Differential regulation of surface immunoglobulin and Lyb2 mediated B cell activation: II. cAMP dependent (prostaglandin E2) and independent (IFN-{gamma}) mechanisms of regulation of B lymphocyte activation

We have recently demonstrated that pharmacological agents thatelevated cAMP inhibited sigM but not Lyb2 mediated activationof murine B lymphocytes. In this report we show evidence fordifferential regulation of prostagiandin E₂ (PGE₂), a physiologicalagent that elevated cAMP and IFN- on sigM and Lyb2 mediatedB cell activation. PGE₂ inhibited anti-lgM but not anti-Lyb2induced DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly,rlFN- also inhibited anti-lgM but not anti-Lyb2 induced DNAsynthesis. rlFN- exerted its effects directly on B cells sincedepletion of T cells and G-10 Sephadex adherent cells did notalter effects of IFN- on anti-lgM and anti-Lyb2 induced DNAsynthesis. Pretreatment of B cells with IL-4 and/or IL-5 didnotprevent the IFN- mediated inhibition of the anti-lgM response.The inhibitory effect of IFN- was observed during early stagesof B cell activation. Thus IFN- inhibited anti-µ inducedblast transformation and subsequent progression into the G₁phase of the cell cycle. The differential effects exerted byPGE₂ and rIFN- appeared to be mediated by distinct mechanisms.ThusPGE₂ but not rIFN-, at concentrations inhibitory to the slgMresponse, induced elevation of intracellular cAMP levels. Theseresults demonstrate that physiologically relevant immunomodulatorssuch as PGE₂ and IFN- can differentially regulate murine B cellresponses mediated through the antigen receptor and Lyb2 moleculesby cAMP dependent and independent mechanisms. Relevance of thisregulation for the induction of antibody synthesis by T_h1 andT_h2 types of helper T cells is discussed.     

A unique pattern of lymphokine synthesis is a characteristic of certain antigen-specific suppressor T cell clones

We report that the lymphokines (IFN-) and IL-10 are co-syntheslzedby previously described CD3⁺ TCRß⁺, minor antigen-specificsuppressor T cell clones. IFN- and IL-10 are known to (I) becharacteristically produced by different helper T cell types,T_h1 and T_h2 respectively, and (II) inhibit the function of thereciprocal subset of T cells: IFN- Inhibits the function ofT_h2 and IL-10 that of T_h1 cells. Although Th0 cells are alsoknown to synthesize cytoklnes of both the T_h1- and T_h2-typeT cells, the suppressor T cells described in this report aredifferent from T_h0 cells in that they produce (I) neither IL-2nor IL-4 molecules and (II) stimulation via their CD3-TCR systemseems independent of both IL-2 and IL-4, the typical autocrinemolecules for T cell proliferation. The lymphokine profile ofthese suppressor T (TJ cell clones, as well as those of humanantigen-specific T. cells reported earlier, suggests that co-synthesisof some T_h1-llke and some T_h2-like cytoklnes may be a characteristicof antigen-specific T, cells as opposed to the type of reciprocalinhibition mediated through IFN- or IL-10, which is antigennon-specific.     

Human Th2-like cell clones induce IL-12 production by dendritic cells and may express several cytokine profiles

Previous studies have shown that human T_h2 cells, unlike theirmurine counterparts, retain the ability to produce IFN- uponactivation in the presence of exogenous IL-12. Here we firstextended this notion by showing that T_h2-like cell clones (T_h2C)are also capable of inducing IL-12 production by physiologicalantigen-presenting cells (APC); we next showed that these cellsmay express several distinct cytokine profiles depending uponthe activation signal and the type of APC with which they interact.We have analyzed the production of IL-4, IL-5 and IFN- by T_h2Cstimulated by either anti-CD3 mAb or exogenous IL-2, using peripheralblood monocytes or dendritic cells (DC) as accessory cells.We found that: (i) DC but not monocytes released IL-12 and promotedIL-12-dependent IFN- production upon interaction with anti-CD3-or IL-2-stimulated T_h2C and (ii) ligation of CD3 was requiredfor the production of IL-4 but not of IL-5 or IFN-. Thus, dependingupon the type of APC with which they interacted and the modeof activation, T_h2C, expressed four distinct cytokine profiles:(i) IL-4 + IL-5, in response to anti-CD3 + monocytes; (ii) IL-4,IL-5 + IFN-, in response to anti-CD3 + DC; (iii) IL-5 + IFN-,in response IL-2 + DC; and (iv) IL-5 alone, in response to IL-2+ monocytes. The ability of human T_h2-like cells to induce IL-12production and to release the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-yandIL-5 upon IL-2-driven interactions with APC may contribute toexplain how local infection exacerbates Th2-mediated diseases,like bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis.     

Identification, in mouse macrophages and in serum, of a soluble receptor for the Fc portion of IgG (Fc{gamma}R) encoded by an alternatively spliced transcript of the Fc{gamma}RII gene

Low affinity FcR are a heterogeneous group of glycoproteinswhich exist in transmembrane (TM) as well as in soluble forms.Two membrane isoforms of the murine type II FcR, FcRilb1 andFc;Rilb2, have been described. They result from the translationof alternatively spliced premRNA, FcRilb2 lacking sequencesof the first intracytoplasmic domain (IC1). Soluble forms ofFcR (sFcR) have previously been shown to result from proteolysisof membrane receptors. We report here the identification, inmacrophages, of a mRNA derived from the FCRll gene by splicingexons encoding the TM and IC1 domains, i.e. corresponding toa TM-deleted FcRllb2 mRNA. A soluble protein possibly encodedby this mRNA was identified in macrophage supernatants. In accordancewith FcR nomenclature, we propose to name this new FcRll IsoformFcRllb3. It is the most abundant 8FcR present in serum, as comparedwith 8FcR resulting from cleavage of membrane FcR.     

TCR isoform containing the Fc receptor {gamma} chain exhibits structural and functional differences from isoform containing CD3{xi}

The structure and function of the TCR-CD3 complex containinga homodimer of the gamma chain of the high affinity receptorfor IgE (FcR) (FcR⁺ TCR) was investigated by transfecting theFcR gene into a CD3^–, CD3^–, FcR^– T cell line.Introduction of FcR, as well as CD3, induced a high expressionof the TCR-CD3 complex on the cell surface. Transfected FCRformed a homodimer and associated firmly with the TCRßdimer but only weakly with the CD3. Stimulation of both FcRand CD3 transfectants by antibodies against TCR or CD3 inducedaccumulation of inositol phosphates, the Ca²⁺ response, IL-2production, and growth inhibition. On the other hand, antigenstimulation of transfectants expressing FcR as well as CD3 inducedIL-2 production, but only the latter exhibited the antigen-inducedgrowth inhibition. In vitro kinase assay suggested that theCD3 dimer but not the FcR dimer associates with the Fyn kinase.These results indicate that the FcR homodlmer Is able to forma functional TCR complex but that the mode of assembly and thesignaling function of FcR⁺ TCR, including its association withtyrosine klnase(s), may differ from the TCR-CD3 complex containingCD3 homodimers (⁺ TCR). This provides an example which illustratesthat different TCR isoforms mediate distinct signals and functions.     

{gamma}{delta} T cells promote CD4 and CD8 expression by SCID thymocytes

Molecular studies of the TCR, which is expressed by a minorsubpopulatlon of T lymphocytes in all vertebrate species, havedefined a subset which expresses a receptor with extreme junctionaldiversity and a second subset, most commonly found in eplthella,which expresses a receptor of very limited diversity. In thedeveloping murine thymus, T cells appear in an ordered sequenceof specific v rearrangements, V3V, 1 on day 14, V2V1 on day17, and subsequently V4V5, V6, or V7. We demonstrate that thetransfer of expanded populations of cells from newborn thymusand cell lines expressing the invariant V3V1 receptor into SCIDmice, which lack T and B cells, results in the appearance ofCD3^–CD4⁺CD8⁺ thymocytes. Thus, one role of the early appearingV3V1 T cells in thymlc development in vivo is to promote CD4and CO8 surface expression on precursor cells.     

Cytokine dependence of V{gamma}3 thymocytes: mature but not immature V{gamma}3 cells require endogenous IL-2 and IL-7 to survive evidence for cytokine redundancy

It has previously been described that V3 cells can proliferateextensively in vitro in the presence of different cytokines.Here, the role of cytokines in the maintenance of V3 cells inthe thymus has been determined. Culture of fetal thymocytesin cell suspension for 24 h showed that, whereas immature TCR^lowHSA^highV3cells remained viable, all mature TCR^highHSA_lowV cells died.These cells died by apoptosis since protein synthesis was requiredand flow cytometric analysis as well as DNA gel electrophoresisshowed that the DNA was degraded to oligonucleosomal bands.Addition of IL-2, IL-4 or IL-7 to suspension cultures of fetalthymocytes rescued V3 cells from dying. Addition of IL-1, IL-3,IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, TNE- or IFN- was without effect. Phenotypicanalysis showed that the -chain of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R)was expressed by part of the immature V3 thymocytes, all matureV3 cells expressed the p-chain of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2RP).Addition of anti-IL-2R mAb to fetal thymic organ culture (FTOC)resulted in a moderate reduction of the cell number of matureV3 thymocytes. Addition of anti-IL-2Ra, anti-IL-4 or anti-IL-7mAb had no effect. The cell number of mature V3 cells was highlyreduced when both anti-IL-2Rp and anti-IL-7 mAb were added toFTOC. These results show that IL-2 and IL-7 are actively involvedin the maintenance of mature V3 cells in the thymus. This cytokinedependence of mature Vthymocytes may explain their selectivelocalization in skin epithelium.     

Emigration of selected subsets of {gamma}{delta}+ T cells from the adult murine thymus

Cells bearing the form of the TCR make up only 1–3% ofT cells in the adult murine thymus and peripheral lymphold organs.Evidence from studies of nude mice suggests that the developmentof at least some T cells is thymus dependent; however, untilnow it has not been directly demonstrated that cells are exportedfrom the thymus. In this paper we have used the technique oflabelling thymocytes in vivo with FITC, followed by flow cytometrlcanalysis to trace cells emigrating from the thymus to the spleen.Using this approach we have been able to demonstrate for thefirst time that T cells are exported from the adult murinethymus to the spleen. We also demonstrate that the cells emigratingto the spleen are a selected subset of thymocytes being heatstable antigen positive, Thy-1⁺, and expressing low levels ofCD44 (Pgp-1). In addition, investigation of TCR V; gene usageamong adult ⁺ thymocytes, recent emigrants, and spleen cells,indicated a selective emigration of cells expressing certainVgenes.     

Antigen mediated and polyclonal stimulation of human cytokine production elicit qualitatively different patterns of cytokine gene expression

Polyclonal activators are widely used as surrogate antigensin analysis of human cytokine gene expression. An implicit assumptionis that the T cell activation and cytokine production observedin response to polyclonal activation provides a more intense,but qualitatively identical, reflection of results that wouldbe obtained with antigen. Here we demonstrate that stimulationusing accessory cell independent (immobilized anti-CD3 mAb)or dependent [phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or soluble anti-CD3 mAb]polyclonal activators yields different conclusions from thosethat are obtained in response to antigen-specific T cell activation.Cytokine synthesis in 1–5 day bulk cultures of fresh peripheralblood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 52 subjects evenly dividedbetween grass pollen sensitive allergic rhinitis subjects andnormal, non-atopic controls were examined. Antigen-specificre-stimulatlon elicited elevated IL-4 and IL-10 production andlower IFN- synthesis among allergic subjects than normal non-atopiccontrol subjects. This commitment of fresh PBMC towards a T_h2-likeresponse in atopies and the dominance of the IFN- response seenin non-allergic subjects was reinforced when the ratio of IFN-:IL-4production in bulk culture was examined. Atoplc individualsexhibited median IFN-:IL-4 values of 0.07, whereas grass pollenstimulated cytokine production by normal subjects yielded aratio of 4.8. In marked contrast, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-production elicited using polyclonal activators, though muchmore intense, did not differ between allergic and non-allergicsubjects (Wilcoxon rank sum test P >> 0.05). Anti-CD3mediated stimulation evoked ratios characteristic of Th1 -dominantresponses in both populations (IFN-:IL-4 ratios of 10 and 14),while PHA elicited T_h2 dominant responses (ratios of 0.40 and0.22) In both normal and allergic subjects. The data Indicatethe Importance of using specific activation signals In characterizingT cell responses     

Peripheral lymphoid development and function in TCR mutant mice

We describe the development and function of the peripheral lymphoidsystem of mutant mice rendered deficient in either ßor T cells via targeting of TCR genes In embryonic stem cells.In the spleen of ß T cell-deficient mice, T cellsdo not compensate in numbers for the lack of ß Tcells, but B cells do. ß T cell-deficient mice areunable to mount an antibody response to ovalbumln and do notreject skin allografts. Natural killer cell function is notimpaired in any of the mutant mice. TCR mutant mice will proveuseful in dissecting differential functions of ßand T cells in vivo.     

Transforming growth factor-{beta} inhibits IL-4 and IFN-{gamma} production by stimulated human T cells

The present study investigates the effect of transforming growthfactor (TGF-ß on the production of IL-4 and IFN- bythe leukemia T_h0 type cell line HUT78, by freshly Isolated humanT cells, and by antigen specific human T cell clones. We foundthat IL-4 and IFN-ß, but not IL-2, production by stimulatedHUT78 cells was inhibited by TGF-ß1. TGF-ß1also reduced the accumulation of IL-4 and IFN- specific mRNAin stimulated HUT78 cells. However, IL-2 and IL-7 co-stimulatedIL-4 and IFN- production, whereas IL-1, IL-3, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8,tumor necrosis factor- or granulocyte macrophage colony stimulatingfactor had no effect. Because IL-2 is an Important helper cytokinefor the production of IL-4 and IFN-, we investigated whethersignal transductlon through the IL-2 receptor is Impaired byTGF-ß1. We found that tyrosine phosphorylatlon inresponse to IL-2 In HUT78 cells was strongly inhibited by ashort prelncubatlon with TGF-ß1. Evidence for an antagonisticrole for TGF-ß1 and IL-2 comes from the finding thathigh doses of IL-2 could partially overcome TGF-ß1mediated inhibition of IL-4 and IFN- production. Similar toIts effect on HUT78 cells, TGF-ß1 also inhibited IL-4and IFN- production by freshly Isolated T cells as well as byhuman T cell clones. Taken together, our experiments show thatthe IL-2 dependent cytokines IL-4 and IFN- are both negativelycontrolled by TGF-ß under conditions where IL-2 productionIs unaffected by a mechanism which partially involves an inhibitionof IL-2/1L-2R signal transductlon. These data Identify TGF-ßand IL-2 as mutual antagonists in the regulation of IL-4 andIFN- production.     

The development of dermatitis infiltrated by {gamma}{delta} T cells in IL-7 transgenic mice

Transgenic mice constitutively expressing IL-7 developed severedermatitis with erythroderma and alopecia. The skin lesionswere characterized by massive infiltration of mononuclear cells.Immunofluorescence staining showed that most of the infiltratingcells were T cells with the majority bearing the TCR otherthan the V5 moiety. Furthermore, the number of T cells hadincreased in the lymphold organs of the dermatitis animals.These findings idicate the strong relationship between the expressionof IL-7 and the development of T cells in vivo and the pathologicalinvolvement of proliferated and/or activated T cells in skindisease.     

Growth inhibition of Mycobacterium bovis by IFN-{gamma} stimulated macrophages: regulation by endogenous tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} and by IL-10

Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) are able to inhibitthe intracellular growth of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacteriumtuberculosis H37Rv after activation with recomblnant (r) IFNand growth inhibition is mediated by reactive nitrogen intermediates(RNI) derived from L-arglnlne. We now demonstrate that tumornecrosis factor (TNF)- acts as an endogenous cofactor in theinduction of mycobacterial growth inhibition. TNF- was producedby BMM stimulated with rlFN- and infected with mycobacterla,and a specific antlserum to TNF- Inhibited rlFN--lnduced productionof RNI as well as growth inhibition of M. bovis. IL-10, a cytokinewhich suppresses antlmycobacterial macrophage functions, wasalso produced by BMM activated with hFN- and infected with M.bovis. IFN--induced production of TNF- and of reactive nitrogenintermediates as well as mycobacterial growth inhibition wereinhibited by exogenous IL-10, but only when given prior to IFN-stimulation. We conclude that the outcome of mycobacterial infectionis regulated by a coordinate interplay between IFN-, TNF- andIL-10.     

In vitro and in vivo recovery of IFN-{gamma}, but not IL-2, production by IL-12 in mice with plasma ceIL tumors

We have previously found that T ceILs from mice bearing plasmaceIL tumors (PCT mice) demonstrate decreased proliferation asweIL as decreased production of the T^h 1-associated cytokinesIL-2 and IFN- in response to polyclonal stimulation. In thepresent study, we have examined soluble factors as possibleelements required to rescue this decreased proliferation andcytokine production by splenocytes from PCT mice. We find thatthe addition of supernatants from stimulated normal splenocyteshas no effect on proliferation or IL-2 production by splenocytesfrom PCT mice. In contrast, these supernatants completely restoreIFN- production by splenocytes from PCT mice. We have foundthat IL-12 is responsible for the observed increase in IFN-production because: (i) addition of anti-IL-12 antibody blocksthis recovery of IFN- production by these supernatants, (ii)the addition of recombinant IL-12 to cultures of splenocytesfrom PCT mice results in increased IFN- production and (iii)In vivo treatment of PCT mice in IL-12 also results in increasedIFN- production by the subsequently activated splenocytes, buthas little effect on proliferation or IL-2 production. Theseresults demonstrate that both in vitro and in vivo, IL-12 selectivelyrestores the decreased production of IFN- by splenocytes fromPCT mice.