[Genetic, immunological and functional studies on lymphocytes with OKT4-epitope deficiency].
Although it is well-known that Leu3a-epitope on CD4 molecule functions as a receptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the function of OKT4-epitope is still obscure. In order to learn the significance of OKT4-epitope, we performed immunological and functional studies on lymphocytes obtained from individuals with incomplete/complete OKT-4 epitope deficiency. Their lymphocytes did not show any abnormality in their susceptibility to HIV infection, the internalization of CD4 molecules by TPA-treatment, the capability of producing IL-2 in vitro or the expression of IL-2R (alpha/beta-chain) by PHA-stimulation. By flow cytometric analysis it was demonstrated that quantity of OKT4-epitopes in the incomplete deficiency was approximately one-half less than that of normal individuals. Coupled with this fact and DNA analysis previously reported, individuals with incomplete/complete OKT4-epitope deficiency were considered to be heterozygote and homozygote, respectively. These results led us to the conclusion that OKT4-epitope deficiency was inherited as an autosomal codominant trait. Individuals with complete OKT4-epitope deficiency were found in 7 cases out of 1486 random samples (0.47%), from which individuals with incomplete OKT4-epitope deficiency were estimated to account for 12.8%.
Takenaka
T
T
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wakayama Medical School.
Kishi
S
S
Tsujimoto
M
M
Maeda
J
J
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D000939:Epitopes