Direct binding of influenza peptides to class I HLA molecules

Activation of T lymphocytes requires the intracellular fragmentation of foreign antigens and their presentation by class I or class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) glycoproteins. The direct binding of peptides to class II molecules has been demonstrated using equilibrium dialysis, gel filtration and fluorescence energy transfer at planar membranes, and its specificity compared to that of T-cell activation. In contrast, direct binding of peptides to class I molecules has been difficult to detect; although peptide sensitization experiments and the crystallographic structure of HLA-A2 (ref. 9) persuasively argue for its occurrence and importance. Here we describe a gel filtration assay from which we derive direct evidence for selective binding of an influenza matrix peptide to HLA-A2 and for binding of an influenza nucleoprotein peptide to HLA-B37. These two peptides have previously been shown to act respectively as targets for certain HLA-A2 or HLA-B37 restricted influenza-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). In addition we demonstrate binding to some, but not all, HLA allospecificities that cannot present these peptides to CTL. We estimate that less than 0.3% of the HLA molecules present in any given purified preparation were able to bind the added peptides.     

Polymorphism in the alpha 3 domain of HLA-A molecules affects binding to CD8

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) expressing the CD8 glycoprotein recognize peptide antigens presented by class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This correlation and the absence of CD8 polymorphism led to the hypothesis that CD8 binds to a conserved site of class I MHC molecules. Using a cell-cell binding assay we previously demonstrated specific interaction between human class I MHC (HLA-A,B,C) molecules and CD8. Subsequent analysis of the products of 17 HLA-A,B alleles revealed a natural polymorphism for CD8 binding in the human population. Two molecules, HLA-Aw68.1 and HLA-Aw68.2, which do not bind CD8, have a valine residue at position 245 whereas all other HLA-A,B,C molecules have alanine. Site-directed mutagenesis shows that this single substitution in the alpha 3 domain is responsible for the CD8 binding phenotype and also affects recognition by alloreactive and influenza-specific CTL. Our results indicate that CD8 binds to the alpha 3 domain of class I MHC molecules.     

Anti-HLA-A2 antibody-enhancement of peptide association with HLA-A2 as detected by cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Most cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) not only recognize epitopes of viral or other foreign proteins in association with class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, but also recognize target cells sensitized with short synthetic peptides representing the epitopes. There is increasing evidence that these synthetic peptides associate with the class I molecule both at the cell surface and intracellularly. We have now investigated the effect of a monoclonal antibody specific for HLA-A2 and HLA-B17 (B57/58) molecules (antibody MA2.1)3 on the sensitization of target cells with peptide for lysis by HLA-A2-restricted CTL. Previously, anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies have been shown to inhibit the recognition of target cells, infected with influenza A virus, by virus-specific CTL. We find, however, that target cells treated with MA2.1 antibody can be sensitized with peptide for CTL lysis much more rapidly than untreated cells, or at greater than 100-fold lower peptide concentration than that required for sensitization of untreated cells. This implies that the antibody, which is believed to bind to one side of the peptide-binding groove, directly affects the binding of peptide to the HLA-A2 molecule at the cell surface.     

Substitution at residue 227 of H-2 class I molecules abrogates recognition by CD8-dependent, but not CD8-independent, cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The CD8 (Lyt 2) molecule is a phenotypic marker for T lymphocytes that recognize and react with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Antibody blocking experiments and gene transfection studies indicate that CD8 binds to a determinant on MHC class I molecules on the target cells, facilitating interaction between effector T lymphocytes and the target cell. The CD8 molecule may also be involved in transmembrane signalling during T-cell activation. The existence of CD8- cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and class I-reactive CTL that are not inhibited by antibody to CD8 suggests that at least some CTL do not require the CD8 molecule to interact with and lyse target cells. We have recently demonstrated that cells transfected with an H-2Dd gene that carries a mutation at residue 227 are not killed by primary CTL8. Here we show that although this mutation abrogates recognition by primary CTL, it does not affect recognition by CD8-independent CTL, suggesting that residue 227 of class I molecules might contribute to a determinant that is the ligand of the CD8 molecule.     

Identification of classical minor histocompatibility antigen as cell-derived peptide.

Histocompatibility antigens expressed on tissue grafted between individuals are recognized by host T cells, which reject the graft. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens have been identified on the molecular level, whereas the molecules representing the remaining ones, the minor histocompatibility antigens, are unknown, apart from some exceptions. The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against minor histocompatibility antigens shares many aspects with that against virus-infected cells. Virus-specific CTL recognize peptides derived from viral proteins produced in the infected cell. These peptides are presented by MHC class I molecules, as indicated by functional and crystallographic data. By analogy, minor histocompatibility antigens have been postulated to be peptides derived from normal cellular proteins presented by MHC class I molecules. Here we report that peptides derived from normal cellular proteins can indeed be recognized by CTL raised in the classical minor histoincompatible mouse strain combination, C57BL/6 against BALB.B. Thus, we have proven the above postulate, and isolated one of the minor histocompatibility molecules elusive for several decades.     

Cytolytic T-lymphocyte response to isolated class I H-2 proteins and influenza peptides

T cells recognize antigenic peptides in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Peptide binding to class II MHC proteins, and T-cell recognition of these complexes at the functional level has been demonstrated. Although considerable evidence suggests that class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) recognize class I-peptide complexes, this has not yet been directly demonstrated. Chen and Parham have recently detected a low level of direct binding of radiolabelled influenza peptides to class I HLA proteins, but the relevance of this binding to T-cell recognition remains uncertain. We report here that purified class I proteins pulsed with influenza peptides can trigger antigen-specific, TCR-mediated degranulation by CTL. Effective pulsing depends on both peptide concentration and time, and can occur within 60 minutes. These results provide strong support for the formation of an antigenic complex that is recognized by CTL in which peptide antigens are bound to isolated class I proteins.     

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.     

The foreign antigen binding site and T cell recognition regions of class I histocompatibility antigens

Most of the polymorphic amino acids of the class I histocompatibility antigen, HLA-A2, are clustered on top of the molecule in a large groove identified as the recognition site for processed foreign antigens. Many residues critical for T-cell recognition of HLA are located in this site, in positions allowing them to serve as ligands to processed antigens. These findings have implications for how the products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) recognize foreign antigens.     

Peptide-dependent recognition of H-2Kb by alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Antigen-specific T lymphocytes appear to recognize foreign antigens in the form of peptide fragments presented within the antigen-binding groove of class I or class II molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Alloreactive T cells also show specificity for MHC molecules, and various reports suggest that residues of the MHC molecules constitute at least part of the ligand to which alloreactive T-cell receptors bind. The X-ray crystal structure of the human MHC class I molecule, HLA-A2, has provided evidence to strengthen the argument that MHC-bound self-peptide might also contribute to such recognition. We now provide direct evidence for this, showing that at least some alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones recognize peptide fragments derived from cytoplasmic proteins. We reasoned that if self-peptides were involved in allorecognition, then the sequence of some of these peptides could vary between species, resulting in species-restricted distribution of the relevant ligand(s). Several alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones specific for H-2Kb, expressed by the murine cell line EL4, did not lyse a human-cell transfectant expressing the H-2Kb molecule (Jurkat-Kb cells). However, these clones were able to lyse Jurkat-Kb cells sensitized by preincubation with an EL4 cytoplasmic extract cleaved by cyanogen bromide. The sensitizing activity from this extract was destroyed by protease and appeared to be due to a peptide consisting of 10 to 15 amino acids.     

Homology of human T-cell leukaemia virus envelope gene with class I HLA gene

Human T-cell leukaemia virus (HTLV), first isolated in the United States from a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is a unique horizontally transmitted retrovirus which is highly associated with certain adult T-cell malignancies. Also, HTLV can be transmitted in vitro to cord blood T-lymphocytes. In the accompanying paper it was shown that all T cells producing HTLV, whether cultured from infected persons or infected in vitro, bind a monoclonal antibody (4D12) which recognizes an epitope shared by certain cross-reactive class I major histocompatibility antigens. This antigen may account for the extra HLA-A and -B specificities detected in HTLV-infected cells using alloantisera. Because of the unusual findings of apparently inappropriate HLA antigens in HTLV infected cells, we had previously looked for rearrangement of class I-related genes in HTLV infected cells but failed to find any. Here, using molecular clones of HTLV and human major histocompatibility antigen DNA, we have shown homology between the envelope gene region of HTLV and the region of an HLA-B locus gene which codes for the extracellular portion of a class I histocompatibility antigen.     

A nucleoprotein peptide of influenza A virus stimulates assembly of HLA-B27 class I heavy chains and beta 2-microglobulin translated in vitro

Most cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) recognize epitopes of foreign viral proteins in association with class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Viral proteins synthesized in the cytoplasm require intracellular fragmentation and exposure to the class I antigens for the development of CTL responses. Although indirect evidence for binding of peptides to class I antigens has accumulated, direct binding has only been shown recently. The formation of complexes between peptide and class I antigen may occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and peptides have been shown to induce assembly of the class I complex. We have translated the messenger RNAs encoding HLA-B27 (subtype 2705) and beta 2-microglobulin in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate supplemented with human microsomal membranes (to mimic ER membranes), in the absence and presence of a peptide derived from the nucleoprotein (residues 384-394) of influenza A virus. This peptide induces CTL activity against target cells expressing the HLA-B27 antigen. Here we report direct evidence that the nucleoprotein peptide promotes assembly of the HLA-B27 heavy chain and beta 2-microglobulin, and that this can occur in the ER immediately after synthesis of the two proteins.     

A binding site for the T-cell co-receptor CD8 on the alpha 3 domain of HLA-A2

Adhesion measurements between CD8 and 48 point mutants of HLA-A2.1 show that the CD8 alpha-chain binds to the alpha 3 domain of HLA-A2.1. Three clusters of alpha 3 residues contribute to the binding, with an exposed, negatively charged loop (residues 223-229) playing a dominant role. CD8 binding correlates with cytotoxic T-cell recognition and sensitivity to inhibition by anti-CD8 antibodies. Impaired alloreactive T-cell recognition of an HLA-A2.1 mutant with reduced affinity for CD8 is not restored by functional CD8 binding sites on an antigenically irrelevant class I molecule. Therefore, complexes of CD8 and the T-cell receptor bound to the same class I major histocompatibility complex molecule seem to be necessary for T-cell activation.     

Cell-cell adhesion mediated by CD8 and MHC class I molecules

CD4 and CD8 are cell-surface glycoproteins expressed on mutually exclusive subsets of peripheral T cells. T cells that express CD4 have T-cell antigen receptors that are specific for antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, whereas T cells that express CD8 have receptors specific for antigens presented by MHC class I molecules (reviewed in ref. 1). Based on this correlation and on the observation that anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 antibodies inhibit T-cell function, it has been suggested that CD4 and CD8 increase the avidity of T cells for their targets by binding to MHC class II or MHC class I molecules respectively. Also, CD4 and CD8 may become physically associated with the T-cell antigen receptor, forming a higher-affinity complex for antigen and MHC molecules, and could be involved in signal transduction. Cell-cell adhesion dependent CD4 and MHC II molecules has recently been demonstrated. To determine whether CD8 can interact with MHC class I molecules in the absence of the T-cell antigen receptor, we have developed a cell-cell binding assay that measures adhesion of human B-cell lines expressing MHC class I molecules to transfected cells expressing high levels of human CD8. In this system, CD8 and class I molecules mediate cell-cell adhesion, showing that CD8 directly binds to MHC class I molecules.     

Specificity of peptide presentation by a set of hybrid mouse class I MHC molecules

The class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (H-2 in mouse, HLA in man) are membrane proteins composed of a polymorphic heavy chain associated with beta-2-microglobulin. Recent studies suggest that class I molecules present peptides derived from processed antigens to the receptor of cytolytic T cells. In particular, in the H-2d haplotype, synthetic HLA peptides can be recognized on Kd-bearing target cells by Kd-restricted cytolytic T cells specific for HLA. Here we analyse the specificity of presentation of two HLA peptides by a set of chimaeric Kd/Dd molecules to four different cytolytic T-cell clones. We identify two distinct regions within the second external (alpha 2) domain of Kd that contribute to its specificity as a restriction element. Our results indicate that the binding of an immunogenic peptide by a class I molecule is not always sufficient for its recognition by the T-cell antigen receptor. This suggests that the major histocompatibility complex restriction element either interacts with the T-cell antigen receptor or induces the recognized conformation of the peptide.     

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes against a soluble protein

Thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes recognize antigen in conjunction with surface glycoproteins encoded by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. Whereas fragments of soluble antigens are presented to T helper lymphocytes (TH), which carry the CD4 antigen, in association with class II MHC molecules, CD8-bearing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) usually see cellular antigens (for instance virally-encoded proteins) in conjunction with MHC class I molecules. The different modes of antigen presentation may result from separate intracellular transport: vesicles containing class II molecules are thought to fuse with those carrying endocytosed soluble proteins. Class I molecules, in contrast, can only pick up degradation products of intracellular proteins (see refs 7 and 8). This makes biological sense; during an attack of a virus, class I-restricted CTL destroy infected cells and class II-restricted TH guide the humoural response to neutralize virus particles and toxins. But here we provide evidence that CTL specific for ovalbumin fragments can be induced with soluble protein, and that intracellular protein degradation provides epitopes recognized by these CTL. These findings suggest the existence of an antigen presenting cell that takes up soluble material and induces CTL.     

Class I cross-restricted T cells reveal low responder allele due to processing of viral antigen

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) recognize protein antigens which have been processed by the target cell and then presented in association with the relevant class I molecule of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Short synthetic peptides, which are able to associate directly with target cells, may substitute for these processed fragments in stimulating antigen-specific CTL responses. Using this approach, a dominant HLA-A2-restricted epitope has previously been mapped to residues 58-68 of influenza A virus matrix protein. Here we report HLA-A2-restricted CTL which are also able to recognize this short synthetic peptide in association with HLA-Aw69, but which fail to recognize HLA-Aw69 expressing cells infected with influenza A virus. Furthermore, individuals possessing HLA-Aw69 who respond to influenza A virus, do not respond to M58-68. These results imply that the low response to this epitope on infection of HLA-Aw69 individuals with influenza A is due to failure of the naturally processed product of matrix protein to associate with Aw69.     

Isolation and analysis of naturally processed viral peptides as recognized by cytotoxic T cells.

Virus-infected cells can be eliminated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), which recognize virus-derived peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the cell surface. Until now, this notion has relied on overwhelming but indirect evidence, as the existence of naturally processed viral peptides has not been previously reported. Here we show that such peptides can be extracted from virus-infected cells by acid elution. Both the naturally processed H-2-Db-restricted and H-2-Kd-restricted peptides from influenza nucleoprotein are smaller than the corresponding synthetic peptides, which have first been used to determine the respective CTL epitopes. As with minor histocompatibility antigens, occurrence of viral peptides seems to be heavily dependent on MHC class I molecules, because infected H-2d cells do not contain the H-2-Db-restricted peptide, and infected H-2b cells do not contain the H-2-Kd-restricted peptide. Our data provide direct experimental proof for the above notion on MHC-associated viral peptides on virus-infected cells.     

Domain interactions of H-2 class I antigens alter cytotoxic T-cell recognition sites

H-2 class I antigens appear to direct the recognition of virus-infected and neoplastic transformed cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Here, to identify the regions of class I antigens involved in CTL recognition, four hybrid class I genes were constructed in which exons were exchanged between the H-2Kb and H-2Db genes. These class I genes were expressed in mouse L cells and recognition of the hybrid Kb/Db antigens by CTLs and monoclonal antibodies specific for either Kb or Db was investigated. The pattern of CTL and monoclonal antibody recognition obtained indicates three correlations between structure and function of class I antigens. First, most CTL recognition sites and alloantigenic determinants are located on domains 1 and 2 of the antigen molecule. Second, these CTL recognition sites and alloantigenic determinants are not influenced by interaction of domains 1 and 2 with polymorphic regions of domain 3. Third, in contrast, interaction between domains 1 and 2 alters these CTL recognition sites and alloantigenic determinants. The alteration of CTL recognition sites by interaction between domains 1 and 2 suggests that a CTL site may be formed by amino acids from both domains 1 and 2, or that the conformation of amino acids at a CTL site may be altered by interactions between domains 1 and 2. Through these two features, the conformation of CTL recognition sites on H-2 class I antigens may be sensitive to alteration by interaction of either domain 1 or 2 with viral antigens.     

Cytotoxic T-cell immunity to virus-infected non-haematopoietic cells requires presentation of exogenous antigen

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are thought to detect viral infections by monitoring the surface of all cells for the presence of viral peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In most cells, peptides presented by MHC class I molecules are derived exclusively from proteins synthesized by the antigen-bearing cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells also have an alternative MHC class I pathway that can present peptides derived from extracellular antigens; however, the physiological role of this process is unclear. Here we show that virally infected non-haematopoietic cells are unable to stimulate primary CTL-mediated immunity directly. Instead, bone-marrow-derived cells are required as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to initiate anti-viral CTL responses. In these APCs, the alternative (exogenous) MHC class I pathway is the obligatory mechanism for the initiation of CTL responses to viruses that infect only non-haematopoietic cells.     

H-2-restricted cytolytic T cells specific for HLA can recognize a synthetic HLA peptide

It is generally accepted that T lymphocytes recognize antigens in the context of molecules encoded by genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). MHC class II-restricted T cells usually recognize degraded or denatured rather than native forms of antigen on the surface of class II-bearing antigen presenting cells. It has recently been shown that short synthetic peptides corresponding to mapped antigenic sites of the influenza nucleoprotein (NP) can render uninfected target cells susceptible to lysis by NP-specific class I-restricted cytolytic T cells (CTL). These and earlier experiments that showed specific recognition of NP deletion mutant transfectants suggest that class I-restricted recognition might also involve processed antigenic fragments. One important issue arising from these studies is whether the model applies not only to viral proteins that are expressed internally (such as NP) but also to antigens normally expressed as integral membrane proteins at the cell surface. We have recently isolated class I-restricted mouse CTL clones that recognize class I gene products of the human MHC (HLA) as antigens in mouse cell HLA-transfectants. Here we show that these anti-HLA CTL can lyse HLA-negative syngeneic mouse cells in the presence of a synthetic HLA peptide. These results suggest that the model applies generally.