Functional dissection of the CD21/CD19/TAPA-1/Leu-13 complex of B lymphocytes

The CD21/CD19/TAPA-1 complex of B lymphocytes amplifies signal transduction through membrane immunoglobulin (mIg), recruits phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), and induces homotypic cellular aggregation. The complex is unique among known membrane protein complexes of the immune system because its components represent different protein families, and can be expressed individually. By constructing chimeric molecules replacing the extracellular, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic regions of CD19 and CD21 with those of HLA-A2 and CD4, we have determined that CD19 and TAPA-1 interact through their extracellular domains, CD19 and CD21 through their extracellular and transmembrane domains, and, in a separate complex, CD21 and CD35 through their extracellular domains. A chimeric form of CD19 that does not interact with CD21 or TAPA-1 was expressed in Daudi B lymphoblastoid cells and was shown to replicate two functions of wild- type CD19 contained within the complex: synergistic interaction with mIgM to increase intracellular free calcium and tyrosine phosphorylation and association with the p85 subunit of PI3-kinase after ligation of mIgM. The chimeric CD19 lacked the capacity of the wild-type CD19 to induce homotypic cellular aggregation, a function of the complex that can be ascribed to the TAPA-1 component. The CD21/CD19/TAPA-1 complex brings together independently functioning subunits to enable the B cell to respond to low concentrations of antigen.     

B lymphocyte binding to E- and P-selectins is mediated through the de novo expression of carbohydrates on in vitro and in vivo activated human B cells.

Cell adhesion to endothelium regulates the trafficking and recruitment of leukocytes towards lymphoid organs and sites of inflammation. This phenomenon is mediated by the expression of a number of adhesion molecules on both the endothelium and circulating cells. Activation of endothelial cells (EC) with different stimuli induces the expression of several adhesion molecules (E- and P-selectins, ICAM-1, VCAM-1), involved in their interaction with circulating cells. In this report, we have studied the binding of nonactivated and activated B cells to purified E- and P-selectins. Activated but not resting B cells were able to interact with both selectins. This binding capacity of activated B cells paralleled the induction of different carbohydrate epitopes (Lewisx, sialyl-Lewisx, CD57 and CDw65) as well as other molecules bearing these or related epitopes in myeloid cells (L-selectin, alpha L beta 2 and alpha X beta 2 integrins, and CD35) involved in the interaction of different cell types with selectins. B cells infiltrating inflamed tissues like in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also expressed these selectin-binding carbohydrates in parallel with the expression of E-selectin by surrounding follicular dendritic cells. Moreover, the crosslinking of these selectin-binding epitopes resulted in an increased binding of B cells to different integrin ligands. Thus, in addition to the involvement of integrins, E- and P-selectins could play an important role in the interaction of B lymphocytes with the endothelium during B cell extravasation into lymphoid tissues and inflammatory foci as well as in their organization into lymphoid organs.     

Expression of mucosal homing receptor alpha4beta7 by circulating CD4+ cells with memory for intestinal rotavirus.

The integrin alpha4beta7 mediates lymphocyte binding to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1, and its expression defines lymphocytes capable of trafficking through the intestines and the intestinal lymphoid tissues. We examined the ability of discrete alpha4beta7(hi) and alpha4beta7- subsets of circulating memory phenotype (CD45RA-) CD4+ T cells to proliferate in response to rotavirus, a ubiquitous intestinal pathogen. alpha4beta7(hi) memory (CD45RA-) CD4+ T cells displayed much greater reactivity to rotavirus than alpha4beta7- memory or naive (CD45RA+) CD4+ T cells. In contrast, alpha4beta7- memory cells were the predominant population responsive to mumps antigen after intramuscular vaccination. Our results are consistent with the conclusion that natural rotavirus infection, an enteric pathogen, results in a specific circulating memory CD4+ response that is largely limited to the gut-homing alpha4beta7+ subpopulation. This phenotype is not shared with memory cells elicited by intramuscular immunization (shown here) or by skin contact allergens. The results support the hypothesis that gut trafficking memory CD4+ T cells comprise cellular memory for intestinal antigens and suggest that regulated expression of alpha4beta7 helps target and segregate intestinal versus systemic immune response.     

The alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins mediate engraftment of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-mobilized human hematopoietic progenitor cells

BACKGROUND: The alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins are major adhesion molecules of murine and human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) are the most important source for clinical hematopoietic cell transplantation today. The contribution of alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins to homing of PBPCs has not been studied yet. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The expression of alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins on purified human PBPCs was analyzed. Integrin function in adhesion to recombinant fibronectin and migration on fibronectin-coated transwells was assessed with fragments combining different adhesion domains and function-blocking antibodies. Finally, the function of those integrins in a transplantation model was investigated with repopulating cells of nonobese diabetic/severe combined immune-deficient (NOD/SCID) mice. RESULTS: More than 90 percent of all purified peripheral blood CD34+ cells express alpha4beta1 integrins, whereas only 10 to 15 percent express alpha5beta1. The alpha4beta1 integrin alone influences adhesion whereas alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 both mediate chemotaxis of clonogenic CD34+ progenitor cells on recombinant fibronectin. Importantly, antibodies against the integrins alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 independently reduce the repopulation of NOD/SCID mouse marrow after transplantation of human peripheral blood CD34+ cells. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins are functional and critical adhesion receptors expressed on G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ hematopoietic blood progenitor cells with repopulating capacity mediating engraftment after transplantation.     

Ligation of CD38 suppresses human B lymphopoiesis

CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in many cell types, including lymphoid progenitors and activated lymphocytes. High levels of CD38 expression on immature lymphoid cells suggest its role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, but there is no evidence demonstrating a functional activity of CD38 on these cells. We used stroma-supported cultures of B cell progenitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (T16 and IB4) to study CD38 function. In cultures of normal bone marrow CD19+ cells (n = 5), addition of anti-CD38 markedly reduced the number of cells recovered after 7 d. Cell loss was greatest among CD19+ sIg- B cell progenitors (mean cell recovery +/- SD = 7.2 +/- 11.7% of recovery in control cultures) and extended to CD19+CD34+ B cells (the most immature subset; 7.6 +/- 2.2%). In contrast, CD38 ligation did not substantially affect cell numbers in cultures of normal peripheral blood or tonsillar B cells. In stroma- supported cultures of 22 B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases, anti-CD38 suppressed recovery of CD19+ sIg- leukemic cells. CD38 ligation also suppressed the growth of immature lymphoid cell lines cultured on stroma and, in some cases, in the presence of stroma- derived cytokines (interleukin [IL] 7, IL-3, and/or stem cell factor), but did not inhibit growth in stroma- or cytokine-free cultures. DNA content and DNA fragmentation studies showed that CD38 ligation of stroma-supported cells resulted in both inhibition of DNA synthesis and induction of apoptosis. It is known that CD38 catalyzes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) hydrolysis into cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and ADPR. However, no changes in NAD+ hydrolysis or cADPR and ADPR production after CD38 ligation were found by high-performance liquid chromatography; addition of NAD+, ADPR, or cADPR to cultures of lymphoid progenitors did not offset the inhibitory effects of anti- CD38. Thus, anti-CD38 does not suppress B lymphopoiesis by altering the enzymatic function of the molecule. In conclusion, these data show that CD38 ligation inhibits the growth of immature B lymphoid cells in the bone marrow microenvironment, and suggest that CD38 interaction with a putative ligand represents a novel regulatory mechanism of B lymphopoiesis.     

Mobilization and homing of peripheral blood progenitors is related to reversible downregulation of alpha4 beta1 integrin expression and function.

Despite the wide use of mobilized peripheral blood (PB) progenitor cells (PBPC) for clinical transplantation the mechanism(s) underlying their mobilization and subsequent engraftment are still unknown. We compared the adhesive phenotype of CD34(+) colony-forming cells (CFC) in bone marrow (BM) and PB of normal donors before and after administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for 5 d. G-CSF-mobilized PB CFC cells adhered significantly less to BM stroma, fibronectin, and to the alpha4 beta1 binding fibronectin peptide, CS1, because of decreased expression of the alpha4 integrin. Since incubation of BM CD34(+) cells for 4 d with G-CSF at concentrations found in serum of G-CSF- treated individuals did not affect alpha4-dependent adhesion, G-CSF may not be directly responsible for the decreased alpha4-mediated adhesion of PB CFC. Culture of G-CSF-mobilized PB CD34(+) cells with cytokines at concentrations found in BM stromal cultures upregulated alpha4 expression and restored adhesion of mobilized PB CFC to stroma, fibronectin, and CS1. Adhesion of cultured, mobilized PB CFC to stroma and CS1 could not be further upregulated by the beta1 activating antibody, 8A2. This indicates acquisition of a maximally activated alpha4 beta1 integrin once PB CFC have been removed from the in vivo mobilizing milieu. Thus, decreased alpha4 expression on CD34(+) CFC in PB may be responsible for the aberrant circulation of mobilized PB CD34(+) cells. Reexpression of a maximally activated alpha4 beta1 integrin on mobilized PB CFC removed from the mobilizing in vivo milieu may contribute to the early engraftment of mobilized PBPC.     

Lymphocyte adhesion through very late antigen 4: evidence for a novel binding site in the alternatively spliced domain of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and an additional alpha 4 integrin counter-receptor on stimulated endothelium

Recent studies demonstrate that alternative splicing of mRNA from a single gene can produce two forms of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1): a six-immunoglobulin (Ig) domain form (VCAM-6D) and a seven-Ig domain form (VCAM-7D). Using a COS cell transient expression assay, we investigated whether VCAM-6D and VCAM-7D differ functionally in adhesion to the integrin VLA-4 (CD49d/CD29) on lymphoid cells. Binding of lymphoid cell lines and peripheral blood lymphocytes was completely blocked by VLA-4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and one VCAM-1 mAb (4B9) to both VCAM-6D and VCAM-7D, whereas one VCAM-1 mAb (E1/6) completely blocked binding to VCAM-6D but only partially inhibited binding to VCAM-7D. We conclude that there is one VLA-4 binding site in the six Ig domains shared between VCAM-6D and VCAM-7D, and that the alternatively spliced domain 4 present in VCAM-7D provides a second VLA-4 binding site that is blocked by 4B9 but not the E1/6 mAb. We compared the inhibitory effects of anti-VCAM-1 and anti-VLA-4 mAbs on lymphoid cell adhesion to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The anti-VCAM-1 mAb 4B9 blocked the binding of PBL and lymphoid tumor cells to stimulated HUVEC better than the anti-VCAM-1 mAb E1/6. Because VCAM-7D is the predominant form of VCAM-1 expressed by stimulated endothelial cells, this difference in VCAM-1 mAb inhibition is attributed to lymphoid cell binding to VCAM-7D on stimulated HUVEC. Although the anti-VLA-4 mAb and anti-VCAM-1 mAb 4B9 equally inhibited PBL binding to stimulated HUVEC, mAb 4B9 inhibited the binding of two lymphoid cell lines significantly less than anti-VLA-4 mAb. Combination of 4B9 mAb with function-blocking antiserum to human fibronectin, a second known ligand for VLA-4, also failed to inhibit as much as anti-VLA-4 mAb. These findings suggest that adhesion of lymphoid cell lines through VLA-4 or other alpha 4 integrins may involve inducible counter-receptor(s) on endothelium distinct from either VCAM-1 or fibronectin. Time course experiments indicate that the fraction of alpha 4 integrin-dependent binding that can be blocked by anti-VCAM-1 mAb E1/6 rises and peaks within 2 h of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

CD19 has a potential CD77 (globotriaosyl ceramide)-binding site with sequence similarity to verotoxin B-subunits: implications of molecular mimicry for B cell adhesion and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli pathogenesis

The glycosphingolipid globotriaosyl ceramide (CD77) and other globo- series glycolipids containing terminal galactose (Gal)alpha 1-4Gal residues function as receptors for the verotoxin (Shiga-like toxin) family of Escherichia coli-elaborated toxins. CD77 is also a marker for germinal center B lymphocytes and Burkitt's lymphoma cells. The pan B cell marker CD19 is a 95-kD membrane protein that appears early in B cell differentiation and is only lost upon terminal differentiation to plasma cells. CD19 is involved in signal transduction and has a regulatory role in B cell proliferation and differentiation in response to activation in vitro. However, an endogenous ligand for CD19 has not yet been identified. We report herein that the extracellular domain of CD19 has a potential CD77-binding site with extensive sequence similarity to the verotoxin B-subunits. These B-subunit-like sequences on CD19 are in close proximity following the organization of intervening amino acids into disulfide-linked domains. Cocapping of CD19 and CD77 on Burkitt's lymphoma-derived Daudi cells with anti-CD19 antibodies indicates that CD19 and CD77 are associated on the B cell surface. Cell surface binding of anti-CD19 antibodies is decreased on CD77-deficient mutant Daudi cells, suggesting that CD77 expression influences the surface expression of CD19. Wild-type Daudi cells, but not the CD19/CD77-deficient mutants, bind to matrices expressing the carbohydrate moiety of CD77 or other Gal alpha 1-4Gal containing glycolipids. This binding can be inhibited by anti-CD77 antibodies, the CD77-binding verotoxin B-subunit or anti-CD19 antibodies. Daudi cells exhibit a degree of spontaneous homotypic adhesion in culture while the CD77/CD19-deficient Daudi mutants grow as single cells. The stronger homotypic adhesion that occurs in B cells after antibody ligation of CD19 and that involves, to some extent, the integrin system, is also dramatically lower in the mutant cells relative to the parent cell line. However, reconstitution of mutant cells with CD77 restores the anti-CD19 mAb-induced adhesion to wild-type Daudi cell levels. These studies represent the first time that CD19-mediated signaling has been reconstituted in a low-responder B cell line. These convergent observations provide compelling evidence that CD19/CD77 interactions function in adhesion and signal transduction at a specific stage in B cell development and suggest that such interactions have a role in B lymphocyte homing and germinal center formation in vivo. By targeting CD77+ B cells, verotoxins may suppress the humoral arm of the immune response during infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Phenotypic characterization and ontogeny of mesodermal-derived and endocrine epithelial components of the human thymic microenvironment

Using murine monoclonal antibodies TE-4 and TE-7 raised against human thymic stroma, we identified two distinct and mutually exclusive thymic microenvironment components: the thymic endocrine epithelium (TE-4+) and mesodermal-derived fibrous stroma (TE-7+). TE-4-reactive epithelium did not react with antibody TE-7, contained thymosin alpha 1 and keratin, and expressed other known markers of thymic endocrine epithelium (A2B5 and p19). Moreover, TE-4+ thymic epithelial cells strongly expressed class I (HLA-A, -B and -C) and class II (Ia-like) major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. In contrast, TE-7+ thymic fibrous stroma did not react with antibody TE-4, did not contain thymosin alpha 1 nor keratin, and did not express the thymic endocrine epithelium markers A2B5 and p19. TE-7+ thymic stromal cells weakly expressed class I and did not express class II MHC antigens. Both TE-4+ and TE-7+ thymic microenvironment compartments were identifiable in thymus from 7 wk gestation through adult life. At 7 wk fetal gestation, TE-7+ stroma surrounded a cylindrical TE-4+, A2B5+ thymic epithelial rudiment. Between 10 and 15 wk fetal gestation, TE-7+ thymic stroma surrounded early thymic lobules. By 15 wk fetal gestation, antibody TE-4 defined subcapsular cortical and medullary zones of endocrine thymic epithelium, while antibody TE-7 bound to interlobular fibrous septae, vessels, and thymic fibrous capsule. While otherwise specific for endocrine thymic epithelium, antibody TE-4 reacted with the basal layer of squamous epithelium in skin, tonsil, conjunctiva, and upper esophagus.     

Constitutive activation of integrin alpha 4 beta 1 defines a unique stage of human thymocyte development

Our understanding of thymocyte development and of the positive and negative selection events involved in shaping the repertoire of mature T lymphocytes has been greatly facilitated by the use of transgenic and gene knockout animals. Much less is known about the factors that control the homing and population of the thymus by T cell precursors and the subsequent migration of developing thymocytes through the thymic architecture. As the integrins represent a candidate group of cell surface receptors that may regulate thymocyte development, we have analyzed the expression and function of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 on human thymocytes. A major portion of double positive (CD4+ CD8+) human thymocytes express alpha 4 beta 1 in a constitutively active form and adhere to fibronectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. alpha 4 beta 1 expression is similar on adherent and nonadherent populations, thus, activity reflects the receptor state and not simple expression. The adherent cells are immature, expressing high levels of CD4/CD8 and low levels of CD3 and CD69. In contrast, nonadherent cells possess the phenotype of thymocytes after positive selection, expressing intermediate levels of CD4 and/or CD8 and high levels of CD3 and CD69. The adherent population fails to respond to activation with anti-CD3 and fibronectin, whereas nonadherents exhibit an alpha 5 beta 1- dependent proliferation. Differential regulation of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 receptors may provide a mechanism controlling cellular traffic, differentiation, and positive selection of thymocytes.     

A novel integrin involved in thymocyte-thymic epithelial cell interactions

Thymocytes differentiate in the thymic microenvironment into immunocompetent T cell through the interaction with a variety of accessory cells, including thymic epithelial cells (TEC). TEC plays an important role in the selection process presenting self antigens in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to the maturing T cells. The T cell receptor recognizes the self antigen-MHC complex, but other surface molecules help stabilize this interaction. Thus, the CD2/LFA-3 and LFA-1/intercellular adhesion molecule 1 pairs have been shown to participate in the binding between lymphoid cells and TEC. Here we describe an integrin of the very late activation antigen subfamily composed by the known beta 1 chain and by a novel alpha chain. This adhesion molecule is expressed on the surface of medullary TEC and is involved in the adhesion between TEC and thymocytes, but not peripheral blood T lymphocytes.     

Regulated expression and function of CD11c/CD18 integrin on human B lymphocytes. Relation between attachment to fibrinogen and triggering of proliferation through CD11c/CD18

CD11c/CD18 (p150,95) is a beta 2 integrin expressed by myeloid, natural killer and certain lymphoid cells such as some cytotoxic T cell clones and B cell malignancies. We have studied the expression and function of CD11c on resting and activated B lymphocytes. Flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, and mRNA analyses showed that cell activation with phorbol esters or with a variety of stimuli such as Staphylococcus aureus or anti-mu antibodies in combination with cytokines induced de novo CD11c/CD18 cell surface expression on most B cells while CD11b expression was not affected. Functional analysis of CD11c/CD18 on B cells revealed that it plays a dual role. First, CD11c/CD18 is implicated in B cell proliferation, as demonstrated by the ability of several anti-CD11c monoclonal antibodies to trigger comitogenic signals; and second, the newly expressed CD11c/CD18 mediates B cell binding to fibrinogen. Our data conclusively demonstrate the role of CD11c/CD18 on both B cell activation and adhesion processes.     

Upregulated expression and function of VLA-4 fibronectin receptors on human activated T cells in rheumatoid arthritis.

The VLA-4 (CD49d/CD29) integrin is a cell surface receptor involved in the interaction of lymphoid cells with both extracellular matrix (ECM) and endothelial cells. We have investigated the expression and function of VLA-4 fibronectin (FN) receptors on T cells localized in the inflammed synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A high proportion of T cells in both synovial membrane (SM) and synovial fluid (SF) expressed the activation antigens AIM (CD69) and gp95/85 (Ea2) as well as an increased number of VLA-4 alpha and beta 1 adhesion molecules, as compared with peripheral blood (PB) T cells from the same patients. Furthermore, the majority of these activated SF T cells were able to adhere to a 38-kD FN proteolytic fragment containing the connecting segment-1 (CS-1) specifically through VLA-4 receptors, whereas a significantly lower proportion of PB T cells displayed this capacity. Therefore, our results show that activated T cells selectively localize at sites of tissue injury in RA disease and provide evidence for the in vivo regulation of the expression and function of the VLA-4 integrin. This regulatory mechanism may enable T cells either to facilitate migration or to persist at sites of inflammation.     

T cell receptor- and beta 1 integrin-mediated signals synergize to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) in human T cells

The beta 1 subfamily of integrins is thought to play an important role in both the adhesion/migration and proliferation/differentiation of T cells. beta 1 integrins can provide T cell costimulation through interaction of very late antigen (VLA) 4 (VLA-4) (alpha 4 beta 1) and VLA-5 (alpha 5 beta 1) with the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN), or by VLA-4 binding to its cell surface ligand, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) 1. The mechanism by which beta 1 integrin members transduce T cell-costimulatory signals is poorly understood. Studies in non-T cells have demonstrated regulation of the tyrosine focal adhesion kinase pp125FAK by beta 1 integrin engagement and, most recently, indicate a role for pp125FAK in linking integrin- mediated signal transduction to the Ras pathway (Schaller, M. D., and J. T. Parsons, 1994, Curr. Opin. Cell. Biol. 6: 705-710; Schlaepfer, D. D., S. K. Hanks, T. Hunter, and P. Van der Geer. 1994. Nature (Lond.), 372:786-790). Although pp125FAK kinase occurs in T cells, there are no reports on its regulation in this cell type. The studies described in this article characterize novel regulation of pp125FAK by the T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 antigen complex and beta 1 integrins, and provide the first account, in any cell type, of integrin alpha 4 beta 1- mediated pp125FAK tyrosine phosphorylation. We demonstrate a rapid and sustained synergistic increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of human pp125FAK in Jurkat T cells after simultaneous (a) triggering of the TCR- CD3 complex, and (b) alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrin- mediated binding of these cells to immobilized FN or alpha 4 beta 1 integrin-mediated binding to immobilized VCAM-1. Studies with normal peripheral blood-derived CD4+ human T blasts confirm the synergistic action of a TCR-CD3 complex-mediated costimulus with a FN- or VCAM-1- dependent signal in the induction of T cell pp125FAK tyrosine phosphorylation. In vitro kinase assays performed on pp125FAK immunoprecipitates isolated from Jurkat cells and normal CD4+ T cells identified a coprecipitating 57-kD tyrosine-phosphorylated protein (pp57), distinct from pp59fyn or pp56lck. These results indicate, for the first time, the involvement of a specific kinase, pp125FAK, in alpha 4 beta 1- and alpha 5 beta 1-mediated T cell-costimulatory signaling pathways. In addition, the data demonstrate novel regulation of pp125FAK tyrosine phosphorylation by the TCR-CD3 complex.     

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and the integrin VLA-4 mediate adhesion of human B cell precursors to cultured bone marrow adherent cells.

Adhesion of B cell precursors to accessory cells in the bone marrow microenvironment may be required for normal early B cell development. Human bone marrow B cell precursors adhere more avidly than mature B cells to bone marrow-derived fibroblasts. To determine the mechanism of this adhesion, expression of adhesion proteins on human B precursor cells and cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. The very late antigen (VLA) integrins VLA-4 and VLA-5 were the only adhesion proteins expressed at higher levels in B cell precursors than mature B cells. Antibodies to the alpha and beta chains of VLA-4, but not VLA-5, significantly blocked binding to bone marrow-derived fibroblasts of immature B cells and cell lines. Although fibronectin is a ligand for VLA-4, anti-fibronectin antibody and a soluble fibronectin fragment containing the VLA-4 binding domain did not block adhesion, suggesting that VLA-4 is involved in adhesion of B cell precursors, but not as a fibronectin receptor. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), the other known counterreceptor for VLA-4, was identified on bone marrow-derived fibroblasts, and anti-VCAM-1 significantly blocked adhesion of normal B cell precursors to bone marrow-derived fibroblasts, indicating that VLA-4/VCAM-1 interactions are important in adhesion of B cell precursors to the bone marrow microenvironment.     

Rapid acquisition of tissue-specific homing phenotypes by CD4(+) T cells activated in cutaneous or mucosal lymphoid tissues.

Effector and memory T cells can be subdivided based on their ability to traffic through peripheral tissues such as inflamed skin and intestinal lamina propria, a property controlled by expression of 'tissue-specific' adhesion and chemoattractant receptors. However, little is known about the development of these selectively homing T cell subsets, and it is unclear whether activation in cutaneous versus intestinal lymphoid organs directly results in effector/memory T cells that differentially express adhesion and chemoattractant receptors targeting them to the corresponding nonlymphoid site. We define two murine CD4(+) effector/memory T cell subsets that preferentially localize in cutaneous or intestinal lymphoid organs by their reciprocal expression of the adhesion molecules P-selectin ligand (P-lig) and alpha 4 beta 7, respectively. We show that within 2 d of systemic immunization CD4(+) T cells activated in cutaneous lymph nodes upregulate P-lig, and downregulate alpha 4 beta 7, while those responding to antigen in intestinal lymph nodes selectively express high levels of alpha 4 beta 7 and acquire responsiveness to the intestinal chemokine thymus-expressed chemokine (TECK). Thus, during an immune response, local microenvironments within cutaneous and intestinal secondary lymphoid organs differentially direct T cell expression of these adhesion and chemoattractant receptors, targeting the resulting effector T cells to the inflamed skin or intestinal lamina propria.     

Treatment of marrow stroma with interferon-alpha restores normal beta 1 integrin-dependent adhesion of chronic myelogenous leukemia hematopoietic progenitors. Role of MIP-1 alpha.

The mechanisms by which interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) restores normal hematopoiesis in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) are not well understood. We have recently demonstrated that IFN-alpha acts directly on CML hematopoietic progenitors to restore their adhesion to marrow stroma by modulating beta 1 integrin receptor function. In the present study we examined the effect of IFN-alpha treatment of marrow stroma on subsequent adhesion of CML progenitors. Stromal layers were preincubated with IFN-alpha (10,000 microns/ml) for 48 h. Subsequent coincubation with CML progenitors for 2 h resulted in significantly increased adhesion of CML progenitors. We demonstrated that alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrin receptors were involved in the enhanced adhesion of CML progenitors, suggesting that IFN-alpha-treated stroma can upregulate CML integrin function. This effect is due, at least in part, to IFN-alpha-induced increased stromal production of the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha), which upregulates beta 1 integrin-dependent adhesion of CML progenitors to stroma. Thus, IFN-alpha treatment of marrow stroma restores beta 1 integrin-dependent adhesion of CML progenitors, at least in part through induction of MIP-1 alpha production. These observations provide further insights into mechanisms by which IFN-alpha may restore normal hematopoiesis in CML.     

Vascular addressins are induced on islet vessels during insulitis in nonobese diabetic mice and are involved in lymphoid cell binding to islet endothelium.

In the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, lymphocytic and monocytic infiltration of the pancreatic islets leads to beta cell destruction. To investigate the mechanisms by which lymphocytes enter the NOD pancreas, pancreata were immunostained using monoclonal antibodies to a variety of adhesion molecules known to be involved in lymphocyte binding to vascular endothelium, an initial step in the migration of lymphocytes from blood into organized lymphoid and inflamed tissues. These adhesion molecules include: lymphocyte homing receptors involved in tissue-selective binding of lymphocytes to peripheral lymph node (L-selectin) or mucosal lymphoid tissue (LPAM-1, alpha 4 beta 7-integrin) high-endothelial venules (HEV); and HEV ligands peripheral vascular addressin (PNAd) and mucosal vascular addressin (MAdCAM-1). In NOD pancreata, alpha 4 beta 7 is expressed on most infiltrating cells at all stages of insulitis, whereas L-selectin expression is more pronounced on cells in the islets at later stages. During the development of insulitis, MAdCAM-1 and to a lesser extent PNAd became detectable on vascular endothelium adjacent to and within the inflamed islets. The Stamper-Woodruff in vitro assay was used to examine lymphoid cell binding to such vessels. These functional assays show that both the mucosal (MAdCAM-1/alpha 4 beta 7) and the peripheral (PNAd/L-selectin) recognition systems are involved in this binding. Our findings demonstrate that expression of peripheral and mucosal vascular addressins is induced on endothelium in inflamed islets in NOD pancreas, and that these addressins participate in binding lymphoid cells via their homing receptors. This suggests that these adhesion molecules play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes in these mice by being involved in the migration of lymphocytes from blood into the inflamed pancreas.     

Decreased stroma adhesion capacity of CD34+ progenitor cells from mobilized peripheral blood is not lineage- or stage-specific and is associated with low beta 1 and beta 2 integrin expression

Molecular mechanisms leading to mobilization of hematopoietic cells from bone marrow (BM) to peripheral blood (PB) involve modulation of adhesion molecule expression on these cells that probably result in changes in adhesion capacity to the microenvironment. However, it is not clear whether these changes involve different stages or lineages of progenitor cells. In this study, we compared the capacity of mature and immature clonogenic progenitor cells from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized PB and normal BM CD34+ cells to adhere to complete marrow stroma. This functional capacity was assessed concurrently with molecular expression on CD34+ cells of integrins VLA-4 (alpha 4/beta 1), VLA-5 (alpha 5/beta 1), and LFA-1 (alpha L/beta 2) by interindividual (between mobilized PB and normal BM) and intraindividual (between mobilized PB and steady-state BM and PB in the same patient) analysis. The proportion of adherent clonogenic progenitor cells was significantly lower in PB than in BM, not only for total progenitor cells but also for mature and immature progenitor cells, and the difference was found for granulocytic and particularly for erythroid lineages. The lower adhesion capacity of PB CD34+ cells to stroma was associated with decreased expression (signal/noise MFI ratio) of integrin alpha 4, beta 1, alpha L, and beta 2 chains whereas that of alpha 5 chain did not differ from BM cells with the lowest expression level. Similar differences in integrin expression levels were also found between mobilized PB and steady-state BM CD34+ cells in the same patient except for the alpha L chain. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time a strong positive correlation between mobilizing capacity and expression levels on mobilized CD34+ cells for the LFA-1 alpha L chain but not for VLA-4 or VLA-5. In conclusion, the decreased adhesion capacity of mobilized PB progenitor cells to stroma involves different maturation stages and different lineages. This is associated with down-regulation of integrins VLA-4 and LFA-1, but mobilizing capacity appears positively correlated with LFA-1 levels.     

Expanded B cell population blocks regulatory T cells and exacerbates ileitis in a murine model of Crohn disease

SAMP1/YitFc mice develop discontinuous, transmural inflammatory lesions in the terminal ileum, similar to what is found in human Crohn disease. Compared with the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of AKR control mice, SAMP1/YitFc MLNs contain a 4.3-fold expansion in total B cell number and a 2.5-fold increased percentage of CD4(+) T cells expressing the alpha(E)beta(7) integrin. Although alpha(E)beta(7)(+)CD4(+) T cells possess a regulatory phenotype (CD25(+), L-selectin(lo), and CD45RB(lo)), express IL-10, and suppress effector T cell proliferation in vitro, they cannot prevent ileitis development in SCID mice adoptively transferred with effector CD4(+) T cells, although the CD4(+)CD25(+) subset, which overlaps with the alpha(E)beta(7)(+)CD4(+) subset, prevents colitis. The alpha(E)beta(7)(+)CD4(+) T cells express high levels of ICOS, a costimulatory molecule that augments B cell function, suggesting their involvement in the increase in B cells, IgA(+) cells, and soluble IgA found within the MLNs and ileum of SAMP1/YitFc mice. MLN B cell numbers correlate with ileitis severity in SAMP1/YitFc mice, and cotransfer of SAMP1/YitFc MLN B cells along with CD4(+) T cells increases ileitis severity in SCID mice compared with transfer of CD4(+) T cells alone. SAMP1/YitFc B cells prevent alpha(E)beta(7)(+)CD4(+) T cells from suppressing effector T cell proliferation. We conclude that SAMP1/YitFc MLN B cells contribute to the development of SAMP1/YitFc ileitis.