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C S David

Publications and source records attributed to C S David.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

NOD background genes influence T cell responses to GAD 65 in HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes play a significant role in the predisposition to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or type 1 diabetes. HLA-DQ8 (DQB1*0302, DQA 1*0301) genes have been shown to have the highest relative risk for human type 1 diabetes. To develop a "humanized" mouse model of diabetes, HLA-DQ8 was transgenically expressed in mice lacking endogenous class II genes. Since non-MHC background genes of the NOD influence the disease process, AP"/DQ8 mice were mated with the NOD strain and backcrossed to generate Abeta degree/DQ8/NOD mice. These mice have DQ8 as the sole MHC class II restriction element with NOD background genes at the N 2 generation. The DQ8 transgenic mice were used to identify T cell epitopes on glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD 65), an important putative autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. The NOD background genes strongly influenced antigen processing, that is, different T cell epitopes were generated from the processing of GAD 65 in vivo in the Abeta degree/DQ8 and in the Abeta degree/DQ8/NOD mice.

Animals↗

An HLA-DRB1*0402 derived peptide (HV3 65-79) prevents collagen-induced arthritis in HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice.

On the basis of our studies with HLA class II transgenic mice, we had proposed that complementation of HLA-DQ and HLA-DR alleles may determine both disease susceptibility and severity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to our model, certain HLA-DQ alleles, such as HLA-DQ8, predispose individuals to RA, while a self-peptide derived from the third hypervariable region (HV3 65-79) of HLA-DR alleles, such as DRB 1*0402, can protect from disease if presented by the DQ molecule. To test this hypothesis, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of the DRB1*0402 derived peptide (HV3 65-79) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in HLA-DQ8 mice. Co-immunization of the DRB 1*0402 peptide significantly reduced the severity of arthritis (mean score = 1.5+/-0.6 vs 5.2+/-1.4 in controls), whereas multiple doses of the peptide reduced the incidence of disease (3.5% vs 35-60% in controls). Subsequent analysis revealed that the DRB1*0402 peptide mediated protection may be due to the generation of a subset of regulatory cells, which down-regulate collagen-specific pro-inflammatory responses. These results provide additional insights towards understanding the role of MHC class II molecules in RA predisposition.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complementation between HLA-DR4 (DRB1*0401) and specific H2-A molecule in transgenic mice leads to collagen-induced arthritis.

We generated transgenic mice with DRB1*0401 gene with mutation in the beta2 domain (aa 110 and 139) for better interaction with mCD4. The DR4 transgene was introduced into H2-Aq (B10RQB3) and H2-Af (B10RFB3) to examine the role of DR4 in collagen arthritis. The HLA-DR molecules in these mice were found to be functional on the basis of their positive/negative selection of the Vbeta T cell repertoire. H2-Aq mice are resistant to porcine CII-induced arthritis. The RQB3/DR4 mice (H2Aq/DR4) developed severe collagen induced arthritis (CIA) when immunized with Porcine type II collagen while the negative littermates were resistant. RQB3.DR4 mice were also highly susceptible to CIA induced by Human CII while negative littermates got only mild disease. However, RFB3/DR4 mice (H2Af/ DR4) did not get CIA with any type II collagen. Therefore, the DR4 gene in the context of H2-Aq predisposes to severe arthritis but not in the context of H2-Af. Antibodies to renatured cyanogen bromide (CB) cleaved fragments of PII in RQB3/DR4 mice and negative littermates suggest that the presence of DR4 does not result in any differences in specificity of antibody response to CB fragments. These results indicate that a specific gene complementation occurring between DR4 and H2.Aq but not DR4 and H2Af promotes the induction of arthritis with PII and HII in these mice. A similar interaction may be involved between DR and DQ molecules in human RA.

Animals↗

HLA class II transgenic mice as models of human diseases.

Predisposition to develop various autoimmune disorders has been associated with certain HLA class II molecules but there is a lack of information on the pathophysiological role of HLA genes in conferring susceptibility. Various experimental animal models of autoimmune disease have been studied to address the role of immune response genes. To study the interactions involved between class II molecules (DQ and DR) and define the immunologic mechanisms in various diseases, we generated HLA-DR and DQ transgenic mice that lacked endogenous class II molecules. The HLA molecules in these mice are expressed on the cell surface and can positively select CD4+ T cells expressing various V beta T-cell receptors (TCR). A peripheral tolerance is maintained to transgenic HLA molecules thus indicating that these molecules act as self. Mouse co-stimulatory and accessory molecules can interact with the HLA-peptide-TCR complex leading to efficient T-cell activation. In this review, we describe immunogenetic models for human diseases using these transgenic mice. Our studies show that HLA class II transgene-restricted T cells recognize the immunodominant antigens and peptide epitopes, similar to HLA class II-restricted human T cells. Thus these mice provide powerful tools to understand the role of HLA class II molecules in predisposition and onset of human diseases and to develop immunotherapy and vaccines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CNS cell populations are protected from virus-induced pathology by distinct arms of the immune system.

The basis for the distinct patterns of brain pathology in individuals experiencing virus-induced encephalitis may be related to either the tropism of the virus or the host's response to virus infection of the central nervous system (CNS). In these studies we used Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) and a series of mice deficient in various immune system components (alpha/beta T cells, antibody, Class I MHC, and Class II MHC) to examine the hypothesis that discrete populations of CNS cells are protected differentially from virus infection by distinct arms of the immune response. Here we demonstrate that the Class I-mediated immune response provided more protection from areas of the brain (brainstem, corpus callosum and cerebellum) with abundant white matter as there was significantly more disease in these areas in beta2m -/- (Class I-deficient) mice as compared to A beta(0) (Class II-deficient) mice. In contrast, the striatum, with an abundance of neurons, was protected from virus-induced pathology primarily by antibody. In addition, we determined that antibody and alpha/beta T cells provided protection from severe deficits and death during the acute phase of the disease. The data presented here support the hypothesis that distinct immune system components function to protect discrete areas of the CNS from virus-induced pathology.

Animals↗

Short ragweed allergen induces eosinophilic lung disease in HLA-DQ transgenic mice.

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restriction of the IgE response to different allergens in humans has been a subject of numerous published studies. However, the role and contribution of specific HLA class II molecules in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation are unknown and difficult to assess. HLA-DQ6 and HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice lacking endogenous mouse class II gene expression were actively immunized and later challenged intranasally with short ragweed (SRW) allergenic extract. The HLA-DQ transgenic mice developed pulmonary eosinophilia and lung tissue damage. We also found an increase in total protein (TP) level and IL-5 production in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and an increase in SRW-specific Th2-type immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2b) and total serum IgE levels. Under similar treatment, DQ-negative full-sib control mice were normal. The allergic response could be significantly inhibited or abrogated in HLA-DQ mice by systemic treatment with anti-DQ mAb. The in vivo responses of HLA-DQ6 and HLA-DQ8 mice showed differences in terms of levels of eosinophilia, BAL protein, IL-5 concentration, and lung hyperreactivity to inhaled methacholine. These findings demonstrate the crucial role for specific HLA-DQ molecules in SRW-specific CD4(+) T-cell activation and resulting recruitment of eosinophils into the airways.

Administration, Intranasal↗

HLA-DQ6/8 double transgenic mice develop auricular chondritis following type II collagen immunization: a model for human relapsing polychondritis.

We have generated transgenic (tg) mice expressing HLA-DQ8alphabeta (DQA1*0301/DQB*0302) or HLA-DQ6alphabeta (DQA1*0103/DQB1*0601) molecules lacking endogenous murine class II expression (A beta0) to investigate the ability of these HLA class II to present type II collagen (CII) and induce collagen-induced arthritis. The DQ8alphabeta tg mice responded strongly to CII, developing severe arthritis, while DQ6alphabeta tg mice were nonresponsive to CII. The addition of the mixed haplotype DQ8alpha6beta molecule did not significantly influence CII reactivity. To examine the interaction of DQ6alphabeta and DQ8alphabeta molecules in vivo, we generated double tg DQ6alphabeta/8alphabeta (A beta0) mice expressing both the alpha- and beta-chains of DQ6 and DQ8 molecules by mating DQ6alphabeta (A beta0) and DQ8alphabeta (A beta0) tg mice. CII-immunized DQ6alphabeta/8alphabeta tg mice developed severe experimental polychondritis, exhibiting both polyarthritis and auricular chondritis. The clinical, serologic, and histologic manifestations of experimental polychondritis are similar to those symptoms in human relapsing polychondritis. The susceptibility of DQ6alphabeta/8alphabeta tg mice compared with resistance in the parental strains suggests that expression of both the DQ6alphabeta and DQ8alphabeta tgs, unique to the DQ6alphabeta8alphabeta tg strain, is important in susceptibility to experimental polychondritis. The DQ6alphabeta/8alphabeta tg mice provide a model to investigate putative autoantigens and the mechanisms of pathogenesis involved in relapsing polychondritis as well as the influence of the expression of multiple HLA class II molecules on the disease process.

Animals↗

HLA-DR4 (DRB1*0401) transgenic mice expressing an altered CD4-binding site: specificity and magnitude of DR4-restricted T cell response.

Optimum function of HLA-DR molecules in transgenic mice requires efficient interaction between the class II molecules on APCs and CD4 on T cells. Residues 110 and 139 of the second domain of class II molecules are considered to be critical for recognition of CD4. We generated an HLA-DR4beta(NT) transgene construct in which positions 110 and 139 were altered to resemble endogenous mouse H2 Abeta molecules. This construct was introduced into (B10 x SWR) embryos, and DR4beta(NT) transgenic mice were produced. The transgene was transferred into B10.RFB3 (Ebeta0 EalphaP) mice. The transgene-encoded DR4beta molecules paired with endogenous Ealpha chains to form stable DR4beta/Ealpha dimers expressed on the cell surface. The hybrid dimers showed similar Ag-binding specificity to HLA-DR4 molecules and positively selected CD4+ T cells in vivo. Immunization of HLA-DR4beta(NT) transgenic mice with DR4-restricted peptides induced T cell proliferation in vitro. While the purified T cells from DR4beta(NT) transgenic mice responded strongly to the HA(307-319) presented by M12C3 transfectants expressing altered DR4beta/Ealpha heterodimers, the response to the same peptides presented by transfectants expressing wild-type DR4beta/Ealpha molecules was substantially reduced. Taken together, these data confirmed in vitro studies on the importance of these residues in CD4-MHC class II interaction. The altered HLA-DR4beta transgenic mice were able to overcome the species barrier and generate efficient HLA-DR4-restricted CD4-specific immune responses. Thus, residues 110 and 139 were critical for the interaction of class II with CD4 T cells during thymic selection as well as peripheral immune responses.

Animals↗

Identification of HLA class II-restricted determinants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-derived proteins by using HLA-transgenic, class II-deficient mice.

T helper 1 cells play a major role in protective immunity against mycobacterial pathogens. Since the antigen (Ag) specificity of CD4(+) human T cells is strongly controlled by HLA class II polymorphism, the immunogenic potential of candidate Ags needs to be defined in the context of HLA polymorphism. We have taken advantage of class II-deficient (Ab0) mice, transgenic for either HLA-DRA/B1*0301 (DR3) or HLA-DQB1*0302/DQA*0301 (DQ8) alleles. In these animals, all CD4(+) T cells are restricted by the HLA molecule. We reported previously that human DR3-restricted T cells frequently recognize heat shock protein (hsp)65 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and only a single hsp65 epitope, p1-20. DR3.Ab0 mice, immunized with bacillus Calmette-Guérin or hsp65, developed T cell responses to M. tuberculosis, and recognized the same hsp65 epitope, p1-20. Hsp65-immunized DQ8.Ab0 mice mounted a strong response to bacillus Calmette-Guérin but not to p1-20. Instead, we identified three new DQ8-restricted T cell epitopes in the regions 171-200, 311-340, and 411-440. DR3.Ab0 mice immunized with a second major M. tuberculosis protein, Ag85 (composed of 85A, 85B, and 85C), also developed T cell responses against only one determinant, 85B p51-70, that was identified in this study. Importantly, subsequent analysis of human T cell responses revealed that HLA-DR3+, Ag85-reactive individuals recognize exactly the same peptide epitope as DR3.Ab0 mice. Strikingly, both DR3-restricted T cell epitopes represent the best DR3-binding sequences in hsp65 and 85B, revealing a strong association between peptide-immunodominance and HLA binding affinity. Immunization of DR3.Ab0 with the immunodominant peptides p1-20 and p51-70 induced T cell reactivity to M. tuberculosis. Thus, for two different Ags, T cells from DR3.Ab0 mice and HLA-DR3+ humans recognize the same immunodominant determinants. Our data support the use of HLA-transgenic mice in identifying human T cell determinants for the design of new vaccines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

HLA-DQ6 and HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice respond to ragweed allergens and recognize a distinct set of epitopes on short and giant ragweed group 5 antigens.

We have investigated the genetic and molecular basis of immune responsiveness to short ragweed (SRW) (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) extract, and group 5 allergens from short and giant (Ambrosia trifida) ragweed using transgenic mice expressing DQ6 (HLA-DQA1*0103, HLA-DQB1*0601) and DQ8 (HLA-DQA1*0301, HLA-DQB1*0302) genes in class II knockout (A beta0) mice. Panels of overlapping peptides spanning the Amb a 5 and Amb t 5 Ags were synthesized. Mice were immunized with whole SRW extract or individual peptides s.c. and lymph node cells (LNC) were challenged in vitro. Strong T cell responses to SRW extract were measured in both HLA-DQ transgenic mice, while control, HLA-DQ6-/DQ8-/H-2A beta0, mice were unresponsive. IL-5 and IL-10 were the primary cytokines produced by in vitro challenged LNC of SRW-primed transgenic mice. HLA-DQ6-restricted T cell responses were detected to all three peptides of Amb t 5 and two determinants (residues 1-20 and 11-30) on Amb a 5. In contrast, LNC of HLA-DQ8 mice did not recognize peptide 11-30 of Amb t 5 Ag, but recognized several Amb a 5 determinants. The immune response in transgenic mice was dependent upon CD4+ T cells and was HLA-DQ restricted. Primed with purified Amb t 5, both transgenics recognized peptide 21-40, and an additional DQ6-restricted epitope was found within residue 1-20. SRW-immunized HLA-DQ6 mice respond to peptide 11-30 of Amb a 5, while HLA-DQ8 mice strongly recognize peptide 1-20. These results demonstrate the specificity of HLA class II polymorphism in allergen sensitivity and pave the way for developing antagonistic peptides for desensitization.

Allergens↗

Expression of the human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen DR3 transgene reduces the severity of demyelination in a murine model of multiple sclerosis.

The role of various MHC genes in determining the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains controversial. The HLA-DR3 gene has been associated with benign relapsing MS in some genetic epidemiologic studies, but with disease progression in others. We induced demyelination in highly susceptible B10.M and B10.Q mice expressing the DR3 (HLA-DRB1*0301) transgene to determine directly the effects of a human transgene by infecting them with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). DR3+ mice experienced a dramatic reduction in the extent and severity of demyelination compared with DR3- littermate controls, whereas anti-TMEV antibody titers, delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, and levels of infectious virus, virus antigen, and virus RNA were similar in both groups. To address a possible mechanism of how the human transgene is reducing virus-induced demyelination, we analyzed cytokine expression in the lesions and also determined whether B10.M mice can respond to peptides derived from the DR3 molecule. Intense staining for IFN-gamma and IL-4, T helper (TH) 1 and TH2 cytokines, respectively, was found in the lesions of TMEV-infected DR3- mice but not in the DR3+ transgenic mice at day 21 after infection. DR3 peptides elicited strong proliferative responses in B10.M mice but not in B10.M (DR3+) mice. These experiments are the first to demonstrate that a human class II DR gene can alter the severity of demyelination in an animal model of MS without influencing viral load. These experiments are consistent with a mechanism by which DR3 reduces demyelination by altering the cytokine expression in the lesions, possibly by deleting T cells involved in virus-induced pathology.

Animals↗

Spontaneous inflammatory disease in HLA-B27 transgenic mice is independent of MHC class II molecules: a direct role for B27 heavy chains and not B27-derived peptides.

Although association of HLA-B27 with human spondyloarthropathies has been known for several years, its role in disease pathogenesis is not understood. Recently, a few investigators have proposed that presentation of B27-derived peptides by MHC class II molecules may be the underlying mechanism. HLA-B27 transgenic rat and mouse models have provided a new tool for understanding the exact role of B27 in disease pathogenesis. HLA-B27 mice lacking endogenous beta2-microglobulin (B27+ beta2m(o)) develop disease after they are transferred from the barrier facility to the conventional colony. This model was utilized to test the hypothesis that B27-derived peptide presented by MHC class II molecules is the cause of the disease. The MHC class II knockout gene, A beta(o), was bred into our B27+ beta2m(o) mice, and disease manifestation was monitored. These mice develop spontaneous disease, demonstrating that MHC class II molecules do not play a major role in B27-related disease. Thus, the disease is not manifested by presentation of B27-derived peptides by class II molecules, since these mice are devoid of H2-A and H2-E molecules. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with mAb against the heavy chain of B27 reduced the incidence of disease in B27+ beta2m(o) mice. Our results clearly demonstrate that B27 heavy chains are directly involved in the disease process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Thyroglobulin peptides of specific primary hormonogenic sites can generate cytotoxic T cells and serve as target autoantigens in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.

Previously we demonstrated that thyroxine (T4)-containing, 12-mer peptides from positions 5 (1-12) and 2553 (2549-2560), as well as thyronine (T0)-substituted 2553 peptide, derived from human (H) thyroglobulin (Tg) are capable of activating T cells that infiltrate the thyroid (thyroiditogenic). In contrast, peptides T4(2567) and T0(2567) (2559-2570) are not. To determine if these thyroiditogenic peptides, T4(5), T4(2553), and T0(2553), activated cytotoxic T cells (Tc) and served as target autoantigens when loaded onto indicator cells (BW5147 lymphoma, H2k), lymph node cells from CBA mice immunized with mouse (M) Tg were cultured in vitro with MTg, HTg, or Tg peptide. After MTg or HTg activation, Tc were detected for both MTg- and HTg-loaded target cells in an 18-h, 51Cr-release assay at an effector:target cell ratio of 50:1. These Tc also killed target cells labeled with T4(5), T4(2553), or T0(2553), but not the control peptide T4(2567). When MTg-primed lymphocytes were cultured with T4(5), T4(2553), or T0(2553), specific Tc were also generated against target cells labeled with the respective peptide. The data suggest that one of the thyroiditogenic properties of these peptides previously shown by adoptive transfer of thyroiditis is related to the generation of Tc. In addition, these conserved autoepitopes of Tg also serve as target antigens for Tc.

Animals↗

Unraveling the mystery of HLA-B27 association with human spondyloarthropathies using transgenic and knock out mice.

Human spondyloarthropathies have a strong association with the presence of MHC class I allele, HLA-B27. Spondyloarthropathies occur predominantly in males and are usually triggered by an infection with an enterobacteria. Similar to human disease, experimental animals with HLA-B27 transgene also develop spontaneous inflammatory disease. In addition to HLA-B27, the role of environmental antigens has also been implicated in the animal models. How bacteria interact with HLA-B27 is not yet clearly understood. By breeding HLA-B27 transgenic mice with various transgenic and knock out mice, we investigated the immune mechanism in this inflammatory disease. In this review, we will summarize our recent findings and propose a hypothesis.

Animals↗

HLA-DR/DQ transgenic, class II deficient mice as a novel model to select for HSP T cell epitopes with immunotherapeutic or preventative vaccine potential.

Protective immunity against mycobacteria is dependent on antigen/MHC class II specific, CD4+ Th1 cells. HLA-DR3-restricted Th1 cells respond to a subset of mycobacterial antigens, including the immunodominant hsp65, and recognize a single epitope in hsp65, notably p1-20. Altered peptide ligands (APL) of p1-20 can inhibit p1-20/hsp65-induced proliferation of DR3-restricted T cells in an allele specific manner in vitro. In order to develop a preclinical model in which p1-20 APL can be tested in vivo in the context of HLA, we have used murine class II deficient, HLA transgenic (Ab0) mice, in which all CD4+ T cells are restricted by the tg HLA molecule. BCG-immunized DR3.Ab0 and DQ8.Ab0 mice both responded well to hsp65. Furthermore, DR3.Ab0 mice recognized precisely the same p1-20 epitope as DR3-restricted human T cells, whereas DQ8.Ab0 mice responded to a different set of hsp65 peptides. This shows that (i) the same immunodominant protein and peptide epitope are recognized by T cells from DR3.Ab0 mice and DR3+ humans and (ii) indicates the major role of HLA-polymorphism in controlling the human T cell response to mycobacterial antigens. Thus, HLA-transgenic, Ab0 mice provide a novel, preclinical model system to analyze APL and vaccines in the context of HLA polymorphism.

Animals↗