Signal requirements for the generation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses to human allogeneic microvascular endothelium.
Microvascular endothelium has been implicated as a major target in the rejection of vascularized allografts. In an attempt to dissect the stepwise generation of the T-cell-mediated immune response to microvascular endothelial cells (ECs), we analyzed the requirements for the two major T-cell subsets, CD4+ and CD8+, in the triggering of proliferative and cytotoxic responses to allogeneic ECs in vitro. Results demonstrate that resting ECs are unable to stimulate a functional response by purified T, CD4+, and CD8+ cells in the absence of costimulatory signals. T cells and CD8+ cells develop both proliferative and cytotoxic anti-EC responses by the addition of as little as 2 units/ml interleukin-2, 10 units/ml interleukin-1, or irradiated monocytes autologous to the responder lymphocytes, whereas only autologous monocytes are capable of triggering CD4+ T-cell precursors to proliferate and become anti-EC-specific effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes. CD8+ cell-mediated anti-EC cytotoxicity is directed toward allogeneic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I determinants on ECs and involves recognition by the CD3/T-cell receptor complex and the CD8 molecule on the effector T cells. CD4+ cells can be driven to proliferate, produce interleukin-2, and become anti-EC-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes despite the lack of detectable membrane MHC class II determinants on the target cells. Chloroquine inhibition experiments demonstrate that autologous monocytes/macrophages are required by CD4+ T-cell precursors for the processing of EC-derived alloantigens and their subsequent presentation in the context of self-MHC molecules. These results are in agreement with the adoptive transfer experiments in experimental allograft models and suggest that the coordinate engagement of cells of the CD4, CD8, and monocyte/macrophage series is more effective than the individual cell subsets in the
Scientific Institute S. Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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Pardi
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Bender
D000917:Antibody Formation; D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D002999:Clone Cells; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens