. A conversion to significance when the adherent cells were removed was shown in 6 patients, with no previous significant LIF production. These data suggest the existence of a suppressor activity exerted by adherent cells on LIF production in laryngeal cancer patients.

Inhibition of Leukocyte Migration by a Human Colon Cancer Extract

The direct leucocyte migration inhibition test in capillary tubes was used to test 10 patients with colonic adenocarcinoma against KCl soluble extracts of an allogenic colon cancer and an allogenic normal colon fragment. Inhibition was consistently found with the cancer extract but not with the normal tissue extract. None of the control group of patients affected by other tumors, intestinal and liver disorders showed a migration inhibition in response to the colonic tumor extract. Our findings strongly suggest the presence of a tumor-associated antigen in the cancer extract.

Directional migration of leukocytes: their pathological roles in inflammation and strategies for development of anti-inflammatory therapies

Directional migration of leukocytes is indispensable to innate immunity for host defense. However, recruitment of leukocytes to a site of tissue injury also constitutes a leading cause for inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, it involves a cascade of cellular events precisely regulated by temporal and spatial presentation of a repertoire of molecules in the migrating leukocytes and their surroundings (microenvironments). Here I will summarize the emerging evidence that has shed lights on the underlying molecular mechanism for directional migration of leukocytes, which has guided the therapeutical development for innovative anti-inflammatory medicines.

Conditioned immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide on delayed-type hypersensitivity response and a preliminary analysis of its mechanism

In the present study, camphor odor and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide (CY) were used as conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US), respectively. In the unconditioned group, mice were exposed to camphor odor for 1 h followed by an i.p. injection of CY (75 mg/kg). On the next day, the above CS/US association trial session was repeated followed by smearing dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on mouse abdominal skin for sensitizing the animal for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. Five days after DNCB sensitization, mice were exposed to camphor odor (1 h), followed by an i.p. injection of CY, and then DNCB was smeared on the left ear of mice for the challenge of DTH response. Both the left/right ear weight ratio and the activity of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF) were used as the index of DTH response, which was done 24 h after DNCB challenge. In the conditioned group, the treatment was the same as that in the unconditioned group, except that normal saline was injected on day 5 instead of CY. Furthermore, in order to analyze the mechanism of the conditioned response (CR), the mouse serum from the conditioned group (CR serum) was injected into normal mice 6 h prior to DNCB challenge. Results showed that in the conditioned group, left/right ear weight ratio and LMIF activity were statistically lower than that in the DTH group, and there was no difference between conditioned and unconditioned groups. Thus, an animal model of conditioned immunosuppressive response had been established. The results also showed that after CR serum was injected into normal mice, DTH response was also significantly suppressed. However, if CR serum was treated with dialysis (10,000 molecular weight cut-off), the suppressive effect of CR serum on DTH response disappeared. Taken together, the data suggested that a chemical compound(s) in serum, with a molecular weight less than 10,000, was important in mediating the conditioned immunosuppressive response. This may be a very important molecule(s) that could be very critical to our understanding of the interaction between the central nervous system and immune function.

Leucocyte migration inhibition factor (L-MIF) in malnourished Nigerian children

Leucocyte Migration Inhibition Factor (L-MIF) was measured in 41 children with marasmus, 19 with kwashiorkor, 5 with marasmic-kwashiorkor and 35 well-fed healthy children serving as controls. For L-MIF assay, two different antigens (live attenuated measles virus vaccine and diptheria pertussis tetanus (DPT) vaccine were used. Percentage migration indices obtained with the two antigens were significantly higher in the malnourished than in the well-fed healthy sex and age-matched controls (P < 0.01). The total serum protein and albumin concentrations were significantly reduced in the malnourished children compared with the controls (P < 0.01). Mean total leucocyte numbers were not significantly different in marasmic and marasmic-kwashiorkor children compared with the controls (P > 0.21).

[In vitro transfer of immunity against PPD with dialyzable extract of leukocytes from human colostrum]

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the transference of PPD hypersensibility in an in vitro model, with dialysable colostral leukocyte extract (DCLE) of PPD+ and PPD-mothers, through measurements of leukocyte migration inhibition factor activity (LIF) from blood obtained of the umbilical cord of newborns from PPD+ mothers. The results show that DCLE PPD+ incubated with leukocytes of newborns from PPD- mothers had inhibition of leukocyte migration compared with migration of leukocytes incubated with DCLE PPD-. These results suggest that in this in vitro model, DCLE transfers hypersensibility to PPD.

Cell mediated immunity in herpes simplex keratitis in man

Varied manifestations of herpes simplex keratitis are postulated to be related to alterations or paucity of protective immune response to the virus. In this study lymphocyte subpopulations and macrophage inhibition factor (MIF) assay are investigated in herpes simplex keratitis. Active T-lymphocytes are detected to be significantly low in active keratitis as compared to the healed stage (P less than 0.001) and normal control subjects (P less than 0.01). Active T-cells are also lower in bilateral keratitis than in unilateral keratitis (P less than 0.01), and in stromal keratitis than in epithelial keratitis (P less than 0.05). Total E-rosette-forming cells and leucocyte migration inhibition factor (MIF) assay demonstrates significantly lower values in bilateral keratitis than in unilateral keratitis, and in stromal keratitis than in epithelial keratitis. On healing, total E-RFC, active T-cells and MIF values improved and are comparable to those found in normal subjects. Enumeration of absolute lymphocyte counts and EAC rosette-forming cells (B-lymphocyte cells) did not yield any differences. Our observations demonstrate paucity of cell-mediated immune response in stromal keratitis. More marked deficiency is demonstrable in bilateral keratitis. Manifestations of herpes simplex keratitis and their healing is observed to be relatable to the level of cell mediated immune response.

Applicability of the leukocyte migration inhibition test in the clinical practice

The leukocyte migration inhibition test reveals in vitro the presence of lymphocyte sensitivity and, consequently, of cell-mediated immunity, to a given antigen. Applied in a variety of immune and allergic cases it proved to be useful for the positive diagnosis of the disease and/or for the detection of cell-mediated immune deficiency. The results obtained recommend the leukocyte migration inhibition test in the clinical practice.

Cellular immunity to nucleocapsid and pre-S determinants in asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B virus

Previous studies of cellular immunity in asymptomatic HBV carriers have been limited to evaluation of responses to plasma-derived HBsAg preparations. We have explored the specificity of cellular immune responses to HBV antigens in these subjects using an indirect T-lymphocyte migration inhibitory factor assay and three antigen preparations (recombinant nucleocapsid antigen (HBcAg), plasma-derived HBsAg with or without pre-S2, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-synthesized HBsAg without pre-S2 region). T cells from 10 asymptomatic chronic HBV carriers with normal liver function tests were responsive to nucleocapside determinants (mean migration index = 0.55 +/- SD 0.07) and to pre-S2-positive plasma-derived HBsAg (MI = 0.62 +/- 0.05). However, none responded to HBsAg devoid of pre-S2 sequences (MI = 0.98 +/- 0.04). In further experiments, T cells from three HBV carriers, cultured with six different HBsAg preparations, exhibited responsiveness only to those preparations containing significant pre-S2 activities. Our results show that T-cell immunity to nucleocapsid determinants of the virus and HBsAg in present in asymptomatic HBV carriers; the latter is restricted to antigenic preparations containing significant pre-S2 activities. Hence, T-cell immunity to pre-S determinants may not always be associated with HBV clearance.

Cellular hypersensitivity to gluten derived peptides in coeliac disease

Wheat gluten derived antigens have been tested for their ability to inhibit the migration of leucocytes from healthy subjects and patients with coeliac disease. Three preparations of a water soluble fraction (Frazer's fraction III, FIII) of partial peptic tryptic digests of wheat gluten had different effects in a direct (one stage) assay. Subfractions B and B2 caused migration inhibition of leucocytes from patients with treated coeliac disease but not of leucocytes from healthy volunteers or patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This migration inhibition seems to be specific for gluten fractions because maize zein fraction B, beta-lactoglobulin and ovalbumin did not cause it. The sensitivity of coeliac leucocytes to fraction B is not related to factors present in coeliac serum as the migration of leucocytes from healthy individuals preincubated with coeliac sera was not inhibited. Puromycin diminished inhibition by fraction B, which was active at 1.2 micrograms/ml in an indirect (two stage) migration inhibition assay; this is consistent with a process involving elaboration of lymphokine(s). More highly purified fractions of B2, P1-P4 were prepared by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and showed differing potency in direct and indirect assays, with P4 being the most active fraction. Inhibition of migration by gluten derived peptides appears to result from the release of lymphokine by leucocytes specifically from coeliac patients.

The effect of corticosteroids and other antineoplastic agents on the generation of leukocyte migration inhibition factor

We have shown that hydrocortisone in physiological concentrations can inhibit the production of leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LMIF), but does not diminish the action of this lymphokine. Other agents tested failed to influence LMIF production. Inhibition of LMIF production by corticosteroids was influenced by the nature of the stimulus used for the production as an effect could be seen with PHA or Con A, but not Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). Production of LMIF was promptly restored after removal of the steroids. Furthermore, addition of a calcium ionophore to PHA restored the production of LMIF even in the presence of corticosteroids. In contrast, addition of exogenous IL-2 did not correct the defect in lymphokine secretion. We believe that inhibition of the production of LMIF by steroid may lead to defective granulocytic function and thus, predispose to infection.

T-lymphocyte sensitization to hepatocyte antigens in autoimmune chronic active hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis. Evidence for different underlying mechanisms and different antigenic determinants as targets

Cultured with a liver-derived lipoprotein complex, T lymphocytes from 42 of 45 patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis generated migration inhibitory factor compared with 16 of 33 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Unlike T lymphocytes from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, the T-cell reactivity of patients with chronic active hepatitis was always suppressed by T cells from normal subjects and, with two exceptions, by T cells from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, even when these latter cells exhibited sensitization to this same antigen complex. Using a component of the whole complex, the asialoglycoprotein receptor as antigen, migration inhibitory factor was invariably released by T cells from patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, but from only 2 of 8 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis sensitized to the whole complex. Thus, in autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, but not in primary biliary cirrhosis, the asialoglycoprotein receptor is invariably a target for cellular immune reactions and is associated with a suppressor T-cell defect for hepatocyte antigens.

Human T cell subsets differ in their ability to migrate in vitro and to produce T cell migration inhibitory factor

The spontaneous migration in vitro, production of T cell migration inhibitory factor (TIF) and the response to TIF of OKT4+ and OKT8+ human T cell subsets were studied. The OKT4+ lymphocytes migrated far better than the OKT8+ cells although the movement of both subsets was comparably inhibited by TIF. The OKT8+ subset was found to be a major source of TIF, while OKT4+ cells were responsible for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) production. The implications of lymphokine production by OKT8+ cells for the regulation of inflammatory responses are discussed.

Chemoattractant lymphokines specific for the helper/inducer T-lymphocyte subset

The cellular content of T-lymphocyte-rich inflammatory sites is dependent in part on the in situ elaboration of chemoattractant factors. We have previously described three T-lymphocyte-specific chemoattractant lymphokines; a chemokinetic factor, lymphocyte chemoattractant factor (LCF, MW 56,000), and two distinct lymphocyte migration inhibitory factors (LyMIF75K, MW 75,000; and LyMIF35K, MW 35,000). These factors are produced by human T cells in response to antigen, concanavalin A, or histamine stimulation. In this communication, we report that LCF and LyMIF35K are produced by OKT8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) and OKT4+ (helper/inducer) lymphocytes, respectively, and are selectively chemoattractant for the OKT4+ lymphocyte subset. LyMIF75K is produced by OKT4+ cells and inhibits both OKT4+ and OKT8+ lymphocyte migration. Production of LCF and LyMIF35K by infiltrating lymphocyte subsets may be one mechanism whereby unactivated helper/inducer T lymphocytes are selectively recruited to sites of inflammation.

[Studies of an assay system for dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE)--influence of DLE on leukocyte migration inhibition test by HBsAg]

In order to examine the suitability of leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) in the capacity of in vitro assay system for dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE), the effect of DLE on hepatitis B and its antigen-specificity, the migration inhibitory activities to purified hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was measured using the leukocyte MIF test with DLEs obtained from HBsAb-positive or HBsAb-negative blood. The direct LMIT using agarose plate was modified according to the technique of Clausen et al. In spite of our assay system was dose-dependent for PPD, a significant response for purified HBsAg was not observed. However, some meaningful migration inhibition appeared when HBsAg and DLE were added simultaneously to the migration cells. From these results, it is concluded that DLE has antigen-specific and/or antigen non specific influences to the cell-mediated immunity for HBsAg Though some problems remain, we think our results are interesting, since the assay system for DLE has not been established and our study is closely related to the effect of DLE concerning hepatitis B.

Antigen-dependent heterogeneity of human migration inhibitory factor

Human migration inhibitory factor (MIF) produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with purified protein derivative, tetanus toxoid, streptokinase-streptodornase, or Candida albicans antigen was analyzed by gel filtration and isoelectrofocusing. In all cases, supernatants harvested after a 24-hr exposure of the mononuclear cells to the antigen yielded only one MIF species with an isoelectric point of 5. In contrast, isoelectrofocusing of supernatants obtained from cells exposed to the antigen for an additional 24 hr demonstrated that different antigens induce the elaboration of different MIF species. Streptokinase-streptodornase and tetanus toxoid induced the production of one MIF species with an isoelectric point of 5 (pH 5-MIF). Stimulation of cells with Candida antigen elaborated a MIF species with an isoelectric point of 3 (pH 3-MIF). In contrast, stimulation of cells with purified protein derivative induced the production of both pH 3-MIF and pH 5-MIF.

Further purification of neutrophil migration inhibition factor from T lymphocytes (NIF-T): evidence that NIF-T and leukocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) are immunologically distinct

Neutrophil migration inhibition factor from T lymphocytes (NIF-T) purified by antibody affinity chromatography and gel filtration chromatography was radioiodinated and identified as a 26,000-MW protein by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). NIF-T was identified by elution of biological activity from gel fractions and selective adsorption of a radioiodinated mediator by HL60 cells differentiated in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to develop receptors for NIF-T. A goat neutralizing antibody for NIF-T neutralized and immunoprecipitated migration inhibition activity in the conditioned medium from Mo T-lymphoblast cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) cultured with concanavalin A (Con A), but not from RPMI 1788 B-lymphoblast cells with leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF) activity. These studies distinguish NIF-T both chemically and immunologically from LIF.

Resistance and susceptibility to infection in inbred murine strains. IV. Effects of dietary zinc

Mice of several inbred strains have been fed diets containing either large amounts of zinc (300 ppm Zn), small amounts of zinc (5 ppm Zn), or routine laboratory mouse chow. When the mice are fed on a high-zinc diet, murine strains, such as C3H/HeJ, AKR/J, and CBA/CaJ, which are normally susceptible to infection with Candida albicans and which normally release low titers of migration-inhibition factor (MIF) in vivo into the circulation, become more resistant to infection with C. albicans and release higher titers of MIF in vivo into the circulation. In addition, their capacity to elicit delayed type hypersensitivity responses may be enhanced. When the mice are maintained on a low-zinc diet, murine strains, such as C57Bl/10SNJ, which are normally resistant to infection with C. albicans and which normally release high titers of MIF in vivo into the circulation on appropriate antigenic challenge, become more susceptible to infection and release lower titers of MIF into the circulation. Under these conditions of low-zinc concentrations in the diet, their capacity to elicit delayed type hypersensitivity may be reduced. Thus, the concentration of zinc in the diet may have a pronounced effect on some in vivo parameters of cell-mediated immunity.

Evaluation of blocking mechanisms against immunological responses in patients with laryngeal carcinoma

The specific tumor-induced leukocyte inhibition factor (LIF) production in laryngeal cancer patients has been investigated before and after the removal of adherent cells in order to evaluate the existence of a suppressor activity; 20 patients served as subject. The LIF production, after challenging the lymphocytes with 3MKC1 autologous tumor extracts, was significant in 12 patients and showed a further significant increase after the removal of adherent cells. In 3 patients with no previous significant LIF production, there was a conversion to significance when the adherent cells were removed. The other patients did not show any significant variation. These data seem to suggest the existence of a suppressor activity exerted by adherent cells in laryngeal cancer patients on LIF production.

HLA-DR4 is not a requisite for autoimmunity to collagen in rheumatoid arthritis

Immunogenetic studies in rheumatoid arthritis have demonstrated an increased frequency of the HLA-DR4 alloantigen in individuals with both the sporadic and familial forms of the disease. To investigate the significance of this association, we ascertained whether the possession of DR4 is necessary for the expression of cellular and humoral immunity to native human type II collagen. Our results indicate that the presence of DR4 is not required for the development of autoimmunity to collagen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Lactoferrin stimulates the production of leucocyte migration inhibitory factor by human peripheral mononuclear leucocytes

The effect of lactoferrin on the migration of human polymorphonuclear cells was investigated. High concentrations of lactoferrin (greater than 250 micrograms/ml) markedly inhibited the migration of granulocytes under agarose. This migration inhibition could not be neutralized by an antibody against leucocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF), suggesting a direct effect of lactoferrin on the granulocytes. Low concentrations of lactoferrin were, however, indirectly capable of inhibiting neutrophil migration. The overnight culture of mononuclear leucocytes with low concentrations of lactoferrin (10 micrograms/ml) resulted in the release of granulocyte migration inhibiting factors in the cell free culture supernatant. Strong evidence indicating that the migration inhibiting factors were due to LIF, was obtained in experiments whereby the inhibitory activity could be completely neutralized by anti-LIF antibodies. The lactoferrin-mediated stimulation of LIF release by mononuclear leucocytes could be neutralized by an anti-lactoferrin serum, but not by an anti-albumin serum, whereas PPD-induced LIF release was not affected by either antiserum. These findings suggest that lactoferrin besides its well known anti-microbial properties, may also play a regulatory role in the migratory response of polymorphonuclear cells during inflammatory conditions.

Lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor production by neonatal lymphocytes

We examined neonatal lymphocyte production of the lymphokine, lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor (LDCF). Supernatants from 1 neonatal lymphocyte cultures were paired with the supernatants from 10 adult lymphocyte cultures. Chemotactic activity was defined as the number of adult monocytes migrating toward phytohemagglutinin-stimulated supernatants minus the number of monocytes migrating toward nonstimulated control supernatants using a blind well chamber assay. Eight of the 10 neonatal lymphocyte cultures showed LDCF and five of the 10 adult lymphocyte cultures showed LDCF activity. The mean number of monocytes migrating toward neonatal supernatants was 13.0 +/- 1.5 and toward adult supernatants was 14.1 +/- 2.1. To determine if a quantitative difference in LDCF production did exist, six additional experiments were performed assaying multiple dilutions of supernatants. No evidence was found for a quantitative difference in neonatal LDCF production compared to adult production. Our studies show that neonatal mononuclear cells are functionally as competent as adult mononuclear cells to produce LDCF in response to a mitogen challenge.

Changes in the glomerular capillary wall induced by lymphocyte products and serum of nephrotic patients

This study demonstrated that a soluble factor derived from patients with nephrotic syndrome caused changes consistent with the development of proteinuria when infused into the renal artery of a rat. The supernatants of cultures of stimulated lymphocytes of patients with the nephrotic syndrome containing autologous sera were infused into the renal arteries of rats and caused patchy spreading of the foot processes of epithelial cells and reduction of charge of the glomerular basement membrane of rat kidneys. The equivalent supernatants from normal subjects did not produce these changes.

Immunosuppressive actions of gold salts

In rheumatoid arthritis both lymphocyte-mediated and antibody-mediated immune reactions are important for the inflammatory lesions. In vivo activated B lymphocytes/plasma cells, T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages (Mo) are intimately involved in the disease process. Several clinical observations suggest an immunosuppressive action of gold salts. In humans, gold salts interfere with a number of Mo functions in vitro, including cellular interactions between Mo and T lymphocytes. Some workers have shown that the activation of human T lymphocytes is inhibited by gold salts, most probably secondary to an inhibition of Mo-T cell cooperation. Recent experiments indicate that gold salts also affect the in vitro differentiation of human B lymphocytes in response to polyclonal activators. Both the gold atom and the SH group seem to be important for the immunosuppressive actions of gold salts.

Maternal cell-mediated immunity in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancy

Maternal cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to fetal (paternal) HLA was studied in both normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Maternal-paternal mixed lymphocyte reactivity (MLR) was assessed using macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), leucocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF) and blast transformation assays. Primary and secondary responses were differentiated by studying 6 day MLR time courses. Maternal lymphocytes (normal pregnancies) did not show an early, (i.e. secondary), proliferative response, nor did the pattern of LIF release suggest maternal CMI to fetal (paternal) HLA. However, the lymphocyte responses between pre-eclamptic couples, in terms of both proliferation and LIF release, were consistently and significantly different from those of normal couples; a finding which may reflect an abnormal immune response.

Cell-mediated immunity in herpetic keratitis measured by leukocyte migration inhibition

Leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LMIF) assays have been used as a measure of cell-mediated immune responses. Direct assays of this factor were determined in 30 patients with recurrent herpes simplex stromal keratitis during the quiescent stage of the disease and in 10 of these patients during the acute stage as well. The migration of leukocytes incubated in the presence of HSV antigens was compared to that without viral antigens for the migration index (MI). Only 1 out of 30 patients had a positive response during the quiescent stage, while among the 10 patients with the active disease, four had a positive response.

Cell-mediated immunity to dietary antigens in coeliac disease

By means of the leukocyte migration inhibition test a significant depression of migration index (indicating increased immunity) was found in 10 untreated coeliac patients compared with 24 control subjects with the dietary antigens bovine serum albumin (BSA) and egg white but not with milk. The degree of immunity was similar to that obtained with gluten fraction III as antigen. Treatment with a gluten-free diet led to a decrease in immunity to egg white and BSA, but immunity to gluten fraction III was increased in the early months of treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis: from Rubens to restriction maps

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Inhibition of cytokine production by a tumor cell product

Supernatants from cultured mouse and human tumour cells, but not mouse or guinea-pig fibroblasts, inhibited the production of a lymphokine, macrophage chemotactic factor, by PHA-stimulated mouse spleen cells. The supernatants affected spleen cells from old, but not young, mice. They were most active if added at the start of the spleen cell culture and did not act by binding phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). The active material had an approximate molecular weight, on membrane filtration, of 1000-10,000 and could be bound to and eluted from Con A-Sepharose. Tumour supernatant factor(s) of similar molecular weight inhibited the production of interleukin 1 (lymphocyte activating factor) in response to lipopolysaccharide by stimulated thioglycollate-induced peritoneal exudate macrophages, but not by Corynebacterium parvum-activated macrophages. Similar tumour-produced material has been found to inhibit the early phase of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in older mice. It is suggested that this effect is due, at least in part, to inhibition of interleukin 1 production leading to inhibition of lymphokine production.

Leukocyte migration-inhibition responses of nonvaccinated and vaccinated heifers to experimental infection with Brucella abortus

The leukocyte migration agarose technique was used to show the leukocyte migration-inhibition responses of nonvaccinated and vaccinated heifers to experimental infection with Brucella abortus. All heifers had increased leukocyte migration inhibition after exposure to B abortus. Nonvaccinated heifers which aborted had the highest responses. The responses of the vaccinated heifers were significantly (P less than 0.01) lower than those of nonvaccinated heifers. None of the vaccinated heifers aborted.

Cell-mediated immunity to gluten within the small intestinal mucosa in coeliac disease

Jejunal biopsies from controls and coeliac patients were maintained in organ culture in the presence of gluten fraction III. The culture media were assayed for evidence of lymphokine activity in a migration inhibition test using normal peripheral blood leucocytes. Significant inhibition of migration was produced by media from untreated coeliac patients compared with controls (P less than 0.005) or treated coeliac patients (P less than 0.001), indicating the production of a leucocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) by untreated coeliac mucosa in response to gluten fraction III. The degree of inhibition correlated with the preculture interepithelial lymphocyte count in the coeliac biopsies (P less than 0.02). In six coeliac patients studied when on a normal diet and on a gluten-free diet, LIF was produced while on a normal diet, but not while on a gluten-free diet. These results suggest that a local cell-mediated immune reaction to gluten is present in the mucosa of patients with untreated coeliac disease but that this is reversed by treatment with a gluten-free diet.

Identification of a chemokinetic inhibitor in serum from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

The effects of serum from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CCL) on normal polymorphonuclear leucocyte migration (PMN) were examined by means of the leading front technique, using a modified Boyden chamber. 18 randomly selected patients were studied. 13 patients had a reduced chemokinetic activity. The defective migration was explained by the finding in serum from these patients of cell-directed inhibitory activity which was destroyed by heating (56 degrees C, 30 min). The B-lymphocytes as the origin of the inhibitory activity was suggested by the presence of a similar activity in supernatants from cultured tumour cells. 6 of the 18 patients had the combination of a defective chemokinetic activity and low levels of immunoglobulins. These 6 patients had an increased tendency towards infections.

Membranes of EBV-carrying virus nonproducer cells inhibit leukocyte migration of EBV-seropositive but not seronegative donors

We have previously shown that the leukocytes of healthy EBV-seropositive (but not seronegative) donors respond with migration inhibition (LMI) when confronted with extracts of EBV-carrying (but not EBV negative) cells. In the present study, we have examined whether this EBV-specific LMI response is capable of detecting a membrane antigen on the surface of EBV-carrying virus nonproducer cells. Crude membranes from EBV-genome carrying and EBV-negative cell lines were used as antigen. Contamination with the EBV-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) was ruled out. Membranes from EBV-genome carrying nonproducer cells inhibited the migration of leukocytes from healthy seropositive donors, whereas membranes from EBV-negative lines had no such effect. Seronegative donors did not show any LMI. The clear difference between the EBV-negative Ramos line and its EBV-converted sublines was particularly conclusive in showing that the membrane component is determined or induced by the viral genome.

T-lymphocyte sensitization in Graves' and Hashimoto's diseases confirmed by an indirect migration inhibition factor test

T-Lymphocyte sensitization in Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) was studied by an indirect migration inhibition factor test using normal T-lymphocytes as second stage indicator cells. In the first stage, mononuclear cells or T-lymphocytes, fractionated by the standard Ficoll-Hypaque procedure from the blood of patients with untreated GD and HT, were cultured in Eagle's medium containing thyroid antigen, and their cell-free supernatants were saved. Normal T-lymphocytes as second stage indicator cells were packed in capillary tubes and placed in planchettes with the above supernatants to complete the indirect migration inhibition factor test. Inhibition of the migration of indicator T-lymphocytes was demonstrated when either GD or HT culture supernatants were employed. Moreover, there was a good correlation between the indirect using the culture supernatants and the direct migration inhibition factor test using mononuclear cells or T-lymphocytes. On the other hand, in both direct and indirect migration inhibition factor tests using mononuclear cells and mononuclear cell culture supernatants, respectively, in the presence of human liver antigen as a nonspecific antigen, there was no significant difference between controls and patients. From these results, we can conclude that GD and HT T-lymphocytes are sensitized to thyroid antigen and produce the lymphokine, migration inhibition factor, into the supernatant when exposed to this antigen.