Interleukin 12 and interleukin 4 control T cell adhesion to endothelial selectins through opposite effects on alpha1, 3-fucosyltransferase VII gene expression.

The alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase, FucT-VII, is crucial for the formation of ligands for all three selectins, and its expression regulates the synthesis of these ligands. Short-term polarized T helper (Th)1, but not Th2 or naive CD4(+) T cells, can home to sites of inflammation, but the molecular basis for this difference has remained unclear. Here we show that naive CD4(+) T cells do not express FucT-VII and fail to bind vascular selectins. We also show that when CD4(+) T cells are activated in the presence of the Th1 polarizing cytokine interleukin (IL)-12, levels of FucT-VII mRNA and binding to E- and P-selectin are significantly augmented. In contrast, activation of CD4(+) T cells in the presence of IL-4, a Th2 polarizing cytokine, inhibited FucT-VII expression and binding to vascular selectins. T cell activation upregulated expression of the Core2 transferase, C2GnT, equivalently regardless of the presence or absence of polarizing cytokines. These data indicate that the selective ability of Th1 cells, as opposed to Th2 cells or naive CD4(+) T cells, to recognize vascular selectins and home to sites of inflammation is controlled principally by the expression of a single gene, FucT-VII.

Possible role for cell-surface carbohydrate-binding molecules in lymphocyte recirculation.

We are investigating the hypothesis that carbohydrate-binding molecules on the cell surface are involved in the recirculation of lymphocytes from the bloodstream into lymphoid organs. This phenomenon requires the specific attachment of circulating lymphocytes to the endothelial cells of postcapillary venules. Using an in vitro assay to measure the adhesive interaction between lymphocytes and postcapillary venules, we have found that L-fucose, D mannose, and the L-fucose-rich, sulfated polysaccharide fucoidin specifically inhibit this binding interaction. L-fucose shows stereo-selective inhibitory activity at concentrations greater than 18 mM while fucoidin produces 50% inhibition at approximately 1-5 X 10(-8) M. Fucoidin appears to interact with the lymphocyte, and not the postcapillary venule, to inhibit binding. These data suggest that cell surface carbohydrates (fucoselike) and carbohydrate-binding molecules (cell surface lectins) may contribute to the specific attachment of lymphocytes to postcapillary venules.

Phosphomannosyl-derivatized beads detect a receptor involved in lymphocyte homing.

Recirculating lymphocytes initiate extravasation from the blood stream by binding to specialized high endothelial venules (HEV) within peripheral lymph nodes (PN) and other secondary lymphoid organs. We have previously reported that lymphocyte attachment to PN HEV is selectively inhibited by mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) and related carbohydrates (Stoolman, L. M., T. S. Tenforde, and S. D. Rosen, 1984, J. Cell Biol., 99:1535-1540). In the present study, we employ a novel cell-surface probe consisting of fluorescent beads derivatized with PPME, a M6P-rich polysaccharide. PPME beads directly identify a carbohydrate-binding receptor on the surface of mouse lymphocytes. In every way examined, lymphocyte attachment to PPME beads (measured by flow cytofluorometry) mimics the interaction of lymphocytes with PN HEV (measured in the Stamper-Woodruff in vitro assay): both interactions are selectively inhibited by the same panel of structurally related carbohydrates, are calcium-dependent, and are sensitive to mild treatment of the lymphocytes with trypsin. In addition, thymocytes and a thymic lymphoma, S49, bind poorly to PPME beads in correspondence to their weak ability to bind to HEV. When the S49 cell line was subjected to a selection procedure with PPME beads, the ability of the cells to bind PPME beads, as well as their ability to bind to PN HEV, increased six- to eightfold. We conclude that a carbohydrate-binding receptor on mouse lymphocytes, detected by PPME beads, is involved in lymphocyte attachment to PN HEV.

Phosphomannosyl receptors may participate in the adhesive interaction between lymphocytes and high endothelial venules.

Normal and malignant lymphocytes can migrate from the bloodstream into lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. This process helps distribute normal lymphocytes throughout the lymphoid system and may provide a portal of entry for circulating malignant cells. An adhesive interaction between lymphocytes and the endothelium of postcapillary venules is the first step in the migratory process. We have recently shown that the simple sugars L-fucose and D-mannose, and an L-fucose-rich polysaccharide (fucoidin), can inhibit this adhesive interaction in vitro. We now report that mannose-6-phosphate, the structurally related sugar fructose-1-phosphate, and a phosphomannan, core polysaccharide from the yeast Hansenula holstii (PPME) are also potent inhibitors. Inhibitory activity was assessed by incubating freshly prepared suspensions of lymphocytes, containing the various additives, over air-dried, frozen sections of syngeneic lymph nodes at 7-10 degrees C. Sections were then evaluated in the light microscope for the binding of lymphocytes to postcapillary venules. Mannose-6-phosphate and fructose-1-phosphate were potent inhibitors of lymphocyte attachment (one-half maximal inhibition at 2-3 mM). Mannose-1-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate had slight inhibitory activity, while glucose-1-phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, galactose-1-phosphate, and galactose-6-phosphate had no significant activity (at 10 mM). In addition, the phosphomannan core polysaccharide was a potent inhibitor (one-half maximal inhibition at 10-20 micrograms/ml); dephosphorylation with alkaline phosphatase resulted in loss of its inhibitory activity. Preincubation of the lymphocytes, but not the lymph node frozen sections, with PPME resulted in persistent inhibition of binding. Neither the monosaccharides nor the polysaccharide suppressed protein synthesis nor decreased the viability of the lymphocytes. Furthermore, inhibitory activity did not correlate with an increase in negative charge on the lymphocyte surface (as measured by cellular electrophoresis). These data suggest that a carbohydrate-binding molecule on the lymphocyte surface, with specificity for mannose-phosphates and structurally related carbohydrates, may be involved in the adhesive interaction mediating lymphocyte recirculation.

Molecular mapping of functional domains of the leukocyte receptor for endothelium, LAM-1.

The human lymphocyte homing receptor LAM-1, like its murine counterpart MEL-14, functions as a mammalian lectin, and mediates the binding of leukocytes to specialized high endothelial cells in lymphoid organs (HEV). LAM-1 is a member of a new family of cell adhesion molecules, termed selectins or LEC-CAMs, which also includes ELAM-1 and PAD-GEM (GMP-140/CD62). To localize the regions of LAM-1 that are involved in cell adhesion, we developed chimeric selectins, in which various domains of PAD-GEM were substituted into LAM-1, and used these chimeric proteins to define the domain requirements for carbohydrate binding, and to localize the regions recognized by several mAb which inhibit the adhesion of lymphocytes to lymph node HEV. The binding of PPME or fucoidin, soluble complex carbohydrates that specifically define the lectin activity of LAM-1 and MEL-14, required only the lectin domain of LAM-1. The LAM1-1, LAM1-3, and LAM1-6 mAb each strongly inhibit the binding of lymphocytes to HEV in the in vitro frozen section assay, and defined three independent epitopes on LAM-1. Blocking of PPME or fucoidin binding by LAM1-3 indicated that this site is identical, or in close proximity, to the carbohydrate binding site, and analysis of the binding of LAM1-3 to chimeric selectins showed that the epitope detected by LAM1-3 is located within the lectin domain. Although the LAM1-6 epitope is also located in the lectin domain, LAM1-6 did not affect the binding of PPME or fucoidin. The LAM1-1 epitope was located in, or required, the EGF domain, and, importantly, binding of LAM1-1 significantly enhanced the binding of both PPME and fucoidin. These results suggest that adhesion mediated by LAM-1 may involve cooperativity between functionally and spatially distinct sites, and support previous data suggesting a role for the EGF domain of LAM-1 in lymphocyte adhesion to HEV.

Receptors involved in lymphocyte homing: relationship between a carbohydrate-binding receptor and the MEL-14 antigen.

Blood-borne lymphocytes extravasate in large numbers within peripheral lymph nodes (PN) and other secondary lymphoid organs. It has been proposed that the initiation of extravasation is based upon a family of cell adhesion molecules (homing receptors) that mediate lymphocyte attachment to specialized high endothelial venules (HEV) within the lymphoid tissues. A putative homing receptor has been identified by the monoclonal antibody, MEL-14, which recognizes an 80-90-kD glycoprotein on the surface of mouse lymphocytes and blocks the attachment of lymphocytes to PN HEV. In a companion study we characterize a carbohydrate-binding receptor on the surface of mouse lymphocytes that also appears to be involved in the interaction of lymphocytes with PN HEV. This receptor selectively binds to fluorescent beads derivatized with PPME, a polysaccharide rich in mannose-6-phosphate. In this report we examine the relationship between this carbohydrate-binding receptor and the putative homing receptor identified by the MEL-14 antibody. We found that: MEL-14 completely and selectively blocks the activity of the carbohydrate-binding receptor on mouse lymphocytes; the ability of six lymphoma cell lines to bind PPME beads correlates with cell-surface expression of the MEL-14 antigen, as well as PN HEV-binding activity; selection of lymphoma cell line variants for PPME-bead binding by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) produces highly correlated (r = 0.974, P less than 0.001) and selective changes in MEL-14 antigen expression. These results show that the carbohydrate-binding receptor on lymphocytes and the MEL-14 antigen, which have been independently implicated as receptors involved in PN-specific HEV attachment, are very closely related, if not identical, molecules.

Dimerization of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) required for optimal recognition of P-selectin.

Interactions between P-selectin, expressed on endothelial cells and activated platelets, and its leukocyte ligand, a homodimer termed P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), mediate the earliest adhesive events during an inflammatory response. To investigate whether dimerization of PSGL-1 is essential for functional interactions with P-selectin, a mutant form of PSGL-1 was generated in which the conserved membrane proximal cysteine was mutated to alanine (designated C320A). Western blotting under both denaturing and native conditions of the C320A PSGL-1 mutant isolated from stably transfected cells revealed expression of only a monomeric form of PSGL-1. In contrast to cells cotransfected with alpha1-3 fucosyltransferase-VII (FucT-VII) plus PSGL-1, K562 cells expressing FucT-VII plus C320A failed to bind COS cells transfected with P-selectin in a low shear adhesion assay, or to roll on CHO cells transfected with P-selectin under conditions of physiologic flow. In addition, C320A transfectants failed to bind chimeric P-selectin fusion proteins. Both PSGL-1 and C320A were uniformly distributed on the surface of transfected K562 cells. Thus, dimerization of PSGL-1 through the single, conserved, extracellular cysteine is essential for functional recognition of P-selectin.

The fucosyltransferase FucT-VII regulates E-selectin ligand synthesis in human T cells.

Selectin-ligands on T cells contribute to the recruitment of circulating cells into chronic inflammatory lesions in the skin and elsewhere. This report provides the first evidence that a single fucosyltransferase, termed FucT-VII, controls the synthesis of E-selectin ligands in human T-lymphoblasts. The FucT-IV transferase (the ELFT enzyme), in contrast constructs lower avidity E-selectin ligands and requires enzyme levels found only in myeloid cells. Treatment of Jurkat cells with phorbol myristate acetate increased the expression of sialylated Lewis(x)-related sLe(x)related epitopes and induced the synthesis of E-selectin ligands functional at physiologic levels of linear shear-stress. Northern analysis revealed a parallel increase in the steady-state levels FucT-VII mRNA, but there were no increases in the two other leukocyte-associated fucosyltransferases (FucT-IV and VI). The stable transfection of the FucT-VII gene into Jurkat cells induced high levels of the sLe(x)-related epitopes and the synthesis of E-selectin ligands which equal or exceeded the avidity of those on circulating lymphocytes. The growth of T-lymphoblasts under conditions which induced expression of the sLe(x,a) epitopes increased the level of FucT-VII mRNA, the synthesis of sialylated-Lewis(x) structures by cell-free extracts and the synthesis of E-selectin ligands equal in avidity to those on FucT-VII transfectants. In contrast, neither the mRNA levels nor activities of the FucT-IV and VI enzymes increased in association with E-selectin ligand synthesis in T-lymphoblasts. Myeloid cell lines, unlike lymphoblasts, expressed high levels of both the FucT-VII and IV enzymes in conjunction with E-selectin ligands raising the possibility that both enzymes contributed to ligand synthesis. FucT-IV transfected Jurkat cells synthesized low avidity ligands for E-selectin but only in association with CDw65 (VIM-2) carbohydrate epitope. Only blood neutrophils and myeloid cell lines expressed this epitope at the levels associated with E-ligand synthesis in the transfectants. In contrast, native Jurkat cells, blood monocytes, blood lymphocytes, and cultured T-lymphoblasts expressed low levels or none. We conclude that FucT-VII is a principal regulator of E-selectin ligand synthesis in human T-lymphoblasts while both FucT-VII and FucT-IV may direct ligand synthesis in some myeloid cells.

Involvement of sialic acid on endothelial cells in organ-specific lymphocyte recirculation.

Mouse lymphocytes incubated on cryostat-cut sections of lymphoid organs (lymph nodes and Peyer's patches) specifically adhere to the endothelium of high endothelial venules (HEV), the specialized blood vessels to which recirculating lymphocytes attach as they migrate from the blood into the parenchyma of the lymphoid organs. Treatment of sections with sialidase eliminated the binding of lymphocytes to peripheral lymph node HEV, had no effect on binding to Peyer's patch HEV, and had an intermediate effect on mesenteric lymph node HEV. These results suggest that sialic acid on endothelial cells may be an organ-specific recognition determinant for lymphocyte attachment.

Adhesion molecules of cultured hematopoietic malignancies. A calcium-dependent lectin is the principle mediator of binding to the high endothelial venule of lymph nodes.

This study documents that a calcium-dependent phosphomanosyl-binding site on human lymphoid malignancies mediates attachment to the peripheral node high endothelial venule (PNHEV). The phorbol ester PMA coordinately upregulates lectin activity and binding to the PNHEV in the human T-lymphoblastic cell line Jurkat but not in the less phenotypically mature lines HSB2, Molt4, CEM, and HPB-ALL. In contrast, expression of CD18, CD2, and several common epitopes of the putative adhesion receptor gp90Hermes (CD44) did not correlate with attachment to PNHEV in this series of cell lines. Insensitivity to inhibition by the CD18 MAb TS 1.18, temperature and divalent cation requirements further distinguish the Jurkat-PNHEV adhesive interaction from CD11a/18- and CD2-mediated adhesion. The PMA-induced phenotypic changes in the Jurkat line parallel late thymocyte differentiation as well as lymphocyte activation, suggesting that expression of the endothelial-binding lectin may be linked to one or both of these processes. The lectin-like activity on Jurkat cells is functionally indistinguishable from those previously linked to PNHEV recognition in normal human lymphocytes, normal rat lymphocytes and both normal and malignant murine lymphoid cells. In the mouse, this activity is either contained in or functionally linked to a member of the LEC-CAM family gp90Mel14, suggesting that Jurkat cells express the human homologue of the murine nodal homing receptor. Thus cultured T lymphoblastic malignancies express a variety of potential endothelial adhesion molecules but use primarily a highly conserved surface lectin to interact with PNHEV.

Monocyte-endothelial adhesion in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. In situ detection of selectin and integrin-dependent interactions.

Blood monocytes are the principal reservoir for tissue macrophages in rheumatoid synovitis. Receptor-mediated adhesive interactions between circulating cells and the synovial venules initiate recruitment. These interactions have been studied primarily in cultured endothelial cells. Thus the functional activities of specific adhesion receptors, such as the endothelial selectins and the leukocytic integrins, have not been evaluated directly in diseased tissues. We therefore examined monocyte-microvascular interactions in rheumatoid synovitis by modifying the Stamper-Woodruff frozen section binding assay initially developed to study lymphocyte homing. Specific binding of monocytes to venules lined by low or high endothelium occurred at concentrations as low as 5 x 10(5) cells/ml. mAbs specific for P-selectin (CD62, GMP-140/PADGEM) blocked adhesion by > 90% in all synovitis specimens examined. In contrast, P-selectin-mediated adhesion to the microvasculature was either lower or absent in frozen sections of normal foreskin and placenta. mAbs specific for E-selectin (ELAM-1) blocked 20-50% of monocyte attachment in several RA synovial specimens but had no effect in others. mAbs specific for LFA-1, Mo1/Mac 1, the integrin beta 2-chain, and L-selectin individually inhibited 30-40% of adhesion. An mAb specific for the integrin beta 1-chain inhibited the attachment of elutriated monocytes up to 20%. We conclude that P-selectin associated with the synovial microvasculature initiates shear-resistant adhesion of monocytes in the Stamper-Woodruff assay and stabilizes bonds formed by other selectins and the integrins. Thus the frozen section binding assay permits direct evaluation of leukocyte-microvascular adhesive interactions in inflamed tissues and suggests a prominent role for P-selectin in monocyte recruitment in vivo.

Identification of two related markers for common acute lymphoblastic leukemia as heat shock proteins.

By direct analysis of the polypeptide constituents of leukemic cells, we have previously detected several polypeptides that are restricted in their expression to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study, we provide evidence that two polypeptides designated L2 and L4 are structurally related and represent novel markers for common ALL. Partial amino acid sequence analysis did not uncover differences between L2 and L4. The sequences obtained correspond to a previously cloned human gene designated hsp 27 that is expressed, following heat shock treatment, in a variety of cells. 32Pi incorporation studies indicate that L4 is an unphosphorylated form and L2 is a phosphorylated form of hsp27. The two forms were inducible by heat shock in leukemic and nonleukemic lymphoid cells. Thus, in acute leukemia, the common ALL subtype is uniquely characterized by the constitutive expression of a polypeptide that represents a major cellular phosphoprotein.

Adhesion molecule expression in CD5-negative/CD10-negative chronic B-cell leukemias: comparison with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and CD5-positive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The classification of CD5-negative/CD10-negative chronic B-cell leukemias (CD5-/CD10- CBL) can be problematic. Most of these cases may represent leukemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) other than B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (BCLL); nonetheless, some investigators still advocate the term "CD5-negative BCLL." Because adhesion molecule (AdMol) expression patterns reflect the biology of lymphoid neoplasms, we studied a series of 106 B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, including CD5+ BCLL (n = 56), NHL other than BCLL (n = 35), and CD5-/CD10- CBL (excluding hairy cell leukemia and prolymphocytic leukemia) with no prior history of NHL (n = 15) for expression of components of the very late antigen-4 complex (alpha4/beta1 integrin (CD49d/CD29)), components of the mucosal addressin-cell adhesion molecule receptor (alpha4(CD49d)/beta7 integrin), and L-selectin (CD62L). CD62L expression was significantly greater in CD5+ BCLL than in NHL (P < .001). Conversely, CD29, CD49d, and beta7-integrin expression were significantly greater in NHL than in CD5+ BCLL (P < .001 for each marker). These differences persisted when only blood and bone marrow samples were analyzed, with the exception of differences in CD62L expression, which approached, but did not reach, statistical significance (P = .08). The group of CD5-/CD10- CBL displayed an AdMol profile similar to NHL and was significantly different than CD5+ BCLL in expression of beta7 integrin, CD29, CD49d, and CD62L (P range < .001-.011). In summary, CD5-/CD10- CBL display an AdMol profile resembling NHL and significantly different from CD5+ BCLL, supporting the growing notion that "CD5-negative BCLL" generally represents leukemic NHL rather than a variant of true CD5+ BCLL.

Kappa light chain gene rearrangement in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement assays are sensitive methods of detecting clonality in lymphoproliferative disorders. The lack of lineage specificity of immunoglobulin heavy chain and T-cell receptor beta and gamma gene probes in acute leukemia is well established. However, immunoglobulin light chain gene rearrangement traditionally has been considered a highly specific indicator of a clonal B-lineage process. The authors describe a case of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in which Southern blot hybridization studies showed rearrangement of the T-cell receptor beta chain gene. Unexpectedly, the immunoglobulin kappa light chain gene also was rearranged; no immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement was seen. Kappa rearrangement was confirmed with the use of three restriction endonucleases. No rearrangements were seen from normal skin tissue, making a restriction enzyme site polymorphism highly unlikely. Northern blot studies showed a normal-size, T-cell receptor beta chain gene transcript; no immunoglobulin RNA was identified. These results describe the first reported case of kappa light chain gene rearrangement in a T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The findings emphasize the necessity of interpreting molecular hybridization studies in conjunction with routine morphology and immunophenotyping studies.

Immunophenotypic aberrancy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Some recent reports indicate a high frequency of immunophenotypic aberrancy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To investigate this issue with regard to adult ALL, the authors reviewed the immunophenotyping data from 39 cases analyzed in their clinical laboratory. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood and/or bone marrow was performed with the use of a panel of 21 B-cell, T-cell, and myeloid monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). The surface antigen profiles of the leukemic cells were compared with those of normal bone marrow and thymic counterparts, as defined by current models. Twenty-six cases were B-precursor ALL, 8 were T-ALL, and 3 were B-ALL (Burkitt's leukemia). Only two cases coexpressed lymphoid and myeloid antigens. In contrast, intralineage aberrancy was quite common. Immunophenotypes from 13 of 26 B-precursor ALL cases deviated from normal B-lineage marrow cells as defined by a recent classification. The T-ALL cases were also immunophenotypically heterogeneous. This high incidence of aberrant antigen expression in adult ALL suggests that leukemogenesis also involves aberrant differentiation rather than purely a process of maturational arrest.

Flow cytometric analysis of DNA in diagnostic cytology.

Flow cytometric analysis of nuclear DNA content and cell surface immunologic phenotyping were used in the evaluation of cytologic samples obtained from four patients. In each sample, a lymphoid cell population was present, which was difficult to evaluate by traditional cytopathologic methods. In two of the cases, the flow cytometric demonstration of monoclonal populations of lymphoid cells characterized by abnormal amounts of nuclear DNA gave support to the cytologic interpretation of malignancy. In a third sample, a lymphoid cell population that could not be cytologically distinguished from malignant lymphoma cells of small lymphoid cell type was shown to be composed of euploid, polyclonal cells. In the fourth case, the demonstration of euploidy in morphologically distinctive cell populations was helpful in interpreting the fine-needle aspirate of the thyroid gland. The authors conclude that flow cytometry can be used to great advantage in the evaluation of cytologic samples as well as in predicting biologic behavior.

Adhesion molecules controlling lymphocyte migration.

Two newly characterized structural families of adhesion molecules, in concert with known members of the integrin and immunoglobulin supergene families, mediate the interaction of circulating lymphoid cells with the vessel wall. The Hermes/CD44 antigen family participates in attachment to multiple vascular beds and consists of a common polypeptide core showing amino-terminal homology to cartilage link proteins. In contrast, the node-specific homing receptor Mel-14 consists of substructures homologous to calcium-dependent lectins, EGF, and complement binding proteins. The sequence of Mel-14 provides structural support for the hypothesis that lectin-carbohydrate interactions mediate physiologically significant adhesion events in the course of lymphocyte recirculation. The discovery of a similar structure in ELAM-1 and GMP-140 extends the reach of this family to other leukocyte and platelet interactions with the vessel wall.

Regulation of L-selectin mRNA in Jurkat cells. Opposing influences of calcium- and protein kinase C-dependent signaling pathways.

L-Selectin initiates leukocyte attachment to venular endothelium during lymphocyte recirculation through lymph nodes, leukocyte recruitment into sites of inflammation, and the hematogenous spread of lymphoid malignancies. The density of L-selectin at the cell surface is a major determinant of binding activity and entry into tissues. Post-transcriptional shedding is one control mechanism; however, the extent and physiologic relevance of pre-translational regulation has not been defined. The current study shows that mitogen-/IL-2-driven proliferation of human T cells first increased then markedly decreased the expression of L-selectin on the blast population. The prevalence of specific mRNA showed parallel changes, implying that receptor density is controlled, in part, at the pretranslational level. We used the IL-2-independent Jurkat cell line to determine whether signaling through C-type protein kinases and intracellular calcium regulated L-selectin mRNA directly. Selective pharmacologic activation of these pathways with phorbol esters and calcium ionophore, respectively, resulted in opposite effects on both L-selectin density and mRNA levels. Phorbol esters induced receptor shedding followed by progressive increases in L-selectin density and steady state levels of mRNA. Addition of a calcium ionophore with the phorbol ester blocked both the reexpression of surface receptor and the increase in mRNA. Treatment with ionophore alone resulted in a steady decline in L-selectin expression and mRNA levels. Cyclosporin A, a specific inhibitor of calcineurin, blocked the impact of ionophore on both basal and phorbol-induced levels of L-selectin mRNA. Ionophore alone did not induce apoptosis, significantly alter cell cycle kinetics, or increase transcription of the IL-2 gene under conditions that suppressed L-selectin. Thus, calcineurin seems to be a proximal enzyme in a novel regulatory cascade that suppresses L-selectin expression independent of its known effects on proliferating T cells. In light of the findings in Jurkat, we propose that the protein kinase pathway up-regulates L-selectin mRNA and surface expression early in mitogen-driven T cell proliferation. Chronic elevation of intracellular calcium in repeatedly stimulated T cells then down-regulates expression at the pretranslational level through prolonged activation of calcineurin.