Igh-1b-specific CD4+CD8- T cell clones of the Th1 subset selectively suppress the Igh-1b allotype in vivo.
The demonstration of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T helper (Th) cells specific for peptides from the variable (V) regions of syngeneic immunoglobulin (Ig) (idiopeptides) opens the possibility that Th cells regulate B cell functions via idiopeptide-based cognate T-B interactions. As a model for such interactions we investigated the influence of Ig allotype-specific T cells on the differentiation of H-2-syngeneic B cells expressing that particular Ig allotype. We established a BALB/c (H-2d, Iga) CD4+CD8- T cell line and clones of the Th1 subset (interleukin 2+, interleukin 4-, interferon-gamma+, tumor necrosis factor-alpha+) that recognized Igh-1 (IgG2a) of the b allotype (Igh-1b) together with I-Ad. These T cells specifically suppressed surface Igh-1b+ B cells in vitro and in vivo. In 12 out of 15 6-week-old (BALB/c X B10.D2)F1 mice neonatally injected with Igh-1b-specific T cells, the serum Igh-1b concentrations were less than 5% of the levels in the controls. Thus, allotype suppression can be accomplished solely by adoptive transfer of Igh-1b-specific CD4+ T cells. The in vivo suppression was specific for Igh-1b+ B cells as the recipients' levels of Igh-1a and Igh-4b (IgG1b) were unaffected. The V beta 14-specific anti-T cell receptor (TcR) monoclonal antibody 14-2 inhibited activation of hybridomas derived from two of the clones. Collectively the data indicate that suppression resulted from cognate interactions between allopeptide-specific TcR alpha/beta+ T cells and normal unmanipulated B lymphocytes presenting their endogenous Igh-1b in association with MHC class II molecules. The data support the possibility that normal B cells can be suppressed by idiopeptide-specific T cells in vivo.
Department of Immunology, University of Tromsø, School of Medicine, Norway.
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Bartnes
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Hannestad
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007126:Immunoglobulin Allotypes / Q000276:immunology*; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000276:immunology*; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000502:physiology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D007126:Immunoglobulin Allotypes; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta