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Biomedical subjects

J A Frelinger

Publications and source records attributed to J A Frelinger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Murine T lymphocytes incapable of producing macrophage inhibitory protein-1 are impaired in causing graft-versus-host disease across a class I but not class II major histocompatibility complex barrier.

The routine use of bone marrow transplantation is limited by the occurrence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Current approaches to decreasing the occurrence of GVHD after allogeneic transplantation use T-cell depletion, use immunosuppressive agents, or block costimulatory molecule function. The role of proteins in the recruitment of alloreactive lymphocytes has not been well characterized. Chemokines are a large family of proteins that mediate recruitment of mononuclear cells in vitro and in vivo. To investigate the role of T-cell production of the chemokine macrophage inhibitory protein-1 (MIP-1) in the occurrence of GVHD, splenocytes either from wild-type or from MIP-1-/- mice were administered to class I (B6.C-H2(bm1)) and class II disparate mice (B6-C-H2(bm12)). The incidence and severity of GVHD was markedly reduced in bm1 mice receiving splenocytes from MIP-1-/- mice as compared with mice receiving wild-type splenocytes. Bm1 mice receiving MIP-1-/- splenocytes had significantly less weight loss and markedly reduced inflammatory responses in the lung and liver than mice receiving C57BL/6 splenocytes. Bm1 mice receiving MIP-1-/- splenocytes had a markedly decreased production of antichromatin autoantibodies and impaired generation of bm1-specific T lymphocytes versus wild-type mice. However, MIP-1-/- splenocytes easily induced GVHD when administered to bm12 mice. This data show that blockade of chemokine production or function may provide a new approach to the prevention or treatment of GVHD but that chemokines that recruit both CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes may need to be targeted.

Animals↗

Analysis of the mutant HLA-A*0201 heavy chain H74L: impaired TAP-dependent peptide loading.

A mutation of the HLA-A*0201 heavy chain at position 74 from histidine to leucine (H74L) resulted in a molecule with an interesting phenotype. H74L-expressing targets were recognized by peptide-specific HLA-A*0201-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes at lower peptide concentrations than wild type HLA-A*0201. H74L's improved ability to sensitize cells for tysis was due to its enhanced capability to bind exogenous peptide. Furthermore, this phenotype of improved exogenous binding and functional recognition was not peptide-specific. In contrast, the H74L molecule failed to present the HIV- HLA-A2-restricted pol peptide when expressed and processed endogenously. The inability to bind endogenous pol could be rescued by preceding the pol peptide with a signal sequence. The defect affecting endogenous presentation, therefore, appeared to be limited to the TAP-dependent pathway. Surprisingly, the H74L heavy chain was able to enter the defined MHC class I pathway and associate with beta2M, calreticulin, tapasin, and TAP. Despite the presence of the H74L heavy chain at the TAP complex, H74L was functionally inefficient at loading TAP-dependent peptides. H74L may help elucidate further steps in the process of loading TAP-dependent peptides into the class I cleft.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Immunogenicity of cultured keratinocyte allografts deficient in major histocompatibility complex antigens.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness (FT) and cultured keratinocyte (CK) allografts have been used as temporary skin replacements in patients with massive burns, but these grafts are ultimately rejected after restoration of host immunocompetence. Genetic engineering has permitted the creation of knockout (KO) mice deficient in class I or class II major histocompatibility antigens. This study examines the immunogenicity of such grafts to determine if these genetically modified keratinocytes could be used for permanent wound coverage. METHODS: Host sensitization to alloantigen was assessed by second-set rejection. CBA mice (n = 111) were primed with flank grafts consisting of FT and CK allografts from normal C57BL/6 donors, FT and CK class I KO allografts, FT and CK class II KO allografts, and CK autografts. Three weeks later, hosts were challenged with normal tail allografts and observed for second-set rejection. Median graft survival was analyzed by chi2 and Wilcoxon rank tests. In the second experiment, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were harvested from CBA mice (n = 28) 3 weeks after flank grafting. CTL effectors were tested on radiolabeled targets at various ratios in a 51Cr release assay. Dilution curves of CTL activity were compared by analysis of variance. RESULTS: Hosts primed with CK or FT allografts demonstrated accelerated rejection of second-set tail grafts compared with hosts covered with CBA autografts. CK knockout grafts were less immunogenic than FT knockout skin; class II KO allografts were considerably less immunogenic than class I KO allografts. CTL activity against the knockout CK allografts was negligible compared with that of hosts primed with normal allografts or FT knockout allografts. CONCLUSION: Although full-thickness knockout skin retains substantial immunogenicity, cultured keratinocytes deficient in class II antigens fail to prime for accelerated second-set rejection and do not elicit a CTL response in the graft recipient. This lack of immunogenicity may permit the indefinite survival of allogeneic knockout keratinocytes in patients requiring massive wound excision and coverage.

Animals↗

Altered peptide ligand design: altering immune responses to class I MHC/peptide complexes.

Class I proteins are responsible for binding proteins from endogenously synthesized proteins and displaying them on the cell surface. Our understanding of this process has reached the point where we can manipulate the biochemical properties of peptide/class I binding and determine the effects of this alteration on subsequent immune responses. In this article, we will review the biochemistry of peptide/class I binding, and the effects of structure on this interaction between class I proteins and their peptide ligands. We will review the data which suggest that the major relevant biochemical parameter of class I peptide binding is the off-rate. We will show that the design of altered ligands with improved binding, thermostability and immunogenicity is possible.

Antigen Presentation↗

Diminished class II-associated Ii peptide binding to the juvenile dermatomyositis HLA-DQ alpha 1*0501/DQ beta 1*0301 molecule.

HLA class II molecules bind and present peptide Ags to T cells, binding specific sets of peptides due to polymorphism in the peptide binding groove. Class II proteins associate with the invariant chain (Ii chain) and its derived class II-associated Ii peptide (CLIP). Ii chain association is important for normal trafficking of class II proteins to the peptide loading vesicles and for blocking premature access of peptides to HLA class II molecules during maturation. We have previously shown that juvenile dermatomyositis is associated with the HLA-DQA1*0501 allele. There is limited information available about the interaction of any DQ molecule with the Ii chain and little information about binding of individual peptides to HLA-DQalpha1*0501/DQbeta1*0301. We sequenced peptides eluted from the juvenile dermatomyositis-associated class II allele HLA-DQalpha1*0501/DQbeta1*0301. Surprisingly, we found no Ii chain or CLIP. Further examination of peptide binding to the HLA-DQalpha1*0501/DQbeta1*0301 molecule demonstrated poor CLIP binding. However, newly synthesized HLA-DQalpha1*0501/DQbeta1*0301 molecules do associate with intact Ii chain. Molecular modeling suggests that CLIP binds differently to HLA-DQalpha1*0501/DQbeta1*0301 than to DR molecules. The lack of CLIP association suggests that HLA-DQalpha1*0501/DQbeta1*0301 has access to peptides earlier in the processing pathway and so might encounter novel peptides that induce autoimmunity.

Alleles↗

A method for the production of CD4+ chronic myelogenous leukemia-specific allogeneic T lymphocytes.

The graft-versus-leukemia effect is critical to the maintenance of remission in patients transplanted for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). A pivotal issue in transplantation for CML is whether donor lymphocytes are specific for host tumor or myeloid cells or a subset of the lymphocytes that cause graft-versus-host disease. We have enrolled seven patients in an experimental trial to evaluate the specificity of HLA-matched donor lymphocytes in vitro. We have produced 11 CD4+ cytotoxic and proliferative T-cell clones from five of the donors that only lyse or proliferate to leukemic myeloid cells. These T lymphocytes do not react with interleukin (IL)-2-stimulated blasts, natural killer-sensitive targets, donor neutrophils, or bcr-abl+ EBV-lymphoblastoid cell lines. We show that the addition of the cytokines IL-7 and IL-12 during the production of T-cell clones enhances the recovery of myeloid-specific clones in vitro. Five of the myeloid-specific clones that we produced maintained specificity over 12 weeks in culture. Adoption of this method should allow for the expansion and in vivo testing of CML-specific CD4+ T-cell clones in adoptive immunotherapy.

Adult↗

Early but not late burn wound excision partially restores viral-specific T lymphocyte cytotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: Early burn wound excision restores immunocompetence and improves patient survival, but the exact mechanisms have not yet been defined. Burn injury impairs cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity as a function of burn size, increasing the risk of infection. The purpose of this study was to determine if early wound excision improved viral-specific CTL function. METHODS: Anesthetized C57BL/6 mice (n = 20) received 0%, 20%, or 40% total body surface area full-thickness contact burns and were inoculated 3 days later with intraperitoneal lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Eight days after infection, or 11 days after burn, CTL effectors (E) were harvested and tested against infected, radiolabeled L-Dh targets (T) in a 51Cr-release assay, at varied E:T ratios. Dilution curves of CTL activity were compared by analysis of variance. In the second experiment, mice (n = 18) underwent a 30% burn that was totally excised and grafted on postburn days (PBDs) 0, 3, and 7. Control groups included sham burn and no excision of a 30% burn. In the third experiment, mice (n = 22) received a 30% burn that was partially, completely, or not excised on PBD 3. Control groups included sham burn with and without excision. All groups were infected with intraperitoneal lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus on PBD 3. Viral-specific CTL activity was determined on PBD 11. RESULTS: Both 20% and 40% burn injury impaired viral-specific CTL function. Wound excision on PBDs 0 and 3, but not on PBD 7, partially restored CTL function. Total excision of the 30% burn improved CTL activity to a greater extent than did partial excision. CONCLUSION: Burn injury inhibits viral-specific CTL activity. Early, complete wound excision augments CTL function. Improved CTL activity after burn may reduce the risk of infection, providing an immunologic rationale for expeditious wound excision.

Animals↗

Virus-specific, CD8+ major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes in lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-infected beta2-microglobulin-deficient mice.

Following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), normal adult mice generate virus-specific, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which clear the virus after intraperitoneal infection or cause death following intracranial (i.c.) infection. We have investigated the response of beta2-microglobulin-deficient (beta2m-) mice of the H-2d haplotype (KOD mice) to LCMV infection. Unlike H-2b beta2m- mice, which generate CD4+ MHC class II-restricted CTL in response to LCMV, KOD mice generate high levels of CD8+ MHC class I-restricted, virus-specific CTL. These CTL are specific for the LCMV nucleoprotein epitope (residues 118 to 126) in association with the Ld class I molecule, analogous to the CTL response in wild-type mice. KOD mice are also susceptible to lethal LCM disease, with 75 to 80% of the mice dying 7 to 9 days following i.c. infection with virus. Similar to results with normal mice, lethal LCM disease in KOD mice is prevented by in vivo depletion of CD8+ T cells prior to i.c. infection. In contrast to wild-type mice, however, KOD mice cannot control LCMV and become persistently infected. Overall, these results demonstrate that beta2m is not an absolute requirement for presentation of endogenous antigen on Ld or for induction of virus-specific Ld-restricted CTL in vivo.

Animals↗

Cross-clade human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses in HIV-infected Zambians.

We have examined cross-clade HIV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity in peripheral blood of eight Zambian individuals infected with non-B-clade human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Heteroduplex mobility assay and partial sequence analysis of env and gag genes strongly suggests that all the HIV-infected subjects were infected with clade C HIV-1. Six of eight C-clade HIV-infected individuals elicited CTL activity specific for recombinant vaccinia virus-infected autologous targets expressing HIV gag-pol-env derived from B-clade HIV-1 (IIIB). Recognition of individual recombinant HIV-1 B-clade vaccinia virus-infected targets expressing gag, pol, or env was variable among the patients tested, indicating that cross-clade CTL activity is not limited to a single HIV protein. These data demonstrate that HIV clade C-infected individuals can mount vigorous HIV clade B-reactive CTL responses.

Cross Reactions↗

Humoral, mucosal, and cellular immunity in response to a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 immunogen expressed by a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vaccine vector.

A molecularly cloned attenuated strain of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) has been genetically configured as a replication-competent vaccine vector for the expression of heterologous viral proteins (N. L. Davis, K. W. Brown, and R. E. Johnston, J. Virol. 70:3781-3787, 1996). The matrix/capsid (MA/CA) coding domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was cloned into the VEE vector to determine the ability of a VEE vector to stimulate an anti-HIV immune response in mice. The VEE-MA/CA vector replicated rapidly in the cytoplasm of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells and expressed large quantities of antigenically identifiable MA/CA protein. When injected subcutaneously into BALB/c mice, the vector invaded and replicated in the draining lymphoid tissues, expressing HIV-1 MA/CA at a site of potent immune activity. Anti-MA/CA immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibodies were present in serum of all immunized mice, and titers increased after a second booster inoculation. IgA antibodies specific for MA/CA were detected in vaginal washes of mice that received two subcutaneous immunizations. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses specific for MA/CA were detected following immunization with the MA/CA-expressing VEE vector. These findings demonstrate the ability of a VEE-based vaccine vector system to stimulate a comprehensive humoral and cellular immune response. The multifaceted nature of this response makes VEE an attractive vaccine for immunization against virus infections such as HIV-1, for which the correlates of protective immunity remain unclear, but may include multiple components of the immune system.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Fas-dependent CD4+ cytotoxic T-cell-mediated pathogenesis during virus infection.

beta 2-Microglobulin-deficient (beta 2m-) mice generate a CD4+ major histocompatibility complex class II-restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus (LCMV). We have determined the cytotoxic mechanism used by these CD4+ CTLs and have examined the role of this cytotoxic activity in pathogenesis of LCM disease in beta 2m- mice. Lysis of LCMV-infected target cells by CTLs from beta 2m- mice is inhibited by addition of soluble Fas-Ig fusion proteins or by pretreatment of the CTLs with the protein synthesis inhibitor emetine. In addition, LCMV-infected cell lines that are resistant to anti-Fas-induced apoptosis are refractory to lysis by these virus-specific CD4+ CTLs. These data indicate that LCMV-specific CD4+ CTLs from beta 2m- mice use a Fas-dependent lytic mechanism. Intracranial (i.c.) infection of beta 2m- mice with LCMV results in loss of body weight. Fas-deficient beta 2m- Jpr mice develop a similar wasting disease following i.c. infection. This suggests that Fas-dependent cytotoxicity is not required for LCMV-induced weight loss. A potential mediator of this chronic wasting disease is tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, which is produced by LCMV-specific CD4+ CTLs. In contrast to LCMV-induced weight loss, lethal LCM disease in beta 2m- mice is dependent on Fas-mediated cytotoxicity. Transfer of immune splenocytes from LCMV-infected beta 2m- mice into irradiated infected beta 2m- mice results in death of recipient animals. In contrast, transfer of these splenocytes into irradiated infected beta 2m- Jpr mice does not cause death. Thus a role for CD4+ T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in virus-induced immunopathology has now been demonstrated.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Effects of HIV-1 Tat on expression of HLA class I molecules.

Tat protein of HIV-1 is a potent transactivator of transcription and essential for HIV-1 replication. In addition, Tat has been proposed to possess immunosuppressive functions, suggesting that Tat may play a direct role in the immune dysfunction associated with AIDS. Recently, it has been reported that Tat represses activity of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene promoter. Because HIV infection downmodulates expression of class I molecules, this data strongly suggests that Tat downregulates class I expression and leads to loss of CTL activity. Here, we report effects of Tat on class I expression using a human cell line, T0, expressing Tat (TO-Tat). Northern blot analysis shows that levels of MHC class I transcripts are normal in T0-Tat. Flow cytometry analyses indicate that expression of HLA class I molecules is not substantially downregulated to any great extent by Tat in T0-Tat. Further, pulse-chase experiments followed by Endoglycosidase-H treatment show that the rate of maturation and processing of class I molecules in T0-Tat is indistinguishable from that in the original cell line, T0. Taken together, these data suggest that Tat expression does not necessarily result in downregulation of class I expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A physical map of the Q region of B1O.P.

The murine class I MHC Q region is part of a large complex multigene family whose members have various peptide binding functions. The structure of the Q region is complex, varying extensively in the b, d, k, and q haplotypes so far examined. To better understand the structural heterogeneity, we examined the Q region of B 10.P, a strain whose immunological characteristics are distinct from other haplotypes. A total of 89 cosmids were isolated from genomic DNA. The B 10.P Q region was found to contain seven genes in a 190-kb cluster linked to DP and two additional Q genes in a separate 55-kb cluster. The gene arrangement in this haplotype was unique and did not correspond to any other haplotype; this underscores the complexity of chromosomal structure in this region. In addition to the Q region clusters, Tla region was tentatively aligned in five clusters spanning approximately 300 kb. One 37-kb M region cosmid was also identified.

Animals↗

A point mutation in HLA-A*0201 results in failure to bind the TAP complex and to present virus-derived peptides to CTL.

Mutating the HLA-A*0201 heavy chain from threonine to lysine at position 134 (T134K) results in a molecule that presents exogenous peptide, but cannot present endogenously derived antigen. This is reflected in diminished cell surface expression and altered intracellular trafficking of T134K. The failure of T134K to present endogenous antigen can be overcome by using an ER targeting sequence, suggesting that the antigen presentation defect is restricted to TAP-dependent peptide loading. The ability of T134K to load peptide in a TAP-dependent manner is dramatically reduced compared with HLA-A*0201. By coimmunoprecipitation there is no detectable association of the T134K molecule with the TAP complex. Thus, T134K selectively affects TAP association and peptide loading, suggesting a requirement for the direct interaction of MHC class I heavy chain and the TAP complex for efficient presentation of endogenous antigen.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

CD4+ cytolytic effectors are inefficient in the clearance of Listeria monocytogenes.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) recognize and lyse target cells through the interaction of the T-cell receptor complex with the class I or class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The production of class I-restricted CTL has been shown to be critical to the elimination of specific pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes. However, the function of class II-restricted CTL in the clearance of intracellular pathogens is poorly understood. H-2b beta 2-microglobulin-deficient mice (beta 2M-/-) are not able to produce CD8+ CTL in response to infection with L. monocytogenes. We used this model to evaluate the efficacy of class II-restricted CTL, in the absence of a class I-restricted response, during a primary infection with L. monocytogenes. We demonstrate that, despite their effectiveness in adoptive transfer of protection, Listeria-specific CD4+ class II-restricted cytotoxic lymphocytes are ineffective in decreasing titres of L. monocytogenes in the spleen was found established infection. In beta 2M-/- mice, persistence of L. monocytogenes in the spleen was found preferentially in class II-negative cells. Surprisingly, class I-restricted CTL from C57BL/6 mice were capable of decreasing bacterial titres during an established infection even in the absence of detectable class I on the surface of cells from beta 2M-/- mice. These data strongly suggest that, in the absence of a class I-restricted response, pathogens that elicit a class II-restricted cytotoxic response may escape prompt eradication by the immune system.

Animals↗

Burn injury impairs second-set rejection and CTL reactivity in mice primed by cultured keratinocyte allografts.

Cultured keratinocyte (CK) allografts have limited antigenicity and have been used as a skin replacement in patients with massive thermal injury. Recent data indicate that CK grafts are more immunogenic than previously believed and could compromise wound healing in the immunocompetent host. The purpose of this study was to determine if the immunosuppression of burn injury might affect the alloantigen response and minimize sensitization to CK allografts. CBA mice received a 0%, 20%, or 40% burn that was partially excised three days later and grafted with a full-thickness (FT) skin allograft, CK allograft, or CK autograft. Two weeks postburn, mice received FT tail skin allografts, which were observed for rejection. We observed that FT and CK allografts primed the unburned host with equal efficacy. However, burn injury selectively minimized priming by CK allografts, resulting in delayed rejection of second-set allografts. With evidence that burn injury inhibits host sensitization to CK allografts, we then examined the effect of burn size on CTL alloreactivity. Additional CBA mice underwent burn injury, excision, and grafting as described above. Host splenocytes were harvested two weeks later and tested on radiolabeled targets for allospecific cytotoxicity. CTLs from unburned mice primed with FT allografts demonstrated the greatest CTL lysis, followed next by CTLs from unburned mice covered with CK allografts. Burn injury inhibited CTL activity as a function of wound size. Activity of CTLs from burned mice primed with CK allografts improved after in vitro allostimulation but remained below that of CTLs from unburned, unprimed mice. We conclude that burn injury selectively inhibits the allospecific response to CK allografts. The decreased immunogenicity of CK allografts, when used for burn wound coverage, may improve the long-term survival of allogeneic keratinocytes, enhancing their potential as a biologic skin replacement.

Animals↗