The Journal of Experimental Medicine

Munthe-Kaas, A C; Berg, T; Seglen, P O; Seljelid, R

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.1pmid: 1090696

Collagenase perfusion of the liver followed by pronase treatment of the cell suspension thus obtained gave a quantitative recovery of viable nonparenchymal liver cells (NPC). From these NPC, Kupffer (K) cells can be purified by attachment to tissue culture dishes. Tail vein injection of carbon 1-2 h before liver perfusion permitted stepwise calculation as well as visualization of carbon-containing K cells. When these K cells have been put into tissue culture medium with serum and incubated overnight, they exhibit typical macrophage characteristics. Phase-contrast and transmission electron microscopy showed typical macrophage morphology and scanning electron microscopy revealed well-spread cells with cytoplasmic projections and ruffled membranes. Endocytosis studies using radioactive colloidal gold and inert latex particles also indicated that these cells are highly active in pinocytosis and phagocytosis. Further characterization of K cells is the identification of Fc receptor on their membranes. Studies on lysosomal enzymes showed that purified K cells possess higher specific activities in beta-glucuronidase, acid DNase, and cathepsin D than in purified parenchymal cells.

Brondz, B D; Egorov, I K; Drizlikh, G I

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.11pmid: 46906

Receptors of effector T lymphocytes of congeneic strains of mice do not recognize public H-2 specificities and react to private H-2 specificities only. This has been established with the use of three tests: direct cytotoxicity assay of immune lymphocytes upon target cells, specific absorption of the lymphocytes on the target cells, and rejection of skin grafts at an accelerated fashion. Immunization with two private H-2 specificities in the system C57BL/10ScSn leads to B10.D2 induces formation of two corresponding populations of effector lymphocytes in unequal proportion: a greater part of them is directed against the private specificity H-2.33 (Kb), while the smaller part is towards H-2.2 (Db) private specificity. These two populations of effector lymphocytes do not overlap, as demonstrated by experiments on their cross-absorption on B10.D2 (R107), B10.D2 (R101), B10.A(2R), and B10.A(5R) target cells, as well as on mixtures of R107 and R101 targets. Following removal of lymphocytes reacting with one of the private H-2 specificities, lymphocytes specific to the other specificity are fully maintained. A mixture of target cells, each bearing one of the two immunizing private specificities, absorbs 100% of the immune lymphocytes and is totally destroyed by them. It is suggested that H-2 antigens are natural complexes of hapten-carrier type, in which the role of hapten is played by public H-2 specifities and that of the carrier determinant by either private H-2 specificities or structures closely linked to them. Various models of steric arrangement of MHC determinants recognized by receptors of effector T lymphocytes are discussed.

Findelman, F D; Shevach, E M; Vitetta, E S; Green, I; Paul, W E

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.27pmid: 1090699

We have previously demonstrated that guinea pig alloantisera directed at strain 2 and strain 13 membrane antigens block specific lymphocyte activation in immune response gene-controlled systems. In this communication we describe the partial characterization of the antigens against which these antisera are directed (the 2 and 13 antigens) and, in addition, that of the B antigen which by distribution resembles the human HL-A and mouse H-2 major histocompatibility antigens. Lymphoid cells from strain 2 and strain 13 guinea pigs were surface labeled with 125I by the lactoperoxidase technique. Nonidet P-40 extracts of these labeled cells were precipitated by sandwiches of strain 2 antistrain 13, strain 13 antistrain 2, or outbred anti-B antisera, followed by rabbit antiguinea pig immunoglobulin antisera. Precipitates were dissolved in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and electrophoresed on SDS polyacrylamide gels. Radioactive peaks representing the 2 and B-cell membrane antigens were obtained from strain 2 lymph node cells, as well as from a B-lymphoid cell population (L2C leukemia cells) and a T-lymphocyte population (STRAIN 2 PERITONEAL EXUDATE LYMPHOCYTES PELs). Radioactive peaks representing the 13 and B-cell membrane antigens were obtained from strain 13 lymph node cells and strain 13 PELs. All anti-B precipitates produced two peaks when electrophoresed on SDS polyacrylamide gels; one representing an antigen with a mol wt of approximately 45,000, and one representing an antigen with a mol wt of about 12,000. Both may be components of a single protein. All anti-2 and anti-13 precipitates produced a single peak when electrophoresed on SDS polyacrylamide gels. Both the 2 and 13 antigens were found by this technique to have mol wt of approximately 25,000. By molecular weight criteria, as well as by previously investigated distributional criteria, the B antigen is similar to the human LA and Four antigens, and to the mouse D and K antigens, and the 2 and 13 antigens are similar to the mouse Ia antigens.

Janeway, C A; Cohen, B E; Ben-Sasson, S Z; Paul, W E

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.42pmid: 46912

Guinea pigs immunized with the hapten 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) coupled directly to Mycobacterium tuberculosis of strain H37Ra (DNP-H37) show a variety of cell-mediated immune responses to DNP coupled to protein carriers. The cells responsible for this specific response are thought to be T lymphocytes for the following reasons: Guinea pigs immunized with DNP-H37 displayed delayed hypersensitivity reactions to several DNP-proteins and contact sensitivity to dinitrofluorobenzene. Peritoneal exudate lymphocytes (PELs) obtained from DNP-H37 immune animals respond to DNP-proteins with DNA systhesis and cause inhibition of macrophage migration. PELs are highly enriched in T lymphocytes and contain few immunoglobulin-bearing cells. Further depletion of immunoglobulin-bearing cells from this population does not diminish the in vitro proliferative response to antigen. Nitrophenyl conjugates of proteins lacking a paranitro group stimulated DNA synthesis poorly or not at all, indicating the importance of the paranitro group of DNP in antigen recognition by T cells in this system. In this respect, the specificity of T cells resembles that of DNP-specific antibody from the same animals. On the other hand, DNP conjugates of copolymers of glutamic acid and lysine and DNP conjugated to proteins via an interposed beta-alanyl-glycyl-glycyl spacer failed to stimulate DNA synthesis, although such compounds bind very efficiently to anti-DNP antibody. By contrast, DNP conjugates of synthetic polypeptide carriers containing as little as 7% tyrosine strongly stimulated DNA synthesis in DNP-H37 immune PELs. That the determinant responsible for this stimulation was DNP coupled to the hydroxyl group of tyrosine was shown by selective removal of DNP from tyrosine by thiolysis with 2-mercaptoethanol, which abolished their ability to stimulate T cells.

Gearhart, P J; Sigal, N H; Klinman, N R

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.56pmid: 46913

Immune responsiveness to phosphorylcholine (PC) in BALB/c mice has been characterized by combining (a) usuage of highly sensitive radioimmunoassays for quantitation of antibody, heavy-chain class, and idiotype on a weight basis; (b) isolation of PC-specific B cells in fragment cultures; and (c) stimulation in a carrier-primed environment with the PC hapten coupled to carrier through a tripeptide spacer in order to maximize carrier recognition. The specificity and accuracy of the radioimmunoassays have veen verified by specific inhibition, lack of nonspecific binding, and excellent concordance of values for monoclonal antibody concentration obtained independently for Fab and idiotype content. The latter evidence also serves as strong confirmation of the monoclonality of in vitro monofocal responses as well as the preservation of the idiotype on antibodies of differing immunoglobulin classes. The results indicate that while B cells expressing the TEPC 15 idiotype predominate, other idiotypes may be represented by 2-50% of PC-specific precursors, and monoclonal antibodies even of the TEPC 15 idiotype are produced in both the IgM and IgG1 immunoglobulin classes. These findings are confirmed by the analysis of serum antibodies produced in carrier-primed mice immunized with hapten coupled through a tripeptide spacer, thus re-emphasizint the enhancement of primary responsiveness, particularly IgG1 production, by maximizing carrier recognition. The finding of idiotype diversity in the PC response, as well as diversity of expression in terms of quantity and immunoglobulin class of antibody synthesized by the clonal progeny of B cells within the TEPC 15 clonotype, emphasize the heterogeneity of the B-cell population both in terms of specificity repertoire and the physiological state of cells even within a single clonotype.

McFarlin, D E; Hsu, S C; Slemenda, S B; Chou, F C; Kibler, R F

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.72pmid: 46914

After challenge with guiena pig basic protein (GPBP) Lewis (Le) rats, which are homozygous for the immune response experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (Ir-EAE) gene, developed positive delayed skin tests against GPBP and the 43 residue encephalitogenic fragment (EF); in addition, Le rat lymph node cells (LNC) were stimulated and produced migration inhibitory factor (MIF) when incubated in vitro with these antigens. In contrast Brown Norway (BN) rats, which lack the Ir-EAE gene, did not develop delayed skin tests to EF and their LNC were not stimulated and did not produce MIF when incubated in vitro with EF. These observations indicate that the Ir-EAE gene controls a T-cell response against the EF. Le rats produced measurable anti-BP antibody by radioimmunoassay after primary challenge. Although no antibody was detectable in BN rats by radioimmunoassay, radioimmunoelectrophoresis indicated that a small amount of antibody was formed after primary immunization. After boosting intraperitoneally, both strains of rat exhibited a rise in anti-BP antibody; which was greater in Le rats. In both strains of rat the anti-BP antibody reacted with a portion of the molecule other than the EF. Since EF primarily evokes a T cell response, it is suggested that the EF portion of the BP molecule may contain a helper determinant in antibody production.

Lagrange, P H; Mackaness, G B

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.82pmid: 1090700

An antigen dose below the level needed to provoke an antibody response produces in mice a persistent, but minor degree of delayed-type hypersensitivity (dth) to sheep red blood cells. The DTH is unstable. It is erased by larger doses of antigen and cannot be built upon by further antigenic stimulation. The much higher levels of DTH resulting from immunization under the modulating influence of cyclophosphamide (CY) or BCG persist under strong secondary antigenic stimulation, though the former is subject to partial suppression unless CY is used to prevent the secondary humoral response. The DTH produced by a BCG-modulated primary response is not subject to this suppressive effect of a secondary antibody response. In this case the anamnestic T-cell response is very brisk and cannont be potentiated by giving CY at the time of the secondary antigenic stimulus. This effect is not due to the modulating influence of a residual BCG infection. It results from a permanent change induced during the primary response. The mediator cells formed under the influence of BCG are apparently resistant to inhibition by blocking serum containing immune complexes. Even the actively dividing T cells which are susceptible to vinblastine, and most readily blocked in the absence of BCG, are highly resistant to blocking by immune complexes. It is not clear whether these cells are intrinsically different or whether their insensitivity to blocking results from features peculiar to the humoral response that accompanies a BCG-modulated primary response. The mediator cells produced by both BCG- and CY-modulated responses become vinblastine resistant, relatively insensitive to humoral blocking factors, and capable of surviving in a functionally active form in syngeneic recipients with an apparent half-life of about 50 days. There were indications, however, that their effective life-span may be greatly extended in some circumstances by persisting antigenic stimulation; and in the case of BCG-modulated immunity the prevailing level of T-cell activity can be greatly augmented by a further antigenic stimulus without the necessity for renewed exposure to BCG.

Watson, J

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.97pmid: 163886

The intracellular ratio of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) to guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) may control the developmental pathway followed by antibody-forming cell (AFC) precursors. The evidence for this is derived from several different types of experiments. First lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which is mitogenic for B lymphocytes, stimulates rapid, transient changes in intracellular levels of cyclic GMP but not cyclic AMP when added to mouse spleen cultures. Cyclic GMP itself stimulates DNA synthesis in these cultures, suggesting that the intracellular changes in cyclic GMP levels are involved in the mitogenic signal delivered by LPS to cells. The absolute amounts of cyclic nucleotides may vary widely in different cells under various conditions, however, the intracellular ratio of cyclic AMP to cyclic GMP is always high in nondividing cells and low in dividing cells. AFC precursors appear to respond to antigen in the absence of T-cell activity by inactivation (1-7). In the response to antigen in the presence of specific T cells, precursor cells proliferate and mature to AFC. Raising intracellular levels of cyclic AMP inhibits cell proliferation and leads to precursor cell inactivation (14, 15). It is suggested that the interaction of antigen with immunoglobulin receptors on the surface of precursors cells leads to the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity and initiates the inactivation pathway. Since cyclic GMP stimulates immune responses in T-cell-depleted cultures (14, 15) and increasing cyclic GMP levels appear to be involved in the delivery of a mitogenic signal to cells, it is suggested that T-helper cells deliver a signal to precursor cells via the stimulation of guanylate cyclase to initiate the inductive pathway. It is suggested that it is the intracellular ratio of cyclic AMP to cyclic GMP that regulates the fate of precursor cells, not the absolute level of one cyclic nucleotide.

Tung, A S; Nisonoff, A

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.112pmid: 46907

Immuization of A/J mice with a KLH-p-azophenylarsonate conjugate induces the formation of antihapten antibodies, some of which share idiotypic specificity common to all recipients. The subpopulation carrying the idiotype generally comprises 20-70% of the total antibody content. Large quantities of antihapten antibody (occasionally over 100 mg) were obtained from individual mice through the induction of an ascites fluid. This facilitated isolation of antibodies with the cross-reactive idiotype by isoelectric focusing. Most of this subpopulation has pI values between 6.65 and 6.95 and essentially all is of the IgG1 subclass. Two peaks, near pI 6.7 and 6.9, were frequently observed. Upon refocusing, the protein artifact of the procedure, but indicates microheterogeneity. The antibodies in the two peaks were found to be idiotypically identical by measurements of cross-inhibition. Preliminary studies have indicated that it is feasible to initiate investigations of primary structure with antibodies from individual inbred mice.

Bell, R G; Hazell, L A

doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.127pmid: 235002

The effect of dietary protein restriction in mice on the capacity of their lymphoid cells to induce graft-vs.-host responses (GVHR) was studied. Mice were fed diets containing 4% or 20% protein ad libitum. The GVHR capacity of cells from all lymphoid organs of deprived mice was increased on a cell-for-cell basis over that of their normally fed counterparts. The slope of the dose-response curves did not change for spleen and mesenteric lymph node cells although their reactivity was increased by fourfold, and 50% respectively. The slope of the curves for thymus and Peyer's patches was changed indicating fundamental changes in the reactive cellular populations of these organs. Changes in GVH reactivity of cell populations from deprived mice were not mediated by increased corticosteroid production as adrenalectomy did not reduce their GVH responses. An explanation for the results was sought in a general decrease in production of short-lived cells with a rapid turnover such as most B cells. Long-lived T cells appear to persist and retain their reactivity for quite long periods in the face of nutritional insults.