Adhesion receptor profile of thymic B-cell lymphoma.

Primary thymic B-cell lymphoma is clinically characterized by aleukemic, highly aggressive local growth, infrequent distant metastasis, and infrequent secondary lymph node involvement. VLA-1 to VLA-6 are cell surface molecules binding to matrix molecules such as collagen, fibronectin, epiligrin, and laminin. VLA-4 additionally binds to VCAM-1 and ICAM-2, thus mediating intercellular adhesion. Other molecules involved in cell/cell adhesion are LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), Mac-1(CD11b/CD18) and their ligand ICAM-1 (CD54), p150,95 (CD11c/CD18), LFA-3 (CD58), CD44, and LECAM-1. Twenty-three tumors, together with normal lymphoid tissue, were immunohistochemically examined to investigate the expression pattern of these molecules in thymic B-cell lymphomas and in their putative normal counterparts, namely thymic medullary B cells. Thymic B-cell lymphomas consistently lacked VLA-1,-2,-3,-5,-6, and CD11b, expressed ICAM-1 in 21 of 23 cases but were heterogenous for VLA-4, LFA-1, CD11c, LFA-3, CD44, and LECAM-1. Presence of LFA-1 correlated with LFA-3 expression (P = 0.029). The receptor profile of thymic B-cell lymphoma was reminiscent of the expressional status of normal thymic medullary B cells in some aspects but deviated in others: Assuming that, in terms of differentiation, thymic B-cell lymphoma is related to the asteroid variant of thymic medullary B cells, a propensity to down-regulate/lose VLA-4, CD11a, CD44, and LECAM-1 would have to be supposed in conjunction with a tendency to overexpress ICAM-1 and LFA-3. Sclerosis as an inconsistent phenomenon in thymic B-cell lymphoma was absent in 8 of 23 tumors. Presence of sclerosis correlated with LECAM-1 expression of the tumor cells (P = 0.038). Recent studies suggest that a locally growing/aleukemic phenotype of a B-cell neoplasia might be determined by the phenotype VLAs-, LFA-1+, ICAM-1+, CD44-, and LECAM-1-. Our data corroborate this view.     

Upregulation of adhesion molecules induced by broncho-vaxom on phagocytic cells.

Whole blood was incubated with the bacterial extract Broncho-Vaxom (OM85) at various concentrations and for different periods of time. Expression of the beta 2-integrins (LFA-1, CD11a/CD18; MAC-1, CD11b/CD18; p150,95, CD11c/CD18) and ICAM-1 (CD54) by monocytes and granulocytes was studied using flow cytometry. OM85 enhanced the expression of MAC-1 and ICAM-1 on monocytes and granulocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal expression was achieved with 1 mg/ml bacterial extract. The effect on MAC-1 expression was not due to the low concentration of endotoxin contaminating the preparation (less than 1 ng/mg) since polymyxin-B did not substantially affect the adhesion molecule upregulation induced by OM85. In addition, OM85 enhanced the expression of p150,95 on monocytes and granulocytes, and also increased expression of LFA-1 on monocytes, but not on granulocytes. While MAC-1 and p150,95 expression reached peak values between 1 and 6 h, levels of ICAM-1 rose constantly for 10 h. We suggest that the clinical interest of OM85 in the management of recurrent infections could be related to be upregulation of adhesion molecules induced by this bacterial extract.     

Heterogenous glycosylation of ICAM-3 and lack of interaction with Mac-1 and p150,95

Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, ICAM-2, and ICAM-3 have been identified as counter-receptors for the leukocyte integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). The other leukocyte integrins, Mac-1 and p150,95, also interact with ICAM-1. ICAM-1 and ICAM-3 are highly homologous, and an undefined ligand for Mac-1 is presnt on neutrophils where ICAM-3 is well expressed. In addition, glycosylation has been shown to affect the interaction of ICAM-1 with Mac-1. We therefore sought to characterize ICAM-3 heterogeneity and determine whether ICAM-3 was a ligand for either Mac-1 or p150,95. Despite extensive differences in N-linked glycosylation, ICAM-3 purified from lymphoid cells and from neutrophils supports adhesion of LFA-1-bearing cells equally well; however, neither supports adhesion of Mac-1 or p150,95-expressing chinese hamster ovary cell transfectants. Similarly, purified Mac-1 does not support adhesion of ICAM-2 or ICAM-3-expressing L cell transfectants. ICAM-3 on neutrophils does not participate in Mac-1-dependent homotypic aggregation. Thus, ICAM-3 is not a counter-receptor for either Mac-1 or p150,95.     

Contribution of CD11a/CD18, CD11b/CD18, ICAM-1 (CD54) and −2 (CD102) to human monocyte migration through endothelium and connective tissue fibroblast barriers

Recently we reported that monocyte migration through a barrier of human synovial fibroblasts (HSF) is mediated by the CD11/CD18 (β₂) integrins, and the β₁ integrins VLA-4 and VLA-5 on monocytes. Here we investigated in parallel the role of β₂ integrin family members, LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) on monocytes, and the immunoglobulin supergene family members, ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 on HSF and on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), in monocyte migration through HSF and HUVEC monolayers. Using function blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAb), when both VLA-4 and VLA-5 on monocytes were blocked, treatment of monocytes with mAb to both LFA-1 and to Mac-1 completely inhibited monocyte migration across HSF barriers, although blocking either of these β₂ integrins alone had no effect on migration, even when VLA-4 and VLA-5 were blocked. This indicates that optimal β₂ integrin-dependent monocyte migration in synovial connective tissue may be mediated by either LFA-1 or Mac-1. Both ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 were constitutively expressed on HSF and on HUVEC, although ICAM-2 was only minimally expressed on HSF. Based on results of mAb blockade, ICAM-1 appeared to be the major ligand for LFA-1-dependent migration through the HSF. In contrast, both ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 mediated LFA-1-dependent monocyte migration through HUVEC. However, neither ICAM-1 nor ICAM-2 was required for Mac-1-dependent monocyte migration through either cell barrier, indicating that Mac-1 can utilize ligands distinct from ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 on HSF and on HUVEC during monocyte transmigration.     

Modulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression on the human mast-cell line (HMC)-1 by inflammatory mediators

The effect of inflammatory mediators on the expression of several surface adhesion molecules on the human mast-cell line (HMC)-1 was studied. By flow cytometry, it could be shown that among several surface adhesion molecules (ICAM-UCDS4, VLA-4/CD49d, Mac-UCD11b, LFA-1/CD11a, LFA-2/CD2, LFA-3/CDS8, VCAM-1), only the constitutively expressed immunoglobulin family member intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is modulated by proinflammatory cytokines on HMC-1 mast cells. Stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) resulted, in addition to interleukin-(lL-)4, in selective upregulation of ICAM-1 expression. Costimulation of either IL-4 or IFN-γ with TNF-α further increased the ICAM-1 expression as compared to the stimuli alone. In contrast, stem-cell factor (SCF), granulocyte/macrophage colonystimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-10, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF), and the complement split product C5a failed to modulate the expression of any adhesion molecule examined. The levels of cytoplasmic free calcium in HMC-1 mast cells were not altered by cross-linking surface ICAM-1, suggesting linkage of other intracellular signaling pathways. This cytokine-induced upregulation of ICAM-1 expression might reveal a putative regulatory mechanism of mast-cell interaction with effector cells bearing the counterparts of ICAM-1 (CD54), the molecules Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and leukosialin (CD43), and the principal ligand LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18).     

Interleukin-12-induced adhesion molecule expression in murine liver.

Systemically administered interleukin (IL)-12 causes liver inflammation in mice characterized by Kupffer cell proliferation and hypertrophy, hepatocyte necrosis, and multifocal accumulations of leukocytes in the hepatic parenchyma and around portal tracts and central veins. We have used both immunohistochemical staining and radiolabeled antibody quantitation to examine adhesion molecule expression in the livers of mice dosed daily with murine IL-12. Cells infiltrating livers of IL-12-treated mice were primarily mononuclear leukocytes expressing LFA-1, VLA-4, MAC-1, and CD18 adhesion molecules but little L-selectin. Kupffer cells constitutively expressed LFA-1 and smaller amounts of MAC-1, and high levels of ICAM-1 were constitutively expressed by liver sinusoidal lining cells, portal tract, and central vein endothelia. With IL-12 treatment, existing ICAM-1 expression was up-regulated and de novo expression occurred along bile duct epithelia. VCAM-1 levels were dramatically increased, with induced expression occurring along portal tract and central vein endothelia and scattered bile duct epithelial cells and in aggregations of cells in perivascular areas and the liver parenchyma. Although constitutive expression of E- and P-selectin was negligible, Il-12 induced a moderate rise in E-selectin levels. These increases in adhesion molecule expression may have implications for the therapeutic use of IL-12, especially in patients with liver disease or autoimmune conditions where augmented adhesion molecule expression may be critical to disease pathogenesis.     

Expression of adhesion molecules on infiltrating T cells in thyroid glands from patients with Graves' disease.

The present study was performed to elucidate the role of adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. Peripheral blood and intrathyroidal mononuclear cells were obtained from 14 patients with Graves' disease. The expression of adhesion molecules and HLA-DR antigen on CD4+ cells and CD4+ cell subpopulations was analysed by the two- or three-colour immunofluorescence method. The expression of adhesion molecules including LFA-1 alpha, LFA-1 beta, CD2, VLA-4 alpha and VLA-5 alpha on CD4+ cells in the thyroid gland was markedly higher than that in peripheral blood. In peripheral blood CD4+ cell subsets, the CD4+ CD45RO+ cell population had an enhanced expression of the adhesion molecules compared with the CD4+ CD45RA+ cell population. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of adhesion molecules by CD4+ cell populations and subsets between Graves' disease and healthy subjects. The thyroid gland from Graves' disease contained a higher percentage of CD4+ CD45RO+ cells and a lower percentage of CD4+ CD45RA+ cells. In intrathyroidal CD4+ cell subsets, the CD4+ CD45RO+ cell population had an increased expression of LFA-1 and CD2 compared with the CD4+ CD45RA+ cell population, but there was no significant difference in VLA-4 and VLA-5 expression between the two cell subsets. Furthermore, the expression of LFA-1 and CD2 on the CD4+ CD45RO+ cell population in the thyroid was significantly higher than that in matched peripheral blood. A similar finding was also observed for the CD4+ CD45RA+ cell population. The thyroid gland had an increased percentage of CD4+ HLA-DR+ cells compared with matched or healthy peripheral blood. However, there was no significant difference in the percentage of HLA-DR+ cells in the thyroid gland between CD4+ CD45RO+ cell and CD4+ CD45RA+ cell populations. These results suggest that increased expression of adhesion molecules on CD4+ cells may be responsible for the migration of these cells into thyroid glands and cellular interactions between these cells and thyroid epithelial cells.     

T-lymphocyte responsiveness in murine schistosomiasis mansoni is dependent upon the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, and very late antigen-4.

Granuloma formation in murine schistosomiasis is dependent on CD4+ Th lymphocytes and requires recruitment and accumulation of inflammatory cells at the site of egg deposition. The present study examined the role of three adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), that participate in cellular recruitment, interaction, and lymphocyte activation during in vitro activation of acutely and chronically infected spleen and liver granuloma lymphocytes. Blockade of ICAM-1, LFA-1, or VLA-4 by rat monoclonal antibody inhibited spleen and granuloma lymphocyte interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4 production as well as lymphoproliferative responses at similar levels (66 to 87%). The down-modulated cytokine and proliferative responses of chronically infected lymphocytes were inhibited to the same extent as their acutely infected counterparts. Cell sorting analysis demonstrated that acutely and chronically infected splenic and granuloma lymphocytes expressed similar levels of LFA-1, ICAM-1, and VLA-4 and that more ICAM-1 was expressed on infected than on uninfected mouse lymphocytes. By exposure of cells to paired monoclonal antibodies at suboptimal doses, it was determined that whereas all three adhesion molecules may participate, only ICAM-1 and LFA-1 showed synergistic interactions in determining lymphocyte responsiveness. These data suggest that spleen and liver granuloma lymphocytes are equally well armed with functional adhesion receptors. Thus, ICAM-1, LFA-1, and VLA-4 play an important accessory role in inflammatory cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation, and therefore these adhesion molecules may participate in the initiation and maintenance of the granulomatous inflammation.     

Quantitative analysis of adhesion molecules on cellular constituents of the human uterine microenvironment under the influence of estrogen and progesterone

The uterus contains all the components of a tertiary lymphoid compartment. We hypothesize that specific leukocyte recruitment to the endometrium during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy limits the type of immunocyte that gains access. The present study utilized flow cytometry to define and quantify adhesion molecules possibly used by decidual infiltrating lymphocytes (DIL) as homing receptors, uterine microvascular myometrial endothelial cells (UtMVE-Myo) as addressins, and secretory endometrial stroma cells (STO) as retainment factors. Human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes were used as control cells for comparison studies. DIL were composed of predominantly lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1+, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1+, LFA-2+, LFA-3+, gp150,95+, alpha1beta1+, Hermes cell adhesion molecule (H-CAM)+, and neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM)+ (CD56(bright)) memory/effector natural killer cells. A significant number of UtMVEC-Myo expressed platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, a percentage were uniquely LFA-3+, and alpha4 integrin expression was uniquely high. An increased number of STO uniquely expressed alpha3, beta3, and LFA-3, whereas alpha2, alpha4, alphaVbeta3, and H-CAM were significantly increased. Possible unique adhesions of DIL:UtMVEC-Myo included SLe(x):PECAM, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1:alpha4, and LFA-2:LFA-3, whereas DIL:STO included LFA-2:LFA-3 and N-CAM:N-CAM. Unique molecules on DIL may also associate with extracellular matrix (ECM) or complement on UtMVEC-Myo or STO to form gp150,95:fibrinogen/iC3b/C3dg, alpha1beta1:laminin (LM)/collagen (CO), and ICAM-1:fibronectin (FN) interactions. Bridges of ECM may also form between DIL and UtMVEC-Myo adhesion molecules including ICAM-1:FN:ICAM-1 and alpha4beta1:FN:alpha4beta1. DIL:ECM:STO interactions may involve alpha2beta1:CO:alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1:LM/CO/FN:alpha3beta1, alphaVbeta3:VN:alphaVbeta3, and H-CAM:hyaluronate:H-CAM. It is likely that many adhesion molecules play a role in the recruitment and retainment of specialized lymphocytes within the uterine microenvironment. (Mackay et al., 1990).     

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) provide co-stimulation in positive selection along with survival of selected thymocytes

T-cell differentiation in the thymus depends on positive selection of CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes by thymic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Positive selection allows maturation of only those thymocytes that are capable of self-peptide-MHC recognition. Thymocytes that fail to bind self-peptide-MHC die by apoptosis. An important question in thymocyte differentiation is whether co-stimulation is required for positive selection and on which cells co-stimulatory molecules may be expressed in the thymus. The vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and the intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) are known to be potent co-stimulatory molecules in activation of peripheral T-cells by interacting with the integrins VLA-4 and LFA-1, respectively. We were prompted to investigate whether VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 may also act as co-stimulators during selection of thymocytes. By using recombinant proteins of murine VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 fused to the Fc region of human IgG1 (rVCAM-1, rICAM-1) we examined the capacity of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 to act as co-stimulatory molecules in positive selection in vitro. Triggering the CD3/TCR complex together with co-stimulation applied by rVCAM-1 or rICAM-1 induced the generation of CD4+ single positive (SP) thymocytes from CD4+CD8+ DP thymocytes whereas either signal alone did not result in generation of CD4+ SP thymocytes. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 act therefore as co-stimulatory molecules in thymocyte positive selection in vitro. The generation of CD4+ SP cells is accompanied by cell survival both when it was co-stimulated with rVCAM-1 and with rICAM-1. Importantly we show here that VCAM-1 expression in the murine thymus is restricted to cortical F4/80 positive hematopoietic antigen presenting cells (hAPC) present exclusively in the cortex whereas expression of ICAM-1 has been reported on the epithelium both in cortex and medulla. This suggests that not only the cortical epithelium may use the co-stimulatory molecule ICAM-1 to mediate positive selection, but also cortical hAPCs may contribute to positive selection of thymocytes by using the co-stimulator VCAM-1.     

Expression of cell adhesion molecules and their beta1 and beta2 integrin ligands in human liver peliosis

The expression of the following cell adhesion molecules and their beta1 and beta2 integrin ligands was investigated in the liver tissue from 3 patients with non-bacillar peliosis using light and electron microscope immunohistochemistry: intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), macrophage antigen-1 (Mac-1), and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4). We found a parallel enhancement of the adhesion molecules expression in the dilated sinusoids and cavities in all 3 cases with peliosis. Mononuclear blood cells were detected in the sinusoids and sometimes perisinusoidally. These cells were mainly ICAM-1-, LFA-1-, and VLA-4-positive. At the ultrastructural level, ICAM-1-positive immune deposits were observed on the membrane of sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes. The expression of cell adhesion molecules on liver sinusoids in peliosis is probably triggered by factors released from damaged endothelial cells and hepatocytes. The prevalence of the ICAM-1/LFA-1 and VCAM-1/VLA-4 patterns of mononuclear blood cell/sinusoidal cell interactions could support the macrophage-induced or lymphocyte-induced type of liver injury. PECAM-1 was also included in the non-specific immune response in peliosis. The presence of erythrostasis or thrombosis in liver sinusoids could participate in the induction of adhesion molecule expression in peliosis.     

The role of CD44, CD45, CD45RO, CD46 and CD55 as potential anti-adhesion molecules involved in the binding of human tonsillar T cells to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-differentiated U-937 cells.

In this study, we have shown that human tonsillar T cells adhere to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)-differentiated U-937 cells. To examine the molecular mechanisms involved, the effect of a panel of monoclonal antibodies upon this adhesion was assessed in a quantitative binding assay. Antibodies against LFA-1 and ICAM-1 inhibited binding, directly implicated these molecules in T cell-PMA-induced U-937 adhesion. Furthermore, the adhesion was magnesium but not calcium dependent. Of the remaining antibodies that were tested, none of those against CD2, LFA-3, Mac-1, p150,95, CD43, CD45RA or CD56 affected binding. However, antibodies against CD44, CD45, CD45RO, CD46 and CD55 enhanced binding suggesting an anti-adhesive role for these molecules during U-937-T cell interaction.     

Expression of cell adhesion molecules on liver-associated lymphocytes and their ligands on sinusoidal lining cells in patients with benign or malignant liver disease.

Liver sinusoids, in contrast with the capillaries of other tissues, contain large numbers of sequestered lymphocytes. These blood-borne cells preferentially home in the liver. The mechanism regulating the recruitment of these cells and molecular regulation of the recognition of endothelial cells is as yet unclear. The present study sought to evaluate the cell adhesion molecules on human liver-associated lymphocytes and their ligands on sinusoidal lining cells in 29 patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for liver tumors. Liver-associated lymphocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. Frozen sections of liver tissue were stained according to alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase method. Cytometric analysis showed that virtually all liver-associated lymphocytes expressed on their surface the cell adhesion molecules LFA-1 and VLA-4. This liver-associated lymphocyte population also presented a significantly higher percentage of Mac 1, ICAM-1, and LFA-3 and an increased surface expression of LFA-1, LFA-2, and NCAM in comparison with peripheral blood lymphocytes. It was likewise shown that sinusoidal cells express ICAM-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, VCAM-1 and LFA-3 ligands. Liver-associated lymphocytes thus strongly express a number of different adhesion molecules. The corresponding ligands were also detected on sinusoidal lining cells. LFA-1 and VLA-4 would seem to be important pathways of temporary lymphocyte-endothelial adhesion in liver sinusoids.     

Hodgkin''s cells express a novel pattern of adhesion molecules.

Adhesion molecules play an important role in the functioning of the immune system, particularly with regard to cell-cell interactions and antigen presentation. Several adhesion molecules are expressed on Hodgkin's disease-derived cell lines and these are important in their molecular interactions as antigen presenting cells (APC). There are no data regarding the expression of many of these adhesion molecules on Reed-Sternberg cells and its mononuclear variant (Hodgkin's cells (HC)) present in pathological material. To obtain this information we undertook an immunohistological study on material from 18 cases of Hodgkin's disease using a panel of MoAbs to examine the expression of adhesion molecules on HC. The HC were shown to express the integrin beta 1 subfamily molecules, LFA-1 (CD11a) and p150,95 (CD11c) in high density but lacked CR3 (CD11b). All of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily adhesion molecules studied were present to some degree on HC, with ICAM-2, in particular, showing moderate to strong expression in most cases. The Hermes antigen CD44 was present in high density but leukosialin (CD43), another molecule present on diverse leucocyte types, was, in general, not detected on HC. These new data showing that ICAM-1, ICAM-2 and LFA-3 are, like LFA-1, expressed on HC emphasize the ability of HC to act as APC. The known adhesion molecule phenotype of the recently defined haematopoietic lineage of human dendritic cells (DC) is broadly similar to that of HC, perhaps supporting the hypothesis that some HC represent a malignancy of an APC (DC) lineage.     

February 2002: 29-year-old woman with a skull mass for 2 months

A 29-year-old woman had a 2-month history of an enlarging lesion over her left frontal bone following minor trauma. CT scan showed an osteolytic lesion with an overlying soft tissue mass, thought to be an unhealed skull fracture with pseudomeningocele. Left frontal craniotomy revealed a soft tissue mass, which was resected. Histologic examination revealed multinucleated giant cells mixed with Langerhan's cells that showed the characteristic "coffee bean nuclei." Eosinophils were scant. Immunostaining for CD1a and S100 revealed strong positive staining primarily in the Langerhans' cells while giant cells and inflammatory cells were negative. Immunostaining for CD68, in contrast, stained the osteoclast-like giant cells and macrophages. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence Birbeck granules. The final diagnosis was Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (histiocytosis X) of the skull.     

Expression of the LFA-1 β2 Integrin (CD11a/CD18) and ICAM-1 (CD54) in Normal and Coeliac Small Bowel Mucosa

The leucocyte adhesion molecules (beta 2 integrins) comprise CD11 alpha-chains and a common beta-chain (CD18). CD11a (leucocyte function-associated antigen 1, LFA-1) is expressed by most T cells, and is involved in antigen presentation by macrophages via its counter-receptor, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1, CD54). By criteria of double-label immunofluorescence of cryostat tissue sections, virtually all lamina propria T cells of the normal small bowel were found to express LFA-1 strongly. By contrast, only 30-60% of intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) expressed detectable LFA-1, most of which were LFA-1 weak and CD18-. ICAM-1 was expressed strongly only by vascular endothelium. In coeliac disease, there was a modest increase of diffuse ICAM-1 expression in the lamina propria, mainly in the subepithelial zone, where ICAM-1+ macrophages were occasionally seen. There was also a slight overall increase in CD11a expression by IEL, seen predominantly in surface epithelium and mainly by the CD4+ minority subset, but not by CD4-CD8- (TcR gamma delta +) cells. These data suggest that the LFA-1/ICAM-1-dependent antigen presentation pathway is of minor importance to IEL in the normal small bowel, and does not assume a major role in coeliac disease.     

Role of LFA-1, ICAM-1, VLA-4 and VCAM-1 in lymphocyte migration across retinal pigment epithelial monolayers in vitro.

The blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which is composed of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal vascular endothelium, normally restricts the traffic of lymphocytes into the retina. During ocular inflammatory conditions such as posterior uveitis there is a large increase in lymphocyte migration across the BRB. The differential role played by the two barrier sites, however, remains unclear. To evaluate the role of the posterior BRB, the migration of CD4+ antigen-specific T-cell line through rat RPE cell monolayers was investigated in vitro using time-lapse videomicroscopy. The adhesion molecules involved in controlling transepithelial migration across normal and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-activated RPE was assessed with monoclonal antibodies directed against cell adhesion molecules. Lymphocytes were treated with antibodies specific for CD11a (alpha L subunit of LFA-1), CD18 (beta 2 subnit of the leucam family) and CD49 d (alpha 4 subnit of very late activation antigen-4, VLA-4), and the RPE with antibodies specific for CD54 (intracellular adhesion molecule-1, ICAM-1) and CD 106 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, VCAM-1). Migration across unstimulated RPE was inhibited by antibodies to ICAM-1 (48.6 +/- 3.5% reduction), leucocyte functional antigen-1 (LFA-1) alpha (61 +/- 5.2%) and LFA-1 beta (63.2 +/- 4.7%), but not by antibodies to VLA-4. VCAM-1 was not expressed on untreated RPE. Following activation of the RPE monolayers for 72 hr with IFN-gamma, antibodies to LFA-1 alpha, LFA-1 beta and ICAM-1 inhibited migration by 49.9 +/- 9.4%, 63.6 +/- 5.5% and 47.7 +/- 4.2% respectively. Antibodies to VLA-4 and VCAM-1 blocked migration by 21.5 +/- 8.4% and 32.3 +/- 6.2%, respectively, which correlated with the induction of VCAM-1 expression on RPE and increased migration. Under these conditions blocking both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 reduced migration by 70.9 +/- 2.3%, which was greater than the effect of blocking either of these molecules alone. These results demonstrate that the posterior barrier of the BRB utilizes the same principle receptor-ligand pairings in controlling lymphocyte traffic into the retina as the vascular endothelium of the anterior BRB.