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T-cell vaccination prevents EAE effector cell development but does not inhibit priming of MBP responsive cells.

Cell recipients which have recovered from adoptively transferred Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) mediated by encephalitogenic T-cell lines do not develop clinical disease following subsequent challenge with myelin basic protein (MBP) emulsified in CFA (MBP-CFA), a recipient response termed vaccination. The immune mechanism(s), which accounts for the vaccination-induced resistance response, is not known. We have used an adoptive transfer system to investigate the point(s) of control within the pathway of EAE effector cell development from MBP-specific naive precursors that prevents clinical disease in T-cell line vaccinated, MBP-CFA challenged Lewis rats. Although EAE effector cells do not develop in T-cell line vaccinated recipients, our data shows that MBP precursor cells are primed in T-cell line vaccinated MBP-CFA challenged animals, and these MBP-specific precursor cells can be stimulated in culture to the EAE effector cell level. MBP-memory cells also arise in T-cell line vaccinated MBP-CFA challenged donors, as demonstrated by the early and rapid onset of EAE in MBP-CFA challenged recipients of lymphnode cells from T-cell line vaccinated MBP-CFA challenged donors. We also found that it was possible to adoptively transfer resistance to MBP-CFA challenge using spleen cells from donors previously vaccinated with encephalitogenic T-cells. These results show that although EAE effector cells do not develop in T-cell line vaccinated animals, T-cell vaccination does not inhibit the initial MBP precursor cell response and does not prevent the development of MBP memory cells.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Distinct migration patterns of naive and effector CD8 T cells in the spleen: correlation with CCR7 receptor expression and chemokine reactivity.

Changes in the migration pattern of lymphocytes represent a key event in the evolution of an immune response since they enable lymphocytes to gain access to infected tissues. We studied the location of virus-specific CD8 T cells in various splenic compartments in response to infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), either in situ or by adoptive cell transfers using T cells from transgenic (tg) mice expressing an LCMV-specific TCR. Naive tg T cells were predominantly localized in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, where they proliferated extensively after virus infection. In contrast, in vivo activated effector T cells failed to enter white pulp areas and accumulated in the red pulp. The different homing patterns of naive and effector CD8 T cells in vivo correlated well with their CCR7 chemokine receptor expression and their reactivity to the secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC). Thus, down-regulation of CCR7 expression on CD8 effector T cells rendered them unre sponsive to SLC, which controls T cell homing into white pulp of spleen and lymph nodes. Exclusion of CD8 effector T cells from these sites may represent an important mechanism to protect professional antigen-presenting cells from cytotoxic T cell attack and thus to prevent a prematuredecline of the immune response.

Animals↗

Structure and function of Fc epsilon receptor II (Fc epsilon RII/CD23): a point of contact between the effector phase of allergy and B cell differentiation.

The Fc epsilon receptor II (Fc epsilon RII/CD23) has been proposed to have multiple functions as a membrane-bound or soluble molecule: a function in B cell growth and differentiation and a role in the effector phase of IgE-mediated immunity. We recently demonstrated the presence of two forms of Fc epsilon RII (Fc epsilon RIIa and Fc epsilon RIIb) whose structures differ only at their N-terminal cytoplasmic regions. The regulatory mechanisms of their expression strongly suggest that Fc epsilon RIIa and Fc epsilon RIIb function in B cells and in the effector cells of IgE-mediated immunity, respectively. To elucidate the function of soluble Fc epsilon RII/CD23 (sFc epsilon RII) the recombinant soluble molecule was produced. This recombinant receptor could competitively block the IgE binding of eosinophils, monocytes and even basophils and could inhibit the IgE-mediated function of effector cells such as monocytes. These findings suggested that sFc epsilon RII could competitively regulate the function of effector cells in IgE-mediated immunity and that the recombinant sFc epsilon RII could be applied clinically for the control of allergic reactions. The expression of Fc epsilon RII on Fc epsilon RII-negative B and T cell lines by cDNA transfection resulted in homocytic aggregation. The function of Fc epsilon RII on B cells as an adhesion molecule was also demonstrated.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Differential potencies of effector genes in adult Drosophila.

The GAL4/UAS gene expression system in Drosophila has been crucial in revealing the behavioral significance of neural circuits. Transgene products that block neurotransmitter release and induce cell death have been proved to inhibit neural function powerfully. Here we compare the action of the five effector genes shibire(ts1), Tetanus toxin light chain (TNT), reaper, Diphtheria toxin A-chain (DTA), and inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir2.1) and show differences in their efficiency depending on the target cells and the timing of induction. Specifically, effectors blocking neuronal transmission or excitability led to adult-induced paralysis more efficiently than those causing cell ablation. We contrasted these differential potencies in adult to their actions during development. Furthermore, we induced TNT expression in the adult mushroom bodies. In contrast to the successful impairment in short-term olfactory memory by shibire(ts1), adult TNT expression in the same set of cells did not lead to any obvious impairment. Altogether, the efficiency of effector genes depends on properties of the targeted neurons. Thus, we conclude that the selection of the appropriate effector gene is critical for evaluating the function of neural circuits.

Animals↗

B cell antigens on effectors for natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Cell suspensions enriched for N cells, the effector cell for human natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity, were observed to react strongly with a rabbit antiserum directed against an antigen associated with B cells. Treatment of the effector suspension with the antiserum resulted in inhibition of natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The blocking occurred, however, only with the intact antibody indicating that inhibition was caused through the formation of antigen-antibody complexes. The antiserum was then employed to arm natural effector cells to react specifically with B cell lines. Specific arming was achieved after the formation of antigen-antibody complexes was prevented by initially reacting the effector suspension with F(ab')2 of the anti-B cell antibody. This study also supports the identity of the subset of cells responsible for antibody-dependent and natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the similarity in their mechanisms.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Cytotoxicity of human mononuclear cells against chicken and human red blood cells, induced by treatment of the effector cells with phospholipase C.

Human mononuclear cells from peripheral blood which were treated with phospholipase C (PLC), became cytotoxic against human or chicken red blood cells. PLC-induced cellular cytotoxicity against human red blood cells was further analyzed and compared to anti-D-mediated, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), using the same target cells. ADCC, but not cytotoxicity of PLC-treated effector cells, was inhibited by free IgG. In addition, iodoacetate strongly enhanced PLC-induced cytotoxicity, but blocked ADCC completely. Addition of fetal calf serum or human AB serum impaired PLC-induced cytotoxicity. A similar inhibition was found by adding lecithin liposomes suggesting that the inhibitory effect of sera was also due to their phospholipid content. The data show that cytotoxicity of PLC-treated effector cells can be clearly distinguished from cellular cytotoxicity, occurring spontaneously or induced by target cell antibodies. We favor the notion that cytotoxicity of PLC-treated effector cells against human erythrocytes is due to the action of PLC, adsorbed to the effector cells.

Absorption↗

Expression of Qat-4 and Qat-5 alloantigens on cytotoxic precursor and effector cells: different surface phenotypes of alloreactive and H-2 restricted cytotoxic T cells.

Monoclonal anti-Qat-4 and anti-Qat-5 antibodies, which define antigens expressed on peripheral T cell subsets, have been used to study the phenotypes of alloreactive and H-2-restricted cytotoxic effector cells and their precursors. Depletion of Qat-4+ or Qat-5% cells from the T cell pool prior to their sensitization in bulk cultures prevented the development of alloreactive and H-2-restricted cytotoxic activities in the selected populations. No reconstitution of cytolytic activities to normal levels was obtained when mixtures of Qat-4- and Qat-5- cells were sensitized in bulk cultures to H-2 or non-H-2 antigens. Sensitization of limiting numbers of Qat-4- or Qat-5- lymphocytes under optimal conditions for help (interleukin 2), with the appropriated antigens (H-2 or H-Y) did not result in the generation of cytotoxic T cells, indicating that the majority of all cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) precursors are Qat-4+, Qat-5+. When CTL effector populations were treated with the antisera and complement (C) at their maximum CTL activity, it was found that H-2-restricted CTL were totally eliminated by anti-Qat-4 and considerably reduced by anti-Qat-5 antisera and C. In contrast, alloreactive CTL effector cells were insensitive to anti-Qat-4 and to anti-Qat-5 plus C. Although alloreactive CTL effector populations regained some Qat-4 antigens during further in vitro culture, it was shown that H-2-restricted CTL were at all times more sensitive to anti-Qat-4 than were alloreactive CTL. The findings suggest that during maturation of alloreactive and H-2-restricted CTL from their precursors, both alloantigens undergo differential quantitative variations in their expression that lead to different Qat-4,5 phenotypes of alloreactive and H-2-restricted CTL.

Animals↗

Characterization of human T suppressor-inducer, -precursor and -effector lymphocytes in the antigen-specific plaque-forming cell response.

Suppression of an antigen-specific plaque-forming cell response of human blood lymphocytes can be effected by T mu+ cells that have been primed previously by antigen in vitro for 6 days. While lacking the capacity to suppress the plaque-forming response directly, these primed T mu+ suppressor-inducer cells stimulate a subpopulation of unprimed T mu gamma- cells to differentiate to T gamma + suppressor-effector cells. The T mu+, T gamma+ and T mu gamma- subsets have been shown to be heterogeneous populations of cells. Therefore, the functionally defined T suppressor-inducer, -precursor and -effector cells were characterized by OKT monoclonal antibodies and by the capacity to form rosettes with autologous erythrocytes (ar+). Evidence will be presented that in vitro a T4+mu+ar- cell induces a T8+mu gamma-ar+ precursor cell to differentiate to a T8+gamma+ar- suppressor-effector cell. A similar T suppressor-effector cell can also be isolated directly from peripheral blood of normal donors.

Antibody-Producing Cells↗

T cell-mediated cytolysis: on the strength of effector-target cell interaction.

Allosensitized lymphoid cell populations contain T lymphocytes that can bind to target cells and lyse them. We asked whether there was a relationship between lymphocyte target cell-binding strength and occurrence of cytolysis. Using graded shear forces to dissociate effector-target cell conjugates, we found that (a) within an allosensitized lymphoid cell population derived from an heterogeneous mixed leukocyte culture, there were lymphocyte-target cell conjugates with binding strengths differing by a factor of at least 10(2), (b) even the minimal force required to release a significant amount of bound target cells could disrupt the plasma membranes of some tumor cells and (c) these tumor cells disrupted by shear forces were probably part of cytolysis-conducive rather than of non-cytolysis-conductive conjugates. We combined this approach with the use of cytolysis-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies (mAb), and found that antibody-induced decrease of cytolysis was correlated with a decrease in the percentage of strong or total conjugates, depending on the mAb used. When lectins were added to overcome the inhibitory effect of the mAb, reappearance of cytolytic activity correlated with reappearance of conjugates. This was especially striking using wheat germ agglutinin (WGA): the addition of WGA to irrelevant effector-target cell combinations did not lead to cytolysis; however, the addition of WGA to relevant effector-target cell combinations inhibited by mAb led to reappearance of cytolysis and of strong conjugates. Taken together, these and other results suggested that under our experimental conditions a threshold level of binding strength between effector and target cells might be important, although not sufficient, for T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These results were not inconsistent with the involvement of mechanical factors in this process. Also, they were in line with the concept of nonantigen-specific lymphoid cell surface interacting molecules, detected by the mAb used and important for the establishment of strong, functional lymphocyte target cell interactions. Finally, they underlined the necessity of a quantitative estimate of cell-cell binding strength when investigating the effect of a given agent (e.g. a mAb) on lymphocyte target cell recognition.

Animals↗

Liver-associated macrophage precursors as natural cytotoxic effectors against Candida albicans and Yac-1 cells.

Liver nonparenchymal cells of maleic anhydride divinyl ether or cyclophosphamide-treated mice were assayed for cytotoxic activity against the yeast form of Candida albicans. A strong increase in this activity was observed after both in vivo treatments, as compared to untreated control mice. The effector cell was enriched by nylon wool passage and separation of nonadherent liver nonparenchymal cells on a discontinuous Percoll gradient. By means of direct and indirect rosetting techniques, based on the presence of Fc receptors and the F4/80 and M143 macrophage surface markers, we could separate a nearly homogeneous effector cell population. It displayed, besides the candidacidal activity, Fc receptors and the M143 and F4/80 antigens, also strong natural cytotoxicity against Yac-1 lymphoma cells. When cultured in medium containing colony-stimulating factor-1, this effector population reacted with a strong proliferative response as measured through incorporation of tritiated thymidine. The data presented show that nonadherent, nonphagocytic macrophage precursors, which we characterized previously from in vitro bone marrow cultures, occur in vivo as organ-associated effector cells in the liver after elicitation with maleic anhydride divinyl ether or cyclophosphamide. These macrophage precursors have prior to their maturation the ability to serve as a microbicidal and tumoricidal natural killer cell.

Animals↗

Maturation of the delayed-type hypersensitivity response in SJL mice: absence of effector cell induction.

Immunization of young adult SJL mice (6 weeks of age) with a wide variety of particulate and soluble antigens does not elicit a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. Young adult SJL lack a DTM response through 8 weeks of age but attain the mature adult level of responsiveness at 10 weeks of age. Nylon wool-enriched TDTH effectors and an antigen-specific T cell clone both elicited DTH responses when transferred into 6-week-old SJL. Thus, the cascade of events at the local site appears to be functionally intact in 6-week-old SJL. However, T cells from immunized 6-week-old SJL fail to transfer DTH responsiveness to naive 6-week-old SJL recipients unless macrophages from 12-week-old SJL supplemented the immunization. Thus, the unresponsiveness of 6-week-old SJL appears to be due to a lack of induction of TDTH effectors. In addition, SJL mice immunized at 6 weeks of age and challenged with antigen at the DTH responsive age of 12 weeks did not mount a DTH response. Immunized 6-week-old SJL, supplemented with macrophages from 12-week-old SJL, and 12-week-old SJL did respond to a second antigenic challenge when held for an equivalent 6-week period. Thus, 6-week-old SJL fail to induce TDTH effectors and to generate memory TDTH cells. Finally, antigen-pulsed macrophages from 12-week-old SJL transferred DTH responsiveness into naive 6-week and 12-week-old SJL recipients, while antigen-pulsed cells from 6-week donors were unable to transfer DTH responsiveness. These data indicate that the maturational deficit in the DTH responsiveness of 6-week-old SJL resides in the inability of macrophages to induce TDTH effectors.

Age Factors↗

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor induce the L-arginine-dependent cytotoxic effector mechanism in murine macrophages.

We tested several monokines and muramyl dipeptide (MDP) to determine whether they induce the L-arginine-dependent effector mechanism in cultured murine macrophages. Recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) and recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF) synergize to induce nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) synthesis from L-arginine as well as to cause inhibition of the iron-dependent enzyme aconitase in macrophages. Unlike rTNF, recombinant interleukin 1 (rIL 1) and rIL 6/B cell stimulatory factor 2 (rIL 6/BSF-2) did not act as cofactors when added to macrophages in the presence of rIFN-gamma. rIFN-gamma plus MDP induced the L-arginine-dependent effector mechanism in murine macrophages. However, induction by rIFN-gamma plus MDP was inhibited by anti-rTNF antibodies which suppressed both NO2-/NO3- synthesis and aconitase inhibition. This result indicates that endogenously produced TNF is involved in the induction of the L-arginine-dependent effector mechanism when MDP is the co-stimulant with rIFN-gamma. In contrast, anti-rTNF antibodies did not fully suppress the effect of combining rIFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide, suggesting that, in this case, activation of the L-arginine-dependent effector pathway may involve more than induction of TNF synthesis by the macrophages. These results provide information, at a biochemical level, on a mechanism through which combination of IFN-gamma and TNF can modulate macrophage functions involved in the control of cell proliferation.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

T cells which do not express membrane tumor necrosis factor-alpha activate macrophage effector function by cell contact-dependent signaling of macrophage tumor necrosis factor-alpha production.

Previous studies have suggested that T cell contact-dependent signaling of macrophages (Mphi) is mediated by membrane tumor necrosis factor-alpha (memTNF-alpha), based on the observation that anti-TNF-alpha could inhibit T cell-mediated Mphi activation. The current report confirms that anti-TNF-alpha does inhibit activation of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-primed Mphi by paraformaldehyde-fixed activated T cells. However, the involvement of membrane molecules other than memTNF-alpha in the contact-dependent signaling is suggested by two lines of evidence. First, the TH2 clone, AK8, displayed neither secreted TNF-alpha/beta nor memTNF-alpha/beta detectable by bioassay or immunofluorescence. Nonetheless, AK8 cells were equally effective, on a per cell basis, in contact-dependent signaling of M phi activation as TH2 and TH1 cells which do express memTNF-alpha. Second, the expression of memTNF-alpha by the TH2 clone, D10.G4, is maximal 24 h after activation, whereas the ability of this clone to activate Mphi is maximal at 6-8 of activation and declines thereafter. Since TNF-alpha is known to play a critical role in activation of Mphi effector function, it was hypothesized that T cell membrane components other than memTNF-alpha might signal Mphi production of TNF-alpha, thus allowing autocrine TNF-alpha stimulation of Mphi effector function. In support of this, it is demonstrated that paraformaldehyde-fixed activated TH2 cells can induce de novo production and release of TNF-alpha by Mphi. This effect was not an artifactual result of paraformaldehyde fixation since paraformaldehyde-fixed resting T cells did not induce TNF-alpha gene expression. Previous studies have demonstrated a role for autocrine TNF-alpha stimulation in LPS induction of effector function in recombinant IFN-gamma-primed Mphi. The current study confirms that TNF-alpha plays a critical role in T cell contact-dependent signaling of Mphi but indicates that memTNF on the T cells may not be a sine qua non factor for contact-dependent signaling. The data suggest that other T cell membrane molecules contribute to activation of Mphi effector function by stimulation of M phi TNF-alpha production.

Animals↗

The CC chemokine antagonist Met-RANTES inhibits eosinophil effector functions through the chemokine receptors CCR1 and CCR3.

Eosinophils are predominant effector cells not only in allergic diseases but also in connective tissue diseases. The recruitment of eosinophils to the site of inflammation and release of reactive oxygen species leading to tissue damage and propagation of the inflammatory response are mediated by chemokines. Thus, agents that would be able to inhibit or antagonize chemokine-induced eosinophil activation are interesting as therapeutical agents. We describe the effect of a chemokine receptor antagonist, Met-RANTES, on human eosinophil effector functions in response to RANTES, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3 and eotaxin. Met-RANTES was able to inhibit dose-dependently [Ca2+]i transients in eosinophils following stimulation with RANTES, MCP-3 and eotaxin. Whereas maximal and half-maximal inhibitory effect of Met-RANTES following stimulation with RANTES and MCP-3 were observed at 2 micrograms/ml and 1 microgram/ml, respectively, maximal and half-maximal inhibitory effects of Met-RANTES in response to eotaxin were detected at 10 micrograms/ml and 3 micrograms/ml. Moreover, eotaxin-induced [Ca2+]i transients were only half reduced at a Met-RANTES concentration at which RANTES and MCP-3 were completely blocked. Besides its effect on [Ca2+]i transients, Met-RANTES dose-dependently inhibited actin polymerization in eosinophils following chemokine stimulation. Whereas Met-RANTES totally inhibited RANTES- and MCP-3-induced actin polymerization at 5 micrograms/ml, the eotaxin-induced response was only reduced by 50%. However, Met-RANTES inhibited dose-dependently the release of reactive oxygen species in response to RANTES, MCP-3 and eotaxin. Again, eotaxin-induced release of reactive oxygen species, however, was only half reduced at a Met-RANTES concentration (10 micrograms/ml) at which RANTES and MCP-3 were completely blocked. The results of this study show that (1) Met-RANTES is an effective and powerful antagonist of effector functions of human eosinophils following stimulation with RANTES, MCP-3 and eotaxin; (2) Met-RANTES seems to be able to antagonize the response of eosinophils through chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) preferentially to CCR3; (3) Met-RANTES antagonizes eosinophil but not neutrophil effector functions and might be therefore of interest for a new therapeutical approach to prevent the invasion and destructive power of eosinophils in diseases that are accompanied by eosinophil infiltration such as allergic asthma and connective tissue diseases.

Actins↗

Differences in maintenance of CD8+ and CD4+ bacteria-specific effector-memory T cell populations.

Our knowledge about the kinetics and dynamics of complex pathogen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses and the in vivo development of CD8(+) memory T cells has increased substantially over the past years; in comparison, relatively little is known about the CD4(+) T cell compartment. We monitored and directly compared the phenotypical changes of pathogen (Listeria monocytogenes)-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cell responses under conditions leading to effective and long-lasting protective immunity. We found that the general kinetics of bacteria-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells during the effector and post-effector phases are synchronized. However, later during the memory phase, CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cell populations differ substantially. Whereas CD8(+) memory T cell populations with immediate effector function are readily detectable in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues and remain remarkably stable in size, antigen-specific CD4(+) effector-memory T cells decline continuously in frequency over time. These findings have important implications for the better understanding of the in vivo development of protective immunity towards intracellular pathogens.

Animals↗

Transient gain of effector function by CD8+ T cells undergoing peripheral tolerance to high-dose self-antigen.

Induction of peripheral T cell tolerance is mediated by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells that cross-present self-antigen to self-reactive T cells. The current model for peripheral CD8(+) T cell tolerance is that TCR engagement by self-antigen in the absence of costimulation results in abortive activation without development of effector function. Here we demonstrate in vivo that high-dose self-antigen ("signal 1") can compensate for lack of costimulation ("signal 2"), leading to full activation of and development of effector function by self-reactive T cells. In the setting of low-dose self-antigen, acquisition of effector function by self-reactive T cells is dependent on costimulation via CD40 ligation in vivo. However, gain of effector function in either setting does not prevent eventual tolerance of self-reactive CD8(+) T cells. These results suggest that the mechanisms for peripheral CD8(+) T cell tolerance are more complex than the proposed "signal 1 in the absence of signal 2" hypothesis. Further exploration of these mechanisms will have direct impact on the design of effective immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases, chronic infections and cancers.

Animals↗

Synthesis of several chemokines but few cytokines by primed uncommitted precursor CD4 T cells suggests that these cells recruit other immune cells without exerting direct effector functions.

Antigen-stimulated naive CD4 T cells may differentiate into effector T cells such as Th1 and Th2 cells, or may remain as proliferating but uncommitted, primed, precursor cells (Thpp cells) that can subsequently differentiate into Th1 or Th2 cells in appropriate cytokine environments. To examine potential Thpp effector functions, we compared the genes expressed by mouse Thpp, naive, Th1 and Th2 cells, using Affymetrix GeneChip and RNase Protection assays. Similar to naive CD4 T cells, Thpp cells expressed IL-2 but not the cytokines characteristic of differentiated Th1 or Th2 cells, such as IFN-gamma, IL-4, or IL-5. However, Thpp, Th1 and Th2 cells, but not naive cells, expressed several CC chemokines including CCL1/TCA3, CCL5/RANTES, CCL3/MIP-1 alpha, CCL4/MIP-1 beta, and CCL9/MIP-1 gamma. Secretion of the corresponding proteins was confirmed by ELISA and Elispot. Consistent with this chemokine expression, supernatants of activated Thpp, Th1 and Th2 cells but not naive CD4T cells induced pertussis toxin-sensitive chemotaxis of B and T cells. Supernatants of Thpp cells did not bias differentiation of naive CD4 T cells towards either Th1 or Th2 cells. The secretion of several chemokines, but few cytokines, by primed uncommitted Thpp cells suggests that their activation during an immune response may recruit effector cells without directly polarizing effector functions.

Animals↗

OX40 (CD134) engagement drives differentiation of CD4+ T cells to effector cells.

Naive, CD4+ T cells proliferate extensively but fail to differentiate when they are transferred into unirradiated recipients that express alloantigen or transgenic antigen on all MHC class II+ cells. Addition of an agonist antibody to OX40 (CD134), a costimulatory TNF receptor family member expressed on activated CD4+ T cells, enables the proliferating T cells to accumulate as differentiated effector cells and kill the host animals. The donor T cells from anti-OX40-treated animals express high levels of IL-2R alpha (CD25) and acquire the ability to secrete IFN-gamma when stimulated with IL-12 and IL-18. OX40 promotes differentiation by 48 h in T cell priming, before changes in Bcl-2 expression or cell recovery become apparent. We found that a Bcl-2 transgene or deficiency in Fas or TNFR1 failed to influence accumulation of differentiated donor cells, and found larger changes in expression of cytokine and cytokine receptor genes than in survival genes. Accumulation of differentiated CD4+ effector T cells is initiated directly through OX40, but some OX40-deficient donor cells can gain effector function as bystanders to OX40+/+ cells. Taken together, these data suggest that CD4+ T cell differentiation to effector function is an important effect of OX40 engagement under conditions of ubiquitous antigen presentation.

Animals↗