Enhancement of CTL response induced by a viral peptide using cationized BSA, a Th1-stimulating adjuvant.
We have recently shown that it is possible to activate cytotoxic T cells (CTL) in vivo with HSV-1 glycoprotein B H-2Kb-restricted peptide (gB peptide) independent of CD4+ T cell help. Here we report that the gB peptide-specific CTL response is significantly enhanced when mice are immunized with a mixture of gB peptide and cationized BSA (cBSA). The latter molecule is a positively charged form of the native BSA molecule that stimulates CD4+ T cells to produce cytokines characteristic of Th1 cells. The cBSA-enhanced CTL response required the presence of CD4+ T cells, but it did not require stimulation in vitro by antigen or exogenous cytokines. gB peptide/cBSA-activated LN cells transcribed IL-2 and IFN-gamma, but only IL-2 was essential for CTL development. Our data demonstrate that while activation of CTL may occur in the absence of CD4+ cells, cytokines produced by CD4+ Th1 cells provide stimulatory signals during CTL maturation. Thus, cotreatment with a substance that activates Th1 CD4+ cells may be useful for achieving maximal CTL responsiveness.
Vasilakos
J P
JP
Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0524, USA.
Michael
J G
JG
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002412:Cations; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D002412:Cations; D007376:Interleukin-2; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; C040495:glycoprotein B, Simplexvirus; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D007371:Interferon-gamma