Lack of anti-tumour reactivity despite enhanced numbers of circulating natural killer T cells in two patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Natural killer T (NK T) cells play a central role as intermediates between innate and adaptive immune responses important to induce anti-tumour reactivity in cancer patients. In two of 14 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, treated with interferon (IFN)-α, we detected significantly enhanced numbers of circulating NK T cells which were typed phenotypically and analysed for anti-tumour reactivity. These NK T cells were T cell receptor (TCR) Vα24/Vß11(+), 6B11(+) and bound CD1d tetramers. No correlation was observed between NK T frequencies and regulatory T cells (T(regs)), which were also enhanced. NK T cells expressed CD56, CD161, CD45RO and CD69 and were predominantly CD8(+), in contrast to the circulating T cell pool that contained both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, as is found in healthy individuals. It is unlikely that IFN-α triggered the high NK T frequency, as all other patients expressed low to normal NK T numbers. A parallel was observed in IFN-α-related increase in activation of NK T cells with that in conventional T and non-T cells. Normal interleukin (IL)-7, IL-12 and IL-15 plasma levels were found. In one of the patients sporadic NK T cells were detected at the tumour site. α-Galactosylceramide (αGalCer) stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells or isolated NK T cell lines from both patients induced IFN-γ, but no IL-4 and no response towards autologous tumour cells or lysates. The clinical course of disease in both patients was not exceptional with regard to histological subtype and extent of metastatic disease. Therefore, despite a constitutive high peripheral frequency and in vitroαGalCer responsiveness, the NK T cells in the two RCC patients did not show anti-tumour responsiveness.

Histological and immunological parameters to predict treatment outcome of Helicobacter pylori eradication in low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma.

Helicobacter pylori eradication is generally accepted as the first choice of treatment for stage IE low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type lymphoma). Treatment failure may be attributed to the extent of the disease and to progression into an antigen-independent phase. This study assessed the value of morphological grading and the expression of the co-stimulatory markers CD40, CD80 and CD86 and their ligands to predict clinical outcome in 23 consecutive low-grade MALT lymphoma patients treated with H. pylori eradication. Complete regression was achieved in 13/23 patients (56%), partial regression in two (9%), and no response in eight (35%). Histological grading was highly predictive of clinical response, especially in stage IE(1) patients, with complete remissions in 10/12 tumours with purely low-grade (type A) morphology and 1/8 tumours with increased numbers of blasts (type B) (p=0.0046) and was related to the expression of costimulatory markers (p=0.0061). Moreover, CD86 as a single marker proved to be of predictive value for treatment outcome (p=0.0086). These results suggest that morphological grading and immunological criteria can be defined to recognize the transition into the antigen-independent phase of gastric MALT-NHL. In addition to clinical stage, these critera may in future serve as a practical pathological guide to the choice of therapy.

Localization in situ of costimulatory molecules and cytokines in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Costimulatory molecules are essential in cognate interactions between T and B lymphocytes. To study the prerequisites of functional interactions between malignant B cells and intermingled T cells in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL), we examined the expression of CD40, CD80 and CD86 and their ligands CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154), CD28 and CTLA4 (CD152) using immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Almost all mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) NHL were positive for CD40 and CD80 and in nine out of 14 cases were positive for CD86. The majority of follicle centre cell lymphomas (FCCL) expressed CD40, but were heterogeneous in their expression of CD80 and CD86. Most diffuse large cell lymphomas (DLCL) were CD80+, but lacked expression of CD86. These patterns reflect the differences in phenotype of normal marginal-zone B cells (as counterparts of MALT NHL) and germinal centre cells (as counterparts of FCCL and DLCL). Counter-receptors on T cells were detectable in 13 of 14 MALT NHL, 12 of 16 FCCL but only occasionally in DLCL (three of 12 cases). A subgroup of FCCL was identified with T-cell expression of CD40L, CD28 and CTLA4 simultaneously with strong expression of CD40 and CD86 on the tumour B cells. These results indicate that MALT NHL and a subset of FCCL are most optimally equipped for functional interactions with T cells. This may be supported by the demonstration of cytokine production - mainly in T cells - in MALT NHL [interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-10] and FCCL (IL-2, IFN-gamma) and to a lesser extent in DLCL.

Localization in situ of the co-stimulatory molecules B7.1, B7.2, CD40 and their ligands in normal human lymphoid tissue.

Functional interactions between B and T lymphocytes are known to depend on the expression of co-stimulatory molecules B7.1/CD80, B7.2/CD86 and their counter-receptors CD28 and CTLA4, as well as CD40 and its ligand CD40L. To study the role of these molecules in situ, an immunohistochemical analysis was carried out on normal human lymphoid tissue. In the germinal centers (GC), B7.1 and B7.2 were differentially expressed. In the dark zone, centroblasts were predominantly B7.1+, while centrocytes in the light zone were B7-2+, resulting in reversed gradients of both markers in GC. Follicle mantle cells were negative for B7.1 and B7.2. Macrophages and interdigitating dendritic cells (IDC) in T cell zones both expressed B7.1 and B7.2. Moreover, clusters of B7.2+ T cells were demonstrated in interfollicular areas. Intrafollicular CD4+ T cells in GC, predominantly in the apical light zone, expressed CD28 and CTLA4, as did the majority of interfollicular T cells. CTLA4 showed a striking excentric cytoplasmic staining, which was also seen on T cells activated in vitro. CD40 was expressed on all B cells and more strongly on macrophages and IDC. Moreover, small clusters of T cells in a rim outside the GC showed CD40 expression. CD40L was expressed both on intrafollicular CD4+ T cells as well as on T cells in T cell zones. The differential distribution of co-stimulatory molecules in different compartments of normal human lymphoid tissue in situ indicates that these interactions play a distinctive role in different stages of B cell differentiation and in the immune response.

Functional expression of adhesion receptors and costimulatory molecules by fresh and immortalized B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes of a patient with follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) were immortalized in vitro by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Eight cell lines were obtained (termed BNS1, BNS2-1 through BNS2-7), which showed a pattern of idiotypic (id) Ig surface expression and Ig JH and kappa gene rearrangement, identical to that of the parent cells (termed NS), confirming their neoplastic origin. Induction of allogeneic T-cell proliferation by NS cells was mediated by HLA-DR, leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), LFA-3, B7-1/CD80, and CTLA4 and resulted in the upregulation (LFA-3, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], CD40) and induction (B7-1/CD80, B7-2/CD86, L16/activated LFA-1) of accessory molecules on NS cells. In turn, responder T lymphocytes were induced to express B7-1/CD80, B7-2/CD86, CD40 ligand (CD40L), ICAM-1, L16/activated LFA-1, and HLA-DR, reflecting bidirectional signaling between T lymphocytes and B-NHL cells. Preactivation of NS cells by EBV transformation or CD40 engagement resulted in enhanced expression of accessory molecules and abolished the requirement for accessory cells during allostimulation. These resting and activated clonal B cells will be useful in further dissecting the requirements for B-NHL costimulation.

Treatment of low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 in combination with the B-cell-specific monoclonal antibody CLB-CD19.

Seven patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with a combination of a murine monoclonal antibody directed against the B-cell-specific antigen CD19 (CLB-CD19), given twice weekly, and continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2). We demonstrated stable serum CLB-CD19 levels throughout the 12 weeks of treatment, and homing of the antibody into the tumour sites. A variable degree of antigenic modulation was noted. Prolonged treatment resulted in a sustained increase in the number of natural killer cells in the circulation with enhanced cytotoxic capacity, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. During the first weeks of treatment, T cell activation occurred in the majority of patients. Toxicity was related to the rIL-2 treatment and consisted of transient constitutional symptoms and a flu-like syndrome without organ dysfunction. A partial remission occurred in one patient, and in another patient who was primarily leukaemic a greater than 50% reduction of circulating B cells was noted. An antitumour effect occurred early during treatment and could not be related to rIL-2-induced modulation of natural killer cell or T lymphocyte activation.

Role of LFA-1/ICAM-1 in interleukin-2-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation.

Major adhesion routes between lymphoid cells involve the receptor/ligand pairs LFA-1/ICAM-1 and CD2/LFA-3, in addition to VLA or CD44 molecules. In this study we evaluated the role of these adhesion receptors in the proliferative response of lymphoid cells to interleukin-2 (IL-2). Blocking studies were performed with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against these adhesion molecules. Selective inhibition of recombinant (r)IL-2-induced cell proliferation was observed with mAb directed against the alpha or beta subunit of LFA-1 or to its ligand ICAM-1. Interestingly, rIL-2-induced proliferation was also inhibited by NKI-L16, and anti-1 alpha antibody known to enhance cell-cell interaction. Resting lymphocytes were preferentially susceptible to the inhibition, particularly in an early phase of culture and when stimulated with a relatively low dose of rIL-2. By using mAb that specifically could block distinct rIL-2 activation pathways, LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction was found to be required for p55 IL-2 receptor (IL-2R)-mediated interaction of rIL-2 with its high-affinity receptor, but not for p75 IL-2R-mediated responses. Furthermore, it was shown that the rIL-2 response of T lymphocytes, but not of natural killer cells, was dependent on LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction. This suggests that LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction is required for an optimal rIL-2 response of cells capable of IL-2 secretion. Our data provide evidence for the hypothesis that adhesion receptor-directed release of IL-2 may result in a locally high concentration of IL-2 that triggers high-affinity IL-2R signaling and up-regulates p55 IL-2R to enhance cytokine responsiveness.

A phase I study of prolonged continuous infusion of low dose recombinant interleukin-2 in melanoma and renal cell cancer. Part II: Immunological aspects.

Previously we described the clinical aspects of a phase I study of prolonged continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2). In the present paper we report several immunological effects in 13 patients with melanoma and renal cell cancer treated on an out-patient basis with rIL-2 for uninterrupted periods ranging from 5 to 18 weeks. Groups of three patients were treated at following dose levels 0.18, 0.6, 1.8 or 6 x 10(6) IU m-2 24 h-1 and one patient was treated with 3 x 10(6) IU m-2 24 h-1. Prolonged rIL-2 treatment resulted in a dose-dependent and sustained increase in the percentage and absolute number of (CD56+, CD8dim) natural killer cells. Within this population a preferential increase in the CD56bright cells with low expression of CD16 was observed. The CD27 antigen was also upregulated in the CD56bright CD16dim population. This increase of NK cells was accompanied by an enhancement of the cytotoxic capacity of the peripheral lymphocytes. No consistent signs of T cell activation or expansion were noted.

Regulatory effect of interleukin-4 (IL-4) on the expression and function of lymphocyte adhesion receptors involved in IL-2-induced cell aggregation.

Human recombinant interleukin-4 (rIL-4) was studied for its capacity to inhibit rIL-2-induced lymphoid cell aggregation. In contrast to rIL-2, rIL-4 was unable to induce cluster formation by itself. However, when added simultaneously with rIL-2 to cultures of freshly isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), rIL-4 inhibited cell aggregation in a dose-dependent way. In contrast, PBL, preactivated by a 4-day culture in the presence of 500 U/ml rIL-2, were not inhibited in their adhesive capacity by rIL-4. Inhibition of cell aggregation was most prominent at 24 hr and virtually lost after 72 hr of culture. Phenotypical analysis revealed that rIL-4, with similar kinetics, decreased the rIL-2-mediated up-regulation of the CD2, CD54 and CD49e adhesion molecules. In addition, it was observed that up-regulation of the activation epitope on CD11a recognized by the mAb NKI-L16, was prevented. During 24hr of culture rIL-4 itself did not alter the expression of these antigens. Blocking experiments with mAb directed against adhesion structures did not reveal a direct role for CD49e, but obviously demonstrated involvement of CD11a/CD18-CD54 and CD2-CD58 interactions in the rIL-2-induced adhesion. Therefore, rIL-4 appears to inhibit the early phase of rIL-2-induced aggregation by preventing the up-regulation of CD54 and CD2 antigens and by inhibiting the generation of the activated state of the CD11a/CD18 receptor.

Functional and molecular characterization of B cell line derived interleukin-1 alpha.

The cytokine secreted by a human hybrid B cell line (STS 25) obtained by fusion of the B lymphoblastoid cell line WI-L2-729-HF2 with neoplastic B cells from a patient with B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) was characterized as IL-1 alpha. STS 25 cells express the idiotypic (Id+) immunoglobulin (Ig) specific for the neoplastic B cells of the B-NHL patient. STS 25 cells are weakly positive for surface mu delta kappa and in addition express the surface markers CD19, CD20, CD23, HLA class I and II, and the 4F2 activation antigen. STS 25 cells are also Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen positive but do not secrete viral particles. Serum-free culture supernatant from STS 25 cells (STS 25 SUP) does not show activity in assays for interleukin-2 (IL-2), -4 (IL-4), -6 (IL-6), interferon or tumor necrosis factor, but is active in the thymocyte costimulation assay and the D10.G4.1 T helper clone proliferation assay for interleukin-1 (IL-1). The IL-1 character of the STS 25 SUP activity was confirmed in inhibition studies with three different poly- or monoclonal anti-IL-1 antibodies (31, 88, and 94% inhibition in thymocyte costimulation assay, respectively). Furthermore, complete blocking of D10.G4.1 cell proliferation mediated by STS 25 SUP was observed by including anti-IL-1 alpha specific antibody in the assay, whereas anti-IL-1 beta antibody had no effect. These results indicate that this STS 25 SUP activity can be attributed to the presence of IL-1 alpha in the supernatant. Northern blot analysis of total STS 25 cellular RNA using IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta specific probes revealed the constitutive expression of IL-1 alpha messenger RNA by STS 25 cells. In contrast, no IL-1 beta message was detectable, not even after treatment of the cells with phorbol ester or cycloheximide, which resulted in approximately 5-fold enhancement of IL-1 alpha mRNA expression. Binding studies with radiolabeled recombinant (r) IL-1 alpha indicated the presence of high numbers of IL-1 receptors on STS 25 cells (1,170 per cell, Kd = 392 pM). Although both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta bound to these IL-1 receptors, no indication was found for IL-1 mediated regulation of STS 25 cell growth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Idiotypic immunoglobulin secretion by human B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is related to the expression of the interleukin-2 receptor.

Tumor cells from 5 human B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) patients were investigated for proliferative activity and idiotypic (Id+) immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion in serum-free medium without deliberate addition of B cell growth or differentiation factors (BCDF). These data were compared with cell surface marker expression, notably of activation antigens such as 4F2 and interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor. Cells from all patients became 4F2 positive at the end of the 6-day culture period. Freshly drawn cells from 3 out of 5 patients expressed the IL-2 receptor (CD25; Tac antigen) or acquired this marker during culture in vitro and secreted relatively high levels of Id+ Ig in vitro. This correlated with elevated serum Id levels (greater than or equal to 0.5 micrograms/ml in vitro versus greater than or equal to 20 micrograms/ml in vivo). In the 2 CD25 (Tac)- B-NHL patients serum Id levels were below the detection limit and the amount of Id+ Ig secreted in vitro did not surpass 50 ng/ml. Only the B-NHL cells from a single patient were initially CD25 (Tac) positive and only these cells proliferated in serum-free culture. To test whether IL-2 receptor expression in the 3 CD25 (Tac)+ patients was functional, recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) either alone or in conjunction with BCDF and recombinant IL-4 (rIL-4) was added to the cultures. In 2 out of 3 CD25 (Tac)+ patients rIL-2 was capable of enhancing proliferation or Ig secretion. In addition rIL-2 was found to enhance BCDF-mediated but not rIL-4 mediated responses. The third CD25 (Tac)+ B-NHL population was resistant to any of these lymphokines. Thus, this serum-free culture system may accurately reflect patient serum Id levels. IL-2 appears to regulate not only the in vitro but also the in vivo Ig secretion by neoplastic B cells.