A polymorphic Fc receptor for mouse IgG2b on human B cells and monocytes.

With respect to murine (m)IgG1 anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), a polymorphic mitogenic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) has been described which is caused by polymorphism of monocyte Fc gamma RII, and which defines high responders to mIgG1 (mIgG1-HR, approximately 70% of normal individuals) and low responders (mIgG1-LR). PBMC also exhibit a polymorphic mitogenic response to mIgG2b anti-CD3 mAb. In the present study 18 out of 550 individuals (3%) were mIgG2b-HR. Purified monocytes from mIgG2b-HR were able to support the mitogenic response to mIgG2b anti-CD3 mAb of purified T cells from mIgG2b-LR. Surprisingly, a significant mitogenic response to mIgG2b anti-CD3 mAb remained after vigorous depletion of monocytes from mIgG2b-HR PBMC. Apparently B cells are responsible for this accessory function since Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cells from mIgG2b-HR (but not from mIgG2b-LR) were able to support T-cell proliferation induced by mIgG2b anti-CD3 mAb. Only EBV B cells from mIgG2b-HR were able to form rosettes with human red blood cells (RBC) that had been sensitized with mIgG2b anti-glycophorin A mAb (EA-mIgG2b). These EBV B cells did not express Fc gamma RI or Fc gamma RIII, and could bind some but not all anti-Fc gamma RII mAb. The mitogenic response to mIgG2b anti-CD3 was not inhibited by any of the anti-Fc gamma RII mAb. From these studies we conclude that a polymorphic Fc receptor is expressed on human B cells and monocytes, which cross-reacts with mIgG2b. This receptor is different from Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIII, and apparently also from Fc gamma RII.     

Functional interactions of red cells sensitized by IgG1 and IgG3 human monoclonal anti-D with enzyme-modified human monocytes and FcR-bearing cell lines

Human monoclonal IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies specific for the Rh antigen D (anti-D) were tested for their ability to promote the binding of D-positive red cells to peripheral blood monocytes and Fc receptor (FcR)-bearing cell lines (U937, K562 and Daudi). Monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and metabolic (chemiluminescent) responses were also determined. By comparing the activity of different cell lines in rosette assays, and by using murine myeloma IgG2a and IgG1 to block FcRI and FcRII respectively, these functional interactions of sensitized red cells (E-IgG1 and E-IgG3) with monocytes or cell lines were shown to be mediated predominantly and perhaps solely by FcRI. E-IgG3 bound to human monocytes and cell lines to a greater extent than E-IgG1. Rosette formation by E-IgG3 was relatively less susceptible to inhibition by fluid-phase murine IgG2a than was rosette formation by E-IgG1. These findings may be due to the long hinge region of IgG3 which enables it to bridge the gap between two negatively charged cells more efficiently than IgG1. Consistent with this hypothesis was the greatly increased rosette formation achieved by treating monocytes or U937 cells with neuraminidase or bromelain, procedures shown to reduce the zeta potential of these cells. The lytic and metabolic activities of untreated human monocytes were also greater towards E-IgG3 than E-IgG1, red cell binding being a prerequisite for these responses. However, after pretreatment of monocytes with neuraminidase, these responses were greater with E-IgG1 than with E-IgG3. Further, the addition of polybrene to non-specifically enhance cell to cell binding also resulted in greater lysis and chemiluminescence with E-IgG1 than with E-IgG3. These results indicate that, although E-IgG3 are more effective than E-IgG1 in promoting red cell binding to monocytes, E-IgG1 are more efficient at activating the lytic and metabolic processes providing the steric disadvantages of the shorter hinge region of cell-bound IgG1 are circumvented.     

The Human Fc Receptor for Mouse IgG2b on Monocytes and EBV-B Cells is Functionally Inhibited by Anti-HLA Class II Antibodies

We have recently described a polymorphic Fc receptor for murine IgG2b (mIgG2b), present on human monocytes and EBV-transformed B lymphocytes. The present study shows that anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibody (MoAb) completely inhibits both the (Fc receptor-dependent) T-cell proliferation, induced by mIgG2b anti-CD3 MoAb, and rosetting with mIgG2b-sensitized erythrocytes. This inhibition is also observed with F(ab')₂ fragments of anti-HLA class II MoAb, and is therefore not Fc mediated. The Fc receptor for mIgG2b is also present on EBV-transformed B cells obtained from a patient with'bare lymphocyte syndrome', that completely lack HLA class II antigens. Therefore, the Fc receptor for mIgG2b and HLA class II antigens are not identical. Since the low affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛII; CD23) was reported to be associated at the cell surface with HLA class II antigens, we have compared both types of Fc receptor, and observed that human IgE strongly inhibits the mitogenic effect of murine IgE anti-CD3 but not of mIgG2b anti-CD3 MoAb. We conclude that the human Fc receptor for mIgG2b is strongly inhibited by anti-HLA class II MoAb, but is not identical to HLA class II or FcɛRII.     

Studies on the monocyte dependence of T-cell proliferation induced by monoclonal antibodies directed against regions I and II of the CD2 antigen.

We produced three murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against the human T-cell differentiation antigen CD2 (formerly T11) and analysed their epitope specificity by E-rosette inhibition, cross-blocking and proliferation-induction experiments. When added together, two mAb (both IgG1 kappa) were able to induce proliferation in peripheral blood T cells. This proliferation was found to be strictly dependent on the presence of monocytes. The polymorphism of Fc receptors (FcR) expressed on human monocytes for murine IgG1 antibodies, which is readily demonstrable in anti-CD3-induced T-cell activation, was not found in the anti-CD2-driven system. Moreover, mAb directed against the 40,000 MW FcRII were unable to inhibit proliferation induced by the mitogenic anti-CD2 combination. Still, F(ab')2 fragments of the mitogenic anti-CD2 antibody combination could not initiate T-cell mitogenesis, despite their ability to induce a rise in the free intracellular [Ca2+]. The contributions of monocytes and of antibody Fc moieties to T-cell proliferation, induced by combinations of anti-CD2 mAb, will be discussed.     

A new photometric method for the quantitation of Fc receptors for murine IgG1 on human monocytes and cell lines

We have previously shown a polymorphism of human Fc receptors for mouse IgG1 using an EA rosette technique in which human erythrocytes sensitized with a murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody against glycophorin A acted as indicator cells. We now describe a method to quantitate this EA rosetting using the pseudoperoxidase activity present in erythrocytes. This photometric assay allows the sensitive quantitative determination of Fc receptor expression on human monocytes and cell lines. Not only the human Fc receptor for murine IgG1 can be studied in this way, but the method can also be applied to other Fc receptors. An important factor in this type of rosette assay appears to be the amount of negative charge present on the surface of the indicator erythrocytes. Using alcian blue as a probe, we found that this negative charge is higher on human erythrocytes than on sheep erythrocytes, which may contribute to a better signal-to-noise ratio. The method described facilitates the characterization of Fc receptors and permits the rapid screening of monoclonal anti-Fc receptor antibodies.     

Localization of the Binding Site on IgG for Solubilized Placental Fcγ Receptor

Placental Fc gamma R (FcR) inhibited the rosette formation between monocytes and rabbit IgG-sensitized erythrocytes (EA), whereas the rosette formation with granulocytes was not impaired. Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) inhibited the rosette formation with both cell types. Results obtained in absorption and agglutination experiments showed that SpA blocked the binding of FcR to IgG, and Cl did not. Furthermore, FcR did not interfere with the binding of SpA to IgG, whereas C1 affected this binding. FcR apparently bind to the C gamma 3 region. Since FcR inhibited the binding of EA to monocytes, the monocyte FcR binding site is probably also located within the C gamma 3 region.     

IgG-binding sites on macrophage cell membrane. II. Mobility of Fc receptors induced by the interaction with their corresponding IgG ligands

Mouse peritoneal macrophages were charged with IgG molecules in monomeric (mIgG), heat-aggregated (agIgG) or antigen-complexed (acIgG) form. Upon exposure to 37 degrees C, all bound IgG ligand types are redistributed on the cell surface due to the mobilization of their corresponding Fc receptor (FcR). The major findings regarding the fate of FcR on macrophages bearing IgG ligands are as follows: (a) the FcR involved in the binding of cytophilic molecules has a slow movement on the cell membrane and forms patches but never caps, while the opsonic type of FcR is rapidly capped; (b) the mobility of IgG-binding sites was temperature-dependent and was affected differently by sodium azide; this metabolic inhibitor enhances the disappearance of mIgG from the cell surface but decreases the capping and the disappearance of polymeric ligands; (c) both FcR types are probably ingested when complexed with specific ligand, and consequently, the rebinding of homologous IgG molecules is reduced, the clearing induced by agIgG or acIgG binding being much more extensive; and (d) cells cleared of their opsonic types of FcR are able to regenerate the receptor molecules with 8 h of incubation at 37 degrees C.     

T cell activation by anti-CD3 antibodies: function of Fc receptors on B cell blasts, but not resting B cells, and CD18 on the responding T cells

Mouse anti-human CD3 (T3) antibodies can induce T cell proliferation in the presence of Fc receptor (FcR)-bearing accessory cells. Depending on whether the particular antibody can interact with the FcR, it can be mitogenic or otherwise. Previously, some of us (Smith, K. G. C. et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 1986. 16:478) examined human T cell responses to the murine anti-CD3 antibody switch variants UCHT1 (IgG1) and UCHT1B (IgG2b). Using a novel xenogeneic system with mouse macrophages (M phi) and an anti-FcR antibody, 2.4G2, we obtained direct evidence for accessory function of FcR in these responses. However, mouse B cells which also possess FcR were not accessory cells. Here we show that resting B cells do not inhibit anti-CD3 responses in the presence of other accessory cells, and they do not synergize with them. They appear to be inert in these responses but this is not simply because of their radiosensitivity. In contrast, B cell blasts proved to be potent stimulators of responses with UCHT1, UCHT1B and OKT3 (IgG2a). All three responses were inhibited by 2.4G2, whereas we have shown previously that the OKT3 response with M phi was not, in keeping with the known specificities of B cell and M phi FcR. These findings are discussed in relation to the molecular cloning of FcR, and we consider the possibility that distinct FcR could be expressed on resting and activated B cells. A report that anti-CD18 (LFA-1) antibodies blocked the UCHT1 response with human monocytes raised the possibility that this molecule might also be involved in accessory function. However, we show that this inhibition is in fact at the level of the T cell, since anti-human, but not anti-mouse CD18 antibodies, inhibited proliferative responses and clustering with both human and mouse accessory cells. Our results demonstrate that the principal contribution of accessory cells to anti-CD3 responses may be the provision of an FcR, and that CD18 is most probably required at the level of the T cell.     

T-cell hybridoma co-expressing Fc receptors for different isotypes. I. Reciprocal regulation of Fc alpha R and Fc gamma R expression by IgA and interferon.

To clarify the co-expression phenomenon of T-cell Fc receptors (FcR) specific for different isotypes on the clonal level, a murine hybridoma clone T2D4 was studied. T2D4 cells originally reported to bear FcR for IgG (Fc gamma R) and to release a Fc gamma R-related T-cell factor binding to IgG (immunoglobulin binding factor; IBF) proved to have also the receptor for IgA. The binding of IgA was detected by rosette formation with trinitrophenylated ox red blood cells (TNP-ORBC) after preincubation of T2D4 cells with MOPC 315 IgA having anti-TNP activity, or directly with TNP-ORBC sensitized with MOPC 315 IgA. While the binding of MOPC 315 IgA was competed for by IgA but not by IgG2A nor IgG2B, IgA failed to inhibit the rosette formation of the cells with ORBC sensitized with rabbit IgG antibody (EA ox gamma), proving that T2D4 cells express FcR specific for IgA (Fc alpha R) in addition to Fc gamma R. Co-expression of both receptors on the same cell surface was demonstrated by a double rosette technique using TNP-quail red blood cells (TNP-QRBC) and EAox gamma. Fc alpha R activity of the cells was completely abrogated by 15 min. incubation with 0.1 mg/ml trypsin, whereas Fc gamma R was resistant even to 1 mg/ml trypsin. The expression of Fc alpha R was augmented (up-regulation) by IgA at the concentration above 300 micrograms/ml and inhibited (down-regulation) by 1000 u./ml of murine beta-interferon (beta-IFN). Conversely, the expression of Fc gamma R was down-regulated by IgA and up-regulated by alpha-IFN. Thus, Fc gamma R and Fc alpha R are co-expressed and reciprocally regulated on these cell lines. The possible co-production of IBF and the Fc alpha R-related binding factor specific for IgA is discussed.     

Fc receptors on rabbit lymphocytes Existence of receptors for IgG antibody complexed with antigen; conditions for its detection

The presence of Fc receptors (FcR) on rabbit peripheral blood leukocytes is demonstrated using rosette formation with an ox erythrocyte-antibody (EoxA) complex. The receptor is specific for the Fc fragment of IgG (neither IgM nor F (ab′)₂ anti-Eox mediates rosette formation) that is antigen-bound (aggregated rabbit IgG inhibits the rosette formation only transiently). The receptor is species-specific: guinea pig IgG/ Eox, goat IgG/Eox and sheep IgG/Eox complexes do not show rosette formation, and goat IgG aggregates do not inhibit rosette formation. The origin of the target erythrocytes is of importance. Sheep erythrocytes are not useful, and within Eox large differences between donors were found. Rosette formation was only inhibited by pretreatment of the rosette-forming cells with homologous immune complexes, whereas the size of the antigen greatly influenced the degree of inhibition. The rabbit FcR is pronase-resistant, unlike the human and murine FcR. The interaction of IgG and the FcR is not inhibited by isolated Cγ 3 domains. Further evidence for the requirement of the whole Fc region was obtained in experiments where inhibition of the rosette formation was observed using antisera directed to the Cγ3 and the Cγ2 domain, respectively. Anti-Fab antiserum did not inhibit rosette formation. Results are discussed in relation to the mechanism of allotypic suppression.     

Fc IgM receptors on human lymphoblastoid B cell lines.

Five human lymphoblastoid cell lines have been investigated for their ability to secrete immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) and for the presence of different cell surface markers, with special emphasis on the Fc IgM receptor, using a rosette technique with IgM-coated bovine red blood cells (EA-IgM). Four cell lines (Hu, 8432, SB, PA3) were characterized as having as cell origin due to the presence of surface immunoglobulins, complement receptors, mouse red blood cell rosette formation, low avidity Fc IgG receptors and absence of sheep red blood cell rosette formation. Two of these B cell lines (Hu and PA3) secreted IgM, two cell lines (8432 and SB) secreted IgG, while the human T cell line Molt 4 did not secrete Ig. All four B cell lines exhibited Fc IgM receptors (17–35%) while the T cell line Molt 4 had no detectable Fc IgM receptor. The receptor was specific for IgM. Neither aggregated IgG, soluble IgG immune complexes nor EDTA could abrogate the rosette formation, IgM immune complexes, pure human IgM, as well as normal human serum had an inhibitory effect on EA-IgM rosette formation. The receptor was trypsin-sensitive and required protein synthesis for expression. There was no correlation between the expression of Fc IgM receptors and secretion of any given Ig class, indicating that B cells may express Fc IgM receptors independently of their commitment to produce IgM or IgG.     

Divergent effects of FcγRIIIA ligands on the functional activities of human natural killer cells in vitro

The Fcγ receptor (R)IIIA (CD16) plays an important role in regulating the cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic functions of human natural killer (NK) cells. Some anti-CD 16 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have been shown to stimulate NK activity, while human monomeric (m) IgG induces dose-dependent inhibition of NK activity. To explore further these interactions mediated via FcγRIIIA, purified NK cells were cultured for 2–3 days in the presence of mIgG, 3G8 mAb, interleukin-2 (IL-2) or a combination of mIgG or 3G8 with IL-2. Binding of mIgG or 3G8 to FcγRIIIA induced divergent effects of functions of cultured NK cells: 3G8 mAb + IL-2 induced dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation attributable to apoptosis; in contrast, mIgG + IL-2 significantly increased NK cell proliferation. Incubation of NK cells in the presence of mIgG up-regulated expression of surface activation markers (CD69, IL-2Rα, ICAM-1), cytotoxicity, cytokine production (IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and release of soluble IL-2R. Thus, mIgG binding to FcγRIIIA induced stimulatory signals in human NK cells, leading to up-regulation of IL-2Rα expression, cell proliferation and cytokine release.     

Interferon-gamma restores T lymphocyte proliferation of nonresponders to IgG1 anti-CD3 via the induction of Fc gamma 1 receptors on monocytes

Human peripheral blood T lymphocytes are stimulated to grow and divide by some mouse anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. This polyclonal mitogenesis is dependent on both their immunoglobulin subclass and the presence of monocytes. The unresponsiveness of T lymphocytes from certain individuals to mouse IgG1 (or IgG2a) antibodies is due to a failure of their monocytes to bind these IgG isotypes. In this study, we have selected such nonresponder subjects to IgG1 anti-CD3 (UCHT 1) in order to study their monocytes. Two assays were used: IgG1 and IgG2 EA rosettes to evaluate their Fc receptor-binding capacity, and IgG-mediated monocyte chemiluminescence to test their receptor-related activation since mouse anti-T cell antibodies binding to lymphocytes trigger monocyte chemiluminescence via their Fc receptor. We have observed that in all nonresponder subjects the absence of IgG1 anti-CD3 monocyte chemiluminescence strictly correlates with the absence of IgG1 EA rosettes. Thus, the failure to respond to UCHT 1, in all nonresponders tested to date, is due to the absence of Fc gamma 1 receptors on their monocytes. Treatment of nonresponder monocytes by recombinant interferon-gamma was shown to restore T cell proliferation and monocyte chemiluminescence in nonresponders. This effect of interferon-gamma correlates with the appearance of Fc gamma 1 receptors on monocytes from these individuals. This work strongly suggests that nonresponder monocytes possess functional genes for Fc gamma 1 receptors which are not expressed normally at a detectable level but can be induced by interferon-gamma.     

Isotype-specific cross-linking of select human Fc gamma R isoforms triggers release of IL-6.

Anti-CD3 MoAbs are widely used in T cell activation studies, and are effective in immunosuppressive therapy. We used a panel of mouse (m) anti-CD3 switch variant MoAbs of five different isotypes to study IL-6 release from accessory cells. Incubation of human (h) mononuclear cells with anti-CD3 MoAbs resulted in increased IL-6 levels with MoAbs of mIgG1 and mIgG2a isotypes, with no effect of mIgG2b or mIgA. This suggested involvement of IgG Fc receptors (Fc gamma R) in triggering IL-6 production. To evaluate the role of different Fc gamma R molecules individually we used a panel of hFc gamma R-transfected mouse fibroblasts, and Jurkat T cells as a model. IL-6 secretion by CD32 transfectants expressing the hFc gamma RIIa high-responder (HR) allelic form was triggered by mIgG1 anti-CD3 MoAb, with no effect of four other isotypes. None of the anti-CD3 MoAbs induced IL-6 secretion by CD32 transfectants expressing either a variant of this receptor, containing only a single intracellular amino acid (CT-), the hFc gamma RIIa low-responder (LR) allelic form, or hFc gamma RIIb1. hFc gamma RI (CD64) transfectants exhibited IL-6 production after incubation with mIgG2a anti-CD3 MoAb, and to a lesser extent with mIgG2b, and mIgG1 MoAb. Indirect involvement of T cells in triggering IL-6 secretion could be excluded by experiments in which transfectants were cultured with immobilized anti-CD3 MoAb. These data indicate that cross-linking of either hFc gamma RI, or hFc gamma RIIaHR by appropriate anti-CD3 MoAbs triggers IL-6 production of accessory cells, and not T cells. This may also take place in vivo during immunosuppressive therapy with anti-CD3 MoAbs, and related antibody-mediated immune responses.     

Induction of T cell proliferation with anti-CD3 switch-variant monoclonal antibodies: effects of heavy chain isotype in monocyte-dependent systems

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against the CD3 (T3), antigen are able to induce proliferation in resting human T lymphocytes. T cell proliferation only occurs in the presence of monocytes that carry the proper Fc receptor for the mAb used. To further analyze the role of the Fc portion of anti-CD3 mAb in proliferation induction, we isolated, starting from a gamma 1 anti-CD3-producing hybridoma, four heavy-chain isotype switch-variant antibody-secreting clones, producing gamma 2b, gamma 2a, epsilon and alpha, respectively. All variant antibodies recognize the CD3 antigen as determined by immunoprecipitation and cross-blocking experiments. With this series of isotype variant antibodies we were able, in proliferation induction experiments, to confirm the Fc receptor polymorphism for murine IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG1 on human monocytes. Moreover, we found that all 30 donors tested responded to the IgE anti-CD3 antibody, while no IgA responders could be identified. The induction of proliferation by the IgE variant antibody does not require the 72-kDa Fc receptor which is responsible for the interaction with mouse IgG2a. Nonresponsiveness to the IgG1 antibody, but not to the IgG2b or IgA variant antibodies, could be overcome by the addition of exogenous interleukin 2 to the cultures. When the switch-variant antibodies were used to induce IgM synthesis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells only low IgM synthesis was found, with the exception of the IgE variant, which induced excellent T cell help for IgM production.     

T cell activation by anti-T3 antibodies: comparison of IgG1 and IgG2b switch variants and direct evidence for accessory function of macrophage Fc receptors

The human T3 antigen is closely associated with the T cell receptor. Some anti-T3 antibodies cause T cell proliferation in the presence of monocytes which have Fc receptors (FcR) that bind particular antibody subclasses. Such an interaction is thought to determine whether or not an anti-T3 antibody is mitogenic. We examined the mitogenicity of an IgG1 antibody, UCHT1, and an IgG2b switch variant of identical specificity, UCHT1B. With autologous monocytes, 76% of individuals responded to UCHT1 and 9% to UCHT1B, falling into three patterns of responsiveness. Both antibodies in the absence of monocytes induced responsiveness to recombinant interleukin 2, even for UCHT1B nonresponder T cells. The proliferation induced by UCHT1B, however, was always less than that induced by UCHT1. These findings demonstrate the critical role played by the Fc region for mitogenesis, and suggest a possible role for the hinge region. We then obtained direct evidence that mitogenicity can be mediated exclusively via FcR. Mouse macrophages have distinct FcR: FcRI binds IgG2a but FcRII binds IgG1 and IgG2b and its function can be inhibited by the specific antibody 2.4G2. Because UCHT1 and UCHT1B were of the correct subclass to interact with FcRII we examined the accessory function of mouse peritoneal macrophages. Without exception, human T cells now responded to both antibodies. Proliferation was drastically inhibited by 2.4G2 but not by an irrelevant anti-macrophage antibody, F4/80, nor by an anti-human neutrophil FcR antibody, 3G8. Furthermore, 2.4G2 did not inhibit the accessory function of mouse macrophages for OKT3, an IgG2a antibody that presumably interacts with FcRI, and did not inhibit the function of human monocytes for UCHT1 and UCHT1B. Mouse B cells, in contrast to macrophages, have an FcR which binds all three subclasses, but which can be inhibited by 2.4G2. B cells, however, were not accessory cells for mitogenesis with UCHT1, UCHT1B or OKT3. These findings are discussed in relation to other requirements for T cell activation by anti-T3 antibodies.     

Characterization of natural killer (NK) cells and killer (K) cells in human blood: discrimination between NK and K cell activities.

Cell suspensions enriched and depleted for rosette-forming cells with sheep red blood cells (E-RFC) and depleted for RFC with antibody complexes were prepared. The isolated fractions were characterized by cell surface marker analysis and tested for their natural killer (NK) and killer (K) cell activity against K-562 cells and IgG-coated P-815 cells, growing in suspension, and against a number of monolayer tumor cell lines. It was found that the NK cells most likely belong to the T cell lymphocyte subpopulation. Furthermore, this study indicates that several subpopulations exist, e.g. NK cells that have no IgG Fc receptor (FcR) on their surface and NK cells that bear IgG FcR, indicating that for a proportion of NK cells the IgG FcR is not involved in the NK lytic process and hence antibody-independent. Moreover, monocytes and B lymphocytes appear not to be directly involved in the NK cell lytic process. Furthermore, cell separation procedures were used to obtain cell suspensions either bearing IgG FcR or lacking IgG FcR. Cells bearing IgG FcR were isolated in such a way that they lost their IgG FcR by shedding, as a result of the separation procedure. Again, all fractions were simultaneously characterized by cell surface marker analysis and tested for their NK and K cell lytic activity. The effect of immune complexes on the NK and K cell lytic activities was investigated. The data indicate that the IgG FcR is not involved in the NK lytic mechanism, although this receptor may be present on the NK cell. Moreover, prolonged culturing of lymphocytes increases and/or induces NK cell lytic activity.     

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of Fc alpha receptors on isotype-specific T cells

A sensitive and reproducible enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed using T cell hybridomas as coating antigen, for detection of Fc receptors for IgA (Fc alpha R). T-T hybridomas were generated from fusions of Fc alpha R+ T cell clones from mouse Peyer's patches with the Fc alpha R- R1.1 T lymphoma cell line. The 2 T-T hybridomas (designated Th HA) used here express Fc alpha R as determined by a rosette method and by ELISA. Th HA cells were cultured under conditions for maximum Fc alpha R expression, were added to individual wells of 96-well EIA plates, and were fixed in situ with glutaraldehyde. Plates were incubated with purified mouse monoclonal IgA, IgM or IgG1 and were developed with beta-galactosidase-coupled goat IgG antibodies specific for mouse heavy chains. Using the ELISA, both Th HA cell lines were shown to express significant levels of Fc alpha R, lower but detectable Fc mu R, and no discernible Fc gamma 1R. Interestingly, the rosette assay only allowed detection of receptors for IgA. When splenic lymphocytes were used, good Fc mu R and less Fc alpha R expression occurred on these cells as determined by ELISA and rosetting; however, no Fc gamma 1R cells were detected by either method. Thus, the ELISA is sensitive and reproducible, and allows an objective measurement of FcR expressed on T cells.     

FcR cross-linking on monocytes results in impaired T cell stimulatory capacity

Presentation of antigen to T lymphocytes without the appropriateco-stlmulatory signals results in a state of antigen-specificunresponsiveness. Despite the presumed importance of the B7-CD28interaction for the initiation and maintenance of T cell-mediatedimmune responses, relatively few studies have addressed theregulation of B7 expression. We have studied the expressionof the CD80 (B7-1) and B7-2 molecules on peripheral blood monocytesfollowing different activation signals, and it was demonstratedthat not only IFN-, but also granulocyte macrophage colony stimulatingfactor can induce CD80 expression on monocytes. In addition,we found that cross linking of FcR on monocytes strongly inhibitsthe up-regulation of CD80 and B7-2, with as a functional consequencethat the capacity to function as antigen presenting cells (APC)and to.stimulate T cell activation is severely impaired. Whencultures were prepared In 96-well plates coated with human IgG,stimulation of T cells with allogenelc monocytes resulted onlyin modest T cell proliferation and no detectable IL-2 secretionas compared with untreated culture plates or plates coated withFab fragments of human IgG. Under these conditions cross-linkingof CD28 on the T cells with specific mAb completely revertedthe inhibitory effect observed after culture on IgG-coated plates.Furthermore, FcR cross-linking on monocytes strongly Inhibitedthe capacity of monocytes to Induce a specific memory T cellresponse to viral, bacterial and fungal antigens, whereas thetreatment did not impair the capacity of the T cells to respondto pokeweed mitogen, phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A.We conclude that after FcR cross-linking, the impaired APC functionis most likely due to the inability of monocytes to providethe essential costimulatory signals to the T cells via the B7–CD28/CTLA-4interaction.