Tubular epithelial cells as accessory cells for superantigen-induced T cell activation.
In various inflammatory kidney diseases, tubular epithelial cells (TEC) express major histocompatibility complex class II antigens. To assess whether they might have the capacity to directly activate T cells, human TEC in culture were treated with gamma interferon to induce class II expression. TEC were then cocultivated with staphylococcus enterotoxin and cloned T cells or highly purified peripheral T cells. After 1-2 days, release of interleukin 2 and of gamma interferon was seen; after 3-5 days T cell proliferation occurred. The proliferation could be inhibited by antibodies to class II antigens or by antibodies to ICAM-1; the latter is also expressed on TEC in inflammatory processes and on TEC in culture as well. In conclusion, human TEC might function as accessory cells for T cell activation and might support T cell dependent immune response.
Schulz
H
H
Institut für Immunologie, Universität Heidelberg, Deutschland.
Karau
A
A
Filsinger
S
S
Schoels
M
M
Kabelitz
D
D
Richter
R
R
Hänsch
G M
GM
D000906:Antibodies / Q000494:pharmacology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000906:Antibodies; D016207:Cytokines; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D018089:Superantigens; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1