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T cell receptor variable gene usage in a specific cytotoxic T cell response. Primary structure of the antigen-MHC receptor of four hapten-specific cytotoxic T cell clones.

The primary structure of the alpha and beta chains of the T cell antigen receptor in four cytotoxic T cell clones specific for N-iodoacetyl-sulfonic-naphthyl-ethylene-diamine (AED)-haptenated target cells displaying a particular class I MHC molecule has been determined. Two of the T cell clones, 8/10-2 and 5/10-20K, recognize AED-modified targets in association with H-2Kb, while the other two clones 5/10-20D and C9 react with AED-modified cells in the context of H-2Db. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of both the alpha and beta chain cDNAs and their deduced protein sequences indicates that a specific variable gene segment was not used to recognize the hapten and/or class I gene products. Furthermore, there does not appear to be any conserved amino acid residues used in the AED-specific response other than the framework amino acids. However, when the two clones 8/10-2 and 5/10-20D were compared, a striking similarity was seen in the J segments. These two clones that recognize AED in the context of different MHC epitopes used identical J alpha (J alpha 810) and J beta (J beta 2.6) gene segments. C9, specific for AED-Db, shared identical V beta (V beta 6) and J beta gene segments (J beta 1.1) as those of a cytotoxic T cell that recognizes allogeneic targets expressing Db. These data indicate that a simple rule governing the usage of the variable regions of either the alpha or beta T cell receptor (TcR) genes in the recognition of antigen and MHC gene products cannot be formulated. However, subtle similarities can be detected in some situations between the primary structures of the TcR and the targets they recognize.

Base Sequence↗

Binding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 to CXCR4 induces mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization and cytochrome c-mediated apoptosis independently of Fas signaling.

Apoptosis of CD4(+) T lymphocytes, induced by contact between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (gp120) and its receptors, could contribute to the cell depletion observed in HIV-infected individuals. CXCR4 appears to play an important role in gp120-induced cell death, but the mechanisms involved in this apoptotic process remain poorly understood. To get insight into the signal transduction pathways connecting CXCR4 to apoptosis following gp120 binding, we used different cell lines expressing wild-type CXCR4 and a truncated form of CD4 that binds gp120 but lacks the ability to transduce signals. The present study demonstrates that (i) the interaction of cell-associated gp120 with CXCR4-expressing target cells triggers a rapid dissipation of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential resulting in the cytosolic release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to cytosol, concurrent with activation of caspase-9 and -3; (ii) this apoptotic process is independent of Fas signaling; and (iii) cooperation with a CD4 signal is not required. In addition, following coculture with cells expressing gp120, a Fas-independent apoptosis involving mitochondria and caspase activation is also observed in primary umbilical cord blood CD4(+) T lymphocytes expressing high levels of CXCR4. Thus, this gp120-mediated apoptotic pathway may contribute to CD4(+) T-cell depletion in AIDS.

Apoptosis↗

Modulation of the light response by cAMP in Drosophila photoreceptors.

Phototransduction in Drosophila is mediated by a G-protein-coupled phospholipase C transduction cascade in which each absorbed photon generates a discrete electrical event, the quantum bump. In whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings, cAMP, as well as its nonhydrolyzable and membrane-permeant analogs 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) and dibutyryl-cAMP, slowed down the macroscopic light response by increasing quantum bump latency, without changes in bump amplitude or duration. In contrast, cGMP or 8-Br-cGMP had no effect on light response amplitude or kinetics. None of the cyclic nucleotides activated any channels in the plasma membrane. The effects of cAMP were mimicked by application of the non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX and the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin; zaprinast, a specific cGMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor, was ineffective. Bump latency was also increased by targeted expression of either an activated G(s) alpha subunit, which increased endogenous adenylyl cyclase activity, or an activated catalytic protein kinase A (PKA) subunit. The action of IBMX was blocked by pretreatment with the PKA inhibitor H-89. The effects of cAMP were abolished in mutants of the ninaC gene, suggesting this nonconventional myosin as a possible target for PKA-mediated phosphorylation. Dopamine (10 microM) and octopamine (100 microM) mimicked the effects of cAMP. These results indicate the existence of a G-protein-coupled adenylyl cyclase pathway in Drosophila photoreceptors, which modulates the phospholipase C-based phototransduction cascade.

Animals↗

Antigens recognized by autologous antibodies of patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

Serological analysis of recombinant cDNA libraries (SEREX) uses high titer IgGs to identify antigens expressed by autologous cancers. In order to identify tumor antigens in soft tissue sarcoma (STS), sera from four patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), pleomorphic liposarcoma, and dedifferentiated liposarcoma were screened against cDNA libraries derived from autologous tumor. We identified 18 antigens encoded by 15 different genes, including DLG7, which is located on chromosome 14q22, a locus previously found to be altered in STS, and the proto-oncogene JUN. Ten of fourteen antigens (71%) do not react with sera from healthy donors, suggesting that antibody recognition takes place during cancer progression. Using oligonucleotide microarray technology, most genes were variably expressed across a panel of 16 benign specimens and 41 STSs of different histologies. DLG7, however, showed restricted expression in testes and cancer, similarly to known germ cell cancer-testis antigens (or germ cell antigens, GCAs). Thus, the current study identified several antigens, including molecules implicated in tumorigenesis that were recognized by high titer IgGs in STS patients. Further studies of these selected novel STS antigens are warranted to identify and characterize potential antigen targets expressed by STS.

Antibodies, Neoplasm↗

Natural killer cell and granulocyte Fc gamma receptor III (CD16) differ in membrane anchor and signal transduction.

CD16 is a low affinity Fc gamma R III expressed on granulocytes, macrophages and large granular lymphocytes, the mediators of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and NK. The occupancy of CD16 by aggregated IgG on large granular lymphocytes induces expression of activation markers, release of inflammatory mediators and triggering of effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Recently we and others described that CD16 is anchored to the membrane of granulocytes via a phosphatidylinositol glycan moiety. Here we show that the CD16 molecule expressed on NK cells, cultured monocytes, and lung macrophages is not phosphatidylinositol glycan moiety anchored. It is not released with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, and after removal of N-linked carbohydrate is 5 to 7 kDa larger than the granulocyte CD16 molecule, strongly suggesting the presence of transmembrane and cytoplasmic protein domains. Redirected killing of hybridoma targets expressing anti-CD16 surface Ig shows that NK cell CD16 is unable to do so. These findings demonstrate that NK cell and granulocyte CD16 have different membrane anchors and indicate that the type of membrane anchor is an important biologic mechanism for regulating the functional capacity of surface receptors.

Antigens, Differentiation↗

Cross-reactivity patterns of vaccinia-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes from H-2Kb mutants.

Limit-dilution cultures were used to select vaccinia-immune T-cell populations from bm1 and bm3 mutant mice that were not lytic for virus-infected targets expressing the Kb and Db MHC glycoprotein. Approximately 30% of virus-immune CTL were restricted in each case to Kbm1 and Kbm3, rather than to Db. Evidence of extensive cross-reactivity was found for these virus-immune CTL. Bm3 and bm11 mice sharing one amino acid mutation from wild-type but differing by a second mutation seen only in bm3 are the most cross-reactive pair in their presentation of vaccinia. The bm1 and bm10 pair with dissimilar mutations from wild-type affecting the same CNBr fragment are also largely cross-reactive. However, 30% cross-reactivity is also found for bm1 and bm3, which differ in separate CNBr fragments. That mutants expressing amino acid substitutions in the same region of the peptide tend to show more evidence of cross-reactivity does not necessarily mean the T cells see linear arrays of amino acids on the MHC glycoprotein. For instance, Kbm1 and Kbm10 differ for three amino acids, but bm1 T cells are highly lytic for bm10 virus-infected targets. However, there is no cross-reactivity for Kbm1 and Kb, which differ at only two amino acids. The key to further understanding may rest with defining the nature of the conformational differences among the Kbm1, Kbm10, and Kb glycoproteins.

Animals↗

Differential expression profiling of head and neck squamous carcinoma: significance in their phenotypic and biological classification.

The genetic events associated with the development and progression of head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) are largely unknown. We analysed 12 matched pairs of histologically normal squamous mucosa and tumor specimens from six conventional and six phenotypic variants HNSC to define the differentially expressed genes in these tumors. Parallel expression analysis of 8055 unique genes was performed, and the level of the hybridization signal for each gene was measured after normalization. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the expressed genes showed distinct inter- and intra-tumoral patterns in and between conventional squamous carcinoma and squamous carcinoma variants. We also identified 26 (0.32%) differentially expressed genes that were consistently different between matched pairs of normal and tumor specimens; a selected set of the overexpressed genes was validated using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. The majority of the genes were associated with differentiation and proliferation. Our study defines a set of genes that could form the basis for the construction of limited HNSC targeted expression array and in-depth studies and further highlights gene profile differences that may be useful in pathobiologic classification of HNSC.

Adult↗

HLA-B27 in inbred and non-inbred transgenic mice. Cell surface expression and recognition as an alloantigen in the absence of human beta 2-microglobulin.

A gene encoding the H chain of the human class I MHC Ag HLA-B27 was introduced into the germ lines of inbred C57BL/6 (B6) and non-inbred (B6 X SJL/J) F2 mice. By immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, the HLA-B27 gene product was expressed on lymphoid cells at levels comparable to the endogenous H-2b and H-2s class I MHC molecules. In both primary and secondary MLC between responder spleen cells from non-transgenic (B6 X SJL/J) F1 mice and transgenic stimulator cells, CTL were generated that specifically lysed mouse L cell (H-2k) or human B cell targets expressing HLA-B27, and this lysis thus appeared largely unrestricted by H-2. These results indicate that transgenic mice express a functional HLA-B27 gene product on cell surfaces in the absence of the human beta 2-microglobulin gene. These transgenic mice promise to be a valuable resource in the investigation of the unique role of HLA-B27 in inflammatory human disease.

Animals↗

Ubiquitous expression of marker transgenes in mice and rats.

The ability to unambiguously mark a cell's genotype is essential for studies in which genetically distinct cell populations must be distinguished from one another in vivo. One approach to this challenge has been the creation of transgenic mice expressing a transgene marker that is easily detectable, with no background staining. Multiple transgenic mouse strains bearing constructs with different combinations of promoter elements and coding sequences have been described, each with its own advantages and limitations. In this report we describe the use of an 800-bp promoter fragment isolated from the beta(geo) integration site in ROSA26 mice to target expression of two marker genes. We demonstrate that the ROSA26 promoter directs ubiquitous expression of human placental alkaline phosphatase and enhanced green fluorescent protein during embryonic and postnatal development in mouse and rat. We further demonstrate the general utility of these transgenes for marking donor cells in transplantation studies.

Animals↗

Opposite transcriptional regulation in skeletal muscle of AMP-activated protein kinase gamma3 R225Q transgenic versus knock-out mice.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved heterotrimer important for metabolic sensing in all eukaryotes. The muscle-specific isoform of the regulatory gamma-subunit of the kinase, AMPK gamma3, has an important role in glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and fat oxidation in white skeletal muscle, as previously demonstrated by physiological characterization of AMPK gamma3 mutant (R225Q) transgenic (TgPrkag3(225Q)) and gamma3 knock-out (Prkag3(-/-)) mice. We determined AMPK gamma3-dependent regulation of gene expression by analyzing global transcription profiles in glycolytic skeletal muscle from gamma3 mutant transgenic and knock-out mice using oligonucleotide microarray technology. Evidence is provided for coordinated and reciprocal regulation of multiple key components in glucose and fat metabolism, as well as skeletal muscle ergogenics in TgPrkag3(225Q) and Prkag3(-/-) mice. The differential gene expression profile was consistent with the physiological differences between the models, providing a molecular mechanism for the observed phenotype. The striking pattern of opposing transcriptional changes between TgPrkag3(225Q) and Prkag3(-/-) mice identifies differentially expressed targets being truly regulated by AMPK and is consistent with the view that R225Q is an activating mutation, in terms of its downstream effects. Additionally, we identified a wide array of novel targets and regulatory pathways for AMPK in skeletal muscle.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Gene therapy of pituitary diseases.

Despite a stuttering course, gene therapy continues to provide a potential treatment avenue for many human diseases, including cancer and various inherited disorders. Gene therapy is also attractive for the treatment of local, benign disorders, such as pituitary adenomas. Advances in technology have focused on modifying existing viral vectors and developing targeted expression of therapeutic genes in an effort to achieve efficacy with minimal toxicity. Gene therapy also offers innovative strategies for treating hypopituitarism by replacing hormones such as growth hormone (GH) and vasopressin.

Adenoma↗

In vivo T-lymphocyte tolerance in the absence of thymic clonal deletion mediated by hematopoietic cells.

Thymic negative selection renders the developing T-cell repertoire tolerant to self-major histocompatability complex (MHC)/peptide ligands. The major mechanism of induction of self-tolerance is thought to be thymic clonal deletion, ie, the induction of apoptotic cell death in thymocytes expressing a self-reactive T-cell receptor. Consistent with this hypothesis, in mice deficient in thymic clonal deletion mediated by cells of hematopoietic origin, a twofold to threefold increased generation of mature thymocytes has been observed. Here we describe the analysis of the specificity of T lymphocytes developing in the absence of clonal deletion mediated by hematopoietic cells. In vitro, targets expressing syngeneic MHC were readily lysed by activated CD8(+) T cells from deletion-deficient mice. However, proliferative responses of T cells from these mice on activation with syngeneic antigen presenting cells were rather poor. In vivo, deletion-deficient T cells were incapable of induction of lethal graft-versus-host disease in syngeneic hosts. These data indicate that in the absence of thymic deletion mediated by hematopoietic cells functional T-cell tolerance can be induced by nonhematopoietic cells in the thymus. Moreover, our results emphasize the redundancy in thymic negative selection mechanisms.

Animals↗

Optimized AAV5-RPGR ORF15 Gene Therapy Rescues Photoreceptor Structure and Function in X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Mouse Model.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate an rAAV5-based gene therapy vector expressing an optimized human RPGR ORF15 transgene (rAAV5-RPGR) for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by RPGR mutations, addressing the challenges of cloning the unstable wild-type ORF15 sequence. DESIGN: This was a prospective experimental study. SUBJECTS: This was an animal study. METHODS: An optimized RPGR ORF15 sequence was designed to eliminate problematic secondary structures and cryptic splice sites. In vitro expression was validated in HEK 293T and photoreceptor-like 661 W cells. A complete Rpgr knockout mouse model (Rpgr-knockout [KO]) was generated and characterized phenotypically. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed in Rpgr-KO mice via subretinal injection of rAAV5-RPGR at low (1 &#xd7; 10&#x2079; vg/eye), medium (3 &#xd7; 10&#x2079; vg/eye), or high (1 &#xd7; 10&#xb9;&#x2070; vg/eye) doses. Structural and functional outcomes were evaluated at 12- and 14-month postinjection. Short-term safety was assessed in rabbits 1 month after subretinal injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Level of RPGR protein expression and Protein isoform profile (elimination of truncated isoforms), Cellular localization of transgene expression and Dose-dependence of expression, outer nuclear layer thickness, and electroretinography parameters. RESULTS: (1) The optimized vector increased RPGR protein expression 3.3-fold in vitro compared to wild-type and eliminated truncated isoforms. (2) Subretinal delivery of rAAV5-RPGR in mice demonstrated dose-dependent transgene expression localized correctly to photoreceptor inner segments. (3) In Rpgr-KO mice, high-dose treatment significantly preserved outer nuclear layer thickness at the injection site (42% greater than controls at 14 months, P < .01) and central retina (P < .05), reduced aberrant rhodopsin mislocalization (P < .01), and partially restored retinal function. ERG showed significantly improved scotopic a-wave (&#x2265;100 vs <90 &#xb5;V in controls at 10 cd&#xb7;s/m&#xb2;) and photopic b-wave amplitudes (49-66 vs 31-46 &#xb5;V at 30 cd&#xb7;s/m&#xb2;) in treated mice. (4) No vector-related toxicity was observed in rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: rAAV5-RPGR mediated efficiently, targeted expression of optimized RPGR-ORF15, significantly preserved photoreceptor structure and function in a severe X-linked retinitis pigmentosa mouse model, and demonstrated a favorable safety profile. This study provides preclinical proof-of-concept for RPGR-targeted gene replacement therapy.

Animals↗

Loss of tumor suppressor PTEN function increases B7-H1 expression and immunoresistance in glioma.

Cancer immunoresistance and immune escape may play important roles in tumor progression and pose obstacles for immunotherapy. Expression of the immunosuppressive protein B7 homolog 1 (B7-H1), also known as programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), is increased in many pathological conditions, including cancer. Here we show that expression of the gene encoding B7-H1 increases post transcriptionally in human glioma after loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) pathway. Tumor specimens from individuals with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) had levels of B7-H1 protein that correlated with PTEN loss, and tumor-specific T cells lysed human glioma targets expressing wild-type PTEN more effectively than those expressing mutant PTEN. These data identify a previously unrecognized mechanism linking loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN with immunoresistance, mediated in part by B7-H1.

Analysis of Variance↗

The leak stops here: platelets as delivery vehicles for coagulation factors.

Gene therapy is an attractive approach for the treatment of hemophilia, as continuous expression of donated clotting factor VIII (FVIII) DNA would ensure clotting factor replacement at constant circulating levels rather than at the peaks and troughs that characterize the current protein infusion therapeutic approach. In this issue of the JCI, Shi et al. describe an interesting variant of a gene transfer approach for hemophilia (see the related article beginning on page 1974). They show that targeted expression of FVIII in megakaryocytes, with storage in the alpha-granules of platelets, has the advantage of delivering clotting factors directly to the site of an injury, where platelets accumulate in large numbers and undergo activation accompanied by release of granule contents. Earlier clinical experience with gene transfer into hematopoietic cells highlighted the potential safety risks of this approach, but an F8 transgene may represent a lower risk than transgenes for growth factors or their receptors.

Animals↗

TGFbeta1 inhibits the formation of benign skin tumors, but enhances progression to invasive spindle carcinomas in transgenic mice.

TGFbeta1 has been implicated in cell cycle control and carcinogenesis. To address the exact function of TGFbeta1 in skin carcinogenesis in vivo, mice with TGFbeta1 expression targeted to keratinocytes were subjected to long-term chemical carcinogenesis treatment. TGFbeta1 showed biphasic action during multistage skin carcinogenesis, acting early as a tumor suppressor but later enhancing the malignant phenotype. The transgenics were more resistant to induction of benign skin tumors than controls, but the malignant conversion rate was vastly increased. There was also a higher incidence of spindle cell carcinomas, which expressed high levels of endogenous TGFbeta3, suggesting that TGFbeta1 elicits an epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vivo and that TGFbeta3 might be involved in maintenance of the spindle cell phenotype. The action of TGFbeta1 in enhancing malignant progression may mimic its proposed function in modulating epithelial cell plasticity during embryonic development.

Animals↗

EBNA1-specific CD4+ T cells in healthy carriers of Epstein-Barr virus are primarily Th1 in function.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) maintains the viral episome in all host cells infected with EBV. Recently, EBNA1 was found to be the main EBV latency antigen for CD4+ T cells and could be recognized in cultures from all donors tested. We now identify a polarized Th1 phenotype and obtain evidence for its presence in vivo. When T cells were stimulated with dendritic cells infected with vaccinia vectors expressing EBNA1, 18 of 19 donors secreted IFN-gamma, whereas only two of 19 secreted IL-4. Magnetic selection was then used to isolate cells from fresh blood based on EBNA1-induced cytokine production. Specific IFN-gamma CD4+ cell lines were established from six of six donors and IL-4 lines from three of six. Only the Th1 lines specifically lysed targets expressing three different sources of EBNA1 protein. When the IgG isotype of EBNA1 plasma Ab's was tested, most specific Ab's were IgG1 and of a high titer, confirming a Th1 response to EBNA1 in vivo. Ab's to other microbial antigens generally were not skewed toward IgG1. Given emerging evidence that Th1 CD4+ T cells have several critical roles in host defense to viral infection and tumors, we propose that EBNA1-specific CD4+ Th1 cells contribute to resistance to EBV and EBV-associated malignancies.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Human CD8+ cytotoxic T cell responses to adenovirus capsid proteins.

Adenoviruses (Ads) cause fatal disease in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients, but there is no established therapy. Ad-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in PBMC from healthy adults at a mean frequency of 77 per 10(5) CD8+ T cells (range 8-260) by interferon-gamma ELISPOT and cytokine flow cytometry assays. CD8+ T cell lines from 7 of 7 donors exhibited MHC-class-I-restricted killing of targets expressing the capsid protein hexon. In contrast, cytotoxicity against the capsid proteins fiber and penton base was weaker or not detected. Two HLA-A2-restricted hexon epitopes and one HLA-B-restricted epitope were identified, all of which are adjacent to or overlap an HLA-DP4-restricted epitope in the highly conserved C-terminus. Thus, hexon is the immunodominant T cell target among capsid proteins and contains multiple C-terminal epitopes conserved among serotypes. These data support evaluation of donor lymphocyte infusions for treatment of Ad disease post-transplant.

Adenoviridae↗