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Molecular cloning of major histocompatibility complex class II B gene cDNA from the Bengalese finch Lonchura striata.

The only avian major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) genes thus far identified are from species of the relatively small order of Galliformes, while by far the largest order of Passeriformes (songbirds), containing some 60% of extant bird species, has not been studied at all in this regard. The Galliformes emerged more than 55 million years (my) ago, the Passeriformes some 25 my ago. Because of the potential for the use of Mhc genes as markers in the study of songbird populations, an attempt was made to clone class II B genes of a passeriform species, the Bengalese finch Lonchura striata acuticauda. Using a set of primers designed on the basis of known sequences, a probe corresponding to part of exon II was obtained by the polymerase chain reaction. The probe was then used to screen a Bengalese finch cDNA library and to isolate and sequence two nearly full-length clones. The sequences reveal the presence of one presumably functional class II B locus in this bird species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gene organization of the quail major histocompatibility complex (MhcCoja) class I gene region.

Class I genomic clones of the quail (Coturnix japonica) major histocompatibility complex (MhcCoja) were isolated and characterized. Two clusters spanning the 90.8 kilobase (kb) and 78.2 kb class I gene regions were defined by overlapping cosmid clones and found to contain at least twelve class I loci. However, unlike in the chicken Mhc, no evidence for the existence of any Coja class II gene was obtained in these two clusters. Based on comparative analysis of the genomic sequences with those of the cDNA clones, Coja-A, Coja-B, Coja-C, and Coja-D (Shiina et al. 1999), these twelve loci were assigned to represent one Coja-A gene, two Coja-B genes (Coja-B1 and -B2), four Coja-C genes (Coja-C1-C4), four Coja-D genes (Coja-D1-D4), and one new Coja-E gene. A class I gene-rich segment of 24.6 kb in which five of these genes (Coja-B1, -B2, -D1, -D2 and -E) are densely packed were sequenced by the shotgun strategy. All of these five class I genes are very compact in size [2089 base pairs (bp)-2732 bp] and contain no apparent genetic defect for functional expression. A transporter associated with the antigen processing (TAP) gene was identified in this class I gene-rich segment. These results suggest that the quail class I region is physically separated from the class II region and characterized by a large number of the expressible class I loci (at least seven) in contrast to the chicken Mhc, where the class I and class II regions are not clearly differentiated and only at most three expressed class I loci so far have been recognized.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Cytokine regulation of major histocompatibility complex antigen expression by human oral and skin keratinocytes.

The expression, and cytokine modulation, of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules on oral and skin keratinocytes were compared in cell culture. Both cell types expressed class I, but not class II, constitutively. However, stimulation with interferon-gamma, but not interleukin-1 alpha, and -1 beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha or lymphotoxin, induced increased expression of class I and de-novo expression of HLA-DR on both cell types. Oral keratinocytes differed from skin keratinocytes in that they exhibited greater sensitivity to interferon-gamma stimulation and higher stimulated expression of both class I and HLA-DR. In addition, interferon-gamma stimulated oral, but not skin, keratinocytes to express HLA-DP and -DQ. These observations suggest that, like skin keratinocytes, under certain conditions, oral keratinocytes may be able to act as antigen-presenting cells. This may be important in the initiation and progression of some immune-mediated mucocutaneous diseases. Moreover, differences in MHC expression may help to explain differences in the presentation of these diseases on the skin and oral mucosa.

Adult↗

Pretransplant sensitization with major histocompatibility complex class I+ class II- hepatocytes leads to accelerated skin graft rejection.

The immunogenicity of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I+ class II- hepatocytes is controversial. We studied the effect of pretransplant donor-specific sensitization with either purified hepatocytes (HC) or splenocytes (Spl) on subsequent skin allograft survival. Five million Percoll-purified DBA HC or 10 x 10(6) DBA Spl were injected into C57BL/6 recipients either intraperitoneally (ip) or into a sponge matrix allograft. Twelve days later, sensitized mice received a DBA skin graft. On the same day, allogeneic (DBA) and syngeneic (BL/6) skin grafts were placed on naive BL/6 mice. In naive BL/6 mice, allogeneic skin graft survival was 7.8 +/- 0.5 days (n = 4), and syngeneic survival was indefinite (n = 5). Skin graft survival (mean +/- SD in days) in recipients sensitized with hepatocytes ip was 6.0 +/- 1.2 days (n = 5) compared with 5.6 +/- 0.5 days in recipients sensitized with splenocytes ip. Similarly, graft survival in recipients that received hepatocytes into a sponge matrix allograft was 5.67 +/- 1 days (n = 6) compared with 5.2 +/- 1.1 days (n = 8) in those that received splenocytes into the sponge. There was no difference in graft survival between mice sensitized with HC vs Spl, nor between mice injected ip vs with the sponge. All sensitized mice experienced accelerated graft rejection compared with naive controls (P less than 0.000). These results demonstrate that purified MHC class I+, class II- murine HCs are immunogenic in vivo. Sensitization with donor-specific HCs led to accelerated rejection of subsequent skin grafts, similar to the accelerated rejection seen after sensitization with MHC class I+ and class II+ splenocytes.

Animals↗

Neuron-specific regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I, interferon-beta, and anti-viral state genes.

The regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, interferon (IFN)-beta, and anti-viral state expression in neurons was analyzed. Treatment of neurons with either double-stranded RNA (poly I: poly C) or virus, but not IFNs, induced high levels of IFN-beta, but not MHC class I genes. However, neurons treated with IFN-beta established an anti-viral state. Transfection of neurons with IFN-beta constructs showed that a region containing PRDI (IRF-E site) and PRDII (kappa B site) mediated induction, but closely related sites in a MHC class I construct did not. Gel mobility shift assays indicated that transcription factors containing the RelA (p65) component of NF-kappa B, but not p50, bound to PRDII. PRDI, however, bound to transcriptional antagonist IRF-2. Unique selective induction of these transcription factors is likely to mediate non-coordinate expression of IFN-beta, MHC class I, and anti-viral state genes in neurons.

3T3 Cells↗

Flexible docking of peptides to class I major-histocompatibility-complex receptors.

We present a new method for docking flexible peptides to class I Major-Histocompatibility-Complex (MHC) receptors. Docking is performed in two steps: (a) The charged terminal peptide residues are located by randomly distributing multiple copies of each in volumes of approximately 150 A at either end of the binding groove, and then minimizing the system energy using a modified multiple-copy search algorithm. This is followed by (b) construction of the intervening chain using the multiple-copy bond-scaling-relaxation loop closure algorithm. In both steps, the copies tend to cluster and the size of the resulting clusters is proportional to the basin of attraction of the corresponding energy well. We show that native MHC-bound peptides have broad minima and, consequently, that misfolded, low-energy peptide conformations can be eliminated by restricting consideration to groups of peptides which cluster into broad minima. The accuracy of the method is assessed by comparing the predictions with crystallographic data for three different MHC peptide systems, at various degrees of stringency: (a) the extent to which we can determine side chain function (anchor vs. T-cell epitopes); (b) the extent to which we can determine the peptide-receptor orientation; and (c) the accuracy with which we can predict atomic coordinates. We find the method correct on (a) for 19 of the 22 non-Gly positions; the failures appearing to be a consequence of omitting solvation. Predictions related to (b) are also very encouraging, with the overall orientation of the predicted peptides being very similar to the crystal conformation, when measured by the hydrogen bonding pattern between the two. The degree of success in predicting atomic coordinates varied considerably, however, from 1.4 A for the HLA-A2 peptide to 2.7 A for the Kb peptide. The inaccuracy of the latter appears to reflect an incomplete target function, most likely the ommission of solvation. The calculations thus define the current limits of accuracy in docking flexible peptides to Class I receptors and identify the methodological improvements that must be made for the next advance in accuracy.

Algorithms↗

Secondary structure and 3D homology modeling of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) major histocompatibility complex class I molecules.

No information to date is available on the structure of fish major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) proteins. In the present study, grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) MHC class I (Ctid-MHC I) and beta(2)-microglobulin (Ctid-beta2m) genes were expressed as soluble maltose binding protein (MBP)-proteins and purified in a pMAL-p2X/Escherichia coli TB1 system. The expressed proteins were purified on amylase affinity columns followed by DEAE-Sepharose. The purified products were identified by Western blotting with anti-MBP polyclonal antibodies. The MBP-Ctid-MHC I and MBP-Ctid-beta2m were cleaved separately with Factor Xa, mixed together and purified on DEAE-Sepharose. The secondary structures were analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) spectrophotometry. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of their peptide-binding domain (PBD) was modeled based sequence homology. The sequence lengths of the alpha-helix, beta-sheet, turn, and random coil in the Ctid-MHC I protein were 79aa, 75aa, 20aa, and 99aa, respectively. In the 97aa of Ctid-beta2m, the contents of the alpha-helix, beta-sheet, turn, and random coil were 0aa, 41aa, 12aa, and 44aa, respectively. The Ctid-beta2m protein displayed a typical beta-sheet. Homology modeling of the Ctid-MHC I and Ctid-beta2m proteins demonstrated similarities with the structure of human MHC class I proteins.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical detection of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and major histocompatibility complex class I antigens in seminoma.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, and characterization of tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIM) were examined immunohistologically in 10 specimens of seminoma. ICAM-1 and MHC antigens were not detected on normal spermatogenic cells. ICAM-1 and MHC class I antigens were variably expressed in 7 and 9 seminomas, respectively, whereas class II antigens were not detected. Although the degree of expression of ICAM-1 and MHC antigens was not correlated with any clinical or histopathological factors, neither of the antigens was detected on an anaplastic seminoma. Various numbers of TIM were detected in all of the seminoma, and comprised mainly T cells bearing the lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1. No significant correlation was noticed between the degree of lymphocyte infiltration and ICAM-1 or MHC antigen expression. Although ICAM-1 and MHC class I antigens were expressed in seminoma, possibly facilitating an anti-tumor reaction of host, their expression remained low in several cases, despite marked lymphocyte infiltration within the tumor.

Adult↗

Modulation of class I major histocompatibility complex antigen cell-surface stability by transmembrane domain length variation.

Cell surface localization of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins is conferred to a large extent by their transmembrane domains (TMs) which exhibit allelic, inter-locus and inter-species variation in both amino acid composition and length. Here, the consequences of TM length variation on trafficking and cell-surface stability were examined using the human MHC class I protein HLA-A2. Transformed B lymphocytes (CIR cells) transfected with an HLA-A2 gene encoding an additional 12 hydrophobic amino acids in the TM exhibited a marked decrease in steady-state cell-surface levels of the HLA-A2 protein relative to cells transfected with the wild-type HLA-A2 gene. Diminished surface expression was observed regardless of the presence or absence of the cytoplasmic domain and could not be accounted for by altered association with beta2-microglobulin. While intracellular trafficking rates were affected by TM length enlargement and/or the absence of cytoplasmic domains, this, as well, could not completely explain the TM length-dependent differential cell-surface levels. Studies using brefeldin A to block transport of HLA-A2 proteins to the cell surface suggested that the diminished cell-surface levels of TM enlarged HLA-A2 proteins was a result of decreased cell-surface stability. A significant negative correlation between cell-surface stability and TM length was observed in a comparison of four HLA-A2 proteins differing only in TM length. Similar studies employing an HLA-A2 protein with the TM of HLA-B27 (which is the same length as the HLA-A2 TM but is only 72% identical) suggested that MHC class I TM length variation, independent of amino acid composition and the cytoplasmic domain, may appreciably affect cell-surface stability.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Repression mechanisms of the I-A beta gene of the major histocompatibility complex.

The mechanisms of regulation of I-A beta gene expression in the murine major histocompatibility complex by transcriptional repression are reviewed. Active and passive repression mechanisms are presented. The transcription factor PU.1 actively inhibits the expression of I-A beta through the binding to a DNA sequence near the Y box, a cis-element in the promoter necessary for transcription. This interaction probably interferes with the preinitiation complex assembly. NF-Y is a transcription factor that binds to the Y box and has two constituents: NF-YA (that binds weakly to DNA) and NF-YB (that increases the binding of NF-YA to DNA). The dbpA protein represses the expression of I-A beta by a quenching mechanism, forming a complex with NF-YA and the dbpB protein by sequestering the NF-YB protein. A similar mechanism is observed with the glucocorticoid receptor that binds to the X-box binding proteins and inhibits their interaction with the X box. These results are examples of cross-talk between proteins, which may help us to understand the regulation of I-A beta gene expression.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of major histocompatibility complex class I cDNAs from woodchuck (Marmota monax).

The full-length cDNAs of woodchuck major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MhcMamo-I or Mamo-I) genes were cloned by using cellular mRNA isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and liver tissues of woodchucks. DNA sequence analysis of Mamo-I cDNAs revealed that the coding regions of Mamo-I genes were about 1,080 bp long, encoding 359 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequences of Mamo-I showed structural features like leader, alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, similar to their homologues in human and other mammals. Analysis of five full-length clones from unrelated woodchucks indicated a polymorphism within the alpha1 and alpha2 domains of Mamo-I heavy chain and a high conservation within the alpha3 and the transmembrane/cytoplasmic domains. Amino acid residues of the alpha2 and alpha3 domains that are supposed to be involved in the binding of MHC class I to CD8 molecule, were largely conserved in Mamo-I genes. Phylogenetic comparison of MHC class I genes of woodchuck and other mammals indicated a close evolutionary relationship between woodchuck and squirrel MHC class I. We tentatively named this region the locus A of Mamo-I genes (Mamo-A). Sequence analysis of 101 clones of alpha1 and alpha2 regions derived from 14 woodchucks revealed that at least 14 different alleles within Mamo-A exist. Among these 14 alleles identified so far, Mamo-A*01 and Mamo-A*09 were of the highest frequency of about 21.5% and 14.5%, respectively. Our results indicate that Mamo-I genes are of a similar molecular structure to those of human and other mammals.

Alleles↗

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) related cDNA probes associated with antibody response in meat-type chickens.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region was examined as a set of candidate genes for association between DNA markers and antibody response. Intercross F2 families of chickens were generated from a cross between high (HC) and low (LC) Escherichia coli(i) antibody lines. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was conducted by using three MHC-related cDNA probes: chicken MHC class IV (B-G), chicken MHC class I (B-F), and human MHC-linked Tap2. Association between RFLP bands and three antibody response traits (E. coli, sheep red blood cells and Newcastle disease virus) were determined by two methods: by statistically analyzing each band separately and also by analyzing all bands obtained from the three probes by using multiple regression analysis to account for the multiple comparisons. The MHC class IV probe was the highest in polymorphisms but had the lowest number of bands associated with antibody response. The MHC class I probe yielded 15 polymorphic bands of which four exhibited association with antibody response traits. The Tap2 probe yielded 20 different RFLP bands of which five were associated with antibody production. Some Tap2 bands were associated with multiple antibody response traits. The multiband analysis of the three probes' bands revealed more significant effects than the analysis of each band separately. This study illustrates the efficacy of using multiple MHC region probes as candidate markers for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling antibody response in chickens.

Animals↗

Immobilized MICA could expand human Vdelta1 gammadelta T cells in vitro that displayed major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related A-dependent cytotoxicity to human epithelial carcinomas.

Human major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related A (MICA) is a human leucocyte antigen-related polymorphic molecule, which is expressed on many kinds of epithelial tumours and can be recognized by the Vdelta1 subset of gammadelta T cells. In the present study, monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were produced in mice immunized with recombinant MICA (rMICA)*008. It was found that MICA was expressed on ovarian and colonic tumour tissues and could be detected by these anti-MICA MoAbs. The immobilized rMICA could induce the proliferation of human ovarian epithelial carcinoma- or colonic carcinoma-derived gammadelta T cells of the Vdelta1 phenotype in vitro. These Vdelta1 T cells displayed a strong, broad-range cytolytic activity towards tumour cell lines positive for MICA. The efficiency of this cytolytic activity depended greatly on the level of MICA expressed on the cell surface and could be inhibited by anti-MICA MoAbs. Therefore, MICA may play an important role in immune responses against epithelial tumours and function as a stimulating factor for the growth of Vdelta1 gammadelta T cells, whereas MICA-reactive Vdelta1 gammadelta T cells might serve as a new candidate for adoptive cellular therapy of tumours.

Adult↗

Reassociation with beta 2-microglobulin is necessary for Kb class I major histocompatibility complex binding of exogenous peptides.

T lymphocytes recognize endogenously produced antigenic peptides in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded molecules. Peptides from the extracellular fluid can be displayed in association with class I and class II MHC molecules. Here we report that mature Kb class I MHC molecules bind peptides upon dissociation and reassociation of their light chain. Intact Kb heterodimers, unlike class II MHC molecules, are relatively unreceptive to binding peptides. This property may maintain segregation of class I and class II MHC-restricted peptides and has implications for the use of peptides as vaccines.

Animals↗

Direct binding of secreted T-cell receptor beta chain to superantigen associated with class II major histocompatibility complex protein.

The interaction of the T-cell receptor (TCR) with peptide antigen plus major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein requires both alpha and beta chains of the TCR. The "superantigens" are a group of molecules that are recognized in association with MHC class II but that do not appear to conform to this pattern. Superantigens are defined as such because they cause the activation or thymic deletion of many or all T cells bearing specific TCR beta-chain variable region (V beta) elements. The strong association of particular V beta S with T-cell responses to superantigens suggests that their interaction with the TCR is fundamentally different from that of most antigens. We have directly investigated the involvement of the beta chain in recognition of a superantigen by using a secreted, truncated TCR beta chain and the bacterial superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A complexed to cell-surface MHC class II. We demonstrate that this interaction is specific for the enterotoxin and is dependent on MHC class II expression by the cell. The reaction can be inhibited by antibodies against the three components of the reaction: V beta, enterotoxin, and class II. This shows that the TCR beta chain is sufficient to mediate the interaction with a superantigen-class II complex. The TCR alpha chain and co-receptors such as CD4 are not required.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The segment of invariant chain that is critical for association with major histocompatibility complex class II molecules contains the sequence of a peptide eluted from class II polypeptides.

Major histocompatibility complex class II molecules present peptides from an extracellular source of antigens to CD4+ T lymphocytes. The class II-associated invariant chain affects this role of alpha and beta polypeptides by restriction of peptide loading to endocytic vesicles. Up to now no specific portion of the invariant chain has been defined as the class II binding site. We constructed recombinant invariant chain genes and inspected association of the mutant invariant chains with class II polypeptides. Here we demonstrate that an extracytoplasmic sequence of the invariant chain (aa 81-109) that is only 23 residues away from the transmembrane region is essential for contact with class II polypeptides, whereas the remaining C-terminal part is dispensable for binding. The sequence of invariant-chain-derived peptides that were eluted from class II molecules is contained in this segment and may define the class II binding site of the invariant chain. The membrane-proximal position of this region suggests that the invariant chain and invariant-chain-derived peptides isolated from class II molecules bind to a domain distinct from the class II pocket.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The natural killer cell receptor Ly-49A recognizes a peptide-induced conformational determinant on its major histocompatibility complex class I ligand.

Natural killer (NK) cells are inhibited from killing cellular targets by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In the mouse, this can be mediated by the Ly-49A NK cell receptor that specifically binds the H-2Dd MHC class I molecule, then inhibits NK cell activity. Previous experiments have indicated that Ly-49A recognizes the alpha 1/alpha 2 domains of MHC class I and that no specific MHC-bound peptide appeared to be involved. We demonstrate here that alanine-substituted peptides, having only the minimal anchor motifs, stabilized H-2Dd expression and provided resistance to H-2Dd-transfected, transporter associated with processing (TAP)-deficient cells from lysis by Ly-49A+ NK cells. Peptide-induced resistance was blocked only by an mAb that binds a conformational determinant on H-2Dd. Moreover, stabilization of "empty" H-2Dd heavy chains by exogenous beta 2-microglobulin did not confer resistance. In contrast to data for MHC class I-restricted T cells that are specific for peptides displayed MHC molecules, these data indicate that NK cells are specific for a peptide-induced conformational determinant, independent of specific peptide. This fundamental distinction between NK cells and T cells further implies that NK cells are sensitive only to global changes in MHC class I conformation or expression, rather than to specific pathogen-encoded peptides. This is consistent with the "missing self" hypothesis, which postulates that NK cells survey tissues for normal expression of MHC class I.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Active repression of major histocompatibility complex class I genes in a human neuroblastoma cell line.

Human neuronal cells express neither major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I RNA nor cell surface molecules but can be induced to do so by various cytokines. In the present studies, we report that expression of MHC class I in a neuroblastoma cell line, CHP-126, is actively repressed. This repression is mediated by the combined effects of a series of upstream silencer elements. Removal of the silencers reveals not only an active promoter element but also the presence of an active enhancer. Four silencers have been identified and shown to have distinct sequences, binding factors, and patterns of function. One element is located between -724 and -697 base pairs (bp) and corresponds to a silencer involved in tissue-specific regulation of class I gene expression. Three additional elements occur between -503 and -402 bp. One of these corresponds to a c-jun responsive element. Neither of the remaining elements corresponds to DNA sequences known to regulate expression of other genes. These data demonstrate that MHC class I expression normally is actively repressed in neuronal cells and suggest a model of rapid and specific triggering of class I in neuronal cells in response to infection.

Base Sequence↗