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Role of non-major histocompatibility complex antigens in the rejection of transplanted myoblasts.

Myoblasts obtained from donors histoincompatible for several non-major histocompatibility complex antigens (i.e., including minor histocompatibility antigens) and from syngeneic donors were transplanted without any immunosuppression into the muscles of male dystrophic C57BL/10J mdx/mdx mice. Myoblasts from syngeneic mice resulted in the formation of a high percentage of dystrophin-positive fibers 16 weeks after the transplantation. There was no evidence of a cellular immune reaction against the donor myoblasts, i.e., no infiltration by CD4 or CD8 lymphocytes and no increased expression of granzyme B and interferon-gamma mRNAs. Transplantation of myoblasts obtained from donors histoincompatible only for non- major histocompatibility complex antigens produced a transient increase of dystrophin-positive fibers at 4 weeks after transplantation for some donor strains but not for others. For donor strains that did produce an increase at 4 weeks, the number of dystrophin-positive fibers was reduced 16 weeks after the transplantation. There was evidence of a cellular immune reaction-infiltration by CD4 and by CD8 lymphocytes and increased expression of granzyme B and interferon-gamma mRNAs. Transplantation of myoblasts obtained from male C57BL/10J +/+ mice into female C57BL/10J mdx/mdx mice also led to the presence of only a few dystrophin-positive fibers with the same signs of cellular immune reaction. In this later case, the cellular immune response was attributed to the H-Y minor antigens. Finally, antibodies against fetal calf serum were detected after both syngeneic and nonsyngeneic transplantations, indicating that the culture medium may also be a source of antigens. In mice, the presence of these antibodies against culture medium did not reduce the success of a first syngeneic transplantation.

Actins↗

Administration of interleukin-2 induces major histocompatibility complex class II expression on the biliary epithelial cells, possibly through endogenous interferon-gamma production.

In various organ-specific autoimmune diseases, aberrant expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens on each target epithelial cell has been reported. Some researchers have attempted to link this phenomenon to the antigen-presenting capacity and the induction of autoimmunity, whereas others think it might serve as a peripheral mechanism for the induction and the maintenance of self-tolerance in autoreactive T cells. In this study, we showed that intraperitoneal administration of interleukin-2 (1.2 x 10(6) IU/kg) to 4-wk-old male BALB/c mice for 35 consecutive days induced lymphocyte infiltration around bile ducts in the liver and major histocompatibility complex class II expression on biliary epithelial cells, which was immunoelectron microscopically confined to the luminal cell surface. Immunohistochemically, lymphocytes accumulating around bile ducts were mainly T cells, positive for CD3, L3T4 and H-2 class II molecules, and a few of them were positive for Lyt-2 and negative for immunoglobulin. Half of the infiltrates were positive for asialo GM1, and one-third was positive for interferon-gamma. Interferon-gamma-positive, L3T4-positive cells were detected in mirror sections. However, neither the destruction of biliary epithelial cells nor the presence of granulomas was observed. Autoantibodies were serologically undetectable. The existence of interferon-gamma-positive cells in the lesion and the fact that intravenous administration of anti-interferon-gamma twice a week completely inhibited the lymphocyte infiltration and the major histocompatibility complex class II expression on biliary epithelial cells suggested that these changes were induced through endogenous interferon-gamma production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Major histocompatibility complex variation and mate choice in a lekking bird, the great snipe (Gallinago media).

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a major part in the activation of the vertebrate immune system. In addition, they also appear to function as cues for mate choice. In mammals especially, several kinds of MHC-dependent mate choice have been hypothesized and observed. These include choice of mates that share no or few alleles with the choosing individual, choice of mates with alleles that differ as much as possible from the choosing individual, choice of heterozygous mates, choice of certain genotypes and choice of rare alleles. We investigated these different aspects of mate choice in relation to MHC in a lekking bird species, the great snipe (Gallinago media). We found no evidence for MHC disassortative mating, no preference for males with many MHC alleles and no preference for rare alleles. However, we did find that some allelic lineages were more often found in males with mating success than in males without mating success. Females do not seem to use themselves as references for the MHC-dependent mate choice, rather they seem to prefer males with certain allele types. We speculate that these alleles may be linked to resistance to common parasites.

Alleles↗

Expression of a class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) heterodimer in a lipid-linked form with enhanced peptide/soluble MHC complex formation at low pH.

A murine class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) heterodimer, Ek, expressed as a glycan-phosphatidyl inositol-anchored chimera on Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, can present peptides, but not processed antigen to T cells. This chimeric MHC requires a 100-times higher peptide concentration to achieve a two- to four-times lower level of T cell stimulation. Cleavage with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and purification result in large quantities of heterodimer in a water-soluble form. Plates coated with this material and then incubated with peptide can efficiently stimulate the appropriate T cell hybridomas. This stimulation is significantly enhanced when peptides are preincubated with the plate-bound MHC molecules in a pH range (5.0-5.5) similar to that of late endosomes. More than half of the soluble Ek molecules can form a specific complex with cytochrome c peptides in this pH range. This suggests that class II MHC molecules undergo distinct conformational changes in endosomal compartments that render them more capable of forming functional complexes with peptide antigens, irrespective of other cell components.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Localization and characterization of major histocompatibility complex class II-positive cells in the posterior segment of the eye: implications for induction of autoimmune uveoretinitis.

PURPOSE: To identify potential antigen-presenting cells in the choroid and retina of the normal rat eye, with a view to proposing a role for such cells in the induction and perpetuation of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, a model of human uveoretinal inflammation. METHODS: Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies using a panel of monoclonal antibodies were performed on frozen sections of the perfused-fixed normal Lewis rat eye, choroid whole mounts, and cytospin preparations of cells harvested from choroid/ciliary body explant cultures. In addition, time-lapse video recordings of migratory uveal tract cells in culture were taken. RESULTS: No major histocompatibility complex class II-positive cells were found in the normal Lewis rat retina. However, at least three populations of potential antigen-presenting cells were found in the uveal tissues of the eye: classical dendritic cells expressing high levels of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen; resident dendritiform macrophages, which were negative for major histocompatibility complex class II antigen, but expressed specific macrophage markers (ED2); and blood-borne macrophages (ED1) that had emigrated from the vasculature into the tissue compartment. In addition there were small numbers of cells expressing novel markers such as markers usually found only on macrophage subsets in splenic tissue (ED3) and a recently described marker for veiled dendritic cells (OX62). Dendritic cells and resident dendritiform macrophages closely interacted with each other and with tissue cells, particularly retinal pigment epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior uveal tract is richly populated with classical dendritic cells expressing constitutive high levels of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen. There are also several types of macrophages with the potential to modulate immune responses in the posterior segment. Interactions among these cells and with resident tissue cells such as retinal pigment epithelial cells are probably central to the initiation of (auto)immune responses in the posterior segment of the eye.

Animals↗

Influence of the major histocompatibility complex on age at onset of chronic lymphoid leukaemia.

The major histocompatibility complex is one of the interactive factors in the multifactorial model of carcinogenesis. Its main influence in experimental models is on the age at onset of malignancies. We have previously shown a similar effect of homozygosity for HLA-DR53 in CML. In the present study, we investigated 79 patients with CLL and 329 local controls from Germany. In addition to full serotyping, all patients and 116 of controls were also typed by HLA-DRB PCR analysis. The homozygosity rates for DR53 in patients under and over the median age (60 years) were 18.6% and 2.9%, respectively (p = 0.03). Eight of the 9 homozygous patients were under the median age. The sex ratio in the DR53 homozygous group was reversed in favour of females. The homozygosity rates for DR53 were different in the overall groups of patients and controls, yielding a relative risk (RR) of 2.4 (p = 0.03). This association was stronger in the early-onset group compared to age-matched controls (RR = 4.4; p = 0.008) and for females with an early onset compared to age- and sex-matched controls (RR = 17.9; p = 0.0008). The simultaneous occurrence of the alleles of the haplotype A2B62DR4 showed a strong association with CLL (RR = 4.1; p = 0.002). This was probably the reason behind the association with HLA-DRB1*0401 (RR = 2.4; p = 0.009). Compared to the accelerating effect of HLA-DR53, HLA-DR52 showed a significant delaying effect on the onset of CLL. These findings confirmed the influence of the HLA complex on the development of another leukaemia.

Adult↗

Exogenous beta 2-microglobulin is required for antigenic peptide binding to isolated class I major histocompatibility complex molecules.

Binding of antigenic peptides to purified class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, as measured by antigen-specific cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) degranulation, was found to occur in the presence of serum but not in its absence. The role of soluble beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m), a normal component of serum, in class I-peptide complex formation was therefore examined. Sera depleted of beta 2m did not support effective peptide binding to class I, but binding was restored in the presence of low concentrations of purified human beta 2m. Sequential incubation of immobilized class I with human beta 2m first, followed by peptide, resulted in antigenic complex formation, while reversing the order of pulsing could not. Similar results were obtained in experiments examining H-2Db, Kb and Kd with appropriate peptides and CTL. These results demonstrate that mature class I proteins are not able to directly bind peptide, but that interaction with exogenous beta 2m results in a structure that will subsequently bind peptide. Binding of exogenous beta 2m appears to result in "empty" class I molecules, possibly by exchange for endogenous beta 2m, with a concomitant loss of endogenous peptide.

Animals↗

Thermostability analysis of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules by temperature gradient gel electrophoresis.

Empty major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules present on the surface of RMA-S (26 degrees C) cells were loaded with the iodinated peptides APGNYPAL, FAPGNYPAL (SEV-9) and RGYVYQGL (VSV-8), respectively. The thermostability of these peptide-loaded MHC class I molecules was assessed using temperature gradient native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A linear temperature gradient perpendicular to the direction of electrophoresis yielded a graphical representation of the melting of MHC class I molecules. The class I signal disappeared when the peptide melted out of the groove, and gave rise to a second signal due to released peptide. APGNYPAL-loaded class I molecules melted at 11 degrees C with considerable release even at 0 degrees C. VSV-8-loaded class I molecules melted first at 36 degrees C, whereas SEV-9-loaded molecules melted at about 22 degrees C. A discrimination between the binding of SEV-9 to Kb and Db molecules was seen in the melting patterns. Results are discussed in correlation with known crystallographic structures of class I molecules containing peptides in the binding groove.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hepatitis B virus small surface antigen particles are processed in a novel endosomal pathway for major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted epitope presentation.

We investigated the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted presentation of an epitope of the hepatitis B virus small surface (S) antigen particle to cloned murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Efficient Ld-restricted presentation of the S28-39 epitope to CTL is observed in cells of different tissue origin pulsed in vitro, either with the antigenic S28-39 12-mer S-peptide, or with particulate S-antigen. The kinetics of epitope presentation differ in S-peptide-pulsed and in S-particle-pulsed cells: while a 15-min pulse with the antigenic peptide sensitizes targets for class I-restricted CTL lysis, presentation of S-particles requires 30-60 min to sensitize cells for CTL lysis. Uptake of antigenic material and active metabolism of the presenting cell are required for processing of S-particles, but not for sensitizing targets with S-peptides. Intracellular processing and presentation of S-particles is blocked in cells treated with chloroquine, NH4Cl, primaquine, or leupeptin, but not by treatment with cycloheximide or brefeldin A. This processing pathway operates efficiently in peptide-transporter-deficient, Ld-transfected T2 cells, revealing a novel endosomal/lysosomal processing pathway for class I-restricted presentation of peptides derived from exogenous S-particles.

Antigen Presentation↗

Comparative feline genomics: a BAC/PAC contig map of the major histocompatibility complex class II region.

The genome organization of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) will be best understood in a comparative evolutionary context. We describe here the construction of a physical map for the feline MHC. A large-insert domestic cat genomic DNA library was developed using a P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) with a genomic representation of 2.5x and an average insert size of 80 kb. A sequence-ready 660-kb bacterial artificial chromosome/PAC contig map of the domestic cat MHC class II region was constructed with a gene order similar to, but distinct from, that of human and mice: DPB/DPA, Ring3, DMB, TAP1, DOB, DRB2, DRA3, DRB1, DRA2, and DRA1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses of selected class II PAC clones confirmed that the class II region lies in the pericentromeric region of cat chromosome B2. However, apparently unlike the human and mouse MHCs, the domestic cat DRA and DRB genes have undergone multiple duplications and the DQ region has been deleted.

Animals↗

Identification of peptides associated with chicken major histocompatibility complex class II molecules of B21 and B19 haplotypes.

Chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules present peptides to T cells to initiate immune response. Some variants of the chicken MHC, such as B19 and B21 haplotypes, are strongly associated with susceptibility and resistance to Marek's disease, respectively. The objective of the present study was to characterize the repertoire and origin of self-peptides presented by chicken MHC class II (B-L) molecules of B19 and B21 haplotypes. Following immunoaffinity purification of B21 and B19 B-L molecules from transformed B cell lines, their associated peptides were eluted, high performance liquid chromatography-fractionated, and sequenced by tandem mass spectrometry. Four peptides were identified associated with B21 B-L molecules. These ranged from 16 to 21 residues in length and had originated from membrane-bound, cytosolic, and mitochondrial proteins. Two of these peptides were present in form of an overlapping set, which is a common characteristic of MHC II-associated peptides. The single B19-associated peptide was 17 residues long and had originated from a cytosolic source. Presentation of endogenous peptides, such as those derived from cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins, by B-L molecules is indicative of cross-sampling between MHC class I and II antigen presentation pathways. These findings facilitate future studies aimed at elucidating mechanisms of chicken MHC association with disease resistance.

Animals↗

Molecular characterization of major histocompatibility complex class II alleles in wild tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum).

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes are usually among the most polymorphic in vertebrate genomes because of their critical role (antigen presentation) in immune response. Prior to this study, the MHC was poorly characterized in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum), but the congeneric axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is thought to have an unusual MHC. Most notably, axolotl class II genes lack allelic variation and possess a splice variant without a full peptide binding region (PBR). The axolotl is considered immunodeficient, but it is unclear how or to what extent MHC genetics and immunodeficiency are interrelated. To study the evolution of MHC genes in urodele amphibians, we describe for the first time an expressed polymorphic class II gene in wild tiger salamanders. We sequenced the PBR of a class II gene from wild A. tigrinum (n=33) and identified nine distinct alleles. Observed heterozygosity was 73%, and there were a total of 46 polymorphic sites, most of which correspond to amino acid positions that bind peptides. Patterns of nucleotide substitutions exhibit the signature of diversifying selection, but no recombination was detected. Not surprisingly, trans-species evolution of tiger salamander and axolotl class II alleles was apparent. We have no direct data on the immunodeficiency of tiger salamanders, but the levels of polymorphism in our study population should suffice to bind a variety of foreign peptides (unlike axolotls). Our tiger salamander data suggest that the monomorphism and immunodeficiencies associated with axolotl class II genes is a relic of their unique historical demography, not their phylogenetic legacy.

Alleles↗

Molecular identification, polymorphism, and expression analysis of major histocompatibility complex class IIA and B genes of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II has a central role in the adaptive immune system by presenting foreign peptides to the T-cell receptor. The full lengths of MHC class II A and B cDNA were cloned from turbot by homology cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends polymerase chain reaction (RACE PCR), and genomic organization, molecular polymorphism, and expression of turbot class IIB gene were examined to study the function of class IIB gene in fish. The deduced amino acid sequence of turbot class II A (GenBank accession no.DQ001730) and turbot class IIB (GenBank accession no. DQ094170) had 69.8%, 67.6%, 65.5%, 59.2%, 54.5%, 52.8%, 46.2%, 46.6%, 28.3%, 28.5%, 22.2% identity and 71.5%, 70.7%, 67.1%, 68.4%, 46.7%, 53.5%, 46.7%, 50.0%, 25.2%, 29.2%, 27.6% identity with those of Japanese flounder, striped sea bass, red sea bream, cichlid, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, carp, zebrafish, nurse shark, mouse and human, respectively. Eleven class IIB alleles were identified from three turbot individuals. The amino acid sequence of turbot class IIB designated as Scma-DAB*0101 had 86.9%, 88.6%, 88.6%, 89.4%, 87.8%, 86.9%, 84.1%, 86.5%, 87.3%, 77.1%, and 86.9% identity with those of turbot class IIB 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (Scma-DAB*0201- Scma-DAB*1201), respectively. Six different class IIB alleles observed in a single individual may infer the existence of three loci at least. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) demonstrated that turbot class IIA and B were ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues. Challenge of turbot with pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio anguillarum, resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of MHC class IIB mRNA from 24 h to 48 h after infection in liver and head kidney, and a significant decrease from 24 h to 72 h after infection in spleen, followed by an increase after 96 h, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential half-life of major histocompatibility complex encoded class I molecules in T and B lymphoblasts.

Major histocompatibility complex encoded class I molecules have been reported to be internalized in T lymphocytes but not in B lymphocytes. In order to better understand the physiology of these molecules, we investigated their kinetics of disappearance and the fate of antibody bound to them in T and B lymphoblasts. Metabolically labelled H-2K molecules were immunoprecipitated from the surface and from inside the cells after different periods of chase and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. In T lymphoblasts, there was a rapid disappearance of both surface and intracellular H-2K molecules with a half-life of about 5 hr. After a 20 hr chase, only lower mol. wt products were immunoprecipitated. In contrast, in B lymphoblasts, H-2K molecules were more stable with a half-life of greater than 20 hr. Bound anti-H-2K antibodies were degraded in T but not in B lymphoblasts. These results suggest that class I molecules and antibodies bound to them do not recycle back to the cell surface but are degraded after internalization in T lymphoblasts, whereas these molecules are less degraded in B lymphoblasts.

Animals↗

Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens in the murine mammary gland.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens were identified on cells within mammary gland connective tissue of lactating mice using a paraformaldehyde-lysine-periodate-gluteraldehyde fixative and an immunoperoxidase staining method. The distribution of class II expressing cells within interalveolar and interlobular connective tissue was similar both throughout lactation and in successive lactations. Epithelial cells within secretory alveoli and mammary ducts did not express class II antigens.

Animals↗

Expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens on inflammatory peripheral nerve lesions.

The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens by cells of the rat peripheral nervous system (PNS) was studied using a model of peripheral nerve transplantation. Monoclonal antibodies to polymorphic determinants of MHC class I and class II (Ia) molecules were used to determine donor or recipient origin of MHC antigen-bearing cells in nerve allografts. The expression of class I and class II antigens by PNS parenchymal cells was modified during varying alloimmune conditions. Baseline, constitutive expression of class I antigens on endothelial and perivascular cells and class II antigens on interstitial cells were identified. Decreased MHC antigen expression was noted following in vitro culture of nerve allografts prior to implantation. After transplantation, enhanced donor-derived MHC antigen expression was demonstrated by both cultured and untreated allograft endothelial, perivascular and interstitial cells in a pattern which was distinct from isografts. This data supports a concept of perivascular monocytic and/or parenchymal cell (Schwann cell or resident macrophage-like cell) activity as the resident antigen-presenting cell for PNS immune processes.

Animals↗

Assembly of major histocompatibility complex class II subunits with invariant chain.

The highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) polypeptides assemble in the ER with the assistance of invariant chain (Ii) chaperone. Ii binds to the peptide-binding pocket of MHCII heterodimers. We explored the mechanism how MHCII subunits attach to Ii. Expression with single alpha or beta subunits from three human HLA and two mouse H2 class II isotypes revealed that Ii co-isolates predominantly with the alpha polypeptide. Co-isolation with alpha chain requires the groove binding Ii-segment and depends on M91 of Ii. Immunoprecipitation of Ii from pulse chase labeled cells showed sequential assembly of alpha and beta chains.

Animals↗

Synthesis of chicken major histocompatibility complex class II oligomers using a baculovirus expression system.

Chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) B21 and B19 haplotypes are associated with resistance and susceptibility to Marek's disease (MD), respectively. T-cell-mediated immune response is crucial in coordinating protection against Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection, but it has been difficult to identify and characterize antigen-specific T-cells. MHC class II tetramers and oligomers have been widely used for characterization of antigen-specific T-cells in the context of infectious and autoimmune diseases. Thus, the objective of this study was to synthesize chicken MHC class II oligomers of B21 and B19 haplotypes for the future identification of antigen-specific T-cells. To achieve this objective, full-length coding sequences of chicken MHC class II B21 and B19 molecules were amplified and the molecules were expressed as fusion proteins, carrying Fos and Jun leucine zipper (LZ), histidine-tag and biotin ligase recognition site sequences, using a baculovirus expression system. Recombinant MHC-II were loaded with self-peptides, which stabilized the heterodimer in SDS-PAGE and allowed the detection of these molecules in Western blots with a conformation-specific anti-chicken MHC class II antibody. Biotinylated MHC molecules were conjugated to streptavidin to form oligomers, which were resolved under the transmission electron microscope through immuno-gold labelling, thus confirming success of oligomerization. In conclusion, chicken MHC class II oligomers may be used in the future to study the antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell compartment.

Animals↗