Completely allogeneic spleen cells induced cytolytic neonatal tolerance to alloantigens,but failed to establish allo-helper interactions with host T cells.

The injection of spleen cells from F1 mice into-newborns from a parental strain results in the establishment of cytolytic tolerance to donor alloantigens and the development of a lupus-like disease. This syndrome is the consequence of the recognition by alloreactive host CD4+ T cells of discordant major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens on semi-allogeneic donor B cells. We have analysed whether completely allogeneic spleen cells are as able as semi-allogeneic spleen cells to induce cytolytic tolerance to donor alloantigens and to co-operate with alloreactive T cells for autoantibody production. BALB/c mice were injected at birth with Thy-1-depleted spleen cells from (C57BL/6 x BALB/c)F1 or C57BL/6 mice, either alone or in combination. Cytolytic tolerance was always induced, as manifested by persistence of chimerism and acceptance of skin allografts. However, only F1 semi-allogeneic B cells were activated by alloreactive host T cells to produce anti-DNA IgG antibody. The deficient co-operation between BALB/c CD4+ T cells and completely allogeneic C57BL/6 B cells was confirmed after neonatal injection of (C57BL/ 6 x BALB/c)F1(Igha) spleen cells together with C57BL/6(Ighb) spleen cells. These mice developed anti-DNA antibodies bearing only the Igha allotype. Similar results were observed in experiments of allogeneic interaction in vitro, in which BALB/c CD4+ T cells were cocultured with either (C57BL/6 x BALB/c)F1 or C57BL/6 B cells. The present results demonstrate that completely allogeneic spleen cells efficiently induced cytolytic unresponsiveness to donor alloantigens, but B cells contained in this spleen cell population were unable to establish allo-helper interactions with alloreactive CD4+ T cells, suggesting that cytolytic and helper T-cell interactions involved in alloreactivity may be different.     

CD4 T cells and major histocompatibility complex class II expression influence worm expulsion and increased intestinal muscle contraction during Trichinella spiralis infection.

Expulsion of intestinal nematode parasites and the associated increased contraction by intestinal muscle are T cell dependent, since both are attenuated in athymic rodents. The CD4 T-cell subset has been strongly associated with worm expulsion; however, the relationship between these cells, antigen presentation, and worm expulsion is not definitive and the role of these factors in intestinal muscle hypercontractility has not been defined. We infected C57BL/6, athymic, CD4-deficient, CD8alpha-deficient, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II)-deficient (C2d) mice with Trichinella spiralis larvae. We examined intestinal worm numbers, longitudinal muscle contraction, and MHC II expression. Numerous MHC II-positive cells were identified within the muscularis externa of infected but not uninfected C57BL/6 mice. C57BL/6 and CD8alpha-deficient mice developed large increases in muscle contraction, expelling the parasite by day 21. Athymic and C2d mice exhibited much smaller increases in muscle contraction and delayed parasite expulsion. CD4-deficient mice exhibited intermediate levels of muscle contraction and delayed parasite expulsion. To further examine the role of MHC II and CD4 T cells, we irradiated C2d mice and reconstituted them with C57BL/6 bone marrow alone or with C57BL/6 CD4 T cells. C57BL/6 bone marrow alone did not affect muscle function or worm expulsion in recipient C2d mice. Partial CD4 T-cell reconstitution was sufficient to restore increased muscle contraction but not worm expulsion. Thus, hematopoietic MHC II expression alone is insufficient for the development of muscle hypercontractility and worm expulsion, but the addition of even small numbers of CD4 T cells was sufficient to induce intestinal muscle pathophysiology.     

IL-2预孵育影响G-CSF动员的小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖及极化观察

目的 探讨IL-2预孵育对粒细胞集落刺激因子(G-CSF)动员后的小鼠脾淋巴细胞功能的影响,从而为减轻异基因造血干细胞移植时急性移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)的发生提供一种新途径.方法 IL-2(50 U/ml)预孵育rhG-CSF(每天0.25 μg/g)体内动员的C57BL/6N小鼠脾细胞和na(i)ve CD4+T细胞6 h,然后在体外以BALB/c小鼠异基因抗原分别对其进行刺激,测定动员后的C57BL/6N小鼠脾细胞和na(i)ve CD4+T细胞的增殖能力以及上清液IL-4、IFN-γ的浓度,实验分为G-CSF+IL-2组、G-CSF组、IL-2组和对照组.结果 G-CSF+IL-2组较列照组A值降低(P＜0.01);G-CSF+IL-2组IL-4水平高于对照组(P＜0.01),而IFN-γ水平低于对照组(P＜0.01).结论 rhG-CSF动员的C57BL/6N小鼠脾细胞和na(i)ve CD4+T细胞经IL-2预孵育后对同种异基因抗原免疫增殖能力明显减弱并向Th2方向分化,两者合用对诱导T淋巴细胞免疫耐受有协同效应.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the influence of IL-2 pretreatment on splenic lymphocyte following mobilization with G-CSF, which may provide a new approach to attenuate acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Methods Splenic cells and na(i)ve CD4+T cells from C57BL/6N mice receiving G-CSF-mobilized were pretreated with IL-2(50 U/ml) , and cocultured with the allogeneic antigens from BALB/c mice. The proliferation responses and the polarization of T cells were determined. C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: G-CSF + IL-2 group, G-CSF group, IL-2 group , control group. Results Compared with the control group, IL-4 increased obviously while IFN-γ decreased significantly in the group of G-CSF + IL-2. The proliferation responses were also suppressed in vitro. Conclusion The proliferation responses of splenic cells and naive CD4 + T cells from C57BI/6N mice receiving G-CSF-mobilized to the allogeneic antigens were significantly abrogated by the pretreatment with IL-2, T cells were polarized toward the production of type-2 cytokines. The combination of G-CSF and IL-2 is potentially synergetic in the induction of T lymphocyte immune tolerance.     

Antitumour activity mediated by CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes against MHC class II-negative mouse hepatocellular carcinoma induced by dendritic cell vaccine and interleukin-12

When BALA/c mice with BNL hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were treated with dendritic cells fused with BNL cells (DC/BNL) and recombinant murine interleukin (IL)-12, tumour development was significantly suppressed, whereas treatment with either DC/BNL or IL-12 alone did not show a tumour-suppressive effect. Antitumour activity induced by DC/BNL + IL-12 was abrogated by depletion of CD4+ T cells, but not by depletion of CD8+ T cells or natural killer cells. Splenic CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from DC/BNL-treated mice showed cytotoxic activity against BNL cells after 3 days of incubation with DC/BNL, although BNL cells do not express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules even after treatment with interferon (INF)-gamma. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells killed syngeneic-irrelevant CT26 cells and even allogeneic Hepa1-6 cells. This cytotoxicity was blocked by concanamycin A, but not by an anti-Fas ligand (FasL) monoclonal antibody, indicating that cytotoxic activity was mediated by perforin. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that abundant CD4+ T cells and MHC class II-positive macrophages, but not CD8(+) T cells, had infiltrated tumour tissue in mice treated with DC/BNL + IL-12. Flow cytometric analysis of tumour-infiltrating cells in mice treated with DC/BNL + IL-12 showed increases in CD4+ T cells and MHC class II+ CD11b+ cells but not in CD8+ T cells or MHC class I+ CD11b+ cells. Our results suggest that, in BNL-bearing mice treated with DC/BNL + IL-12, tumour macrophages activated by INF-gamma produced by IL-12-stimulated T cells might present BNL tumour antigens and activate DC/BNL-primed CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in a MHC class II-dependent manner, leading to perforin-mediated bystander killing of neighbouring MHC class II-negative tumour cells.     

Active CD4+ helper T cells directly stimulate CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in wild-type and MHC II gene knockout C57BL/6 mice and transgenic RIP-mOVA mice expressing islet beta-cell ovalbumin antigen leading to diabetes

CD4+ helper T (Th) cells play crucial role in priming, expansion and survival of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, how CD4+ Th cell's help is delivered to CD8+ T cells in vivo is still unclear. We previously demonstrated that CD4+ Th cells can acquire ovalbumin (OVA) peptide/major histocompatibility complex (pMHC I) and costimulatory CD80 by OVA-pulsed DC (DC(OVA)) stimulation, and then stimulate OVA-specific CD8+ CTL responses in C57BL/6 mice. In this study, we further investigated CD4+ Th cell's effect on stimulation of CD8 CTL responses in major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) gene knockout (KO) mice and transgenic rat insulin promoter (RIP)-mOVA mice with moderate expression of self OVA by using CD4+ Th cells or Th cells with various gene deficiency. We demonstrated that the in vitro DC(OVA)-activated CD4+ Th cells (3 x 10(6) cells/mouse) can directly stimulate OVA-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and MHC II gene KO mice lacking CD4+ T cells. A large amount of CD4+ Th cells (12 x 10(6) cells/mouse) can even overcome OVA-specific immune tolerance in transgenic RIP-mOVA mice, leading to CD8+ CTL-mediated mouse pancreatic islet destruction and diabetes. The stimulatory effect of CD4+ Th cells is mediated by its IL-2 secretion and CD40L and CD80 costimulations, and is specifically delivered to OVA-specific CD8+ T cells in vivo via its acquired pMHC I complexes. Therefore, the above elucidated principles for CD4+ Th cells will have substantial implications in autoimmunity and antitumor immunity, and regulatory T-cell-dependent immune suppression.     

Self-priming cell culture system for monitoring genetically-controlled spontaneous cytokine-producing ability in mice

To monitor genetically-controlled cytokine-producing ability in mice in vitro, we developed a high-density cell culture system, which is preferable for inducing CD4+ T cell-dependent self-priming responses without any antigenic stimulation. When BALB/c spleen cells were cultured at high density (over 1.0 x 10(7) cells/well) in 12-well culture plate, they spontaneously produced cytokines including IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-3, IL-5 and IL-6. The spontaneous cytokine production in this self-priming cell culture (SPCC) system was totally dependent on MHC class II-restricted CD4+ T cells. It was demonstrated that Th2-type BALB/c background mice exhibited higher levels of spontaneous cytokine production in SPCC culture compared with Th1-type C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, using BALB/c x C57BL/6 F1 mice and B10D2 congenic mice, it was demonstrated that highly spontaneous cytokine-producing ability in BALB/c background is genetically dominant and it is controlled by non-MHC genes. Unexpectedly, BALB/c mice spontaneously produced higher levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma than C57BL/6 mice. However, BALB/c mice revealed lower levels of CTL and NK cell-generation in SPCC system compared with C57BL/6 mice. These results suggested that genetically-controlled predisposition of BALB/c mice toward Th2 immunity appeared not to be derived from their poor IFN-gamma-producing ability but rather derived from their poor responsiveness to IFN-gamma.     

IL-2通过上调naive CD4+T细胞SOCS-3表达抑制CD4+T细胞的极化和增殖

目的 探讨IL-2预孵育naive CD4+T细胞后,对其极化(polarization)方向和增殖(proliferation)能力的影响.方法 用终浓度为50 U/ml的IL-2分别预孵育DOI 1.10 TCR转基因小鼠和C57BL/6N小鼠naYve CD+T细胞,在不同时间点用荧光实时定量PCR(real-time PCR)检测这两种细胞中SOCS-3(suppressor of cytokine signal-3)表达的变化.预孵育4 h后,洗去IL-2,分别加入卵清白蛋白(OVA)和灭活后的BALB/c脾细胞,在存在细胞因子IL-12或IL-4情况下共培养14 d后,用流式细胞仪检测TH1细胞活化和极化的标志IL-12R β1、IL-12Rβ2,对C57BL/6N小鼠nave CD4+2T细胞的极化中还榆测TH2极化的标志--细胞内IL-4的表达;同时将无IL-2预孵育的作为对照组.结果 IL-2预孵育后这两种鼠naive CD4+T细胞内的SOCS-3表达于6 h达高峰;在SOCS-3表达达高峰后分别给予特异性抗原和同种异基因抗原刺激,其向TH1方向的极化和增殖能力都受到明显的抑制(P<0.05).结论 IL-2预孵育naive CD+T细胞后,可以上调SOCS-3的表达;SOCS-3的上调表达可以抑制naive CD4+T细胞接受特异性抗原和同种异基因抗原刺激后向TH1方向的极化和增殖能力.     

Responsiveness of T cells to Mutant Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Antigen

Mechanisms of the activation of T cells responding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen were investigated with special reference to interleukin 1 (IL-1) production from stimulator-type accessory cells. For this purpose, we used mainly fractionated Lyt-2+T cells of C57BL/6 (B6) mice as responder cells and irradiated spleen cells or those deprived of adherent cells of B6.C-H-2bm1 (bm1) mice as stimulator cells. Lyt-2+ T cells of B6 mice proliferated in the presence of irradiated whole spleen cells of bm1 mice but did not to Sephadex G-10 column-passed bm1 spleen cells. The unresponsiveness in the latter case was overcome by the supplement of recombinant IL-1 and/or IL-2 in the culture medium. These interleukins were shown to promote the proliferative response of B6 Lyt-2+ T cells in the presence of stimulator-type T or B cells. Both interleukins also facilitated the generation of cytotoxic T cells from B6 Lyt-2+ cells to H-2Kbm1 antigen in the mixed lymphocyte culture deficient in stimulator-type accessory cells. IL-1 was shown to enhance the expression of IL-2 receptor on the responding Lyt-2+ T cells as assessed by flow cytometry. IL-1 binding to responding T cells were also assayed by means of iodinated IL-1 and was shown to increase significantly on responding Lyt-2+ cells. Overall results indicate that accessory cells might play dual roles in the activation of Lyt-2+ T cells responding to allogeneic MHC class I antigen: direct presentation of the antigen to responder T cells and production of IL-1. Both signals are essentially required for Lyt-2+ T cells responding to allogeneic MHC class I antigen to initiate proliferation and also to differentiate into cytotoxic T cells.     

Self-priming cell culture system for monitoring genetically-controlled spontaneous cytokine-producing ability in mice

To monitor genetically-controlled cytokine-producing ability in mice in vitro, we developed a high-density cell culture system, which is preferable for inducing CD4⁺ T cell-dependent self-priming responses without any antigenic stimulation. When BALB/c spleen cells were cultured at high density (over 1.0×10⁷ cells/well) in 12-well culture plate, they spontaneously produced cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-3, IL-5 and IL-6. The spontaneous cytokine production in this self-priming cell culture (SPCC) system was totally dependent on MHC class II-restricted CD4⁺ T cells. It was demonstrated that Th2-type BALB/c background mice exhibited higher levels of spontaneous cytokine production in SPCC culture compared with Th1-type C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, using BALB/c×C57BL/6 F₁ mice and B10D2 congenic mice, it was demonstrated that highly spontaneous cytokine-producing ability in BALB/c background is genetically dominant and it is controlled by non-MHC genes. Unexpectedly, BALB/c mice spontaneously produced higher levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ than C57BL/6 mice. However, BALB/c mice revealed lower levels of CTL and NK cell-generation in SPCC system compared with C57BL/6 mice. These results suggested that genetically-controlled predisposition of BALB/c mice toward Th2 immunity appeared not to be derived from their poor IFN-γ-producing ability but rather derived from their poor responsiveness to IFN-γ.     

Major histocompatibility complex restriction of maternally induced suppression in young adult mice.

This study focused on the mode in which maternal T cells induce suppression of plaque-forming cell (PFC) response in offspring. The maternal T cells of C57BL/6J pregnant mice, which had been intraperitoneally injected with 2 x 10(8) of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) on day 12 of gestation, were transferred, 5 days after immunization, into (C3H/HeJ x C57BL/6J)F1 normal pregnant mice on day 12 of gestation. The (C3H/HeJ x C57BL/6J)F1 x C3H/HeJ offspring of (C3H/HeJ x C57BL/6J)F1 recipient pregnant mice were reared to more than 6 weeks of age, and their anti-SRBC PFC responses were examined. Suppression of anti-SRBC PFC response was observed in H-2bxk but not H-2k offspring. Thus, maternal T cells of SRBC-immunized pregnant mice induce suppression of anti-SRBC PFC in offspring with restriction to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype utilized in maternal T-cell responses during pregnancy. Maternal CD4+ T cells are responsible for the MHC-restricted induction of PFC suppression in offspring. Furthermore we demonstrated, in this report, using adoptive transfer of maternal T cells from SRBC-immunized pregnant mice and in vitro secondary PFC assay in the offspring, that maternal T-cell-mediated suppression results from the development of CD4+ suppressor T cells in offspring. Moreover, the activation of suppressor T cells in offspring depends on the recognition of SRBC antigens presented in association with the same MHC haplotype as that utilized in the maternal T-cell response during pregnancy. Thus, the maternal T cells of SRBC-immunized pregnant mice generate a repertoire of suppressor T cells in their offspring.     

Instillation of allogeneic lung antigen-presenting cells deficient in expression of major histocompatibility complex class I or II antigens have differential effects on local cellular and humoral immunity and on pathology in recipient murine lungs

Recognition of allogeneic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules expressed on donor lung antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by host T lymphocytes is believed to stimulate lung allograft rejection. However, the specific roles of donor MHC molecules in the rejection response is unknown. We report a murine model in which instilling allogeneic lung APCs into recipient lungs induces pathology analogous to acute rejection, and the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma, immunoglobulin (Ig) G2a, and alloantibodies in recipient lungs. Using allogeneic lung APCs (C57BL/6, I-a(b), H-2(b)) deficient in MHC class I, II, or both for instillation into lungs of BALB/c mice (I-a(d), H-2(d)), the purpose of the current study was to determine the specific roles of donor MHC molecules in stimulating local alloimmune responses. The data show that MHC class I or II on donor APCs induced IFN-gamma and IgG2a synthesis locally, though less than that induced by wild-type cells. Both MHC class I and II were required to induce alloantibody production. Instillation of wild-type or class I- or class II-deficient APCs induced comparable pathologic lesions in recipient lungs, and more severe than that induced by MHC-deficient cells. These data show that donor MHC class I and II molecules have differential effects in the stimulation of local alloimmune responses.     

超抗原SEB在同种异体细胞移植小鼠中诱导的免疫耐受及其特征

目的 探讨超抗原葡萄球菌肠毒素B（SEB）体内诱导的免疫耐受性及其特征。方法 采用MHC不同的两种小鼠进行淋巴细胞移植。用流式细胞术和混合淋巴细胞培养技术，检测受体鼠T细胞亚群的变化，供体鼠H－2K^d分子在受体鼠体内表达的阳性率与免疫应答性。结果 （1）注射SEB可选择性地降低CD4^ T细胞和CD4^ T/H-2K^b 细胞的百分率，而不影响CD8^ T细胞的数量。在SEB注射的21d，抑制作用最强，其对CD4^ T细胞和CD4^ T/H-2K^b 细胞的抑制率分别是6.24%和23.38%。（2）在进行异源性MHC淋巴细胞移植时注射SEB，于移植细胞后21d，受体小鼠肝脏淋巴细胞上开始表达供体小鼠H－2K^d分子，至移植后40d，表达率达到高峰7.90%。与此同时，受体鼠外周淋巴细胞对供体鼠淋巴细胞的免疫应答能力也明显降低。结论 SEB能诱导小鼠产生免疫耐受，免疫耐受的形成与受体鼠内CD4^ T细胞克隆的明显减少有关。     

Characterization of Subpopulations of T-Cell Receptor Intermediate (TCRint) T Cells

CD1-autoreactive T cells of two types have been demonstrated among T cells expressing the T-cell receptor (TCR) alphabeta at intermediate levels (TCRint cells). One type constitutes a major fraction of the natural killer (NK)1.1+ TCRint population in C57BL/6 (B6) mice and carries a restricted TCR composed of an alpha-chain with an invariant Valpha14-J281 rearrangement, and a beta-chain using Vbeta8. 2, 7 or 2. The second type utilises a variety of TCR and was derived from CD4+ cells in mice lacking MHC class II. To increase our understanding of the two different CD1-reactive subsets, we have investigated and compared the populations of origin: NK1.1+ and NK1. 1- TCRint subsets from MHC class II-deficient mice and CD4+NK1.1+ T cells from B6 mice. The three TCRint populations shared a phenotype indicating previous activation, and contained low frequencies of cells expressing NK receptors of the Ly49 family. In contrast to control CD4+ cells, the three TCRint subsets produced high amounts of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma after activation. Importantly, no IL-10 could be detected in either TCRint population, implying a distinct function for these cells, different from those of conventional CD8+ and CD4+ cells, including the typical T-helper 2 (Th2) cell. Analysis of TCR expression indicated that the proportion of cells using the semi-invariant Valpha14/Vbeta8.2-type TCR was lower in NK1.1+ cells from MHC class II-negative mice than in CD4+NK1.1+ B6 cells. Further, usage of the Valpha14-J281 rearrangement was also demonstrated among NK1.1- TCRint cells.     

Lack of oral tolerance but oral priming for contact sensitivity to dinitrofluorobenzene in major histocompatibility complex class II-deficient mice and in CD4+ T cell-depleted mice

Oral tolerance is defined by immune unresponsiveness after oral administration of soluble antigens and by antigen-specific inhibition of peripheral immune responses induced by prior antigen feeding. The aim of this study was to investigate the implication of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II presentation pathway to CD4⁺ T cells in oral tolerance of contact sensitivity (CS) to the hapten dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). We used MHC class II knockout (ABº/º) and invariant chain knockout (Iiº/º) mice, which have, respectively, a total or partial defect in class II-restricted activation of CD4⁺ T cells, as well as normal C57BL/6 mice depleted of CD4⁺ T cells by injection of a specific antibody. Intragastric administration of DNFB prior to skin sensitization induced specific inhibition of contact sensitivity to DNFB in Aβ⁺/º and Ii⁺/º heterozygotes comparable to that observed in C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, no oral tolerance was observed in either MHC class II-deficient Aβº/º and Iiº/º homozygote mutants or in syngeneic anti-CD4-depleted C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, a single oral administration of DNFB, without skin sensitization, could prime Aβº/º, Iiº/º as well as anti-CD4-depleted C57BL/6 mice for DNFB-specific CS. These findings demonstrate that the class II/CD4 pathway is involved in oral tolerance manifested both as the inhibition of CS by hapten feeding prior to skin sensitization, and as immune unresponsiveness of normal mice to oral administration of hapten. Furthermore, our data provide evidence that a single oral feeding with DNFB is able to prime mice for hapten-specific CS, provided that the class II/CD4 pathway is bypassed.     

Early regulation of CD8 T cell alloreactivity by CD4+CD25- T cells in recipients of anti-CD154 antibody and allogeneic BMT is followed by rapid peripheral deletion of donor-reactive CD8+ T cells, precluding a role for sustained regulation

While acquisition of regulatory function by CD4+CD25- T cells has been reported following antigenic stimulation, "naturally occurring" regulatory CD4+ T cells (Treg) are believed to express CD25. We examined the mechanisms involved in peripheral CD8 T cell tolerance by induction of mixed chimerism using non-myeloablative conditioning with low-dose (3 Gy) total body irradiation and anti-CD154 antibody. Recipient CD4+ T cells were initially required for the induction of CD8 cell tolerance, but were not needed beyond 2 weeks. Depletion of CD25+ Treg prior to bone marrow transplantation and blockade of IL-2 with neutralizing antibody did not impede tolerance induction. Tolerance was dependent on CTLA4, but not on IFN-gamma. In C57BL/6 mice containing a fraction of 2C TCR transgenic CD8+ T cells, which recognize the MHC class I alloantigen Ld, induction of chimerism with L(d+), but not Ld-, bone marrow cells led to deletion of peripheral 2C+ CD8+ cells within 1 week in peripheral blood and spleen. Complete deletion required the presence of recipient CD4+ T cells. Thus, a novel, rapid form of regulation by CD4+CD25- T cells permits initial CD8 T cell tolerance in this model. Rapid peripheral deletion of donor-specific CD8 T cells precludes an ongoing requirement for CD4 T cell-mediated regulation.     

IL-4 deficiency does not impair the ability of dendritic cells to initiate CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in vivo

Several reports have described a role of IL-4 in dendritic cell function. We have examined the number and phenotype of dendritic cells from C57Bl/6 wild-type and IL-4-/- mice, and compared their ability to induce T cell immune responses in vivo and in vitro. We observed that the number of dendritic cells in the spleens and lymph nodes of IL-4-/- mice is comparable to the number found in wild-type mice. In addition, the expression of maturation markers such as MHC II, CD40, CD80 and CD86, and of differentiation markers such as CD4, CD8 and CD11b, was also comparable in the two populations. Splenic wild-type and IL-4-/- dendritic cells were both able to present antigen to T cell receptor transgenic CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in culture. When pulsed with antigen in vitro and then injected subcutaneously into C57BL/6 host mice, both populations of dendritic cells were able to induce the division of T cell receptor transgenic CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in vivo. This was the case regardless of whether the antigen used in these experiments was a low or a high affinity T cell receptor ligand. Similarly, both populations of dendritic cells were able to activate antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses and initiate tumor-protective immune responses in vivo. We conclude that IL-4-/- and wild-type dendritic cells have a comparable ability to initiate T cell immune responses when in an IL-4-sufficient environment.     

Leishmania major-infected murine langerhans cell-like dendritic cells from susceptible mice release IL-12 after infection and vaccinate against experimental cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Leishmania major-infected C57BL / 6 skin-dendritic cells (DC) are activated and release cytokines (including IL-12 p70), and likely initiate protective Th1 immunity in vivo (von Stebut, E. et al., J. Exp. Med. 188: 1547 - 1552). To characterize differences in DC function in mice that are genetically susceptible (BALB / c) and resistant (C57BL / 6) to cutaneous leishmaniasis, we analyzed the effects of L. major on Langerhans cell-like, fetal skin-derived DC (FSDDC) from both strains. BALB / c- and C57BL / 6-FSDDC ingested similar numbers of amastigotes, but did not ingest metacyclic promastigotes. Like C57BL / 6-FSDDC, infection of BALB / c-FSDDC led to up-regulation of MHC class I and II antigens, CD40, CD54, and CD86 within 18 h. L. major-induced BALB / c DC activation also led to the release of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-12 p40 into 18-h supernatants. Infected BALB / c- and C57BL / 6-DC both released small amounts of IL-12 p70 within 72 h. Additional stimulation with IFN-gamma and / or anti-CD40 induced the release of more IL-12 p70 from infected BALB / c-DC than C57BL / 6-DC. Co-culture of control or infected BALB / c- and C57BL / 6-DC with naive syngeneic CD4(+) T cells and soluble anti-CD3 resulted in mixed, IFN-gamma-predominant responses after restimulation with immobilized anti-CD3. Finally, syngeneic L. major-infected DC effectively vaccinated BALB / c mice against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Genetic susceptibility to L. major that results from induction of Th2 predominant immune responses after infection does not appear to reflect failure of skin DC to internalize or respond to parasites, or the inability of BALB / c T cells to mount a Th1 response to DC-associated Leishmania antigens.     

糖皮质激素联合IL-2提高调节T细胞/效应T细胞比例抑制异基因抗原反应

目的 建立糖皮质激素联合IL-2选择性提高调节T细胞(Tr)/效应T细胞(Te)比例的方法,观察其对异基因抗原反应的抑制效应.方法 体内使用地塞米松(DxM,5 mg·kg-1·d-1)和IL-2(300 000 IU/d)处理C57BL/6N3d后提取脾单个核细胞(MNC);流式细胞仪(FCM)分析CD4+CD25+、cD25+Foxp3+等的变化.取经IL-2和DXM联合处理后第10天的C57BL/6N脾细胞,用BALB/c小鼠脾细胞作为异基因抗原对其进行刺激,测定其增殖反应.结果 经过糖皮质激素和IL-2联合处理,C57BL/6N鼠脾CD4+Cd2525Foxo3+Tr数量明显增加,DXM+IL-2组CD4+中CD25+Foxp3+Tr比例为24.22%±7.60%,与对照组相比(4.02%±0.84%)差异具有统计学意义(P=0.01).DXM+IL-2组供鼠Tr与Te之比显著上升(0.43±0.15),与对照组(0.14±0.01)相比,差异具有统计学意义(P=0.01).DXM+IL-2组表达更强的糖皮质激素诱导肿瘤坏死因子受体(GTTR),该组小鼠T细胞体外异基因抗原增殖反应明显减低(P<0.05).结论 DXM联合IL-2体内应用有效提高Ir/Te比例,抑制异基因抗原增殖反应.     

CD8 T cells from major histocompatibility complex class II-deficient mice respond vigorously to class II molecules in a primary mixed lymphocyte reaction

Mature CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells are restricted by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and class I molecules, respectively. In a primary mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), CD8⁺ T cells from C57BL/6 (B6) mice can respond to allo-class I molecules, but not allo-class II molecules. However, a significant fraction of CD8⁺ T cells from C57BL/6 class II-deficient (B6Aα^?) mice violate this rule by responding vigorously in a MLR to class II molecules. The frequency of responding cells is ～ 50 % of that of B6 CD8⁺ T cells responding to B6bm1 allo-class I molecules. This response requires neither appropriate co-receptor, i.e. CD4, nor exogenous lymphokines, indicating that interactions between the T cell receptors (TCR) and class II molecules are remarkably efficient. Since these CD8⁺ T cells are positively selected by class I molecules in the thymus of class II-deficient mice, these CD8⁺ T cells should interact with both classes of MHC molecules. The absence of thymic negative selection by class II molecules may result in the production of these CD8⁺ T cells. The data imply that a substantial fraction of CD4⁺CD8⁺ double-positive thymocytes in wild-type mice interacts with both classes of MHC molecules prior to thymic selection.