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T H Hansen

Publications and source records attributed to T H Hansen.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

The specific binding of peptide ligand to Ld class I major histocompatibility complex molecules determines their antigenic structure.

To better understand the biological implications of the association of ligand with major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, we have studied the Ld molecule of the mouse. The culturing of various nonselected cell lines with three different known Ld peptide ligands resulted in a two- to fourfold specific increase in surface Ld expression as detected by 10 of 11 different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing Ld epitopes. These findings suggest that Ld molecules are not saturated with endogenous peptide ligands and thus have accessible binding sites. Exploiting this feature of Ld we demonstrate that the physical association of Ld with ligand is exquisitely specific, indicating that they function in determinant selection. In addition, a non-peptide-bound antigenic variant of Ld was specifically detected with an exceptional mAb designated 64-3-7. In comparison with other Ld molecules, 64-3-7+ Ld molecules are not peptide ligand inducible, are more susceptible to proteolysis, lack beta 2 microglobulin association, and display a slower rate of oligosaccharide maturation. In spite of their deficiencies, the non-ligand-associated 64-3-7 Ld molecules were detected on the surface of all cell types tested; however, they appear not to be recognized by alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Major histocompatibility complex binding and T cell recognition of a viral nonapeptide containing a minimal tetrapeptide.

The primary immune response of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in H-2d and H-2q mice to infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is directed mostly towards the common major T cell epitope of amino acids 112-132 on the viral nucleoprotein (NP). The molecules responsible for presentation of the T cell epitope NP112-132 are in both haplotypes the MHC class I L antigens (Ld, Lq). Truncations of the amino and carboxy termini of the NP 112-132 sequence revealed the nonapeptide RPQASGVYM (NP118-126) as a most effective peptide antigen, but even the tetrapeptide GVYM was recognized by CTL of both haplotypes in a class I antigen-restricted specificity. When tyrosine (Y) or methionine (M) were substituted with alanine, CTL recognition of the altered nonamer required 10(6) to 10(8) times higher peptide concentrations and in one case (Y----A on Ld) the peptide was not recognized at all. Up-modulation of the expression of Ld and Lq class I antigens as measured by flow cytometry correlated with the ability to present the peptide antigens. The only exception was peptide NP118-126 (M----A), which was recognized by T cells on L-Ld and L-Lq target cells but failed to up-regulate Ld and Lq antigens.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Left main coronary artery and femoral artery vasospasm associated with cocaine use.

A woman had diffuse vascular spasm related to cocaine use. She presented with evidence of an acute anterior myocardial infarction but had no rise in creatinine phosphokinase levels. Cardiac catheterization showed 90 percent proximal left main coronary artery narrowing. The catheterization was complicated by right femoral artery spasm. A repeat catheterization after treatment with nitroglycerin and diltiazem showed 30 percent proximal left main coronary artery narrowing. This catheterization was complicated by left femoral artery spasm. An exercise treadmill test was negative for ischemia.

Adult↗

Molecular evidence that the H-2D and H-2L genes arose by duplication. Differences between the evolution of the class I genes in mice and humans.

To resolve issues regarding the evolution of D region class I MHC genes and their relationship to other class I-encoding regions of the mouse, as well as man, we characterized the class I genes from the Dq region of the B10.AKM mouse strain. The Dq region was selected because it was known to express multiple gene products, yet two of the products previously characterized have structural features in common with the Ld molecule. Since DNA hybridization data defined similarities between the Dd and Dq regions, we used low-copy genomic or oligonucleotide probes derived from the Dd region of BALB/c (H-2d) to screen a B10.AKM cosmid library. Cosmid clones containing Dq, D2q, D3q, D4q, Lq, and Q1q genes have been isolated and aligned with the corresponding genes of the BALB/c MHC, thus demonstrating a similar gene organization. The two classical transplantation genes, Dq and Lq were found to be strikingly similar to each other such that exons 1-3 of Dq and Lq, are approximately 97% homologous, and exons 4-8 are identical. Furthermore, the implied amino acid sequences of both Lq and Dq molecules show considerable homology to Ld, particularly in regions presumed to be involved in ligand binding. These comparisons suggest not only that the Dq and Lq genes arose from the duplication of an Ld-like progenitor, but also that there is a selective advantage for the maintenance of an Ld-like structure. In addition, the 5' portion of the D4q gene was sequenced and found to have a 13-bp deletion and a 4-bp insertion within the alpha 2 exon. These result in a frame shift that creates a premature termination codon and potential polyadenylation site, respectively. Thus, D4q does not encode a typical class I molecule. Sequence comparisons suggest that the D4q gene did not arise from a duplication event involving an Ld-like gene such as Dq and Lq. Interestingly, the D4q molecule, if produced, would have amino acid residues in common with K and/or Q molecules that differ from those observed in D/L molecules. These findings, in conjunction with hybridization data, provide evidence that the D2, D3, and D4 genes were derived from Q genes by an unequal crossover event. Additional hybridization data using low-copy D region probes suggest that several different D region gene organizations exist among mice of different haplotypes. These and other recent molecular studies provide multiple examples of expansion and contraction of the class I genes in the D region.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Peptide ligand-induced conformation and surface expression of the Ld class I MHC molecule.

Newly synthesized major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum are thought to bind peptides of foreign and endogenous antigens. Several lines of evidence indicate that beta-2 microglobulin (beta 2m) and/or peptide ligand participate in the intracellular transport and surface expression of class I molecules, but the nature of their involvement is still unclear. Here we present evidence that culturing non-mutant cells (fibroblast, thymoma or mastocytoma) with a peptide ligand specific for the Ld class I molecule of the mouse leads to a dramatic (fourfold) and specific induction of Ld surface expression. Surprisingly, this peptide ligand-induced expression of Ld does not result in an increased intracellular association of Ld with beta 2m. These findings demonstrate that the previously reported decrease in surface expression of Ld results from its failure to be saturated with endogenous self-peptide ligands. This unique feature of Ld could also contribute to the fact that several virus-specific cytotoxic T cell responses have been found to be Ld-restricted.

Animals↗

Recognition by CD8 on cytotoxic T lymphocytes is ablated by several substitutions in the class I alpha 3 domain: CD8 and the T-cell receptor recognize the same class I molecule.

The CD8 molecule on class I-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is believed to function as a coreceptor along with the alpha beta T-cell receptor. Whereas the alpha beta T-cell receptor recognizes polymorphic residues in the alpha 1/alpha 2 domains of the class I molecule, the CD8 molecule is believed to recognize monomorphic class I residues. Our previous experiments suggested that residue 227 in the alpha 3 domain of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules contributes to the determinant recognized by CD8. By using a panel of site-directed mutants of H-2Dd, this observation has been extended herein. Our findings indicate that for recognition by CD8-dependent CTLs, residue 227 must be either glutamic acid or aspartic acid and cannot be either basic or uncharged. However, the recognition by CD8-independent CTLs is unaffected by any of the substitutions at position 227 of H-2Dd. Similarly, alterations of other charged residues at positions 222, 223, and 229 have an analogous effect to substitution at residue 227, whereas substitutions at residues 192 and 232 do not affect the reactivity of CD8-dependent or CD8-independent CTLs. In addition, mutant H-2Dd molecules that are not recognized by CD8-dependent CTLs are unable to stimulate a primary CTL response, yet they can stimulate a secondary CD8-independent H-2Dd-specific CTL response. These findings suggest that CD8 recognition is obligatory for the priming of class I-dependent CTL responses. Since endogenous class I molecules were expressed by all of the transfected cell lines, these findings provide direct genetic evidence that CD8 and the alpha beta T-cell receptor must interact with the same class I molecule.

Amino Acids↗

Locus-specific regulation of Kd, Dd, and Ld class I genes in the BALB/c S49 lymphoma sublines.

The S49 tumor sublines are variants isolated from a single parent BALB/c tumor which demonstrate locus-specific shut-off of their Kd, Dd, and/or Ld surface molecules. Four phenotypically different sublines were characterized: wild-type (Kd Dd Ld)+, a null phenotype (Kd Dd Ld)-, and two intermediates (Kd Dd)+ (Ld)- and (Kd)+ (Dd, Ld)-. Nonexpressed class I Ag were not induced with IFN-gamma even though the expressed antigens were found to be appropriately responsive. Southern blot analysis using probes specific for the 5', exonic or 3' portions of the Kd, Dd, and Ld genes indicated that these S49 sublines have no major chromosomal aberrancies. Northern blot analysis of RNA from each S49 subline using locus-specific oligonucleotide probes revealed message only for the expressed Ag. Thus, the locus-specific shut-off of class I expression in these tumors appears to be acting at the transcriptional level. RNase protection analysis confirmed this result and furthermore demonstrated that the repression is exquisitely specific for the Kd, Dd, and Ld genes as other "class I-like" messages were detected in each cell line. These findings are discussed in the context of the various cis- and trans-acting mechanisms that have been proposed to regulate class I expression.

Animals↗

The conformation of Ld induced by beta 2-microglobulin is fixed during de novo synthesis and irreversible by exchange or dissociation.

Data are presented that support the hypothesis that beta 2m controls the folding of the ligand binding site of newly synthesized class I molecules. This conclusion was indicated by comparisons of two antigenic forms of the Ld molecule separated by sequential immunoprecipitation. Whereas, mAb 30-5-7+ Ld molecules were found to exist either as free H chains or associated with beta 2m, 30-5-7- Ld molecules showed no beta 2m association. Chemical comparisons showed 30-5-7- Ld molecules to be highly sensitive to proteolysis relative to 30-5-7+ Ld molecules. Experiments employing a construct with the Ld gene juxtaposed to the inducible metallothionein promoter indicated that the ratio of the antigenic forms of Ld was determined by the relative synthesis of beta 2m vs class I proteins. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that the two antigenic forms of Ld do not share a precursor-product relationship, but do display disparate rates of intracellular transport. beta 2m dissociation or exchange at the cell surface was found not to affect the ratio of the two antigenic forms of Ld. In contrast to these findings with Ld, the Dd and Ddml molecules were not detected in alternative conformations, thus mapping this property to the N-terminus of the class I molecule. These findings support the notion that beta 2m induces conformation on the alpha 1/alpha 2 domains of Ld molecules during de novo synthesis and once beta 2m-conformed, the class I structure is fixed and irreversible.

Animals↗

Cis-acting elements determine the locus-specific shutoff of class I major histocompatibility genes in murine S49 lymphoma sublines.

Several tumors have been reported to down-regulate expression of their class I major histocompatibility molecules, potentially altering their immune recognition. To investigate this phenomenon, we are using various sublines isolated from the S49 lymphoma of the BALB/c mouse strain. These S49 tumor sublines were previously found to have shut off expression of their Kd, Dd, and/or Ld class I molecules in a locus-specific manner. Extensive Southern blot analyses indicated that there were no major chromosome aberrancies in these S49 sublines, and analyses of steady-state class I mRNA suggested that a form of transcriptional regulation was responsible for their variant class I expression. In this report, we characterize the nature of this locus-specific regulation of class I in S49 cells by producing somatic cell hybrids. Three phenotypically distinct S49 sublines were each fused to tumor cells with normal class I expression, and several of the resulting hybrids were analyzed. In every case, the class I molecules expressed by the hybrids were an exact composite of the two fusion partners. Thus, these fusions failed to rescue expression of the Kd, Dd, and/or Ld molecules shut off within each of the S49 tumor sublines. These findings indicate that this locus-specific shutoff of class I expression results from a cis-acting defect and not trans-acting factors. Because the analysis of each of three phenotypically different S49 cells implicated a form of cis-dominant regulation, we hypothesize that a common mechanism generating homologous mutations in class I genes is operative in S49 tumor cells.

Animals↗

The murine MHC class I genes, H-2Dq and H-2Lq, are strikingly homologous to each other, H-2Ld, and two genes reported to encode tumor-specific antigens.

Two phenomena appear to distinguish the D region class I genes from those in the K region in the murine MHC: (a) haplotype disparity in the number of expressed D region class I molecules has been observed; and (b) clines of closely related D region class I molecules among and within mice of different H-2 haplotypes can be defined. Both of these observations have been based on serological and peptide mapping analyses of these molecules. Recent reports using molecular biological approaches have corroborated these findings. Since the mouse strain B10.AKM expresses multiple D region class I antigens, all of which are closely related to the prototypic Ld molecule, we investigated the Dq region of B10.AKM using molecular approaches. Three D region class I genes were isolated from genomic B10.AKM bacteriophage and cosmid libraries. Based on alignment of those genes with the BALB/c D region class I genes by analogous restriction endonuclease sites and by hybridization of one of those genes with a D4d gene-derived oligonucleotide probe, we have designated these genes as Dq, Lq, and D4q. As determined by DNA-mediated gene transfer to mouse L cells followed by serological analyses, the Dq and Lq genes encode previously characterized Dq region class I antigens. The nucleic acid sequence comparisons of the Dq and Lq genes demonstrated a higher level of homology with the Ld and Db genes than with other D region class I genes. In addition, CTL stimulated with a Dq, Lq, or Ld gene transfectant showed strong crossreactions with the other transfectants as targets, suggesting that the products of these genes are also functionally related. Thus, these studies suggest that the L molecule represents a prototypic structure shared by several D region gene products, and furthermore, the duplication of an Ld-like progenitor gene resulted in two Dq region class I genes, Dq and Lq. Unexpectedly, the sequences determined for the Dq and Lq genes are nearly identical to the sequences of two genes, A166 and A149, respectively, which were reported to encode the tumor-specific antigens; these novel class I genes were isolated from an H-2k fibrosarcoma, 1591. This raises the distinct possibility that these purported tumor-specific class I genes were introduced into this tumor by contamination.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The Lyt-2 molecule recognizes residues in the class I alpha 3 domain in allogeneic cytotoxic T cell responses.

The involvement of the different domains of the MHC class I molecule in CTL recognition was investigated. mAbs specific for the alpha 1/alpha 2 domains of H-2Ld interfered with both the primary and secondary generation and effector function of in vitro Ld-specific CTL. mAbs specific for the alpha 3 domain of H-2Ld interfered with the generation and function of primary in vitro Ld-specific CTL; however, there was no effect on the in vitro generation of secondary CTL and only partial inhibition of their function. In vivo treatment with graft-specific antibodies to both the alpha 3 domain and the alpha 1/alpha 2 domains together resulted in a dramatic enhancement of Ld- or Dd-disparate skin grafts, whereas the individual mAbs showed minimal effects. This suggested that the class I alpha 3 domain is recognized by alloreactive CTL. Several approaches were undertaken to examine whether recognition of the alpha 3 domain determinants is mediated by the Lyt-2 molecule. When mAbs specific for the alpha 3 domain of either H-2Ld or H-2Dd were used in vivo and in vitro, the resulting CTL population was not inhibited by antibody to the alpha 3 domain and was only partially inhibited by antibody to Lyt-2. We therefore observed a correlation between the effects of antibody to the class I alpha 3 domain of the target molecule and antibody to the Lyt-2 molecule on the CTL. To further test the relationship between CTL recognition of the alpha 3 domain and the involvement of Lyt-2, we used a cell expressing a mutation in the alpha 3 domain of the Dd molecule. The mutation resulted in a single amino acid substitution of glu to lys at residue 227 of the alpha 3 domain. Consistent with an earlier report, cells expressing the mutant Dd lys molecule were not lysed by CTL from a primary stimulation against the wild-type Dd glu molecule. However, this same cell line was killed by the Lyt-2-independent secondary Dd-specific CTL generated in the presence of antibody to the alpha 3 domain in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, cells expressing the mutant Dd lys molecule failed to stimulate a primary response. In conclusion, several independent lines of evidence indicate that residues in the alpha 3 domain of the class I molecule are involved in recognition by the Lyt-2 molecule, and that Lyt-2-mediated recognition can be specifically blocked using mAb to determinants in the alpha 3 domain.

Animals↗

Studies of two antigenic forms of Ld with disparate beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) associations suggest that beta 2m facilitate the folding of the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains during de novo synthesis.

Sequential precipitation analysis of BALB/c Ag revealed two distinct antigenic forms of the Ld molecule distinguished by their reactivity with mAb 30-5-7. A similar analysis of Ag from the Ld transfectant T1.1.1 confirmed that both forms of Ld are products of the Ld gene. The 30-5-7+ form of Ld was found to be capable of association with beta-2 microglobulin (beta 2m) but could also exist as a free H chain, whereas the 30-5-7- form of Ld was incapable of beta 2m association. Unexpectedly, this latter form of Ld showed oligosaccharide maturation as well as cell surface expression, although less efficiently than the 30-5-7+ form of Ld. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that these two forms of Ld do not share a precursor-product relationship, but rather their distinguishing structures are fixed during de novo synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum and remain constant throughout maturation and expression. Thus, beta 2m association is not an absolute requirement for intracellular transport and expression on the plasma membrane even in beta 2m+ cell types. Furthermore, in the context of other recent studies of Ld and Db, our results suggest that beta 2m plays a key role in folding the outer domains of class I molecules during de novo synthesis. It is speculated that beta 2m may provide a support structure analogous to a class II second domain, on which the class I binding site can be properly formed.

Animals↗

Receptor diversity of insulin-specific T cell lines from C57BL (H-2b) mice.

To characterize the T cell receptor repertoire in an immune response in which the Ia and nominal antigenic determinants are defined and limited, we have cloned and sequenced the expressed receptors from four independent, beef insulin-specific T cell lines from C57BL mice. Each of these lines responded to beef but not to the pork insulin, thus defining the nominal antigenic determinant recognized. Furthermore, each of these lines could only be presented antigen by B6 but not mutant B6.C-H-2bm12 antigen-presenting cells, thus defining the requisite Ia recognition or antigen-association site. In spite of this functional similarity in ligand specificity, each of these T cell lines was found to use different V alpha and V beta gene segments. Moreover, structural comparisons of implied protein sequences of each of these receptors showed no stretches of conserved amino acid residues that could be implicated in ligand interaction. However, the V alpha genes used by these four clones appeared considerably more homologous to each other than were their V beta genes.

Animals↗

Insights into immune-response gene function using an Ia mutant mouse strain.

The class II genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encode the immune response-associated or Ia antigens. These highly polymorphic glycoprotein heterodimers have been shown to play a pivotal role in diverse immunological functions. Although the precise molecular and cellular interactions have yet to be elucidated, structural determinations on Ia molecules are known to control the immune response to foreign antigens. Several recent advances into our understanding of how Ia molecules function were made possible by the discovery of the B6,C-H-2bm12 (bm12) mouse strain. The bm12 strain carries a mutation that occurred spontaneously in one of its genes encoding an Ia polypeptide chain. Information from studies using bm12 include (1) insights into the evolution of class II genes and its functional significance; (2) the definition of multiple functional sites on Ia and their relative importance; and (3) the demonstration that Ia conformation is important in determining its functional capacity. These findings using the bm12 mutant are reviewed in the context of other recent studies of Ia recognition.

Animals↗

Slower processing, weaker beta 2-M association, and lower surface expression of H-2Ld are influenced by its amino terminus.

To determine why Ld antigens are expressed on the cell surface at levels three to four times lower than Dd or Kd antigens, pulse-chase experiments were used to compare their rates of biosynthesis and processing. Electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient polyacrylamide gels resolved immunoprecipitates of each of these histocompatibility complex class I molecules into a slower and faster species. During the chase period, the faster migrating species appeared to be converted to the slower migrating species in a time-dependent manner. However, the conversion of Ld from the faster to the slower migrating species proceeded significantly more slowly than did the conversion of either Dd or Kd. Endoglycosidase H sensitivity and cell surface radiolabeling were used to determine the glycosylation state and cell location of each species of Ld and Dd. The results from these experiments, along with the pulse-chase studies and cytofluorometric analyses, suggest that Ld possesses a much slower rate of processing from a faster migrating, high mannose-bearing species to a slower migrating, complex oligosaccharide-bearing species found on the cell surface. Analysis of the beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) association confirmed that Ld is associated with less beta 2-m than Dd. To localize the structures on class I molecules influencing their surface expression, rate of processing, and beta 2-m association, the Ddm1 molecule was analyzed. The Ddm1 molecule of the mutant B10.D2-H-2dm1 has previously been shown to be a chimeric Dd (amino-terminal)/Ld (carboxyl-terminal) polypeptide. The surface expression, processing and beta 2-m association of Ddm1 were found to be similar to Dd rather than Ld, suggesting that each of these phenomena are influenced by protein structure in the amino terminus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural analyses define an additional H-2D region class I antigen that is expressed by a variant mouse strain.

The genetic complexity of the H-2D region includes haplotype disparities in apparent gene and product number. To probe the genetic basis of this complexity, the products of two independently derived mouse strains (STU and B10.SAA48) that express Dw3 antigens were compared. Serologic, fluorometric and peptide map comparisons were made using monoclonal antibodies. Although both STU and B10.SAA48 mice were found to express indistinguishable Dw3 molecules, only B10.SAA48 mice were found to express an additional antigen designated Lw3. Several lines of evidence are presented that suggest the gene encoding Lw3 maps to the D region. Furthermore peptide map comparisons of Dw3 with Lw3 molecules implied that they are products of separate genes; but Dw3 and Lw3 molecules were found to be more homologous to each other than Dd and Ld molecules are to each other. Inter-haplotype comparisons of Dw3 and Lw3 molecules with other D region molecules showed no striking homologies to Dd, Ld or eight other molecules compared. However, both Dw3 and Lw3 molecules were found to be unexpectedly homologous to the Ddx and Dw25 molecules, thus defining another family of structurally related D region antigens. This so called Dw3-family was found to be quite distinct from the previously defined Ld-family of molecules, since no joint members were found. The results of these studies of Dw3 encoded antigens are discussed as evidence for intra-D region recombination or mutation.

Animals↗

Molecular studies of murine mutant BALB/c-H-2dm2 define a deletion of several class I genes including the entire H-2Ld gene.

Inbred mouse strains carrying spontaneous mutations in class I genes have been extremely informative in studies of the genetic mechanisms generating polymorphism in the major histocompatibility gene complex. In this report, we determine the molecular basis of the spontaneous loss mutation in BALB/c-H-2dm2 mice, which were previously shown not to express Ld antigens while maintaining normal expression of two other class I antigens, Kd and Dd. We show BALB/c-H-2dm2 mice do not transcribe detectable levels of Ld mRNA, indicating they do not produce a truncated Ld molecule as previously reported. Furthermore, in Southern blot comparisons using a series of low-copy genomic probes, the deletion was found to be approximately 140 kilobases and include the entire Ld gene along with three or more other class I genes mapping between Dd and Ld. These data represent direct genetic evidence for a spontaneous contraction in the genes encoding class I histocompatibility antigens, which in this case probably resulted from the misalignment of the 3' flanking regions of the Dd and Ld genes.

Animals↗