Biomedical subjects

R T Kubo

Publications and source records attributed to R T Kubo.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

A T helper cell hybridoma produces an antigen-specific regulatory activity. Relationship to the T cell receptor by serology and antigenic fine specificity.

We have previously shown that a T cell hybridoma, A1.1, constitutively produces an Ag-specific regulatory factor with specificity for poly-18, a synthetic polypeptide. This cell also responds to poly-18 plus I-Ad by producing lymphokines. The antigenic specificity of the factor and the T cell appeared to be the same. This suggested the possibility that some part of the TCR, responsible for antigenic specificity of the cell, also imparts specificity to the A1.1-derived factor. This was supported by the observation that the factor was bound and eluted from a monospecific anti-TCR antiserum. Further, we demonstrated that antisense oligodeoxynucleotides corresponding to the TCR V alpha of A1.1 (but not TCR V beta) block production of the Ag-specific factor. Herein, we report recent findings that strengthen the proposed relationship between the TCR and the A1.1-derived factor. The factor was bound and eluted from a monoclonal anti-TCR C alpha antibody, but not from anti-TCR beta, anti-V beta 6, nor anti-CD3 epsilon. The anti-TCR C alpha antibody bound a Mr 46-kDa protein from A1.1 supernatants, which is the same apparent size at which activity could be eluted from an SDS-PAGE gel separation of concentrated factor. Antigenic fine-specificity analysis revealed that two amino acids in poly-18 are critical for the recognition of the antigen by the Ag-specific factor. These two amino acids appear to be those recognized by the TCR. The factor that was bound and eluted from the monoclonal anti-TCR C alpha showed this fine-specificity as well. This, combined with our earlier studies, supports the view that the A1.1-derived factor is encoded, at least in part, by TCR-alpha.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1991

T-cell development and transmembrane signaling: changing biological responses through an unchanging receptor.

The antigen receptor repertoire is conditioned by discriminating forces in the thymus. Cells that see antigen only in the context of self major histocompatibility gene products are positively selected and those that recognize self antigens are deleted. The molecular mechanisms by which this complex conditioning is achieved via a single antigen receptor is one of the most fascinating problems in immunology. Here Terri Helman Finkel and colleagues review the literature and present a unifying mechanistic model of this process.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Cloned suppressor T cells derived from mice tolerized with conjugates of antigen and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol. Relationship between monoclonal T suppressor factor and the T cell receptor.

Cloned Ts cells specific for the Ag, human monoclonal (myeloma) IgG, were derived from spleen cells of mice that had been immunosuppressed by treatment with a tolerogenic conjugate of HIgG and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol. The cloned Ts cells (clone 23.32) suppressed in vitro antibody responses in an Ag-specific and MHC-restricted manner. By FMF with appropriate antibody reagents, these cells were shown to be Thy-1+, CD4-, CD5-, and CD8+ and to express CD3 and the alpha beta-TCR. These results are consistent with the view that Ts cells use Ag recognition structures similar to those reported for Th cells and CTL. A soluble factor (TsF) extracted from the cloned Ts cells also suppressed in vitro antibody responses in an Ag-specific and H-2Kd-restricted manner, i.e., restricted to MHC class I molecules. The suppressive activity of this TsF could be abrogated by addition of mAb H28-710 that reacts with a determinant on the alpha-chain of TCR. Moreover, the TsF bound to and could be recovered from an immunosorbent consisting of the anti-alpha-TCR mAb H28-710 coupled to Sepharose 4B. In contrast, the TsF was not bound by immunosorbents consisting of mAb to the beta-chain of TCR (H57-597) or to V beta 8 (F23.1). It was, therefore, concluded that the TsF of clone 23.32 is serologically related to the alpha-chain of the TCR; however, it is not identical to TCR, because it lacks the determinants expressed on the TCR beta-chain that are recognized by the two anti-beta mAbs used in this study.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Expression of functional alpha beta T cell receptor gene rearrangements in suppressor T cell hybridomas correlates with antigen binding, but not with suppressor cell function.

We have examined the expression of TCR genes in 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl-acetyl (NP)-specific Ts cell hybridomas. Each of three independently isolated hybridomas expressed in-frame TCR alpha-chain rearrangements derived from the original suppressor Ts cell. Different V alpha and J alpha gene segments were rearranged and expressed in each Ts cell line. The only TCR beta-chain expressed in these cells was derived from the BW5147 fusion partner. Expression of the BW5147 beta-chain was found to correlate with cell surface Ag binding, inasmuch as subclones derived from one of the original Ts lines expressed greatly reduced levels of beta-chain mRNA and no longer bound to NP-coupled RBC. Subclones that continued to express beta-chain mRNA did bind to NP-coupled RBC. This suggests that the Ag receptor on Ts hybridomas is a TCR-alpha beta dimer composed of a unique alpha-chain and the BW5147 beta-chain. Ag binding could be modulated by preincubation of Ts hybridoma cells with anti-TCR-alpha beta antibody, thereby supporting this conclusion. Suppressor factor activity was measured in the conditioned media of Ts subclones that differed by 250-fold in levels of beta-chain mRNA expression. No difference in suppressor factor activity was found; conditioned media from these subclones suppressed both plaque-forming cell responses and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses at approximately equivalent dilutions. Suppressor factor activity in the conditioned media of both a beta-chain negative subclone and a beta-chain positive subclone could be absorbed with an antibody that recognizes the TCR alpha-chain, but not with an antibody that recognizes the TCR beta-chain. We conclude that suppressor factor activity in the conditioned media of these Ts hybridomas is not derived from surface TCR-alpha beta receptors, although it does share TCR alpha-chain determinants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1990

DNP-specific/class I MHC-restricted suppressor molecules bear determinants of the T cell receptor alpha- and beta-chains. The V beta 8+ chain dictates restriction to either K or D.

To examine in greater detail the relationship between DNP-specific/class I MHC-restricted suppressor molecules (SSF) that inhibit contact sensitivity to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and the receptors on the T cells that produce them, we have generated two T cell hybridomas that can be induced to produce and secrete these molecules. In order to become activated to produce SSF, the Ts 15.15 and 15.31 cells required recognition of complexes of DNP/Dd on presenting cells. The suppressor molecules produced by each of the Ts hybrids had the same specificity, recognizing DNP/Dd on cells in the immune lymph node cell target population. The activation of the Ts hybrids was blocked when the cells were treated with the anti-V beta 8 antibody F23.1 before coculture with the DNP-presenting cells. Reduction of the 15.15 and 15.31 SSF followed by affinity chromatography on DNP-bovine-gamma-globulin-Sepharose beads indicated that these molecules are dimers and that one of the chains (Ag-binding(AgB] binds to cellfree DNP and one (non-Ag-binding (NAgB) chain) does not. The AgB chain was found to express an epitope bound by a mAb specific for a TCR alpha-chain-constant region determinant. Alternatively, the NAgB chain expressed an epitope bound by the anti-V beta 8 mAb F23.1. Active hybrid suppressor molecules were generated by combining the NAgB chain from a DNP-specific/H-2Kd-restricted SSF (produced by Ts hybridoma 3-10) with the AgB chain from Ts 15.31 and by combining the NAgB chain from Ts cell 15.15 with the 3-10 AgB chain. In each case, the class I MHC element (i.e., Kd or Dd) restricting the activity of these hybrid SSF correlated with the source of the V beta 8+, NAgB chain. Thus, these secreted immunoregulatory molecules have the Ag/MHC specificity of the T cells producing them and are structurally and serologically related to the TCR-alpha/beta. The results further suggest that for some hapten-specific/class I MHC-restricted TCR, the alpha-chain may have avidity for the hapten and the beta-chain may dictate the MHC restriction element (K or D) recognized by the receptor.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Antigen-specific and antibody-mediated growth inhibition of suppressor T cell hybridomas. Roles of H-2 and the CD3-T cell receptor-alpha/beta complex.

Eight different Ts cell hybridomas (including inducer (Ts1) and effector (Ts3) suppressor cells) specific for the 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl (NP) hapten were tested for their ability to respond to Ag or anti-CD3 antibody in a growth-inhibition assay. Results suggest that the expression of the TCR-CD3 complex on Ts hybridomas is required for the Ag or anti-CD3-mediated growth inhibition. One of the CD3+, Ts hybridomas (CKB-Ts3-9.H3) was tested in detail; this CD4- effector suppressor cell hybridoma showed specific inhibition of growth in the presence of NP or NIP-coupled protein conjugates but not in the presence of other irrelevant hapten-protein conjugates. In addition, growth of this hybridoma was specifically inhibited by anti-CD3 and anti-TCR-alpha/beta antibodies but not by control hamster antibodies. In order to study the role of MHC molecules in Ag-mediated growth inhibition, Ts cell hybridomas were incubated with Ag (NP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin) in the presence of spleen cells from various H-2 congenic strains. The results suggest that the Ts hybridomas that express donor Ts-derived TCR beta-chain recognize Ag in an MHC-restricted manner, whereas the two Ts3 hybridomas that utilize BW5147-derived TCR-beta recognize Ag in H-2 unrestricted way. Co-incubation of anti-CD3 and anti-TCR-alpha/beta antibodies with specific Ag enhanced the Ag-mediated growth inhibition, whereas anti-LFA-1 antibody completely blocked the Ag-mediated effect. The combined data suggest that, like Th hybridomas, expression of CD3-associated-TCR complex is essential for the Ag responsiveness of Ts cell hybridomas.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Relationships between antigen-specific helper and inducer suppressor T cell hybridomas.

Ts1, or inducer suppressor T cells, share many phenotypic and functional characteristics with helper/inducer subset of T cells. In order to evaluate the relationship between these cell types, we made a series of new Ts1 hybridomas by the fusion of Ts1 cells with the functionally TCR alpha/beta-negative BW thymoma (BW 1100). Three Ts1 hybridomas (CKB-Ts1-38, CKB-Ts1-53, and CKB-Ts1-81) were established that express TCR and produce Ag-specific suppressor factors constitutively, thus making it possible to study the nature and specificity of Ag receptors, MHC restriction, and lymphokine production by the Ts1 hybridomas. Results presented in this report demonstrate that all the Ts1 hybridomas described here express CD3-associated TCR-alpha beta. These three Ts1 hybridomas recognize Ag (NP-KLH) specifically in a growth inhibition assay and this recognition is restricted by IE molecules. Two of the hybridomas also produce IL-2 or IL-2 and IL-4 upon Ag-specific activation. Thus, by these three criteria the Ts1 hybridomas appear indistinguishable from Th cells. These three Ts1 hybridomas, however, release suppressor factors (TsF1) in the supernatant that suppress both in vivo DTH and in vitro PFC responses in an Ag-specific manner. Like the TsF1 factors characterized previously, the suppression mediated by these factors are Igh restricted and lack H-2 restriction. These factors mediate suppression when given in the induction phase but not during the effector phase of the immune response. The TsF1 factors are absorbed by Ag (NP-BSA), and anti-TCR affinity columns and the suppressor activity can be recovered by elution. The data are consistent with the interpretation that Ts1 inducer-suppressor T cells are related to Th cells; the feature that distinguishes these cells is the ability to produce Ag-binding factors that specifically suppress immune responses.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Relationship between T cell receptors and antigen-binding factors. I. Specificity of functional T cell receptors on mouse T cell hybridomas that produce antigen-binding T cell factors.

Upon antigenic stimulation with OVA-pulsed syngeneic macrophages, the mouse T cell hybridoma 231F1 produced glycosylation inhibiting factor (GIF) having affinity for OVA and IgE-suppressive factors, whereas another T cell hybridoma, 12H5, cells produced OVA-binding glycosylation enhancing factor (GEF) and IgE-potentiating factor. The OVA-binding GIF from the 231F1 cells is an Ag-specific Ts cell factor, whereas OVA-binding GEF from the 12H5 cells is an Ag-specific augmenting factor. Both hybridomas express CD3 complex and functional TCR-alpha beta. Cross-linking of TCR-alpha beta or CD3 molecules on the hybridomas by anti-TCR-alpha beta mAb or anti-CD3 mAb and protein A resulted in the formation of the same factors as those obtained by the stimulation of the cells with OVA-pulsed syngeneic macrophages. It was also found that both the 231F1 cells and 12H5 cells formed IgE-binding factors upon incubation with H-2d and H-2b APC, respectively, with a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 307-317 in the OVA molecules (P307-317). Six other synthetic peptides, including those containing the major immunogenic epitope, i.e., P323-339, failed to stimulate the hybridomas in the presence of APC. Indeed, all of the 10 T cell hybridoma clones, which could produce either OVA-binding GIF or OVA-binding GEF, responded to P307-317 and APC for the formation of IgE-binding factors. In contrast, GIF/GEF derived from six other hybridoma clones, whose TCR recognized P323-339 in the context of a MHC product, failed to bind to OVA-coupled Sepharose. The results indicate the correlation between the fine specificity of TCR and the affinity of GIF/GEF to the nominal Ag. The amino acid sequence of P307-317 suggested that TCR on the cell sources of Ag-binding factors are specific for an external structure of the Ag molecules.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Relationship between T cell receptors and antigen-binding factors. II. Common antigenic determinants and epitope recognition shared by T cell receptors and antigen-binding factors.

The T cell hybridomas 231F1 and 12H5 constitutively secrete glycosylation-inhibiting factor (GIF) and glycosylation-enhancing factor (GEF), respectively, which lack affinity for OVA-coupled Sepharose. When the 231F1 and 12H5 cells were stimulated by OVA-pulsed syngeneic macrophages, however, GIF and GEF produced by the cells had affinity for OVA. Both the OVA-binding GIF from the 231F1 cells and OVA-binding GEF from the 12H5 cells bound to a mAb against TCR-alpha beta and a mAb against TCR-alpha, suggesting a serologic relationship between TCR and OVA-binding factors. However, the OVA-binding GIF and GEF bound to mAb 14-12 and 14-30, respectively. Because these mAb do not bind TcR alpha beta-chains, it appears that the Ag-binding factors are different from TCR itself. The OVA-binding factors from both 12H5 cells and 231F1 cells do not bind to urea-denatured OVA. The binding of the factors to OVA Sepharose was inhibited by a peptide corresponding to residues 307-317 (P307-317) in the native OVA, but not by the peptide corresponding to residues 323-339 (P323-339). Furthermore, the OVA-binding factors bound to P306-319-coupled Sepharose but not to P323-339-coupled Sepharose, and were recovered by elution of the former Sepharose at acid pH. The binding of OVA to anti-OVA antibodies was not inhibited by either peptide. Inasmuch as the 231F1 cells and 12H5 cells can be stimulated by P307-317 in the context of a MHC product, it appears that the Ag-binding factors and TCR-alpha beta on the cell sources of the factors may recognize the same epitope in the OVA molecules. The results also showed that Ag-binding factors and antibodies recognize distinct epitopes in the Ag molecules.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Limited receptor repertoire in a mycobacteria-reactive subset of gamma delta T lymphocytes.

The physiological role of lymphocytes bearing the gamma delta T-cell receptor (TCR) is still unclear. A function for a subset of these cells, however, is inferred from the finding that certain gamma delta chain-bearing lymphocytes are stimulated in a receptor-dependent fashion by mycobacterial antigens. We found that hybridomas derived from such cells in newborn murine thymus not only responded to mycobacterial purified protein derivative (PPD), but also exhibited an apparent autoreactivity. In neither response was haplotype-specific major histocompatibility (MHC) restriction demonstrable. To investigate the nature of antigen recognition by these gamma delta+ cells, we sequenced the gamma- and delta-chains from 28 PPD-reactive hybridomas, and found that a specific gamma-chain, together with one of a limited set of delta-chains, was needed to generate the PPD specificity. The reactive gamma delta pairs exhibited considerable junctional diversity, which may act to produce differences in the fine specificities of the responding cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1989

The thymus has two functionally distinct populations of immature alpha beta + T cells: one population is deleted by ligation of alpha beta TCR.

During T cell development, the processes of selection and tolerance act on the universe of expressed T cell receptors in the thymic cortex to form the repertoire of mature T cells that will respond to foreign antigen in the context of self-MHC in that animal. We have subdivided the cortical thymocytes into three functionally distinct populations: one population which is antigen-receptor negative, a second population which is antigen-receptor positive and is resistant to deletion by signaling through the antigen receptor, and a third population which is also antigen-receptor positive but is sensitive to deletion. These results have implications for the cellular compartments in which positive and negative selection occur and for the biochemical mechanisms that mediate selection and tolerance.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Expression of a hybrid immunoglobulin-T cell receptor protein in transgenic mice.

We have constructed a hybrid immunoglobulin (VDJH)-T cell receptor (C alpha) gene using the VDJH exon from a digoxin-specific antibody. This gene was used to make a line of transgenic mice. The hybrid VDJH-C alpha protein is expressed on a subset of T cells in these mice, and we have shown that it forms part of a functional TCR complex by the criteria of coprecipitation and comodulation of CD3 and TCR beta chain components and T cell activation with anti-idiotypic antibodies or digoxin. Furthermore, in cells expressing the hybrid protein, there is allelic exclusion of endogenous TCR alpha genes. We discuss the implications for the comparative structure of T cell receptors and immunoglobulins.

Alleles↗

PubMed1989

Resident pulmonary lymphocytes expressing the gamma/delta T-cell receptor.

The biological role of cells bearing the gamma delta T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) is as yet unclear. Although there are indications that some gamma delta+ cells can mediate cytotoxicity, their antigen-related functions have not yet been defined. In the mouse, gamma delta+ cells constitute 1-3% of T cells in lymphoid organs. Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and dendritic epidermal cells (DECs) also appear to carry the gamma delta TCR. The strategic locations of DECs and IELs have led to the suggestion that gamma delta+ cells could constitute a first line of defence in the vicinity of large surfaces of contact with the environment. We report here that an estimated 8-20% of resident pulmonary lymphocytes (RPLs) are CD3+ alpha beta TCR-, and presumably gamma delta TCR+. Furthermore, mice exposed to aerosols containing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis extract have an increased number of activated CD3+ alpha beta-TCR- pulmonary T cells which can be propagated in vitro.

Aerosols↗

PubMed1989

Alpha beta T cell receptor and CD3 transduce different signals in immature T cells. Implications for selection and tolerance.

Ligand binding to alpha beta TCR has different consequences in thymocytes at different developmental stages, causing alternatively positive selection, clonal deletion, or activation. These various functional consequences may be due to changes in the signaling properties of the receptor complex during development. In this report we show that alpha beta TCR engagement on immature thymocytes has different effects on intracellular free calcium concentrations than alpha beta TCR engagement on mature T cells. In contrast, CD3 engagement on immature thymocytes and mature T cells has the same effect on intracellular free calcium, suggesting that altered signal transduction in immature thymocytes may be due to inefficient alpha beta TCR-CD3 coupling. These studies also suggest that in certain T cell populations, activation events resulting from ligation of CD3 may not accurately reflect the activation events resulting from ligation of the physiologic receptor, alpha beta TCR.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Characterization of a monoclonal antibody which detects all murine alpha beta T cell receptors.

Research on the specificities, functions, and maturation of T cells would be greatly aided by a collection of monoclonal antibodies which distinguishes different types of TCR. With this end in mind hamsters were immunized and tested for production of pan-reactive anti-mouse alpha beta TCR antibodies. In this report we describe the properties and uses of a mAb, H57-597, produced from one of these animals. The mAb reacts with surface receptors on all alpha beta TCR-bearing cells and does not react with receptors on gamma delta+ T cells. In an immobilized form, this antibody can directly activate T cells bearing alpha beta TCR. It can be used in immunoprecipitation reactions to precipitate receptor from the appropriate cell types. In combination with anti-CD3, the antibody can be used in cytofluorographic analyses to measure numbers of CD3+, alpha beta+, and CD3+, gamma delta+ cells in the thymus and periphery.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Mixed isotype class II antigen expression. A novel class II molecule is expressed on a murine B cell lymphoma.

The structures of Ia molecules expressed by two BALB/c B cell lymphoma lines, A20-1.11 (A20) and 2PK3, were analyzed in an effort to explain the differences in antigen-presenting capacity displayed by these cells. Alloreactive T cell hybridomas specific for I-Ad and antigen-specific, I-Ad-restricted T cells responded well to A20 as the APC. The same alloreactive T cell hybridomas responded weakly or not at all to 2PK3 and the responses of the antigen-specific, I-Ad-restricted T cells were consistently lower to antigen presented by 2PK3 as compared with A20. T cells restricted to I-Ed responded equally well to either A20 or 2PK3 as APC. Additionally 2PK3, but not A20, stimulated a strong syngeneic mixed lymphocyte response. Structural analyses of the Ia antigens revealed that I-A and I-E molecules were expressed by A20, whereas an I-E and a novel I-A-like molecule were expressed by 2PK3. The novel class II molecule was affinity purified from 2PK3 cells using an mAb specific for Ad beta (MK-D6), and this molecule was subsequently shown by an RIA to react with an E alpha-specific mAb (14-4-4S) as well. Chain-specific polyclonal antisera raised against I-A and I-E alpha and beta chains indicated that the 2PK3 "I-A" alpha chain reacted in immunoblot with E alpha-specific and not A alpha-specific antisera, whereas the beta chain reacted with A beta- and not E beta-specific antisera. Peptide map and partial amino acid sequence analyses indicated that the "I-A" molecule expressed by 2PK3 represented a mixed isotype structure resulting from the pairing of Ed alpha with Ad beta. By immunofluorescence staining analysis, 2PK3 did not react with an mAb specific for Ad alpha. 2PK3 was capable of limited antigen presentation through the mixed isotype molecule to I-Ad-restricted OVA-specific T cell hybridomas, although the responses induced were low compared with presentation through I-A on A20. Previous descriptions of the expression of mixed isotype class II molecules in the mouse have resulted primarily from DNA-mediated gene transfer experiments. The results presented indicate that a mixed isotype class II molecule can be expressed naturally.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Biochemical identification of I-J as a novel dimeric surface molecule on mouse helper and suppressor T cell clones.

A monoclonal anti-I-Jk antibody JK10-23 was capable of precipitating the putative I-Jk molecule from NP-40 lysates of 125I-surface labelled mouse T cell clones with either helper or suppressor functions. The I-J molecule detected by specific immunoprecipitation and subsequent one- or two-dimensional gel analysis was a Mr 84-90 K dimer composed of 42-46 K glycopeptide subunits having isoelectric point pH 5.3 to 6.4. A monomeric form of I-J also existed in some of the T cell clones. The I-J subunit was a glycosylated polypeptide with a 41 K backbone having at least two glycosylation sites. I-J was distinguishable from other known dimeric T cell surface molecules with comparable molecular size, that is, T cell receptor alpha beta heterodimer, A1 and YE molecules expressed on a T cell leukemia EL4, and mouse CD28. The I-Jk molecule was precipitable from T cell clones with I-Ak and I-Ek restriction specificities including a clone derived from an H-2b----H-2bxkF1 radiation bone marrow chimera. None of the H-2b-restricted T cell clones from H-2b and its F1 showed the I-Jk immunoreactivity. T cell clones having either I-Ab or I-Ek restriction specificities derived from intra-H-2 recombinant mouse B10.A(5R) were positive for the I-Jk, while an I-Ab-restricted T cell clone from B10.A(3R) was negative in the I-Jk immunoprecipitation. The results indicate that I-J is a novel dimeric surface molecule, most likely to be a homodimer, expressed on T cells according to the major histocompatibility complex.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

PubMed1989

Monoclonal antibodies specific for antigens expressed by rat type II alveolar epithelial and nonciliated bronchiolar cells.

Markers specific for various lung cells are useful for studies of cellular differentiation and function. We have produced monoclonal antibodies that bind to isolated rat type II alveolar epithelial cells in an ELISA. Two such antibodies, 2C1 and 3F9, specifically labeled type II cells and nonciliated bronchiolar cells by indirect immunofluorescence of rat lung. A third antibody, 2A3, recognized isolated type II cells by ELISA and immunofluorescence, but did not bind to sections of whole lung. Further immunofluorescence studies on adult rat tissue showed that neither 2C1 nor 3F9 labeled other lung cells or cells in kidney, small intestine, brain, or trachea. The antigen or antigens recognized by 2C1 and 3F9 was not detectable at day 15 of fetal lung gestation but was detectable by day 21. Immunofluorescence studies carried out on 0.5-microns frozen sections of lung tissue demonstrated that both 2C1 and 3F9 bound to cell surface antigens, which are expressed in a highly polarized fashion on the luminal surface of the alveolus and bronchiole. The rat cell line, L2, which displays some similarities to type II cells, did not display positive immunofluorescence to 2A3, 2C1, or 3F9. The antibodies 2C1 and 3F9 are distinct from and apparently more specific than previously described monoclonal antibodies raised to rat type II cells. Alveolar type II and nonciliated bronchiolar cells share several common features. Both cell types contain the surfactant apoprotein SP-A, proliferate in response to lung injury, develop in the late stages of gestation, take up and catabolize platelet-activating factor, contain high levels of cytochrome P-450, and can be induced to form tumors in response to chemical carcinogens. The recognition of highly specific surface antigen(s) on both nonciliated bronchiolar cells and type II cells demonstrates yet another characteristic shared by the two cell types.

Animals↗