Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Auffray

Publications and source records attributed to C Auffray.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Isolation of chicken major histocompatibility complex class II (B-L) beta chain sequences: comparison with mammalian beta chains and expression in lymphoid organs.

By cross-hybridization in low stringency conditions, using a probe derived from an HLA-DQ beta cDNA clone, we have isolated several chicken genomic DNA clones. These clones were mapped to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the chick (B complex) by virtue of their ability to detect restriction enzyme length polymorphisms between congenic lines of chicken. Evidence was obtained for the presence of at least three B-L beta genes in the chicken genome. The B-L beta genes are transcribed specifically in tissues containing cells of the B lymphocyte and myeloid lineages and expressing the B-L antigens. Exons encoding the beta 1, beta 2 and transmembrane domains of a B-L beta chain have been identified with 63, 66 and 62% similarity with the HLA-DQ beta sequence. This first isolation of an MHC class II gene outside of the mammalian class provides insight into the evolution of MHC genes based on the comparison of avian and mammalian class II beta chain amino acid and nucleotide sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

A molecular map of the chicken major histocompatibility complex: the class II beta genes are closely linked to the class I genes and the nucleolar organizer.

We have cloned in a cosmid vector four DNA clusters covering 320 kb of the chicken MHC (B complex), including five class II (B-L) beta genes defining two related isotypic families. Additional B complex genes have been revealed using tissue-specific cDNA probes. A cosmid fragment has been used to isolate a cDNA for a class I (B-F) transcript. This transcript, that is by far the most divergent known member of the class I gene family, hybridized to six B-F genes present in the cosmids. One of the clusters was shown to contain two rRNA transcriptional units from the nucleolar organizer region (NOR), marking the telomeric boundary of the B complex. None of the other B complex genes hybridizes to, or has the transcriptional characteristics of mammalian MHC class II alpha or class III genes. The map we have obtained shows that the B complex does not contain well defined class I and class II regions since B-F and B-L beta genes are closely associated with unrelated genes. Moreover, class II beta genes are very closely linked to class I genes in two clusters, and to the NOR in a third one.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Attempt to detect recombination between B-F and B-L genes within the chicken B complex by serological typing, in vitro MLR, and RFLP analyses.

In search for recombinants within the chicken major histocompatibility B complex, 1155 animals from crosses between the congenic lines CB (B12) and CC (B4) were tested with alloantibodies and monoclonal antibodies for the B-F (class I), B-L (class II), and B-G (class IV) antigens and by mixed lymphocyte reaction. The absence of detectable recombination was confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with B-L beta and B-F probes. Together with previous reports, this indicates that the distance between the B-F and B-L loci is below 0.01 centimorgan.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Molecular analysis of chicken immune response genes.

We have recently isolated immune response genes of the major histocompatibility B complex of the chicken (the B-L beta genes) by cross-hybridization in low stringency with an HLA class II beta chain probe. After reviewing the main results obtained, we present a detailed analysis of the region flanking the first gene characterized, B-L beta III. By Southern blot analysis with exon-specific probes, we demonstrate the presence of another related B-L beta gene 10 kb on the 3' side of B-L beta III, the B-L beta V gene. Moreover, retrospective analysis of the phage clones initially isolated with the HLA-DQ beta probe, using a chicken class I probe that we isolated by chromosome walking from the B-L beta genes, indicates that the B-L beta III gene is closely linked on its 5' side to a class I gene, B-FVI.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

HLA DR, DQ, and DP antigen expression in rheumatoid synovial cells: a biochemical and quantitative study.

Because an increased expression of HLA class II antigens appears to be a central feature in local lesions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we have developed specific tools to quantify Ia expression in RA at both the protein and mRNA levels. An original dot immunobinding assay and a quick blot hybridization with chain-specific HLA class II probes allowed quantification of HLA DR antigens and chain transcripts on small-size samples of adherent synovial lining cells (ASLC) from normal individuals or RA patients. These methods associated with Western blot techniques detecting class II and beta-chain expression showed that ASLC from RA patients freshly put in short-term culture expressed greater amounts of class II transcripts and proteins than ASLC from controls. Class II proteins and mRNA rapidly disappeared in culture. Recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) induced their re-expression. A study of the kinetics and levels of the HLA-D products showed similar patterns of activation in RA patients and controls. A qualitative analysis of HLA class II antigens synthesized in ASLC after rIFN-gamma induction was performed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. It revealed a normal pattern for alpha- and beta-chains in ASLC from normal and RA patients, thus eliminating the possibility that abnormal protein structure of Ia antigen expressed on ASLC is responsible for the activation of T cell immune responses in RA. Nevertheless, the invariant chain exhibited a particular pattern in ASLC with additional basic spots, and this might interfere with transport and glycosylation of HLA class II antigens in such cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1987

Histamine-producing cell-stimulating activity. A biological activity shared by interleukin 3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

The histamine-producing cell-stimulating factor (HCSF) was first described as a lymphokine which is produced during secondary mixed leukocyte culture and which induces increased histamine synthesis by murine hematopoietic cells. It has been shown that it is different from interleukin 3 (IL 3), despite the fact that pure IL 3 expresses HCSF activity. Our results provide evidence that this factor (constitutively produced by the P388 D1 cell line) is identical with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) i.e.: (a) physiochemical properties of HCSF and GM-CSF, such as molecular weight, isoelectric charge, hydrophobicity and behavior during affinity chromatography, are indistinguishable and both activities coelute during all biochemical purification procedures; (b) increased bone marrow cell histamine synthesis induced by P388 D1-derived HCSF is inhibited by anti-GM-CSF antiserum; (c) the GM-CSF cDNA probe hybridizes with a poly(A)+RNA from P388 D1 cells while no hybridizing signal was obtained with poly(A)+RNA from WEHI-3 and from P815 cells. On the other hand, the IL 3 cDNA probe hybridizes with a 1.0-kb poly(A)+RNA from WEHI-3 but not with those from P388 D1 and P815. Moreover, well known sources of GM-CSF, such as lung conditioned medium and semi-purified GM-CSF from phytohemagglutinin-induced supernatant of the murine T lymphoma LBRM-33-5 A4 (preparation devoid of IL 3), as well as recombinant murine GM-CSF, induce increased histamine synthesis by hematopoietic cells. All these results demonstrate that, in our culture conditions, the P388 D1 cell line spontaneously produces GM-CSF which is responsible for the P388 D1-induced HCS activity. Consequently, the latter is a property shared by the two distinct hematopoietic growth factors acting on the less committed cells, i.e. IL 3 and GM-CSF, whereas M-CSF or G-CSF are unable to induce histamine production. Interestingly, IL-4 which is known to support established mast cell line proliferation cannot induce HCS activity. In addition, none of the other cytokines tested, such as IL 1, IL 2, interferons or tumor necrosis factor can express HCS activity. This expression seems to be a specific property of IL 3 and GM-CSF.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Structure and expression of HLA-DQ alpha and -DX alpha genes: interallelic alternate splicing of the HLA-DQ alpha gene and functional splicing of the HLA-DQ alpha gene using a retroviral vector.

The nucleotide sequences of the two closely related HLA-DQ alpha and HLA-DX alpha genes have been determined. Exons coding for the signal peptide, alpha 2 and transmembrane domains are 94-99% homologous, whereas the alpha 1 exon and the promoter region have diverged as much as or more than introns and the 3' untranslated region. The promoter regions of both genes contain two short sequences thought to be important for regulation of transcription by gamma-interferon. Transfection studies established that the DQ alpha and DQ beta genes encode the HLA-DQ antigen. Transcripts of varying length are produced from different alleles as the result of the use of alternate splice and polyadenylation signals at the 3' end of the DQ alpha gene. Thus typing at the DQ alpha locus can be achieved by Northern blot analysis. No transcript of DX alpha was detected in B lymphocytes. The DX alpha gene was accurately spliced when introduced into a retroviral vector, suggesting that the lack of expression of DX alpha is not due to aberrant splice signals.

Alleles↗
PubMed1987

DNA polymorphisms associated with HLA-B-like genes and evidence for a duplication of B40 genes detected with an HLA-B-specific DNA probe.

Analysis of polymorphic DNA endonuclease restriction fragments by Southern blotting indicates that the genetic complexity of the HLA class I gene family is larger than the complexity indicated by serologically defined HLA-A, -B and -C gene products (Orr et al., 1982). There are correlations between polymorphic restriction endonuclease fragments in a limited number of HLA class I alleles; in fact, a few alleles in the population have been correlated with the presence of polymorphic DNA fragments (Cann et al., 1983; Cohen et al., 1983; Orr & De Mars, 1983; Lucotte, Coulondre & Salmon, 1985; Driesel et al., 1985). Recently, probes shown to be specific for HLA-A and HLA-B genes (Grumet et al., 1983; Koller et al., 1985) were constructed from the 3'-untranslated region of these genes.

HLA Antigens↗
PubMed1986

Construction of chain- and locus-specific HLA class II DNA probes. Study of HLA-class II transcripts in leukemias.

In addition to their role in the immune response, MHC class II antigens may be considered as differentiation markers on hemopoietic cells. To study expression of class II genes at the mRNA level in leukemias representing various stages of lymphoid and myeloid differentiation, we constructed chain- and locus-specific HLA class II DNA probes. As the genes encoding the DR, DQ, and DP beta-chains display a strong sequence homology in the second extracellular and transmembrane domains, we used probes derived from the less conserved 3' untranslated regions. For the more divergent alpha-chain genes, DNA fragments derived from the coding portion were obtained from cDNA clones. All probes were designed to minimize background due to AT- or GC-rich segments and subcloned into pUC plasmids. Their lack of cross-hybridization was demonstrated in Southern blot experiments under moderately stringent conditions. Northern blot analysis of RNA from 15 patients with acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemias, chronic lymphoid and hairy cell leukemias showed that most patients expressed variable amounts of class II transcripts, some lacked all class II mRNA, and only two patients had a dissociated expression of class II genes, with lack of DQ and presence of DR and DP mRNA. This study reveals a vast heterogeneity of MHC class II gene expression in leukemias, as previously demonstrated at the protein level. The availability of these highly specific DNA probes should prove useful in extensive studies directed at better defining HLA class II gene expression during hemopoietic differentiation in physiologic and pathologic states.

Actins↗
PubMed1986

Structure, biosynthesis, and polymorphism of chicken MHC class II (B-L) antigens and associated molecules.

Chicken MHC class II (B-L) antigens were immunoprecipitated by the monoclonal antibody TaP1 from inbred chicken splenic leukocytes and a lymphoblastoid B cell line (RP9), and were studied by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. B-L antigens are composed of one alpha and one beta chain that are noncovalently bound at the cell surface. In all haplotypes studied, a single acidic 34,000 dalton non-polymorphic chain was observed, whereas two polymorphic chains could be distinguished, differing in both pH and m.w. The alpha-beta heterodimer is associated during its maturation in the cytoplasm with several basic invariant molecules with m.w. ranging from 30,000 to 42,000 daltons. Treatment of cells with tunicamycin and treatment of immunoprecipitated molecules with several glycosidases revealed a complex process of maturation for all of these molecules. The alpha and beta chains undergo a N-glycosylation of complex type, whereas the invariant molecules bear N-linked high mannose glycans, and perhaps also O-linked glycans in the RP9 lymphoblastoid line. Overall, the B-L antigens appear very similar to the HLA-DR and I-E antigens.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Molecular cloning of the avian beta-nerve growth factor gene: transcription in brain.

A chicken gene cross-hybridizing with a murine beta-nerve growth factor (beta NGF) cDNA probe was identified by Southern blot analysis and isolated from a genomic DNA library. The DNA sequence coding for the putative mature beta NGF protein was determined, providing direct evidence for the existence in birds of a neurotrophic factor sharing a high degree of sequence homology with mammalian beta NGF. In addition this gene is shown to be transcriptionally active in adult avian brain as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Speculations on sequence homologies between the fibronectin cell-attachment site, major histocompatibility antigens, and a putative AIDS virus polypeptide.

The core of the fibronectin cell-attachment site has been shown to be the tetrapeptide sequence Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS). This peptide as well as its inverted analogue Ser-Asp-Gly-Arg (SDGR) efficiently inhibit fibronectin-mediated cell attachment in vivo and in vitro. Homology searches in protein data banks revealed the presence of the peptide SDGR in the alpha 2 domain of MHC class I antigens, and a variant of RGDS, Arg-Phe-Asp-Ser (RFDS), was found highly conserved in MHC class I (alpha 1 domain) and class II antigens (beta 1 domain). Three-dimensional models of MHC class I antigens suggested that the two tetrapeptide sequences may be located at the surface of the molecule, readily available for intermolecular contacts. We propose that fibronectin-mediated and MHC-mediated cell-cell interactions have similar molecular bases and that the RGDS-like sequences participate in specific cell adhesion between lymphoid cells. The RFDS tetrapeptide was also found in the sequence of a putative polypeptide chain encoded by the HTLVIII/LAV retrovirus family, the causative agent of AIDS. These amino acid sequence homologies suggest a common molecular basis for specific interactions between the MHC class II antigens, or the AIDS virus, and the T -cell specific T4 glycoprotein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1986

[Molecular models of the interaction between T4 antigen and HLA class II antigens or the LAV virus].

HLA class II beta chains contain in their aminoterminal polymorphic domain a highly conserved tetrapeptide (RFDS) also present in protein F encoded by the LAV virus. Homology between this tetrapeptide and the fibronectin cell-attachment site (RGDS) has suggested a role in cell adhesion processes. I propose here that such a structure, that I call adhesiotope, would allow stabilization of intermolecular contacts between molecules present at the surface of interacting cells or viruses. Analysis of a three dimensional model of the T4 antigen suggests that the tetrapeptide RADS is located at the surface of the aminoterminal, immunoglobulin-like domain. A model is proposed in which interaction between the adhesiotopes present in class II antigens (RFDS) and T4 (RADS) is the molecular basis of conjugate formation between antigen presenting cells and T helper lymphocytes. The LAV virus, having the RFDS adhesiotope on its surface, would mimic class II antigens in their interaction with T4 and infect selectively T4 positive cells, resulting in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte↗
PubMed1985

SB subregion of the human major histocompatibility complex: gene organization, allelic polymorphism and expression in transformed cells.

The SB region of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been cloned from cosmid and lambda phage libraries made from the human B-lymphoblastoid cell line Priess (DR4/4, DC4/4, SB3/4). Two alpha genes and two beta genes are encoded in the 100 kb long SB region in the order SB alpha-SB beta-SX alpha-SX beta. The SB alpha and SB beta genes encode the alpha and beta subunits of the SB subset of class II MHC molecules. Both the SX alpha and the SX beta genes are pseudogenes in the haplotype examined. From the isolated clones, the two haplotypes of the Priess cell line, SB3 and SB4, are distinguished by nucleotide sequencing and blot hybridization analyses. Restriction site polymorphisms between the SB3 and SB4 clones were observed only in relatively small regions of the SB beta and SX beta genes. A mouse macrophage cell line was transfected with one of the cosmid clones containing both SB alpha and SB beta genes. Expression of the alpha and beta genes was detected by fluorescene-activated cell sorting (FACS) and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis using SB-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Alleles↗
PubMed1985

Analysis of the sheep MHC using HLA class I, II, and C4 cDNA probes.

Four cDNA probes for the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were used to investigate the sheep MHC, in conjunction with serological typing for ovine lymphocyte antigen (OLA). Lymphocytes from a family (two parents and five offspring) of Romanov sheep were subjected to genomic DNA digestion by the restriction endonuclease Eco RI, followed by gel electrophoresis. A single Southern blot representing all seven individuals was then consecutively hybridized with the class I, alpha-DC, beta-DR, and C4 probes, which were originally designed to identify HLA class I, class II (DC and DR), and C4 products, respectively. Using each of the three class I/class II probes, several bands showing DNA polymorphism were detected. The segregation of these bands in the five offspring exactly paralleled the OLA haplotype segregation established by serological typing. A further eight individuals carrying haplotypes which were phenotypically identical to those in the above-mentioned family showed bands in the corresponding positions when tested with the same three probes. Using the C4 probe, no polymorphism was detected in these fifteen individuals.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Gene organization of DC and DX subregions of the human major histocompatibility complex.

The DC and DX subregions of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been cloned from a cosmid library made from a human B-cell line, Priess. The DC subregion, 48 kilobases, includes the DC alpha and DC beta genes. A second DC-like region, the DX subregion, 35 kilobases, contains the DX alpha gene and a newly found beta gene termed DX beta. Since the DC and DX genes are highly homologous in nucleotide sequence, gene size, exon-intron organization, and direction of transcription, the DC and DX subregions were presumably generated by duplication of an ancestral alpha-beta gene pair. Nucleotide sequencing indicates that all four genes have intact coding sequences and promoter regions. Homology between the upstream promoter sequences of these four genes and seven other class II genes at nucleotides -69 to -78 and -98 to -110 highlights these previously described conserved elements. Moreover, a striking conservation of flanking alpha-gene-specific and beta-gene-specific sequences has been observed. Comparison of Southern blots of Priess DNA with DC alpha and DC beta cDNA probes with isolated cosmid clones showed that (i) the human chromosome encodes only two DC alpha-related and two DC beta-related genes, namely, DC alpha, DX alpha, DC beta, and DX beta, and (ii) the DC and DX subregions are homozygous in Priess cells.

Chromosome Mapping↗