The Major Histocompatibility Complex of Old World Camels-A Synopsis.

This study brings new information on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III sub-region genes in Old World camels and integrates current knowledge of the MHC region into a comprehensive overview for Old World camels. Out of the MHC class III genes characterized, TNFA and the LY6 gene family showed high levels of conservation, characteristic for MHC class III loci in general. For comparison, an MHC class II gene TAP1, not coding for antigen presenting molecules but functionally related to MHC antigen presenting functions was studied. TAP1 had many SNPs, even higher than the MHC class I and II genes encoding antigen presenting molecules. Based on this knowledge and using new camel genomic resources, we constructed an improved genomic map of the entire MHC region of Old World camels. The MHC class III sub-region shows a standard organization similar to that of pig or cattle. The overall genomic structure of the camel MHC is more similar to pig MHC than to cattle MHC. This conclusion is supported by differences in the organization of the MHC class II sub-region, absence of functional DY genes, different organization of MIC genes in the MHC class I sub-region, and generally closer evolutionary relationships of camel and porcine MHC gene sequences analyzed so far.

Analysis of the mouse 129-strain Nkrp1-Clr gene cluster reveals conservation of genomic organization and functional receptor-ligand interactions despite significant allelic polymorphism.

The Nkrp1 (Klrb) family of NK cell receptors and their genetically linked Clr (Clec2) ligands are conserved between rodents and humans. Nonetheless, certain mouse and rat Nkrp1 genes exhibit significant allelic polymorphism between inbred strains. We previously demonstrated that the Nkrp1-Clr recognition system is genetically and functionally conserved between the B6 and BALB/c strains, with focused sequence divergence evident in certain genes (e.g., Nkrp1b,c). Here, we extend this finding by mapping the 129-strain Nkrp1-Clr gene cluster, which is structurally conserved yet displays significant sequence divergence relative to the B6 haplotype. In addition, we show that 129-strain NK cells possess comparable Nkrp1 and Clr transcript expression, and characterize several NKR-P1:Clr interactions that are functionally conserved between the B6 and 129 strains, including documented and novel receptor-ligand pairs. Thus, despite significant allelic polymorphism observed in the Nkrp1-Clr region, the overall genetic organization and functional repertoire appear to be conserved among mouse strains, in contrast to the striking variation observed in the corresponding Ly49 region. These data extend our knowledge of the complex genetically linked Nkrp1-Clr NK recognition system in mice.

Cloning and characterization of a human LYPD7, a new member of the Ly-6 superfamily.

Members of the Ly-6 (Lymphocyte Antigen 6) protein family share one or several repeat units of the LU domain that is defined by a distinct disulfide bonding pattern between 8 or 10 cysteine residues. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel human LU domain-containing gene, LYPD7 (LY6/PLAUR domain containing 7), isolated from human testis cDNA library, and mapped to 2q22.3-23.3 by searching the UCSC genomic database. The LYPD7 cDNA sequence consists of 1,600 nucleotides and contains an open reading frame of 624 bp, encoding a putative protein of 207 amino acid residues. RT-PCR analysis showed that LYPD7 was especially highly expressed in testis, lung, stomach, and prostate. Subcellular localization of LYPD7 demonstrated that the protein was localized in the cytoplasm when overexpressed in Hela cells. Furthermore, the subsequent analysis based on reporter gene assays suggested that overexpression of LYPD7 in HEK 293T cells was able to activate the transcriptional activities of AP1 (PMA).

Natural killer cell receptors in the horse: evidence for the existence of multiple transcribed LY49 genes.

In rodents, the Ly49 family encodes natural killer (NK) receptors interacting with classical MHC class I molecules, whereas the corresponding receptors in primates are members of the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family. Recent evidence indicates that the cattle, domestic cat, dog, and pig have a single LY49 and multiple KIR genes, suggesting that predominant NK receptors in most non-rodent mammals might be KIR. Here, we show that the horse has at least six LY49 genes, five with an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) and one with arginine in the transmembrane region. Interestingly, none of the horse KIR-like cDNA clones isolated by library screening encoded molecules likely to function asNK receptors; four types of clones were KIR-Ig-like transcript (KIR-ILT) hybrids and contained premature stop codons and/or frameshift mutations, and two putative allelic sequences predicting KIR3DL molecules had mutated ITIM. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting that non-rodent mammals may use LY49 as NK receptors for classical MHC class I. We also show that horse spleen expresses ILT-like genes with unique domain organizations. Radiation hybrid mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization localized horse LY49 and KIR/ILT genes to chromosomes 6q13 and 10p12, respectively.

Identification of a human member of the Ly-49 multigene family.

Three classes of multigene family-encoded receptors enable NK cells to discriminate between polymorphic MHC class I molecules: Ly-49 homodimers, CD94/NKG2 heterodimers and the killer cell inhibitory receptors (KIR). Of these, CD94/NKG2 has been characterized in both rodents and humans. In contrast, Ly-49 family members have hitherto been found only in rodents, and KIR molecules only in the human. In this report, we describe a human cDNA, termed Ly-49L, that constitutes the first human member of the Ly-49 multi-gene family. Compared with rodent Ly-49 molecules, the Ly-49L sequence contains a premature stop codon and predicts a truncated protein that lacks the distal part of a C-terminal lectin domain. Evidence is presented that the premature stop codon results from incomplete excision of the intron between the first two lectin domain exons. Splice variants predicting a full-size Ly-49L protein were not detected. As demonstrated by Northern blot analysis, Ly-49L was transcribed by IL-2-activated NK cells, but not by freshly isolated B or T cells. PCR screening of a 22-clone yeast artificial chromosome contig localized the LY49L locus to the human NK gene complex on chromosome 12p12-p13. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA showed a simple pattern with a full-length Ly-49L probe at low stringency hybridization conditions, suggesting that Ly-49L may be the only human member of the Ly-49 multigene family.

Low-dose X-irradiation and 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide distinguishes three Lyt-1+ lymph node T-cell subtypes that respond to specific antigen in vitro.

We investigated whether preculture exposure to low-dose X-irradiation and culture treatment with 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HPCY), a synthetic derivative of cyclophosphamide (CY), might distinguish subtypes of thymic-dependent (T) lymphocytes that respond to specific antigen in vitro. Lymph node (LN) cells were obtained from mice pretreated with CY and immunized with aggregated (A) human IgG (HGG) in Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA), and proliferation was assessed by incorporation of tritiated thymidine. Primed LN cells were untreated or exposed to low-dose irradiation before being cultured in medium alone and in medium containing 4-HPCY. The results show that these agents (irradiation and 4-HPCY) distinguished, in a dose-dependent manner, subtypes of T-cells which contribute to the specific antigen-stimulated proliferative response in vitro. For LN T-cells and LN Lyt-1+ T-cells, 20-25 rads and 1.0 microM 4-HPCY inactivated non-overlapping cell subtypes that respectively accounted for 26% and 28% of the response to HGG. The remaining 46% of HGG-responding cells were not affected by either agent. Although similar cell subtypes were discerned in unseparated LN cells, it required use of higher agent-doses. Cell cycle analysis revealed that treatment with irradiation, 4-HPCY, and the combination (both agents) caused S-phase arrest of 29%, 30%, and 55% of HGG-responding cells, respectively. Thus, identification of these cell subtypes could not be attributed to agent-mediated inactivation of HGG-responding cells that might be in exclusively different phases of the cell cycle.

Interrelationships of the "Ly-6 complex" antigens.

Competitive binding studies and immunoprecipitation experiments define at least five distinct epitopes encoded by Ly-6-linked genes--Ly-6A.2, Ly-6B.2, Ly-6C.2, Ly-6D.2, and ThB. Ly-6A.2, a 33 kd protein, and Ly-6D.2 are closely overlapping epitopes that can be distinguished by their unique thymus reactions of 10-20% or greater than 90%, respectively. Similarly, the Ly-6C.2 antigen present on a 14 kd moiety loosely overlaps the Ly-6B.2 antigen. Ly-6C.2 and Ly-6B.2 antigens are distinct from Ly-6A.2 and Ly-6D.2, however. ThB is a 16-18 kd antigen which is not associated on the cell surface with any other "Ly-6" antigens. In addition, independently derived antibodies made to the Ly-6C.2 antigen detect an identical epitope, as do antibodies to Ly-6A.2 and Ly-6B.2. These results imply the existence of a single antigenic site on each of these molecules.

Lyt phenotype of cytotoxic T cells: shift from Lyt-1+2+3+ to a mixed population of Lyt-1+2+3+ and Lyt-1-2+3+ during in vitro culture.

The Lyt phenotype of cytotoxic T cells generated in the primary H-2 response was investigated kinetically. The cytotoxicity generated in the early stage of culture was abolished by treatment with alpha Lyt-1,2,3, and complement (C), whereas that generated in the late stage was only partially eliminated by alpha Lyt-1, but was abolished by alpha Lyt-2, 3, and C. This suggested late expansion of the Lyt-1-2+3+ population. Lack of Lyt-1 antigen was confirmed with cells that were depleted of Lyt-1+ from primary culture and then stimulated in the secondary response by elimination of cytotoxicity and by direct Lyt typing. Results indicated that the response of proliferative and cytotoxic T cells of the Lyt-1+2+3+ phenotype in the early stage of culture was followed by activation of Lyt-1-2+3+ T cells. Cytotoxic T cells in the late stage were shown to be a mixture of Lyt-1+2+3+ and Lyt-1-2+3+ cells. This was confirmed with cytotoxic T cells from secondary culture and uncloned long-term T cell lines.

Mechanisms of Ly2 suppressor cell activity. Activation of an Ly1 I-J+ cell is required to transduce the suppressive signal.

A cell-free product secreted by Ly1-2+ T cells (Ly2 TsF) can suppress the in vitro response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) of spleen cells depleted of Ly2+ T cells. This suppressor factor expresses biological activity only when the acceptor cells share major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked polymorphic genes with the cells that made the Ly2 TsF. Removal of Ly1 I-J+ cells from the assay culture abrogates the ability of Ly2 TsF to suppress these cultures, but we can replace the need for the I-J+ cells in the assay culture with an I-J+ soluble factor derived from them. We investigated the cellular interactions involved in the activation of I-J+ cells by Ly2 TsF in vitro. We have been able to induce the production of an I-J+ molecule needed for Ly2 TsF activity in a 48-h intermediate culture of B cell-depleted Ly1 spleen cells, Ly2 TsF, and antigen. This molecule not only fails to bind antigen, but is also antigen nonspecific in that it can be induced by Ly2 TsF of irrelevant specificities. In order to replace the activity of the Ly1 I-J+ cell in the assay culture, the cell induced by Ly2 TsF to produce the I-J+ molecule in vitro must share genetic polymorphisms linked to the MHC with the Ly2 TsF, and genetic polymorphisms linked to the Igh-V gene complex with the target cell. In order for Ly2 TsF to induce cells of the primary culture to produce the I-J+ molecule, Ly2 TsF must share genetic polymorphisms linked to the IE region of the MHC with the Ly1 I-J+ cell producing the I-J+ molecule. These results indicate that the suppressive mechanism of Ly2 TsF involves the interaction with an Ly1 I-J+ molecule. This I-J+ molecule serves to focus the antigen-specific suppressor molecule on the target cell. The recognition event of this suppressive complex on the surface of the acceptor cell is controlled by Igh-V-linked genes restricted by the I-J+ molecule of the suppressor complex. This suppressor interaction is confined to the suppressor effector phase of the suppressor circuit since the I-J+ molecules needed for by Ly2 TsF activity do not substitute for the I-J+ molecules needed for the activity of Ly1 TsiF , a T cell factor that initiates the suppressor cell circuit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

IL 2 production by mitogen-stimulated T cell subsets: helper-precursors are predominantly Lyt-2-.

Although there is strong evidence that IL 2 can be secreted by at least some cells in both the Lyt-2- and Lyt-2+ T cell subsets, it is unclear whether lymphokine-secreting cells are present in equal frequencies in each population. We addressed this question by using a T cell mitogen, concanavalin A (Con A), that activates a large proportion of the cells of both subsets, as tested by their ability to grow in the presence of added conditioned medium. We found that, although Con A-responsive precursors of proliferating cells are at least as frequent in the Lyt-2+ set as in the Lyt-2- set, the frequency of Con A-responsive precursors of IL 2-secreting cells is much higher in the Lyt-2- population. Expressed as precursors per cell, lymphokine-secreting helpers are 17-fold more frequent in the Lyt-2- population. After adjusting for relative cell recoveries and for contamination, the data suggest that at least 97% (and more likely 99%) of the precursors for Con A-responsive IL 2-producing cells are in the Lyt-2- set. Thus, although the correlation between Lyt-2 surface antigen and helper function may not be absolute, our data support the idea that Lyt-2 does mark a functional distinction among T cells independent of antigen specificity.

Con A-induced TCGF-reactivity is selectively acquired by Lyt-2-positive T cell precursors.

We investigated whether concanavalin A-stimulated, TCGF-reactive, and TCGF-producing T cells could be separated with regard to their Lyt phenotypes. Normal spleen cells, pretreated with monoclonal anti-Lyt-1 or anti-Lyt-2 antibodies and complement were assayed for their capacity to respond to TCGF, as well as for their ability to produce TCGF after Con A stimulation. The results demonstrate that reactivity to TCGF is predominantly induced in Lyt-2+ lymphocytes, because it is reduced by more than 95% in Lyt-1+23- T cell populations as compared with cultures containing Lyt-1-23+ cells. Limiting dilution analysis revealed that up to 20% of the cells in Lyt-2-containing populations were induced by Con A to TCGF-reactivity, whereas 20-fold fewer clones were induced in the Lyt-2-depleted cell populations. On the other hand, the study of TCGF production in Lyt-1-23+ populations revealed that the former population was considerably enriched in TCGF-producing T cells, whereas the latter was substantially depleted. We conclude that TCGF-producing and TCGF-reactive T cells are largely distinct lymphocyte populations that can be separated on the basis of their Lyt phenotypes.

Transfer of sensitised Lyt 2+ cells triggers acute rejection of pancreatic islet allografts.

The cellular requirements for rejection of cultured islet allografts, a tissue expressing only class I alloantigens, have been studied. The results obtained show that sensitised Thy 1+, Lyt 2+ lymphocytes and not Lyt 2- lymphocytes trigger acute graft rejection.

Mouse lymph node germinal centers contain a selected subset of T cells--the helper phenotype.

Cells staining for Lyt-1 are more frequent than cells staining for Lyt-2 in both primary follicles and the cuffs of secondary follicles; there is an even more striking predominance of cells bearing only Lyt-1 in germinal centers. In addition, there is an increase in the total percentage of cells bearing T cell antigens in germinal centers compared to primary follicles. These differences in phenotype and distribution of T cell populations indicate the T cells in B cell areas, and especially in germinal centers, are not randomly selected, but rather represent a specific subpopulation of T cells enriched for the helper phenotype (Lyt-1+2-), perhaps involved in the development and/or function of germinal centers.

Two Ly-2 T helper cell subsets distinguished by Qa-1 phenotype. The priming environment determines whether one or both subsets will be generated.

The Qa-1 cell surface phenotype reportedly distinguishes two Ly-1 T cell subsets conjointly required for T helper effector activity. Ly-1 cells, obtained from several different priming regimens, were negatively selected with anti-Qa-1 plus complement and compared with unselected Ly-1 cells for helper cell activity. Priming isolated T cells on antigen-pulsed macrophages in the absence of B cells favors the generation of the Ly-1:Qa1- subset, which is capable of efficient helper activity in the absence of the Ly-1:Qa-1+ subset. Priming T cells in an environment containing B cells generates both Ly-1:Qa-1- helper effector cells and Ly-1:Qa-1+ cells which contribute to the helper effect. Whether Ly-1:Qa-1+ cells are capable of independent helper activity cannot be determined, and, as such, Ly-1:Qa-1+ cells are more appropriately termed "help associated" rather than "helper effector." Our results assign a membrane phenotype, Qa-1, which distinguishes an Ly-1 help-associated B cell requiring subset in our system and may prove to be a general marker in a number of systems of Ly-1 inducer cell subsets which functionally require or recognize B cells or their products.