Human gamma delta+ T cells respond to mycobacterial heat-shock protein

Most T cells recognize antigen through the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)alpha beta-CD3 complex on the T-cell surface. A small percentage of T cells, however, do not express alpha beta but a second type of TCR complex designated gamma delta (ref. 2). Unlike alpha beta+ lymphocytes, gamma delta+ lymphocytes do not generally express CD4 or CD8 molecules, and the nature of antigen recognition by these cells is unknown. To study antigen recognition by gamma delta+ lymphocytes we raised a gamma delta+ alpha beta- -CD4-CD8- line from an individual immune to PPD (purified protein derivative). This line showed a specific proliferative response to PPD and to a recombinant mycobacterial heat-shock protein (HSP) of relative molecular mass 65,000 (65K). The gamma delta+ line was shown to exhibit a major response to HSP in the presence of autologous antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Minor responses occurred, however, with APCs matched for some HLA class I or II antigens, whereas no response occurred with HLA-mismatched APCs. These findings, therefore, document the requirement of HSP-reactive gamma delta+ lymphocytes for histocompatible APCs.     

T-cell receptors of human suppressor cells

Cells which can suppress the immune response to an antigen (TS cells) appear to be essential for regulation of the immune system. But the characterization of the TS lineage has not been extensive and many are sceptical of studies using uncloned or hybrid T-cell lines. The nature of the antigen receptor on these cells is unclear. T cells of the helper or cytotoxic lineages appear to recognize their targets using the T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta-CD3 complex. TCR beta-gene rearrangements are also found in some murine and human suppressor cell lines but others have been shown not to rearrange or express the beta-chain or alpha-chain genes. We previously established TS clones derived from lepromatous leprosy patients which carry the CD8 antigen and recognize antigen in the context of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in vitro. We here report the characterization of additional MHC-restricted TS clones which rearrange TCR beta genes, express messenger RNA for the alpha and beta chains of the TCR and express clonally unique CD3-associated TCR alpha beta structures on their cell surface but do not express the gamma chain of the gamma delta TCR on the cell surface. We conclude that antigen recognition by at least some human CD8+ suppressor cells is likely to be mediated by TCR alpha beta heterodimers.     

The adult T-cell receptor delta-chain is diverse and distinct from that of fetal thymocytes

T lymphocytes recognize foreign molecules using the T-cell receptor (TCR), a disulphide-linked heterodimer closely associated with the CD3 polypeptide complex on the cell surface. The TCR alpha beta heterodimers seem largely responsible for the recognition properties of both helper (TH) and cytotoxic (TC) T cells. Recently, a second CD3-associated T-cell receptor heterodimer, gamma delta, has been described. Cells bearing the gamma delta receptor appear before those bearing alpha beta during thymic ontogeny and persist as a minor component (1-10%) of mature peripheral T cells. Their function is unknown. As there are a limited number of functional TCR V gamma gene segments, the size and potential diversity of the V delta repertoire is important for the number of different antigens that may be recognized by gamma delta heterodimers. The delta-chain locus is located 75 kilobases (kb) 5' to the TCR C alpha coding region, raising the possibility that the alpha and delta V-region repertoires may overlap. Also, analysis of rearrangements at the delta-chain locus in developing thymocytes shows distinct fetal and adult patterns indicating that there may be differences between the fetal and adult V delta repertoires. To address these questions, we have characterized a large number of delta-containing complementary DNA clones from adult double-negative thymocytes (CD4-8-), an immature population that is enriched for gamma delta-bearing cells. We find that a limited number of V delta sequences are used, showing little overlap with known adult V alpha s and differing significantly from fetal V delta s. But as two D elements may participate simultaneously in V delta gene assembly, and random nucleotides may be added at any one of three junctional points, the potential number of different delta chains that can be made in the adult thymus is very large (approximately 10(13)).     

Recognition of cluster of differentiation 1 antigens by human CD4-CD8-cytolytic T lymphocytes

Human cluster-of-differentiation 1 (CD1) is a family of cell surface glycoproteins of unknown function expressed on immature thymocytes, epidermal Langerhans cells and a subset of B lymphocytes. Three homologous proteins, CD1a, b and c, have been defined serologically, and the CD1 gene locus on human chromosome 1 contains five potential CD1 genes. Analysis of the predicted amino-acid sequences of CD1 molecules reveals a low but significant level of homology to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules, and, like MHC class I molecules, CD1 molecules are associated non-covalently with beta 2-microglobulin. These structural similarities to known antigen-presenting molecules, together with the expression of CD1 on cells capable of antigen presentation, suggest a role for CD1 molecules in antigen recognition by T cells. Here we demonstrate the specific recognition of CD1a by a CD4-CD8- alpha beta T-cell receptor (TCR) expressing cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) line and the specific recognition of CD1c by a CD4-CD8- gamma delta TCR CTL line. The interaction of CD1-specific CTLs with CD1+ target cells appeared to involve the CD3-TCR complex, and did not show evidence of MHC restriction. These results suggest that for a subset of T cells, CD1 molecules serve a function analogous to that of MHC class I and II molecules.     

Positive selection of antigen-specific T cells in thymus by restricting MHC molecules

Thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells) recognize antigen in the context of class I or class II molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by virtue of the heterodimeric alpha beta T-cell receptor (TCR). CD4 and CD8 molecules expressed on the surface of T cells bind to nonpolymorphic portions of class II and class I MHC molecules and assist the TCR in binding and possibly in signalling. The analysis of T-cell development in TCR transgenic mice has shown that the CD4/CD8 phenotype of T cells is determined by the interaction of the alpha beta TCR expressed on immature CD4+8+ thymocytes with polymorphic domains of thymic MHC molecules in the absence of nominal antigen. Here we provide direct evidence that positive selection of antigen-specific, class I MHC-restricted CD4-8+ T cells in the thymus requires the specific interaction of the alpha beta TCR with the restricting class I MHC molecule.     

Major histocompatibility complex-linked specificity of gamma delta receptor-bearing T lymphocytes

Several recent studies have identified a distinct subset of CD3(T3)+CD4-CD8-T lymphocytes that express a CD3-associated heterodimer made up of the protein encoded by the T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma-gene and a second glycoprotein termed TCR delta (refs 1-4). TCR gamma delta is expressed on CD3+ thymocytes during fetal ontogeny before the appearance of TCR alpha-beta (alpha beta) (refs 5-7), on CD3+CD4-CD8- adult thymocytes, and on a subset (1-10%) of CD3+ cells in adult peripheral lymphoid organs and the peripheral blood. TCR gamma delta-expressing T cells probably represent a distinct mature T-cell lineage with the capacity to proliferate in response to receptor-mediated signals, and to display non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytolysis. Critical to understanding the function of this T-cell subset is the identification of the ligand(s) recognized by TCR gamma delta. Here we describe an alloreactive CD3+CD4-CD8-TCR gamma delta-expressing, TCR alpha beta-negative, T-cell line that manifests MHC-linked recognition specificity for both proliferation and cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that T cells expressing TCR gamma delta are capable of self-non-self MHC discrimination and that they can undergo MHC-influenced selection during differentiation like TCR alpha beta-expressing T cells.     

Isolation of CD4- CD8- mycobacteria-reactive T lymphocyte clones from rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid

The majority of peripheral T cells express a heterodimeric, alpha/beta T-cell receptor, which recognizes specific antigenic peptides bound to self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and either the CD4 or CD8 surface markers. An additional subset of T cells, whose physiological function is unknown, express a distinct CD3-associated receptor composed of gamma and delta chains. This subset includes cells lacking both CD4 and CD8 surface markers, which may be involved in autoimmunity. The recognition specificity of the gamma/delta receptors is not well characterized and has been defined in only one case to date, a murine cell line which shows MHC-linked specificity. In this report, we describe the isolation of CD4- CD8-, gamma/delta TCR bearing T cell clones from the synovial fluid of a rheumatoid arthritis patient. These T cell clones respond specifically to mycobacterial antigens without MHC restriction.     

Evidence from in vitro studies that tolerance to self antigens is MHC-restricted

Mature T cells respond to foreign antigens in the context of self major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded products: T helper cells recognize antigen in the context of class II molecules, while cytotoxic T cells (CTL) recognize antigen plus class I molecules. Recent evidence suggests that the MHC-restricted T cell is unable to recognize either the foreign antigen or the self-MHC product alone, but only a complex of the two. Unresponsiveness to self antigens--self tolerance--implies the deletion or suppression of clones of T cells having reactivity to self antigens. Here we demonstrate the presence in normal mice of T cells which recognize self antigens together with allogeneic MHC products. This finding suggests the MHC restriction of T-cell recognition during the entire process of T-cell ontogeny, that is, MHC restriction of self tolerance.     

Death of mature T cells by separate ligation of CD4 and the T-cell receptor for antigen

Effector T cells are restricted to recognizing antigens associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Specific recognition is mediated by the alpha beta heterodimer of the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex, although other membrane components are involved in T-cell antigen recognition and functions. There has been much controversy in this regard over the part played by the CD4 glycoprotein. It is known that expression of CD4 correlates closely with the cell's ability to recognize antigens bound to class II MHC molecules and that CD4 can bind to class II molecules. Also monoclonal antibodies to CD4 can modify signals generated through the TCR/CD3 complex. It has therefore been proposed that CD4 binds to class II molecules, coaggregates with the TCR-CD3 complex and aids the activation of T cells. But given that TCR can itself impart restriction on the cell, it remains unclear whether the contribution of CD4-derived signals to those generated through the TCR alpha beta-CD3 complex is central to this activation. Here we report that when preceded by ligation of CD4, signalling through TCR alpha beta results in T cell unresponsiveness due to the induction of activation dependent cell death by apoptosis. These results imply that CD4 is critically involved in determining the outcome of signals generated through TCR, and could explain why the induction of effector T cells needs to be MHC-restricted.     

Selective development of CD4+ T cells in transgenic mice expressing a class II MHC-restricted antigen receptor

T lymphocytes are predisposed to recognition of foreign protein fragments bound to cell-surface molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). There is now compelling evidence that this specificity is a consequence of a selection process operating on developing T lymphocytes in the thymus. As a result of this positive selection, thymocytes that express antigen receptors with a threshold affinity for self MHC-encoded glycoproteins preferentially emigrate from the thymus and seed peripheral lymphoid organs. The specificity for both foreign antigen and MHC molecules is imparted by the alpha and beta chains of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR). Two other T-cell surface proteins, CD4 and CD8, which bind non-polymorphic regions of class II and class I MHC molecules respectively, are also involved in these recognition events and play an integral role in thymic selection. In order to elucidate the developmental pathways of class II MHC-restricted T cells in relation to these essential accessory molecules, we have produced TCR-transgenic mice expressing a receptor specific for a fragment of pigeon cytochrome c and the Ek (class II MHC) molecule. The transgenic TCR is expressed on virtually all T cells in mice expressing Ek. The thymuses of these mice contain an abnormally high percentage of mature CD4+CD8- cells. In addition, the peripheral T-cell population is almost exclusively CD4+, demonstrating that the MHC specificity of the TCR determines the phenotype of T cells during selection in the thymus.     

Lymphocytes bearing antigen-specific gamma delta T-cell receptors accumulate in human infectious disease lesions

The majority of T cells bear the T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta complex which recognizes foreign antigen peptides only in the context of self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Such T cells function in a variety of effector roles and secrete cytokines that mediate the activation and differentiation of other cells in the immune system. Recently, a small subpopulation T cells was found to bear a distinct TCR composed of gamma and delta subunits. In man, TCR gamma delta+ cells are distributed as approximately 5 per cent of the CD3+ cells in all organized lymphoid organs as well as in the skin- and gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Although a limited number of germ-line genes encode the TCR gamma and delta subunits, extensive junctional variation particularly in the delta gene, results in unprecedented diversity for this receptor. The nature of the specificity and immunological functions of these T cells remains enigmatic. We report here that in contrast to the normal low frequency of gamma delta-bearing cells in lymphoid tissues, peripheral blood, or normal skin, the frequency is increased five to eightfold in particular granulomatous reactions of leprosy. TCR gamma delta+ lymphocyte lines from these leprosy skin lesions proliferate in vitro specifically to mycobacterial antigens. This reactivity to foreign antigens appears to require presentation in the context of self-molecules. Moreover, culture supernatants from activated gamma delta T lymphocytes induce adhesion and aggregation of bone-marrow monocytes in the presence of granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor (CSF), suggesting that products of gamma delta-bearing T cells may play a role in the immune response, possibly by stimulating granuloma formation.     

Evidence for a physical association of CD4 and the CD3:alpha:beta T-cell receptor

CD4 is a molecule expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes which recognize foreign protein antigens in the context of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Recognition of antigen:class II MHC complexes by CD4+ T cells can be inhibited by anti-CD4 (ref. 3). Nevertheless, specific recognition of the antigen:Ia complex is clearly a function of the T-cell receptor, which is composed of CD3 and the variable polypeptides alpha and beta. Thus, it has been proposed that CD4 serves an accessory function in the interaction of CD4+ T cells and Ia-bearing antigen-presenting cells by binding to non-polymorphic portions of class II MHC molecules and stabilizing the cell interaction. Based on our observation that anti-CD4 could inhibit activation of a cloned line of CD4+ T cells by antibodies directed at a particular epitope on the variable region of the T-cell receptor, we have recently proposed that CD4 is actually part of the T-cell antigen recognition complex, physically associated with CD3:alpha:beta. But numerous studies showing that CD3 and CD4 are not stably associated on the T-cell surface would appear to contradict this model. Here we show that anti-T-cell-receptor antibodies can co-modulate expression of the T-cell receptor and CD4, and that the monovalent Fab fragment of such an anti-T-cell-receptor antibody can, in conjunction with bivalent anti-CD4 antibody, generate an activating signal for the T cell. These findings provide further evidence for a physical association of the T-cell receptor complex and CD4.     

Structure of a human gammadelta T-cell antigen receptor.

T-cell antigen receptors composed of gamma and delta polypeptide chains (gammadelta TCRs) can directly recognize antigens in the form of intact proteins or non-peptide compounds, unlike alphabeta TCRs, which recognize antigens bound to major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC). About 5% of peripheral blood T cells bear gammadelta TCRs, most of which recognize non-peptide phosphorylated antigens. Here we describe the 3.1 A resolution structure of a human gammadelta TCR from a T-cell clone that is phosphoantigen-reactive. The orientation of the variable (V) and constant (C) regions of the gammadelta TCR is unique when compared with alphabeta TCRs or antibodies, and results from an unusually small angle between the Vgamma and Cgamma domains. The complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of the V domains exhibit a chemically reasonable binding site for phosphorylated antigens, providing a possible explanation for the canonical usage of the Vgamma9 and Vdelta2 gene segments by phosphoantigen-reactive receptors. Although the gammadelta TCR V domains are similar in overall structure to those of alphabeta TCRs, gammadelta TCR C domains are markedly different. Structural differences in Cgamma and Cdelta, and in the location of the disulphide bond between them, may enable gammadelta TCRs to form different recognition/signalling complexes than alphabeta TCRs.     

Striking similarities between antigen receptor J pieces and sequence in the second chain of the murine CD8 antigen

The CD8 antigen is a marker for T-lymphocyte subsets that is absent from helper T cells but expressed on cytotoxic T cells which recognize foreign determinants in association with class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. It has been suggested that CD8 plays some part in recognition by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells since anti-CD8 antibodies can block their functions and the human CD8 antigen contains a domain with clear similarities to immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor (TCR) variable-region (V) domains. Human CD8 antigen is thought to be a homodimer but in the mouse and rat the equivalent antigens (alternatively called Lyt2,3 and OX8) are heterodimeric. Rat CD8 contains two chains of relative molecular mass 32,000 (32K) and 37K: the 32K chain is the rat homologue of human CD8 and mouse Lyt2. We describe here the molecular cloning of the rat 37K chain using an oligonucleotide probe predicted from peptide sequence. The full protein sequence is derived from the complementary DNA and matches limited peptide sequence for mouse Lyt3. The new sequence is more like immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor V domains than other T-cell antigens and includes a patch that is almost identical to some joining (J) piece sequences. This suggests that the CD8 and receptor heterodimers may have evolved directly from a common ancestor.     

T-cell antigen receptor genes and T-cell recognition

The four distinct T-cell antigen receptor polypeptides (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) form two different heterodimers (alpha:beta and gamma:delta) that are very similar to immunoglobulins in primary sequence, gene organization and modes of rearrangement. Whereas antibodies have both soluble and membrane forms that can bind to antigens alone, T-cell receptors exist only on cell surfaces and recognize antigen fragments only when they are embedded in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Patterns of diversity in T-cell receptor genes together with structural features of immunoglobulin and MHC molecules suggest a model for how this recognition might occur. This view of T-cell recognition has implications for how the receptors might be selected in the thymus and how they (and immunoglobulins) may have arisen during evolution.     

Truncation variants of peptides isolated from MHC class II molecules suggest sequence motifs.

T cells recognize foreign protein antigens in the form of peptide fragments bound tightly to the outer aspect of molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Most of the amino-acid differences that distinguish MHC allelic variants line the peptide-binding cleft, and different allelic forms of MHC molecules bind distinct peptides. It has been demonstrated that peptide-binding to MHC class I involves anchor residues in certain positions and that antigenic peptides associated with MHC class I exhibit allele-specific structural motifs. We have previously reported an analysis of MHC class II-associated peptide sequences. Here we extend this analysis and show that certain amino-acid residues occur at particular positions in the sequence of peptides binding to a given MHC class II molecule. These sequence motifs require the amino terminus to be shifted one or two positions to obtain alignment; such shifts occur naturally for a single peptide sequence without qualitatively altering CD4 T-cell recognition.     

MHC class I alloantigen specificity of Ly-49+ IL-2-activated natural killer cells.

The molecular basis of target cell recognition by CD3- natural killer (NK) cells is poorly understood, despite the ability of NK cells to lyse specific tumour cells. In general, target cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen expression correlates with resistance to NK cell-mediated lysis, possibly because NK cell-surface molecules engage MHC class I antigens and consequently deliver inhibitory signals. Natural killer cell allospecificity involves the MHC class I peptide-binding cleft, and further understanding of this allospecificity should provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of NK cell recognition. The Ly-49 cell surface molecular mechanisms of NK cell recognition. The Ly-49 cell surface molecule is expressed by 20% of CD3- NK cells in C57BL/6 mice (H-2b). Here we show that C57BL/6-derived, interleukin-2-activated NK cells expressing Ly-49 do not lyse target cells displaying H-2d or H-2k despite efficient spontaneous lysis by Ly-49- effector cells. This preferential resistance correlates with expression of target cell MHC class I antigens. Transfection and expression of H-2Dd, but not H-2Kd or H-2Ld, renders a susceptible target (H-2b) resistant to Ly-49+ effector cells. The transfected resistance is abrogated by monoclonal antibodies directed against Ly-49 or the alpha 1/alpha 2 domains of H-2Dd, suggesting that Ly-49 specifically interacts with the peptide-binding domains of the MHC class I alloantigen, H-2Dd. Inasmuch as Ly-49+ effector cells cannot be stimulated to lyse H-2Dd targets, our results indicate that NK cells may possess inhibitory receptors that specifically recognize MHC class I antigens.     

Functional interaction between human T-cell protein CD4 and the major histocompatibility complex HLA-DR antigen

Mature T cells segregate phenotypically into one of two classes: those that express the surface glycoprotein CD4, and those that express the glycoprotein CD8. The CD4 molecule is expressed primarily on helper T cells whereas CD8 is found on cytotoxic and suppressor cells. A more stringent association exists, however, between these T-cell subsets and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene products recognized by their T-cell receptors (TCRs). CD8+ lymphocytes interact with targets expressing class I MHC gene products, whereas CD4+ cells interact with class II MHC-bearing targets. To explain this association, it has been proposed that these 'accessory' molecules bind to monomorphic regions of the MHC proteins on the target cell, CD4 to class II and CD8 to class I products. This binding could hold the T cell and its target together, thus improving the probability of the formation of the trimolecular antigen: MHC: TCR complex. Because the TCR on CD4+ cells binds antigen in association with class II MHC, it has been difficult to design experiments to detect the association of CD4 with a class II molecule. To address this issue, we devised a xenogeneic system in which human CD4 complementary DNA was transfected into the murine CD4-, CD8- T-cell hybridoma 3DT-52.5.8, the TCR of which recognizes the murine class I molecule H-2Dd. The murine H-2Dd-bearing target cell line, P815, was cotransfected with human class II HLA-DR alpha, beta and invariant chain cDNAs. Co-culture of the parental T-cell and P815 lines, or of one parental and one transfected line resulted in a low baseline response. In contrast, a substantial increase in response was observed when CD4+ 3DT-52.5.8 cells were co-cultured with HLA-DR+ P815 cells. This result strongly indicates that CD4:HLA-DR binding occurs in this system and that this interaction augments T-cell activation.     

Thymic selection process induced by hybrid antibodies

Thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes using the alpha beta T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) recognize fragmented antigen in conjunction with surface molecules encoded by genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Peripheral T lymphocytes preferentially see antigen presented by self rather than by foreign MHC molecules, and autoreactive T lymphocytes are deleted. Thus, the peripheral T-lymphocyte repertoire is skewed towards recognition of antigen in the context of self-MHC and towards tolerance to self-antigens. During T-lymphocyte development in the thymus, this repertoire is formed by the interaction of TCR with MHC molecules resulting in positive and negative selection phenomena. Hybrid antibodies (HAbs) that carry binding sites to the TCR and to a surface marker on another cell can engage all T lymphocytes regardless of their specificity. It should be possible to mimic selection processes in normal animals with HAb that specifically link members of a TCR family to MHC molecules on the thymic stroma. We have probed T-lymphocyte development with HAbs linking V beta 8-positive TCR to either class I or class II MHC products in thymic organ culture. Thymocytes exposed to either HAb in an early stage of maturation respond with a significant increase in the frequency of V beta 8-carrying cells. At a later stage of development V beta 8-positive thymocytes are depleted. These results illustrate the succession of positive and negative selection in the developing thymus of normal mice.