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F W Fitch

Publications and source records attributed to F W Fitch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Differential requirement for protein tyrosine kinase Fyn in the functional activation of antigen-specific T lymphocyte clones through the TCR or Thy-1.

The protein tyrosine kinase Fyn has been shown to be involved in signal transduction through the TCR and the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked surface molecule Thy-1 expressed on T cells. In this study, we examine the requirement for Fyn expression in signaling through the TCR or Thy-1 using a panel of Ag-specific T cell clones derived from fyn-/- mutant mice. These clones do not express normal Fyn protein, as measured by immune-complex kinase reaction using anti-Fyn Ab. Stimulation through the TCR, either by APC bearing relevant Ag or by immobilized anti-CD3 mAb, resulted in comparable levels of proliferation, lymphokine production, and cytolysis by clones from both wild-type and fyn-/- mice. In contrast, stimulation through Thy-1, using soluble (or cross-linked) anti-Thy-1 mAb, was deficient, as measured by these responses. Thus, Fyn expression is selectively required for functional activation through Thy-1 in these T cell clones.

Animals

IL-4-producing CD8+ T cell clones can provide B cell help.

Interactions between CD4+ T cells and B cells are mediated by both soluble factors and cell surface molecules. The Ag-independent interaction between the CD40 ligand, expressed on activated T cells, and its CD40 receptor, expressed on B cells, enhances B cell proliferation in response to IL-4 stimulation. The expression of the CD40 ligand is induced on CD4+ T cells by stimulation with Ag-pulsed APC or mitogens. Here, we show that at least some IL-4-producing murine CD8+ T cell clones can be induced to express the CD40 ligand when stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb. Additionally, such activated CD8+ IL-4-producing clones potentiate the proliferative response of small resting B cells to IL-4 and induce Ig secretion by small resting B cells to IL-4 and IL-5. Proliferation of small resting B cells cultured with IL-4 in the presence of activated IL-4-producing CD8+ murine T cell clones appeared to be mediated by the expression of the CD40 ligand on the T cell because an anti-CD40 ligand mAb inhibited this proliferative response. A conventional murine CD8+ CTL clone, which did not produce IL-4 or express CD40 ligand upon activation, did not potentiate proliferation of small resting B cells exposed to IL-4. Thus, under some circumstances, CD8+ T cells that are able to express CD40 ligand may be able to provide B cell help.

Animals

Induction of the increased Fyn kinase activity in anergic T helper type 1 clones requires calcium and protein synthesis and is sensitive to cyclosporin A.

Several alterations in T cell receptor-associated signal transduction have been observed following induction of anergy of T helper type 1 (Th1) clones, including a modified intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) response and increased kinase activity associated with the protein tyrosine kinase p59fyn. In the current study, we demonstrate that, although the kinetics of acquisition of both of these signaling alterations correlated with the generation of anergy, a normal calcium response returned within 48 h after removal from the anergizing stimulus, whereas the increased p59fyn activity persisted and the cells remained hyporesponsive. Generation of both the anergic state and the increased p59fyn activity was prevented in the presence of calcium-free medium, cycloheximide (CHX), or cyclosporin A (CsA), and could be mimicked by the calcium ionophore ionomycin. In contrast, the altered calcium response was inhibited by stimulation in the presence of calcium-free medium or CsA, but not CHX. Thus, surprisingly, these data suggest that a chronic elevation of [Ca2+]i is proximal to and necessary for the increase in p59fyn-associated kinase activity observed in anergic Th1 clones. Increased p59fyn activity, but not the altered calcium response, correlates with maintenance of the anergic state.

Animals

Breaking through.

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Forecasting

Induction of lytic pathways in T cell clones derived from wild-type or protein tyrosine kinase Fyn mutant mice.

The OVA-reactive CD4+ Th1 clones and alloreactive CD8+ clones derived from wild-type or fyn-/- mice serve as model systems which have allowed us to investigate several aspects of the molecular events associated with T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, including 1) the differential utilization of two distinct cytolytic pathways by CD4+ Th1 clones and CD8+ CTL, 2) a comparison of the pathways of lysis induced by stimulation of the TCR or by alternative stimuli, 3) the requirement of Fyn for derivation of antigen-specific T-cell clones having properties of CD4+ Th1 and CD8+ CTL cells 4) the differential requirement of Fyn in the induction of responses by TCR and the alternative stimuli. Stimulation through the TCR, either by APC bearing relevant antigen or by immobilized anti-CD3 mAb, resulted in comparable levels of target cell lysis by clones from both wild-type and fyn-/- mice. These clones also utilize the Fas pathway to lyse target cells. Thus, Fyn does not appear to be required for expression of the Fas pathway when triggered through the TCR. In contrast, lysis of target cells by T-cell clones lacking Fyn was deficient when stimulated through Thy-1 or Ly-6C (using mAb) or with Con A or phorbol ester as compared to clones derived from wild-type mice. The basis for the defect in response to stimulation through the GPI-linked molecules appears to be a signaling defect which affects all of the functional responses we measured, while the defect in response to Con A stimulation appears to affect lysis but not lymphokine production. Thus, Fyn expression is selectively required for efficient activation of the Fas pathway of lysis through Thy-1, Ly-6C, and by Con A or phorbol ester in these T-cell clones. CD8+ clones derived from fyn-/- mutant mice, like clones derived from wild-type mice, display antigen-specific lysis, and appear to express perforin message and perforin protein. A Ca(++)-dependent (presumably perforin/exocytosis) component and Fas component of lysis was detected in CD8+ clones derived from fyn-/- mutant mice. Thus, Fyn is not required for expression of these components of antigen specific lysis by CD8+ alloreactive CTL clones. It appears that CD8+ clones that use multiple lytic mechanisms may selectively employ the perforin or Fas-based pathway depending on properties of the target cell or stimulus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals

IL-4 treatment of small splenic B cells induces costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2.

IL-4 has been shown to be involved in the early stages of B cell maturation. Changes induced by IL-4 include cell enlargement, increased viability, and increased MHC class II expression. However IL-4 alone does not induce B cell activation as defined by proliferation, lymphokine production, or Ig class switching. In this study, we demonstrate that incubation with IL-4 enhances the ability of small splenic murine B cells, normally poor stimulators of murine Th1 clones, to stimulate lymphokine production and proliferation by Th1 clones. Moreover, small resting B cells induce anergy, whereas IL-4-treated B cells do not. IL-4-treated B cells were found to express both B7 (B7-1) and a second ligand for CTLA4Ig (B7-2). Although IL-4 induces both B7-1 and B7-2, the kinetics of expression of these molecules are different: B7-2 is detected by 6 h, whereas B7-1 is not detectable until 48 h. In addition, only CTLA4Ig fully blocks IL-4 induced costimulatory activity; a mAb to B7-1 does not. Thus, these results suggest that IL-4 may function indirectly as a costimulatory factor by inducing costimulatory molecules on resting B cells. Additionally, these findings support our previous findings that an alternative ligand for CD28 and CTLA4 is important in providing costimulation.

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Unique antigen recognition by a herpesvirus-specific TCR-gamma delta cell.

TCR-gamma delta cells, a T cell subset present in the epithelial and lymphoid tissues, have been implicated in viral and bacterial infections. We have identified a TCR-gamma delta clone (TgI4.4) that, unlike TCR-alpha beta cells, recognizes a herpes simplex virus type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, gI, in an MHC class I- and class II-independent fashion. The TCR of TgI4.4 is composed of rearranged V delta 8 (a V alpha 2 family member) and V gamma 1.2 variable genes, a heterodimeric pair not previously described. Furthermore, anti-V alpha 2 mAbs are sufficient to block recognition of the gI ligand. Strikingly, anti-gI Abs also are capable of blocking recognition, a phenomena that is very rare in TCR-alpha beta Ag recognition. Therefore, to dissect the mechanism involved in this unique form of Ag recognition, we constructed a mutant of gI, gIt, that lacks cell surface expression upon transfection into APCs. This form of gI was not sufficient for Ag presentation. In contrast, wild-type gI expressed in the Ag-processing mutant cell, RMA-S, is recognized by TgI4.4, suggesting that gI presentation occurs independently of classical Ag-processing pathways. In fact, through the use of a soluble recombinant gI molecule, gI-Ig, we show that TgI4.4 can recognize whole, unprocessed gI protein in the absence of any APCs. These results suggest that there exist alternate and novel forms of TCR Ag recognition, and that the TCR-gamma delta clone, TgI4.4, may represent a novel T cell subset that, during pathogenic challenge, may respond directly to Ags on the surfaces of bacteria and viruses.

Amino Acid Sequence

"Anergy" of TH0 helper T lymphocytes induces downregulation of TH1 characteristics and a transition to a TH2-like phenotype.

Mature CD4+ helper T lymphocytes have been categorized into two major functional phenotypes, TH1 and TH2, which produce distinct arrays of lymphokines and which are thought to arise from a pluripotential precursor cell termed TH0. Clonal anergy can be induced in TH1 clones by stimulating via the T cell receptor (TCR) complex in the absence of a costimulator molecule; however, anergy has been difficult to demonstrate in TH2 clones. We show here that treatment of cloned TH0 lines with anergizing stimuli results in the selective loss of TH1 characteristics and retention of a TH2 phenotype. Treated cells exhibit a substantial reduction in interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and antigen-specific cytolytic activity, but retain comparable IL-4 and IL-5 production in response to restimulation via the TCR complex. TH0 clones exposed to anergizing stimuli also increase in size, thus morphologically resembling TH2 cells. The signaling characteristics of these cells also are altered, in that they exhibit an elevated basal level of intracellular free calcium which fails to increase significantly with subsequent restimulation, reminiscent of the signaling characteristics of TH2 cells. "Anergized" TH0 clones thus share several functional, morphologic, and physiologic properties with cells of the TH2 phenotype, suggesting that TH2 cells may arise when TH0 cells are stimulated via the TCR complex in the absence of a putative costimulator molecule.

Animals

Anergic T-lymphocyte clones have altered inositol phosphate, calcium, and tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.

Full activation of TH1 helper T lymphocytes requires ligation of the specific T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) and a second signal provided by costimulator molecule(s) expressed on particular antigen-presenting cells. Stimulation via the TCR complex alone generates a subsequent unresponsive state characterized by an inability to produce interleukin 2. We report here that such anergic cells exhibit multiple alterations in TCR-associated signaling. The basal levels of intracellular free calcium and phosphatidylinositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate are elevated in anergic cells, and the levels fail to increase significantly upon subsequent restimulation. Examination of phospholipase C-gamma 1 reveals evidence for post-translational modification, correlating with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the molecule. Tyrosine phosphorylation of additional substrates identified from whole-cell lysates also is altered compared to untreated cells, suggesting a modification in net tyrosine kinase activity. Although the level of kinase activity present in TCR/CD3 or Lck immunoprecipitates is modestly altered after induction of anergy, there is a dramatic increase in specific Fyn-associated tyrosine kinase activity in anergic cells and increased phosphorylation of a 110-kDa protein that is coimmunoprecipitated with Fyn. These results are consistent with a model in which anergic TH1 lymphocytes display a fundamental alteration in TCR-mediated tyrosine kinase activity, associated with changes in phospholipase C-gamma 1, inositol phosphates, and intracellular free calcium.

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Requirements for activation of CD8+ murine T cells. I. Development of cytolytic activity.

Cytolytic effector function fails to develop if proliferation of allospecific cytolytic T lymphocyte precursors is inhibited, but the requirements for generation of cytolytic activity have not been fully defined. In contrast, the cytolytic effector function of cytolytic T lymphocyte clones does not change during the cell cycle, and the level of cytolytic activity is independent of cellular proliferation. The requirement for proliferation by primary responding populations may reflect the need for clonal expansion of a few inherently cytolytic effector cells in order to reach a threshold number which can readily be detected in conventional cytolytic assays. Alternatively, proliferation may be required for cytolytic T lymphocyte precursors to differentiate into mature, functional cytolytic cells. Using CD8+ T cells which express an antigen-specific transgenic alpha/beta T cell receptor, we have studied the requirements for acquisition of cytolytic capacity. Stimulation of the T cell receptor alone appears to be sufficient to render naive, CD8+ transgenic T cells sensitive to the growth effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2), and in some circumstances to interleukin-4 (IL-4), but not to induce either lymphokine production or cytolytic activity. Costimulatory molecules expressed by allogenic stimulating cells appear to be required for lymphokine production, and CD8+ transgenic T cells initially appear to secrete only IL-2 and interferon-gamma. Stimulation of the T cell receptor of naive, CD8+ transgenic T cells appears to induce cytolytic activity only if cell proliferation occurs, either in response to IL-2 produced by the stimulated cells themselves when costimulatory molecules are present, or to IL-2 or IL-4 from exogenous sources if costimulatory molecules are absent.

Animals

The gamma chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE is a major functional subunit of the T-cell antigen receptor complex in gamma delta T lymphocytes.

T-cell activation is a consequence of the clonotypic T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) binding to an antigen followed by signal transduction via the invariant subunits of the TCR/CD3 complex. gamma delta TCR cells are a small subset of T cells that populate both the epithelial and lymphoid tissues and have unique antigen specificity and function. However, the composition of invariant chains within the gamma delta TCR/CD3 complex has not been well characterized. Here we report that, unlike the majority of alpha beta T cell, gamma delta T cells isolated from spleen and intestinal epithelial tissue express high levels of the gamma chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI gamma) as one invariant subunit of their TCR/CD3 complex. Fc epsilon RI gamma exists as both a homodimer and a heterodimer associated with the TCR zeta chain. Moreover, stimulation of the gamma delta TCR results in rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of Fc epsilon RI gamma. Our results suggest that utilization of distinct receptor signaling components may enable the coupling of antigen stimulation to the activation of different signal transduction pathways in alpha beta and gamma delta T cells.

Animals

Accessory molecules involved in antigen-mediated cytolysis and lymphokine production by cytotoxic T lymphocyte subsets. I. Identification of functions for the T cell surface molecules Ly-6C and Thy-1.

The murine T cell surface molecules Ly-6C and Thy-1 are genetically and structurally distinct, yet they share two interesting properties: both are attached to the plasma membrane through a glycophosphatidylinositol linkage, and some mAb reactive with these molecules can activate T cells. Although mAb for Ly-6C and Thy-1 appear to mimic the function of physiologic ligands, direct evidence for the existence of these putative ligands has not been presented. In this report, we describe CTL clones that use Ly-6C and Thy-1 as accessory molecules for activation of cytolysis and the production of IFN-gamma based on inhibition of these functions with mAb. These studies were facilitated by the derivation of a nonactivating hamster IgM mAb specific for Ly-6C. CTL clones that use Ly-6C and Thy-1 as accessory molecules include a subpopulation of the previously described CD8+ alloreactive CTL that are not inhibited by mAb reactive with CD8, a CD8+ TCR-alpha/beta+ T cell clone specific for HSV glycoprotein D, and a CD4-CD8- TCR-gamma/delta+ T cell clone specific for HSV glycoprotein I. The role of Ly-6C and Thy-1 in target cell recognition is to some degree tissue-specific with respect to the APC/target cell. A mAb specific for Ly-6C appears to inhibit activation by prevention of adhesion between the effector cells and the target cells. This is the most direct evidence to date of a functional ligand for Ly-6C.

Animals

Cytolytic activity of murine CD4+ T cell clones correlates with IFN-gamma production in mouse strains having a BALB/c background.

CD4+ murine T cell clones were derived from various strains of mice, and their pattern of lymphokine secretion and cytolytic activity was compared. Limiting dilution cultures were established with lymph node cells from mice sensitized with OVA. Alloreactive CD4+ T cell clones also were derived in limiting dilution cultures prepared with naive BALB/c-H-2dm2 lymph node cells stimulated with irradiated BALB/c splenocytes. A total of 24 days elapsed between establishment of cultures and analysis of lymphokine production and cytolytic activity. Cytolytic capacity was assessed by using target cells that had been pulsed with Ag or coated with anti-CD3 mAb. We observed that: 1) the frequency of OVA-reactive T cells from various mouse strains was approximately the same; 2) both Th1 and Th2 cells as well as cells not encompassed within these categories could be lytic if derived from DBA/2, B10.D2, B10.A, C57BL/10, or C57BL/6 mice; and 3) the vast majority of CD4+ cloned T cells derived from BALB/c, BALB/c-H-2dm2, BALB.B, or BALB.K that did not produce IFN-gamma (including Th2 cells) did not exhibit cytolytic activity, whereas most clones derived from these strains that produced IFN-gamma were cytolytic. These observations indicate that both Th1 and Th2 cells from several mouse strains express cytolytic activity. Such cytolytic activity was not restricted to clones maintained in long term cultures. However, genes outside the MHC appeared to regulate the cytolytic activity of T cells. In particular, CD4+ T cell clones which did not produce IFN-gamma were not cytolytic when they were derived from BALB/c mice and mutant or MHC congenic inbred mice having a BALB background. Cytolytic activity of CD4+ T cells, in addition to the pattern of lymphokine production, may be important in graft rejection and in immune responses to infectious diseases.

Animals

A murine CD4-, CD8- T cell receptor-gamma delta T lymphocyte clone specific for herpes simplex virus glycoprotein I.

The role of TCR-gamma delta T lymphocytes in immune responses is currently not well understood. TCR-gamma delta cells have a limited repertoire suggesting that TCR-gamma delta T a limited number of evolutionarily conserved Ag such as nonpolymorphic MHC and heat shock proteins. TCR-gamma delta T lymphocytes appear in enhanced numbers in skin lesions produced by Mycobacterium leprae and in the synovial fluid of joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, raising the possibility that this subset of T lymphocytes may play a role in control of infectious processes and in autoimmune diseases. We report the identification of a TCR-gamma delta T cell clone isolated from a HSV-infected mouse that recognizes glycoprotein I of HSV type 1. Clone recognition of glycoprotein I does not appear to require the expression of MHC class I or class II gene products. These data suggest that TCR-gamma delta lymphocytes may play an important role in the immune response to viral infections.

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Cytolytic T lymphocytes: an overview of their characteristics.

Cloned T cells have been useful for assessing the lytic potential of distinct T cell subsets and for determining the relative contribution of different effector mechanism involved in the lytic process. Alloreactive CD8+ murine T cell clones and cloned murine CD4+ TH1 and TH2 T cells reactive with nominal antigen (ovalbumin) lysed nucleated target cells bearing antigen or coated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody in a short term 51Cr-release assay. These clones were also evaluated for their ability to lyse efficiently sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) target cells coated with anti-CD3 mAb by a mechanism (presumably involving membrane damage) that does not involve nuclear degradation. Three patterns of lysis were observed: CD8+ and some CD4+ TH2 effector cells lysed efficiently nucleated target cells and anucleated SRBC coated with anti-CD3 mAb. However, CD4+ TH1 (and a few TH2) T cells which lysed nucleated target cells bearing antigen or coated with anti-CD3 mAb did not lyse efficiently the SRBC coated with anti-CD3 mAb. One CD4 bearing TH2 cell failed to lyse efficiently either nucleated target cells or anucleated SRBC coated with anti-CD3 mAb. These results indicate that both TH1 and TH2 clones have lytic capabilities. Furthermore, they suggest that some but not all TH2 murine T cell clones have lytic characteristics similar to those of conventional CD8+ CTL. However, it is not certain how these patterns of lysis of target cells in vitro relates to the capacity of CTL to lyse such target cells in vivo.

Animals

Some cloned murine CD4+ T cells recognize H-2Ld class I MHC determinants directly. Other cloned CD4+ T cells recognize H-2Ld class I MHC determinants in the context of class II MHC molecules.

Murine T lymphocytes recognize nominal Ag presented by class I or class II MHC molecules. Most CD8+ T cells recognize Ag presented in the context of class I molecules, whereas most CD4+ cells recognize Ag associated with class II molecules. However, it has been shown that a proportion of T cells recognizing class I alloantigens express CD4 surface molecules. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells are sufficient for the rejection of H-2Kbm10 and H-2Kbm11 class I disparate skin grafts. It has been suggested that the CD4 component of an anti-class I response can be ascribed to T cells recognizing class I determinants in the context of class II MHC products. To examine the specificity and effector functions of class I-specific HTL, CD4+ T cells were stimulated with APC that differed from them at a class I locus. Specifically, a MLC was prepared involving an allogeneic difference only at the Ld region. CD4+ clones were derived by limiting dilution of bulk MLC cells. Two clones have been studied in detail. The CD4+ clone 46.2 produced IL-2, IL-3, and IFN-gamma when stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb, whereas the CD4+ clone 93.1 secreted IL-4 in addition to IL-2, IL-3, and IFN-gamma. Cloned 46.2 cells recognized H-2Ld directly, whereas recognition of Ld by 93.1 apparently was restricted by class II MHC molecules. Furthermore, cytolysis by both clones 46.2 and 93.1 was inhibited by the anti-CD4 mAb GK1.5. These results demonstrate that CD4+ T cells can respond to a class I difference and that a proportion of CD4+ T cells can recognize class I MHC determinants directly as well as in the context of class II MHC molecules.

Animals

Mechanisms of lysis by cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones. Lytic activity and gene expression in cloned antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes.

Cloned murine Th having properties of either Th1 or Th2 cells as well as CD8+ CTL were tested for the capacity to lyse: 1) nucleated target cells bearing Ag or coated with anti-CD3 mAb, or 2) SRBC target cells coated with anti-CD3 mAb in a short term 51Cr-release assay. The lysis of SRBC occurs by a mechanism that does not involve nuclear degradation but presumably does involve membrane damage. Three patterns were observed: CTL and some Th2 cells lysed efficiently nucleated target cells and SRBC coated with anti-CD3 mAb. Th1 and some Th2 T cells lysed nucleated target cells but did not lyse efficiently the SRBC coated with anti-CD3 mAb. Finally, some Th2 cells failed to lyse efficiently either nucleated or SRBC targets. We also examined these clones for their expression of N-alpha-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysin thiobenzyl esterase activity, and for the expression of perforin or CTLA-1 (granzyme B) mRNA. Total N-alpha-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysin thiobenzyl esterase activity expressed by CTL and Th2 clones tended to be higher than that of Th1 cells. Perforin mRNA and CTLA-1 mRNA were readily detectable in CTL and some Th2 clones. Expression of perforin and CLTA-1 mRNA correlated well with the capacity of these clones to lyse SRBC coated with anti-CD3 mAb. Our results show that some but not all Th2 clones have lytic characteristics similar to those of CD8+ CTL. Two mechanisms appear to contribute to their lytic process, one mechanism of lysis involves membrane damage that correlates with the expression of perforin mRNA; a second mechanism involves the induction of DNA degradation in the target cells. In contrast, some CD4+ effector cells appear to lack the capacity to lyse efficiently via the mechanism involving membrane damage and may only have the lytic activity associated with the capacity to induce DNA degradation.

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