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Biomedical subjects

B Arnold

Publications and source records attributed to B Arnold.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Non-deletional mechanisms of peripheral and central tolerance: studies with transgenic mice with tissue-specific expression of a foreign MHC class I antigen.

The studies described here reveal a surprising variety of non-deletional manifestations of tolerance (anergy and unresponsiveness) in both the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs. This can be observed in anti-Kb TCR transgenic mice crossed with normal Kb positive mice, and in TCR mice crossed with transgenic mice expressing Kb in restricted tissues, such as liver, epithelial cells, cells of neuroectodermal origin etc. Thymic induction of unresponsiveness: Transgenic mice were prepared with the a, beta TCR genes from a CD8-dependent and Kb-specific CTL clone. In homozygous H-2b mice clonotype+ cells were found in the thymus but none or few in the periphery, suggesting that deletion occurs in the thymus although lack of migration to the periphery has not been ruled out. In H-2 heterozygous mice (TCR.H-2kxb) deletion was incomplete in the thymus and clonotype+ cells accumulated substantially in the periphery. Most of them had downregulated their CD8 molecules. The clonotype+ cells in both the thymus and periphery were unresponsive to the Kb antigen in vitro, suggesting the induction of anergy in the thymus. The inefficient negative selection in H-hkxb heterozygous mice is probably due to the lower Kb expression in comparison to H-2b homozygous mice. We then further reduced the amount of Kb expression in the thymus by constructing Kb transgenic mice using the 0.8 Kb fragment of the keratin IV promoter. In the thymus expression was only observed on a subset of medullary epithelial cells. When these mice were crossed with the TCR transgenic mice than no deletion was observed in the thymus. However, the clonotype+ CD8+ thymocytes could not respond to Kb in vitro, indicating that they had been rendered anergic in the thymus. These data show that unresponsiveness can be induced in the thymus, that the extent of clonal deletion can vary greatly owing to a change in antigen expression by a factor of two as in H-2 heterozygous versus homozygous mice, and that expression of Kb on a few medullary thymic epithelial cells is sufficient to induce anergy. Peripheral induction of unresponsiveness: To study the consequence of tissue-specific tolerogen expression we have generated transgenic mice expressing Kb exclusively in cells of neuroectodermal origin (GFAP.Kb mice) in the liver (alumin.Kb mice), or in certain epithelial cells outside the thymus (2.4 keratin IV.Kb mice). Consistent with the absence of Kb expression in the thymus there was no deletion of clonotype+ CD8+ cells in the thymus, and the thymocytes were fully functional.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Clonal deletion of autospecific B lymphocytes.

Using mice transgenic for functional, rearranged immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes, it can be demonstrated that B lymphocytes reactive with cell surface-bound class I MHC antigen can be controlled by clonal elimination. Even low-affinity cell-bound ligands can induce deletion. Deletion can occur in the pre-B to B cell transitional stage or after the B cells exist the bone marrow, depending on where the cells first encounter autoantigen. IgD appears to play no role in protecting cells from deletion. It is argued that defects in B-cell tolerance alone may be sufficient to lead to systemic autoimmunity.

Animals↗

MHC class-I transgenic mice.

The introduction of cloned genes into the germline of mice has been proven to be a powerful tool to investigate the role of the respective gene products within the immune system. Here we summarize the transgenic mouse models that have been established with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I genes. Foreign class-I alleles can be expressed in transgenic mice according to their normal expression patterns as authentic self molecules and can function in T-cell responses in the same way as endogenous class-I molecules. Since this is also true for most of the introduced human HLA class-I alleles, there is great interest in establishing mouse models for HLA-linked diseases. A new field of experimental approaches concerning self-tolerance has been opened by tissue specific expression of MHC antigens under specific promoters. Besides negative selection in the thymus, peripheral mechanisms could be identified that induce and maintain self-tolerance.

Animals↗

Strong xenogeneic HLA response in transgenic mice after introducing an alpha 3 domain into HLA B27.

The pronounced response by mouse T cells to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens of the same species is characterized by a relatively large fraction of responding cells. Responses to MHC class I allelles of other species are, however, generally much weaker. T lymphocytes are positively selected on thymic MHC antigens, resulting in a T-cell repertoire with strong alloreactivity. This has been explained in terms of a mouse T-cell repertoire that is not efficiently selected for recognition of HLA molecules owing to the absence of HLA in mice. Here we show that mice transgenic for HLA mount a T-cell response against allogeneic HLA that is no better than in normal mice. We decided instead to test whether the mouse accessory molecule Lyt-2 on cytotoxic T lymphocytes could interact efficiently with the alpha 3 domain of HLA. To do this, we replaced the alpha 3 domain of HLA-B27 by a murine alpha 3 domain in a gene construct used to produce transgenic mice, and then used the spleen cells from these mice to stimulate normal mouse T cells. Under these conditions cytotoxic T lymphocytes were generated with the same frequency against xenogeneic HLA-B27 determinants as against allogeneic mouse class I antigens. These findings indicate that the normally weak xeno-MHC response is due to the inefficient interaction of the murine Lyt-2 accessory molecule with HLA class I, and not to limitations of the mouse T-cell repertoire.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transgenic mice expressing a soluble foreign H-2 class I antigen are tolerant to allogeneic fragments presented by self class I but not to the whole membrane-bound alloantigen.

The properties of transmembrane and soluble transplantation antigens were compared with respect to the induction of tolerance and the selection of the T-cell repertoire. For this purpose, transgenic (H-2b x H-2d)F1 mice were constructed that carry integrated copies of a modified H-2Kk gene resulting in the secretion from various cell types including thymocytes of soluble H-2Kk molecules. Despite the presence of H-2Kk antigen, these mice were still able to generate an H-2Kk-specific T-cell response. This response was comparable to that produced by normal littermates when stimulated with cells expressing membrane H-2Kk in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. In contrast, only transgenic mice failed to generate a cytolytic T-cell response to soluble H-2Kk antigen expressed by recombinant vaccinia virus and presented by the H-2Db molecule. These data imply the presence of two populations of alloreactive cytolytic T cells. A small fraction of T cells recognizes alloantigen as antigenic peptide(s) presented by other major histocompatibility complex class I molecules and tolerance can be induced in this population by soluble alloantigen. The majority of T cells, however, require the whole cell membrane-expressed class I molecule for recognition. This population is not affected by tolerance induction to the soluble major histocompatibility complex class I molecule.

Animals↗

Red cell folate assays: some answers to current problems with radioassay variability.

Red cell folate specimens were added to the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in 1986. The interlaboratory variation in the results of these red cell folate surveys has been persistently unsatisfactory. This study reports an investigation into the factors contributing to the wide variation of results reported in QAP surveys. Survey results were studied, replies to a questionnaire regarding methods sent to all participants were assessed and some new experimental studies were performed. Factors contributing to the poor QAP results include variation in dilution and diluent, calculation errors, failure to freeze the hemolysate prior to assay and to follow the kit manufactorer's instructions, stability of dithiothreitol, and variations in kit methods, especially in the release of bound folate by "boil" and "no-boil" methods. Photodecomposition and the form and concentration of ascorbate may also be significant. Adequate preparation of the hemolysate sample should ensure release of all protein-bound red cell folate with the reduction of all folates to a single form. Kit manufactures, users and the QAP committee can all contribute in all attempt to rectify current sources of error.

Ascorbic Acid↗

Alloreactive immune responses of transgenic mice expressing a foreign transplantation antigen in a soluble form.

Transfection of cells with the H-2Kk gene lacking the transmembrane and cytoplasmic segments resulted in secretion of the H-2Kk protein, as determined by immunoprecipitation with monoclonal anti-H-2Kk antibodies. Transgenic (H-2b X H-2d)F1 mice were established carrying integrated copies of the modified H-2Kk gene. Expression of the soluble H-2Kk antigen in the transgenic mice was demonstrated in cell supernatants of biosynthetically labeled splenic and thymic Con A blasts as well as bone marrow-derived macrophages. Soluble H-2Kk molecules were also present in the sera of the transgenic animals. No cell-surface expression of the H-2Kk antigen could be observed. In spite of the presence of the soluble H-2Kk molecules in the transgenic mice, the animals were able to generate H-2Kk-specific cytolytic T cells as well as antibody responses when stimulated with cell-surface-bound H-2Kk antigens. These responses were indistinguishable from those of the nontransgenic littermates. Possible explanations for the observed lack of tolerance are discussed.

Animals↗

Acquisition of HLA class I W6/32 defined antigenic determinant by heavy chains from different species following association with bovine beta 2-microglobulin.

Murine, rat, rabbit and guinea pig class I heavy chains, which do not react with W6/32 monoclonal antibody when they are expressed in association with autologous beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m), can acquire such a reactivity once they are expressed at the surface of cells cultured in conditions which allow their association with bovine beta 2-m. Sequence comparison of beta 2-ms suggests that glutamine at position 89 might be critical for the induction of the W6/32 defined antigenic determinant. However, in the murine species, certain class I heavy chains, in spite of their association with bovine beta 2-m, do not express this determinant. Using genetically engineered hybrid class I molecules and selected congenic strains of mice this negative property was shown to be related to the presence of a cysteine residue at position 121 which allows covalent association of beta 2-m to class I heavy chains (Bushkin, Y., J-S. Tung, A. Pinter, J. Michaelson, and E. A. Boyse. 1986. Unusual association of beta 2-microglobulin with certain class I heavy chains of the murine major histocompatibility complex. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:432). Therefore, expression of the W6/32 defined antigenic determinant implicates both the beta 2-m and the second domain of the heavy chain, but its expression (or exposure) is prevented by the covalent fixation on cysteine 121 of the light chain.

Animals↗

Interferon sensitive and insensitive MHC variants of a murine thymoma differentially resistant to methotrexate-containing antibody-directed liposomes and immunotoxin.

We evaluated the ability of methotrexate-containing liposomes or a ricin alpha-chain immunotoxin, both associated with monoclonal antibodies specific for the major histocompatibility complex-encoded class I molecule H-2Kk, to kill cells of the murine k haplotype thymoma RDM4. Cells were incubated with liposomes or immunotoxin in the presence or absence of interferon-gamma, which is known to augment the expression of the target class I molecules. The great majority of cells were killed by either of these reagents. Two types of mutant cells were obtained: type 1 cells, selected by methotrexate-containing liposomes, failed to express sufficient target H-2k molecules to be killed by liposomes in the absence of interferon-gamma. In the presence of interferon-gamma, these cells increased expression of all H-2 class I molecules and could be killed by targeted liposomes. Type 2 cells were immunoselected from cloned type 1 cells by liposomes in the presence of interferon. These cells failed to respond to interferon with expression of the H-2Kk molecule, but continued to augment H-2Dk expression in response to interferon. A third variant (type 3) selected from the wild type population by an H-2Kk specific immunotoxin in the absence of interferon phenotypically resembled type 1 cells. Type 1 but not type 2 cells respond to interferon by augmented synthesis of H-2Kk specific mRNA. The results suggest that for interferon-sensitive cell surface molecules of tumor cells, use of interferon improves the efficacy of targeted chemotherapy, but does not prevent development of mutants lacking the target molecule.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Unrestricted recognition of class I neodeterminants generated by exon shuffling.

We and others have previously reported that homologous exchange of alpha 1 or alpha 2 domains between different alleles led to loss of most determinants recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) raised against the parental H-2 class I antigens. Here we demonstrate that exchange of alpha 1 or alpha 2 domains between the Kk and Kd allele results in the formation of neodeterminants against which allospecific CTL can be generated in responder mice of various related and unrelated H-2 haplotypes. In fact, only CTL against the neodeterminants on the hybrid molecules were found and none against the parental Kk and Kd determinants. In addition our data show that recognition of the neodeterminants is H-2 unrestricted. These findings suggest that in the hybrid molecules the basic structure of a major histocompatibility complex molecule has been preserved although most parental allodeterminants on the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains have been modified.

Alleles↗

The haemodynamic effects of amrinone in patients with mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension.

The aim of this study was to investigate the haemodynamic effects of amrinone in patients with pulmonary hypertension and impaired right ventricular function. Twelve patients with mitral stenosis (NYHA classification III and IV) took part in the study. The haemodynamic measurements were performed in the steady state under anaesthesia prior to surgery. The patients received a bolus injection of 1.5 mg kg-1 amrinone; haemodynamic measurements were taken at 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min. Amrinone increased cardiac index by approximately 30%, heart rate rose from on average 76 to 82 beats per minute. Whereas pulmonary capillary pressure did not change significantly, mean pulmonary artery pressure fell clearly from 33 to 28 mmHg. A decrease in the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance of about 40% was calculated. The higher the initial value for resistance in the pulmonary circulatory system, the more marked was the reduction (r = 0.96). The study shows that amrinone induces a vasodilation in the pulmonary circulatory system. A reduction in ventricular afterload is of great significance particularly for the therapy of right heart insufficiency. Amrinone therefore appears to be a suitable substance with its observed vasodilating and its well known positive inotropic effects for the treatment of right heart failure in cases of pulmonary hypertension.

Adult↗

Phosphatidyl glycerolphosphate serves as glycerolphosphate donor in polymer synthesis.

Phosphatidyl glycerolphosphate was found to serve as the glycerolphosphate donor for polymer synthesis. When CDP-diglyceride and radiolabeled glycerolphosphate were incubated with the membrane enzyme prepared from Streptococcus sanguis, active syntheses of radiolabeled lipids and polymers were observed. The synthesis of polymer was not inhibited by low concentration of unlabeled phosphatidylglycerol. When [3H, 32P]glycerolphosphate was used, the polymer synthesized contained both 3H and 32P. The lipids formed were characterized as phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidyl glycerolphosphate. The polymers formed from the latter were characterized as lipoteichoic acid like compounds by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Chromatography, Paper↗

Alloreactive cytolytic T-cell clones preferentially recognize conformational determinants on histocompatibility antigens: analysis with genetically engineered hybrid antigens.

Hybrid genes were constructed for the localization of allodeterminants on murine class I antigens recognized by antibodies and cytolytic T lymphocytes. By using deletion subclones of the H-2Kd and H-2Kk genes, homologous regions were exchanged between the two alleles. The altered genes were introduced and expressed in mouse fibroblast and fibrosarcoma cells. Cells expressing hybrid antigens were analyzed with 29 monoclonal anti-H-2Kd and anti-H-2Kk antibodies and with 150 short-term alloreactive cytolytic T-cell clones. When only the first or only the second amino-terminal domain was exchanged, most T cells and 60% of the antibodies lost their reactivity to the H-2K antigen. No T-cell clone was directed against the third extracellular domain, whereas three antibodies could bind to this domain. This implies that nearly all determinants essential for a cytolytic T-cell response or for antibody binding lie on the two external domains and are conformational structures generated by the interaction of these two domains.

Animals↗

Complete nucleotide sequence of the murine H-2Kk gene. Comparison of three H-2K locus alleles.

We have determined the DNA sequence of the H-2Kk gene of the mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Comparison on the nucleotide and protein level of three H-2K alleles (Kk, Kb and Kd) reveals a high degree of homology, in particular between the Kb and Kk alleles. Differences between the two latter antigens are almost exclusively confined to the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains. At nine positions in the extracellular part of the molecules we have found allele-specific amino acids. Interestingly, 78% of these residues are either polar or carry hydroxyl-groups. This makes it likely that they are exposed on the surface of the molecules and might then be part of antigenic determinants. We have also identified potentially allele-specific nucleotide sequences of the K genes which might be used as specific DNA probes.

Alleles↗