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SUMMARY Scrum levels of IL-8 were determined in HIV-infected individuals and the results were compared with those for HIV controls. The IL-8 levels were measured by an ELISA with a MoAb and a polyclonal antibody to recombinant IL-8. The means and 95% confidence intervals of IL-8 in sera of 36 HIV-infected individuals and 32 matched controls were 275 and 216 349 pg/ml, and 8 and 4 14 pg/ml, respectively, showing a 34-fold increase in IL-8 in the circulation of HIV-infected individuals. This increase does not appear to be related to the disease state, infection or systemic medical agents. This finding suggests the possible involvement of IL-8 in the pathogenesis of HIV-induced disease.

The regulation of low-affinity Fc receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII) and the characteristics of both membrane and soluble forms of Fc epsilon RII were studied using YT cell line. We found that YT cells, a human NK like cell line, expressed Fc epsilon RII after IL-1 stimulation. Cross-linking of Fc epsilon RII on IL-1-stimulated YT cells as well as the transfectant of Fc epsilon RII-cDNA (YTSER) resulted in the up-regulation of IL-2R alpha (p55/Tac). A 59 kDa protein phosphorylated at tyrosine residues was co-immunoprecipitated with Fc epsilon RII from YTSER lysate using H107 anti-Fc epsilon RII mAb. YTSER not only expressed Fc epsilon RII on their surface but also secreted soluble form of Fc epsilon RII (sFc epsilon RII/sCD23; IgE binding factor). Affinity purification revealed that sFc epsilon RII released from YTSER is heterogeneous and consisted of several proteins differing in molecular weight. Both EBV+ B cells and HTLV-1+ T cells are high producers of ATL derived factor (ADF)/thioredoxin (TRX) and express Fc epsilon RII and IL-2R alpha respectively. To clarify the mechanism of Fc epsilon RII and IL-2R alpha induction by ADF/TRX, we examined the effect of ADF/TRX on the bindability of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), which is known to regulate IL-2R alpha gene expression. In the gel shift assay, ADF/TRX was shown to enhance the bindability of NF-kappa B to its responsive element.

GM2 and GD2 gangliosides are sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids expressed in some normal tissues such as brain and in various tumors such as neuroblastomas, astrocytomas, and malignant melanomas. We used a eukaryotic cell transient expression system to isolate cDNA clones that determine GM2 expression. We developed a new cell line from murine melanoma line B16 by transfecting with the polyoma T antigen gene that was suitable for this purpose. Two cDNA clones, both of which have a continuous open reading frame of 1683 base pairs, were isolated. Although the cloned cDNAs had no primary sequence similarity to reported glycosyltransferases, the deduced amino acid sequence predicted a type II transmembrane protein with an overall structure similar to other glycosyltransferases. The cDNA clones, when stably transfected, determined the expression of GM2 in B16 cells and GM2 and GD2 in the human melanoma line MeWo. Northern blot analysis revealed two transcripts in all cells that expressed either GM2 or GD2 or both. These findings indicate that the cDNAs catalyze the transfer of GalNAc onto GM3 and GD3 by a beta 1,4 linkage, resulting in the synthesis of GM2 and GD2, respectively. Namely they suggest that these cDNAs derive from the UDP-GalNAc: GM3/GD3 beta 1,4 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.92) gene.

Despite the evidence for the expression of Fc epsilon RII/CD23, a glycoprotein that is a low-affinity Fc receptor for IgE, obtained on T cell lines and some pathological T cells, that of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on normal human T cells is still unclear. We studied the emergence of T cells bearing Fc epsilon RII/CD23 in short-term culture of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with 15 microliters/ml phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Using two-dimension flow cytometry, more than 10% of Fc epsilon RII/CD23(+) cells were shown to co-express CD3 antigen. Both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressed Fc epsilon RII/CD23. The expression of mRNA for Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on PHA and IL-4 stimulated PBMC was demonstrated by northern blotting and in-situ hybridization. The mechanism of signal transduction through Fc epsilon RII/CD23 was dissected by transfection of cDNA coding for Fc epsilon RII to the human natural killer-like cell line YT, activation of which was easily detected by the induction of interleukin-2 receptor/p55 (Tac). Cross-linking of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 with H107 anti-Fc epsilon RII monoclonal antibody enhanced IL-2R/p55 expression on YT cells transfected with Fc epsilon RII cDNA (YTSER). A possible involvement of protein-tyrosine kinase in the Fc epsilon RII-mediated signal transduction was studied using YTSER. Fc epsilon RII was physically associated with an src-family tyrosine kinase p59fyn and not with p56lck, which was also found in YT cells. Recently it was reported that p59fyn was associated with T-cell antigen receptor. Our results collectively suggest the multiple function of p59fyn which may be implicated in the Fc epsilon RII-mediated activation signal in YT cells.

ADF (adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor), originally defined as an inducer of interleukin 2 receptor/alpha (IL-2R/alpha), is a homologue of thioredoxin. ADF is constitutively produced by human lymphoid cell lines transformed by human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). ADF augments the proliferation of HTLV-I and EBV transformed cells as an autocrine growth factor. These data are indicative of the possible involvement of ADF in virus-related transformation of cells and their autocrine growth. On the other hand, thioredoxin contains a redox active disulfide and has a reducing activity in the presence of thioredoxin reductase and NADPH. To clarify the role of ADF/thioredoxin system in the viral transformation, we tested the effect of 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA), which is a competitive inhibitor of thioredoxin reductase, on the growth of ADF high producing cells. The expression of IL-2R/alpha on HTLV-I (+) cells was suppressed by RA. RA dose-dependently reduced the cell number and viability of ADF high producing lymphoid cells. Moreover, it had a suppressive effect on the proliferation of ADF high producing cells. It is suggested that RA has an inhibitory effect on the activation and the growth of cells producing ADF and that inhibition of the ADF/thioredoxin system may be a new therapeutic approach for retrovirus-related disorders.

Adult T cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF) is a human homologue of thioredoxin with many biologic functions including IL-2R induction, growth promotion, thiol-dependent reducing activity, and radical scavenging activity. The regulatory effect of ADF on the cytotoxic activity of TNF was examined by using a human histiocytic lymphoma cell line, U937. When U937 cells were preincubated with recombinant ADF (rADF) (0.1-100 micrograms/ml) at 37 degrees C for 30 min, TNF-dependent cytotoxicity on U937 cells was markedly inhibited. This inhibitory effect was as high as 95% in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (rADF 100 micrograms/ml) and 85% in the 51Cr-releasing assay (rADF 10 micrograms/ml). After pretreatment of U937 cells with IFN-gamma to augment the sensitivity to TNF, an inhibitory effect of rADF was also found. When U937 cells were washed after preincubation with rADF, resistance to TNF-dependent cytotoxicity was still observed, indicating that rADF inhibited the sensitivity of U937 to TNF-dependent cytotoxicity rather than modifying TNF molecules. Scatchard analysis of TNF receptors on U937 cells using 125I-TNF showed that rADF modulated neither the density nor the affinity of the cell membrane significantly. rADF also reduced the cytotoxicity induced by anti-Fas IgM mAb which shows cytotoxicity quite similar to TNF. rADF (10 micrograms/ml) reduced 90% of the cytotoxicity by anti-Fas IgM mAb, without a detectable change either in Fas Ag expression (MFI 58.1 vs 53.3) or in the degradation of anti-Fas IgM mAb as determined by flow cytometric analysis. These findings indicated that the rADF-induced resistance to the cytotoxic effect of TNF and anti-Fas mAb was not related to the modulation of the TNF receptor or Fas Ag.

We measured the expression of the IgE Fc receptor, Fc epsilon RII, on peripheral blood monocytes isolated from asthmatic patients and normal subjects by laser flow cytometry. After peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with monoclonal antibodies, H107, which recognize Fc epsilon RII, FITC-labeled second antibodies were reacted with them. The cells were then incubated with PE-labeled Leu M3 monoclonal antibodies and the ratios of H107 positive monocytes were measured by two color analysis. The ratio of H107 positive monocytes in atopic asthmatic patients was significantly greater than the ratio in normal subjects. But the ratio was not higher in 9 out of the 14 atopic asthmatic patients. This indicated that atopic asthmatic patients are divided into two groups by the expression of Fc epsilon RII on monocytes. Total serum IgE level was not related to the ratio of H107 positive monocytes.

Despite evidence for the expression of low affinity Fc receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII)/CD23 in T cell lines and pathologic T cells, Fc epsilon RII/CD23 in normal human T cells is still unclear. We studied the expression of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on T cells in short-term culture of normal human PBMC stimulated with 15 micrograms/ml PHA. PHA stimulation also resulted in the release of soluble Fc epsilon RII/CD23 (IgE binding factor). Using two-dimensional flow cytometry, more than 10% of the Fc epsilon RII/CD23+ cells were found to co-express CD3 Ag. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressed Fc epsilon RII/CD23. The induction of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on PHA-activated T cells was enhanced by IL-2 as well as IL-4. Both IL-2 and IL-4 also augmented PHA-induced production of soluble Fc epsilon RII/CD23. The enhanced expression of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on T cells by both lymphokines was suppressed by rabbit anti-IL-4 antiserum, suggesting the involvement of an IL-4-dependent process even in the IL-2-dependent Fc epsilon RII/CD23 expression on T cells. The expression of mRNA for Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on PHA and IL-4-stimulated PBMC was examined by Northern blot analysis. Fc epsilon RII/CD23 mRNA was detected in RNA prepared from the T cell fraction depleted of B cells and macrophages (Fc epsilon RII+CD3+ = 6.2%, Fc epsilon RII+CD3- = 0.8%). The expression of the mRNA for Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on CD3+ T cells was also confirmed by in situ hybridization with Fc epsilon RII/CD23 cDNA combined with CD3 rosette formation at the single cell level.

Cells expressing Fc receptors for IgE (Fc epsilon RII) were identified in the peripheral blood from patients with atopic dermatitis and with eczematous dermatitis, and normal non-atopic subjects by using monoclonal antibodies to human lymphocyte Fc epsilon RII, and to lymphoid cell-surface antigens by immunofluorescence staining. Based on the extent of the dermatitis patients were classified as severe (greater than 50% skin surface involved), moderate (50-10%) and mild (less than 10%). Patients with severe and moderate atopic dermatitis had 5.9% and 5.7% Fc epsilon RII+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), respectively, that were significantly higher than percentages in mild atopic dermatitis patients (2.6%), severe to moderate eczematous dermatitis patients (2.3%), mild eczematous dermatitis patients (2.2%) and normal individuals (1.7%)(0.05 greater than P). In severe and moderate atopic dermatitis patients, 10% of Fc epsilon RII+ PBMC were T cells that preferentially expressed CD8, and the remainder B cells and monocytes. Fc epsilon RII+ T cells comprised 1% of peripheral T cells, while half or more of peripheral B cells expressed Fc epsilon RII. In mild atopic dermatitis patients, eczematous dermatitis patients and normal subjects. Fc epsilon RII were expressed exclusively on 25-35% of peripheral B cells. Short-term treatment and long-term follow-up of atopic dermatitis patients revealed that changes in the skin condition were related closely to fluctuations in the proportion of Fc epsilon RII+ PBMC. Total serum IgE levels and atopic respiratory allergy did not influence the percentage of Fc epsilon RII+ PBMC. These findings suggest that the percentage of Fc epsilon RII+ PBMC reflects the extent of atopic dermatitis.

IL-4 and gamma IFN profoundly modulate the expression of the cell surface and soluble Fc epsilon RII/CD23 molecule, which is a low affinity Fc receptor for IgE having regulatory activity on immune system. IL-4 is a general inducer of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on B lymphocyte, monocyte/macrophage, and eosinophil lineages, while gamma IFN counteracts the enhancing effect of IL-4 on normal B lymphocytes. However, the effect of gamma IFN is more complex than that of IL-4. gamma IFN up-regulates those on monoblast cell line U937 and eosinophil cell line EoL. This differential regulation of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on B cells and the other cell types may play important roles in immune system, as macrophages and eosinophils are critical cells in the allergic reactions. In addition to cytokines, we found that platelet activation factor (PAF) up-regulates the expression of Fc epsilon RII/CD23, whereas transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and glucocorticosteroid (dexamethasone) down-regulate it on U937 and EOL cells. Variable and strong effect of these factors on the expression of CD23/Fc epsilon RII may indicate the involvement of this receptor system in the allergic as well as immune reactions and possibly the pathophysiology of the allergic and immunological disorders.

U937 cells are established human monoblast cell line originally isolated from a patient with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. In the present study, superoxide anion (O2-) generation from U937 cells were measured by 2-methyl-6-[p-methoxyphenyl]-3,7- dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazin-3-one (MCLA)-dependent luminescence. Addition of 0.5 mumol/l MCLA and a stimulatory agent, such as N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl- phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), to a suspension of the cells treated with gamma interferon (IFN gamma) caused a marked luminescence which was inhibited by 0.5 mumol/l superoxide dismutase (SOD). On the other hand, the cells which were not treated with IFN gamma caused no significant luminescence by the stimulation with either fMLP or PMA. The adherent IFN gamma-treated cells generated more O2- than the nonadherent IFN gamma-treated cells by the stimulation with fMLP. The maximal luminescence intensity from the adherent IFN gamma-treated U937 cells stimulated by fMLP was dependent upon the number of the cells. Azelastine (A-5610, CAS 58581-89-8) significantly inhibited the O2- generation from the adherent IFN gamma-treated U937 cells stimulated by fMLP or PMA in a dose-dependent manner.

Human interleukin 4 (IL-4) upregulates Fc epsilon R2/CD23 expression on the surface of B lymphocytes. Here it is shown that IL-4 induces expression of CD23 mRNA in normal human B lymphocytes whereas recombinant IL-1, IL-2, IL-5, IFN gamma, IFN alpha 2b and semi-purified low molecular weight B cell growth factor were unable to do so. CD23 mRNA expression could be observed in B cells after 6 hr incubation with IL-4 and was maximal for 24-72 hr. Costimulation of the B cells with anti-IgM antibody enhanced the IL-4 induced CD23 mRNA expression. In contrast, IFN gamma and IFN alpha 2b inhibited IL-4 induced CD23 mRNA expression in normal B lymphocytes. Thus the regulatory effects of IL-4 and interferons on the CD23 membrane expression are linked to an increase and a decrease of CD23 transcripts respectively.

GM2 and GD2 gangliosides are sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids expressed in some normal tissues such as brain and in various tumors such as neuroblastomas, astrocytomas, and malignant melanomas. We used a eukaryotic cell transient expression system to isolate cDNA clones that determine GM2 expression. We developed a new cell line from murine melanoma line B16 by transfecting with the polyoma T antigen gene that was suitable for this purpose. Two cDNA clones, both of which have a continuous open reading frame of 1683 base pairs, were isolated. Although the cloned cDNAs had no primary sequence similarity to reported glycosyltransferases, the deduced amino acid sequence predicted a type II transmembrane protein with an overall structure similar to other glycosyltransferases. The cDNA clones, when stably transfected, determined the expression of GM2 in B16 cells and GM2 and GD2 in the human melanoma line MeWo. Northern blot analysis revealed two transcripts in all cells that expressed either GM2 or GD2 or both. These findings indicate that the cDNAs catalyze the transfer of GalNAc onto GM3 and GD3 by a beta 1,4 linkage, resulting in the synthesis of GM2 and GD2, respectively. Namely they suggest that these cDNAs derive from the UDP-GalNAc: GM3/GD3 beta 1,4 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.92) gene.

Culture of mesenteric lymph node cells from rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis resulted in the release of a soluble factor (IgE-binding factor) that can inhibit rosette formation of Fc epsilon R(+) lymphocytes with IgE-coated red cells. The factor is specifically absorbed with IgE-coated Sepharose. It has a m.w. of between 10,000 and 20,000. The major source of IgE-binding factor appears to be Fc epsilon R(+) T cells. The formation of IgE-binding factor by the lymphocytes was enhanced by IgE added to the culture medium. Evidence was obtained that Fc epsilon R(+) cells are involved in the induction of IgE-induced factor formation. Normal rat lymphocytes cultured alone failed to release IgE-binding factor, but incubation of normal lymphocytes with rat IgE resulted in the formation of IgE-binding factor and an increase in the proportion of Fc epsilon R(+) cells. It was also found that normal T cells formed the soluble factor upon incubation with IgE. In the induction of factor formation by normal lymphocytes, Fc gamma R(+) cells are essential; an Fc gamma R-depleted fraction failed to form IgE-binding factor upon incubation with IgE. The results suggest that interaction of IgE with Fc epsilon R(+) T cells and Fc gamma R(+) T cells induces the formation of IgE-binding factor(s).

Incubation with rat IgE of rat mesenteric lymph node cells obtained 8 days after infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) resulted in the formation of soluble factors with affinity for IgE, i.e., IgE-binding factors(s). The factors were derived from T lymphocytes and were able to suppress an in vitro IgE response without affecting the IgG response. The minimum concentration of rat IgE for the induction of factor formation was 0.3 to 1.0 microgram/ml. Gel filtration of culture filtrates of the IgE-containing culture identified 2 components with IgE-binding activity; one component had a m.w. of between 10,000 and 20,000, and another component had a m.w. of between 25,000 and 50,000. Both factors could be purified by binding to IgE-Sepharose followed by elution at acid pH. Among the two IgE-binding factors, the lower m.w. component had the ability to suppress selectively the IgE response. In contrast to IgE-potentiating factor, which also had affinity for IgE, the IgE-suppressive factor failed to bind to lentil lectin Sepharose. Formation of IgE-specific suppressive factor was not limited to the lymphocytes obtained 8 days after Nb-infection. Incubation with IgE of lymphocytes obtained 4 wk after infection resulted in the formation of both IgE-specific suppressive factor and IgE-potentiating factor, and the activity of the suppressive factor was greater than that of the potentiating factor.

Spleen cells obtained from Lewis rats were cultured with 4 micrograms/ml Con A for 96 hr, and activated cells were fused with BW5147 mouse T lymphoma cells. Seven clones obtained by fusion expressed rat IL 2R. The expression of rat IL 2R on those hybrid cells could be up-regulated by IL 2 itself, ATL-derived factor, and TPA and CA++ ionophore. Those IL 2R could be down-regulated by murine MoAb ART-18 that detects rat IL 2R. All hybrid clones produced IL 2 constitutively. IL 2 produced by hybrid cells bound to its receptor and promoted the proliferation of hybrid cells in some clones. Incubation of cells with exogenous IL 2 resulted in the proliferation of hybrid cells, whereas the proliferation of some clones was inhibited by exogenous IL 2, indicating that IL 2 had bifunctional properties on cell growth. Rat IL 2R from 6H2-F9 hybrid cells was studied by both one- and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE with ART-18. The IL 2R derived from 6H2-F9 cells had 72,000 to 77,000 and 40,000 to 48,000 m.w. major components under nonreducing conditions, and had 50,000 to 56,000 m.w. major and 35,000 to 38,000 m.w. minor components under reducing conditions. The 110,000 m.w. component, the third component of IL 2R, was constantly observed in 6H2-F9 hybrid cells.

The regulation of human low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon R2/CD23) and the soluble Fc epsilon R2 [IgE binding factor (BF)] of monocyte (U937), T (ED), and B (JIJOYE) cell lines was examined by anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb (H107, Mab176) and the cDNA probe for Fc epsilon R2. The effect of IL-4 and IFN-gamma on Fc epsilon R2 regulation was variable among these three cell lines. IL-4 and IFN-gamma enhanced the Fc epsilon R2 gene expression and the production of Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF on U937, whereas IL-4 and IFN-gamma had no significant effect on the Fc epsilon R2 expression on ED. On JIJOYE, IL-4 enhanced the Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF production on both protein and mRNA levels. In U937 and JIJOYE cells, there was a marked increase of Fc epsilon R2 mRNA after combined stimulation with IFN-gamma and IL-4. However, in JIJOYE cells, there was a dissociation between the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2 and Fc epsilon R2 mRNA treated with IFN-gamma plus IL-4. In these cells. IFN-gamma even down-regulated the IL-4-induced expression of surface Fc epsilon R2. Stimulation of JIJOYE cells with both IFN-gamma and IL-4 resulted in the increase of the IgE-BF in the supernatant, suggesting that IFN-gamma enhanced the release of IgE-BF from Fc epsilon R2. The results indicated that Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF expression is regulated by IFN-gamma at least on two different levels: on transcriptional levels and the levels of cleavage of the surface Fc epsilon R2 to release soluble Fc epsilon R2 (IgE-BF). Ligands binding to the Fc epsilon R2 such as IgE and anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb enhanced the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2 on these Fc epsilon R2(+) cell lines. This was mainly due to the surface accumulation of the receptors on JIJOYE and U937. However, the stimulation of ED by H107 and anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb significantly enhanced the mRNA expression, indicating that Fc epsilon R2 synthesis may also be up-regulated by the specific ligands in some cell types.

Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells from rats treated with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) spontaneously released soluble factors, which have affinity for IgE (IgE-binding factors). The factors were purified by absorption of culture filtrates of the lymphocytes with IgE-Sepharose followed by elution at acid pH. Purified IgE-binding factors selectively suppressed IgE-forming cell response of DNP-ovalbumin-primed MLN cells to homologous antigen without affecting the IgG2 response. Fractionation of purified IgE-binding factors on lentil lectin-Sepharose showed that the majority of IgE-binding factors did not have affinity for lentil lectin, whereas a minor fraction was bound to the lectin-coupled beads. It was found that IgE-binding factors lacking affinity for lentil lectin suppressed IgE response, whereas those eluted from lentil lectin-Sepharose selectively enhanced IgE response. Serum of CFA-treated animals also contained both IgE-suppressive factor and IgE-potentiating factor, and the amount of the former factor was more than the latter. The source of IgE-suppressive factor is non-B lymphocytes. Depletion of Fc, receptor(+) lymphocytes in MLN cells from CFA-treated animals did not affect the formation of IgE-suppressive factor, indicating that Fc epsilon R-bearing cells are not the source of the factor.

A hybridoma-producing monoclonal antibody blocking the binding of human IgE to lymphocytes Fc receptor (Fc epsilon R) was established by the fusion of murine myeloma cells. P3X63.653.Ag8, with BALB/c spleen cells immunized with Fc epsilon R(+) human B lymphoblastoid cell line cells, RPMI1788. A clone of the hybridoma (H107) produced a monoclonal IgG2b antibody that inhibited the rosette formation of Fc epsilon R(+) human B lymphoblastoid cell line cells (RPMI1788, RPMI8866, CESS, Dakiki, and IM9) with fixed ox red blood cells (ORBC) conjugated with human IgE (IgE-ORBC). In contrast, the rosette formation with IgG-conjugated ORBC (IgG-ORBC) on Fc gamma R(+), Fc epsilon R(-) Daudi cells were not affected by the H107 antibodies. A close association of Fc epsilon R and the antigenic determinant recognized by H107 antibody was suggested by the following results. First, the bindings of 125I-labeled IgE (125I-IgE) or 125I-labeled H107 IgG2b antibody (125I-H107) to RPMI8866 cells were inhibited by cold human IgE and H107 IgG2b but not by other classes of human Ig (IgA and IgG), MPC11 IgG2b, or unrelated monoclonal antibodies. Second, H107 antibody reacted with Fc epsilon R(+) B cell lines but not with Fc epsilon R(-) B cell lines as determined by an indirect immunofluorescence. Third, Fc epsilon R(+) cells were depleted by the incubation in the dish coated with H107 antibody or IgE but not in the dish coated with unrelated antibodies. Finally, there was a correlation between the increase of Fc epsilon R(+) cells and that of H107(+) cells in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the patients with atopic dermatitis. The surface antigens on Fc epsilon R(+) RPMI8866 cells recognized by H107 antibodies had the molecular size of 45,000 as determined by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis.

Many human T cell lymphotropic virus-I (HTLV-I) transformed T cells from adult T cell leukemia (ATL) patients continuously produce a humoral factor called ATL-derived factor (ADF) which induces IL-2R/Tac expression on T and NK cells. Using gel filtration, procion red Sepharose, DEAE, and reverse phase chromatography, we have purified ADF protein to homogeneity from 15 liters of serum-free culture supernatant of an HTLV-I(+) T cell line ATL-2. Purified ADF protein had the m.w. of 14,000 by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration, and its isoelectric point is around 5.0. ADF did not react with heteroantibodies against IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, which have also IL-2R/Tac-inducing activity on suitable target cells. Partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of ADF is different from other cytokines such as, IFN, BSF-2, and various IL whose cDNA has been cloned. Western blot analysis using rabbit antibodies against N-terminal 10mer synthetic peptide of ADF showed that IL-1 alpha and ADF are different proteins. ADF had its IL-2R/Tac-inducing activity not only on human NK-like cell line YT, but also on HTLV-I(+) T cells, such as ED. In contrast, macrophage-derived IL-1 lacked IL-2R/Tac-inducing activity on ED cells despite their IL-2R/Tac induction on YT, indicating that ADF and IL-1 have their effect via different receptors.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 10 out of 26 patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) released IgE-binding factors, as determined by two independent assays. The formation of the factors by the mononuclear cells was enhanced by incubation of the cells with homologous IgE. In the presence of IgE, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 15 of the 26 patients formed a detectable amount of IgE-binding factors, whereas those of normal individuals of allergic rhinitis patients failed to do so. The major source of IgE-binding factors was the T cells of the HIV-1-infected patients. The CD8+ T cells from a HIV-1-infected patient formed IgE-binding factors upon incubation with IgE, and type II receptors for Fc epsilon were detected on both CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in one of five patients studied. It was also found that culture supernatants of mononuclear cells from HIV-1-infected patients released soluble factors that induce normal human T cells to form IgE-binding factors. The results suggest that lymphocytes of some HIV-1-infected patients are activated to produce lymphokines regulating formation of IgE-binding factors.

Two types of activation Ag, low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon R2)/CD23 and IL-2R (Tac/p55), were expressed and differently regulated on human eosinophilic leukemia cell lines (EoL-1 and EoL-3). Because the binding of IgE on EoL-3 cells was completely inhibited by H107 (anti-Fc epsilon R2/CD23 mAb) but not by irrelevant mAb, essentially all the low affinity Fc epsilon R2 on EoL-3 seemed to be the Fc epsilon R2/CD23 molecules. Both IL-4 and IFN-gamma enhanced the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2, whereas IL-1, IL-2, and IL-5 showed no effects, as determined by surface staining with anti-Fc epsilon R2 antibody (H107). In contrast to Fc epsilon R2 up-regulation, IL-4 and IFN-gamma showed a differential effect on the regulation of IL-2R (Tac/p55). Whereas IFN-gamma up-regulated the receptor expression of IL-2R/Tac, IL-4 did not. The result suggests that these lymphokines are involved in the different aspects of the activation pathway of the eosinophils. The possible role of Fc epsilon R2 and IL-2R on the function of eosinophils in allergic reaction is discussed.

Chemical and functional properties of IgA binding factor(s) (IgA-BF) from both murine Con A-activated spleen cells and Fc gamma R+, Fc alpha R+ T hybridoma cells (T2D4) were studied. IgA-BF produced from the cells after preculture with IgA were purified with IgA-Sepharose. Purified IgA-BF inhibited the binding of IgA to Fc alpha R+ L5178Y T lymphoma cells, and class-specifically suppressed in vitro IgA synthesis of the pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated murine spleen cells. Both IgA-specific suppressive activity and IgA binding activity of the factor(s) were co-fractionated between BSA and OVA in gel filtration analysis. SDS-PAGE analysis of IgA-BF biosynthetically labeled with [35S]methionine showed a specific band on 56,000. Suppressive activity of IgA-BF was absorbed with lentil-lectin-Sepharose and was eluted with 0.2 M alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. The suppressive activity obtained from T2D4 cells (H-2k) and BALB/c Con A blasts (H-2d) was absorbed with the corresponding anti-H-2 and anti-I-A column and recovered in the acid-eluate. The activity was not absorbed with the unrelated anti-H-2 column. Despite the presence of MHC products, IgA-BF from both cell sources equally suppressed IgA-specific responses of BALB/c (H-2d), C3H/He (H-2k), and C57BL/10 (H-2b) spleen cells. They also suppressed IgA production as well as IgA synthesis of PWM-stimulated culture of human peripheral blood lymphocytes without affecting IgM and IgG responses. Suppression of murine and human IgA responses both in mouse and human were mediated by the molecules having the same Ia products, suggesting that there is no MHC, as well as species restriction, for the interaction between IgA-BF and their target cells. IgA-specific suppressive activity was absorbed with human B blastoid cells bearing surface IgA (Dakiki) but not with those bearing surface IgG (CESS) or murine and human T cell line cells (BW5147, L5178Y, HPB-ALL, and MOLT4), indicating that IgA-BF interact with B cells bearing IgA to suppress their differentiation.

Previous experiments have shown that Fc epsilon receptor-bearing (Fc epsilon R(+)) T lymphocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) release a soluble factor that selectively potentiates the IgE response. The IgE-potentiating factor has affinity for IgE, and can be detected by the ability to inhibit rosette formation of Fc epsilon R(+) cells with IgE-coated erythrocytes. The factor was bound to IgE-coated Sepharose and was eluted from the beads at acid pH. It was also found that the IgE-potentiating factor binds to lentil lectin-Sepharose, indicating that the factor is a glycoprotein. The affinity of the factor for IgE was lost after treatment with trypsin but was maintained after treatment with neuraminidase. However, the ability of the factor to potentiate the IgE response was lost after neuraminidase treatment. The results suggested that the factor's binding site for IgE is associated with a protein (peptide) moiety but that its carbohydrate moiety is essential for its biologic activity. When MLN cells were incubated at 37 degrees C, a substantial amount of the IgE-potentiating factor was released into culture medium within 4 hr even in the presence of cycloheximide. Pretreatment of the cells with trypsin, which removed Fc epsilon R, markedly diminished the release of IgE-potentiating factor, suggesting that the factor is derived from Fc epsilon R on the cell surface.

Con A-activated rat thymocytes were used to immunize mice, and immune spleen cells were fused with NS/1 myeloma cells. One clone, designated 5C6-F4, reacted strongly with Con A-activated rat thymocytes and some LPS-activated rat spleen cells but not with normal thymocytes, spleen cells, or bone marrow cells of rat origin. The 5C6-F4 did not react with Con A-activated thymocytes of mouse origin. Immunoprecipitation of 5C6-F4 antigen from surface-iodinated Con A-activated rat thymocytes or LPS-activated rat spleen cells revealed its m.w. to be approximately 100,000. The kinetic studies of the expression of 5C6-F4 antigen revealed that 5C6-F4 antigen was detectable at 6 hr after Con A stimulation of rat spleen cells, whereas IL 2 receptor (IL 2R) was detectable at 12 hr. The appearance of 5C6-F4 antigen and IL 2R precede the onset of DNA synthesis of Con A-activated spleen cells. Thus, 5C6-F4 antigen is classified as early activation antigen. The 5C6-F4 inhibits the lymphocyte proliferation induced by mitogen and the IL 2-driven rat T cell proliferation. Sequential immunoprecipitation study as well as binding inhibition study indicated that the 5C6-F4 antigen is distinct from IL 2R molecule. The 5C6-F4 antigen appears to be a novel rat lymphocyte activation antigen that exhibits immunoregulatory function and also may serve as a useful marker of T cell activation.

Fc epsilon R-bearing lymphocytes were induced in vitro by the culture of peripheral lymphocytes from ragweed-sensitive patients with antigen E together with, or followed by, human IgE. Neither antigen E alone nor IgE alone induced Fc epsilon R(+) cells. As expected, culture of normal lymphocytes with the antigen and IgE failed to increase Fc epsilon R(+) cells. However, mixed lymphocyte cultures from two normal individuals responsed to human IgE for the induction of Fc epsilon R(+) cells. In both antigen-stimulated and mixed lymphocyte cultures, a portion of Fc epsilon R(+) cells induced in vitro were T lymphocytes. Evidence was obtained that Fc gamma R(+) cells are involved in the induction of Fc epsilon R(+) cells. Depletion of Fc gamma R(+) cells in the lymphocytes from ragweed-sensitive patients, before culture with antigen E and IgE, abolished the ability of the lymphocytes to respond to IgE for an increase in Fc epsilon R(+) cells.

T lymphocytes in the mesenteric lymph nodes of rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis spontaneously released a soluble factor that selectively potentiated the IgE-forming cell response of antigen-primed cells to homologous antigen. The factor could enhance the IgE response of DNP-OA-primed cells to DNP-HSA and T cell-replacing factor. In contrast, the treatment of OA-primed T cells with the factor failed to enhance either the IgE or IgG response of the mixture of DNP-KLH primed cells and OA-primed T cells to DNP-OA. The results collectively suggested that the target cells of the IgE-potentiating factor are B cells. Indeed, IgE potentiating factor was absorbed by B cells rather than T cells or thymocytes. Evidence was obtained that IgE-potentiating factor could be absorbed by IgE-bearing B cells or IgE-coupled Sepharose, indicating that the factor had affinity for IgE. It appeared that the potentiating factor bound to IgE-bearing B cells and selectively enhanced the differentiation of IgE-B cells to IgE-forming cells. It was also found that the major source of the factor was Fc epsilon R-bearing T cells.

Peripheral lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA-blasts) were examined for their responsiveness to exogenous interleukin 2 (IL-2). The proliferative response of PHA-blasts to IL-2 was significantly lower in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than in normal subjects. To clarify the reason for this defect, the expression of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) on PHA-blasts was investigated using anti-Tac antibody and purified IL-2. Cytofluorometric analysis showed no statistical differences in the Tac positivity of PHA-blasts among normal subjects and patients with active and inactive SLE. Scatchard analysis using 125I-labeled anti-Tac monoclonal antibody revealed that the number of Tac epitopes on PHA-blasts was also not different among them. Next, the affinity of IL-2R expressed on PHA-blasts was determined by Scatchard analysis using radiolabeled IL-2 as a ligand. The number of high affinity IL-2R on the PHA-blasts was significantly decreased in patients with active and inactive SLE, as compared with normal subjects. The responsiveness of PHA-blasts to exogenous IL-2 was well correlated to the number of high affinity IL-2R, but not to the number of Tac epitopes or total IL-2R. Inasmuch as high affinity components of IL-2R are functionally active, the defective expression of high affinity IL-2R may be responsible for the T cell dysfunctions in SLE.

An i.p. injection of Bordetella pertussis vaccine (BP) into rats induced the formation of soluble factors that had affinity for IgE (IgE-binding factors). The factor was detected in the serum of BP-treated animals 5 to 7 days after the treatment. Their circulating lymphocytes as well as spleen cells spontaneously released IgE-binding factors in the serum of BP-treated rats and those released from their circulating lymphocytes had affinity for lentil lectin, and the ability to selectively potentiate an in vitro IgE response of DNP-OA primed cells to homologous antigen. The molecular size of IgE-potentiating factor was between 10,000 and 20,000, and was comparable to that formed by lymphocytes of rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Evidence was obtained that IgE-potentiating factor was derived from Fc epsilon R(+) T cells, with a T cell marker identified by monoclonal antibody W 3/25. Their production of IgE-potentiating factor may be the basis of the adjuvant effect of BP on the IgE response.

The relationship between the production of a T cell factor having affinity for IgA (IgA-binding factor(s); IgA BF) and the expression of Fc receptors specific for IgA (Fc alpha R) was studied by using murine spleen cells activated with concanavalin A (Con A blasts). Fc alpha R was detected by the cytophilic binding of anti-TNP murine IgA myeloma protein (MOPC 315 IgA) to Con A blasts as determined by an indirect rosette method with trinitrophenylated sheep red blood cells (TNP-SRBC). After 18 hr preculture with IgA, Fc alpha R was expressed on 15 to 20% of Con A blasts, which released IgA BF suppressing the in vitro IgA synthesis of the spleen cells stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Without preculture with IgA, there was neither induction of Fc alpha R nor the production of IgA BF from Con A blasts. Fc alpha R was not induced on Con A blasts by IgA if Fc gamma R(+) cells were depleted from the blasts by rosetting with SRBC sensitized with rabbit IgG antibody (EA gamma). Even after preculture with IgA, the suppressive IgA BF was undetectable in the culture supernatant of Con A blasts depleted of the Fc gamma R(+) cell population. By using a double rosette method with EA gamma and trinitrophenylated quail red blood cells, Fc alpha R proved to be co-expressed on Fc gamma R(+) precursor T cells in the Con A blasts. The results suggested that both Fc gamma R and Fc alpha R could be co-expressed on Con A blasts, as is the case with T2D4 Fc gamma R(+), Fc alpha R(+) T hybridoma cells, which are known to produce IgG-binding factor(s) (IgG BF) and IgA BF. The relationship between Fc gamma R and Fc alpha R on a single cell was studied by using monoclonal anti-Fc gamma R antibody (2. 4G2 ). The reactivity of 2. 4G2 antibody with T cell Fc gamma R was proved by the inhibition of EA gamma rosette formation by Con A blasts or T2D4 cells. The addition of 2. 4G2 monoclonal antibody, however, did not affect the induction of Fc alpha R on Con A blasts by IgA. Furthermore, the binding of IgA to Fc alpha R already expressed on L5178Y T lymphoma cell line cells was not inhibited by the monoclonal antibody. The results confirmed that Fc alpha R are distinct from Fc gamma R co-expressed on the same Con A blasts, and that the expression of Fc alpha R on Fc gamma R(+) T cells and their production of suppressive IgA BF may be induced by the binding of IgA to Fc alpha R.

Incubation of rat lymphocytes with homologous IgE induced an increase in Fc epsilon R(+) lymphocytes and the formation of IgE-binding factors. Pretreatment of rat lymphocytes with 1 to 5 microM dexamethasone, however, prevented the IgE-induced expression of Fc epsilon R on both B and T lymphocytes. Upon incubation with IgE, T cells activated with 10 micrograms/ml Con A produced IgE-potentiating factors that had affinity for lentil lectin and selectively enhanced the IgE response. Pretreatment of the Con A-activated T cells with dexamethasone, before incubation with IgE, changed the nature of IgE-binding factors formed by the cells. The majority of IgE-binding factors formed by the dexamethasone-treated, Con A-activated cells failed to bind lentil lectin Sepharose and selectively suppressed the IgE response. An injection of 0.2 mg dexamethasone into rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis markedly diminished the proportion of Fc epsilon R(+) lymphocytes in their mesenteric lymph nodes. The lymph node cells from the infected animals spontaneously released IgE-potentiating factors in vitro. However, the majority of IgE-binding factors formed by the mesenteric lymph node cells from the dexamethasone-treated, Nb-infected animals lacked affinity for lentil lectin and selectively suppressed the IgE response. The results indicate that glucocorticoid treatment prevented the glycosylation of IgE-binding factors and thereby changed the biologic activities of the factors.

We used two human cell lines, NK-like YT-C3 and an EBV-containing B cell line, 3B6, as models to study the receptor(s) for IL-1. Two distinct types of saturable binding sites were found on both cell lines at 37 degrees C. Between 1 pM and 100 pM of 125I-IL-1-alpha concentration, saturable binding sites were detected on the YT-C3 cells with a K of 4 x 10(-11) M. The K found for the IL-1-alpha binding sites on 3B6 cells was 7.5 x 10(-11) M. An additional binding curve was detected above 100 pM on YT-C3 cells with a K of 7 x 10(-9) M and on 3B6 cells with a K of 5 x 10(-9) M. Scatchard plot analysis revealed 600 sites/cell with high affinity binding and 7000 sites/cell with low affinity for YT-C3 cells and 300 sites/cell with high affinity binding and 6000 sites/cell with low affinity for 3B6 cells. At 37 degrees C, the internalization of 125I-labeled IL-1 occurred via both high and low affinity IL-1R on both YT-C3 and 3B6 cells, whereas the rates of internalization for high affinity binding sites on YT-C3 cells were predominant in comparison to that of low affinity binding sites. In chemical cross-linking studies of 125I-IL-1-alpha to 3B6 and YT-C3 cells, two protein bands were immunoprecipitated with Mr around 85 to 90 kDa leading to an estimation of the Mr of the IL-1R around 68 to 72 kDa. In similar experiments, the Mr found for the IL-1R expressed on the murine T cell line EL4 was slightly higher (around 80 kDa). Whether these distinct affinity binding sites are shared by a single molecule or by various chains remains to be elucidated.

To study the expression of FcR specific for IgA (Fc alpha R) on human peripheral lymphocytes (PBL), PBL from normal donors were incubated with 300 to 500 micrograms/ml MOPC 315 IgA having anti-trinitrophenyl (TNP) antibody activity at 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C for 60 min. Under this condition, less than 2% of total cells could form rosettes with TNP-coated ox red blood cells (TNP-ORBC). When cultured with MOPC 315 IgA at 37 degrees C for 18 hr, however, there was a dose-dependent increase of the rosette-forming cells (RFC) binding TNP-ORBC. Because 15 to 20% of the total cells bound TNP-ORBC but not unsensitized ORBC, the rosette formation appeared to be due to the cytophilic binding of IgA to the cells. The binding of MOPC 315 IgA was competed by TEPC 15 IgA and human myeloma IgA, but not by murine myeloma proteins of other classes, indicating that the receptor is specific for IgA. Fc alpha R was induced on 15 to 20% of fractionated T and B cells, as well as on 15 to 18% of concanavalin A-(Con A) activated lymphocytes when cultured with IgA. The induction of the receptor was dependent on protein and RNA synthesis, but not on DNA synthesis as suggested by the sensitivity to metabolic inhibitors, such as mitomycin C, actinomycin D, puromycin, and cycloheximide. In five patients with selective IgA deficiency (serum IgA, 0 to 4 mg/dl), only 5.1% +/- 1.7 of PBL formed rosettes with TNP-ORBC after culture with MOPC 315 IgA, whereas 12.5% +/- 2.5 of PBL from normal donors (serum IgA, 90 to 330 mg/dl) formed rosettes. Fc alpha R was induced on more than 15% of the cells from these patients, however, when cultured with IgA in the presence of a conditioned medium obtained from mixed lymphocyte culture from two normal donors. The results suggested that the abnormality in the patients' PBL might be in the induction mechanism rather than in the number of precursor cells that could express Fc alpha R in the presence of IgA. On the other hand, Fc alpha R was induced on 10.4% +/- 1.5 of PBL from the patients with IgA nephropathy (serum IgA, 382 +/- 11 mg/dl) when they were incubated with IgA for 1 hr at 37 degrees C. Because Fc alpha R on normal PBL was not induced by 1 hr of incubation with IgA, it appeared that the receptor was already expressed in vivo on the cells of these patients.

IL-2 binds to high- and low-affinity receptors on activated T cells. The high-affinity receptor was hypothesized to consist of the noncovalent association between the alpha chain (IL-2-R-alpha, p55) and a beta chain (IL-2-R-beta, p70), whereas the low-affinity receptor consists of p55 without p70. We now directly identify p70 as a 65-77-kD glycoprotein doublet. Preparative quantities of the IL-2/p70 complex have been isolated. Further, we demonstrate that p70 is the principal IL-2 binding protein on both resting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and that both p70 and p55 can be induced on normal B cells and monocytes.

An NK-like cell line (YTN10 cells) was stimulated with IL-1, and the IL-2R, as detected by flow cytometry analysis using fluorescein-labeled anti-IL-2R (Tac) antibody, increased displaying a dose-response curve in the shape of an inverted "U." This was associated with increases in 1) the number of high affinity binding sites for IL-2 (Kd approximately 45 pM) which increased from 1270 to 4220 sites per cell, and 2) the number of binding sites for anti-Tac antibody, which increased from 999 to 6763 sites per cell. They were both detected by using radiolabeled ligand-binding methods which are one to three orders of magnitude more sensitive than flow cytometry analysis. No binding sites with low affinity for IL-2 could be detected on untreated or treated cells. However, a change was noted in the number of IL-2 binding sites with intermediate affinity (Kd approximately 1000 pM), which increased from 54,000 to 67,000 sites per cell. This binding affinity is equivalent to that of the p70 IL-2-binding protein detected on YT cells and on large granular lymphocytes by other investigators. This suggests that the increase in the Tac peptide was the limiting factor in the combination of the Tac and p70 components to form the high affinity IL-2R. The corollary is that all new Tac molecules were incorporated into these R. The IL-1 treatment also induced an increase in production of Tac mRNA as detected by Northern blots. Comparison of the relative amounts of Tac mRNA by dot blots verified the quantitative difference between treated and untreated cells. These data demonstrate that the IL-1-induced positive regulation of the Tac protein and high affinity IL-2R on YTN10 cells may operate at the level of gene transcription.

T2D4 murine T hybridoma cells have previously been shown to express Fc receptors (FcR) for IgG (Fc gamma R) and for IgA (Fc alpha R) and to produce an IgG binding factor (IgGBF) that suppresses IgG and IgM responses. In the present work we report on the behavior of IgA bound to T2D4 cells and on the production of IgA binding factor (IgABF) and its ability to suppress IgA antibody production. A dose-dependent binding of MOPC315 IgA with anti-TNP activity by T2D4 cells was demonstrated by rosette formation with trinitrophenylated ox red blood cells (TNP-ORBC) and fixation of iodinated DNP-BSA. IgA bound to the cells disappeared after a short-term culture of 3 hr at 37 degrees C, but not at 4 degrees C. Because this phenomenon was inhibited by 0.1% sodium azide and 100 microM dansylcadaverine, a transglutaminase inhibitor, Fc alpha R-IgA complexes seemed to be released by an active process involving receptor movement. In the culture supernatant of IgA-treated T2D4 cells, we detected a factor(s) that binds to IgA-Sepharose and competitively inhibits the binding of IgA to T2D4 cells. The factor (IgABF) failed to inhibit the rosette formation of Fc gamma R(+) cells with IgG-sensitized ORBC (EAox gamma), indicating that it binds specifically to IgA. IgABF was undetectable in the culture supernatants of untreated T2D4 cells of Fc alpha R(-) BW5147 T lymphoma cells used as parent cells for the establishment of the hybridoma. To study the effect of IgABF on antibody formation, culture filtrates of IgA-treated or untreated T2D4 cells were fractionated on IgA-Sepharose beads and were added to BALB/c spleen cells cultured with pokeweed mitogen. By use of a reverse plaque assay, it was shown that the IgA plaque-forming cell (PFC) response was suppressed by the acid eluate but not by the effluent of IgA-Sepharose beads incubated with the filtrates of IgA-treated T2D4 cell cultures. The suppression was IgA specific, because neither IgG nor IgM responses were suppressed by the eluate. As expected, there was no significant IgA suppressive activity in the acid eluates of the beads incubated with the culture filtrate of untreated T2D4 cells or IgA-treated BW5147 cells. IgA-specific suppressive activity proved to be due to IgA binding factor(s), because suppressive activity in the eluate was completely adsorbed by IgA-Sepharose but not by IgG- nor BSA-Sepharose.

A B cell hybridoma secreting monoclonal antibody against human IgE binding factors was obtained by immunization of BALB/c mice with partially purified IgE binding factors, and fusion of their spleen cells with SP-2/0-AG14 cells. The monoclonal antibody bound all of the 60,000, 30,000, and 15,000 dalton IgE binding factors from two T cell hybridomas and those from activated T cells of a normal individual. The antibody bound both IgE-potentiating factors, which had affinity for lentil lectin, and IgE-suppressive factors, which had affinity for peanut agglutinin. However, the monoclonal anti-IgE-binding factor bound neither Fc epsilon R on RPMI 8866 cells nor IgE binding factors from the B lymphoblastoid cells. A monoclonal antibody against Fc epsilon R on B cells (H107) bound the 60,000 and 30,000 dalton IgE binding factors from both T cell hybridomas and RPMI 8866 cells but did not bind the 15,000 dalton IgE binding factors from either T cells or B cells. The results indicate that T cell-derived IgE binding factors have a unique antigenic determinant that is lacking in both Fc epsilon R on B cells and B cell-derived IgE binding factors. The anti-IgE binding factor and anti-Fc epsilon R monoclonal antibodies both failed to stain cell surface components of IgE binding factor-producing T cell hybridomas. However, both antibodies induced the T cell hybridoma to form IgE binding factors. The results suggest that the T cell hybridomas bear low numbers of Fc epsilon R that share antigenic determinants with IgE binding factors secreted from the cells.

The IgE response is regulated by antigen-speck helper and suppressor T cells. Here Kimishige Ishizaka and his colleagues discuss recent work which indicates that soluble IgE-binding T-cell factors provide an additional, isotypespecific level of control on the antibody response.

Polyclonal antibodies against purified IgE-potentiating factor were prepared in guinea pigs, and mouse monoclonal antibodies were prepared against inactive IgE-binding factor from a T cell hybridoma. The polyclonal antibodies and two of the monoclonal antibodies bound the IgE-potentiating factor, the IgE suppressive factor, and the inactive IgE-binding factor. The results indicate that the three IgE-binding factor molecules share a common antigenic determinant. The polyclonal antibodies and the monoclonal antibody bound intracellular IgE-binding factors that did not have affinity for either lentil lectin or peanut agglutinin, which suggests that the antibodies were directed against the peptide portion of IgE-binding factors. Pretreatment of Fc epsilon R+ T hybridoma cells and Fc epsilon R+ B cells with either the monoclonal or the polyclonal anti-IgE-binding factor (anti-IgE-bF) antibody prevented rosette formation of the cells with IgE-coated erythrocytes, whereas the same treatment failed to affect rosette formation of Fc gamma R+ cells with IgG-coated erythrocytes. Specific binding of the guinea pig anti-IgE-bF antibodies to Fc epsilon R on both B and T cells was confirmed by immunofluorescence. The results indicate that Fc epsilon R on B and T cells share a common antigenic determinant with IgE-binding factors. The F(ab')2 fragments of the guinea pig anti-IgE-bF induced the expression of Fc epsilon R on Fc gamma R+ lymphocytes and the formation of IgE-binding factors. The capacities of not only IgE, but also anti-IgE-bF, to induce both Fc epsilon R expression and IgE-binding factor formation indicate that Fc epsilon R on lymphocytes, rather than IgE, transmit the signal for the formation of IgE-binding molecules.

The effect of interleukin 1 (IL 1) on the expression of interleukin 2 receptor (IL 2R/Tac antigen) on human natural killer (NK) cells and the NK-like cell line, YT was studied with the use of a fluoresceinated anti-IL 2R monoclonal antibody and a Spectrum III flow cytofluorometer. IL 2R was expressed on approximately 10% of NK cells. The expression of IL 2R on NK cells was increased to approximately 25% by the in vitro culture with monocytes or IL 1 and to a less extent by the culture with IL 2 or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IL 2R was expressed on approximately 50% of YT cells without any stimulations. The expression of IL 2R on YT cells was increased up to almost 100% by the culture with IL 1 or monocytes, but not with IL 2, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, or lectins such as concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin-P. IL 1 absorbed with YT cells or murine thymocytes lost both IL 1 activity detected by the stimulation of murine thymocyte proliferative response and enhancing activity of IL 2R expression on YT cells, suggesting that IL 1 has both activities. However, the assay system of the expression of IL 2R on YT cells is much more sensitive than the stimulation of murine thymocyte proliferative response. By the kinetic study, the enhancement of IL 2R expression was induced by only a 2-hr incubation of YT cells with IL 1. This enhancement did not proceed at 4 degrees C or by the treatment of YT cells with actinomycin D or cycloheximide, suggesting that this enhancement is energy dependent and requires the synthesis of RNA and protein but not DNA. Thus IL 1 plays an important role for the regulation of the expression of IL 2R on NK cells, and IL 1-dependent IL 2R expression on YT cells may give us a good model for the study of the molecular mechanism of the regulation of IL 2R expression.