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Biomedical subjects

J F Bach

Publications and source records attributed to J F Bach.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Age-dependent penetrance and mapping of the locus for juvenile and early-onset open-angle glaucoma on chromosome 1q (GLC1A) in a French family.

The GLC1A locus for autosomal dominant primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with juvenile onset (before 20 years) has been mapped to chromosome 1q21-q31. Recently, a French-Canadian family was described in which both juvenile-onset and middle-age or early-onset POAG were observed and linked to GLC1A. We now describe a second POAG family with variable age of onset (range 11-51, median 36 years of age). Linkage to GLC1A was established with a maximum lod score of 6.21 at the D1S452 locus. A recombination event in a severely glaucomatous patient restricted the distal boundary of the GLC1A interval proximal to the AFM154xc9 marker. This study strengthens the idea that early-onset POAG may also be determined by the GLC1A genetic region.

Adolescent↗

Absence of primary association between DM gene polymorphism and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or celiac disease.

The DMA and DMB genes encode class II-like heterodimetric molecules located in a specialized endocytic compartment, where they facilitate efficient loading of antigenic peptides on HLA class II molecules. Both genes are located within the MHC class II region and present a limited allelic polymorphism. Here we report the distribution of DM alleles in a group of 75 IDDM patients, 72 CD patients, and 162 random controls. We found a pronounced decreased frequency of DMA*0102 in both patient groups relative to controls. This difference was, however, mainly secondary to a strong negative linkage disequilibrium (LD) between this allele and the IDDM and CD-associated DRB1*03 allele. The DMB phenotype frequencies were similar in CD patients and controls. By contrast, we observed a decreased frequency of DMB*0101 and an increased frequency of DMB*0102 and DMB*0104 in IDDM patients. These differences disappeared when matching individuals for DRB1*03 or DRB1*04 alleles, which was in accordance with strong negative LD between DMB*0101 and DRB1*04 or DQB1*0302 alleles, and positive LD between DMB*0104 and DQB1*0201. Our data suggest that the apparent associations of IDDM or CD with given DM alleles are mostly secondary to primary associations with alleles at the DRB and DQB loci.

Celiac Disease↗

IL-7 reverses NK1+ T cell-defective IL-4 production in the non-obese diabetic mouse.

Converging data suggest an important role for IL-7 in T lymphocyte maturation as illustrated by the severe T lymphopenia observed in IL-7-deficient mice. We recently reported that IL-7 preferentially promotes the in vitro expansion of a discrete MHC class I-dependent lymphocyte subset comprising both CD4+ and CD4-CD8- TCR alpha beta + cells bearing several NK cells markers such NK1.1 and Ly-49. These T cells, designated as NK1+ T cells, have the unique property among thymocytes of producing large amounts of IL-4 upon primary stimulation via the TCR. We have further demonstrated that thymic NK1+ T cells of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a spontaneous model of autoimmune type I diabetes, are markedly deficient in maturation both quantitatively and functionally (IL-4 production). In the present experiments, the addition of exogenous IL-7 completely restored IL-4 production by anti-TCR alpha beta-stimulated mature (HSA-CD8-) thymocytes in NOD mice. A short 2 h preincubation with IL-7 was sufficient to restore both the expression of IL-4 mRNA and IL-4 production capacity. This was related to a direct effect on NK1+ thymocytes since: (i) the effect of IL-7 was restricted to the non-mainstream MEL-14- 3G11- TCR alpha beta + subset which mostly concentrates the IL-4-producing capacity and (ii) IL-7 did not restore IL-4 production in class I-deficient mice which lack the NK1+ T cell subset. Importantly, this activity of IL-7 on NK1+ T cells was also demonstrated in non-autoimmune strains of mice. These results were extended in vivo by showing that the IL-7 treatment significantly increased the anti-CD3 triggered IL-4 production by NK1+ T spleen cells. These findings confirm the role of IL-7 in NK1+ T cell maturation and suggest that the NK1+ T cell defect in NOD mice could be related to insufficient intrathymic IL-7 bioavailability.

Animals↗

Linkage disequilibrium between HLA class II (DR, DQ, DP) and antigen processing (LMP, TAP, DM) genes of the major histocompatibility complex.

TAP, LMP and DM genes map within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region between the DQB1 and DPB1 loci, and are involved in the processing of peptides bound to HLA class I or class II molecules. In order to determine the various linkage disequilibria existing between these genes and HLA class II genes, we have analyzed TAP1, TAP2, LMP2, DMA, DMB, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 and DPB1 polymorphisms in 162 unrelated healthy Caucasian individuals. Many positive or negative associations were observed between alleles at these loci, such as between DR/DQ and TAP2, DM or LMP, between DP and DMB, and between TAP2 and DM, TAP2 and LMP. Conversely, no linkage disequilibrium was detected between some closely related genes (DR/DQ and TAP1, TAP1 and TAP2, LMP2 and DM), in agreement with the existence of recombination hot spots in this region. Other weak linkage disequilibria are likely to exist in this region. These data allow to define some conserved MHC class II haplotypes including HLA class II and TAP, LMP and DM alleles. Furthermore, the knowledge of such linkage disequilibria is of outstanding importance in order to avoid misinterpretation of the data when studying MHC class II associations with autoimmune diseases.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Early defect of immunoregulatory T cells in autoimmune diabetes.

A potential immunoregulatory function has recently been attributed to the discrete subset of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted TCR-alpha beta mature thymocytes expressing an unusual V beta 8-biased T cell receptor repertoire. This T cell subset which also selectively express the CD44 marker is the main IL-4 producer in the thymus. Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice were found to have a marked deficit in the number and functional capacity of CD44+ TCR-alpha beta+ thymocytes from as early as 3 weeks of age. The deficiency in IL-4 production was completely corrected after incubation with interleukin-7 (IL-7), a selective growth factor for CD44+ TCR-alpha beta+ mature thymocytes. This abnormality in T cell differentiation could explain the Th2 functional deficiency that may be a key element in the emergence of Th1-driven autoimmune disease in NOD mice.

Animals↗

[Predictive medicine].

Predictive medicine is based on the early recognition of a pathologic process before the onset of clinical manifestations, followed by preventive therapy. Prediction can be achieved by identifying disease predisposing genes. However, this approach is usually insufficient because most often the disease is polygenic and the penetrance of genetic factors is incomplete, which reduces the reliability of the prediction. It is very useful when it is possible to complement this prediction by the study of biological markers allowing the detection of the triggering of the pathogenic process, before it has induced significant lesions or functional disturbances at the origin of clinical manifestations. Predictive medicine is only justified when it may lead to preventive therapy as in the exemplary case of juvenile glaucoma. The case of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is also interesting, even if preventive therapy is not yet routinely available.

Adult↗

The peptide-binding motif for the human transporter associated with antigen processing.

Presentation of antigenic peptides by human leukocyte antigen class I molecules is dependent on peptide transport into the endoplasmic reticulum by the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) (Germain, R. N. 1994. Cell. 76:287-299). This translocation step is currently regarded as permissive for all peptides with COOH-terminal residues capable of binding to HLA class I molecules (Momburg, F., J. Roelse, J. C. Howard, G. W. Butcher, G.J. Hämmerling, and J.J. Neefjes. 1994. Nature (Lond.). 367:648-651). In this report, we show that the human transporter selects peptides according to a binding motif based on the strong effects on peptide affinity of the three NH2-terminal positions and the COOH-terminal residues. TAP favors strongly hydrophobic residues in position 3 (P3) and hydrophobic or charged residues in P2, whereas aromatic or acidic residues in P1, as well as Pro in P1 and P2, have strong deleterious effects. Selection of naturally presented peptides by the transporter is suggested by their higher average affinity for TAP, as compared to nonselected peptides. The TAP preferences in the three NH2-terminal positions correspond to those of the vast majority of human leukocyte antigen class I alleles, but they represent an obstacle for peptide supply to some alleles, e.g., the B7-like group. We propose that peptides binding to these alleles, and in general, peptides with TAP affinities below a certain threshold, may be transported as extended precursors.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

HIV predominantly induces IL-1 receptor antagonist over IL-1 synthesis in human primary monocytes.

Interaction of HIV with cultured human monocytes triggers not only cytokine production but also the release of natural cytokine inhibitors such as the soluble TNF receptors, levels of which are increased in the circulation of HIV-infected patients. We found that HIV-1 LAI induced the production by human monocytes from HIV-seronegative donors of another type cytokine inhibitor, the IL-1Ra receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). HIV mainly induced the secreted form (83%) of IL-1Ra through de novo mRNA synthesis. IL-1Ra production was triggered at an early step of the infection process and involved the HIV envelope protein and the CD4 receptor. HIV-triggered IL-1Ra production occurred after a lag time, suggesting an indirect mechanism. Neutralizing Abs to IL-1 beta and IL-10 had no effect, while simultaneous treatment with anti-TNF-alpha, anti-granulocyte-macrophage CSF, and anti-TGF-beta nearly abrogated IL-1Ra release, supporting an indirect induction through the concerted action of the co-produced cytokines. IL-1Ra was induced by HIV in a mean 1,000-fold increase over IL-1 alpha beta, a ratio 20-fold higher than that obtained with LPS. This production masked 80% of IL-1 bioactivity in HIV-induced monocyte supernatants. These results suggest that the net balance between pro-inflammatory cytokines and their natural inhibitors could be critical in the control of the inflammatory process associated with HIV infection.

Cells, Cultured↗

In vivo soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor release in OKT3-treated patients. Differential regulation of TNF-sR55 and TNF-sR75.

Administration of monoclonal antibodies to CD3 triggers acute and massive release of several cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), essentially T cell-derived. This cytokine release is responsible for the spontaneously reversible acute clinical syndrome observed in most OKT3-treated patients. We found that the first OKT3 injection in human renal allograft recipients led to the release in significant amounts of soluble TNF receptors (TNF-sR55 and TNF-sR75) that are considered main natural inhibitors of TNF bioactivity. As for OKT3-induced TNF-alpha, peak TNF-sR levels were observed 1 hr postinjection, and this release was limited to the first monoclonal antibody injection. A distinct regulation of OKT3-mediated release of TNF-sR75 and TNF-sR55 was observed, since (1) in clear contrast with OKT3-mediated TNF-sR75 induction, TNF-sR55 release was completely blocked by a high dose of corticosteroids prior to OKT3 injection and (2) secretion of TNF-sR75 but not TNF-sR55 correlated with immunoreactive TNF-alpha release. In hemodialyzed patients prior to transplantation and OKT3 treatment, a condition characterized by chronic TNF-alpha release, TNF-sR efficiently block TNF bioactivity. In contrast, the system is overwhelmed by the massive acute TNF-alpha release that follows the first OKT3 injection: in such a condition TNF-sR looses its capacity to counteract TNF bioactivity.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Pancreatic islet beta cells drive T cell-immune responses in the nonobese diabetic mouse model.

The role of autoantigens and that of target organs in which tissue lesions develop remains elusive in most spontaneous models of autoimmune diseases. Whether the presence of target autoantigens is required for the recruitment of autoreactive lymphocytes is unknown in most cases. To evaluate the importance of islet cells in the development of autoimmunity in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, we generated beta cell-deprived mice by injecting a high dose of alloxan, a toxic agent specific for beta cells. In contrast with spleen cells from 6-mo-old naive NOD mice which transfer diabetes in irradiated 8-mo-old male recipients, spleen cells from age-matched NOD mice which received a single injection of alloxan at 3 wk of age did not transfer diabetes. With the exception of the ability to transfer diabetes, beta cell-deprived NOD mice showed maintained immune competence. Furthermore, sialitis developed with the expected intensity and prevalence in beta cell-deprived mice. Already committed "diabetogenic" spleen cells collected from spontaneously diabetic mice also showed a reduced capacity to transfer diabetes after their removal from the diabetic mice and transient "parking" in beta cell-deprived mice. Taken together, our data bring evidence that involvement of autoreactive T cells detected by the capacity to transfer diabetes requires the presence of target beta cells.

Animals↗

A gene for hereditary paroxysmal cerebellar ataxia maps to chromosome 19p.

Hereditary paroxysmal cerebellar ataxia (HPCA) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the recurrence of intermittent attacks of vestibulocerebellar ataxia lasting from 15 minutes to a few days. The number of attacks is often significantly decreased by acetazolamide treatment. Neurological examination shows a permanent gaze-evoked nystagmus, as well as a mild cerebellar ataxia in most patients. The paroxysmal feature of this condition is shared by another autosomal dominant neurological condition, familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), a condition in which permanent cerebellar signs have also been reported in some families. Although hemiplegic migraine has never been reported in patients with HPCA, we hypothesized, based on the latter observations, that HPCA and FHM may be allelic disorders. We previously mapped a gene responsible for FHM on the short arm of chromosome 19. We performed linkage analysis with 6 markers spanning the FHM interval on a large HPCA family. Significant lod scores were obtained with 3 markers: D19S244 (LS = 3.71), D19S221 (3.60), and D19S226 (3.54) at theta = 0. Haplotype and multipoint linkage analysis established that the most likely location was the same interval of 30 cM encompassing the chromosome 19 FHM locus.

Cerebellar Ataxia↗

Presence of nucleosome-restricted antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether nucleosome-restricted antibodies, i.e., antibodies that react with the whole nucleosome particle but not with its individual components (double-stranded DNA [dsDNA] and histones), are present in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using purified nucleosomes, dsDNA, or histones. These tests were applied to the sera of 40 patients with SLE. Protein G-purified IgGs of representative sera were sequentially adsorbed on dsDNA- and histone-conjugated solid-phase supports and further assayed for their nucleosome, dsDNA, and histone reactivities. RESULTS: Of the 40 sera tested, 16 displayed anti-dsDNA and/or antihistone antibody activity, which was always associated with significant antinucleosome reactivity. In addition, 3 sera showed antinucleosome activity that was not associated with concomitant anti-dsDNA or antihistone activity. The presence of true nucleosome-restricted antibodies was demonstrated, after solid-phase adsorption, in representative SLE sera that showed anti-dsDNA or antihistone antibody activity, and also in sera that did not show these activities. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence for the presence of nucleosome-restricted antibodies in patients with lupus. These nucleosome-restricted antibodies, along with anti-dsDNA and antihistone antibodies, appear to belong to a broad set of antinuclear antibodies, the antinucleosome family.

Adult↗

Two different mechanisms for the inhibition of rosette formation in mice.

The vast majority of spleen T cells (T.sRFC) which spontaneously bind to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in an antigen-specific fashion express the Thy-1+, CD3+, CD8+ phenotype. Inhibition of rosetting by antibodies to surface molecules occurs via distinct mechanisms according to the antibody. CD8 and CD3 molecules are located in proximity to SRBC receptors and steric hindrance is the most likely explanation for the inhibition of rosetting by antibodies to these molecules. On the other hand, anti-Thy-1 antibody bound to T.sRFC induces a dynamic process involving intracellular cAMP, and which results in the inaccessibility of SRBC receptors. Thymulin could restore normal sensitivity of T.sRFC from adult thymectomized (A.Tx) mice to all inhibitory antibodies whatever the mechanism by which they hinder rosette formation. These results reinforce the idea that thymulin may act on membrane characteristics.

Animals↗

Evidence for an antigen-driven selection process in human autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor.

Autoantibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) play a central role in the neurological symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). A better knowledge of the structural organization and of the mechanisms leading to the production of these antibodies may help in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. To achieve this, four IgG anti-AChR monoclonal autoantibodies obtained in a previous work were derived from lymphoid cells of MG patients. Two of them (MH1 and MH6) were capable of modulating in vitro the expression of AChR at the surface of TE-671 cells. We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of the heavy and light chains of these four antibodies. Although it is difficult to address the issue of VH gene usage in anti-AChR autoantibodies because of the limited number of clones studied, our results associated with others which have appeared in the literature point to non-stochastic usage by anti-AChR antibody of some defined VH genes belonging to VH2 and VH5 minifamilies overexpressed in the fetal repertoire. The second and major aim of this work was to assess the role of an antigen-driven selection process in the production of anti-AChR autoantibodies. When comparing the expressed sequences to their closest germline counterparts, it appeared that all four studied clones displayed numerous mutations in VH regions. In particular, MH1 and MH6, characterized by their AChR modulating capacity, displayed a higher than expected number of mutations and replacements occurring in CDR regions. These data point to an antigen-driven selection process. On the contrary, the mutational process observed in the MH% clone was borderline and that of MH7 was compatible with a random process. Interestingly, when comparing mutations in heavy and light chains, a significantly lower number of mutations were expressed in light chains for the four clones.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In vivo clonal expression of T lymphocytes specific for an immunodominant N-terminal myelin basic protein epitope in healthy individuals.

The role of myelin basic protein (MBP) T cell recognition in the induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been well established in mice and rats. A remarkable restriction has been observed in T cell receptor (TCR) genes utilized by encephalitogenic T cell lines (TCLs) specific for immunodominant epitopes in these species. Pathological similarities between this animal model and multiple sclerosis (MS) has led to consider MBP as a major candidate autoantigen in this human disorder. Unlike in inbred strains of animals, the T cell response to MBP in humans is quite heterogenous with regard to fine epitope specificity. The existence of V alpha and/or V beta restriction in MBP-specific T cells, from MS patients and healthy controls, is still a matter of debate. In this study we generated 77 MBP-specific TCLs from nine healthy donors and showed that peptide 7-27 is one of the most frequently recognized epitopes. 37% of all epitope-specific TCLs recognized this peptide and p7-27 specific TCLs were generated from seven out of the nine subjects studied. A high level of in vivo clonal expansion was observed in p7-27-specific TCLs in several subjects, which however is not specific of this epitope since this phenomenon was also observed in p85-104- and 149-162-specific TCLs.

Adult↗