Immunization with meningococcal polysaccharide-tetanus toxoid conjugate induces polysaccharide-reactive T cells in mice.
T cell clones were generated from mice immunized with a meningococcal group C (alpha2 --> 9-sialic acid) polysaccharide-tetanus toxoid (MCPS-TT) conjugate. Many clones were found to be specific for tetanus toxoid (TT), however, clones reactive with MCPS-TT and polysaccharide (PS) were isolated. Two clones were specific for MCPS and two cross-reacted with Escherichia coli K1-PS (alpha2 --> 8-sialic acid). Both TT and PS reactive clones were CD4+ and CD8-. TT and MCPS-TT-specific T cell clones were major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted, however, the PS-reactive clones were not. Both MHC-restricted TT clones and non-restricted PS clones, however, were dependent on contact with antigen presenting cells (APC) for maximal stimulation. The data suggest that multivalent repeating epitopes on PS antigen (Ag) can overcome the need for MHC restricted interactions, but not the requirement for cell-cell contact.
Muthukkumar
Subramanian
S
Division of Monoclonal Antibodies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. muthukkumar@cber.fda.gov
Stein
Kathryn E
KE
D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division; D002999:Clone Cells; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II / Q000276:immunology; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010641:Phenotype; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000276:immunology*; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate / Q000276:immunology
D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines; D011134:Polysaccharides; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate; D013936:Thymidine