Role of CD4+CD45RA+ T cells in the development of autoimmune diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse

The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse spontaneously develops aT cell-mediated autoimmune disease, sharing many features withhuman insulin-dependent diabetes mellltus (IDDM), leading toinsulin-secreting ß cell destruction. The role ofCD4⁺ T cells has been evidenced at two levels. First, CD4⁺ Tcells from diabetic animals are required to transfer diabetesto non-diabetic recipients in conjunction with CD8⁺ effectorT cells. Second, suppressive CD4⁺ T cells have been characterizedin non-diabetic NOD mice. T cells with different functions canthus share the CD4⁺ phenotype. Since CD4⁺ T cells can be dividedinto at least two subgroups on the basis of CD45 isoform expression,we evaluated the distribution of CD4⁺ T cells expressing theCD45RA isoform on NOD mouse thymocytes and peripheral T cells.The percentage of CD45RA⁺ cells was dramatically increased amongthe most mature CD3^bright thymocytes and among CD4⁺ T cellsin lymph nodes of the NOD mouse as compared with control strains.This increase was related to the development of insulitls. Interestingly,the CD45RA isoform was expressed on most CD4⁺ T cells invadingthe islets. In vivo treatment with an antl-CD45RA mAb preventedthe development of insulitls and spontaneous diabetes in femaleanimals but not the transfer of diabetes by T cells collectedfrom diabetic NOD donors. These results indicate that anti-CD45RAmAb is only effective if given before the full commitment ofeffector T cells to the destruction of islet ß cells.ThusCD4⁺CD45RA⁺ T cells play a key role in early activation stepsof anti-islet immunity.     

Improved Engraftment of Human Spleen Cells in NOD/LtSz-scid/scid Mice as Compared with C.B-17-scid/scid Mice

T and B lymphocyte-deficient mice homozygous for the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mutation can be immunologically engrafted with human lymphocytes. However, low levels of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell engraftment are commonly observed, impeding full use of this model We now demonstrate that strain background in mice homozygous for the scid mutation is a strong determinant of levels of human lymphocyte engraftment. NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice support higher levels of engraftment of both human spleen and peripheral blood mononuclear cells than do C.B-17-scid/scid mice. We observed, using human spleen cell injected scid mice, 1), high levels of engraftment of the host peripheral lymphoid tissues with human CD45⁺ (leukocytes), CD3⁺ (T cells), CD4⁺ (helper/inducer), and CD8⁺ (suppressor/cytotoxic) lymphoid cells for up to 24 weeks in NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice; 2), migration of high numbers of human lymphocytes to peripheral lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs in NOD/LtSz-scid/scid, but not in C.B-17-scid/scid mice; 3), higher levels of serum immunoglobulin of human origin in NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice than in C.B-17-scid/scid mice; 4), histological lesions character-istic of human anti-mouse xenoreactivity in NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice; and 5), human origin antibodies against filarial antigens after engraftment with naive human spleen cells. The use of NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice as recipients to achieve significantly enhanced human lymphopoietic cell engraftment will now enable human immunity to be more easily studied in animal models.     

Proliferation and apoptosis of B220+ CD4 CD8 TCR{alpha}{beta}intermediate T cells in the liver of normal adult mice: implication for Ipr pathogenesis

Small numbers of T cells have been isolated from the normalmouse liver and many of these are of the CD4^–CD8^–TCRß⁺phenotype. Larger numbers of such cells are present in the liversof mice homozygous for the Ipr mutation and the liver has beenproposed to be the site of an extrathymlc T cell developmentpathway that is expanded in Ipr/lpr mice. Using a modified separationprocedure that increases the liver T cell yield, we have beenable to characterize a subset of CD4^–CD8^–TCRß^intermediateT cells that express the B220 epltope of the CD45 molecule,and resemble in this and many other ways the accumulating Tcells in Ipr lymph nodes. These cells are an actively dividingpopulation and even in healthy, unmanipulated mice a large proportionof them are undergoing apoptosis. We propose the model thatthe normal liver is a major site for T cell destruction andthat the Ipr defect results in failure of this process withleakage of B220⁺CD4^–CD8^–TCRß⁺ cells fromthe liver to peripheral lymphoid tissues, particularly lymphnodes.     

Superantigen-reactive T cells that display an anergic phenotype in vitro appear functional in vivo

Clonal deletion and/or inactivation establishes tolerance toself antigens. Endogenous and exogenous (bacterial) superantigens,like the staphylococcal enterotoxlns, induce ligand-specificclonal anergy in vivo and thus are believed to mirror aspectsof post-thymic tolerance mechanisms in mature peripheral T cells.Here we analyzed the level of anergy of ligand-responsive V_ß8⁺T cells from staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-primed micein vivo and in vitro. Upon in vitro restimulation with SEB,CD4⁺V_ß8⁺ and CD8⁺V_ß8⁺ T cells failed toproduce IL-2. However, functional IL-2 receptors were triggered,since supplementation with IL-2 induced clonal growth in virtuallyall CD4⁺V_ß8⁺ and CD8⁺V_ß8⁺ T cells as determinedby limiting dilution analyses. Thus in vitro unresponslvenessof lymphocytes from SEB-primed mice reflects the inability ofSEB-reactlve V_ß8⁺ T cells to produce IL-2. Surprisingly,anergy as defined in vitro was at variance with that in vivo.Following further challenge with SEB, systemic and acute lymphokineproduction (Including IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor) occurredwith almost identical peak values and kinetics to primary invivo responses, and D-galactosamlne-sensltlzed mice succumbedto lethal shock. Polymerase chain reaction analyses revealedthat CD4⁺V_ß8⁺ expressed IL-2-specific mRNA in vivoupon restimulatlon with SEB. While lymphokine production andexpression of the IL-2 receptor was similar to the responseto in vivo primary stimulation, only CD8⁺V_ß8⁺ T cellsexpanded clonally upon reintroductlon of SEB in vivo. Henceprimed V_ß8⁺ T cells challenged with SEB display invitro anergy yet in vivo responsiveness, at least in part. Weconclude that the state of anergy is reversible, dependent uponthe quality of activation signals provided in in vivo ratherthan in in vitro culture conditions.     

Progression of T cell lineage restriction in the earliest subpopulation of murine adult thymus visualized by the expression of lck proximal promoter activity

The proximal promoter of lck directs gene expression exclusivelyin T cells. To investigate the developmental regulation of thelck proximal promoter activity and its relationship to T celllineage commitment, a green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic(Tg) mouse in which the GFP expression is under the controlof the proximal promoter of lck was created. In the adult GFP-Tgmice, >90% of CD4⁺CD8⁺ and CD4⁺CD8^– thymocytes, andthe majority of CD4^–CD8⁺ and CD4^–CD8^– [double-negative(DN)] thymocytes were highly positive for GFP. Slightly lowerbut substantial levels of expression of GFP was also observedin mature splenic T cells. No GFP⁺ cells was detected in non-Tlineage subsets, including mature and immature B cells, CD5⁺B cells, and NK cells, indicating a preserved tissue specificityof the promoter. The earliest GFP⁺ cells detected were foundin the CD44⁺CD25^– DN thymocyte subpopulation. The developmentalpotential of GFP^– and GFP⁺ cells in the CD44⁺CD25^–DN fraction was examined using in vitro culture systems. Thegeneration of substantial numbers of ß and T cells aswell as NK cells was demonstrated from both GFP^– and GFP⁺cells. However, no development of B cells or dendritic cellswas detected from GFP⁺ CD44⁺CD25^– DN thymocytes. Theseresults suggest that the progenitors expressing lck proximalpromoter activity in the CD44⁺CD25^– DN thymocyte subsethave lost most of the progenitor potential for the B and dendriticcell lineage. Thus, progression of T cell lineage restrictionin the earliest thymic population can be visualized by lck proximalpromoter activity, suggesting a potential role of Lck in theT cell lineage commitment.     

Co-transfer of B cells converts resistance into susceptibility in T cell-reconstituted, Leishmania major-resistant C.B-17 scid mice by a non-congnate mechanism

Resistance to infection of mice with Leishmania major parasitesis dependent on the production of IFN- by CD4⁺ T helper cells.C.B-17 scid mice, lacking both T and B cells, succumb very quicklyto the infection, but develop resistance if reconstituted withappropriate numbers of T cells from BALB/c mice. In this model,we studied the role of B cells with regard to their abilityto influence disease outcome and to function as antigen-presentingcells for T cells. For this purpose, we reconstituted scid mice(H-2^d) with either T cells or with T and B cells obtained from(BALB/c x BALB.B)F₁ mice (H-2^d x ^b), and infected them withL. major parasites 1 day after reconstitution. Mice reconstitutedwith T cells alone cured the disease, whereas additional B cellreconstitution led to susceptibility. Healing was associatedwith a predominant T_h1-type response. In all mice, L. mayor-specificT cell proliferation was restricted to the MHC phenotype ofthe recipient (H-2^d) but not to that of the donor (H-2^d x ^b),indicating that there was no detectable contribution of donorB cells in the priming of a T cell response. Furthermore, Bcells, when purified from infected BALB/c mice, were unableto stimulate a L. mayor-specific CD4⁺ T cell clone (L1/1) withoutaddition of exogenous antigen, in contrast to macrophages fromthe same animal. These data suggest that B cells, in vivo, donot carry L. major antigen in a form capable of activating specificCD4⁺ T cells. Therefore, B cells promote disease by means otherthan cognate interaction with CD4⁺ T cells.     

CD4+ICOS+ T lymphocytes inhibit T cell activation 'in vitro' and attenuate autoimmune encephalitis 'in vivo'

The inducible co-stimulator (ICOS, CD278) is essential to theefficient development of normal and pathological immune reactions.Since ICOS-deficient mice have enhanced susceptibility to experimentalallergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), we have functionally analyzeda CD4⁺ICOS⁺ population comprising 6–15% of all CD4⁺ Tcells in secondary lymphoid organs of unmanipulated wild-typemice and checked for their ability to suppress EAE. In C57BL/6mice, CD4⁺ICOS⁺ cells were a major source of cytokines includingIFN-, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 or IL-17A. Upon activation, these cellsshowed preferentially enhanced production of IL-4 or IL-10 butinhibited IFN- production. In contrast, CD4⁺ICOS^– cellsmainly produced IFN-. Interestingly, CD4⁺ICOS⁺ cells partiallysuppressed the proliferation of CD4⁺ICOS^– or CD4⁺CD25^–lymphocytes ‘in vitro’ by an IL-10-dependent mechanism.Furthermore, CD4⁺ICOS⁺ activated and expanded under appropriateconditions yielded a population enriched in cells producingIL-10 and T_h2 cytokines that also suppressed the proliferationof CD4⁺CD25^– lymphocytes. CD4⁺ICOS⁺ cells, before or afterexpansion in vitro, reduced the severity of EAE when transferredto ICOS-deficient mice. In the same EAE model, lymph node cellsfrom ICOS-deficient mice receiving ICOS⁺ cells showed reducedIL-17A production and enhanced IL-10 secretion upon antigenactivation in vitro. Thus, naturally occurring CD4⁺ICOS⁺ cells,expanded or not in vitro, are functionally relevant cells ableof protecting ICOS-deficient mice from severe EAE.     

A T cell activation antigen,Ly6C,induced on CD4+ Th1 cells mediates an inhibitory signal for secretion of IL-2 and proliferation in peripheral immune responses

A T cell activation antigen, Ly6C, is considered to be involved in the autoimmunity of some autoimmune-prone mice; however, the function of Ly6C remains largely unknown. We prepared a rat anti-mouse Ly6C monoclonal antibody (mAb) (S14) that inhibits the proliferation of peripheral T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb in vitro. S14 mAb, the specificity of which is confirmed by a cDNA transfectant, recognizes Ly6C antigen preferentially expressed on a part of CD8⁺ T cells in peripheral lymphoid organs. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrates that Ly6C appears on CD8⁺ T cells in the conventional T cell-associated area of BALB/c but not of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, confirming the absence of Ly6C⁺ T cells in NOD mice. Addition of soluble S14 mAb to the culture does not influence the proliferation of T cells in vitro; however, the S14 mAb coated on the plate clearly inhibits the proliferation and IL-2 production of anti-CD3-stimulated peripheral T cells. The T cells are arrested at the transitional stage from G₀/G₁ to S+G₂/M phases, but they are not induced to undergo apoptotic changes in vitro. This inhibitory signal provided through the Ly6C molecule inhibited IL-2 secretion in a subpopulation of the activated CD4⁺ T cells. Ly6C is expressed on T cell clones of both Th1 and Th2 cells, but the cytokine secretion from Th1 clones is preferentially inhibited. These results suggest that Ly6C mediates an inhibitory signal for secretion of cytokines from Th1 CD4⁺ T cells, potentially causing the inhibition of immune response in peripheral lymphoid tissues.     

Co-stimulation via CD28 induces activation of a refractory subset of MRL-Ipr/Ipr T lymphocytes

Peripheral lymphoid tissues of Ipr mice contain a large proportionof TCRß/CD3⁺CD4^–CD8^– T cells that lacksurface CD2 and express the B cell isoform of CD45, B220. Thissubset of T cells does not proliferate or produce IL-2 in responseto mitogenic signals or TCR–CD3 ligation. At the sametime, these abnormal T cells display several characteristicsof an activated phenotype. Collectively, these properties ofIpr CD4^–CD8^– T cells have functional parallels withanergic T cells. A critical co-stimulatory molecule implicatedin the prevention of or recovery from anergy is CD28, whichbinds the ligand BB1/B7 on certain accessory cells. Ipr CD4^–CD8^–T cells express normal levels of CD28 which is capable of transducinga strong proliferative signal to these cells in co-stimulationwith mitogens. However, proliferation of Ipr CD4^–CD8^–T cells in response to CD28 co-stimulation does not reach thelevels observed in normal T cells stimulated under similar conditions.Stimulation with anti-CD28 mAb in conjunction with phorbol myristateacetate and lonomycin promotes cell cycling in the CD2^–subset of CD4^–CD8^– T cells, and results in a slightinduction of CD2 levels during the course of the culture period.However, the majority of cells obtained at the end of the cultureperiod remain TCRß+ CD4^–CD8^–, CD2^low/–and B220^high, similar to freshly isolated CD4^–CD8^–Ipr T cells. In contrast, if IL-2 is included in the cultures,a strong shift toward a CD2⁺ phenotype is observed by a majorityof the Ipr T cells. Upon repeat stimulation, these Ipr CD4^–CD8^–T cells can now proliferate in an IL-2-dependent manner whenstimulated with only anti-CD3 mAb or mitogens, in the absenceof exogenous IL-2 or anti-CD28 mAb. These data show that thehyporesponsiveness of Ipr CD4^–CD8^– T cells doesnot result from a lack of CD28 expression, that it is not afixed state, and that it can be reversed by the induction ofcell cycling in the presence of IL-2. These observations extendthe parallels between Ipr CD4^–CD8^– T cells and anergicT cells.     

Attenuated Listeria monocytogenes as a live vector for induction of CD8+ T cells in vivo: a study with the nucleoprotein of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Listeria monocytogenes spends most of its intracellular lifecycle in the cytosol of the infected eucaryotic cells. Withinthis cellular compartment originates the endogenous pathwayof antigen processing and presentation. We thus assumed thatrecombinant L. monocytogenes expressing an heterologous protein,the nucleoprotein of the lymphocytic choriomeningltis virus(LCMV), should be able to induce antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cellsin vivo. The LCMV nucleoprotein gene was inserted in phase withthe sequence coding for the putative signal sequence of thehemolysin of L. monocytogenes in order to target its secretioninto the cytosol of the infected cell. The ability of this recombinantbacterium to induce LCMV-reactive CD8⁺ T cells was then monitoredin BALB/c mice. The immune status of the immunized BALB/c micewas studied on the seventh day after a single i.v.injectionof a sublethal dose of the recombinant bacteria: (i) cytotoxicCD8⁺ T cells were detected in liver; (ii) using in vitro re-stimulationwith PMA and ionomycin, secondary cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells weredetected in spleen; (iii) an early inflammatory reaction dependenton the presence of CD8⁺ T cells occurred in the footpad afterintraplantar inoculation of live LCMV; and (iv) mice were protectedagainst an otherwise lethal intracerebral LCMV challenge; theprotection was accompanied by elimination of the virus. Whenthe immune status of the immunized hosts was monitored for alonger period post-immunization, the balance between immuneprotectiosn and immunopathology described for the anti-LCMVimmune responses was observed; two phases of protection weredetected, flanking a transitory phase of exacerbation of thelymphocytic choriomeningitis disease (weeks 2–5). Takentogether, these results indicate the feasibility of using attenuatedL. monocytogenes as a model of a live vector to induce in vivoCD8-ependent immune responses against intracellular pathogens.     

Vaccination with DNA encoding internal proteins of influenza virus does not require CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes: either CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells can promote survival and recovery after challenge

DNA vaccination offers the advantages of viral gene expressionwithin host cells without the risks of infectious virus. Likeviral vaccines, DNA vaccines encoding internal influenza virusproteins can induce immunity to conserved epitopes and so maydefend the host against a broad range of viral variants. CD8⁺cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) have been described as essentialeffectors in protection by influenza nucleoprotein (NP), althougha lesser role of CD4⁺ cells has been reported. We immunizedmice with plasmids encoding influenza virus NP and matrix (M).NP + M DNA allowed B6 mice to survive otherwise lethal challengeinfection, but did not protect B6-ß₂m(–/–)mice defective in CD8⁺ CTL. However, this does not prove CTLare required, because ß₂m(–/–) mice have multipleimmune abnormalities. We used acute T cell depletion in vivoto identify effectors critical for defense against challengeinfection. Since lung lymphocytes are relevant to virus clearance,surface phenotypes and cytolytic activity of lung lymphocyteswere analyzed in depleted animals, along with lethal challengestudies. Depletion of either CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells in NP + MDNA-immunized BALB/c mice during the challenge period did notsignificantly decrease survival, while simultaneous depletionof CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells or depletion of all CD90⁺ cells completelyabrogated survival. We conclude that T cell immunity inducedby NP + M DNA vaccination is responsible for immune defense,but CD8⁺ T cells are not essential in the active response tothis vaccination. Either CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells can promote survivaland recovery in the absence of the other subset.     

Alternative complement pathway activation by CD4+ T cells of HIV infected individuals: a possible role in AIDS pathogenesis

The mechanisms by which CD4⁺ T cells are eliminated during HIVinfection are poorly understood. We have previously shown thatHIV infected cell lines activate and fix C3 via the alternativecomplement pathway (ACP). In the present study we examined theability of blood lymphocytes from 40 HIV⁺ individuals to fixC3. A large fraction of the CD4⁺ T cells reacted with anti-gp120antibodies. These cells also carried C3 fragments in vivo andcould further fix C3 if exposed to human serum In vitro. C3activation occurred via the ACP. In some cases exposure of thelymphocytes to human serum under conditions allowing ACP activationresulted in partial elimination of CD4⁺ T cells. The resultssuggest that complement activation and fixation by CD4⁺ T cellsopsonized with HIV particles or gp120 may contribute to theirselective destruction.     

Establishment of resistance to Leishmania major infection in susceptible BALB/c mice requires parasite-specific CD8+ T cells

Although CD4⁺ T cells are generally accepted to be responsiblefor the determination of resistance to infection in experimentalmurine cutaneous leishmanlasis, a contribution of CD8⁺ lymphocytesto immunity can be demonstrated under certain well-defined conditions.Normally highly susceptible BALB/c mice can be rendered resistantto infection with Leishmania major promastigotes by a singleinjection of monoclonal anti-CD4 antibodies at the beginningof infection. Mice treated in such a way can heal their primarycutaneous lesions and acquire immunity to subsequent challengeinfection. Both the resolution of the primary infection andthe induced state of immunityto reinfection in these mice isshown to be dependent upon the anti-leishmanial effector functionsof CD8⁺ T cells. Furthermore, in contrast to control infectedBALB/c mice, which are unable to mount a delayed-type hypersensitivity(DTH) response to viable parasites, mice cured as a result oftreatment with anti-CD4 antibodies in vivo exhibit a strongDTH response, which can be significantly reduced by injectionof either anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies prior toantigenic challenge with viable promastigotes. Moreover, increasednumbers of specific CD8⁺ T cells, able to transferLeishmania-specificDTH responses, were found in lymphold organs of BALB/c micerendered resistant to infection by immunointervention with anti-CD4monoclonal antibodies at the beginning of infection. Neutralizationin vivo of interleukin 4 during the course of infection in BALB/cmice also enables these otherwise susceptible mice to resolvetheir cutaneous lesions and to decrease the parasite burdenin infected tissues. CD8⁺ T cells are required for both of thesebeneficial effects. Taken together, these results indicate thatin the immune BALB/c mouse, as in the normally resistant CBAmouse, CD8⁺ lymphocytes are involved in the elimination of L.major and in the establishment and maintenance of immunity againstinfection with this parasite.     

人源化NOD/SCID小鼠免疫细胞的动态变化与鉴定

目的： 比较脐血干细胞与单个核细胞移植NOD/SCID鼠所建立的人源化SCID模型，分析人源化淋巴细胞重建。方法： 磁珠分选法分离脐血中CD34⁺细胞，淋巴细胞分层液分离脐血单个核细胞，分别经尾静脉输入NOD/SCID小鼠。每隔2周采血至10周，流式细胞术动态检测人源淋巴细胞CD45、CD19、CD3抗原。第10周处死小鼠收集外周血、骨髓、胸腺组织，RT-PCR检测模型鼠组织中人β₂M基因及RAG2基因。结果： 两种类型细胞移植均可重建人源免疫细胞，人源淋巴细胞表达水平均在第8周达高峰。骨髓中人源淋巴细胞表达水平明显高于外周血。RT-PCR在外周血与骨髓检测到人β₂M基因及RAG2基因标志。结论： CD34⁺细胞移植重建人源化NOD/SCID免疫系统模型效果要好于脐血单个核细胞。人源T淋巴细胞在模型鼠骨髓中分化成熟。     

Cross-linking of cell surface ganglioside GM1 induces the selective apoptosis of mature CD+ T lymphocytes

Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids found ubiquitously on thesurface of mammalian cells. They contain a ceramide tail thatis inserted into the membrane and exposed carbohydrate and sialicacid moleties. The non-toxic B subunit oligomer (EtxB) of Escherichiacoli heat-labile enterotoxin (Etx) is a potent immunogen invivo and has profound modulatory effects on EtxB-primed lymphocytesin vitro, properties which are dependent on its ability to bindto GM1 ganglioside receptors. Here, it is shown that cross-linkingGM1 by EtxB causes a differential effect on mature CD4⁺ andCD8⁺ T cells from lymph node cultures proliferating in responseto an unrelated antigen, ovalbumin. Addition of EtxB to suchcultures led to the complete depletion of CD8⁺ T cells comparedwith enhanced activation of CD4⁺ T cells [as measured by expressionof CD25 (IL-2R)]. By contrast, addition of a mutant EtxB, EtxB(G33D),which does not bind to GM1, failed to trigger CD8⁺ T cell depletion.When EtxB was added to isolated non-immune CD8⁺ lymphocytesrapid (12–18 h) alterations in nuclear morphology andthe appearance of sub-G₀/G₁ levels of DNA were induced; propertieswhich are characteristic of cells undergoing apoptosis. EtxB(G33D)failed to trigger apoptosis, indicating that the induction ofthe apoptotic signal was dependent on the binding of GM1. Thesefindings provide an insight into the potent immunogenicity andimmunomodulatory properties of E. coli enterotoxins as wellas heralding a novel method for the selective induction of apoptosisin mature CD8⁺ T lymphocytes.     

BAFF regulates activation of self‐reactive T cells through B‐cell dependent mechanisms and mediates protection in NOD mice

Targeting the BAFF/APRIL system has shown to be effective in preventing T‐cell dependent autoimmune disease in the NOD mouse, a spontaneous model of type 1 diabetes. In this study we generated BAFF‐deficient NOD mice to examine how BAFF availability would influence T‐cell responses in vivo and the development of spontaneous diabetes. BAFF‐deficient NOD mice which lack mature B cells, were protected from diabetes and showed delayed rejection of an allogeneic islet graft. Diabetes protection correlated with a failure to expand pathogenic IGRP‐reactive CD8⁺ T cells, which were maintained in the periphery at correspondingly low levels. Adoptive transfer of IGRP‐reactive CD8⁺ T cells with B cells into BAFF‐deficient NOD mice enhanced IGRP‐reactive CD8⁺ T‐cell expansion. Furthermore, when provoked with cyclophosphamide, or transferred to a secondary lymphopenic host, the latent pool of self‐reactive T cells resident in BAFF‐deficient NOD mice could elicit beta cell destruction. We conclude that lack of BAFF prevents the procurement of B‐cell‐dependent help necessary for the emergence of destructive diabetes. Indeed, treatment of NOD mice with the BAFF‐blocking compound, BR3‐Fc, resulted in a delayed onset and reduced incidence of diabetes.     

In vivo and in vitro repertoire of CD3+CD4 CD8 thymocytes

CD4-CD8- thymocytes contain a cell subset which expresses thecomplete CD3-TCR complex (/ or /) of which the ontogeny andfiliation are unknown. One of the questions is whether thispopulation can be intrathymically selected, an obligatory stepfor the mature CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cell differentiation pathway, orif the absence of CD4 and CD8 allows them to escape thymic selection.The repertoire of CD3 ⁺ CD4 - CD8 - (CD3 ⁺ DN) thymocytes wasanalyzed in different strains of mice with different combinationsof H-2 and Mls expression. The expression of V_ß8.1in freshly isolated CD3⁺ DN cells is the highest in Mls-l^b miceand the lowest in MIS-l^a and F₁ mice, suggesting that selectionagainst this specificity can be achieved in vivo. By contrast,a low percentage of V_ß6⁺ cells is found in all thestrains, with no correlation according to MIS expression. Invitro culture of DN thymocytes with IL-1 and IL-2 leads to theproliferation of CD3⁺ DN cells. In vitro culture amplifies thein vivo pattern of V_ß8.1 expression, while V_ß6⁺cells only expand in DN cells of 66 and 61002 Mls-l^b mice withthe same genetic background. These results show: (i) CD3⁺ DNthymic cells can be intrathymically selected but the repertoireis different from that of mature T cells; (ii) V_ß6and V_ß8.1 selection do not follow the same pattern;(iii) this repertoire can be modified by In vitro culture, towarda more mature type; and (iv) comparison of DN cell repertoireof BALBlc, BALB.D2 (congenic for MLs), and other strains ofmice suggests a multigenic control for this selection, and aninvolvement of background genes.     

CD4+Thy1- thymocytes with a Th-type 2 cytokine response

We have identified a small subset of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8^–thymocytes that do not express Thy1 (CD90). This Thy1^–subset represents 1–3.7% of the total number of thymocytesin a naive mouse. CD4⁺Thy1^– thymocytes express high levelsof CD3, intermediate to high levels of heat-stable antigen (HSA),and low levels of CD25, CD45RB, CD69, CD44 and CD62L. They producehigh titers of IL-4 and no IFN- upon stimulation in vitro, aresponse characteristic of T_h2 cells. In the thymi of mice infectedneonatally with a high dose of the retrovirus Cas-Br-E MuLV,the frequency of CD4⁺Thy1^– cells increased ~10-fold. High-dosevirus infection resulted in decreased HSA and increased CD44expression on CD4⁺Thy1^– cells relative to cells from naivemice. CD4⁺Thy1^– cells from high-dose infected mice alsosecreted IL-4 and not IFN- upon in vitro stimulation. We previouslyreported that infection of newborn mice with a high dose ofmurine retrovirus results in the induction of a non-protectiveanti-viral T_h2 T cell response; CD4⁺Thy1^– thymocytes witha T_h2-like cytokine profile may play a role in determining thecytokine bias of this anti-viral response.