MHC I类分子限制性抗原的加工与递呈

ＭＨＣ分子限制性抗原的加工与递呈是近年基础免疫学研究热点之一。ＭＨＣ Ｉ类分子将加工后的抗原递呈给ＣＤ８Ｔ淋巴细胞，此路径的抗原加工与递呈由于其重要性而受到广泛重视，本文就近年来这一领域的研究成果作一综述。     

抗原递呈的细胞生物学研究进展─—抗原递呈原理

近年来对抗原识别的研究一直是免疫学的热点，特别是对抗原加工和递呈的研究，目前已初步揭开了免疫应答中抗原信息产生和传导的秘密，即抗原加工和递呈受控于ＭＨＣ系统：①由ＭＨＣ分子及ＭＨＣ相关蛋白分子参与的抗原加工，多肽前体的运输及跨膜转运等；②由ＭＨＣ分子结合并运送多肽抗原至细胞表面；③由ＭＨＣ分子这一装置将其表达；④由ＭＨＣ限定的抗原识别；⑤重要的是ＭＨＣ对抗原性多肽的选择性结合和递呈。表明抗原加工和递呈不是随机的事件，而是生物进化过程中生存压力所选择的由ＭＨＣ系统调控的生物过程。     

自噬调节抗原递呈细胞功能的研究进展

自噬是细胞内进行的一种“自我消化”的过程。在此过程中,受损的细胞结构、衰老的细胞器和变性蛋白被包裹在自噬小体中,运输到溶酶体被降解,参与细胞代谢。抗原递呈细胞（APCs）依赖自噬识别微生物,进而产生Ⅰ型干扰素。自噬不仅提供了递呈到MHC-Ⅱ类分子上的抗原肽,还参与了APC的MHC-Ⅰ类分子递呈途径。此外,自噬会降低免疫突触的稳定性。     

MHC Ⅰ类分子限制性抗原的加工与递呈

MHC分子限制性抗原的加工与递呈是近年基础免疫学研究热点之一。MHCⅠ类分子将加工后的抗原递呈给CD8T淋巴细胞，此路径的抗原加工与递呈由于其重要性而受到广泛重视，本文就近年来这一领域的研究成果作一综述。     

MHC I类分子及与之结合的抗原肽

细胞内生性抗原需降解成抗原肽，由ＭＨＣ Ｉ类分子呈递给ＣＤ８＾＋细胞识别，从而诱导特异性细胞免疫应答。ＭＨＣ Ｉ类分子与抗原肽之间的结合表现出ＭＨＣ等位基因特异性，根据此特点可以预测抗原的Ｔ细胞识别表位，对于阐明自身免疫病和器官移植排斥反应的机理，指导人工合成肽疫苗用于病毒感染及肿瘤的免疫防治均具有重要意义。     

MHC I类分子呈递抗原的途径与肽疫苗研制的进展

主要组织相容性复合体Ｉ类分子主要呈递内源合成抗原，供ＣＤ８＾＋细胞毒Ｔ淋巴细胞识别，抗原呈递转运子与肽相互作用是特异性抗原肽转运和呈递的关键。外源性抗原通过树突状细胞和巨噬细胞等只性抗原呈递细胞加工处理后也可被ＭＨＣＩ类分子呈递。     

恒定链胞浆尾部在MHCⅡ类分子递呈抗原中的作用研究进展

ＭＨＣⅡ类分子的主要作用是递呈外源性抗原,恒定链（Ｉｉ）是其递呈抗原过程中的重要辅助分子。恒定链的作用包括其胞外部分对ＭＨＣⅡ类分子抗原结合位点的阻断作用,其胞浆尾部所提供的ＭＨＣⅡＩｉ复合体的分选／内化信号以及Ｉｉ自身的初步降解释放ＭＨＣⅡ类分子的信号。本文综述了Ｉｉ胞浆尾部ＭＨＣＩｉ复合体分选／内化信号的定位、结构和功能,以及Ｉｉ自身的初步降解信号的定位和功能     

不同免疫途径对抗原肽修饰DC疫苗免疫效应的影响

目的探讨不同的免疫途径对抗原肽修饰树突状细胞(DC)疫苗免疫效果的影响。方法用鸡卵清蛋白(OVA)MHCⅠ限制性多肽SIINFEKL(OVAp257-264)包被小鼠骨髓来源的DC,通过皮下、腹腔、静脉或肌肉注射免疫小鼠,7天后行体内细胞毒性T淋巴细胞杀伤实验(InvivoCTL)分析CTL杀伤活性和细胞内IFN-γ染色(ICS)分析免疫小鼠脾脏CD8+细胞产生IFN-γ的情况。结果免疫7天后,InvivoCTL结果显示SIINFEKL修饰的DC皮下、腹腔、静脉或肌肉注射免疫小鼠其特异性CTL杀伤效应分别是37.3%±7.3%、61.0%±4.2%、56.9%±3.6%和10.8%±2.3%;ICS结果示四组小鼠产生IFN-γ的CD8+细胞占总CD8+细胞的比例分别是0.31%±0.07%、0.85%±0.12%、0.76%±0.14%和0.15%±0.04%。结论不同免疫途径可明显影响抗原肽修饰DC疫苗的免疫效应,其中腹腔注射诱发的抗原特异性CTL反应最强,静脉注射者次之,而皮下注射特别是肌肉注射较弱,提示通过腹腔注射DC疫苗可能是安全、高效的免疫途径。     

生物血管主要组织相容性复合体抗原表达及内皮化的实验研究

为了解胰蛋白酶处理前后版纳微型猪近交系血管的主要组织相容性复合体 (Major histocom patibilitycomplex,MHC)表达及去细胞后重新内皮化情况 ,为异种移植及猪血管用于血管组织工程提供资料 ,取猪颈动脉 ,胰蛋白酶预处理猪血管前后 Western Blot法检测 MHC抗原表达 ,在自行设计制作的新型动力性生物反应器中 ,用原代培养的内皮细胞种植在去细胞血管基质材料表面 ,扫描电镜检测内皮化效果。结果表明 ,胰蛋白酶预处理血管后 ,未见 MHC抗原表达 ,扫描电镜可见血管腔内皮细胞形态正常 ,沿血管长轴分布 ,提示经胰蛋白酶预处理的猪血管 MHC抗原大大降低 ,人内皮细胞能成功内皮化 ,可望构建实用的组织工程血管     

鸡Ⅰ类抗原递呈分子亚单位与恒定链的细胞定位及相互关系研究

目的:研究鸡Ⅰ类抗原递呈分子亚单位和鸡恒定链的细胞定位及相互关系。方法:RT-PCR获得鸡MHCⅠ类分子α、β2m亚单位,并进一步构建了能表达红色和绿色荧光蛋白的α、β2m亚单位的真核表达载体,利用脂质体介导法与能表达增强型绿色荧光的Ii真核表达载体共转染COS-7细胞,荧光显微镜检测Ii与MHCⅠ亚单位的细胞定位,并通过免疫共沉淀进一步研究它们之间的相互关系。结果:GFP-Ii与MHCⅠα-RFP、MHCⅠβ2m-RFP在细胞中共表达后出现共定位现象,且共定位于细胞的内膜系统;免疫共沉淀结果显示,只有当GFP-Ii链与MHCⅠα-GFP、MHCⅠβ2m-GFP三者共转染后,才可以检测到MHCⅠα-GFP、MHCⅠβ2m-GFP的表达。结论:鸡Ii与单个的MHCⅠα、MHCⅠβ2m亚单位不能有效结合,Ii只有与完整的Ⅰ类抗原递呈分子才能够形成复合体,且共定位于细胞的内膜系统。     

Invriant chain peptides enhancing or inhibiting the presentation of antigenic peptides by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules

Two soluble invariant chain (Ii) peptides with overlapping sequences had contrasting effects on the presentation of antigenic peptides by murine A^d, A^k, E^d, and E^k major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Naturally produced class II-associated invariant chain peptides human (h)Ii81–104/murine (m)Ii80–103 inhibited antigen presentation on these MHC class II alleles in a manner consistent with competitive inhibition. The Ii-4 peptides hIi77–92/mIi76–91 enhanced presentation of antigenic peptides on I-E class II alleles by promoting the exchange of peptides at the cell surface. Treatment of antigenpresenting cells (APC) with Ii-4 before the addition of antigenic peptide greatly enhanced subsequent T cell responses, while treatment of APC with Ii–4 after antigenic peptide binding decreased subsequent T cell responses. The hIi81–104 and mIi80–103 peptides inhibited T cell responses in both types of assays. The binding of biotinylated antigenic peptide to MHC class II-transfected L cells, as measured by flow cytometry, was inhibited by mIi80-103 and enhanced by mIi-4. Segments of Ii fragments remaining associated with MHC class II, or released Ii peptides, appear to regulate the formation of stable antigenic peptide/MHC class II complexes either positively or negatively through interactions at or near the antigenic peptide binding site. These findings open a pathway for the design of novel therapeutics based on the structure and function of natural and rationally designed fragments of Ii.     

Assembly of an abundant endogenous major histocompatibility complex class II/peptide complex in class II compartments

To identify the intracellular site(s) of formation of an endogenous class II/peptide complex in a human B cell line, we employed kinetic pulse-chase labeling experiments followed by subcellular fractionation by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and immunogold labeling on ultrathin cryosections. For direct demonstration of assembly of such complexes, we used the monoclonal antibody YAe, which detects an endogenous complex of the mouse class II molecule I-A^b with a 17-amino acid peptide derived from the α chain of HLA-DR (DRα52–68). We show that in human B lymphocytes, these class II/peptide complexes assemble and transiently accumulate in major histocompatibility complex class II-enriched compartments before reaching the cell surface.     

平顶猴主要组织相容性复合物基因研究进展

平顶猴是目前唯一被报道可被人类免疫缺陷病毒1型(HIV-1)感染的旧大陆猴,并且已成为在研究HIV致病机制、抗病毒药物和疫苗研发中极具前景的动物模型.随着平顶猴在动物模型中日益广泛的应用,其免疫系统相关的基础数据,尤其是主要组织相容性复合物(MHC)基因受到越来越多的关注.MHC基因是广泛分布于脊椎动物体内且与免疫应答和移植排斥密切相关的一组庞大的基因家族.许多研究证明,MHC基因具有高度的多态性,并且其多态性对药物实验数据以及疾病发展进程有显著影响.在动物模型实验中,了解实验动物的MHC基因有利于实验的设计和提高实验结果的可靠性.开展平顶猴MHC基因研究获得其等位基因多态性等相关基础数据对该物种成为更理想可靠的动物模型有重要的研究意义.     

Carrier-mediated uptake and presentation of a major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted peptide

Antigenic peptides derived from endogenous or viral proteins can associate with class I or class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, while exogenous antigens are endocytosed, processed intracellularly and presented on MHC class II molecules. Here we describe a method that allows the presentation of an MHC class I-restricted antigenic peptide on MHC class I molecules, although it was taken up from the outside. The HLA-A2-restricted influenza virus matrix protein-derived peptide (flu, 57–68) was used either in soluble form or coupled via an S-S bridge to transferrin (Tf-flu). Target cells were incubated with flu or Tf-flu and the effective antigen presentation was detected in a cytotoxicity assay using flu peptide-specific, HLA-A2-restricted CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Sensitization of target cells with Tf-flu required 5 to 10 times higher molar concentrations of peptide compared to sensitization with soluble free peptide. The Tf-flu construct was taken up by the cells via the Tf receptor (CD71) as the binding of Tf-flu was blocked by an excess of Tf. In contrast to the flu peptide, cytotoxicity elicited by Tf-flu was blocked by brefeldin A but not by chloroquine nor inhibitors of intracellular reducing steps, like 1-buthionine-(s, r)-sulfoximine or n-ethylmaleimide. Presentation of the flu peptide derived from Tf-flu construct is not hindered in the mutant T2 cell line, which lacks genes coding for transporter proteins for antigenic peptides (TAP1/TAP2) and proteasomes subunits, suggesting that the processing pathway described in this report may involve TAP-independent steps.     

Excessive degradation of intracellular protein in macrophages prevents presentation in the context of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules

The endogenous major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II presentation pathway allows biosynthesized, intracellular antigens access for presentation to MHC class II-restricted T cells. This pathway has been well documented in B cells and fibroblasts, but may not be universally available in all antigen-presenting cell types. This study compares the ability of different antigen-presenting cells, expressing endogenous C5 protein (fifth component of mouse complement) as a result of transfection, to present their biosynthesized C5 to MHC class II-restricted T cells. B cells and fibroblasts expressing C5 were able to present several epitopes of this protein with MHC class II molecules, whereas macrophages were unable to do so, but readily presented C5 from an extracellular source. However, macrophage presentation of endogenous C5 could be achieved when they were treated with low doses of the lysosomotropic agent ammonium chloride. In the presence of an inhibitor of autophagy, presentation of endogenous C5 was abrogated, indicating that biosynthesized C5 is shuttled into lysosomal compartments for degradation before making contact with MHC class II molecules. Taken together, this suggests that proteolytic activity in lysosomes of macrophages may be excessive, compared with fibroblasts and B cells, and destroys epitopes of the C5 protein before they can gain access to MHC class II molecules. Thus, there are inherent differences in presentation pathways between antigen-presenting cell types; this could reflect their specialized functions within the immune system with macrophages focussing preferentially on internalization, degradation, and presentation of extracellular material.     

Real-time measurement of antigenic peptide binding to empty and preloaded single-chain major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) recognize peptides in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins, but how peptides bind to class I is not well understood. We used a fluorescence technique to measure antigenic peptide binding to a soluble, single-chain K^d (SC-K^d) molecule in which the K^d heavy chain was connected by a 15-residue link to β₂-microglobulin. Peptides were covalently labeled at their N terminus with dansyl, and binding of dansylated K^d-restricted peptides to SC-K^d resulted in significant fluorescence enhancement, which could be inhibited by unmodified K^d-restricted peptides. Real-time binding of a dansylated peptide could be followed by monitoring the fluorescence at 530 nm. The dansylated Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite (PbCS) 263–260 peptide bound to “empty” SC-K^d with an association rate constant of 1140 M^?1s^?1, and the subsequent spontaneous dissociation of the SC-K^d-peptide complex was slow. The dissociation increased dramatically after addition of excess unlabeled PbCS 253–260 peptide, but with a slower association constant for unlabeled peptide, 77 M^?1s^?1. Thus, the K^d-peptide complex on the surface of antigen-presenting cells should be stable, but high concentrations of peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen would allow for peptide exchange on K^d before export to the surface. The apparent activation energy for PbCS 253–260 peptide binding to SC-K^d was 6.78 ± 0.64 kcal/mole, similar to values previously reported for antigen-antibody interactions.     

Lymphocyte-activation gene 3/major histocompatibility complex class II interaction modulates the antigenic response of CD4+ T lymphocytes

The activation requirements for antigen-dependent proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells are well documented, while the events leading to the inactivation phase are poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), a second major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II ligand, plays a regulatory role in CD4⁺ T lymphocyte activation. CD4⁺ class II-restricted T cell clones were stimulated by their relevant antigen (hemagglutinin peptide or diphteria toxoid) and antigen-presenting cells with or without anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Kinetic studies were performed to monitor different activation parameters, including the measurement of thymidine incorporation, expression of activation antigens and cytokine secretion. Results showed that the time course from the initial time points up to the peak time point was not modified in the presence of anti-LAG-3 mAb. However, addition of these antibodies, either as whole IgG or as Fab fragments, led to increased thymidine incorporation values for late time points and, hence, to a shift in the decreasing proliferation curve. We also showed that expression of activation antigens, such as CD25, was higher in the presence of anti-LAG-3 mAb, and that cytokine concentrations, i.e. of interferon-γ or interleukin-4, were higher in the corresponding culture supernatants. In addition, we tested whether the effects of anti-LAG-3 mAb were limited to antigen-dependent. MHC class II-restricted responses. The proliferative responses of CD4⁺ T cell clones following stimulation with either interleukin-2, mitogens, a combination of anti-CD2 mAb, immobilized anti-CD3 or anti-T cell receptor mAb were not altered by anti-LAG-3 mAb. The allogeneic proliferative response of a CD8⁺ T cell clone was also not affected. Overall, the present analysis reveals a modulating effect of anti-LAG-3 mAb, mediated specifically on antigen-dependent, MHC class II-restricted responses of CD4⁺ T cell lines. These results support the view that LAG-3/MHC class II interaction down-regulates antigen-dependent stimulation of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes.     

Naive alloreactive CD8 T cells are activated by purified major histocompatibility complex class I and antigenic peptide

In this report, we demonstrate stimulation of T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic CD8 T cells by isolated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I H-2L^d complexes and antigenic peptide. This is the first demonstration of CD8 T cells activated by MHC and antigenic peptide in the absence of antigen priming. Furthermore, isolated MHC and a potent peptide antigen can stimulate phenotypically naive CD44^? T cells to become CTL effectors and to produce interleukin-2 in nanogram per milliliter amounts. These results demonstrate that particular TCR antigen pairs may overcome the need for specialized antigen-presenting cells and have implications for mechanisms of autoimmunity and tolerance induction.     

Epitope cleavage by Leishmania endopeptidase(s) limits the efficiency of the exogenous pathway of major histocompatibility complex class I-associated antigen presentation

The activation of CD8⁺ T cell responses is commonplace during infection with a number of nonviral pathogens. Consequently, there has been much interest in the pathways of presentation of such exogenous antigens for major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted recognition. We had previously shown that Leishmania promastigotes transfected with the ovalbumin (OVA) gene could efficiently target OVA to the parasitophorous vacuole (PV), with subsequent recognition by class II-restricted T cells. We now report the results of studies aimed at evaluating the PV as a route of entry into the exogenous class I pathway. Bone marrow-derived macrophages can present soluble OVA (albeit at high concentrations) to the OVA_257–264-specific T cell hybridoma 13.13. In contrast, infection with OVA-transfected Leishmania promastigotes failed to result in the stimulation of this hybridoma. This appeared unrelated to variables such as antigen concentration, parasite survival, and macrophage activation status. These results prompted an analysis of the effects of promastigotes on class I peptide binding using RMA-S cells and OVA_257–264. Our data indicate that the major surface protease of Leishmania, gp63, inhibits this interaction by virtue of its endopeptidase activity against the OVA_257–264 peptide. The data suggest that this activity, if maintained within the PV, would result in loss of the OVA_257–264 epitope. Although we can therefore draw no conclusions from these studies regarding the efficiency of the PV as a site of entry of antigen into the exogenous class I pathway, we have identified a further means by which parasites may manipulate the immune repertoire of their host.     

Patterns of major histocompatibility complex class II expression by T cell subsets in different immunological compartments. 2. Altered expression and cell function following activation in vivo

This study characterizes antigen-induced phenotypic and functional aspects of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression on recirculating T cells in efferent lymph. In vivo secondary, but not primary challenge is associated with both kinetic and phenotypic alterations in class II expression by T cells. All three major T cell subsets, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and T19⁺ (γδ T cell receptor), show an approximate four fold increase in the level of MHC class II expression during secondary responses. No changes in B cell expression of class II were seen. Resting efferent lymph T cells are predominantly either class II^? or DR⁺DQ^? but this changes to DR⁺DQ⁺ after antigenic challenge. The antigen-presenting function of these class II⁺ T cells was investigated at daily intervals after in vivo antigenic challenge. T cells from non-activated lymph nodes could not induce proliferation of antigen-specific T cells with soluble antigen but were weakly stimulatory in allo-mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) at high (> 2:1) stimulator cell ratios. Activated T cells isolated during secondary in vivo responses, and expressing increased quantities of MHC class II, were positive stimulator cells in the MLR. In contrast these cells could not present soluble antigen or trypsin-digested antigen to the T cell lines. In the MLR assays, the relative stimulation by class II⁺ T cells correlates with the levels of class II expression. We conclude from these experiments that both quantitative and qualitative changes in MHC class II, induced on T cells under physiological conditions, play a role in the regulation of the immune response in vivo but that that role is not simply one of presentation of soluble antigen.