Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Singer

Publications and source records attributed to A Singer.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Subcellular localization of T-cell receptor complexes containing tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta proteins in immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes.

The T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) is a complex of at least six different proteins (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, and zeta) that is assembled in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and transported to the cell surface. Unlike mature T cells, most immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes retain within the ER and degrade greater than 90% of some of the TCR components they synthesize, resulting in low surface expression of TCR complexes. The few surface TCR complexes that most immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes do express are only marginally capable of transducing signals mobilizing intracellular calcium. The inverse relationship with TCR expression and function suggested that phosphorylated zeta (P-zeta) molecules might function in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes either as an ER retention signal for newly synthesized TCR complexes or as a negative regulatory modification of TCR complexes present on the cell surface. The present study sought to evaluate these two possibilities by determining the subcellular location of TCR complexes containing P-zeta chains. We found that, unlike unmodified zeta chains, all P-zeta chains in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes existed in assembled TCR complexes and that all TCR complexes containing P-zeta molecules had undergone carbohydrate processing events indicative of transit through the Golgi apparatus. These results demonstrate that P-zeta chains are exclusively associated with mature TCR complexes, excluding the possibility that P-zeta serves as an ER retention signal in immature thymocytes. Although we could not directly determine the representation of P-zeta chains among surface TCR complexes, we found that 60-70% of surface TCR complexes on immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes were associated with tyrosine-phosphorylated protein(s) and that this percentage was inversely correlated with their signaling competence. These results support the concept that tyrosine phosphorylation serves as a negative regulatory modification of certain TCR-associated proteins.

Animals↗

Structurally distinct T cell receptor complexes on developmentally distinct T cell populations in severe combined immunodeficiency mice expressing a TCR beta transgene.

T cell differentiation and TCR expression were assessed in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice possessing an already rearranged TCRV beta 8 transgene. Unlike nontransgenic SCID mice, TCRV beta 8-transgenic SCID mice contained a broad spectrum of T cell populations, including both immature thymocytes and mature T cells. In TCRV beta 8-transgenic SCID mice, immature CD4-CD8- and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes expressed surface TCR complexes structurally distinct from those expressed by mature single-positive T cells. Immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes expressed surface TCR beta chains without a clonotypic TCR partner chain and largely without associated CD3 components. In contrast, mature single-positive T cells expressed fully assembled surface TCR complexes containing disulfide-linked heterodimers consisting of transgenic TCR beta chains and endogenous TCR alpha chains. The surface TCR complexes on mature T cells were associated with CD3 components and were competent to transduce TCR-mediated proliferative signals. Thus, T cells at different stages of development in TCRV beta 8-transgenic SCID mice express structurally distinct surface TCR complexes, demonstrating that the developmental stage achieved by T cells in these mice is related to the structure of the surface TCR complexes they express. Indeed, the present results indicate that successful differentiation into single-positive T cells requires surface expression of fully assembled TCR complexes.

Animals↗

Definition of human papillomavirus type 16 DNA levels in low and high grade cervical lesions by a simple polymerase chain reaction technique.

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) is associated with a high proportion of cervical cancers and pre-cancers but has also been reported by some workers to be widely distributed in the normal population. Using a semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) operated with carefully regulated sensitivity we have established two distinct levels of HPV 16 DNA which distinguish between high and low grade cervical lesions. The potential use of such an approach in the understanding and management of HPV related cervical disease is discussed.

Biopsy↗

Post-transcriptional regulation of early T cell development by T cell receptor signals.

During differentiation in the thymus, immature T cells progress through an ordered sequence of developmental stages that are best characterized by variable expression of the co-receptor molecules CD4 and CD8. Crosslinking of T cell receptor (TCR) molecules on precursor thymocytes was found to block their differentiation into CD4+CD8+ cells by eliminating messenger RNA's encoding two families of developmentally important molecules: the co-receptor molecules CD4 and CD8 and the recombination activating genes 1 and 2. TCR-induced post-transcriptional regulation in early thymocytes was specific for selective messenger RNA's, required protein synthesis, and was itself developmentally regulated. These data identify a post-transcriptional mechanism that is influenced by TCR signals and that regulates early thymocyte development.

Animals↗

Negative selection of precursor thymocytes before their differentiation into CD4+CD8+ cells.

Thymic selection of the developing T cell repertoire is thought to occur at the CD4+CD8+ stage of differentiation and to be determined by the specificity of the T cell receptors (TCRs) that CD4+CD8+ thymocytes express. However, TCR signals can inhibit the differentiation of precursor thymocytes into CD4+CD8+ cells, which suggests that selection might occur earlier than thought. Indeed, in a negatively selecting male thymus, CD4-CD8lo precursor thymocytes that express a transgenic TCR to male antigen are developmentally arrested as a consequence of antigen encounter and fail to become CD4+CD8+. Thus, negative selection can occur before the CD4+CD8+ stage of differentiation.

Animals↗

Expression of Mls determinants in mice exhibiting the severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mutation or X-linked immunodeficiency (xid) defect.

While Ig+ B cells appear to be the principal cell type expressing immunogenic minor lymphocyte stimulatory (Mls) determinants, both T cells and B cells are capable of mediating deletion of developing Mls-reactive thymocytes. In addition, levels of mouse mammary tumor proviral transcripts are increased after B or T cell stimulation, and expression of functional Mls determinants is augmented by activation of B cells. These findings suggest Mls determinants are present on B and T lymphocytes, and that activation of B and T cells augments Mls expression. In the present study, we wished to determine whether B and T cells were required for expression of Mls determinants by examining mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) containing no detectable Ig+ B cells or TCR+ T cells, as well as animals that expressed the X-linked immunodeficiency (xid) defect and lacked a subset of mature B cells. We found Mlsa-reactive V beta 6hi T cells were deleted from thymi of male (CBA/NxAKR/J)F1 xid mice, and that spleen cells from these animals stimulated anti-Mlsa mixed lymphocyte responses by unprimed B10.BR spleen T cells. In addition, Mlsc-reactive V beta 3hi AKR/J thymocytes and spleen T cells were deleted in AKR/J----SCID bone marrow chimeras, and spleen cells from SCID mice stimulated proliferation by an Mlsc-specific T cell clone. These results demonstrate that both xid mice and SCID animals express Mls determinants that mediate deletion of developing, Mls-responsive thymocytes and stimulate proliferation of mature, Mls-reactive T cells. Hence, mature B cells and T cells are not essential for Mls expression.

Animals↗

In vivo calcium elevations in thymocytes with T cell receptors that are specific for self ligands.

Selection of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in the thymus probably involves TCR-mediated signals transduced in developing thymocytes after interaction with thymic stromal cells bearing self ligands. TCR-transduced signals should have identifiable consequences that would distinguish thymocytes whose TCRs have been engaged by self ligands from those whose TCRs have not. Among thymocytes expressing a transgenic TCR of defined specificity, a large number had elevated intracellular calcium concentrations but only when resident in a negatively selecting thymus in which their self ligand was expressed. Thus, developing thymocytes are stimulated by endogenous ligands in vivo to mobilize intracellular calcium, and increased intracellular calcium concentrations may reflect the consequences of intrathymic signaling associated with thymic negative selection.

Animals↗

Mild cervical dyskaryosis: safety of cytological surveillance.

How best to manage women who are found on cervical screening to have mild dyskaryosis remains controversial. Cytological surveillance misses some lesions picked up by colposcopy, but colposcopy is emotionally traumatic for women, the majority of whom will have a normal result. To determine what proportion of lesions are missed by cytological surveillance, and whether any abnormalities persist after colposcopy, we studied, by means of colposcopy and biopsy, the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and subclinical human papillomavirus infection (HPVI) in two groups of patients who had had a first smear showing mild dyskaryosis at least 24 months earlier. One group was recruited from a centre practising cytological surveillance, with colposcopy for patients showing persistent or progressive cytological abnormality. The other group all had early colposcopy and treatment. Of 214 patients recruited into the cytological surveillance group, 70 (33%) had been referred for colposcopy within 24 months. Colposcopy of the remaining 144 (after a mean interval of 27 months from presentation) revealed that 54 (38%) were disease free, 64 (44%) had HPVI/CIN1, 8 (6%) had CIN2, and 18 (12%) had CIN3. A smear at that time identified 12 of the 18 (67%) with CIN3 as needing close cytological follow-up (1 patient) or prompt referral for colposcopy (11 patients). 137 women in the early colposcopy group attended for the study colposcopy (after a mean interval of 32 months from presentation). 37% were found to have some abnormality persisting after an earlier colposcopy, but none had CIN3. Cytological surveillance of mild dyskaryosis resulted in a 12% risk of patients having a small CIN3 lesion after 2 years, but this risk was reduced to 4% by the addition of a third repeat smear 12 months after the second. With such a policy only about a third of women would require colposcopy, and the risk of missing serious underlying precancerous changes would be low.

Adult↗

Inhibition of T-cell receptor beta-chain gene rearrangement by overexpression of the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase p56lck.

The variable region genes of the T cell receptor (TCR) alpha and beta chains are assembled by somatic recombination of separate germline elements. During thymocyte development, gene rearrangements display both an ordered progression, with beta chain formation preceding alpha chain, and allelic exclusion, with each cell containing a single functional beta chain rearrangement. Although considerable evidence supports the view that the individual loci are regulated independently, signaling molecules that may participate in controlling TCR gene recombination remain unidentified. Here we report that the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase p56lck, when overexpressed in developing thymocytes, provokes a reduction in V beta--D beta rearrangement while permitting normal juxtaposition of other TCR gene segments. Our data support a model in which p56lck activity impinges upon a signaling process that ordinarily permits allelic exclusion at the beta-chain locus.

Animals↗

Chemical burns: our 10-year experience.

A review of 173 patients with chemical burns admitted to our burn unit was carried out during the years 1976-85. Most burns were work related (83 per cent). The majority of patients were men aged 21-50 years (mean age = 29.6 years). The mean total body surface area involved was 3.6 per cent (range = 1-30 per cent). The mean length of stay in hospital was 6.3 days (range = 1-52 days). The extremities were involved in 68 per cent of the patients. The more common aetiological agents were bromine and its compounds (36 per cent), then acids (21 per cent), alkalis and organic substances (14.5 per cent each). The severest burns were caused by the inorganic substances. Delayed admission was most characteristic of the bromine and alkali burns. Complications included local infection (19 cases), systemic infection (two cases), inhalation injury (two cases), tissue necrosis (one case) and corneal erosion (one case). There were no deaths. Increased awareness of the hazardous potential of chemicals should help reduce the incidence of chemical burns.

Accidents, Occupational↗

Similar co-stimulation requirements of CD4+ and CD8+ primary T helper cells: role of IL-1 and IL-6 in inducing IL-2 secretion and subsequent proliferation.

Primary murine CD4+ and CD8+ T helper (Th) cells provide help for various immune responses by secreting lymphokines which activate effector cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the co-stimulatory signals that, together with T cell receptor (TCR) cross-linking, induce phenotypically distinct primary Th cells to secrete IL-2 and proliferate. We isolated highly purified populations of primary CD4+ or CD8+ T cells and stimulated them in vitro with platebound anti-CD3 mAb. TCR cross-linking by anti-CD3 mAb induced both IL-2 receptor expression and responsiveness to exogenous IL-2, but was not sufficient to induce either IL-2 secretion or T cell proliferation. Rather, for both CD4+ and CD8+ primary Th cells, IL-2 secretion and proliferation required both TCR cross-linking and antigen presenting cell (APC)-derived co-stimulatory signals. Based on G-10 adherence and sensitivity to gamma-irradiation, the APC populations able to induce primary CD4+ Th cells and primary CD8+ Th cells to secrete IL-2 were indistinguishable. In addition, we found that either IL-1 or IL-6 could replace the requirement for APC-derived co-stimulatory signals for IL-2 secretion and proliferation by both primary CD4+ Th cells and primary CD8+ Th cells. Thus, the present study has examined and compared the co-stimulatory requirements of rigorously purified subsets of IL-2-secreting primary CD4+ and primary CD8+ T cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Reconstitution of (BALB/c x B6)F1 normal mice with stem cells and thymus from nonobese diabetic mice results in autoimmune insulitis of the normal hosts' pancreases.

The NOD mouse develops immune-mediated diabetes mellitus characterized by T cell infiltration and destruction of pancreatic islet tissue. We wished to determine whether one contributing factor was an abnormality of the NOD pancreas that caused it to elicit an attack by NOD T cells. Therefore we constructed mice that had an NOD immune system and a non-NOD host pancreas. We found that these animals with only an NOD immune system developed both insulitis and diabetes in their non-NOD pancreas. We conclude that the NOD pancreas is not unique in its ability to elicit an autoimmune attack from NOD T cells.

Animals↗

CIN 3: the role of lesion size in invasion.

OBJECTIVE: To define the relation between the size of a CIN 3 lesion (measured histologically) and invasive squamous carcinoma. DESIGN: Measurement of CIN 3 by computerized planimetry of histological sections from 39 cone biopsies containing microinvasive cancer. Comparison with previous measurements of CIN lesions, associated with different grades of dyskaryosis. RESULTS: Microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix is associated with extensive CIN 3 on the surface and in endocervical crypts. The mean size of CIN 3 lesions showing microinvasion is seven times greater than that for severe dyskaryosis without invasion, (P less than 0.0001) and a 100-fold greater than with mild dyskaryosis (P less than 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Invasive squamous carcinoma of the cervix arises in large CIN 3 lesions and these are associated usually with severe dyskaryosis. We propose a model for the development of high-grade precancer as a small focus within low grade precancer which then undergoes expansion in size, accompanied by apparent progression in cytological grade.

Biopsy↗

Cellular basis of skin allograft rejection: an in vivo model of immune-mediated tissue destruction.

Rejection of transplanted tissue allografts results from T-cell recognition of histocompatibility antigens expressed by cells of the donor graft. This review focuses on the phenotype, specificity, and function of the T cells mediating rejection responses against skin allografts, and on the immune mechanisms by which host T cells are either activated or rendered non-responsive by cellular populations within the graft. We review the cellular basis for rejection responses across limited class-I and class-II major histocompatibility differences, as well as the specificity of the rejection response itself.

Animals↗